"No!" Elara gasped, backing away from Calla. "That can't be true!"
Calla's eyes stayed steady. "Your mother was the true Alpha of the White Rock Pack. When she died giving birth to you, your power was supposed to pass to you."
Elara shook her head, trying to make sense of everything. After a night of discoveries, her mind was spinning.
"But that's not the worst part," Calla continued. "Kael's marriage to Luna Lyra isn't just a political match. Together, they plan to use your skills to control all the packs."
Before Elara could reply, a howl cut through the night—the signal for a pack hunt.
"You need to go," Calla said quickly. "Hide among the others. We'll talk more when it's safe."
Heart beating, Elara slipped out of the cabin. The forest was alive with movement as wolves gathered for the hunt. She kept her head down as she joined them, hoping neither Kael nor Luna would notice her.
The Alpha stood on a big rock, his powerful form silhouetted against the moon. Beside him was Luna, looking royal and confident. Elara's heart ached at the sight of them together.
"Tonight we hunt as one!" Kael's voice boomed across the area. "The deer have moved to the north valley. We'll split into three groups."
Elara tried to join Zane's group, but a hard hand gripped her arm.
"You're with me," Kael said quietly, his golden eyes fierce.
"Let go," Elara hissed. "I know about your plans."
Confusion crossed his face. "What plans?"
"Your wedding. Using my skills. All of it!"
Kael's face darkened. "Who told you—"
"Alpha!" a voice interrupted. "The visitors have arrived."
A group of wolves entered the open, led by a tall man with striking blue eyes and dark brown hair. He carried himself with the obvious confidence of an Alpha.
"Riven," Kael nodded stiffly. "You're just in time for the hunt."
The newcomer—Riven—smiled, but his eyes were cold. "We wouldn't miss it."
His eyes swept over the crowd, stopping when it landed on Elara. Something flashed in his eyes—recognition? Surprise?
Kael noted the look and stepped between them. "You'll join my group," he told Riven, his tone leaving no room for debate.
The hunt started with another howl. Wolves changed forms, their bodies transforming into powerful beasts. Elara shifted too, her light gray fur gleaming in the moonlight.
They ran as one great pack, paws beating against the earth. The thrill of the hunt pushed Elara's fears away for a moment. This was freedom—running with the wind, led by instinct and moonlight.
But her peace didn't last long. As they neared the valley, Kael's wolf—black as night—appeared beside her. He nudged her, moving her away from the main group.
Angry and confused, Elara changed direction, darting between bushes and away from the Alpha. She didn't want to talk to him. Didn't want to hear his reasons.
She ran faster, not caring where she was going. The sounds of the hunt faded behind her as she pushed deeper into unfamiliar country.
Too late, she realized her mistake. The smell hit her nose—North Pack! She had crossed into their shooting grounds.
Elara froze, ears perked for any sound of danger. She needed to turn back, but which way was home?
A twig snapped. Then another. She wasn't alone.
Three wolves appeared from the shadows, their eyes fixed on her. North Pack hunts. The biggest one—a gray wolf with a scar across his muzzle—stepped forward, teeth bared.
Elara backed away slowly. She was no match for three shooters. Her mind raced, looking for an escape route.
The scarred wolf lunged without warning. Elara ducked, but not fast enough. Teeth grazed her shoulder, drawing blood. She yelped in pain.
The second wolf circled behind her, cutting off her exit. They were playing with her, enjoying her fear.
Just as the third wolf prepared to attack, a flash of reddish-brown fur crashed into the pack. A massive wolf—larger than even Kael—tore into the hunters with scary speed.
The fight was short but violent. The North Pack wolves fled, yelping in pain and defeat.
Her hero turned to face her, and Elara recognized those blue eyes—Riven, the visiting Alpha.
He approached slowly, as if afraid of scaring her. When he reached her side, he gently nuzzled her hurt shoulder. The moment his hair touched hers, a jolt ran through Elara's body—not like the electric feeling with Kael, but something deeper, warmer. Like coming home after a long trip.
Confused, Elara pulled away. What was happening? How could she feel ties with two different Alphas?
Riven shifted back to human form. "You're safe now," he said, his voice deep and kind. "But we need to clean that wound."
Elara paused, then shifted too. "Thank you," she said. "But I should get back—"
"Back to Kael?" Riven asked, something like pain crossing his face. "He sent you out here alone?"
"No, I—I ran away from him."
Riven nodded as if this made perfect sense. "You don't know who I am, do you?"
"You're a visiting Alpha," Elara said. "From another pack."
A sad smile touched his lips. "I'm more than that, Elara. Much more."
The way he said her name—soft, almost reverent—sent another warm pulse through her body.
"How do you know my name?" she asked.
"I've known it since before you were born," he replied. "I was there the night your mother died. The night Kael took you."
Elara's breath caught. "You knew my mother?"
Riven nodded. "She was my Alpha—and my sister."
The world seemed to tilt under Elara's feet. "Your... sister? Then that makes you—"
"Your uncle," Riven finished. "And the rightful Alpha of the White Rock Pack."
Elara's mind reeled with this new knowledge. If Riven was telling the truth, then she wasn't just a Luna Wolf—she was royalty. Pack royalty.
"Why are you here?" she whispered.
"To bring you home," Riven said simply. "Where you belong."
Before Elara could reply, a howl cut through the night—Kael's howl. He was looking for her.
"He'll find us soon," Riven said anxiously. "You have a choice to make, Elara. Stay with the man who stole your heritage, or come with me and learn the truth about who you really are."
"I can't just leave," Elara argued. "Not now. Not like this."
Riven's eyes softened. "I understand. But know this—the bond you felt when we touched? That's the call of blood. Family. It's stronger than any mate tie Kael might offer."
He reached out, touching her cheek gently. That warm feeling returned, making Elara want to lean into his touch.
"When you're ready," Riven said, "find the white oak at the edge of the area. I'll be waiting there every night for one week."
Another scream, closer now.
"Go," Riven pushed. "Before he sees me."
Elara turned to leave, then looked back. "How do I know I can trust you?"
Riven smiled, and for a moment, he looked so much like her—the same eyes, the same smile.
"Because unlike Kael, I have nothing to gain from lying to you."
He vanished into the shadows just as Kael burst into the clearing, his golden eyes wild with worry.
"Elara!" he cried, running to her. "You're hurt!"
His touch sent that now-familiar electricity through her body—different from Riven's warmth, but just as strong.
"I'm fine," she said, pulling away. "I just got lost."
Kael frowned. "I smell another dog. Who was here?"
Elara looked into the Alpha's eyes—the eyes that had captivated her for so long. Was everything between them a lie? A way to use her powers?
And what about this new bond with Riven, her uncle, her blood?
"No one," she lied, the first time she'd ever misled her Alpha. "I was alone."
As Kael led her back toward the pack, Elara felt the weight of lies pressing down on her. Two bonds, two roads, two truths.
Who was she going to believe?
And more importantly—who was she going to become?