CHAPTER 4

In the ancient high-halls of the Northlands, the Vaughn Circle began finalizing the rites for my homecoming.

"I shall return to the Vaughn Estates ahead of the pack to oversee the sanctification of the Great-Hall," Eva declared, her amber eyes glowing with purpose. "Sierra is the True Heiress; her arrival must be marked with the finest furs, the swiftest forest-runners, and tribute worthy of her blood."

They prepared sprawling territories and artifacts of power to celebrate my return. Meanwhile, back at the Steele residence, I felt a sharp chill and sneezed. Was a rival pack whispering my name to the winds?

Patricia Bloom gripped my hand, her face lit by the glow of the hearth. "Sierra, the tribute from the redevelopment has truly been manifested in our vaults."

"Good," I replied, feeling the weight of the past three years finally lift. "From this moon forward, we walk as predators, not prey."

Suddenly, Patricia’s expression turned solemn. "Sierra, I have meditated on what Landon mentioned regarding your return to the Vaughn Great-Pack territories. I’ve decided to bring our kin and the young ones along with you. We shall migrate as one."

"Are you certain?"

I had been plagued by the fear that Patricia would feel like an exile in the deep Northlands. I couldn't bear the thought of reclaiming my throne if it meant abandoning the woman who had sheltered me when I was a nameless relic.

"Yes," she affirmed. "But before we cross the border, I must perform the Rite of Farewell for our ancestors here. We won't be treading these industrial paths often in the cycles to come."

"Of course. And the forest paths are always open for the mid-winter festivals."

My spirit felt lighter than a hawk on the wing. With Patricia’s blessing, I could finally begin carving my exit from the Steele Pack’s shadow.

The following morning, I headed to the design sanctuary for my shift. I usually handled the weekend scrolls, finding peace in the quiet of the studio. Shortly after I arrived, Felix stepped into my workspace.

"Sierra, you're early today."

"Felix? I thought the healers ordered you to remain in the recovery den." I was surprised to see him. I assumed the head injury he took while protecting me from the kidnappers would have kept him sidelined for a week.

He offered a weary but warm smile. "The pack healer cleared me after the morning ritual. It was a mere surface wound; I simply need to keep my wolf calm. I couldn't stay idle while there is work to be done in the studio."

"Just ensure you don't overtax your spirit. You haven't fully mended."

"My mother has been fussing over me like a pup. I’ll be fine under her watch."

I recalled my encounter with Janice at the healing ward. Once was more than enough; her obsession with blood-purity and Felix’s 'rising status' made my skin crawl.

By the time the sun hit its zenith, Felix emerged from his inner sanctum. "Sierra, let's hunt for some midday sustenance together."

"It’s my treat," I insisted. "You shed blood to shield me from those rogues, and a simple meal is the least I can offer in gratitude."

"Gratitude is easy," he joked, his voice dropping an octave. "You could just agree to a life-bond with me."

An icy awkwardness settled over me. Before I could find my voice, he laughed it off. "I’m merely testing the wind, Sierra. Don't let your wolf bristle. Let’s go."

Just as we reached the threshold, Janice stepped into the studio, the scent of heavy spices following her. "Felix, are you pushing yourself again? I’ve prepared a decoction of bone-broth and herbs for your recovery."

"Mother, why have you come? I told you I was dining out." Felix frowned. He had clearly hoped for a private moment with me, and Janice’s arrival was like a heavy fog over a clear trail.

"I was worried you’d neglect your strength, Felix. You can share the broth with Ms. Vaughn since she’s here."

I forced a polite smile. "Mrs. Quilter, have you fed yet? If not, please, join our hunt."

"I haven't, but I planned to return to my den after delivering this. Perhaps you two should take the broth with you. I wouldn't want to be a tether on a young pair's afternoon."

I couldn't let her walk back alone in the heat. "Not at all, Mrs. Quilter. It’s more efficient if you dine with us. Please."

Felix looked defeated. His carefully planned 'date' was being dismantled by his mother’s overbearing presence. "Fine. I know a tavern with good mountain-goat, but it’s a trek. Since the afternoon is clear, we shall walk to catch the breeze."

As we approached the transport, Felix instinctively opened the front passenger door. I paused, glancing at Janice.

"Mrs. Quilter, the seat is yours."

"How considerate of you, Sierra. The motion of the carriage unsettles my wolf, but I find peace if I am seated in the front." She didn't hesitate, sliding into the seat like a queen reclaiming a throne.

I took the back seat. I had no desire to fight for territory with her.

"Ms. Vaughn, it is a rarity to see a female of your age working through the sacred rest-days," Janice noted, her voice carrying a hidden edge. "Most young wolves today are lazy, loathing the grind of the studio. Felix built this territory from nothing, yet his workers still howl if he asks for extra labor."

"Mother, stop," Felix sighed.

I felt the tension radiating from him and managed a small nod. "I find peace in my craft, Mrs. Quilter."

"I am glad. The healer said Felix must be wary of the shadows in his mind. Since he is always buried in his scrolls, perhaps you could watch over his spirit once I return to the southern territories? Ensure he doesn't work until his wolf fades."

"I will ensure he remains grounded, Mrs. Quilter."

"That eases my heart. Ms. Vaughn... may I call you Sierra? I wish for us to share a closer scent."

I nodded, though my instincts were screaming. The carriage came to a halt in front of a high-end tavern. As we stepped out, Janice immediately linked her arm with mine, her voice chirping like a forest bird. "Sierra, you are not only a vision to behold, but your spirit is capable. If you were to join our pack in the future, your designs would surely conquer the Northlands alongside Felix’s studio."

I froze. As I lifted my head, my gaze collided with a pair of eyes as dark and cold as a midnight frost.

My heart hammered against my ribs. It was him.

I had not expected to cross paths with Cameron Steele here. It seemed the Moon Goddess had a cruel sense of humor. Felix saw him as well, his eyes widening. He knew Cameron was the Alpha of Steele Industries and, supposedly, the intended of Lexi Hart.

A suffocating tension draped over us at the tavern entrance. I quickly looked away, trying to hide my scent. "Mrs. Quilter, we should head to our private chamber."

But Felix, ever the ambitious wolf, stepped toward Cameron. "Alpha Steele! What a surprise to find the ruler of Steele Industries dining in such a modest grove."

My breath hitched. Why was Felix greeting him? When had he become so bold with the man who once shared my bed?

I stole a look at Cameron. He remained as imposing as a mountain peak, his presence swallowing the light. He gave a nonchalant, icy nod toward me, his silence more deafening than a howl.

Felix was clearly trying to forge a path into the Alpha's inner circle. A word from a Steele could elevate a small design studio into a regional powerhouse. Beside Cameron’s predator-like grace, Felix looked like a pup trying to mimic a Great-Wolf.

The embarrassment was a physical weight. I wanted to sink into the earth. Then, Janice joined the fray. She approached Cameron, asking Felix, "Felix, is this your pack-mate? Why don't we share our kill since the fates have brought us together?"

My blood ran cold. Cameron was a notorious loner, a clean-freak who loathed the scent of unfamiliar wolves near his food. There was no way he would agree.

Felix tried to reel his mother in. "Mother, the Alpha is a busy man. He doesn't have time for the hospitality of strangers."

He voiced exactly what I hoped for. But when I met Cameron’s gaze, I saw a wicked glint.

"I have the time," Cameron said smoothly.

I was flabbergasted. Had the stars fallen from the sky? Why would Cameron Steele—the man who found a simple dinner with his own wife an inconvenience—agree to dine with his ex-wife’s new suitor and his overbearing mother?

Felix was equally stunned, his ambition momentarily eclipsed by confusion. I considered shifting and running into the woods right then.

Janice waved at me. "Sierra! Don't linger at the threshold like a stray! Join us!"

I was trapped. Janice dragged me toward the table, linking arms with me. "Don't be shy, Sierra. He’s a friend of Felix’s, and we’re just sharing a meal. It’s the way of the Northlands."

Felix tried to brighten the mood. "Yes, Sierra, you’ve met the Alpha before, haven't you? There’s no need for the 'omega' act."

Janice’s eyes sharpened. "Sierra? You have a history with Alpha Steele? How are your bloodlines linked?"

This was the precipice. I couldn't say we were ex-mates, not with my belly secretly carrying his pups and the divorce papers still fresh.

I looked at him, pleading with my eyes, only for him to rumble, "Our relationship is... unusual."

My heart stopped. I jumped into the void to save myself. "Yes, it is unusual. We are kin. Distant relatives from the old territories."

Janice’s eyes gleamed with greed. "Relative! Then he is your...?"

"The Alpha is my cousin," I lied, the words tasting like ash. "A very distant cousin."

I felt his heavy, suggestive gaze burning into the side of my head, but I refused to look. I had no idea what game he was playing.

Felix beamed. Cousins made sense; it explained how a 'relic' like me could have the poise of an heiress. If he married me, he would be linking his bloodline to the Steele Pack and the Vaughn Circle. He was practically vibrating with excitement.

"Let’s not stand in the wind. Alpha Steele, this way."

Cameron narrowed his eyes at me, a silent promise of a later confrontation, before following them into the private room. I followed with heavy steps, my appetite completely gone.

Once we were seated, Felix shoved the menu toward Cameron. "Alpha, you must lead the hunt. Order first."

Cameron took the parchment, but his eyes never left mine as he slid it across the table to me. "Sierra, you decide."

The room felt like it was closing in. He was doing this on purpose.

Janice nudged me. "Go on, Sierra! The Alpha is being gracious. Don't be a cub."

I swallowed hard and took the menu. I couldn't focus on the runes, so I blindly pointed at two simple dishes. Janice snatched it away immediately.

"Sierra, no! The Alpha is a VIP guest; we must offer him the heart of the kill. We need the marrow-bones and the aged venison! Don't worry about the tribute; Felix’s studio can afford to honor a Steele."

I felt like an animal in a trap. Janice ordered a mountain of food, mostly heavy, spice-rubbed meats. Knowing Cameron’s preference for clean, unadorned flavors, I instinctively spoke up. "Mrs. Quilter, perhaps something milder? The Alpha prefers his meat lightly seared, with fewer spices. Heavy rubs don't sit well with his wolf."

The silence that followed was absolute.

I realized my mistake the second the words left my lips. Both Cameron and Felix were staring at me. My heart stalled. "He... he is my cousin," I stammered. "Naturally, I grew up knowing the dietary preferences of my kin."

Cameron leaned back, a dark, mocking smile playing on his lips. "How remarkably attentive of you, Sierra. I didn't realize you kept such a detailed record of my needs."

"I always remember my family’s traits, Cameron," I replied, my voice stiff.

Janice beamed, linking arms with me again. "Sierra, I love your attention to detail! Felix is always so buried in his work that he forgets the needs of his kin. I’ll be so relieved when you’re by his side to manage his affairs."

The silence returned, heavier this time. I could feel the temperature in the room drop as Cameron’s gaze turned lethal.

The irony was suffocating. I wasn't even fully divorced, I was carrying the Alpha’s heirs, and his mother-in-law 'candidate' was trying to matchmake me right under his nose. I let out a hollow laugh.

"Mrs. Quilter, the prey has arrived. Let’s eat."

"Sierra, why so evasive? Your cousin is here, he’s met Felix... it’s only a matter of time before we all meet at the Great-Hall to discuss the union, isn't it?"

I wanted to vanish. What was Janice doing? I had only agreed to one meal to settle a debt of gratitude, and she was already planning a bonding ceremony.

Cameron smirked, his voice a low growl. "Is that so? Sierra, I was unaware you were courting."

His words sent a shiver down my spine. Janice answered for me. "Alpha Steele, you have no idea. When Sierra was taken by those rogue scavengers, Felix fought like a berserker to save her. He was nearly sent to the Ancestors! It’s obvious his wolf has claimed her."

Felix smiled modestly. "Mother, please. I didn't do much."

"Nonsense! You are her savior! It’s only natural she returns the favor by becoming your mate."

I was speechless. Saved my life?

"Saved her?" Cameron’s voice was deep, resonating with a dangerous frequency. He locked eyes with me. "According to my memory, I was the one who descended in the Steele Industries sky-runner to extract her. Did I imagine that?"

I looked for an escape route. How could I spin this?

Janice gasped. "A sky-runner? This sounds like a legend."

I forced a smile. "The sky-runner was... more efficient for the extraction."

"It must have cost a fortune in crystals," Janice squealed.

"A tribute of 10,000 gold pieces for a single flight is a small price for family," Cameron replied nonchalantly.

Janice’s eyes turned to gold coins as she looked at Cameron. She had no idea he was that wealthy. Felix, however, remained focused. He knew Cameron was the head of Steele Industries. He was surprised Cameron had personally led the rescue. Did he still not fully trust me?

Felix chided me gently. "Sierra, you never told me the Alpha personally came for you. I missed the chance to offer proper tribute. Alpha Steele, a toast of fermented mountain-berry for your bravery."

Cameron looked at the glass and smiled without warmth. "I do not partake."

Felix, undeterred, swapped it for a cup of herbal tea. "Then tea?"

Cameron ignored him, his eyes boring into mine. "Sierra... shouldn't you be the one to offer me a tribute?"

I took a shaky breath. This was a nightmare. I had invented the cousin story to keep our past buried. Why was he pushing me?

Janice nudged me. "Sierra! Offer the Alpha his tribute! He spent a fortune in gold and risked his wolf for you. It’s only right."

She shoved a glass of heavy wine into my hand. I hesitated. "Mrs. Quilter... I cannot. My wolf is... unsettled. I am not drinking today."

"Just one glass for the Alpha. If you feel the moon-madness, Felix will carry you back to your den. He is a gentleman; he won't touch a hair on your head without permission."

I grimaced. That was the last thing I wanted to hear.

Finally, I stood and approached Cameron with the glass. I could see the biting sarcasm in his eyes. Just as I reached him, Felix stood up and took the glass from my hand.

"Sierra, I will drink your share of the tribute. You are still mending from the rogues' attack. Let me carry the weight for you."