Skye’s POV
Adrian walked around the room, yes scanning every cornes,
“These moms are completely empty.” he said, running his hand along the pristine wills, “Nothing here. No food, no waste–notructly the kind of environment where rats would naturally gather,”
1 crossed my arms, careful not to imitate my healing burns. “You think someone deliberately planted rats here?”
Ryder scratched his head, perplexed. His usually carefree expression had given way to genuine concern. “Bot who would go through all that trouble? If it’s a rival pack, why specifically target ? Compared to some of the centuries–old wolf packs, were hardly the biggest therat.”
Adrian shook his head, his jaw tightening. I’m not certain but until we know the truth, everyone needs to stay alert.”
Elder Selene’s normally serene face had hardened into something cold and distant. The air around her practically crackled with displeasure as she stepped forward
“You’re all overthinking this,” she said, her once warn voice now brittle. “Every trial phase is strictly monitored by Council staff. The suggestion that someone could deliberately sabotage the equipment is… implausible at best.”
I didn’t miss the change in her demeanor. Our discovery was essentially questioning the Council’s authority and competence–something that clearly didn’t sit well with her.
Lydia knelt beside the damaged oven, her scared face unreadable as the examined the evidence. “May I take some photographs? And preserve the wire
Elder Selene clasped her hands behind her back, her posture stiffening further. “Do as you wish. But I believe you’re wasting valuable time time that would be better spent preparing for the next trial,”
I stepped forward, choosing my words carefully. “The North American Council operates independently of all packs, beyond the authority of any Alpha. I have complete faith in the Council’s rigor and fairness, especially under your management, Elder Selene.”
‘Soothe the ego before it becomes an enemy, my wolf whispered.
by flattery worked. Elder Selene’s expression softened slightly, the severe lines around her mouth relaxing.
“You’re a level–headed Beta, she said with a nod of approval. “If you ever tire of your current position, you might consider work with the North American Wolf Council. We value analytical minds.”
“Thank you for the generous offer,” I replied, genuinely touched despite the circumstances. I’m honored you would consider me
After Lydia had collected her evidence, we left the testing facility, the weight of suspicion following us like a shadow.
Back at our small hotel, we were greeted by streamers, balloons, and champagne, Alpha Xavier was waiting for us, practically bouncing with excitement.
“Congratulations!” he beamed, popping open a bottle of champagne that sprayed foam everywhere. “The Council just made the official announcement –Alpha Adrian has passed the second trial and will advance to the next phase! I had to throw together a little celebration,”
The tension we’d been carrying seemed to melt away as our small pack filled the lobby Ryder whooped loudly, slapping Adrian on the back. Even Lydia’x serious face had softened into a rare smile
a tray of freshly baked cookies that filled the room with the smell of vanilla and chooniate.
Our elderly landlady appeared from the kitchen, carrying a tray
“These are still warm, dears,” she said, offering g the tray around. “Nothing celebrates good news like homemade cookies.”
She turned to Adrian with a grandmotherly smile. “Who knows? This year’s Alpha King might just emerge from my little hotel! Wouldn’t that be something
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Chapter 135
to tell the grandkids?”
After an hour of eelebration, I slipped away in hur room, needing a moment of quiet. The day’s events–the instigation, Elder Selene’s reaction, and now this impromptu party–had left me mentally exhausted. I’d just started reorganizing our supplies for the next trial when my phone buzzed
My mother’s name on the screen sent an unexpected wave of homesickness through me.
“Skye? Sweetheart, are you alright?” Her voice was strained with worry
“I’m fine, Mom,” I said, trying to sound casual. I hadn’t told her about my injuries, not wanting to worry her.
“Don’t lie to me, young lady. I know about the accident.”
My heart sank. “How did you –
“That doesn’t matter,” she cut me off. This competition is too dangerous. Ithan was hurt yesterday, and now you. I can’t bear the thought of losing both my children to this… this political game.”
I moved to the window, lowering my voice. “Did Leon tell you about me?
The brief silence on the other end confirmed my suspicion. No one else would have informed her about my injuries
“Alpha Leon is concerned about you, Skye,” she finally said, her tone softening. “He told me… he told me he’s your Second Chance Mate.”
Of course he did. I suppressed a sigh.
“Listen to me, sweetheart,” she continued, her voice taking on that persuasive quality I knew too well. If you just apologized to Alpha Leon, asked for his forgiveness, he would take you back. You have your voll now–that’s all he ever wanted.”
The old wound reopened, raw and painful.
give him strong heirs?” My
“Mom! Have you forgotten how he rejected me publicly? How he was ready to take a Breeder because he feared I couldn’t give trembled with barely contained emotion. “I will never apologize to him.”
“Sometimes a woman needs to be patient, more
more understanding-
“I can’t do that, Mom, I interrupted firmly
Her sigh was heavy with resignation. Im not trying to control your life, Skye, I just mass you, I want you back with us at Frostshadow Pack, surrounded by
Fundy. The word echoed in my chest.
Despite everything, I missed them too–the familiar forests, my fathers deep laugh, Ethan’s protective presence, even my
my mother’s overbearing concern.
But when I looked around at the small house where Adrian and our pack had gathered, I recognized another kind of family
One I’d chosen.
“I miss you too,” I admitted, my voice softening. “But I have my own life now. I something here,”
