MasukAvalon's POVI can feel it through the mate bond.Jason and Kaelen. Their connection growing. Deepening. Becoming something real.I'm happy for Kaelen. Really, I am. He's wanted Jason's genuine affection for so long. Worked so hard to earn it.But I'm also jealous.Because I want that too. Want Jason to look at me with the same warmth. Want to be part of what they're building.And underneath both emotions is fear. Fear that I'll be left out. That they'll form something together and I'll just be the fourth mate no one really wants."Tell me what you're feeling," Dr. Thorne says during our session."Jealous. Happy. Scared. All at once.""About Kaelen and Jason.""Yes. They're building something. And I'm watching from outside.""Is that where you want to be? Outside?""No. But I don't know how to get inside without forcing it."Thorne leans forward. "What do you actually want, Avalon? Not what you think you should want. What do you genuinely want?"I've been asking myself that question f
Ivan's POVI'm reviewing security reports in my office when it hits me.A surge through the mate bond. Emotional. Intense.Not pain. Not fear.Something else.Joy. Nervousness. Attraction. Desire.And underneath it all - a pull toward someone who isn't me.I know immediately what's happening.Jason is kissing Kaelen.The bond resonates with it. Impossible to miss even from across the stronghold.My wolf snarls inside me. Rage floods through my veins.Mine. He's mine. Drive away the rival.My hands clench on the desk. Papers crumple under my grip.I want to storm out of this office. Find them. Pull Jason away from Kaelen and remind him who he belongs to.But I force myself to stay seated.To breathe.To remember my promises.Jason's autonomy. His right to explore feelings. Our agreement about boundaries.None of that makes this easier.The mate bond keeps pulsing. Showing me Jason's emotions. His attraction to Kaelen. His careful exploration of something new.It feels like someone is t
Jason's POVI can't think straight.Kaelen's confession keeps replaying in my mind. His voice shaking as he read that letter. The raw honesty in every word.I love you, Jason Blackwood.I walk through the stronghold in a daze. Guards follow at a respectful distance. Increased security after the assassination attempt.But I barely notice them.All I can think about is Kaelen. His letter. His love.What do I do with that?Ivan knows something is wrong the moment I enter our chambers."What happened?" he asks immediately."Kaelen. He... he told me he loves me."Ivan goes very still. "He what?""He wrote me a letter. Read it out loud. Told me everything he feels.""And? What did you say?""That I needed time. To process. To figure out what I feel."Ivan starts pacing. I can feel his jealousy through our bond. Sharp and immediate."He's making a move. Trying to claim you—""He's not trying to claim anything. He just told me the truth." I sit on the bed, suddenly exhausted. "He said he does
Kaelen's POVI watch the summit through magical broadcast in the library.The stronghold has viewing crystals set up for those of us who couldn't attend. Guards. Staff. And prisoners like me who are too controversial to bring to public events.When Jason takes the stage, my heart stops.He looks so small up there. Surrounded by hundreds of powerful supernatural beings. All of them watching. Judging.But his voice is steady when he speaks."My name is Jason Blackwood. I'm an omega. And I'm here to tell you why that shouldn't define my worth."Pride swells in my chest.He's using our research. The historical evidence we compiled together in the library. The arguments we refined through countless discussions.I helped with this. In a small way, I contributed to something good."Current omega restrictions aren't ancient tradition," Jason says. "They're recent political engineering designed to consolidate power by controlling a population that was too influential."Some delegates walk out.
Ivan's POVThe summit is in two days.Two days until Jason stands in front of hundreds of the most powerful supernatural beings in the world and tells them why omega rights matter.Two days until my mate becomes a public target.I'm in the war room with my mother and father, reviewing security protocols for what feels like the hundredth time."Three perimeter teams," Commander Hayes explains, pointing to the map. "Inner security around the stage. Magical wards on all entrances.""Not enough," I say."Your Highness, we have—""Not. Enough." I lean over the map. "Jason will be exposed on that stage. Vulnerable. Speaking controversial positions that will make enemies."Marcus speaks from his position near the window. "Perhaps he shouldn't speak at all."I turn to face my father. "What?""This speech will create permanent enemies. Powerful packs who view omega rights as threats to their authority." His voice is measured. Logical. "Jason becomes a target the moment he takes that stage. A t
Avalon's POVThe news breaks three days after I testify before the tribunal.My name. My face. My testimony about the omega experimentation conspiracy.All of it public.I knew this would happen. Knew going public meant exposure. But seeing my testimony quoted everywhere is still jarring.Some outlets praise my courage. "Son of conspirator turns witness for justice."Others call me a traitor. "Ravenscrest heir betrays his own blood."And then there are the death threats.They come through official channels. Anonymous messages. Threats from packs who want me silenced permanently."You won't live to see the trials.""Dead men don't testify.""Your father should have drowned you at birth."The Lycan security team takes them seriously. They increase my guard detail. Restrict my movements even more.I'm simultaneously a prisoner and a protected witness.The irony isn't lost on me.---The publicity brings me back into Jason's orbit more frequently.We need to coordinate our testimonies. Ma







