Chapter 2

Was I really supposed to spend every month of every year stationed at the border, negotiating for them, patrolling for them, fixing every crisis that came along?

Looking at the cold that had settled onto Holton's face, I suddenly didn't have the energy to argue. I just asked, quietly:

"If I can't even walk through Silver Moon's front gate anymore, why should I care about your winter supplies?"

Holton's expression shifted. He grabbed my wrist and dragged me to the side.

"Irene, what are you throwing a fit about now?"

His voice was low, his brow tight with impatience. "There's nothing going on between me and Marlene. You don't need to lose it over some rookie warrior."

That's when Marlene gave a little pout.

She looked at me without a trace of fear. Then opened her mouth on purpose.

"Alpha, let me handle this one."

"This woman is never around. I've been in Silver Moon for six months and I've barely seen her do pack work once. She's just using her relationship with you to squat in the Luna's seat."

"I thought she'd left the pack ages ago. Then she shows up today and throws a tantrum just because I stopped her at the gate."

Holton listened. His brow actually relaxed.

He reached over and ruffled Marlene's hair. "Don't worry about it. She's just tired. That's why she's being like this."

Marlene immediately pulled a face at him.

Holton laughed.

But when he turned back to me, every degree of warmth had left his eyes.

"Let's talk about the northern alliance first."

When I didn't move, he patted my shoulder, his voice carrying that tone men use when they think they're being casual. "You really have been looking rough lately. Lines around your eyes and everything. Maybe stop running yourself into the ground."

I stared at him.

These past years, I handled the most dangerous work in the entire pack. Border negotiations. Resource exchanges. Life-or-death deals.

In the dead of winter, I once spent seven straight days camped on the frozen plains. Woke up in the middle of the night to lead warriors to rescue trade caravans ambushed by rival packs.

I'd survived more moonless nights than I could count, just to make sure Silver Moon had enough herbs, food, and weapons.

And now he was using the marks those years left on my face to make fun of me.

The absurdity nearly knocked the air out of me.

"So," I looked up, "you really think kicking me out of the territory is no big deal."

Holton waved his hand, irritated.

"Can you just be reasonable for once?"

"Marlene just joined. She has no idea what you've done. You haven't been around for ages. Under the new plan, you're not supposed to be involved in core affairs anyway."

I didn't say a word. I placed the crystal scroll of pack records on the table.

"This is the oath we swore before the Elder Council eight years ago."

"Silver Moon's borders, supplies, alliances, and warrior deployment are jointly managed by you and me."

"Unless the Council formally revokes my authority, no one has the right to cut me out."

"In eight years, I have never once broken that oath."

I pointed to another record.

"She, on the other hand, entered a restricted hunting zone without permission and injured three pups during training. Under pack law, she should be facing Elder Council discipline at minimum."

The color drained from Marlene's face.

The next second, she ducked behind Holton. The tears came down like she'd had them ready to go.

"Alpha, did I do something wrong?"

"I really didn't know she was your mate..."

Holton stepped forward, right in front of me, shielding her completely.

His face was tired. Like I was the one being unreasonable.

"Irene, it's a couple of small things."

"Do you really have to corner a young warrior like this?"

I looked at Marlene behind him, and suddenly everything clicked.

Holton straightened up. His voice went all the way cold.

"Don't think that just because you're my mate, you get to interfere with my decisions."

"I'm the one running Silver Moon now."

"Everything here is my call."

When the last word left his mouth, even he paused for a second.

I froze too.