All Chapters of WICKED PROVIDENCE: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

That night, Hudson didn't return to the High-Hall. The bed was a cold, vast expanse of furs, a silence Avery had learned to inhabit like a second skin.The next morning, however, the fortress was a hive of activity. Descending the grand stone staircase, Avery was met with a procession of individuals in clinical white tunics and high-collared chef's robes.Hudson stood by the arched entrance to the Great Hall, his thumb scrolling through a slate of glowing parchment. The moment his golden eyes caught her, he straightened. "These are the pack's finest healers and nutritional Sages. They are here for you. Since your wolf is dormant and your frame is fading, you will be on a strict regimen to restore your vitality."Avery blinked, the memories of the Hayes banquet rushing back. A guest had mentioned the importance of "feeding the bloodline," and now Hudson had acted. Was this a gesture of protection?The warmth died quickly. He likely just found her fragile appearance a stain on the Montg

Avery froze as she caught sight of Hudson standing on the ground floor of the studio, his fingers curled around several ornate silver canisters of food.The memory of his bruising, possessive kiss in front of Gregory was still fresh—a brand on her skin that made her blood hum with a mixture of fear and fury. She hesitated at the top of the stairs, dreading another display of Alpha dominance in front of her peers. To be claimed like a trophy in the very place she sought her independence was a humiliation she wasn't sure she could endure."Don't just hover in the shadows, Avery. The kill is fresh," Hudson called out. His voice wasn't the usual harsh command; it held a rare, inviting resonance that vibrated through the stone floor.Steeling herself, Avery descended. Hudson guided her to a carved wooden bench, opening the canisters to reveal seared venison and root vegetables infused with healing herbs. The scent was intoxicating. Even though the meal was brought from the High-Hall, the M

Harper Bennett let out a sharp, jagged sigh, her eyes glowing with a faint amber light. "I have a plan. Take the Hayes contract. Once you mark that parchment with your thumbprint, you’ll have the first ten million silver. I’ll scour the Bennett vaults and pull together the rest. You can throw the twenty million at Hudson’s feet and sever the bond. It galls me to give that monster a single coin, but your soul is worth more than silver."Avery was stunned. The Bennett family’s territory had been plagued by drought, and their treasury was far from overflowing. Raising ten million silver would be a heavy blow to their pack.Before Avery could sign her gratitude, a voice like honey and venom interrupted them. "What a coincidence to find the Luna in such a common watering hole! Who are we calling a monster? Surely not our great Alpha?"Avery stiffened. Madison Clarke was standing there, her fur-lined cloak shimmering under the tavern lights."We were talking about a mangy cur, and look—one

"You…" Madison snarled, her eyes darting like a trapped fox between the Alpha and the Healer."The bloodline’s kin should wait outside the sanctum. Is there any other business you have here? This is a High-Recovery ward. We cannot have unranked wanderers loitering in the scent-trail of the Alpha," Dr. Mercer added, his voice firm and final.Madison ground her teeth, the sound like stone on stone. She threw a look of pure, unadulterated venom at Avery and stormed out, the clatter of her heels echoing through the stone corridor like a fading war drum.Moments later, Hudson emerged from the scan-chamber. Avery moved toward him, her hands trembling."The blood-tides are clear. Do not fret over his spirit yet," Mercer said, tapping a roll of parchment against his palm as he addressed Avery.Avery let out a jagged breath of relief."My thanks, Healer," Hudson muttered, his golden gaze shifting to Avery. Avery blinked in surprise. In three years of the Mate-Contract, she had rarely heard a w

The butler watched Avery, his ears twitching in surprise. Previously, the Luna would have insisted on seasoning every piece of elk and packing the silver canisters herself. Now, her scent was marked by a cold, sharp indifference. It was clear to the old wolf that Avery Monroe had finally severed the invisible leash.When Avery arrived at the towering gates of the Hayes Relic House, Brent was already waiting at the stone archway.“This is Avery Monroe, our High Advisor. From now on, she has Alpha-level clearance,” Brent announced to the elite sentries, handing her an obsidian entry charm.Given Brent’s status as the heir to the Hayes Territory, his personal welcome was a shock to the pack members. Usually, he wouldn't extend such a courtesy unless a neighboring Alpha was visiting.“Commander Hayes, there is no need for this ceremony. Just show me to the archives,” Avery typed, her screen glowing in the dim mountain light.“It is no trouble. My wolf is restless today, and the walk does