Richard’s gaze flickered between his mate and the unveiled woman, his expression hardening by the second. "You think bringing her here will make us trust you, Jackson?" His voice was low, dangerous. "You’ve made your point, but Elara is not welco here."
Elara’s violet eyes locked onto Richard, her face unreadable, though there was a flicker of sothing—perhaps regret, perhaps defiance. "I’m not here for your approval, Alpha Richard. I’m here to do what needs to be done." Her voice was steady, almost calm, but beneath that calm exterior lay a history filled with betrayal, secrets, and unresolved anger.
Liana took a step forward, her fury barely contained. "What needs to be done?" she repeated, her voice rising. "You think you can just walk in here and protect his daughter after everything you’ve done? After you left us?"
Elara turned to face her fully, her expression softening, though it was still guarded. "Liana, you don’t understand—"
"I understand perfectly," Liana snapped, cutting her off. "You chose him. You chose Jackson over the pack, over us. Over ." Her voice trembled with emotion, years of hurt rising to the surface.
"You chose to betray us."
Jackson, who had been watching the exchange with a pleased smirk, finally interjected, his tone dripping with amusent. "Ah, old wounds. I expected this would be a little tense, but really, Liana, must we dwell on the past? Elara’s here to protect Emily, and that’s all that should matter."
Liana shot him a withering glare. "You’re delusional if you think we’ll let this happen without a fight, Jackson."
"Are you sure you can win this fight, Richard ?" jackson smirked.
\
Richard’s eyes narrowed as he took in Jackson’s smug grin. Jackson’s question wasn’t idle; it was laced with the cold, unspoken truth.
"Alright, she can stay, but we will be keeping a close eye on her," Richard replied, his voice firm and unwavering. "One wrong move, and she’s out."
Jackson’s smirk faltered slightly at the warning,Of course."
***************************************
Elara reached Jessica’s cabin, a small, modest ho nestled between towering pines. She stood outside for a mont, taking a deep breath before knocking. The sound echoed in the quiet night, and monts later, the door creaked open to reveal Jessica, her face pale, frad by dark, loose waves that hung around her shoulders.
"Elara," Jessica said, her voice flat, devoid of warmth. "I didn’t think you’d actually show up."
Elara raised an eyebrow, stepping inside uninvited. "I told you I would," she replied, her tone calm but firm. "I’m here to stay with you. And protect you."
Jessica crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing slightly. "I’m fine," she said glumly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don’t need protection."
Elara glanced around the small cabin, taking in the bare furnishings and the heavy silence that hung in the air. She turned back to Jessica, her expression unreadable. "Whether you think you need it or not is irrelevant. I’m here because your dad has sent here."
"Take to et Damien’s mate," she said, her tone leaving no room for debate.
Jessica’s head snapped up, a frown forming on her face. "Why?" she asked warily. "What does she have to do with anything?"
"I need to understand her to be able to break their bond," Elara explained.
Jessica rolled her eyes; she had given up on Damien; she couldn’t protest against her father.
"Fine," she said with a sigh. "But don’t expect her to be thrilled to et you."
"I don’t care if she’s thrilled," Elara said coolly.
**************************************
The grand hall of the Blood Moon Pack was buzzing with activity as Anne paced back and forth, her mind racing with thoughts of the upcoming mating ceremony. The air was thick with excitent and anticipation. She had spent countless hours organising every detail, wanting everything to be perfect for Damien. As the soon-to-be Luna, it was her duty to ensure that the event went smoothly.
"Madam Luna!" called out Sumr, the young oga, rushing into the hall, her expression a mix of urgency and concern. "We need more flowers for the centrepieces. The ones you picked out just won’t do!"
Anne waved her hand, her focus still on the list she had been ntally rehearsing. "Sumr, just grab whatever you think looks nice. I trust your judgent. We need to get the decorations up by tonight."
Before Sumr could respond, her eyes widened as she glanced over her shoulder, a nervous energy filling the room. "Uh, actually, Anne... There’s soone here to see you."
Anne turned, surprised at the interruption. "Who is it?"
"It’s Elara," Sumr said, her voice dropping to a whisper, as if saying the na aloud would summon the woman.
Anne’s heart skipped a beat. The na echoed in her mind, stirring mories she had long tried to bury. "Who is she ?"
"I’m not sure," Sumr said, shifting her weight from one foot to the other, clearly unsettled. "She just asked to see you."
Anne took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart. "Fine. Show her in."
"Anne," Elara said, her voice steady, devoid of the warmth that had once characterised their friendship. "Thank you for agreeing to see ."
Anne forced a polite smile, her mind whirling with questions.
"I am Jessica’s aunt."
Anne blinked, unsure how to respond.
"How can I help you ?"
"Well, I just wanted to know the list of packs that are invited for the mating ceremony."
Anne’s brow furrowed in confusion. "Why do you want that?"
"Because knowing the packs that will attend is not hostile to us. I can risk Jessica’s safety."
Anne crossed her arms, suspicion clouding her judgent. "Jessica will be safe; mating ceremonies are neutral territory. No packs attack each other unless they want to be outcasts."
"I know, but its always good to be sure."
Anne sighed and gave her the list. She didn’t want to waste her ti arguing.
Elara took the list and read through it. Her smile broadened.
"Thank you. This will do."
She left leaving a puzzled Anne.
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