The wolfsbane garden was exactly where Odette had promised, tucked behind the science building. The diluted strain created a gentle haze that helped calm my still-unsettled wolf after the intensity of the administration office.
"Okay, spill everything," Odette demanded, settling onto one of the stone benches. "And don't you dare say 'it was nothing' because I literally watched you and Carson scent each other."
"We did not—Aren't we suppose to do our study session— " I started to protest, but she cut me off with a knowing look.
"Pshh, forget about that, honey, I have eyes. And a nose. And twenty-one years of experience reading Carson's broody Alpha signals. He never handles university paperwork personally."
I sank onto the bench beside her, letting the wolfsbane's calming effect soothe my racing thoughts. "It was just territory registration."
"Right," Odette drawled. "Because all territory registrations involve that much eye contact. Or that much scenting. Or personal invitations to committee meetings."
"Look," Odette's voice softened, her usual playfulness giving way to something more serious. "I know you may have hear rumours... Carson... he's not just my brother's best friend. He's family. And what happened with Olivia..."
She stopped herself, shaking her head. "That's not my story to tell. Just... don't write him off because of the rumours, okay? There's more to him than the broody Alpha everyone sees."
My wolf whined softly at the mention of rejection, remembering both my own pain and the flash of understanding I'd seen in Carson's golden eyes.
"Besides," Odette brightened, clearly trying to lighten the mood, "did you see how he reacted to your territory management ideas? I haven't seen him that engaged since... well, ever."
"It was just professional interest," I muttered, but my wolf perked up at the memory.
"Professional interest doesn't usually involve personal invitations or—" Odette's phone chimed, interrupting her teasing. Her violet eyes widened. "Oh! Perfect timing. Freya's suggesting pizza and pack gossip at your place tonight. Please say yes? I'll bring more of that moonflower tea you liked."
Before I could respond, a familiar scent drifted through the garden – pine and Alpha power. My wolf instantly went on alert, but Carson didn't appear. Instead, Nicolas walked in, catching sight of us and heading over with an amused expression.
"Ladies," Nicolas greeted, his eyes twinkling with barely suppressed laughter. "Odette, fancy finding you here. And Miss Briarthorn... I have additional territory documents for you." He placed a folder on the bench between us. "Apparently, they're 'crucial' and couldn't wait until the committee meeting."
"Nico!" Odette beamed. "Did my favorite broody Alpha send you on a delivery mission?"
"Actually," Nicolas's grin widened, "he insisted on bringing them himself, but Alex intercepted him. Something about 'not being obvious' and 'maintaining professional distance.'"
My wolf preened at this information, even as I tried to maintain a neutral expression. "I'm sure it's just standard protocol."
"Oh, absolutely," Nicolas agreed, his tone far too innocent. "Carson always personally reviews transfer documents. And hand-delivers them. And scents—"
"Weren't you leaving, Nic?" I interrupted, feeling my cheeks heat.
"Actually, I should head out too," Odette stood, gathering her things. "Need to change before dinner. Astraia, your place at seven? I'm thinking we need a proper girls' night planning session."
"Speaking of girls' night," Nicolas's eyes sparkled with mischief, "Carson seemed very interested in the security arrangements for Friday."
"Did he now?" Odette's violet eyes gleamed. "How interesting, considering it's at my penthouse, which is literally the most secure building in the city."
"Very interesting," Nicolas agreed. "Almost as interesting as him scheduling the pack committee meeting for Tuesday instead of Thursday."
"What's Thursday?" I asked, immediately regretting it when both of them turned to me with matching grins.
"Thursday is when he usually does all his university administrative work," Odette explained. "But Tuesday... Tuesday is when Kane's Environmental Science class meets."
"That's purely coincidental," I insisted, even as my wolf stirred with interest.
"Of course," Nicolas nodded solemnly. "Just like it's coincidental that he's personally reviewing all pack territory documentation for the semester. All of it. Even the cafeteria meal plans."
"Don't you both have somewhere to be?" I stood, gathering the new folder of documents.
"Yes, yes, we're going," Odette laughed. "Seven o'clock, don't forget! And lets do a theme! Lets all wear green, it would match your eyes! Not that anyone would notice. Especially not certain Alphas who definitely won't be patrolling this area later."
~
The apartment was already filled with the aroma of moon-blessed pizza when I got home. Freya had transformed our small living room into what she called a "proper pack gathering space" - cushions everywhere, fairy lights twinkling, and several bottles of what looked suspiciously like wolfsbane-infused cider."Before you ask," Freya said, noting my raised eyebrow at the drinks, "Lila brought them. Apparently, they're 'essential' for girls' night planning."
"And gossip," Lila added, emerging from the kitchen with glasses. "Especially gossip about certain Alphas who suddenly care about university paperwork."
I groaned, dropping onto the couch. "Not you too."
"Honey, I could smell him on you from the hallway," Lila smirked. "And I've known Carson since we were pups. He doesn't do anything without a reason."
The door burst open, revealing Odette with her arms full of bags. "I brought reinforcements! Moon-blessed muffins, that tea you liked, and—" she paused, sniffing the air. "Oh my goddess, he was here wasn't he?"
"What?" I sat up straight. "No, Carson wasn't—"
"Not Carson," Odette set her bags down, violet eyes scanning the room. "That's definitely his scent. No, I meant..." her nose wrinkled slightly. "Grant."
The name sent an uncomfortable chill down my spine. My wolf, who had been contentedly basking in the lingering traces of Carson's scent, suddenly went on alert.
"What?" Lila's eyes narrowed. "When was Grant here?"
"He wasn't," Freya said firmly. "I've been home all afternoon. No one's been here except—" she stopped, realization dawning. "Oh. The territory paperwork. He would have had to sign off on your transfer from Rivermoon."
"Which explains why Carson insisted on handling it personally," Odette muttered, then brightened. "Well, one of the reasons anyway."
"Can we please focus on something else?" I pleaded, reaching for a slice of pizza. "Like girls' night planning? Or Kane's impossible reading assignment?"
"Fine," Odette settled onto a cushion, her violet eyes still sparkling with mischief. "Girls' night. My penthouse, Friday at eight. Eden from High Crest Pack is coming - she's training as a healer, super sweet. And Caeli, she's human but her art captures wolf energy like you wouldn't believe."
"The same Eden who happens to be Carson's pack healer?" Lila asked innocently.
"Oh, is she?" Odette's attempt at surprise fooled no one. "I hadn't noticed."
Freya snorted into her cider. "Just like you hadn't noticed scheduling it the same night Carson usually patrols that area?"
"I'm starting to think you're all as bad as she is," I muttered, but couldn't help smiling at their antics.
"Speaking of noticing things," Lila leaned forward, her expression turning serious. "Did anyone else get a weird vibe from the administration building today? Before Carson and Nic arrived?"
The sudden shift in topic made my wolf stir uneasily. "What do you mean?"
"Just... something felt off. Like—"
She was interrupted by all our phones buzzing simultaneously. The message made my heart skip:
Group Message from Unknown:
Emergency pack meeting called for all wolves at Stellar University. Attendance mandatory. Tomorrow, 7 PM. - High Crest AlphaOdette's violet eyes widened. "He never calls emergency meetings."
Before any of us could process this, another message flashed across our screens:
Grant: Looking forward to seeing everyone at the meeting. Especially you, Astraia. We have unfinished business to discuss.
My wolf bristled at his words, but before I could react, a third message appeared:
Alpha Carson: Miss Briarthorn, arrive early. 6:30. We need to discuss territory matters. - CT
The room fell silent as everyone processed the messages. Odette was the first to speak, her voice uncharacteristically serious.
"Well," she said softly, "why is grant going he doesnt even go here.. looks like tomorrow just got interesting."
"Interesting isn't the word I'd use," Lila muttered, her protective instincts clearly rising. "Grant has no business—"
Another message cut through our conversation:
Grant: By the way, Astraia, Tiffany sends her regards. She's particularly interested in your new... territorial arrangements.
Before anyone could react, two more messages appeared in rapid succession:
Alpha Carson: Change of plans. Meeting you at 6. My office. Non-negotiable. - CT
Royal Pack Official: Crown Prince Alexei Moonvale will be attending tomorrow's emergency pack meeting. All protocols apply.
"Oh my goddess," Odette breathed, violet eyes wide. "Alex never attends university pack meetings unless..." She stopped herself, exchanging a loaded look with Lila.
My wolf was a mess of conflicting emotions – bristling at Grant's threat, preening at Carson's protective command, and anxious about what tomorrow might bring.
"Well," Freya said into the tense silence, reaching for the wolfsbane cider, "I think we're going to need something stronger than pizza for this conversation."
As my friends launched into theories and protective planning, I couldn't shake the feeling that tomorrow would change everything. The question was: would it be for better or worse?
✧ ✦ ✧
Author's Note:
Hi Moonlings! 🌙✨
fans self Anyone else need some of that wolfsbane cider after those messages? 🔥
So... emergency pack meeting, Grant stirring trouble, Carson getting protective, AND Crown Prince Alexei making an appearance? Just another casual Tuesday at Stellar University! 👑
Some burning questions:
~ What's Grant REALLY up to? Why is he joining the meeting if he isnt from the university?
~ Why is Carson insisting on meeting early? 👀
~ What made Alex decide to attend?
Fun fact: Wolfsbane cider is actually a traditional pack drink used during important meetings - it helps calm wolf instincts while keeping minds sharp! 🍷✨ I could definitely use one!
Don't forget to:
🌙 Follow me for regular updates! ✨ Add to your library to never miss a chapter 💫 Vote if you're enjoying our protective Alpha 🐺 Comment with your theories - I read every single one!Next time: An emergency pack meeting, two Alphas, and one very confused mate bond... what could possibly go wrong?
Moon's blessings,
Odessa 🌙✨The wolfsbane cider, as it turned out, was significantly stronger than any of us had anticipated. Three bottles later, our pizza was long gone, and the emergency pack meeting texts had somehow become less threatening and more amusing. Even my wolf, usually on edge at any mention of Grant, was contentedly buzzed, purring at the lingering traces of Carson's scent that still clung to the territory paperwork. Freya had wrapped fairy lights around our necks like glowing scarves, declaring us "the most fashionable pack girls on campus."The night was warm, the moon was bright, and everything felt wonderfully possible."We need snacks!" Odette announced, somehow making it sound like a royal decree. "To the minimart!""Od, it's almost midnight," I tried to reason, though the wolfsbane cider made everything feel wonderfully fuzzy."Exactly! Prime snacking hour!" Freya agreed, the fairy lights in her hair twinkling as she twirled. "Plus, we're all wearing green. We
The wolfsbane cider's pleasant haze evaporated instantly at that voice. Even Odette stopped humming, her violet eyes suddenly sharp despite her intoxication. Through the glow of our ridiculous fairy lights, I watched Carson's expression darken, his Alpha power surging protectively around our group.Grant stepped out of the shadows, his cold blue eyes taking in the scene with calculated amusement. He looked exactly as I remembered – classically handsome, perfectly polished, and completely cold."Isn't it a bit early for tomorrow's meeting?" he asked, his voice carrying that familiar edge of mockery. "Though I suppose some of us are more... prepared than others." His gaze swept over our green outfits and fairy lights with obvious disdain.Carson moved slightly, positioning himself between our group and Grant. The air crackled with tension as two Alpha energies collided."I wasn't aware Rivermoon Pack had any business in this territory," Carson's voice
Welcome, dear reader, to By Shadowlight Lake, a story of loss, self-discovery, and the complex paths that lead us to understanding ourselves and our true purpose.When I began writing this novel, I wanted to explore the idea of how love can both heal and break us, and how the choices we make shape the people we become. Astraia and Carson’s journey is one of heartache and resilience, a reminder that even in the darkest moments, we have the power to rise. Their bond is a symbol of what we all seek—connection, trust, and the courage to face our fears head-on.Through the pages, you’ll meet characters who, like us, are striving to find their place in a world that can often seem unforgiving. You’ll walk with Astraia as she navigates the consequences of rejection, finding strength she never knew she had. And you’ll see Carson, a brooding soul whose own trauma makes him question everything he believes in.This story is one of healing, of facing demons, both internal and external, and ultimat
The Beta’s birthday celebration was the social event of the season in our pack, a grand affair that filled the packhouse with laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses. The packhouse itself was a masterpiece of rustic elegance, its wooden beams adorned with twinkling fairy lights, and the scent of fresh pine mingled with the rich aroma of roasted meat and spiced cider. Tonight was supposed to be special. I had spent hours perfecting every detail—my hair styled into soft curls, my favorite emerald dress hugging my curves, and just the right amount of makeup to highlight my features. I’d hoped to feel beautiful, confident, and, for once, seen.But deep down, a hollow ache gnawed at me—a hope that tonight might bring a change in my life, even if I couldn’t name what that change should be. Instead, fate would deliver a cruel twist that would forever alter my path.“Astraia,” Tiffany’s voice broke through my thoughts, dripping with false sweetness. I turned to see her standing near th
The ride home was a blur. The rhythmic hum of the car’s engine did little to soothe the chaos in my mind. The car felt suffocating as I sat in the back, my parents chatting casually about the party. Their voices, light and unconcerned, seemed miles away, like they were coming from another world, a place where I wasn’t broken, where I wasn’t questioning everything I thought I knew. My father’s steady grip on the wheel, the sound of my mother humming softly in the front seat—it all felt so distant. The only sound in my ears was the agonizing thrum of my heart, the deafening emptiness that Grant’s rejection had left in its wake.“How was the party, sweetie?” My mother’s voice cut through my fog of pain.I opened my mouth to respond but couldn’t find the words. The truth was, I didn’t know how to explain what had happened. How could I tell them about the cruel words Grant had spoken? How could I admit that I’d been rejected in front of an entire pack? How could I explain that my heart was
The past few weeks had been an endless blur of sadness and confusion. Every thought, every memory, seemed to be wrapped in Grant's rejection. His cold dismissal, choosing Tiffany, breaking our bond – it all echoed through my mind like a haunting melody I couldn't escape. The ache in my chest wasn't just emotional; it felt like a physical weight crushing my heart."I, Grant Dixon, soon to be Alpha of the Rivermoon Pack, reject you, Astraia, as my mate."The words still rang in my ears, even weeks later. But somewhere deep inside, something began to shift. A quiet determination took root. I wasn't going to let Grant's rejection define me. I wasn't going to let it dictate my future.After countless hours of research and weighing options, I found my answer: Stellar University. A neutral zone where both humans and werewolves coexisted, far enough from Rivermoon Pack for breathing room but close enough to maintain connections. The perfect place to pursue my passion for environmental science
The evening sun cast long shadows across the wolfsbane garden as I finally gathered my thoughts and headed back to the apartment. The day's explorations had given me a better sense of my new territory, but it had also stirred up emotions I wasn't quite ready to face.Back in the apartment, I found Freya had left a note on the kitchen counter: "Made extra coffee this morning – it's in the blue thermos. Told you it was life-changing! Class until 6, but Chinese takeout after?"The thoughtfulness of the gesture brought a small smile to my face. I put the thermos in the fridge for tomorrow and turned to my room, ready to truly make it my space.Unpacking the last of my boxes, I carefully arranged my belongings. My environmental science textbooks lined the desk, along with the leather-bound territory mapping journal my father had given me – a traditional gift for Beta training. I hesitated before placing it on the shelf. It represented everything I'd lost, but also everything I'd learned. K
AstraiaThe morning sun cast long shadows across Stellar University's Main Quad as I clutched my orientation packet, trying to decipher the campus map. My stormy grey eyes scanned the imposing buildings, each one looking frustratingly similar to the last. Despite my Beta training in territory mapping, the university layout seemed determined to confuse me.The ashy rose-brown strands of my hair caught the early light, the distinctive Briarthorn silver shift more pronounced in my nervousness. I'd spent extra time this morning trying to look perfectly put together – a habit from my Beta-in-waiting days that was hard to break.First day. You can do this,I reminded myself, adjusting my bag. The weight of my new textbooks felt reassuring – something concrete to focus on besides the lingering echo of bond pain.My phone buzzed with several messages:Lila: You've got this, little cousin! Text
The wolfsbane cider's pleasant haze evaporated instantly at that voice. Even Odette stopped humming, her violet eyes suddenly sharp despite her intoxication. Through the glow of our ridiculous fairy lights, I watched Carson's expression darken, his Alpha power surging protectively around our group.Grant stepped out of the shadows, his cold blue eyes taking in the scene with calculated amusement. He looked exactly as I remembered – classically handsome, perfectly polished, and completely cold."Isn't it a bit early for tomorrow's meeting?" he asked, his voice carrying that familiar edge of mockery. "Though I suppose some of us are more... prepared than others." His gaze swept over our green outfits and fairy lights with obvious disdain.Carson moved slightly, positioning himself between our group and Grant. The air crackled with tension as two Alpha energies collided."I wasn't aware Rivermoon Pack had any business in this territory," Carson's voice
The wolfsbane cider, as it turned out, was significantly stronger than any of us had anticipated. Three bottles later, our pizza was long gone, and the emergency pack meeting texts had somehow become less threatening and more amusing. Even my wolf, usually on edge at any mention of Grant, was contentedly buzzed, purring at the lingering traces of Carson's scent that still clung to the territory paperwork. Freya had wrapped fairy lights around our necks like glowing scarves, declaring us "the most fashionable pack girls on campus."The night was warm, the moon was bright, and everything felt wonderfully possible."We need snacks!" Odette announced, somehow making it sound like a royal decree. "To the minimart!""Od, it's almost midnight," I tried to reason, though the wolfsbane cider made everything feel wonderfully fuzzy."Exactly! Prime snacking hour!" Freya agreed, the fairy lights in her hair twinkling as she twirled. "Plus, we're all wearing green. We
The wolfsbane garden was exactly where Odette had promised, tucked behind the science building. The diluted strain created a gentle haze that helped calm my still-unsettled wolf after the intensity of the administration office."Okay, spill everything," Odette demanded, settling onto one of the stone benches. "And don't you dare say 'it was nothing' because I literally watched you and Carson scent each other.""We did not—Aren't we suppose to do our study session— " I started to protest, but she cut me off with a knowing look."Pshh, forget about that, honey, I have eyes. And a nose. And twenty-one years of experience reading Carson's broody Alpha signals. He never handles university paperwork personally."I sank onto the bench beside her, letting the wolfsbane's calming effect soothe my racing thoughts. "It was just territory registration.""Right," Odette drawled. "Because all territory registrations involve that much eye contact. Or
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 responsibleRoyal Pain (Brother): On a
Professor Kane's Environmental Science classroom was already half-full when we arrived. Odette, who had somehow managed to escape both her brother and the Council meeting, guided us to seats near the middle – "Not too eager in the front, not too hidden in the back," she explained with a wink.The classroom design was clearly made with both wolves and humans in mind. The windows were positioned to allow natural light without creating harsh glares that might irritate sensitive wolf eyes, and the ventilation system kept the air fresh despite the mix of pack scents."Best spot for both acoustics and quick exits," she whispered as we settled in. "Plus, perfect view of—" She stopped abruptly, violet eyes widening as she looked toward the door.The wave of Alpha power hit me before I turned to look. Carson Thorne stood in the doorway, his dark hair slightly dishevelled, golden eyes scanning the room with detached authority. The intensity of his presence
AstraiaThe morning sun cast long shadows across Stellar University's Main Quad as I clutched my orientation packet, trying to decipher the campus map. My stormy grey eyes scanned the imposing buildings, each one looking frustratingly similar to the last. Despite my Beta training in territory mapping, the university layout seemed determined to confuse me.The ashy rose-brown strands of my hair caught the early light, the distinctive Briarthorn silver shift more pronounced in my nervousness. I'd spent extra time this morning trying to look perfectly put together – a habit from my Beta-in-waiting days that was hard to break.First day. You can do this,I reminded myself, adjusting my bag. The weight of my new textbooks felt reassuring – something concrete to focus on besides the lingering echo of bond pain.My phone buzzed with several messages:Lila: You've got this, little cousin! Text
The evening sun cast long shadows across the wolfsbane garden as I finally gathered my thoughts and headed back to the apartment. The day's explorations had given me a better sense of my new territory, but it had also stirred up emotions I wasn't quite ready to face.Back in the apartment, I found Freya had left a note on the kitchen counter: "Made extra coffee this morning – it's in the blue thermos. Told you it was life-changing! Class until 6, but Chinese takeout after?"The thoughtfulness of the gesture brought a small smile to my face. I put the thermos in the fridge for tomorrow and turned to my room, ready to truly make it my space.Unpacking the last of my boxes, I carefully arranged my belongings. My environmental science textbooks lined the desk, along with the leather-bound territory mapping journal my father had given me – a traditional gift for Beta training. I hesitated before placing it on the shelf. It represented everything I'd lost, but also everything I'd learned. K
The past few weeks had been an endless blur of sadness and confusion. Every thought, every memory, seemed to be wrapped in Grant's rejection. His cold dismissal, choosing Tiffany, breaking our bond – it all echoed through my mind like a haunting melody I couldn't escape. The ache in my chest wasn't just emotional; it felt like a physical weight crushing my heart."I, Grant Dixon, soon to be Alpha of the Rivermoon Pack, reject you, Astraia, as my mate."The words still rang in my ears, even weeks later. But somewhere deep inside, something began to shift. A quiet determination took root. I wasn't going to let Grant's rejection define me. I wasn't going to let it dictate my future.After countless hours of research and weighing options, I found my answer: Stellar University. A neutral zone where both humans and werewolves coexisted, far enough from Rivermoon Pack for breathing room but close enough to maintain connections. The perfect place to pursue my passion for environmental science
The ride home was a blur. The rhythmic hum of the car’s engine did little to soothe the chaos in my mind. The car felt suffocating as I sat in the back, my parents chatting casually about the party. Their voices, light and unconcerned, seemed miles away, like they were coming from another world, a place where I wasn’t broken, where I wasn’t questioning everything I thought I knew. My father’s steady grip on the wheel, the sound of my mother humming softly in the front seat—it all felt so distant. The only sound in my ears was the agonizing thrum of my heart, the deafening emptiness that Grant’s rejection had left in its wake.“How was the party, sweetie?” My mother’s voice cut through my fog of pain.I opened my mouth to respond but couldn’t find the words. The truth was, I didn’t know how to explain what had happened. How could I tell them about the cruel words Grant had spoken? How could I admit that I’d been rejected in front of an entire pack? How could I explain that my heart was