Confronting the Pack Portrait
(Amber’s POV)
+25 BONUS
The silver bat felt heavy in my hands as I stood before the massive portrait hanging on the wall of the Chase Park House My chest heaved with each labored breath, my vision blurred with unsbed tears of rape
“You never wanted me,” I whispered, staring at my twelve–year–old self in the portrait
The painting had been commissioned when Victoria was eighteen, the year of her werewolf coming,of–age ceremony. 1 remembered that day clearly–Victoria’s tearful plea to truly become part of the Chase Pack,” and my parents‘ immediate decision to replace the old pack portrait with this new one.
“You always chose her.” 1 gripped the bat tighter, feeling my clawsextend
Inside me, Cora howled with a fury that matched my own. My wolf had always been sensitive to rejection, and years of being second–best to Victoria had left deep wounds in both of us
Without another thought, I swung the bat.
The sound of shattering glass was oddly satisfying as the portrait frame splintered under the impact. I swung again and again, each strike releasing years of pent–up resentment.
“Amber!” My mother’s shocked voice came from behind me. “What do you think you’re doing?”
I didn’t turn around. “What does it look like? I’m redecorating ”
The household staff had gathered in the entrance hall, watching instunned silence. None dared approach–the mate of an Alpha commanded respect, even in the midst of destruction
“Harrison,” my mother hissed. “Do something!”
My father stood frozen, his face pale as continued my assault on the family portrait. This wasn’t the first time I’d done this. When I was eighteen, after Melanie had slapped me for questioning Victoria’s intentions, I’d taken a paperweight to this same portrait
“Don’t you have anything better to do?” Melanie’s voice was sharp with disapproval.
I laughed bitterly, my werewolf hearing picking up their whispered conversation.
“It’s been lifteen years since she‘ this differently.”
a proper birthday celebration,” my father muttered. “Perhaps I should have approached
“So you admit it,” I called out, turning to face them with the bat still clutched in my hand. “You know exactly what you’ve done.”
My mother’s eyes widened. “Amber, you’re bleeding.”
I glanced down at my hand, noticing for the first time that glass shards had embedded themselves in my palm. The silver handle of the bat was irritating my werewolf skin, causing angry red marks to form.
“Does it matter?” I asked coldly. “You’ve never cared about my pale before.”
(Dominic’s POV)
Tentered the Chase mansion to find a scene of utter chaos, Amber good in the center of the entrance hall, surrounded by broken glass and splintered wood. Her eyes glowed amber, her wolf partially revealed in her rage.
Blood dripped from her hand where she gripped the silver–lined baseball bat, her skin irritated by the metal that was harmful to our kind. She seemed oblivious to her injury, focused entirely on destroying the family portrait that hung–or had hung–on the wall.
“Amber,”
“I called softly, approaching
her with careful steps.
Confronting the Pack Portal!
+25 BONUS
She turned at the sound of my voice, her expression a mixture of fury and pain. The scent of her blood made my wolf Leo whimper with concem.
Does it hurt, little wolf?” Lasked gently, taking her injured hand in mine.
The contact seemed to jolt her back to reality. Her eyes flickered, returning to their normal color as she looked down at herself in contusion
“Dominic,”
“she stammered, suddenly aware of her disheveled stage. “I–I was angry. They never… they always…”
“I know,” I said, carefully taking the bat from her grasp.
Texamined her hand, noting the glass shards embedded in her palin and the angry red marks where the silver had touched her skin. With gentle movements, I began removing the larger pieces of glass.
“Lucas,” I called to my nephew who had followed me inside. “Take her to the car and clean her wound. There’s a first aid kit in the glove compartment.”
Lucas nodded, putting an arm around Amber’s shoulders to guade her outside. Once they were gone, I turned to face Harrison and Melanie Chase.
“Mr. Blackwood,” Harrison began, his voice placating. “I apologize for my daughter’s behavior-”
The wave of Alpha power that burst from me silenced him mid–sentence. The remaining glass in the portrait frame that had survived Amber’s attack shattered completely under the pressure of my rage.
“Let me be very clear,” I said, my voice deceptively calm. “I understand exactly what you’re trying to do.”
Melanie took a step back, instinctively responding to the dominance I was projecting.
“Your recent setbacks with the territorial councils have left you vulnerable,” I continued, addressing Harrison directly. “You thought to use your daughter’s connection to me to regain favor.”
Harrison’s face paled. “That’s not-
“It is,” I cut him off. “And let me tell you how this will work going forward. The how you treat Amber.”
of the Chase Pack depends entirely on
I stepped closer, letting my power wash over them in waves. “As the future Alpha King of the Northern Territory, I have considerable influence over which packs thrive and which do not
The threat hung in the air between us, clear and unmistakable
“Now,” I said, turning to leave, “I’m taking my mate home. And if you ever cause her pain again, you’ll answer to me.
(Lucas’s POV)
“I can’t believe I lost control like that,” Amber muttered as I carefully bandaged her hand in the backseat of my sports car. “In front of Dominic, of all people.”
1 shrugged, trying to keep things light. “If it makes you feel better, I’ve done way worse. You should’ve seen me during last year’s pack training session. I hit a baseball through Uncle William’s office window.”
That earned me a small smile, which I counted as a victory.
“Besides,” 1 continued, “Uncle Dom isn’t exactly known for his calm temperament either.”
The car door opened, and Dominic slid into the backseat beside Arrber. I could see the tension in his shoulders case slightly as he settled next to her.
“Are you alright?” he asked, his voice gentler than I’d ever heard it
Amber nodded, not meeting his eyes. “I’m sorry for causing a scene.”
Confronting the Pack Portrait
+25 BONUS
Dominle reached out, offering his shoulder for her to lean on. Altera moment’s hesitation, she accepted, resting her head agalfist him.
“Don’t apologize,” he said softly. “Your familly deserved worse.
I started the car, glancing occasionally in the rearview mirror. Though she didn’t cry, Icould see Amber gradually relaxing against Dominic, finding comfort in his presence.
The mate bond between them was evident in the way his touch seemed to soothe her agitated wolf. Even I could sense Cora settling down, responding to Leo’s protective presence.
Within minutes, Amber haftallen asleep against Dominic’s shoulder, exhausted from the emotional outburst that had drained both her human and wolf energies.
Dominic held her bandaged hand carefully, his expression darker as he examined the wound. I heard his wolf Leo growl protectively inside him–a sound that made my own wolf Instinctively lower its head in submission
Feeling like I was intruding on something private, I turned my attention back to the road, giving them as much privacy as possible in the confined space of the car.
(Dominic’s POV)
I carried Amber into our riverside apartment, cradling her against my chest as I made my way to our bedroom. She stirred slightly but didn’t wake, her body instinctively curling toward mine.
After laying her on the bed, I carefully unwrapped the bandage Lucas had applied. The silver residue needed to be thoroughly cleaned to prevent further irritation to her werewolfskin
“Leo wants to hunt down everyone who’s ever hurt you,” I whispered as I tended to her wound.
Once I’d rebandaged her hand, I changed her into comfortable sleepwear and tucked her under the covers. Her face was peaceful in sleep, the anger from earlier completely gone.
Downstairs, I found Lucas in the wine cellar, examining my collection of vintages.
“Help yourself,” I said, selecting a bottle of Lunar Eclipse Vintage a rare wine aged for fifteen years in special oak barrels.
Lucas whistled appreciatively. “Isn’t this the stuff Ryan’s friends dank without permission at his birthday?”
I nodded, pouring two glasses. “I’ve been saving this bottle for a special occasion”
“And this qualities?” Lucas asked, accepting the glass I offered.
I took a seat across from him, swirling the deep crimson liquid thoughtfully. “I need your advice.”
Lucas nearly choked on his wine. “My advice? About what?”
“Amber,” Ladmitted. “I want her to love me.”
“Doesn’t she already? I mean, you’re married.”
I shook my head slowly. “It’s complicated. Our marriage began as arrangement, a way for me to protect her.”
“But you love her,” Lucas stated rather than asked.
“Since the day she saved my life,” I confirmed. “During the Ravenclaw Bridge accident.”
The memory was still vivid my car hanging precariously over the edge of the bridge, and Amber, a stranger then, risking her life to pull me free before the vehicle plunged into the river below
“Leo recognized her as our mate immediately,” I continued. “But ye wanted more than just the mate bond. I want her to choose me, to love me for myself, not just because our wolves are compatible.”
Confronting the Pack Portmail
+25 BONUS
Lucas leaned forward, intrigued, “When did you start having feelings for her? I mean, beyond the life debt and the mate recognition ”
stared into my wine glass, remembering. “It started years ago, during my early days at the Blackwood mansion. After I challenged Sebastian, I was isolated, treated with hostility by many in the pack.”
“I remember,” Lucas nodded. “It was a difficult time.”
“Amber was dating Ethan then, but she noticed my situation. She would leave food outside my room when others ‘forgot to call me for meals. Small gestures of kindness that meant everything to lone wolf.”
Leo paced anxiously within me at the memories.
“I kept my distance after that, watching over her from afar,” 1 explained. “But when Ethan failed her as a mate, I knew I was the only one who could truly protect her.”
+25 BONUS
Domluk’s secret Affair?
(Amber’s POV
I woke up the next morning with my band still throbbing The memory of smashing the pack portrait flooded lack, making me cringe Dominic had witnessed my complete meltdown, yet he hadn’t mentioned it once since we returned home.
“Cona, we made quite a serne,” I whispered to my wolf.
She whimpered in response, still embarrassed by our loss of cont. Normally, I’d have been mortified, but something about Dominic’s quiet acceptance made it easier tobear
I glanced at the empty space beside me. Tominic had left early, motioning something about staying at the Chase Pack House to speak with Harrison. What they discussed, I had no idea.
My phone buzzed with a text from Lucas: “Thicle Tom still at your parents‘ place. Want me to spy?”
I smiled despite myself. “No need He’ll tell it it’s important.”
When Dominic finally returned that evening, he said nothing about the incident or his conversation with my father. His silence was a gift 1 hadn’t expected but deeply appreciated.
A week passed without a word from Harrison. No lectures, no demands, no passive–aggressive comments about my behavior. The silence was unusual, but I wasn’t complaining
Then, on the Summer Solstice Moon, my phone pinged with a bank notification. I nearly dropped it when I saw the amount–an eight–figure sum transferred directly from Harrison Chase.
A message followed: “Wishing our little princess a happy opening, smooth sailing, rolling wealth, shining stars, and daily gold. Dad loves you.
In the past, I would have rejected such an obvious attempt to buy my forgiveness. This time, I accepted it without hesitation. It Harrison wanted to throw money at our problems, I’d let him.
Melanie sent a smaller sum with a terse message about “supporting my endeavors.” Henry transferred funds along with a limited edition moonstone–encrusted clutch, supposedly from Victoria. I accepted them all
“Looks like smashing family heirlooms pays well,” I muttered to myself, feeling Cora’s satisfaction rumble through me.
The grand opening of Moonlight Photography arrived with unexpected fanfare, Gifts poured in from every direction, filling our reception area
Paige struggled to keep up with the registry. “Another delivery from the Blackwood Pack,” she called, waving a clipboa This one’s from Dominic.”
I unwrapped the large package to find keys to a luxury SUV with specialized tinted windows designed for werewolf sensitivity to light.
“That man does not understand the concept of reasonable gifts,” Paige commented, eyebrows raised.
Lucas sent a professional camera with special lenses designed to capture werewolf auras. Ryan contributed a stunning painting of wolves running under moonlight. Elliot and several other business associates sent elaborate flower arrangements,
Even Florence, who had been transferred to Dominic’s London estate, shipped over plants that thrived in moonlight–perfect for our studio’s ambiance.
The most surprising gift came from William Blackwood: an ancient ornament carved with wolves that must have been worth a small fortune.
“Even Ivy Reed sent two massive flower baskets,” Paige said incredulously. “Is she trying to poison us with kindness?”
I laughed. “Probably trying to stay on Dominic’s good side.”
Dominic’s Secret Affair?
+25 BONUS
As Paige continued logging gifts, my mind wandered to something else entirely. The pack seer I’d hired for the opening had pulled me aside with an enigmatic prediction “The Summer Solstice Moon marks a turning point in your career. What you’ve been seeking will find you instead.”
I hoped she was right. We needed all the help we could get
(Paige’s POV)
Two weeks after the grand opening, I sat in Amber’s office review her latest portfolio submissions. The silence from the supernatural photography community was deafening.
“Not a single client,” I muttered, scrolling through our booking calendar. “This can’t just be because we’re new
Amber looked up from her computer, frustration evident in her amber eyes. “What am I doing wrong?
I studied her recent photographs–stunning landscapes captured with technical precision, but something was missing.
“Amber,” I said carefully, “maybe your photos have a problem ility lack soul.”
She flinched as it I’d slapped her. “What?”
“The technical aspects are perfect,” I explained, “but there’s no emotion, no connection. It’s like you’re shooting through a wall of glass”
I pulled up one of her older wildlife photographs for comparison–wolf pack hunting under a full moon. The raw energy practically leapt from the screen.
“See the difference? Let’s change direction. Don’t just shoot wilderness landscapes anymore.”
Amber leaned forward, curious despite her wounded pride
“Let’s move to supernatural fashion photography,” I suggested. “Capturing werewolves in their partial shifts for high–end magazines. There’s huge demand, and with your connections through Dominic…”
Her eyes lit up with the first genuine interest I’d seen in months.
(Amber’s POV)
Paige’s words struck a chord. She was right–my recent work lacked the passion that had once defined my photography.
I remembered my first expedition abroad after the kidnapping when I was seventeen. The trauma had left me emotionally unstable, with Cora threatening to emerge at inappropriate times. My parents had been desperate to ship me away! caused a pack scandal
It was Ryan who connected me with a werewolf psychologist, who in turn introduced me to a world–renowned wildlife photographer–a bom wolf like myself. He became my mentor, teaching me to channel my wolf’s energy into my art rather than fighting against it.
I followed him on expeditions across remote wilderness areas, facing life–threatening situations that forced me to rely on Cora rather than fear her. Each close call–a flash flood in the mountains, a standoff with poachers, a blizzard that trapped us for days -strengthened our bond.
Before returning to Silvercrest City, I had a near–death experience with a rogue alpha wolf in the wilderness. The encounter lett me with scars but also gave me the courage to face my past
“But that courage didn’t help me see through Ethan,” I said aloud, surprising Paige.
“What?”
1 shook my head. “Just thinking about how I shifted from wildlife to landscape photography after getting engaged to Ethan. He never liked me “risking myself for my art.”
The truth was, my passion had waned along with Cora’s interest. My wolf had sensed Ethan’s betrayal long before I admitted it
Dominic’s Secret
+25 BONUS
to myself.
“You’re right,” I told Paige “Let’s try supernatural fashion photography. I have the resources through Dominic’s connections,
“You have the Blackwood pack to catch you,” Paige finished with smile.
The Quinn Pack’s annual rock climbing competition seemed like the perfect networking opportunity to launch my new direction. I needed to connect with influential werewolves in the fashion industry, many of whom would be attending.
te there.
I called Lucas to get the inside scoop on who would be
“Aunt Amber, so you’re finally free, aren’t you?” Lucas asked, his voice tinged with something I couldn’t quite identify.
“What do you mean?”
He hesitated. “It’s just… recently, Uncle Don has been very close to a she–wolf. I suspect Uncle Is having an affair!”
My heart dropped. “What?”
“I’ve seen him with her several times. They seem… intimate.”
I hung up shortly after, my mind racing. When was the last time Dominic and I had been truly intimate? With a sinking feeling. I realized it had been two full moons.
My wolf Cora growled possessively inside me. The thought of Domic with another she–wolf made my blood boil. “Dominic’s having an affair?” I whispered, feeling sick..
I marched to my closet, determined to recapture my mate’s attention. After sorting through several options, I settled on a white dress with traditional designs that accentuated my curves. The neckline dipped just low enough to be enticing without being obvious.
It Dominic’s wolf was being tempted elsewhere, I needed to remind both man and beast exactly what they had at home.
