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NicolaiSilvercrest Estate is exactly as I remember it—imposing stone architecture, sprawling grounds, and enough political tension to choke on.Perfect for the Woolf family's purposes.I arrive with Dimitri and a small security detail, our convoy of black SUVs drawing attention as we pull up to the main house. Other Alphas are already here, their territorial markers obvious in the way they've positioned themselves throughout the estate."Alpha Castellano is in the east wing," Dimitri murmurs as we enter. "Alpha Choi has the west. The northern delegations took the guest cottages."I nod, cataloging the information. Politics and geography—always intertwined at these gatherings.But I'm not here for the official summit business.I'm here for Skye.And for the opportunities that always present themselves when powerful wolves gather under one roof. These are the types of venues where our family business thrives.Dimitri and I go straight to our suite to change. The first formal event of t
SkyeThe summit is being held at the Silvercrest Estate—a neutral territory that hosts regional Alpha gatherings.It's a massive property with a main house that can accommodate twenty Alpha pairs, plus numerous guest cottages for attending pack members.I've been there before. Years ago, before I was mated. It's beautiful. Elegant. Exactly the kind of place where appearances matter more than truth.Perfect.I go through my wardrobe carefully, selecting dresses that hide my growing belly while still looking elegant. Empire waists. Flowing fabrics. Nothing too tight or revealing. At sixteen weeks, I'm showing enough that careful observers might notice. But with the right clothing and strategic positioning, I can hide it.Now that Jaxon knows, I’m not sure why it matters so much anymore. But it still feels like something I want to keep just for me. For now.I prepare mentally for seeing Nicolai in a public setting where we'll have to maintain careful distance. Where every glance will be
SkyeThe date of the summit is approaching fast. Too fast. There’s not enough time to prepare myself mentally for the challenge of managing Jaxon's jealousy and Nicolai's presence while maintaining the facade I agreed to with Jaxon.How am I supposed to figure out how to survive a weekend where everything I've been carefully controlling could explode in my face?I'm standing in front of my closet, reviewing my wardrobe options, when Jaxon appears in the doorway."I got you something," he says, holding out a small box.Another gift.I take it, already knowing I'll feel nothing when I open it. And as I suspected, inside is a delicate gold necklace with a small pendant. Expensive. Tasteful. Completely generic."Thank you," I say. "It's very pretty."I close the box. Set it on the dresser with the diamond bracelet I haven't worn. Is it heartless and ungrateful? Probably. I’m just too tired of pretending to care. Jaxon's face falls slightly. "You don't like it.""It's beautiful. Really."
JaxonI’m not sure why I’m surprised when the news reaches me that Nicolai Woolf is still in the area. Even if Skye is telling the truth, that she feels nothing more than friendship for the Alpha, it clearly isn’t mutual. Anyone with eyes can tell he’s lusting after my wife. The jealousy that hits me is consuming. I find myself watching Skye constantly. Looking for signs that she's in contact with him.Is she texting him? Calling him? Making plans?I promised not to monitor her. Promised to give her space and trust. But the temptation is overwhelming.I catch myself checking to see if she's on her phone every chance I get. Tracking who she talks to and for how long. Noting when she steps away to take calls.It's exactly what I promised not to do but I can't seem to stop.Skye may not have noticed yet, but my Beta certainly has. He corners me in my office for the sole purpose of calling me out on my shit."You're doing it again."I look up from the reports I'm not actually reading. "
JaxonI'm failing.The realization hits me as I stand in an upscale boutique in town, staring at display cases full of jewelry with no idea what I should choose. Does Skye even wear jewelry?I'm trying to court my own mate, and I have no idea how. Fuck me sideways!"Can I help you find something?" The saleswoman approaches with a professional smile."I need a gift. For my wife.""Wonderful! What does she like? What's her style?"I open my mouth. Close it.What does Skye like?"She's... elegant," I try. "Classic."The saleswoman's smile doesn't waver, but I can see the pity in her eyes. She's dealt with husbands like me before. Husbands who know nothing about their wives."How about this?" She pulls out a diamond bracelet. Delicate. Expensive. The kind of thing that screams "I spent a lot of money because I don't know what else to do.""Perfect," I say, because what else can I say?I buy it. It costs more than most pack members make in a year. And it feels completely hollow.But it’s th
SkyeLater that day, I'm in the garden when Jaxon finds me."Did you know Woolf is still in the area?" His fists are clenched at his sides like he’s been fighting himself not to ask and lost the battle. I look up from the roses I've been absently tending. "Yes."No point in lying.Jaxon nods slowly, his jaw tight. "I know you've been in contact with him. I know he's important to you."Here it comes. The jealousy. The accusations.But Jaxon surprises me."I can't ask you to cut him off," he says quietly. "I know that's not fair and violates our agreement. But I need to ask one more time... is there something between you?""We're friends," I say honestly. "That's all.""But you care about him."It's not a question."Yes. As a friend." I meet his eyes. "The same way you care about Noah. Nicolai has been there for me when I had no one else. He helped my family when you refused. He's been kind when kindness was scarce."Jaxon's jaw clenches, but his voice stays level. "I understand.""Do y







