A Wolf Among Wolves

Meanwhile… Philipa’s Room

Philipa slipped who had earlier slipped into her chamber just before dawn finished stretching across the sky. Her muscles ached deliciously from the hours she’d stolen to train in the forest—her secret rebellion. She dropped to the floor and began light push-ups to cool down when a soft knock made her freeze.

She sprang to her feet, wiped sweat from her brow, and composed herself.

But she didn’t even get to say “come in.”

The door creaked open—and in walked the most annoying person in Crestmoon.

Kaden.... Grinning like something who had found his mate.

“Morning, little soldier,” he drawled.

Philipa shot him a murderous look.

He eyed her sweaty face, her disheveled hair… and burst out laughing... Loud, irritating laughter.

Philipa’s anger instantly flared. “What are you doing here, laughing like a madman?”

He smirked at her irritation. “I came to give you the latest gossip since you’ve been confined for two days.”

“I’m not interested—”

“It’s about war,” he interrupted.

Her eyes widened. “…What war?”

Kaden folded his arms, enjoying the suspense. “Carlo tripled the tribute. Father paid the usual. Carlo didn’t like it—so he sent a letter threatening war.”

Philipa’s jaw clenched. “Carlo is a tyrant. I’m glad Father refused to obey. If he wants war, then let him come. I’ll fight!”

Kaden blinked at her. Then threw his head back and laughed again.

"Let’s go to war, i can fight " He mimick her voice.

Philipa’s fingers curled. She was seconds away from decking him.

“Women don’t go to war,” he said mockingly.“They stay behind and take care of the kids.”

Her vision tinted red for a moment.

Kaden continued, unfazed, “Besides, we won’t need to fight. Father has asked for help from the most powerful Alpha in the entire northern region.”

Philipa’s stomach dropped. Her voice barely came out. “Who…?”

Kaden smirked.“Draven BloodFall.” Philipa froze. Her face drained of color.

Kaden noticed and frowned. “What’s wrong with you? Everyone keeps going pale at the mention of that Alpha. He’s just another wolf like Father. Why fear him?”

Philipa stared at her brother. He truly didn’t know anything. He doesn’t read, doesn’t train, doesn’t pay attention—no wonder he could grin hearing that name.

“Draven BloodFall?” she whispered. “That… demon wolf? Father should be afraid. Draven is worse than Carlo.”

Kaden scoffed. “You’re overreacting. Draven is just an Alpha offering help. Nothing more.”

Philipa pinched the bridge of her nose.

Her brother was even more foolish than she thought.

Books said Draven had no mate—even after he came of age. No one wanted to bind themselves to a creature known to be bloodthirsty. Some said the Moon Goddess rejected him. Others said he rejected the moon goddess.

Kaden snapped his fingers in front of her face. “So what? Are you scared?”

Philipa blinked hard. Annoyed to find him still standing there, she shoved him out the door and slammed it shut in his face.

His muffled threats echoed down the hall, but she ignored him.

She lay down on her bed, staring blankly at the ceiling… a tightness creeping into her chest.

If Draven BloodFall truly came… What future awaits Crestmoon?

And worse… What future awaited her?

----

Back at BloodFall Pack…

The heavy doors of the study room burst open.

Beta Devon strode in briskly, his expression tight with urgency. Gamma Phil was already present, standing near the long table while Draven sat behind it, thumbing through a stack of scrolls filled with reports.

Devon bowed deeply. “Alpha.”

Draven merely inclined his head in acknowledgment, his eyes never leaving the parchment in his hands.

Devon straightened. “Your admission letter to Ashbourne Academy has been approved. All details have been finalized, and arrangements have been made as instructed.”

Draven hummed softly his approval without words—still reading.

Then Devon added, “There’s also a letter from Alpha Kadel of Crestmoon Pack.” That did it.

Draven slowly lifted his head.

His dark eyes locked onto the sealed letter resting in Devon’s palm. A faint smirk curved his lips as he reached out, took it, and deliberately broke the seal in slowmotion. He read in silence, his expression unreadable at first… then the smirk widened.

He folded the letter neatly and leaned back, drumming his fingers against the armrest—slow, and deliberate.

“Saxon’s reports were accurate,” he said calmly. “Kadel has come crawling.”

He glanced at Phil. “Tell me, Phil —what do you think I should demand in return for my protection?”

Phil hesitated briefly, choosing his words carefully.

“Crestmoon is a fairly large pack,” he began. “But their harvests have been poor for three consecutive years. This year was the worst. Carlo’s demands were impossible—that’s why Kadel failed to meet them.”

Draven listened without interruption.

Phil continued, “There is little worth taking. His son, Kaden, is weak and useless. However…” He paused. “…his daughter, Philipa, may be a reasonable price.”

Draven’s brows lifted slightly—an elegant, dangerous motion.

“A woman?” he asked mildly, then scoffed. “I don’t need one. And I certainly don’t want a mate.”

Devon dared to object.“With respect, Alpha… a mate delivered to you may not be such a terrible thing. You’ve been of age for years. The Moon Goddess has denied you one—perhaps this is fate’s way of compensating.”

Draven’s gaze snapped to him. Cold. Sharp. And Lethal.

Devon instantly lowered his eyes.

“I said I don’t want a mate,” Draven replied flatly. “That subject is closed.”

Silence thickened the room. Then Draven leaned forward.

“Send a letter back to Alpha Kadel,” he ordered. “Tell him I’ll deal with Carlo personally. In return, I want one-third of Crestmoon’s land and a full year’s tribute—forty thousand harvest crops.”

Devon’s throat bobbed. Those terms were brutal and Impossible.