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2026-04-05 01:46:34
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The Untamed Matriarch 52
"Welcome back, Rowan."A short, sharp shriek escapes me as I bolt upright, spinning toward the sound. It has a slight metallic ring to it—no one is in the room."Get into the attire," the voice commands. I realize it’s coming from the silver-lined intercom on the wall near the door. I hadn't even realized the Estate had an internal comms system. "When the transformation is complete, proceed to the third floor. I expect you there in fifteen minutes."I freeze, my pupils blown wide as I stare at the speaker.The third floor? The restricted wing with the reinforced steel door?What kind of cage has he built up there?A long silence stretches between us before the voice returns, lower this time."Rowan? Do you acknowledge the command?"I stumble toward the wall, hesitating before slamming my thumb onto the talk button. "I... okay. Yes. I'm coming.""Excellent," he purrs. "Do not be late."My whole body is vibrating as I step away. Every bit of the peace I found with Nikolai has been incin
The Untamed Matriarch 51
Nikolai freezes, his gaze drilling into mine, waiting for the rest of my thought to surface."I mean," I start, the words tangling as I stare down at the condensation on my beer bottle. "I’m aware that the dive bar you took me to was crawling with eyes from every rival pack in the Syndicate. It was humiliating. It drove a massive wedge between me and Julian when he caught wind—from multiple snitches—that I was out scent-marking the air with you. And regardless of the mess Julian and I are in, I still value him."I lift my eyes to his, letting him see the raw sting there. I catch a flicker of genuine remorse crossing his features. He’s either the most gifted actor in the Northern Territory or... maybe he actually gives a damn about the collateral damage he causes me."I like you, Nikolai," I whisper, the confession bleeding out before I can pull it back. "I like you... more than I should. But I don't know if there’s a drop of silver-truth in any of this, or if I’m just a convenient too
The Untamed Matriarch 50
He signals the valet to bring his car back around without a second thought.Thirty minutes later, we’re sitting on the edge of a weathered wooden picnic table in my old neighborhood, miles away from the glass fortresses of the West Coast. A massive tray of street tacos sits between us. I’d guided Nikolai here, to the edge of a park where a local food truck sets up on Tuesday nights. String lights twinkle above us and traditional music hums from a battery-powered radio. We are the only souls here.It is, unexpectedly, perfect.“This is incredible,” Nikolai murmurs, finishing a carne asada taco. “How did I miss this in my reconnaissance of this territory?”I give him a playful wink. “Local pack secret,” I say, taking a long pull from a cold beer. “We don’t usually let Alphas from the Northern Territory in, but...” I look him up and down, from the suit to the tattoos. “For you, we’ll allow a temporary pass.”Nikolai smirks. “I am honored by your mercy,” he says, reaching for another taco
The Untamed Matriarch 49
I lift my chin, meeting his gaze with a defiance that masks the tremor in my soul. “Yes,” I tell him, my voice a jagged edge of silver.“Exquisite,” he purrs, the golden heat in his eyes raking over me one last time before he wrenches the heavy oak door open. “I’m salivating at the thought of our next encounter, Rowan. Every agonizing second of it.”Mason pulls the door shut with a final, resonant thud. The moment the latch clicks, my strength vanishes. I drop to my knees on the cold stone floor, finally allowing my legs to give way to the violent shaking I’d been suppressing. My breath comes in ragged hitches as I fumbled for the new device hidden in my desk’s false bottom. I dial Harper immediately.“Wait, for real?” she shouts, skipping any pretense of a hello. “Is the High Alpha already retreating? Dammit, I pegged Mason Cross for a wolf with more stamina than that—”“Harper,” I groan, collapsing onto my back and staring up at the dark rafters of my ceiling. “Stop spiraling. We di
The Untamed Matriarch 48
"Who is it?" I whisper, my voice sounding far more fragile than I wanted. No answer.I peek through the heavy silver-lined keyhole, but the hall is empty. I slowly twist the handle and pull the door ajar.Sitting on the rug is a white lacquered box tied with a blood-red silk ribbon. I snatch it up and retreat into the room, slamming the door and leaning against it until my breathing slows.Curiosity wins. I move to the bed, untying the silk and lifting the lid.I go cold. Inside, resting on tissue paper, is a wisp of black lace and silk—a set of lingerie so delicate it looks like a spiderweb. My blood turns to ice as I lift it out, realizing it’s not just a gift; it’s a uniform. A small, heavy cardstock note falls from the folds.The handwriting is sharp, commanding:Wear this with the black heels I sent to your wardrobe. I will be there in fifteen minutes.I cover my mouth, my head shaking in disbelief.Fifteen minutes?And then what?Fourteen minutes later, I am staring at a strange
The Untamed Matriarch 47
We share a jagged, toothy grin as our gazes lock. I roll my eyes at her intensity, but Harper doesn't flicker; she simply thrusts her glass toward me in a silent dare. I hesitate for a heartbeat before clinking my rim against hers."Whatever path you choose, Rowan," she says, her voice dropping into a serious, protective growl. "I’m in your corner. But never forget—this is for your survival, not his ego. The moment this arrangement stops feeding your wolf? You tear his throat out and run."I nod firmly, absorbing the weight of her survival instincts.I drain the burning liquid, leaning over the scarred wooden table to let my sister help me map out the hunt.The sun is dipping below the jagged peaks of the Pacific Northwest, casting long, bloody shadows across the redwood cathedrals when I finally pull up to the silver-lined gates of the Cross Estate. I spent the afternoon in the safety of Harper’s sanctuary, letting her sharp wit and pack-born wisdom mend the frayed edges of my nerves
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