All Chapters of Wolf shifter romance with murder mystery: Chapter 71 - Chapter 80

The Autumn Gathering officially begins at sunset, and Crimson Hollow territory transforms into organized chaos.Two hundred wolves arrive throughout the day—packs from across the western states, each with their alphas, betas, honor guards, and families. The air hums with tension, excitement, and underneath it all, the shadow magic Hope now recognizes as demonic influence."Seventeen alphas confirmed," Lux reports. She's taken over Marcus's coordination duties, and Hope is grateful for someone she can actually trust. "All vetted, all cleared of shadow contamination. The Seattle coven has established wards around the ceremonial grounds—nothing gets in or out without us knowing.""What about the conspirators?" Hope asks quietly. They're standing in her office, away from potential eavesdroppers."All five are here. Derek arrived with the Silvertooth delegation three hours ago. Maya Riverstone checked in with the Bennett pack. Lucas Ashford came with his grandfather, playing the traumatize

The first twenty-four hours after Sera's death pass in a blur of grief and necessary action.Hope moves through the motions—coordinating cleanup, authorizing medical treatment for the injured, ensuring the captured conspirators are properly secured. She answers Council questions, provides statements for official records, and maintains the appearance of control.Inside, she's fragmenting.Not like the consciousness breakdown—this is different. This is grief so profound it threatens to swallow her whole. Every time she turns a corner, she expects to see Sera tending her roses or offering wisdom or simply being present.But Sera is gone.Burned out completely in a final act of protection that saved two hundred lives at the cost of her own."You need to sleep," Amara says gently. It's three in the morning, and Hope is still in her office reviewing security protocols."I'll sleep when everything is handled.""Everything is handled. The conspirators are in Council custody, the summoning is

One month after Sera's death, Hope wakes up and realizes something has shifted.The grief is still there—probably always will be—but it's no longer the first thing she feels each morning. Instead, she feels curiosity about the day ahead, interest in the pack business waiting for her attention, and even a spark of anticipation for her training session with Lux.Progress. Small, gradual, but real.Cameron knocks on her door at precisely seven a.m.—his habit of punctuality is both endearing and occasionally annoying."Morning, Hope. Territory patrol reports came in overnight. Nothing urgent, but something is interesting you should see."Hope joins him in the office, where he's laid out patrol logs with several sections highlighted."What am I looking at?""Increased rogue activity along our western border. Not hostile—they're just passing through. But the numbers are unusual. We typically see five to ten rogues per month. This month, we've had forty-three.""Forty-three?" Hope studies th

The Council chamber is packed with visiting alphas, pack representatives, and political observers—everyone wanting to witness the ceremony honoring the fourteen-year-old who stopped a genocide attempt.Hope stands backstage in formal ceremonial attire, feeling like an imposter. The dress is beautiful—deep blue silk with silver embroidery depicting wolves in protective stances. But it feels like a costume rather than clothing, playing a role rather than being herself."You look terrified," Cameron observes."I am terrified. Public speaking to two hundred wolves while seven Elders judge every word? Sounds like a nightmare.""You've faced down demon summoners and authoritarian alphas. A speech should be manageable.""Demon summoners don't critique your word choices or political positioning." Hope takes a steadying breath. "What if I mess this up? What if I say something that damages pack relations or offends the Council?""Then you'll deal with the consequences as you deal with everythin

The Council chamber is silent as Elder Aria reads Julian's ultimatum aloud for the third time."'Cessation of all investigations and retraction of all allegations. Failure to comply will be considered an act of war.'" She sets down the document. "Alpha Blackfang has put the Council in an impossible position. Comply, and we legitimize torture. Refuse, and we risk wolf civil war.""There's a third option," Hope says. All eyes turn to her. "Call his bluff.""That's not calling a bluff," Elder Thorne snaps. "That's provoking war.""No, provoking war is torturing fifty-seven wolves, radicalizing fifty teenagers, and threatening violence when held accountable." Hope's voice is steady despite her racing heart. "Julian is betting the Council values peace more than justice. Prove him wrong.""Easy to say when it's not your pack on the front lines," Thorne counters."It literally is my pack on the front lines. Crimson Hollow shares a border region with Blackfang through allied territories. If w