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Chapter 14 - Astraia

Author: Odessa Rhys Beaumont
last update Last Updated: 2025-02-24 11:00:37

Consciousness returned slowly, fragments of sensation filtering through the haze. The sterile scent of the pack medical wing, my father's vanilla and old books scent nearby, hushed but angry voices in the hallway.

"You could have fucking killed her!" That was Carson's voice, tight with barely controlled fury. "The force of the impact alone—"

"Not to mention the rejected bond trauma," a female voice spoke with professional concern. "Physical contact with a rejector, especially forced contact, can cause severe—"

"To think," Alexei's voice cut through the tension, his royal authority somehow more threatening in its quiet disappointment, "that the future Alpha of Rivermoon Pack would display such... primitive behavior. In neutral territory, no less."

"Future Alpha or not," my father's voice carried that Beta authority that had commanded respect for generations, "this kind of behavior is unacceptable. Especially from someone who claims to understan

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  • By Shadowlight Lake   Chapter 116 - Astraia

    "Luna?" Dr. Ramona appeared at the door. "Blood work's in."Back in the lab, we analyzed Marissa's results. Her blood contained a complex compound I'd never seen before."It's similar to the neurological disruptors we found in previous samples," Dr. Austin said, "but more targeted. Binds to specific receptors.""Can we block it?""Theoretically. But it's not responding to our current formula."I studied the molecular structure. "It's evolved. They've modified it based on what they know about our blocker.""Which means?""We need to leap forward, not just take a step. Something they won't anticipate."Hours passed as we tested combinations. My phone kept buzzing with texts from Odette, but I couldn't break away. Finally, around midnight, Dr. Ramona shouted."This one works! Compound 37-B neutralizes the new agent."I rushed to her station. The test results showed 98% efficacy against the targeted compound."

  • By Shadowlight Lake   Chapter 115 - Astraia

    I was halfway to the lab when my phone buzzed. Unknown number. I hesitated, then answered."Hello, Astraia," said a voice I didn't recognize. "Your blocker formula is quite impressive.""Who is this?" I demanded, though a creeping suspicion was already forming."Dr. Mitchell. Your biology professor." His tone was casual, like we were discussing class assignments. "I've been following your research with interest."My blood ran cold. "What do you want?""Just to offer some advice," he said. "That reformulation you're thinking about? Don't bother. We've accounted for every variation.""How did you get this number?"He laughed softly. "I've had access to everything about you for years. Your grades, your studies, even your conversations with Grant before he rejected you."I leaned against the wall, feeling sick. "You were watching me that long?""You were always special, Astraia. Your aptitude tests from Rivermoon showed remarkable potential. The rejection was... unfortunate. But look wher

  • By Shadowlight Lake   Chapter 114 - Astraia

    My stomach dropped. "What..? About me?""Not directly." She shuffled papers off-screen. "It's surveillance notes on Rivermoon Pack from three years ago. Before Grant rejected you.""What kind of surveillance?""Looking for potential recruits. They had lists of every Beta family's children. Your name was highlighted, Astraia. With notes about your territory management skills and scientific aptitude."Shivers went through me. "The Pure Blood Order was watching me? Before any of this happened?"She nodded grimly. "I think they've been planning this for years, tracking young wolves with useful skills.""But I was never approached—""Because Grant rejected you, causing you to leave Rivermoon. You fell off their radar." She paused. "Until you created the blocker formula.""Is that why they targeted the Royal Palace when I was there? They weren't just after you and Alexei—they wanted me?""We think so. The attack pattern matches." She lowered her voice further. "Alexei doesn't want Carson to

  • By Shadowlight Lake   Chapter 113 - Astraia

    I found Carson in our quarters, reviewing reports at his desk."How was the lab?" he asked, setting down his papers."Impressive. Your people are brilliant." I kicked off my shoes and sank onto the couch. "Dr. Austin has a solid team. We've already refined the formula and delivery system.""In three hours?" He joined me on the couch, eyebrows raised."They'd started before I arrived," I admitted. "I just helped with the final touches.""Don't sell yourself short." He pulled me against his side. "Austin said you solved a stability issue they'd been fighting for days.""It wasn't that complicated—""To you, maybe." He pressed a kiss to my temple. "Having you here makes all of us stronger, Astraia. Me especially.""How's that?"His expression softened. "An Alpha without a Luna is... incomplete. My father always said my mother balanced him, brought perspective he lacked. I never fully understood until now."I re

  • By Shadowlight Lake   Chapter 112 - Astraia

    Morning sunlight streamed through the windows as I buttoned the last button on my blouse. This was it, my first official pack council meeting as Luna."Nervous?" Carson asked, adjusting his watch."A little," I admitted. "First impressions and all that."He stepped behind me, his hands settling on my shoulders. "They already love you. And they've been waiting for a Luna for years.""No pressure or anything.""You've got this sweet girl." He kissed my temple. "Remember, you've fought rogues and created a neurological blocker. A council meeting is nothing.""Says the Alpha who's been doing this for years.""We're a team now," he said, turning me to face him. "That's what matters."His confidence steadied me. I nodded. "A team. I like that."We headed downstairs together, his hand at the small of my back. The council chamber had a massive round table surrounded by comfortable chairs. Several people were already seated, thei

  • By Shadowlight Lake   Chapter 111 - Astraia

    I set the book aside and stood slowly, enjoying the way his eyes tracked every movement. "Do you like it? I packed it specially for tonight.""Like isn't the word I'd use." He crossed the room in three quick strides, his hands settling on my waist. "You planned this."I smiled innocently, trailing my fingers up his chest. "Maybe. Is it working?"A growl rumbled in his chest. "You know exactly what you're doing.""And what's that?" I teased, pressing closer."Everything okay?" I asked."For now." He brushed a strand of hair from my face. "I've arranged for dinner to be brought up, but we have about thirty minutes."The heat in his eyes made it clear what he wanted to do with those thirty minutes. I slid my hands up his chest to link behind his neck."Any ideas on how to pass the time?" I teased.His answer was to lift me, my legs wrapping around his waist as he carried me to the bedroom. He laid me on the bed with surprising gentleness, then stepped back to remove his shirt. I watched

  • By Shadowlight Lake   Chapter 110 - Astraia

    It didn't smell like carson, tightening my robe, I called out, "Come in,"A young woman entered, carrying a tray with a tea service. She had warm brown skin and dark curly hair pulled back in a practical ponytail."Luna Briarthorn," she said with a small bow. "I'm Maya. Alpha Thorne asked me to bring you some tea.""Thank you, Maya," I said, gesturing for her to set the tray down. "And please, just call me Astraia."She smiled, setting the tray on the coffee table in the living area. "The Alpha thought you might want a little boost after the long journey. It's an herbal blend with some honey.""That was thoughtful of him," I said, sitting across from her. "Would you like to join me?"She hesitated. "Are you sure, Luna? I wouldn't want to intrude.""Not at all." I gestured to the second cup. "I'd appreciate the company, actually."As she arranged the cups, I noticed a small tattoo on her wrist—a crescent moon with a star b

  • By Shadowlight Lake   Chapter 109 - Astraia

    We stood there for a long moment, just holding each other. Then Carson pulled back slightly, his eyes searching mine."I was worried," he admitted."About what?""That you wouldn't feel at home here. That it wouldn't measure up to the Royal Palace."I shook my head. "The Royal Palace was beautiful, but it never felt like home. This..." I gestured around us. "This already feels more like me."He smiled, relief evident in his expression. "Good. Because there's no returns or exchanges on territory bonds."I laughed. "Stuck with me now, Alpha Thorne.""Happily." He kissed me, soft and sweet. "We should head down for the meeting.""Let me freshen up first," I said.Ten minutes later, Carson led me downstairs to a meeting room several floors below our quarters. Large windows overlooked the forest that climbed the mountainside. A wooden table dominated the space, surrounded by comfortable chairs.Jason was already there, along with two others, an older man with salt-and-pepper hair, and a wo

  • By Shadowlight Lake   Chapter 108 - Astraia

    Two guards stood at the checkpoint as our convoy approached. One of them, a broad-shouldered man with auburn hair, walked up to our window as the car stopped."Welcome home, Alpha," he said with a nod, then glanced at me and smiled. "Luna.""Thanks, Reece," Carson replied. "Any trouble while we were gone?""Nothing unusual. Hunter's protocols are holding strong." Reece's eyes darted to me again. "The pack's eager to meet our new Luna."Carson's hand found mine. "They will. Soon."I lowered the window as we continued through the checkpoint, breathing in the pine-scented air."The pine reminds me of you," I said. "It's comforting."Carson smiled. "That's why I've always felt at home here. The natural scents complement my own."He reached for my hand.The road curved around a bend, revealing a sweeping view of High Crest territory."That's the Pack House," Carson said, pointing to a magnificent structure built into the lower part of the largest mountain."It's beautiful," I murmured, tak

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