Chapter 5: The Empty Room

Adrian

"That girl has embarrassed this family for the last time."

I watched the ballroom doors swing shut behind Wren, my patience stretched dangerously thin.

I'd spent days organizing Elodie's graduation celebration. Every influential family in Hawthorne Pack had received an invitation, and I'd personally ensured that the evening reflected the Ashford family's wealth and status.

Now, thanks to Wren's ridiculous outburst, half my guests were whispering about a broken knife instead of celebrating my sister's achievements.

Unacceptable.

"She's certainly becoming difficult to manage," Silas remarked, accepting a glass of whiskey from a passing servant.

I adjusted the cuffs of my jacket. "Wren has forgotten her place. I've been far too lenient with her."

Silas glanced toward the doors. "She's never spoken to you like that before."

"Because she's never had reason to believe I'll tolerate it."

As Alpha, I was accustomed to making decisions that others didn't always appreciate. My father had taught me that leadership required authority, discipline, and the willingness to put the pack's interests above individual feelings.

I'd maintained Hawthorne Pack's prosperity through difficult negotiations, territorial disputes, and countless political challenges.

I wasn't about to let an eighteen-year-old girl undermine my authority in my own home.

"She'll apologize tomorrow," I continued. "Once she's finished sulking."

Silas swirled his drink thoughtfully. "I wouldn't be so certain."

I turned toward him. "Explain."

"She's been acting differently since graduation. Yesterday, when I threatened not to claim her, she told me that would save her the trouble of rejecting me."

I stared at him. Then I laughed. "Surely you didn't take that seriously?"

"She seemed serious enough."

"Silas, my sister has spent five years trying to earn your affection. Do you honestly believe she's suddenly decided she doesn't want you?"

He considered my words. "No, I suppose not."

"Exactly. She's attempting to manipulate you into giving her more attention."

Silas's expression relaxed. "Perhaps you're right."

"Of course I am."

Wren had always been overly sensitive, particularly where Elodie was concerned.

I'd hoped five years of living among respectable pack members would help her overcome the unfortunate habits she'd developed in the countryside.

Instead, she seemed determined to cling to them.

"Adrian?"

Elodie's trembling voice interrupted our conversation.

I immediately turned.

She stood beside one of the banquet tables, supported by two friends, her beautiful champagne-colored gown shimmering beneath the chandeliers.

"Ellie, sweetheart. How's your ankle?"

"It's fine." She attempted a brave smile. "I'm more worried about Wren."

Silas stepped forward. "After what she did to you?"

Elodie lowered her head. "She didn't mean it. I know she gets upset when she thinks I'm receiving more attention."

I sighed. "Your sister needs to learn that not everything is a competition."

"But maybe she's right."

I frowned. "What are you talking about?"

Elodie's eyes filled with tears. "Maybe I really have taken everything from her. Her bedroom, her academy admission, even your attention."

"Elodie."

"She's your real sister, Adrian. I'm just the girl your family adopted because you were lonely without her."

That was enough.

"Look at me." She hesitantly raised her eyes. "You're an Ashford, Elodie. You've been my sister since we were children, and nothing about Wren's return changes that."

"But—"

"No arguments. I won't have you questioning your place in this family."

I remembered the years after Wren disappeared. Our father had exhausted considerable resources searching for her, refusing to accept that his daughter might be gone forever.

Elodie had brought happiness back into our household during those difficult years.

I would never allow anyone to make her feel unwanted.

Silas placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Adrian's right, Ellie. You've done nothing wrong."

Elodie sniffled. "I just wish Wren could understand that."

"So do I," I replied.

Unfortunately, understanding wasn't something my biological sister seemed particularly interested in lately.

The celebration continued, although I noticed several guests exchanging curious glances whenever I passed.

I disliked unnecessary gossip.

As Alpha, my family's reputation reflected directly upon my leadership. Our household was supposed to represent stability and discipline, not the sort of petty disagreements common among lesser-ranking families.

I made my way toward the senior council members, determined to salvage the evening.

"Alpha Adrian," Elder Whitmore greeted me. "A magnificent celebration."

"Thank you. Elodie deserves nothing less."

"Indeed." He paused. "Although I was surprised to hear about Wren's academy admission."

I kept my expression neutral. "What about it?"

"She received the highest examination scores in her graduating class, didn't she?"

"She did."

"An impressive achievement, especially considering her circumstances."

I recognized the implication.

Wren was wolfless, raised in the countryside, and unfamiliar with proper pack traditions when she'd returned home.

"She's always been academically capable," I acknowledged.

"Then I imagine she's disappointed about surrendering her placement."

I straightened. "Wren understands that family responsibilities sometimes require personal sacrifices."

Whitmore nodded politely, but I noticed his expression change. "Of course, Alpha."

I dismissed the conversation and turned away.

The academy arrangement was perfectly reasonable.

Wren had an Alpha bloodline and my financial support. She could pursue other opportunities whenever she wished.

Elodie needed the academy to establish her standing among the noble families.

I'd made the correct decision. Whether Wren appreciated it was irrelevant.

Nearly an hour later, I found Silas standing alone beside the refreshments.

He appeared unusually distracted. "What's troubling you now?"

He glanced at me. "Have you seen Wren?"

"Not since I ordered her out."

"She hasn't come back?"

"Apparently she's still determined to make everyone worry about her."

Silas frowned. "I keep thinking about that knife."

I exhaled impatiently. "Not this again."

"It was important to her, Adrian. I've never seen her look quite so upset."

"It was a wooden carving knife. I'll buy her another one."

"That's not really the point."

I gave him a sharp look. "Then what is?"

Silas hesitated. "She looked at me like she genuinely didn't care whether I claimed her."

I studied him.

Silas was accustomed to being admired. He came from a distinguished family, possessed considerable charm, and had never lacked female attention.

Wren's sudden indifference had clearly wounded his pride.

"Stop allowing her to play with your emotions," I advised. "She's trying to make you chase her. Don't give her the satisfaction."

He gave a reluctant nod. "You're probably right."

"Trust me, Silas. She'll come around."

There was no reason to believe otherwise. Wren had nowhere else to go.

"Adrian!"

I turned to find Elodie approaching with a small suitcase.

My expression immediately hardened. "What is that?"

She stopped in front of me. "I've made a decision."

"About?"

"I'm leaving."

Silas nearly dropped his drink. "Ellie, what are you talking about?"

Tears streamed down her cheeks. "I can't keep watching everyone fight because of me! Wren hates me, and maybe she'd finally be happy if I wasn't here."

Several nearby guests turned toward us.

My jaw tightened. Absolutely not.

"Put the suitcase down."

"But Adrian—"

"Elodie." I allowed a fraction of my Alpha authority into my voice.

She immediately fell silent.

"This is your home. You are not leaving because your sister has decided to behave like an undisciplined child."

"But she said I've taken everything from her!"

"And she's wrong." I took the suitcase from her and handed it to Silas. "Take Elodie to the sitting room. Have someone bring her tea."

Silas nodded.

Elodie caught my sleeve. "Please don't be angry with Wren."

I placed a reassuring hand over hers. "Don't concern yourself with your sister. I'll handle her."

And I intended to. I'd tolerated enough disrespect for one evening.

Wren needed to understand that being part of an Alpha family was a privilege, not an excuse to behave however she pleased.

I would make her apologize to Elodie, and tomorrow we'd have a serious conversation about her attitude.

If she wanted to keep sulking, she could do so after fulfilling her responsibilities.

The lower hallway was silent when I descended the stairs.

I'd arranged for Wren to move into the storage room only a few days earlier. It wasn't as luxurious as her previous bedroom, but it was perfectly adequate.

Besides, the arrangement was temporary.

I approached the door, already preparing the lecture she was about to receive.

"Wren."

No answer.

I knocked twice.

"Open the door. We need to talk."

Silence.

My irritation increased.

"I've had enough of this behavior. Elodie is upstairs threatening to leave her own home because of you."

Still nothing.

I frowned.

Wren had always been stubborn, but deliberately ignoring a direct order from her Alpha was a new level of disrespect.

"You're going to come upstairs, apologize to your sister, and stop embarrassing this family."

I reached for the handle.

"Do you understand me, Wren?"

No response.

My patience finally snapped.

"That's enough!"

I pushed the door open.

The room was completely empty.