LOGINThe morning meeting was already underway when Malinda and Jax entered. Both looked composed, fully back in duty mode. Elara and Kai were at the table with Elder Mira’s notes set aside for later.Kai glanced up. “Report.”Jax didn’t waste time. “Last night on the western outer boundary we found unusual tracks. Two people, they tried to cover their trail and failed. They stopped long enough to leave this.” He placed the marked cloth on the table. “No pack code we recognize. The marks point toward the holding cells.”Malinda folded her arms. “It was an attempted contact, not a full breach. They tested the line, left the message, and pulled back when the post stayed active. We intercepted it before anything reached Lila.”Elara studied the cloth. “So someone is still moving for her.”“Yes,” Jax said. “And they are moving patiently, carefully. Not random at all.”Kai’s expression hardened. “Then we stop treating the borders like the danger has passed. Double the quiet watches on the north
They were still standing close on the inner path when Jax finally spoke.“You’re letting it eat you,” he said.Malinda’s eyes narrowed. “Excuse me?”“The anger.” He didn’t step back. “It’s getting louder than everything else. I watch you every time her name comes up. I watch you when we pass that cell. It’s sitting on you differently now.”“She earned it.”“I know she did.” Jax’s voice stayed steady. “That’s not the part I’m arguing. I’m saying if you hold it this tight for much longer, it’s going to start deciding things for you and that will destroy you faster than she ever could.”Malinda let out a sharp breath. “So what? You want me to forgive her?”“No.” He shook his head once. “I want you to stop carrying her like she’s the only thing left in your chest. There’s a difference between wanting justice and letting hatred become the thing that drives every step you take.”She stared at him. “You’re scared.”“Yes,” he said without hesitation. “I’m scared of watching you turn into some
Kai closed the door to the small records room and turned to face Elara and Elder Mira. The space was narrow, lined with old shelves and ledgers that smelled of dust and age.“We keep this between us,” Kai said. “No wider circle yet.”Mira gave a short nod. “Agreed. If we start asking loudly, people will talk before we know what we’re holding.”Elara rested her hand on the nearest stack of bound records. “We need anything from the years Lila first arrived. Who brought her, what was said about her parents and any formal entry.”“I’ve already pulled the registers from that period,” Mira said. “They’re incomplete. Some pages were never filled. Others look like they were rewritten later.”Kai frowned. “Rewritten?”“Or carefully left blank,” Mira answered. “There are gaps where a parent’s name should be. In one entry she is listed only as ‘child under temporary protection.’ No father, no mother, no originating pack.”Elara looked up. “That can’t be normal.”“It isn’t,” Mira said. “Even orph
Elara slept deeper and longer than she had in weeks. When she finally stirred, the light in the room had already shifted toward mid-morning. Her body felt heavy in a pleasant way a bit tired, tender between her legs, the dull ache in her side a quiet reminder of everything that had happened. She stretched carefully and found the space beside her empty.The door opened a moment later. Kai came in carrying a small tray.“You’re awake,” he said, voice still rough from sleep. “I was starting to think I’d have to come check if you were still breathing.”Elara pushed herself up against the pillows, wincing only a little. “What time is it?”“Late enough that most of the pack has already started the day.” He set the tray across her lap. He made a simple food—warm bread, a bit of fruit, soft cheese, and a cup of the tea she usually liked. “I made it myself. Don’t expect anything fancy.”She looked down at the tray, then back at him. “You cooked?”“I assembled,” he corrected, sitting on the edg
Kai sat close enough that Elara could feel the heat of his body through the thin space separating them. Neither of them reached for the lamp. The low light from the window was enough.“Does it still hurt?” he asked, voice quiet. His eyes dropped to the binding at her side.“It’s manageable,” Elara said. “Cassandra said it’s clean. I can move as long as I’m careful.”Kai’s hand settled lightly just above the wound, not pressing, only resting there as if he needed the reminder that she was solid and alive. “I won’t hurt you. If anything feels wrong, you tell me. Immediately.”She covered his hand with hers. “I know. I trust you.”The mate bond pulsed between them steady, warm, and no longer only about protection. Desire moved underneath it now, clear and mutual.“I’ve wanted this for a long time,” Kai said. “Not just the bond but you. All of you. Every time we almost lost the chance, it got harder to keep waiting.”Elara’s thumb traced the edge of his wrist. “I was afraid if we crossed
The door opened harder than necessary. Malinda walked in, eyes locked on Lila from the first step. Jax looked up from where he stood near the wall. Rosa remained in position on the other side of the chair. “Babe, I’m hungry,” Malinda said, not looking at Jax. “Can you come make something for me?” Jax exhaled. “Give me a few minutes. We’re still working.” Malinda did not wait. She crossed the room, stopped directly in front of Lila, and looked her over with open contempt. Then she drew her hand back and struck her hard across the face. Lila’s head snapped to the side. Blood rushed to the corner of her mouth. “That,” Malinda said, voice low and cold, “is for the injury you gave me.” She hit her again, harder. “And that is for Elara.” Lila spat blood onto the floor, breathing sharply through her nose as she forced the tears back.Jax and Rosa both straightened, surprised by the sudden violence, but neither interfered. Malinda leaned in. “You think you’re tough? Look around you. Th







