(Grace's POV)Perhaps because we were truly exhausted from the intense work on the Moonstone Integration Protocol, Dr. Nathaniel Sutherland allowed Dominic and me to leave his estate shortly after nine that evening. The day had been mentally draining, filled with complex algorithms and integration challenges that had pushed even my technical limits."You've both done enough for today," Dr. Sutherland had said, his typically stern expression softening just slightly. "The protocol needs time to process anyway."I remembered nodding gratefully, gathering my notes while Dominic thanked our mentor.Now, back at my Shadowcrest Residence, I stepped into the shower, letting hot water wash away the mental fatigue. The water pressure was perfect—strong enough to massage my tired shoulders but gentle on my skin.My thoughts drifted to tomorrow's meeting at Shadowcrest Technologies. Another complex integration project awaited us there, but at least I'd be working with Dominic again.I towele
(Grace's POV)"I can guarantee that private matters will never affect business dealings with your uncle," Harrison Crawford assured me, his tone formal yet sincere.I considered his words carefully. The Morgan Pack medical technology enterprises was struggling, and any potential partnership could be vital for their survival. My uncle Robert had been working tirelessly to keep things afloat."I appreciate that," I finally replied with a cautious nod. "I'll arrange a time to meet Abigail soon."Harrison's expression remained neutral, but I detected a slight relaxation in his shoulders. As I turned to leave, he called after me."The night wind's cold, go inside."I froze mid-step. Those were the exact words Ethan had used moments before. The coincidence sent an odd chill through me that had nothing to do with the temperature.Without looking back, I hurried to my car and drove away from the Moonlight Harbor Restaurant Parking Area, my thoughts in turmoil.When I arrived at the Mor
(Grace's POV)"I believe we have an agreement then," Dr. Sutherland said, his voice carrying the finality of a concluded negotiation.Ethan nodded, his expression professionally satisfied. The collaboration between Silvercliff medical technology enterprises and Dr. Sutherland's research team was finally settled after hours of discussion. The banquet hall had emptied considerably, with only a few lingering guests engaged in quiet conversation.Ethan turned to me, his gray eyes unreadable. "Are you returning to the pack house tonight?"The question hung between us, loaded with unspoken tension. I met his gaze with deliberate coldness."No," I replied simply.He nodded, accepting my answer without challenge. "I'll come back later to pick up Emma."The ease with which he accepted my refusal stung more than any argument would have. There was a time when he would have insisted, when my absence from our home would have mattered."Elder Morgan," Ethan said, turning to my grandmother wi
(Grace's POV)"Alright." Dr. Sutherland nodded, his eyes still bright with intellectual excitement from his discussion with Ethan.I watched as Ethan turned to me, his gray eyes unreadable as always. "Are you going back tonight?" he asked, his tone neutral.The question caught me off guard. My mind was still replaying the fascinating conversation about werewolf healing techniques that had dominated the dinner table. Cora, my wolf, shifted inside me, settling into a decision before I consciously made one."I won't go back to the Silvercliff Pack House," I replied quietly, meeting his gaze steadily.Ethan nodded once. "Understood. I'll come later to pick Emma up."Without another word, he rose from his seat with that fluid grace that had once captivated me. He approached my grandmother, offering Elder Eleanor Morgan a respectful bow that acknowledged her status as pack matriarch.Then he was gone, stepping out of the Crescent Moon Banquet Hall without a backward glance. The powerf
(Olivia's POV)I maintained my perfect smile as another guest approached with the inevitable question."Miss Stone, we were expecting to see Alpha Silver tonight. Has something delayed him?"This was the twelfth time I'd been asked in the past hour. The whispers about Ethan's absence had spread through the Sun Pack's housewarming banquet like wildfire, especially after those damning photos from the Morgan celebration began circulating."At the behest of the elders, I'm just stopping by," I explained smoothly, my voice betraying none of the frustration burning inside me. "Alpha Silver had some unexpected matters to attend to."The guest nodded politely, but I could see the speculation in her eyes. Everyone knew exactly where Ethan was – at Grace's grandmother's birthday celebration. The very event that was supposed to be overshadowed by this one.I took a small sip of moonlight wine to hide my displeasure. The crystal glass felt cool against my fingers, a stark contrast to the hea
(Grace's POV)"No need, I've already arrived," a familiar cold voice said as I turned around.I froze in shock. Dr. Nathaniel Sutherland stood in the doorway, his imposing figure commanding immediate attention. My former mentor's unexpected appearance sent whispers rippling through the remaining guests."Is that...?""Dr. Sutherland himself!""The medical technology pioneer?"I couldn't believe my eyes. Dr. Sutherland rarely attended social functions, preferring the solitude of his laboratory to the noise of pack gatherings. Yet here he was, at my grandmother's birthday celebration.His piercing gaze swept the room before settling on my grandmother. Despite his typically stern demeanor, there was a hint of warmth in his eyes as he approached her.Elder Eleanor rose shakily from her seat, clearly overwhelmed by his presence. Robert stood beside her, equally stunned."Dr. Sutherland," my grandmother said, her voice trembling slightly. "This is an unexpected honor."Dr. Sutherla
(Eleanor's POV)I sat in my place of honor at the banquet table, watching as more guests slipped away from my birthday celebration. Each departing figure was another small wound to my pride, though I kept my expression serene. Years of pack leadership had taught me to mask my emotions.Robert paced nearby, his anger barely contained as he explained the situation to me."Mother, I'm sorry about this. The Sun family deliberately scheduled their housewarming party today to undermine us. They knew perfectly well it was your birthday."I nodded slowly, allowing a brief flicker of disappointment to cross my face before composing myself again."And Evelyn Reynolds is backing them," Robert continued, his voice tight with frustration. "They're using their connection to Ethan Silver to draw our guests away."The pieces fell into place immediately. This wasn't merely poor planning or coincidence. This was a calculated power play in territorial politics."Ethan Silver is backing the Sun and
(Dominic's POV)I watched Grace's face carefully as she sat across from me in the Morgan family's sitting room. The celebration at the Crescent Moon Banquet Hall had been a disaster, with guests leaving in droves for the Sun pack's event. Grace looked exhausted, her normally bright eyes dulled with disappointment and hurt.My phone vibrated with an incoming message. I glanced down, reading the text quickly before a smile spread across my face."I'll help you summon someone," I said, tucking my phone back into my pocket.Grace looked up, confusion evident in her expression. "What do you mean?""You'll understand soon enough," I replied, leaning back in my chair with satisfaction.Eleanor Morgan sat nearby, her dignity intact despite the humiliation of her half-empty birthday celebration. Robert paced the room, his anger barely contained."I can't believe they would stoop so low," Robert growled. "Deliberately scheduling their territory celebration on Mother's birthday!""It's a
(Grace's POV)Emma didn't notice my cold expression as she visibly relaxed when I finally spoke. The tension in her small shoulders eased, her wolf pup settling down beside her."It's okay, Emma. You can give Great-Grandma a hug instead," I said, softening my tone slightly.Robert approached Eleanor, presenting his gift with a respectful bow. His wolf Theo's posture was formal yet affectionate as he greeted my grandmother's wolf Stella."For you, Mother," he said warmly, offering a beautifully wrapped package. "From all of us at the company."Eleanor's eyes crinkled with pleasure as she accepted it. "Thank you, my son. Always so thoughtful."I stepped forward next, my heart beating a little faster. "Grandmother, I have something for you as well."From my bag, I withdrew the first gift – the Moonlight Heritage Embroidery wrapped in elegant paper. My wolf Cora moved with deliberate grace, mirroring my careful movements."This is from both Ethan and me," I explained, watching her