Chapter 5

Aurora’s Pov

The transition from a hunted rebel to a ruler was too sudden.

I sat at the breakfast bar in Smith’s penthouse, my fingers tracing the rim of a ceramic mug. Outside the glass, Maya slept in her carrier at my feet, her tiny chest rising and falling in perfect harmony. 

Footsteps approached from the corridor, I didn't need to look up to know who it was. I knew it was Smith Calloway.

He wore a simple black t-shirt that stretched tight across his massive chest, "You're pacing in your mind again, wildcat," Smith murmured, his voice low against my hair.

"We haven't heard from the Eastern Pack council in forty-eight hours, Smith," I said, leaning back slightly against his frame. My waist felt secure under his broad palm. "Victoria Cross didn't just vanish into thin air after the warehouse raid. Her father is hiding her, and Mother Grey’s remaining loyalists are silent."

"Let them hide," Smith said. "We have the northern borders secured. Marcus has his enforcers patrolling the Ashwood lines, and Rio spent the night setting up biometric grids around this building. You and Maya are safe."

Rio Santos walked through the penthouse elevator doors. He looked exhausted. His tactical vest was unbuttoned, his eyes filled with fatigue. Yet, the moment he looked at my full figure, something fierce and alert woke up in his expression. He walked straight to the counter, pouring himself a cup of black coffee before standing right next to my stool, his shoulder brushing mine.

"The biometric grid is live," Rio reported, he reached down, his scarred knuckles lightly brushing the top of Maya's carrier before his eyes rose to mine. "Marcus just called from the perimeter. Someone left a package at the Ashwood border gates. It was addressed to you, Aurora."

“What kind of package?"

"A silver dagger," Rio said, his mouth slightly open. "Wrapped in a white silk ribbon from the Cross family crest. It’s a formal declaration of a blood feud."

Smith’s hand dropped from my shoulder, his face instantly frowning. "Victoria."

"She’s challenging my position," I said, standing up. My thick thighs pressed against the edge of the bar as I lifted Maya’s carrier. The maternal wolf inside me bared her fangs. "She thinks because I'm a plus-size Beta from a broken pack, I'll fold under pressure. She thinks the fated bond is the only reason you're keeping me here."

"I don't keep you here, Aurora," Smith growled, "You rule here with me. If Victoria wants a blood feud, I’ll tear her pack down brick by brick."

"No," I countered, looking between Smith and Rio. "A blood feud against a Beta must be answered by the Beta. If you interfere, the other continental packs will see me as weak. They’ll say the Supreme Alpha is shielding his fat, broken mate."

Rio stepped closer, his broad frame blocking the light from the window. He reached out, his hand wrapping firmly around my wrist. "You aren't alone this time, Commander. If you go to the border, I’m riding with you."

**********

The rain fell again by afternoon, turning the dirt roads of the Ashwood pack territory into a muddy place..

Marcus Grey stood by the wrought-iron gates. His eyes scanned the thick tree line before locking onto the black SUV as it pulled to a stop. I stepped out into the downpour, my heavy combat boots sinking into the mud. I wore a tight jacket. 

Marcus walked over. He didn't look at Smith or Rio, who stepped out behind me. His eyes were entirely on me. He reached out, his hand lingering on my hair. The familiar, slow-burning tension between us flared, a faint reminder of the years he spent protecting me when I had nothing.

"The daggers were planted at midnight," Marcus said, his voice. "My patrol didn't see a thing. Whoever did this has an elder wolf’s cloaking scent. It’s a high-ranking enforcer from the Eastern Pack."

Smith stepped forward, his massive frame cutting off the wind. "Where is the trail?"

"It ends at the ravine," Marcus replied, gesturing toward the steep, rocky drop-off half a mile into the woods. "But Victoria didn't send an army, Smith. She sent a message. Look at the trees."

I pushed past them, my eyes scanning the thick bark of the ancient oak trees marking the pack line. It wasn't rogue markings but an ancient dialect used by the oldest Alphas of the continent.

The bastard child does not inherit the throne.

They knew about Maya’s lineage. They knew she was the daughter of the Supreme Alpha, and were already branding her an illegitimate threat to the continental hierarchy.

"They are targeting my daughter," I whispered, my voice shaking with terror mixed with rage and fear.

Rio’s hand settled on my back, his presence a solid, immovable anchor against the storm. "They have to get through us first, Aurora. You know we don't bleed easily."

Suddenly, a high-pitched howl sounded through the gray woods.

It wasn't a warning but a call to hunt.

Marcus drew his silver sidearm, his eyes widening really well. "They aren't retreating. They used the daggers as bait to draw you out of the city."

From the shadows of the thick brush, six massive, silver-white wolves emerged. Their eyes gave away the sign of wolves enhanced by the Eastern Pack’s illegal synthetic venom. 

They didn't growl, nor did they hesitate but rather lunged straight for me.