4#04

4

The Alpha Quarters was hushed, with only the gentle crackling of the fireplace breaking the silence. Kade sat opposite me, reminiscing about our shared history. He held a small, time-worn wolf figurine carved from wood.

"This little piece," Kade began, his voice tinged with nostalgia, "was the first present you ever gave me, Freya." He examined it in his palm, the firelight casting shadows on his weathered face. "I recall how you crafted it during one of the pack's celebrations. You were so intent on your work, and when you finished, you handed it to me wordlessly. I interpreted it as a sign—your way of showing I was important to you."

His words stirred a long-forgotten memory, but the emotions it once evoked now felt distant, obscured by the current strain between us.

Kade laughed softly, a hint of embarrassment in his voice. "I was convinced this tiny wolf held such significance back then. Foolish, wasn't it?"

For a moment, I wanted to believe in the genuineness of his words. I wanted to think our former connection wasn't completely lost. But my gaze fell on his collarbone, where faint scratches were visible.

"Kade," I said calmly, gesturing towards the marks, "how did your collarbone get scratched?"

His response was instantaneous. Fear flashed in his eyes before he hurriedly covered the scratches, adjusting his shirt collar. "Oh, that? Must have happened during training earlier. You know how wild the younger wolves can get."

I remained silent, observing as guilt seemed to eat away at him beneath his usually confident facade.

The scent of another female wolf lingered on him—subtle but detectable. And this aroma was unfamiliar, not belonging to any of our regular pack members.

Before I could inquire further, Kade abruptly stood up, his voice flustered. "I need to clean up," he declared, hastily retreating to the adjoining room.

As the sound of running water filled the air, a knock at the cabin door startled me.

I opened it to find Lila, one of our prominent she-wolves and Kade's Beta, standing there. Though not originally from our pack, her stance exuded confidence, and her emerald eyes sparkled mischievously. Her attire was designed to draw attention, and her jewelry—a necklace and bracelets adorned with green gems—glimmered in the porch light.

"Oh, Luna Freya," Lila said with feigned sweetness, her tone carrying a hidden barb, "I hope I'm not intruding at this late hour. Alpha Kade left some vital paperwork at the council meeting, and I thought I'd deliver it personally."

She extended a leather portfolio, but my attention was drawn to the scent emanating from her—identical to the one clinging to Kade.

I stepped aside, motioning for her to enter. "He's bathing. You're welcome to wait here if you'd like."

Lila strode past me, her lips curving into a smirk as if she'd claimed an unspoken victory. She placed the portfolio on the table with deliberate carelessness and then lifted a basket.

"I also brought him a late supper," she said, her voice laced with false modesty. "He didn't eat much earlier."

My eyes fell on the basket, and my heart constricted. The aroma of the bread and stew inside was unmistakable—it was from the Moonlit Hollow Tavern, the place Kade had promised to take me for dinner tonight.

Lila's smugness was palpable. She didn't need to say more; her actions were screaming the truth I already suspected.

If this had happened months ago, I might have lost my composure. I might have yelled, demanded explanations, and torn through the room in a fit of anger. But now? I just felt empty.

"That's very considerate of you," I said, my voice steady.

Before Lila could respond, Kade's voice echoed from the other room. "Freya, have you moved my cedarwood oil? I had plans to use it tonight, but I can't find it anywhere."

I remained silent, my lack of response speaking volumes. The truth was, I had been packing my belongings for days now.

Kade entered the room, a towel draped over his shoulders and his hair wet. His expression changed instantly when he saw Lila.

"Lila? What brings you here?" His tone was sharp, almost accusatory, and his eyes darted towards me, filled with unease.

Lila pressed her lips together in a mock pout, feigning innocence. "Alpha, I came to deliver the council's documents. They're essential for tomorrow's meeting."

Kade frowned, his jaw clenching. "Fine. Take them to the study upstairs."

He turned to me, his voice softening. "Freya, it's late. You should get some sleep. I'll handle this and join you soon."

I nodded, retreating to the bedroom. The moment I closed the door, I turned off the lights and moved to my concealed desk.

Opening a hidden compartment, I retrieved a small device. The study wasn't just for council discussions—it was also where I had planted a surveillance crystal weeks ago.

As I activated the device, the glowing screen displayed the study in real-time.

What I witnessed made my blood run cold.