Chapter 12
Apr 17, 2025
“You’ve got the whole pack buzzing about you, Alpha Orion,” a smooth, velvety voice called out from behind the bonfire. Lucien Marrow stepped into view, his confident stride and tailored dark suit immediately drawing the attention of everyone nearby. He extended a hand toward Orion, who was watching the newcomer with cautious curiosity.
“Lucien Marrow,” he introduced himself, a disarming smile lighting up his sharp features. His deep voice carried an air of authority, but his charm softened it, making everyone within earshot instinctively trust him. “Representative of the Silverstone Pack. We’ve been keeping an eye on the rogue activity along our borders and thought it was time to strengthen alliances.”
“Lucien.” Orion shook his hand firmly, his tone neutral but respectful. “We’re always open to strong allies. But I wasn’t expecting a diplomat tonight.”
Lucien shrugged, his dark eyes scanning the gathering as if memorizing every face. “The timing seemed right. I like to get ahead of things.” His gaze landed on Felicia, who stood a few feet behind Orion, holding Max and Danny close. For a fleeting second, something flickered in Lucien’s expression—recognition? Interest? But it was gone as quickly as it came.
“And who might this be?” Lucien asked, stepping slightly closer and addressing Felicia directly.
Felicia stiffened under his scrutiny. His demeanor wasn’t threatening, but something about him felt… too smooth. Too perfect. “Felicia,” she replied curtly, not volunteering anything more.
“Ah, the famous Luna,” Lucien said, tilting his head slightly. “Or should I say, former Luna? I’ve heard whispers of your strength and resilience. Raising twins, no less, and carving out a place here. That’s no small feat.”
Felicia’s lips tightened. “Whispers travel fast, I see,” she said, her tone polite but guarded.
Lucien smiled. “When it comes to extraordinary people, they always do.”
Orion cleared his throat, subtly stepping between Lucien and Felicia. “Lucien, I’m sure we’ll have plenty to discuss about alliances and rogues later. For now, enjoy the festival. It’s a night for celebration.”
“Of course,” Lucien replied easily, holding his hands up in mock surrender. “But I’d like to talk to Felicia again before the night is through.” He turned to her one last time, his gaze steady. “Your strength is admirable, Luna. Truly.”
Felicia gave him a curt nod, her grip tightening on Danny and Max’s hands. She didn’t trust this man, not yet. But as he walked away, his steps measured and deliberate, she couldn’t shake the feeling that Lucien wasn’t as harmless as he seemed.
The firelight flickered as the festival wore on, but Felicia couldn’t relax. Her mind was still racing from her confrontation with Damien earlier. She had been so careful for five years—so careful. And now everything was unraveling.
Her eyes wandered, searching for Damien in the crowd. She spotted him near a group of pack warriors, his tall frame unmistakable. He wasn’t laughing or joining in the revelry. Instead, his gaze was fixed on her and the boys, burning with intensity. She hated how her heart betrayed her, skipping a beat under the weight of his stare.
“Mommy, can we go play near the food tents?” Danny tugged at her sleeve, his wide eyes hopeful. Max nodded eagerly beside him.
Felicia hesitated. “Stay where I can see you,” she said firmly. “And no wandering off, okay?”
“Okay!” the boys chorused before dashing off, their laughter mingling with the music and chatter of the festival.
Felicia watched them go, her chest tightening with equal parts love and fear. She couldn’t afford to let her guard down—not tonight.
“Still keeping secrets from me, I see,” Damien’s voice rumbled from behind her, startling her. She turned to find him standing too close, his green eyes sharp and filled with accusation.
“Damien,” she said coolly, stepping back slightly. “Are you really going to spend the entire night hovering like this?”
“Until you tell me the truth about them, yes,” he shot back, his voice low but firm. “Why won’t you just admit it, Felicia? The way they look, the way they move—it’s obvious. They’re mine.”
Felicia clenched her fists, struggling to keep her voice calm. “You think everything’s about you, don’t you? Not every child with green eyes belongs to you, Damien. Let it go.”
“I can’t,” he said simply, his voice rough with frustration. “Five years, Felicia. Five years I didn’t know they existed. Do you know what that feels like?”
“You don’t get to make this about you,” she snapped, her voice trembling with anger. “You chose someone else, Damien. You made your choice, and I made mine.”
Damien opened his mouth to argue, but a voice interrupted them. “Is everything all right here?” Lucien’s smooth tone cut through the tension like a knife. He approached with an easy stride, his sharp eyes flicking between Damien and Felicia.
“Just a friendly chat,” Damien said, his words laced with sarcasm.
Lucien smiled faintly. “Forgive me if I don’t believe that.” He turned to Felicia. “You shouldn’t have to deal with unnecessary stress. Not tonight.”
Felicia exhaled slowly, grateful for the interruption but wary of Lucien’s intentions. “Thank you,” she murmured, pulling herself together.
As Lucien stood between them, Damien’s gaze shifted to the pendant hanging around his neck. Lucien’s eyes briefly narrowed, the faintest hint of recognition flashing across his face.
“That pendant,” Lucien said, his tone casual but his gaze sharp. “Where did you get it?”
Damien’s hand instinctively rose to touch the silver pendant—a wolf’s head engraved with intricate designs. “Got it from someone who used to be special,” he replied. “Why?”
Lucien’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “No reason,” he said smoothly, though something in his expression had shifted. “It just… caught my eye.”
