Chapter Three: The Silverveil Sanctuary

The rain had stopped by dawn, leaving the forest wrapped in silver mist. Baylee followed Collin through the dense pines, their footsteps soft on the wet earth. The scent of his pack territory was stronger now—wildflowers, cedar, and something faintly electric that made her skin prickle.

“Almost there,” Collin said quietly. His voice carried authority even when gentle.

Baylee hugged her arms around herself. The night’s events replayed in her head—the fight, the power that had surged through her, Gunner’s look of disbelief. She still felt the phantom heat of that strange energy beneath her skin.

“Your pack won’t like this,” she murmured.

Collin glanced over his shoulder. “They’ll follow my lead.”

“Even your Alpha?”

He gave a half-smile. “Especially my Alpha.”

That made her pause. “You sound confident.”

“He’s my father.”

Baylee blinked. “Your father’s the Alpha?”

“Derik Silverveil,” Collin confirmed. “My mother, Jessica, is the Luna. You’ll like her.”

She wasn’t sure about that. Packs didn’t exactly welcome strangers—especially wolves from enemy bloodlines.

They emerged from the trees into a clearing, and Baylee stopped short. The Silverveil compound rose before them—an intricate blend of nature and strength. Cabins built from dark timber and stone circled a massive lodge that gleamed beneath the morning light. Smoke curled from chimneys, and the faint hum of pack life echoed through the clearing—wolves training, laughing, sparring.

It was… beautiful. Peaceful, even.

Collin turned to her. “Welcome to Silverveil.”

Her throat tightened. “It’s nothing like Ironclaw.”

“That’s the idea.”

Before she could respond, a shout rang out. “Collin!”

Three blurs of movement launched from the main lodge. Baylee barely had time to brace before she was surrounded by three nearly identical young women—all dark-haired, bright-eyed, and full of energy.

“Jamie, Jackie, Julianna,” Collin groaned. “Personal space exists for a reason.”

The sisters ignored him. The one with a braid—Jamie, Baylee guessed—grinned. “Is this her?”

“Her who?” Baylee asked cautiously.

“His mate,” said the second—Jackie—with a mischievous sparkle in her eyes.

Baylee felt heat crawl up her neck. “I—uh—”

Collin pinched the bridge of his nose. “Not the time.”

The third sister, Julianna, tilted her head thoughtfully. “You smell like power,” she said softly, her tone more serious than the others. “The Moon likes you.”

That startled Baylee. “Excuse me?”

Collin gently herded the girls aside. “You three, go help Mom. And don’t start rumors before breakfast.”

Jamie rolled her eyes. “We’re not starting rumors. We’re observing reality.”

The triplets darted off in synchronized chaos, laughter trailing behind them.

Baylee let out a shaky breath. “They’re… energetic.”

“Triplets,” Collin said simply, as if that explained everything. “They never stop.”

They climbed the steps of the main lodge, where two figures waited.

Derik Silverveil was massive—tall, broad, with silver hair that gleamed like frost. His presence alone seemed to quiet the air. His eyes, the same storm-gray as Collin’s, studied Baylee with a warrior’s caution.

Beside him stood Jessica, graceful and poised, her golden hair braided over one shoulder. Her smile was gentle, but her gaze was sharp enough to see through lies.

“Father, Mother,” Collin said, bowing his head respectfully. “This is Baylee.”

Derik’s gaze flicked to her. “Ironclaw.” It wasn’t an accusation, exactly—but it wasn’t a welcome either.

Baylee met his eyes evenly. “Formerly.”

Jessica stepped forward, her tone softening the tension. “You’ve come far. You must be exhausted.”

“I’ve been worse,” Baylee said honestly.

The Luna’s smile deepened, though her eyes never lost their assessment. “I can see that.”

Derik folded his arms. “Why bring her here, Collin? You know what our truce depends on.”

Collin straightened. “She’s Moon-Touched. The Blood Moon chose her last night.”

Jessica’s eyes widened slightly. “Are you certain?”

Derik’s expression darkened. “That hasn’t happened in decades.”

Baylee shifted uneasily. “I didn’t ask for it. Whatever happened—it wasn’t on purpose.”

Derik studied her a long moment. Then he nodded once, curtly. “Power like that doesn’t ask permission. The Moon gives it for a reason.”

Jessica’s hand brushed her husband’s arm. “She needs rest. We can discuss the rest later.”

Derik grunted his agreement. “You’ll stay in the east cabin by the lake,” he told Baylee. “No one disturbs you there. But if you bring Ironclaw trouble to my gates…”

“I won’t,” Baylee said quickly.

He gave a single, approving nod before striding away toward the training field.

Jessica waited until he was gone before turning to Baylee, her expression softening. “Don’t mind him. Derik carries the weight of too many wars.”

“I understand,” Baylee murmured. “Ironclaw caused enough of them.”

Jessica’s eyes glinted. “And maybe you’ll be part of ending that cycle.”

Baylee didn’t know what to say to that.

Collin cleared his throat. “Come on. I’ll show you your cabin.”

They walked in silence for a while, the morning quiet except for the rustle of leaves and the distant sound of the pack beginning their day.

When they reached the lake, Baylee stopped. The water shimmered like glass, reflecting the rising sun. It was peaceful—so different from the iron and blood of Ironclaw’s lands.

Collin handed her a towel and a change of clothes. “They’ll fit well enough for now.”

“Thank you,” she said softly.

He hesitated, then met her eyes. “My father’s right about one thing—you were chosen for a reason. Whatever’s coming, you’re in the center of it now.”

Baylee looked out at the lake, her reflection rippling in the water. “I didn’t ask to be.”

“No one ever does,” Collin said quietly. “But the Moon doesn’t make mistakes.”

Their eyes met, and for a long moment, the world felt still—like the forest itself was holding its breath.

Then a sharp howl broke the peace. It came from the ridge beyond the lake—urgent, warning.

Collin’s expression hardened instantly. “Scouts.”

Baylee’s heart leapt. “What is it?”

He turned toward the sound, eyes flashing. “Ironclaw patrol. They’ve crossed into Silverveil territory.”

Her blood ran cold. “Gunner.”

Collin nodded grimly. “He’s not done with you yet.”