Chapter 16
The Silver Moon Dining Hall buzzed faintly with activity outside its heavy doors, but inside, it was quiet, save for the faint hum of tension. I’d come here with one goal: secure a deal for Crescent Fang Pack. No. hesitation, no games.
The scent hit me before the door opened- smoke and pine, sharp as a blade. When I turned, he was already there: Alpha Theron Blackthorn. Tall, commanding, and with an expression that screamed disinterest, like he already knew this was my game to lose.
“Freya Stormhood,” he greeted, his voice low and smooth, the faintest trace of amusement in it. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”
I didn’t waste time. “I need access to your medicinal herb fields, Alpha Theron. Your territory has the most fertile lands in the region, and Crescent Fang requires an
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exclusive partnership to secure them.”
His brow lifted, his smirk lazy. “Bold, coming in here with demands. What‘ s in it for me?
I stepped closer, sliding into the seat across from him without breaking eye contact.
“Your borders are unstable. Rogue activity has spiked along your eastern lines. You’ve got warriors, yes, but not enough. trackers to pinpoint the real threat. Crescent Fang will lend you twenty of our best–not fifty, not thirty. Twenty.”
Theron leaned back in his chair, folding his arms. “Twenty isn’t enough to fix the problem.”
“It is if they‘ re Crescent Fang warriors,” I shot back, leaning forward slightly. “You don’t need numbers when you have
precision. My trackers will flush out the rogues before they ever reach your borders.”
His amber eyes narrowed, studying me.
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“And all you want in return is access to the herb fields?”
“Not just access,” I corrected, letting a small smile play on my lips. “Control. Crescent Fang will oversee the cultivation, harvest, and trade of the herbs. It’s better for both of us–your lands, my expertise.”
He chuckled, shaking his head. “You don’t ask for much, do you?”
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“I’m asking for exactly what I deserve,” I said, my tone sharper now. “You want your borders secure, and I want to ensure Crescent Fang grows stronger. This is a partnership, Alpha, not charity.”
For a moment, he said nothing, just stared at me with that sharp, assessing look. Then, slowly, his lips curled into a smirk.
“Fine,” he said, his voice smooth but edged with a challenge. “You‘ ve got yourself a deal, Freya Stormhood. But if your trackers don‘ t deliver, this partnership ends before it starts.”
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“They Il deliver,” I said confidently, standing to shake his hand. His grip was firm, his gaze steady.
Just as our hands released, the door swung open, and the air shifted, colder, heavier.
“Well, isn‘ t this interesting?” Lucian‘ s voice echoed through the room, his tone sharp with mockery.
I turned to see him standing there, his presence as suffocating as ever. His eyes blazed with fury, but his lips curled into a cold, humorless smile.
“You couldn’t even wait for the bond to be severed completely? Couldn’t wait to hear me accept your rejection?” He laughed bitterly, shaking his head. “I can’t believe you‘ re already flirting with another Alpha after destroying my pack‘ s alliances with your little act around Alpha Darian!”
Alpha Theron‘ s expression hardened as he rose from his seat, his stance protective,
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his eyes narrowed at Lucian. But I held up a hand, silently telling him I would handle it.
“Lucian-” I began, my voice calm but firm.
“And what are you even doing here with him?” Lucian interrupted, his laugh harsh and laced with venom. “Are you planning to ruin my name again? Drag it through the mud like you did before?”
His expression twisted further, his anger barely contained. “You even lied about being pregnant, didn’t you? Just so you could run away and spread your legs for someone else!”
A low growl rumbled from Theron, his wolf simmering dangerously close to the surface. But I stepped in front of him, my gaze locked on Lucian‘ s.
“Who I mate with is none of your concern, Lucian,” I said, my voice cold and unwavering. “I’ve done my part. I
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severed our bond. I’ve stepped down as Luna. I owe you nothing.”
Lucian‘ s smirk faltered, his confidence shaken by my words.
“And let’s not forget,” I continued, my voice sharpening, “Vlanche is pregnant with your child, isn’t she? Why don‘ t you focus on her? Go and take care of your family instead of barging in here, throwing baseless accusations at me.”
