Chapter 5

"Be cautious," I warned my wolf, "remember what happened with Landon."

She settled down, her giggles subsiding.

I turned to Alpha Kieran, a question burning on my lips. "Do you have any connection to Alpha Landon Blackthorn of Blackwood Pack?"

He cut me off, his voice sharp as a knife. "I'm well aware of Landon's pack."

His eyes flashed with a complex mix of emotions, but they quickly hardened, revealing the unapologetic, cold, sassy, and savage man I'd met earlier.

"Why do you want to know?" he asked, his tone dripping with disdain.

I swallowed, my voice cracking. "Because my dealings with Landon were... complicated. Seeing you is like reliving my worst nightmare."

Memories of Landon and my sister's betrayal threatened to overwhelm me.

Alpha Kieran's expression turned glacial. "Landon is my cousin. Mention his name again, and it won't end well for you."

His warning sent a shiver down my spine.

Six years had passed, and my life had transformed in ways I never thought possible.

"Glyden, sweetie, hold on tight!" I called out, watching my little girl's infectious laughter as she soared on the swing.

Her joy was contagious, and I beamed with pride.

Suddenly, strong arms enveloped me, and Kieran's warm breath tickled my neck. "How's my princess doing today?"

I melted into his embrace, savoring the love and security he brought.

"I'm wonderful," I whispered, my heart full.

Life had been a journey. After losing our first child, I'd discovered Kieran was my mate. Initially, he'd hesitated, viewing me as too weak to be a Luna.

But Kieran's love and patience had helped me grow, and I'd proven myself as a capable and strong partner.

Now, as we wrapped our arms around each other, I knew we'd overcome every obstacle.

Glyden's giggles brought us back to the present. "Mummy, Daddy, watch me!"

Kieran chuckled, his eyes shining with adoration. "We're watching, little one."

Together, we basked in the happiness of our little family, grateful for the love that had conquered all.

The weight of expectation from Kieran's pack elders had been mounting, pressing him to choose a suitable Luna and produce heirs. Their suggestions that I was the ideal candidate only fueled his frustration.

Despite the pressure, we'd navigated our relationship with ease, and our love had culminated in the birth of our precious Glyden, conceived soon after our mating.

As I gazed into Kieran's eyes, memories flooded my mind – the intricate web of family secrets, the hidden history that had driven a wedge between Kieran's and Landon's families. Kieran's father, born out of wedlock, had been banished, leaving a legacy of pain and resentment.

Kieran's voice broke the spell, his eyes piercing mine. "Lost in thought, my love?"

I smiled, shaking my head, and he turned serious, his expression a harbinger of weighty news.

"Listen, I need to share something with you," he said, his tone measured. "It's crucial."

My heart skipped a beat, sensing the gravity of what was to come.

Kieran's expression turned grave, his eyes locking onto mine as if bracing for impact. "We're visiting the Blackwood Pack tomorrow," he stated, his voice measured.

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. "No!" I recoiled, jerking my wrist free from his grasp. Memories I'd fought to bury came flooding back, and I couldn't bear the thought of facing those people again.

Kieran's face remained serious, no hint of jest. I searched his eyes, desperate for an escape.

"Ember, please—"

I shook my head violently, tears welling up. "You can't expect me to go back there, to face their scorn and humiliation."

Glyden's concerned voice interrupted us. "Mommy, what's wrong?"

I hastily wiped away my tears, forcing a weak smile as she approached.

Kieran's grip on my wrist tightened. "We need to do this, Ember. It's time to confront the past."

I yanked my hand free, my heart racing. "You don't understand, Kieran. You can't ask me to do this."

I ushered Glyden off to play with the other pack children, my eyes never leaving Kieran's face.

"Explain," I demanded.

Kieran's expression turned calculated. "Other packs received invitations from the province, but we were deliberately excluded. This is our chance to show them our strength."

I hesitated, but Kieran's persuasive words eventually won me over.

As we prepared to leave, Kieran reminded me, "Don't forget anything. The carriage awaits."

I dressed with precision, my attire a statement of power and elegance. Today, I was ready to make a statement.

My aunt, uncle, and cousin would be in attendance, their smug faces a reminder of past betrayals. But I was no longer the vulnerable girl they once knew.

A fierce determination burned within me. I would make them regret underestimating me.

"Let's go," I said, my voice icy.

Kieran offered a sly smile. "Time to make an entrance."

Together, we set off to shatter their illusions and assert our dominance.

As we entered the Blackwood Pack's grounds, a mix of emotions swirled within me. The familiar gates and buildings seemed frozen in time, unchanged since my departure.

We took our seats, and I scanned the crowd, searching for my step-sister. My eyes finally found her, and my initial desire for revenge faltered. She looked fragile, her skin pale and drawn, like a shadow of her former self.

The Alpha of Blackwood Pack, Landon's father, began his welcome speech, his words dripping with false warmth. "Distinguished Alpha and Luna pairs, welcome to this year's Alpha Hurdle. We're honored to host this glorious event, thanks to the goddess's benevolence."

My fists clenched, but Kieran's gentle squeeze on my hand calmed me. His reassuring touch reminded me that I wasn't alone, and that we were here to reclaim our rightful place.

I took a deep breath, my gaze never leaving my step-sister. What secrets lay behind her gaunt appearance? And what did Landon's family have to hide?

The discussion shifted to pack contributions, with ratios and numbers being tossed around. I tuned out, my focus on the upcoming introductions.

Finally, the moment arrived. The host announced the start of the Alpha and Luna introductions, and I straightened, ready to make our presence known.

Earlier, I'd overheard some of the Lunas whispering admiringly about my outfit, comparing me to a goddess even with my mask covering my face. Their envy and admiration bolstered my confidence.

With Kieran by my side, I prepared to make a statement, to show the Blackwood Pack and our peers that we were a force to be reckoned with.