جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 60

(Freya's POV)The ambient light seeped through the large window of my office, casting dim shadows across the piles of documents stacked haphazardly on my desk. My pen hovered over the paper as my focus flickered, workload stretching endlessly. Still, Bella, my wolf, remained surprisingly quiet and compliant.Then, the door creaked open, and an overwhelmingly familiar floral fragrance filtered in, making Bella stir uneasily. I knew the scent too well by now. Caroline Redwood.My eyes stayed glued to the documents, pretending not to notice her presence. Maybe, just maybe, she’d drop whatever excuse she had for coming and leave on her own."Good morning, Luna Freya." Her high-pitched voice pierced through the silence like an overly sweet melody grating on sensitive ears.I exhaled steadily, forcing patience to the surface. With deliberate movements, I capped my pen and finally glanced up. There she was, standing smugly in her designer outfit, sharp heels clacking softly against the h

(Freya's POV)Caroline sat across from me, her back impossibly straight, her polished nails tapping rhythmically against the edge of my desk. Her every movement was calculated and deliberate, as if the slightest display of emotion would somehow be a weakness."I want your word," she said, her voice firm yet laced with tension. Her eyes, darker than usual, stared at me unblinking. "You'll leave after Elder Katherine's surgery, as we agreed?"I could see how badly she needed confirmation. Her wolf’s agitation seeped into the air between us, though she fought to keep her calm exterior. Her desperation was almost tangible."Yes," I replied, my tone deliberately steady. "I’ll keep my word. After the surgery, I'll leave Northern Ridge Pack territory for five years."The effect was instant. Her shoulders eased slightly, the stiffness in her posture fading as her wolf calmed. Relief washed over her features, softening the sharp angles of her face."And..." She hesitated, her voice quiete

(Freya's POV)The Pack Council Office was abuzz with activity, wolves coming and going, their voices blending into a low hum. The waiting area was crowded with pairs preparing for their mate marking ceremonies. The atmosphere was almost festive, filled with excitement and laughter.And then there was us.I sat quietly in one of the stiff plastic chairs, staring down at my hands as tension wrapped around my chest like a heavy chain. The seat beside me, though empty, felt like it carried its own weight.Aaron stood a few feet away, towering and sharp like a blade, unmoving as always. His powerful frame blocked the pale morning sunlight streaming through the large windows, his arms crossed tightly over his chest."You can sit," I offered softly, glancing at the empty chair next to me."I prefer standing," he replied coldly, his gaze fixed somewhere far beyond the room.I nodded a little, more to myself than him. He didn’t want to interact with me. I understood. Soon, he would no lo

(Aaron's POV)The car was still, stopped at the red light, but the air inside was tense and suffocating. The blaring horns from the impatient drivers behind us added to the weight pressing down on my chest.I turned to Freya, my wolf Logan pacing restlessly in my mind. Her usual calming presence was gone. It was terrifyingly blank."Freya," I called through the mate bond. No response.Her violet eyes stared ahead, wide but empty, like she wasn’t really there. Her pale face was frozen, her jaw clenched so tightly I could see the strain in her neck."Freya, wake up," I tried again, louder this time. Still nothing.The cars behind us honked again, their frustrated drivers growing louder and more aggressive. Logan growled. My patience was thinning fast."Snow Princess!" I snapped, my Alpha authority slipping into my voice, but she didn’t even flinch.Her complete stillness sent a jolt of panic through me. She had never been like this before. Never so... absent.The drivers behind

(Caroline’s POV)The room was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop. All the eyes in the room were on me after my outburst. Rebecca Winters, Emma Parker, Rachel Lewis, and the others from the Redwood Pack looked stunned.Their wide eyes and hesitation made me realize what I had just done. I had snapped at my closest allies.My throat tightened as panic flickered in my chest. This wasn’t the image I wanted to show them. My allies needed to see a composed, capable leader. Not someone coming undone.Rebecca was the first to move. She darted toward me, wrapping her arms around me in an attempt to comfort me.“Oh, Caroline, we didn’t mean to upset you!” Her voice was rushed and nervous. “It’s just that we care about you. We’re trying to help.”My vision blurred. Tears filled my eyes before I could stop them. They spilled over, and I choked on a sob.“I… I’m sorry.” My voice cracked, making the apology sound even more pitiful.Emma quickly handed me a tissue, her brows furrowed in