MasukAs the morning wore on, I found myself deep in conversation with several heirs who had known my parents. Their stories painted a picture of the people I couldn't remember, my father's legendary strength tempered by unexpected kindness, my mother's fierce intelligence and diplomatic skill.
"Your mother once negotiated a peace treaty that had failed for three generations," a young woman named Elise told me, her eyes bright with admiration. "She found the compromise no one else could see."
"And your father," added a tall heir named Marcus, "once shifted into his wolf form and carried an injured pup fifteen miles through a blizzard when vehicles couldn't get through."
Each story was a precious gift, filling in the blank spaces where my memories should have been. Through their words, my parents
I felt heat rise in my cheeks despite myself. Even after everything we'd been through, their combined attention still made my heart race. Through our bond, I could sense their desire mingling with pride and fierce protectiveness, a heady combination that made it difficult to focus on the task at hand."Later," I promised, my voice lower than I'd intended. "First, we reclaim this place properly."Kane nodded, though his dark eyes remained heated. "As our Luna commands."We spent the next several hours moving methodically through the house, cataloguing damage and making plans for restoration. In what had once been the formal dining room, we found Northern Alliance documents detailing their systematic exploitation of Blackthorne lands, timber harvested illegally, minerals extracted without pro
"And our pack house?" I asked softly, almost afraid of the answer.Kane's arm slid around my waist, pulling me against his side. "Our pack house is where we found each other. Where did you learned who you really are? Where you claimed your power.""It's both," Liam suggested gently. "You're Blackthorne and Maxwell now. Both bloodlines, both legacies, both homes."I considered this as we continued exploring the grand house, room by room. In what must have been my parents' private quarters, I found a small hidden compartment behind a loose stone in the fireplace, somehow overlooked by the Northern Alliance during their occupation.Inside was a silver locket containing a tiny portrait of my parents holding
Power surged through me instantly – not the divine fury I'd channelled at the ceremony, but something more personal, more intimate. The magic woven into the very structure of this house recognised my blood, my lineage.The doors swung open without being touched."Holy shit," Brent whispered behind me.The entrance hall stretched before us, its soaring ceiling and sweeping staircase speaking of a grandeur that even seventeen years of Northern Alliance occupation couldn't diminish. But I could see the changes they'd made – modern security equipment bolted crudely to ancient stonework, their banners hanging where my family's should have been, the scent of strangers permeating every surface."Come out," I called, my voice echoing through the hall. "You know who I am. You know why I'm here."For a moment, there was only silence. Then, slowly, figures began to emerge from doorways – six wolv
"Your heart rate is elevated," he observed, his voice clinical despite the worry I could sense beneath the surface. "I'm fine," I said, though I wasn't entirely sure that was true. The calling sensation was growing stronger, and with it came flashes of something, images that didn't belong to me but felt familiar nonetheless. A great hall filled with sunlight streaming through tall windows. Gardens where white roses bloomed against stone walls. The sound of children's laughter echoes through empty corridors. "We're here," the driver announced from the front seat. I looked up to see wrought iron gates standing open, their elegant curves twisted and blackened as if they'd been damaged by fire. Beyond them, a long driveway stretched, lined with ancient oak trees, their branches forming a canopy overhead. The pulling sensation in my chest intensified to the point where I gasped, my hand flying to my heart. Diamond was practically clawing at my consciousness now, desperate to be free, t
"See? Exhausted," he said, his dark eyes soft with concern. "You've done enough for one day."I rested my head against his shoulder, too tired to argue. The events of the past twenty-four hours had drained me in ways I hadn't fully appreciated until now. My limbs felt heavy, and even Diamond's presence seemed subdued, content to let me rest.When we reached our suite, Fin pulled back the covers while Kane gently laid me on the bed. The simple domesticity of the moment struck me, these four powerful Alphas attending to my needs with such tender care. It was still a novelty that made my heart ache with unexpected emotion."I never thought I'd have this," I murmured as Liam helped me out of my shoes. "People who actually care whether I'm tired or hungry or cold."
Brent smiled, his amber eyes warming with understanding. "The birth date deception is an ancient practice in powerful bloodlines. Your parents altered your recorded birthday to protect you; it throws off anyone trying to target you during your most vulnerable time.""The tradition would still serve a purpose," Kane added thoughtfully. "For our future children."The casual mention of children sent a flutter through my stomach. The thought of someday having a family with these four men, carrying their children, continuing both the Maxwell and Blackthorne bloodlines, felt simultaneously terrifying and right."That's... something to consider," I managed, feeling heat rise in my cheeks.Fin's grin was wicked as he caught my reaction thro







