Chapter 7 - Astraia

The walk to the administration building gave me a better view of campus than my earlier confused wandering. Odette, despite her seemingly casual chatter, was actually giving me useful information about pack-friendly routes and neutral zones.

"The path behind the science building is quieter," she explained, steering me along a tree-lined walkway. "Lots of wolves use it during high-stress times – the trees help muffle all the campus scents."

My wolf appreciated the consideration, especially as we approached the administration building where pack scents were stronger. Various wolves coming and going, marking territory edges even in this neutral zone.

"Nicolas usually handles all the pack registration stuff," Odette continued, then checked her phone with a suspiciously innocent expression.

Royal Pain (Brother): Where are you taking her?

Odette: Administrative duties. Being responsible 

Royal Pain (Brother): On a Tuesday at 2pm? When Carson always checks university paperwork? ODETTE NO

Odette: ODETTE YES 👑

She tucked her phone away with a satisfied smirk just as we reached the administrative office. The scent hit me before we entered , pure Alpha power, like a brewing storm. My wolf, who had been relatively quiet all day, suddenly snapped to attention.

Through the glass panels, I could see two men in the office. One was clearly human – tall, athletic, with an easy confidence that spoke of someone used to dealing with wolves. Nicolas Sterling, I presumed. The other...

Carson Thorne stood with his back to the door, but even from behind, his presence was overwhelming. Dark hair, broad shoulders, and an aura of contained power that made my wolf whine softly. When he turned slightly, I caught a glimpse of intense golden eyes scanning some paperwork.

"Oh look," Odette said brightly, far too innocent to be genuine. "They're both here. How convenient."

Before I could retreat, Odette had already opened the door. The scent of Alpha power intensified, making my wolf stir restlessly.

Nicolas looked up first, his warm brown eyes crinkling with a welcoming smile. "Odette! Twice in one day? The council meeting wasn't enough?"

"Just helping a new student with registration," she replied cheerfully. "Astraia Briarthorn, meet Nicolas Sterling and—"

Carson Thorne turned then, and the world seemed to pause. Golden eyes, intense as molten sunlight, met my stormy grey ones. My wolf, so quiet since Grant's rejection, suddenly surged forward with interest. Something flickered in those golden depths – recognition, surprise, and something else I couldn't name.

"Alpha Thorne," I managed, my Beta training kicking in automatically as I tilted my head in respect. My voice came out steadier than I felt, thank the Moon Goddess.

"Miss Briarthorn," he responded, his voice deep and rich, sending an unexpected shiver down my spine. His eyes narrowed slightly, nostrils flaring as he caught my scent. "From Rivermoon Pack?"

I tensed, waiting for the inevitable recognition, the whispers of rejection. But his expression remained neutral, professional. If anything, there was a flash of something like understanding in his eyes.

Nicolas smoothly took control of the situation. "Here for pack registration? I have the forms ready." He shot a knowing look at Odette, who was practically vibrating with poorly concealed glee.

As Nicolas guided me through the paperwork, I was acutely aware of Carson's presence. He had returned to his own documents, but there was a new tension in his shoulders. My wolf noticed every slight movement, every shift in his scent.

"Territory transfer documentation," Nicolas explained, sliding another form across the desk. "Since you're moving from Rivermoon Pack lands to neutral territory with High Crest proximity..."

"I can handle that part," Carson's voice cut in suddenly, making everyone look up. His golden eyes met mine again, intense but unreadable. "Given the territory overlap."

The room felt charged with an energy I couldn't quite explain. Carson moved closer to review the territory documentation, his Alpha presence making my wolf hyper-aware of every movement.

"Rivermoon borders our southern territory," he stated, his tone professional but with an underlying intensity that made my skin tingle. "You'll need access permissions for the connecting running trails."

His scent, pine, mountain air, and pure Alpha power, wrapped around me as he leaned over to mark something on the map. My wolf, who had been practically comatose since Grant's rejection, was suddenly very much awake and interested.

Odette's phone buzzed again:

Royal Pain (Brother): Why are you still there?

Odette: Watching history in making 

Royal Pain (Brother): Get. Out. 

Odette: But they're SCENTING each other

Royal Pain (Brother): ODETTE! 

"The neutral zones are marked in grey," Carson continued, either oblivious to or choosing to ignore Odette's presence. His finger traced a path on the map, and I forced myself to focus on the territory markings rather than how his proximity was affecting my wolf. "Given your... background in territory management, you'll notice the environmental conservation areas we've implemented."

The slight pause before 'background' told me he knew exactly who I was – former Beta-in-waiting, rejected mate. But there was no pity in his tone, just professional acknowledgment.

"The preservation zones along the river border," I noted, genuinely interested despite my nervous energy. "They follow the seasonal migration patterns I studied in my Beta training."

Something flickered in his golden eyes – approval? Interest? Before I could analyze it, Nicolas cleared his throat.

"Just need your signature here," he said, sliding another form forward. "And Alpha Thorne's authorization for the border access."

Carson's hand brushed mine slightly as he reached for the pen, and I felt a jolt of... something. My wolf practically purred, which was both confusing and mildly terrifying. From the subtle tension in his shoulders, I wasn't the only one affected.

"All set," Nicolas announced, collecting the papers. "Welcome to Stellar University, Astraia. The pack registration office is always open if you need anything."

"Thank you," I managed, gathering my copies of the documents. As I turned to leave, Carson's voice stopped me.

"Miss Briarthorn."

I turned back, meeting those intense golden eyes again.

The air in the office seemed to thicken with tension. Carson moved closer to review the territory documentation, his Alpha presence making my wolf hyper-aware of every movement. The scent of pine, storm winds, and pure power rolled off him in waves.

"Your previous position was Beta-in-waiting?" His question was professional, but something in his tone made me look up. There was a careful neutrality in his expression that spoke of personal understanding.

"Yes," I managed, proud of how steady my voice remained. "I have extensive territory mapping experience from the training."

Nicolas whistled softly. "That'll be useful. We're actually working on updating the neutral zone boundaries around campus."

"The Briarthorn line is known for their diplomatic approach to territory management," Carson commented, his golden eyes scanning the documents. Was it my imagination, or did his hands tense slightly on the papers? "Your father's work on the Northern Territory Agreement was... impressive."

The unexpected complement to my family legacy helped ease some of my tension. This was familiar ground – pack politics, territory discussion. I could handle this.

"The university territory is technically neutral," Carson continued, either ignoring or not noticing Odette's poorly concealed excitement. "But High Crest Pack maintains certain... protective interests in the area."

His scent shifted slightly – a subtle mark of Alpha authority that made my wolf stand at attention.

"Standard safety protocols," Nicolas added smoothly. "Especially for wolves new to the territory. We can set up a brief orientation—"

"I'll handle it," Carson interrupted, surprising everyone, including himself if the slight widening of his eyes was any indication. He quickly recovered, his professional mask sliding back into place. "Given the proximity to High Crest borders, it's an Alpha responsibility."

My heart skipped. Was he offering personal territory orientation? That was usually a Beta's duty, not something an Alpha would...

"The environmental conservation proposal you mentioned in Kane's class," Carson said, his voice carrying that same underlying intensity. "There's a territory management meeting next week. Your perspective would be... valuable."

Before I could respond, Odette practically bounced in place. "Oh, perfect! I was going to invite her anyway. You know, since I'm on the conservation committee."

Carson's jaw tightened slightly at his best friend's sister's interference, but his eyes remained fixed on mine. "Tuesday, 7 PM. The meeting room in Building C."

It wasn't quite a question, nor was it an Alpha command. Something in between – an invitation wrapped in professional courtesy.

"I'll be there," I heard myself say, my Beta training automatically responding to the implicit challenge in his tone. My wolf preened at the flash of approval in his golden eyes.

Nicolas was watching the interaction with poorly concealed amusement, while Odette looked like she might burst from suppressed excitement.

"Come on," Odette linked her arm through mine. "We still have that study session planned. Thank you, Carson, Nic!" She practically sang the last part as she steered me toward the door.

"Miss Briarthorn," Carson's voice followed us, that deep timber making my wolf's ears perk up. "Welcome to Stellar University."

The weight of his gaze followed us out of the office. "So," Odette turned to me with sparkling violet eyes once we were safely away from the office. "That study session? We have SO much to discuss."

Before I could respond, my phone buzzed with a message that made my heart stop:

Unknown: Miss Briarthorn, one more thing about your territory access. My office, tomorrow, 3 PM. - Carson Thorne

As I stared at the message, another text came through:

Grant: Heard you're at Stellar now. We need to talk about pack boundaries.

My wolf bristled at the familiar number, even as another message appeared:

Unknown: And Miss Briarthorn? Don't accept any territory requests without consulting me first. - CT

Odette, reading over my shoulder, let out a delighted gasp. "Oh, this just got interesting!"

✧ ✦ ✧

Author's Note:

Hi Moonlings! 🌙✨ 

Is it hot in here, or is it just that Alpha presence? 🔥 So... that territory registration didn't go quite as expected, did it? 

What did you think about Carson handling it personally? And that scenting moment... anyone else need a cold shower, or just me? 

Some things to ponder: Why did Carson REALLY want to handle this personally? 

What's Grant up to with that text? 😤

And most importantly - what's going to happen in that private meeting tomorrow? 

Fun fact: That tension you felt during the territory mapping scene? That's actually based on traditional pack dynamics where Alphas and their potential mates often first connect over pack business! 

Don't forget to add this to your library, thank you for your support!

P.S. Team Carson or Team Grant? Let me know in the comments! 

Moon's blessings,

Odessa 🌙✨