LOGINNo matter how smooth his tone sounded, every word that came out of Garrick Whitlock’s mouth reeked of absolute cruelty. Suppressing the cold fear clawing at my throat, I forced a tough front and demanded, "What have you done with Seren?"Garrick reached up, his rough fingers caressing my cheek as his golden eyes scanned my face. "She is perfectly safe in her quarters, little human," he purred helpless amusement. "Look at you, Elowen. You have grown so soft, yet your scent is still utterly mouthwatering."I jerked my head down, refusing to meet his predatory gaze."The Redfern Pack of Silvermoon Capital is an ancient pureblood bloodline," Garrick murmured against my ear, his voice turning commanding. "They command hundreds of rogue wolves and hold immense power in the Tribunal. When we step inside this grand hall, you will stay glued to my side."My pulse hammered wildly against my ribs. It had been five years since I escaped his violent grip in the Moonfang Province. How had a ruthles
A dark, mocking laugh vibrated through the crystal, sending a wave of ice straight down my spine. "My, my, little Elowen... why are you trembling so hard? Can a blood-brother not reach out to check on his dear little sister?"I utterly loathed Garrick Whitlock's sinister, purring tone. Biting down on my lip until I tasted blood, I snarled into the crystal, "Garrick, we aren't cubs anymore! Five years ago you destroyed everything! We have our own lives now! I am begging you... leave me alone! Let me live!"I couldn't endure the hellish, bloody nightmare he had dragged me through in the Moonfang Province ever again."Leave you alone?" Garrick chuckled darkly, his voice dropping into a terrifying, possessive purr. "We share Whitlock blood, Elowen. How could I ever discard my favorite little human? Life without your desperate tears is utterly meaningless. I need you back in my cage!"A terrifying wave of despair crashed over me, suffocating my chest. Tears of pure helplessness pricked my
Rowan Ashbourne shook her head gently, her sharp eyes dropping down to study my plus-size hands resting on my lap. "I am not here to summon Alpha Caelan, Luna Elowen," she murmured softly, her tone surprisingly warm. "I came to gaze upon you. And if you will permit me to say so... you possess remarkably beautiful, soft hands."I let out a breathless, self-deprecating chuckle, shifting under her intense gaze. "You honor me with flattery, Lady Rowan. Your hands are far paler and far smoother than a human's could ever be."It was the usual dance between noble bloodlines—polite, sharp, and dripping with hidden meanings.Yet I knew a high-ranking matriarch didn't ride through the capital's boundary wards just to exchange empty compliments. I retrieved a wooden canister of rare Black Ivory coffee beans—a luxurious human import Caelan had brought back from the southern trade routes—and offered a faint smile. "I rarely consume dark infusions myself, but my mate treasures these beans. Allow me
Stunned by Celine’s blunt question, I was about to shake my head when the older female shot me a subtle wink. She turned toward Caelan, her voice dripping with artificial worry. "Having severe leg cramps is absolute agony for a carrying female, Alpha. She cannot be straining her body during these first three moons. If the blood flow stalls, the pup could be lost."Caelan was already turning toward the carved staircase to retreat to his private study, but Celine called out boldly, "Alpha Caelan, those muscle spasms tear through her flesh. You ought to rub her limbs with warm oils tonight. I placed a jar of medicinal floral essence beside your sleeping mat."I had to hand it to Celine—she was a brilliant wingman for a struggling Luna.Caelan stopped on the landing, setting his strategic ledgers on the wooden banister as his sharp golden eyes locked onto my plus-size frame. "Are your legs paining you?"I belatedly realized he was actually asking about the fake cramps.Celine was nodding
"It's my mother's birth-celebration tomorrow night. Do you wish to attend?" Caius asked smoothly over the line. It seemed like our public scandal meant absolutely nothing to his reckless mind.I massaged my temples, my skull throbbing with a dull, persistent ache. "I am not free, Caius. You need to release a official statement clearing my name to the pack elders immediately."Caelan was the only Alpha in the territory with enough power to shield me from Garrick's dark reach.Right now, this fabricated scandal was completely destroying any chance I had of reaching him.Caius fell quiet for a long moment before grunting, "I will handle the public heralds.""Good," I sighed out, my human throat tight with exhaustion. "Just stop causing more disasters."I had no idea when Garrick would cross into Silvermoon Capital. If Caelan discarded me over this scandal and I was left defenseless like five years ago, my human body wouldn't survive another nightmare.Staying alive to protect the heir in
"Uh, bye. Talk to you later!" Seren cut the line abruptly.Huh? What was going on?Didn't I ask Lucan to retrieve her last night? I couldn't believe she found herself a one-night stand under those circumstances!Wait... was that Lucan?I immediately dialed Lucan's private line next. The crystal signal chimed for quite some time before a voice cut through."Elowen," he answered, his tone completely clear. It didn't sound like he was asleep at all, so I asked, "What are you doing?""I am steering my carriage back. What is wrong, Luna?" he replied smoothly.Well, it looked like he wasn't in Seren's bed after all.Chuckling softly in relief, I said, "I am finished with the provincial trade audit. Are you free this afternoon? Let's share a meal at the central hall.""Of course," he agreed without hesitation.When I cut the connection, Caius was watching me with an amused smirk. "Luna, seriously?"I shot him a puzzled look. "What is your problem, wolf?"He sighed, leaning back. "Is spending







