Third POV

Nigel scanned the parking area, trying to spot any sign of the Blackmoon Luna. “She just got into her car. But no, I didn’t see her. Her Beta’s making sure that no one comes too near.”

Asher gritted his teeth and rushed toward the parking area, Nigel close behind. His heart pounded as opportunity slipped away with each passing second.

He needed to see the Luna of the Blackmoon Pack.

Normally, a small pack like Moonveil would never have the chance to work with a pack so large and powerful. However, since there was a change in leadership, the new Luna might consider his proposal.

After all, rumors were that she came from humble origins, raised in a backwater pack away from the major powers. This seemed further emphasized by the fact that she only recently returned to the Blackmoon Pack.

As such, Asher believed that her mind might be easier to mold. He had a better chance of gaining her sympathy.

This was his shot. His only shot.

“There!” Nigel pointed toward a sleek black SUV with tinted windows. “That must be it.”

Without hesitation, Asher sprinted across the parking lot. He could see the vehicle beginning to move. Desperation fueled his legs as he closed the distance.

“Stop!” he shouted, waving his arms.

***

Estelle’s POV

I browsed through my phone messages while Caleb navigated out of the inn’s parking area. Several missed calls from pack members, a few emails requiring my attention, and nothing urgent enough to interrupt our drive home.

The jewelry box in my purse felt heavier than it should. Every few minutes, my fingers traced its edges through the leather. The ring inside was beautiful beyond description, but its implications troubled me.

I felt uncomfortable even just bringing it around. It would be best to find some time to return the ring to him.

I had just opened Zayne’s chat when the car suddenly jerked to a violent stop, throwing me forward against my seatbelt.

“What the hell?” I looked up from my phone, heart racing from the sudden impact.

Caleb’s knuckles were white against the steering wheel. “A man just ran in front of the car.”

I followed his gaze through the windshield. Two figures stood outside. One directly in front of our vehicle, the other approaching the passenger side.

The moment I recognized the familiar faces, I exhaled in irritation.

“Nigel and Asher,” I huffed.

“You know them?” Caleb’s voice sharpened with protective instinct.

“Unfortunately,” I said.

Nigel remained planted in front of the car like a human roadblock while Asher circled toward the back windows. His face was flushed from running, sweat beading on his forehead despite the cool morning air.

“What do you want to do?” Caleb asked quietly. Our eyes met via the rearview mirror, and I could tell that Caleb could easily see my annoyance.

“Handle it. But keep the windows barely cracked. They can’t see inside.”

Caleb nodded and rolled down his window just enough to peer out. The tinted glass would hide my face completely while allowing limited conversation. The backseat windows were kept up.

Asher appeared outside my window, slightly out of breath but trying to maintain Alpha composure. He knocked gently on the glass.

“Excuse me,” he called out. “I apologize for the interruption.”

Caleb’s voice was ice-cold professional. “State your business.”

“I’m Alpha Asher Daniels of the Moonveil Pack.” Asher straightened his shoulders, putting on his most diplomatic tone. His eyes were still trained on my window, completely ignoring Caleb. “I was hoping to have a word with the Luna of the Blackmoon Pack.”

I bit back a bitter laugh. Of course he was. Asher never missed an opportunity to climb the social ladder.

Caleb’s response dripped with mockery. “Alpha Asher, don’t you know it’s rude to ignore the Beta and address the Luna directly?”

But Asher pressed on as if Caleb hadn’t spoken. His desperation was showing through the cracks of his polished facade.

“I understand this is highly irregular, but I would be honored to discuss potential collaboration between our packs.” Asher leaned closer to the window, trying unsuccessfully to peer inside. “Please accept my sincere condolences for Alpha James’s passing. The Moonveil Pack would be privileged to work with Blackmoon during this transition.”

Caleb laughed outright. The sound was harsh and dismissive.

“Nearly every pack on the continent wishes to work with the Blackmoon Pack, Alpha Asher.” Caleb’s tone suggested Asher was an insect buzzing around his ear. “What makes you think my Luna will choose you?”

I watched Asher’s jaw clench through the small gap in the window. His pride was taking hit after hit, but his desperation kept him rooted in place.

“The Moonveil Pack may be small, but we—”

I didn’t wait for Asher to finish.

“The Blackmoon Pack currently has no interest in working with any other pack, small or not,” I said calmly, keeping my voice level and authoritative. “Please remove yourself and your Beta from our path.”

Asher visibly perked up at the word “currently”. Hope flashed across his features like lightning. He probably thought he’d identified an opening to exploit later.

But then he went completely still.

His face drained of all color as his mouth fell slightly open. His eyes widened as recognition dawned like a terrible sunrise.

I watched the exact moment he placed my voice. Even through the windows, I could see that his face paled. He looked like he had seen a ghost.

When he spoke again, his voice was shaky. He seemed to be speaking more to himself than to me.

“Estelle?”