LOGINWith a mask of false confidence, she snapped, “Sierra, you wouldn’t dare! Just because you used those savage tactics against Candace doesn’t mean I’m as easy to corner as she is.”I met her gaze with a weary, knowing smile. “Go ahead, put it to the test. Since you’re so determined to make my life difficult, let’s just ensure this path is a nightmare for everyone involved, shall we?”Maya hissed, her blood-purity arrogance flaring. “If you sabotage this, the studio loses its reputation! Besides, you had no idea this was my commission before you set foot on these cliffs. You’re too much of a professional to ruin it now.”Despite the heat of our hatred, she knew I still followed the ancient codes of the artisan.A cold smirk played on my lips. “Actually, I spotted several structural flaws in this ritual altar the moment I arrived. I had every intention of fixing them to ensure your safety. But since this is your union, maybe I’ll just leave them be. A couple headed toward a cliff seems l
"Landon," I began, my voice steady despite the underlying tension, "do you think there’s a possibility that Vista Properties might suddenly halt the redevelopment? Or maybe manipulate the names on the relocation scrolls—or even the bank transfer signals?"Landon frowned, his sharp, golden eyes reflecting a hint of confusion. "Sierra, why would you let your mind wander into such dark territory? It’s highly improbable. Vista Properties is governed by the ancient codes of the Vaughn Circle; their management is ironclad. Rest assured, I’ll be monitoring every scent trail and credit transfer for you," he promised.I fell silent for a beat, the cold weight of the Northlands' politics pressing on me. "Alright. Thank you, Landon."If Lexi Hart was pulling strings from within the den of the Great-Pack, I wouldn't let her scent go cold.After I left the Vaughn Estates, Felix called my device. "Sierra, how did the scroll-signing go today?""The marks are set. The territory is secured.""Congratu
"The pack has reached an accord with the local den-dwellers. We aren't expecting any resistance."In the back of the luxury transport, Cameron Steele massaged his temples, his patience fraying. "I am talking about Sierra’s childhood territory! Where is your head, Jonah?"Jonah Price swallowed hard, adjusting his glasses. "Alpha, Mr. Coleman from Optima Construction confirmed one of our own reached out to him. Based on the scent trail, it’s someone from Candace Moore’s inner circle. She’s behind the sabotage."Given Candace’s history of clawing at Sierra, the connection was obvious. Cameron’s eyes flashed with a cold, predatory light. "And the status of the territory now?""Today is the signing of the scrolls in the old sector. But there’s a snag. Sierra and Patricia Bloom’s residence has been contested. Her adoptive parents, the Bowens, managed to get their marks on the scrolls before dawn," Jonah explained.Cameron surged to his feet, grabbing his obsidian suit jacket. "I’m going to
Landon’s eyes burned with a cold, predatory light. He would undoubtedly track down the coward behind this and snap their legs like dry kindling.After a tense silence, Jonah Price spoke through the line. "It appears Steele Industries—the Alpha's direct family—is pulling the strings.""What?"Landon’s head snapped toward the living room where I sat. He quickly slid the veranda door shut, cutting off the sound. "Did you verify the motive?" he growled into the phone.Why was Cameron Steele targeting me? Was he trying to use the redevelopment to force me back into his den as a mistress? Landon’s mind raced through a dozen violent scenarios, his protective brotherly instincts flaring into a murderous rage."We aren't certain of the 'why' yet, but the order to George at Optima Construction came straight from the Steele Residence," Jonah reported. "No construction pack in the Northlands would dare defy the Steele Matriarch or her daughter.""Cameron is playing a dangerous game," Landon hisse
"I agree," I murmured, a self-mocking shadow crossing my face. "A wolf should stay within the boundaries of their own territory. I'm sorry for dragging you into my darkness, Gina."Gina squeezed my hand. "Don't say that. With the way your name is spreading through the Northlands, you’ll be a legend soon. You won't be trailing behind the elite; you’ll be leading them. We’re writing a story where the misunderstood omega becomes the Queen of the Great-Pack!"We parted ways, and I headed back to the Vaughn Estates. Since Landon—my eldest brother—had handled the redevelopment mess, Bob and Mary didn’t have the spine to show their faces at my door anymore. I finally had a moment of stillness.The next day, as soon as my academy lectures concluded, I headed to the studio."Sierra, do you have plans for the weekend?" a coworker asked as I walked in.The weekend? That’s tomorrow, I realized. "No, my schedule is wide open.""Could you cover my shifts? My pack has an emergency back in the mounta
That's great. I bought this place through his contact. I should really thank him."Eva coughed. "No need. Landon already settled the favor. Don't worry about it." She breathed a sigh of relief when I didn't push. She didn't want to explain that Landon was the contact.Landon returned in time for dinner, his eyes narrowing the moment he saw me. "Sierra, you need to eat more. You’re nothing but bones and spirit."I rolled my eyes. I’d actually gained a few pounds."Don't worry about the redevelopment," he continued. "I met a friend in the construction industry. He said he’d personally meet with you to sign the contracts. Your adoptive parents won't be able to touch the deal. There’s nothing they can do.""Fantastic! Your friend is a lifesaver. I should buy him dinner."Landon went silent. He couldn't exactly tell me he was that "friend." "No need. I already treated him this afternoon."The next day at the studio, a massive bouquet of red roses sat on my desk. No note."Did the courier m
I immediately led him to Naomi’s primary healer so he could sink his claws into the medical records as quickly as possible. While he stayed below to study the soul-charts, I took the stone stairs to the high-caste ward to visit Naomi.I didn't expect to find Cameron already standing by her bedside.
The healer’s voice was calm, but the words felt like a heavy weight. "The strain of the pup’s growth is beginning to pull at your core, Sierra. Or perhaps you’ve been under a shadow of stress lately. You must let your wolf rest."I knew exactly what the shadow was: Naomi’s surgery.When I stepped o
I took a shaky breath, the weight of the Vaughn name pressing on me as I dialed. "Dominic, I have a request. A favor.""Didn't you promise," I continued, my voice small, "that if I stayed by our grandmother's side in the ancient territories, you would treat me as your true blood-sister? That you wo
Cameron’s golden eyes swept over Ryder with predatory disdain. "Already baring your throat and surrendering? I expected more from a supposed lead male."The fury in Ryder’s chest spiked so hard his claws nearly split his skin. There was no way a Vaughn would retreat from a Steele’s posturing. If I







