C4

“Freya, stop with the wolf-spirit nonsense,” I said, my voice cutting through her sweet scent like a silver blade. “Vanessa doesn't want my man; she wants my Alpha’s seat. But she’s welcome to the scraps—I’m finished with him.”

Freya’s jaw tightened, her eyes darting toward the heavy boots thudding behind me. “Aria, you don't mean”

“Who exactly are you finished with, Aria?” Ethan’s voice was a low-frequency growl that made the glass in my hand vibrate.

Freya forced a submissive smile, bowing her head slightly as the heir approached. “Ethan, ignore her. Aria is just howling at the moon, she didn't mean it.”

Beside him, Lila looked like a vision of lunar purity. Her white silk dress shimmered, making her look like a high-ranking healer, her scent of vanilla and rain drifting over to us.

“Aria,” Lila whispered, her voice a soft, manipulative whine, “are you still baring your teeth at Ethan because of that Council appointment? He had pack duties, surely you understand.”

Vanessa let out a sharp, mocking bark of a laugh. “Seriously, Aria? How can you even be mad at an Alpha like Ethan? You should be grateful he even keeps you in his orbit.”

Ethan stepped into my personal space, his shadow engulfing me. He didn't look at the others. His eyes were dark, his pupils blown wide as he leaned down to my ear. “I’ll ask you one more time. Who are you finished with?”

I turned my head, my lips inches from his, and flashed a predatory smile. “Are your ears clogged with fur, Ethan? I said I’m finished with you.”

Freya’s eyebrows shot up. She’d clearly underestimated the Stone Legal Pack’s resolve.

Ethan’s temper snapped. He lunged, his hand locking around my waist like a trap. “You think you’re the one leading this hunt?” he hissed. “Knock it off. This is High Alpha Magnus’s night. We’re going to greet him as a mated pair, or I’ll drag you there.”

He didn't give me a choice, pulling me flush against his side as he marched past a stunned Lila toward the High Alpha’s throne.

“Lila, has he lost his damn mind?” Vanessa hissed, stomping her heel.

Lila watched us walk away, her eyes turning a cold, icy blue for a split second. “Vanessa, don't tell me your wolf is howling for Ethan too?”

“I—I’m not,” Vanessa stammered, her scent spiking with anxiety. “How could I? He’s supposed to mark my sister.”

Lila’s face went stone-cold as she turned toward the High Alpha. “Let’s go. I’ve waited five years to take back my place in this pack. Tonight, the hierarchy changes.”

I didn't fight Ethan’s grip; I was getting paid for this performance, and I wasn't about to void my check before the final act.

“High Alpha Magnus,” I said, bowing my head with a practiced, hollow respect. “Accept this offering for your birthday. May your bloodline stay strong and your territory remain unchallenged.”

Magnus took the gift, his ancient eyes scanning us both. “Aria, you’re a credit to the Stone name. Your bonding ceremony is a moon cycle away. Why haven't the scents been registered at the Council yet?”

The room went quiet. Every Alpha in the hall was listening. Ethan’s grip on my waist tightened so hard I knew I’d have bruises.

“We’re handling it in a few days, High Alpha,” Ethan interjected, his heart rate spiking.

“Which day exactly, Ethan?” Magnus pressed, his voice like grinding tectonic plates.

“I’m heading to the Manchester gate for a hockey tournament tomorrow,” Ethan lied smoothly. “I’ll be back the night after. We’ll go to the Moon Council Hall the second I touch down.”

I looked at the floor to hide my smirk. The day after tomorrow? I won’t even be in this territory.

Magnus nodded, his aura relaxing. “Sit, Aria. I’m occupied with the Elders today, but you’re family. Help yourself to the kill.”

“Thank you, High Alpha,” I said, slipping out of Ethan’s reach the moment I could.

“You and Freya sit at the secondary table,” Ethan commanded, pointing. But his eyes immediately drifted to the throne, where Lila was already whispering into Magnus’s ear. He didn't wait; he sprinted toward them, desperate to be part of their circle.

“See that? I told you,” Vanessa grumbled, sliding into the seat next to me. “Ethan’s wolf only answers to Lila.”

I didn't even look at her. I turned to Freya with a jagged smile. “Freya, when did you birth a brother for Vanessa? Dominic has been desperate for a male heir. Did you finally manage to give him a son?”

Vanessa’s face turned scarlet. “Aria! My mother never had another pup!”

I leaned back, sipping my drink. “You keep barking about how Ethan cares for Lila. I just assumed you were desperate for a brother figure. Maybe Freya can provide a new pup for you to obsess over.”

Freya’s face went pale. The insult hit home—she hadn't been able to produce a male heir for the Draven line, and it was her biggest insecurity.

“Aria Stone? The Alpha requires you at the High Table,” a pack enforcer announced, looming over us.

I stood up, smoothing my dress. “Of course. Duty calls.”

As I walked away, I heard Vanessa’s voice rise in a frustrated whine. “Mom, did you hear that bitch?”

“Quiet,” Freya hissed. “We’re not here for her. We’re here for the transition.”

Whispers started rippling through the crowd near the entrance.

“Is it true? Alpha Peter is here?”

“Alpha Peter Draven? The one who runs the northern waste territories?”

“He’s the true power behind the Draven name. He hasn't been to the Cheshire lands in years. They say he’s more beast than man now.”

Everyone knew Peter Draven. He was Magnus’s youngest son, a shadow-Alpha who lived for the ice and the hunt, staying far away from pack politics.

“He’s still unbonded,” a socialite whispered. “If he’s back, every female in the North is going to be trying to catch his scent tonight.”

“Aria, sit with Ethan,” Magnus commanded as I approached. “Ethan, grow up. Your intended belongs at the head of the pack table.”

Ethan’s parents, Victor and Sabrina, beamed at me like I was a prize-winning wolf.

“We can't wait for you to officially join the bloodline, Aria,” Sabrina said, her eyes warm. Then she glanced at Lila. “Lila, dear, you’ve been in the north for five years, you might not know Aria is our future Alpha-female. You went to Northbridge Academy together, didn't you?”

Lila’s smile faltered, her scent turning sour for a heartbeat. “Yes. We know each other well.”

Ethan noticed her discomfort and immediately reached for the platter, peeling a piece of roasted marrow and placing it on Lila’s plate. “Eat this, Lila. You’ve always loved the marrow from the hunt.”

Magnus’s eyes narrowed, a low vibration in his chest signaling his displeasure, but he remained silent for the sake of the guests.

“Ethan, peel one for Aria too,” Magnus suggested, his voice carrying a warning.

Ethan had already reached for a second piece, but as he moved to drop it on my plate, I held up a hand.

“Thanks, High Alpha, but I’ve lost my taste for the hunt,” I said, my voice cold as ice. “Let Lila have it. She seems much hungrier for Ethan’s attention than I am.”

I locked eyes with Ethan, letting him see the utter lack of affection in my gaze.

Magnus chuckled darkly, looking at the door. “Peter said the blizzard made the mountain passes a nightmare. He told us not to wait.”

“Is Uncle Peter staying at the estate this time?” Ethan asked, his voice sounding small for once.

Victor had always managed the pack’s legal and land disputes, but Peter was the muscle, the one who fought the wars and won the gold on the ice. The brothers were two sides of a coin, and the pack was always waiting to see which side would land face up.