CHAPTER 1

Mason had dispatched a tracker to sweep the lodge suite that morning, and the report came back clean—no recording crystals or hidden sensors. For now, the weight of what had transpired in the dark didn't have to crush her. Even though she was blind to who had laid the scent-trap, she could simply deny the entire night since they lacked any material proof.

I watched Chloe from a distance, realizing she was now using Ethan as a climbing harness to reach the peak of our social hierarchy. Instead of being content as a gifted healer, she craved the view from the summit of Valeria's elite. She was sharp enough to know her own limits; she’d never match the legendary instincts of Professor Hough. If she stayed in the medical wards, she’d eventually hit a ceiling.

Marrying the Alpha of the North changed the game entirely. Once she bore the Carter mark, she would be the most envied wolf in the Kingdom.

Not long after I settled into my private study, my frequency pulsed. It was Tyler Dawson.

"Ethan, how did the inspection at the academy go?"

"The pup was clean. He didn't bring his terminal today. I’m certain Collins stripped it from him," I replied, staring out at the falling snow.

"So it really was the Parker yearling! Isn't he only four winters old? Is the kid some kind of freakish prodigy?" Tyler’s voice was buzzing with excitement.

I didn't offer a response. My mind was still on the boy’s obsidian eyes.

"What’s the move with the kid?" Tyler pressed. He clearly found this hunt entertaining. It would have been a chore if the hacker had been some rogue adult, but the fact that a pup had disabled the entire Silvercrest Holdings grid was a twist no one saw coming. "Why did he challenge you to choke him out?"

"If you're so captivated by his motives, track him down and ask him yourself," I grunted. "The boy treats me like I’m invisible."

"Hah! The pup has the spirit of a Lead Alpha! I need to meet this little warrior."

"Keep dreaming, Tyler."

What Hayden had done was a violation of pack law, but he was an 'atypical' yearling. I wouldn't move against him, and I certainly wouldn't let Tyler harass him at the academy.

"Collins’s birth-cycle celebration is approaching," Tyler said, his tone shifting to something more mischievous. "What if they invite the local Alphas to the feast? That’s my ticket to see the kid. Are you going to send a tribute beforehand, Ethan? You might be severed, but you two shared a bond that scorched the earth. You won't be so cold as to ignore his birthday, right?"

My eyes narrowed, my vision sharpening like a hawk’s. "Do you truly believe he would accept a gift from my hand?"

"He seemed civil enough when he fed us lunch yesterday. Even if it was only because we held the scent of his son's crimes over him."

"There is no need for a tribute—"

"What’s the cost of a single gift? I’ll deliver it myself if you're too prideful to show your face. I just want an excuse to get close to that boy," Tyler said.

I considered it for a long, heavy moment. Finally, I exhaled. "What would be a fitting tribute for someone like him?"

"Jewelry? Most wolves like things that catch the light," Tyler suggested.

"Jewelry is too intimate. We are no longer mates."

"What else then? You can't give the head of Parker Industries something from a common trader. He’s worth millions of gold marks now!"

I massaged the bridge of my nose, feeling the onset of a headache. "Fine. Select a piece of jewelry."

Outside the heavy timber door of the study, Chloe’s heart was being devoured by a green-eyed monster. She had overheard every word. Ethan had instructed his assistant to give her a simple leather handbag worth a few thousand marks for her last birthday. Now, he was preparing to offer Collins Parker a king’s ransom in gems!

Who was actually his partner? How could he humiliate her like this? She was the only one standing between Shea and the abyss!

As her eyes turned a predatory red with spite, she pulled out her device and messaged her father.

(Collins Parker has two pups. Scour the records in the Southern Territories. Find out where he claimed them and what his true purpose was.)

It was feeding time at the Starry River Manor.

"Collins, Daniel Harris stopped by the den this afternoon," Natalie Brooks said, her eyes gleaming with hidden meaning. "He told me he’s planning to mark his territory here in Valeria for good..."

I could see exactly where my pack-brother was leading from the wide grin on his face.

"Natalie, I know you’re howling for me to find a new mate and settle down, but please, keep that expression off your face in the village. People will think I’m a desperate omega looking for a leash!" I pleaded. "I’m in my twenties. I’m in my prime! This is the cycle where I should be expanding my influence. Once my power is absolute, the Alphas will be brawling for a chance to stand beside me."

The smile on Natalie’s face dimmed. "I’m not trying to cage you... I just think Daniel is a rare find. He looked after you the entire time we were in exile! Don't you see how fiercely he protects you?"

"Am I obligated to mate with every wolf who shows me kindness? In that case, I should have pledged myself to Professor Hough!"

"Fine! Continue to walk the frozen path alone! Daniel is a wolf of high honor. You’ll regret letting his scent fade if you miss this chance."

"Have a little more faith in my allure," I said, trying to soothe him. "Besides, did you ask the pups? They aren't looking for a new father-figure."

I shot a meaningful look at my children across the table.

Layla, ever the clever one, chimed in. "I don't want a stepfather, but I’ll learn to tolerate anyone Dad chooses to bring into the den."

I sighed. My daughter clearly hadn't caught the signal I was trying to send. I turned my hopes toward my son.

"Let's focus on the meal, Natalie," Hayden said, his voice flat.

"Fine, I’ll hold my tongue," Natalie said. "I’m just worried you’ll look back on this winter and regret the solitude. I won't waste my breath if your mind is made up."

I let out a soft chuckle. "Natalie, if you're so eager to play matchmaker, find a mate for Mike. He’s been prowling the subterranean bars every night. I bet his wolf is starving for a partner."

Natalie was left speechless.

It was a quiet evening at the manor.

"Collins, Daniel Harris stopped by to see you," Natalie repeated, her eyes still bright. "He’s settling in Valeria..."

I knew what she was hunting for from that look.

"Natalie, I’m focused on my rise. Once I’m successful, there will be no shortage of suitors," I said, repeating my mantra as the fire crackled in the hearth.

The light in Natalie’s eyes began to fade as the reality of my stubbornness set in.

What do you think Collins should do to finally get Natalie to stop playing matchmaker for him?