Winter Alpha

“Lo... my name is Lo.”

-

Lo closed her eyes for a moment, it was a strangely cathartic feeling letting herself feel it again. Feel like the person who was given this name, and not the one she invented for herself

She looked up into Frid’s eyes again. She suddenly remembered her mother mentioning she wasn’t supposed to in the mountain customs without permission, but she couldn’t stop herself. His face turned pained for the briefest of seconds at hearing her name.

"Ad Lo...” He said slowly in first tongue. A tense moment followed as he slowly glanced behind them, toward her mother...

"... that’s what I called her....”

Lo didn’t know what to say to that, but her chest tightened slightly with the emotion of it. Not that he showed his own long, his face quickly became frighteningly expressionless as his gaze returned to her. He seemed to focus immediately on her neck.

Lo realized her hair was over her shoulders and she quickly covered the scar with her hand. She knew it was distinct, one made from an attempt to force a bond. She felt self-conscious suddenly, especially as his eyes darkened to fury.

Tristan didn’t do that.

Did he think so? Should she tell him? So many things raced through her mind. But before she could say anything, he suddenly pounded a fist to his chest, startling her as he turned to the others gathered and raised his fist. The males all did the same motions, the sound of chests thumped before fists were raised.

"Tonight... we feast to honor the life of my daughter... who has finally returned to us.” He said as he looked to her mother’s cloth wrapped body, before he turned to look at her once more.

"And to welcome my granddaughter home.” He said. Lo stared at him, she didn’t know what to do. What to say.

She felt frozen and uncertain. Lo glanced to the other wolves gathered, they were all looking at her now. They were all adults, no pups. Lo looked to the older female who was still surrounded by the other females in the group. She looked to have composed herself, standing straight.

Their eyes met. Her mother’s mother. Her grandmother...

Lo couldn’t help but stare at her. She looked just like her mother. It made something in her chest ache. She looked just like herself.

But the expression on the older female’s face was far from the one Lo had once imagined a grandmother might wear.

There was no warmth there. No relief. She looked almost angry.

The ache in Lo’s chest sharpened.

To have someone who looked so much like her mother stare at her that way felt cruel in a way she had not expected.

Lo forced herself to look away, her gaze moving over the other females around her. None carried the scent of blood family, but many smelled of males who did.

Mates of her uncles, she assumed.

Her mother had been the only daughter.

Aro approached them then, and Lo couldn’t help but send a harsh glare his way. He smirked slightly at her expression, but the amusement on his face quickly turned grim.

"Father, there is much I must discuss with you, in private.” Aro said as he kept his gaze on her. Lo didn’t like the sound of that. What was he going to tell him? She looked at Frid again. He hadn’t stopped looking at her.

She’d felt that heavy gaze the whole time.

"Do you understand?” Frid asked her. Lo just stared at him, still uncertain if she should say yes. If they thought she couldn’t, would they say things around her that would be useful in getting back home?

"I don’t think she was taught.” The mean one said as he approached them. Lo glanced at him now as well.

"I think she understands more than she lets on.” Aro said with some amusement back in his tone. Lo kept from looking at him, lest she give herself away.

"Who put that mark on her? And whose child does she carry? The same male who has his scent all over her?” Frid asked, his tone turning icy. His gaze flicked to her neck again. Lo felt suddenly nervous.

"It is among the things we must discuss. We have discovered where Neve was... and how she died.” Aro said quieter, and his tone turned somewhat dark. Frid suddenly glanced back, toward his mate.

The reason Aro wanted to speak to him in private suddenly made sense. They must not want her grandmother to know...

"We gave them the deaths they deserved.” The mean one growled. Lo swallowed nervously.

What did that mean? Were they talking about the Vargas?

Lo suddenly felt startled by a gentle hand touching her arm. She snapped her attention back. It was a soft looking female, and she was smiling at her in a sad way. Her thick white hair was braided over her shoulder. She wasn’t there with the others. She’d come from outside.

"You are overwhelming her.” She spoke in first tongue, looking at Frid with a nod of respect, then to Aro and the mean one.

"By standing here?” The mean one said with a nasty tone.

"Stop acting like a pup.” The female growled, “Obviously you ripped this poor child from the home she knew. I’ll take her and help her adjust. She will stay with us..." The female said as her gaze returned to hers. She smelled vaguely of Aro. Lo realized this must be his mate.

"Then get Llae to translate for you, she doesn’t speak our tongue.” The mean one said.

“I speak, Tuc, I manage.” She shot back in human this time, a bit broken but legible. So the mean one was Tuc... Lo stared at him a moment. He sneered at her a bit. Lo glared hard.

She felt Frid’s eyes on her again.

"What did you do to her to earn that?” Frid asked. Lo kept from looking at him again. Tuc just kept his annoyed look on her.

"I did nothing. Aro insisted we take her, and she’s clearly not happy to be here.” Tuc said harshly. Frid’s gaze became a bit more intense on her. Lo felt even more self-conscious.

"It’s an adjustment. She’ll be fine." Aro defended dismissively.

"She clearly wishes to return to that pathetic fated of hers.” Tuc growled. Frid’s eyes were instantly on him.

"You took her from her fated?” Frid asked, and his tone was tight. Aro put a hand on his father’s shoulder.

"Let us speak.” Aro said and gestured toward the back. Lo looked that direction. She could see another opening to the tent. It was clear there were other rooms.

She realized this must be the Alpha housing. Frid studied her for only a moment more, before he turned and led the way. Aro and Tuc followed him. Lo just watched them go. The nervousness was growing.

... should she follow and try to explain?

What if he decided to act against Tristan? Lo felt even more panicked and started to go after them, but the female grabbed her arm harshly.

“No.” She scolded. Lo glared at her and tried to tug free, but the larger female’s grip tightened and she growled slightly. As if scolding a pup.

“We go.” She said and pointed the tent exit. Lo took a nervous breath and looked back as the males disappeared beyond the other tent flaps. All the males left in the room followed after them.

Lo’s attention turned to the females that remained. They were still attempting to comfort the older female who was now kneeling infront of her mother’s body.

“Come.” She insisted and tugged her. Lo resisted for a moment, glancing to where her grandfather disappeared with the others once more, before she slowly relented and followed her. Especially as her grandmother began crying again.

She didn’t want to see nor hear any more of that heartache.

Because it was starting to stir her own again.

The cold air took her breath away the moment they stepped out of the warmth of the tent. Lo glanced around them now that she didn’t feel as overwhelmed. The crowd that had initially followed them were gone, having dispersed while she was inside.

A massive fire was burning nearby, where a group of women were chatting as they gutted and skinned kills. Others were stripping and drying meat. Tents were scattered around the trees, and a few wood structures intermingled among them. She could hear young laughter and play, pups, she realized, but she didn’t see them.

Her thoughts immediately went to Willa.

“My pup?” Lo asked the female. She glanced back.

“Come.” She repeated. Lo felt nervous as she continued to follow her. But what else could she do?

“Uh... what is your name?” Lo asked. The female glanced over her shoulder with a smile.

“Elvi.” She said and gestured her forward. Lo hesitantly kept following. Not that she had any choice...

They walked for a short while, and Lo felt hyper aware of all the curious eyes on them. People came out of tents and structures to watch them, or went out of their way to veer their paths to get a look at her.

Lo felt... odd.

“Here.” Elvi finally said. Lo looked up as they rounded another narrow path between the trees.

A large wooden structure stood tucked among a cluster of towering pines. It was far larger than the tents surrounding it, more a beautifully crafted cabin than anything temporary.

And unlike the others nearby, it sat slightly apart from the rest. Private.

“Home.” She said proudly. Lo followed her the rest of the way, and paused briefly when she recognized the scent of her mother. Did Aro come here first? To wrap her mother’s remains?

She felt a bit sick to her stomach suddenly as her eyes were drawn to an area of fresh snow that looked disturbed.

Elvi suddenly snatched her hand and pulled her toward the door. Lo didn’t resist, especially as she caught another scent.

A rush of relief coursed through her.

She barely noticed the warmth of the hut as her eyes snapped to Willa, sitting nervously at the table in front of a plate of meat and berries. Lo could see how tense she was, she’d clearly not touched any of it. Willa’s eyes immediately met hers, and her little face flooded with relief as she shoved away from the table to leap into her arms.

Lo took a shaky breath as she picked her up and pulled her close, nuzzling to soothe her.

“It’s okay...” Lo said with a shuddery breath when Willa began crying. Lo had to force her own emotions down, especially as she finally noticed the others in the house.

An adult female, quite a few years older than she, stood in what Lo realized was their kitchen area. She briefly glanced at it, it wasn’t much, mostly a fire in a stone hearth, with another wooden table. She stared at the hearth for a moment, and felt a strange tugging deep inside her.

Her mother had made something similar in their little home. Lo always wondered why... since Balor had brought them an old stove. But her mother preferred to cook over the fire.

Lo forced those thoughts away and finally focused on the female standing there. Elvi had made her way over to her, and they were whispering in first tongue. Not that Lo could hear them over Willa’s crying in her ear.

It struck her immediately that they were mother and daughter. The scent of family was strong on the female. Aro’s daughter.

A female cousin... Lo realized. She had a mark of fate, and Lo didn’t have to see her neck to know she was claimed. She smelled of a male, and she had a newborn in a sling at her chest.

Movement to her left caught her attention. The house was not fully partitioned like what she’d grown accustomed to, partial wood panels or heavy animal skin drapes separated the rooms. Nearly everything in the house was made of raw materials.

A young male stood there, having pulled aside one of the drapes to stare at her. He was clearly a juvenile. Lo guessed he was around thirteen... fifteen at the most.

Her gaze snapped to the other females when she realized it was Elvi’s son and the female’s brother. Another cousin of hers.

But... Lo looked at Elvi’s daughter. She had to be in her thirties. She realized the home didn’t have many scents embedded there. Her daughter clearly no longer lived there with them.

It smelled of Aro, Elvi and the boy.

Such a large age gap between their children seemed strange. Not that she let herself dwell on it. She immediately noticed the young male’s eyes shift to Willa. A little too heavily...

He seemed distressed by her crying.

"Seh... come here.” Elvi said. Seh’s gaze turned to his mother, but he didn’t obey. He remained where he stood. And his expression darkened. Elvi pursed her lips, but before she could say anything else, he growled and stalked into the room, brushing past Lo and out the door.

Lo turned to watch him go, baffled by his anger. Elvi huffed irritably and began to step toward the door herself, but the female caught her arm.

"Let him be... he’s coming to terms with it.” The other female said. Lo looked at them again.

“My name is Llae.” The female finally turned to her with a frown as her gaze focused on Willa.

“I tried to get her to eat.” Llae said. Lo was taken aback by her nearly perfect human. Willa had slowly began to calm herself.

“Are you hungry?” Llae asked. Lo looked at Elvi, but her attention was on the door. She looked deeply troubled.

“No.” Lo said, despite the fact that she was, but she doubted she could eat with her nerves strung so tight.

“Is there something the young one will eat? She’s far too thin.” Llae said. Lo tensed a bit, she couldn’t help but take it as an insult.

Willa was perfectly normal for the woodland wolves...

But before she could say anything, Elvi chimed in.

"She is woodlander... she won’t take on weight like us.” Elvi said to Llae, but she hadn’t stopped looking at the door. She seemed to be listening intently.

"If she is to survive here... she needs to.” Llae commented in a worried tone. Elvi sighed deeply and looked back at them. Lo stared at her hard.

What the hell was that supposed to mean?

Elvi’s eyes roamed over them in an assessing way.

"They both need fitted clothes. I’ll get some furs from the hunting stock. We will just have to make the little one’s thicker, I’ll double layer it.” Elvi said. Lo frowned and for the first time, Lo realized what Willa was wearing. Like herself, the thicker clothes clearly didn’t fit her, and they smelled of that young male.

"I can’t help you, I’m still working on mending Kav and Nae’s... I have to get home.” Llae said firmly. Elvi sighed.

"I’ll have Pira help me then. We need it done before the honoring tonight. And storms are coming.” Elvi said. Llae looked over at her skeptically.

"Tuc will fuss at you.” Llae said with a tiny hint of amusement.

"That male does not scare me. His mate could use the break, and he should take a turn at watching those little beasts he helped create. I still maintain it’s his seed that made them as wild as they are." Elvi said. Llae frowned at her.

"You push your luck sometimes mother. Be careful with that tongue.” Llae said. Elvi just huffed and finally looked back at her.

“You sew?” Elvi asked her as she made the motion with her hands. Lo gave a nod.

“Good.” Elvi said and turned to leave the hut. Lo just watched her leave with a frown.

“You need better clothes. The temperature will drop harshly in the upcoming weeks.” Llae said.

“How do you speak human?” Lo couldn’t hold it in.

“I was taught by my cousin... he’s a scout, to teach the other males that roam down the mountain. Some of our males have little patience, and my father says I have a talent for teaching. They listen to me.” Llae said as she turned back to the pot over the fire.

The babe at her chest began to squirm and fuss, and she gently shushed her with a hand on her back. Lo could smell it was female. Lo looked down at Willa. She had stilled and ceased crying. She was slumped against her shoulder, and Lo realized she was nearly asleep.

She knew this had to be overwhelming for her...

Llae seemed to notice, and gestured to the back with a tilt of her head.

“I prepared a sleeping area for you. My father will have to build another bed, but for now the bed roll should do.” Llae said. Lo clenched her teeth in frustration.

No one, not one of them, cared to ask her anything. The assumptions were starting to grate on every nerve inside her.

Everything Rafe had said to her came rushing back.

“I don’t plan to stay. I need to get back to my mate.” Lo said firmly. Llae paused in her stirring and looked over at her with a frown.

“My father says they harmed you, that you have been force marked... why would you want to return to them?” Llae asked. She seemed genuinely curious. Lo frowned.

“My mate did not do this... another did. I’m carrying my mate’s pup. He was going to mark me right before Aro kidnapped me.” Lo said harshly.

"Rescued, not kidnapped. My father does nothing without reason.” Llae corrected her, like Lo had somehow got it wrong.

Lo clenched her teeth harder. The anger inside her was growing now that the shock of everything was wearing off. The trembling pup in her arms just seemed to grow her fury.

“Where is the easier path off the mountain?” Lo demanded. Llae blinked at her. She seemed genuinely confused.

“Why?” She asked. Lo gave her an irritated look. Llae instantly matched her irritation.

“You are home.” Llae continued. Lo stared at her, trying to figure out if she was truly dumb or just playing it.

“This isn’t my home. I was brought here... against my will. And I’m quite frankly tired of being dragged around at the will of males who think they know what’s best for me.” Lo snarled. She didn’t understand where this sudden furious anger was coming from.

Maybe Sil had rubbed off on her more than she ever realized.

She’d never felt anything like it. And she was shaking with it. Her breaths heavier. It felt like it had been boiling inside her for some time... and this... this was the tipping point.

She was just plain tired. Of all of this!

When would she be able to make a single decision for herself?!

“I have an Alpha, and a pack. He is my fated mate. This is our pup. I want to go home.” Lo snarled fiercely. And she felt her eyes glaze. Llae just stared at her for a moment, before her gaze shifted to Willa, who was still clinging to her. Lo realized her anger had roused her, and she was trembling again.

Lo took a deep frustrated breath, trying to calm herself.

“You have those woodlander’s temper I see.” Llae said disapprovingly. Lo clenched her teeth again and looked at the door.

She wasn’t stupid enough to think they wouldn’t stop her if she tried it. She knew they were like any other pack, with enforcers and border guards.

And they were most likely even stricter than those she’d known from what she remembered her mother saying. But at that moment... she wanted to go out and see for herself.

She didn’t want to stay there. Lo turned for the door.

“She is my brother’s fated. Would you separate them?” Llae asked. Lo froze. Willa stiffened in her arms. Lo glanced back at Llae, but her gaze was on Willa.

“What?” Lo asked.

“It is as I said.” Llae said. Lo took several slow breaths as she tried to process that. She suspected from what Aro said... and the way Seh reacted...

But maybe she was hoping she was mistaken.

Because that would mean she wouldn’t have her forever... and her wolf was just getting accustomed to the idea that she’d have this little one for far longer than the sudden time limit tossed at her.

Her wolf felt antsy.

Her gaze snapped to the door again when the realization was fully dawning on her now. Seh was an Alpha heir. Lo’s eyes widened as she looked down at Willa.

... how was this possible?

“My parents have been so distressed over it... They’ve searched all throughout the packs. They’d nearly given up hope.” Llae said. Lo just stared at her, unsure what to say to that.

Willa was just at the base of the mountain... clearly they didn’t search too far...

“She is a blessing, a huge one. I can’t tell you what it means, word has already spread around. It’s hope.” Llae said, and she sounded oddly emotional. Lo frowned deeply that. She was suddenly getting the impression she wasn’t only talking about Seh,

“... are there many?” Lo asked. Llae hesitated a moment as she glanced to the door.

“...yes ... So many of our young ones have not found their mates. Far too many. It started after-” Llae abruptly paused in her speech. Like she’d just caught herself. Her gaze was once again heavily on her. Lo just stared at her expectedly. She had a feeling where this was going...

“...I suppose you will hear of it sooner or later. Our people talk of a curse... because of your mother.” Llae said hesitantly. Lo looked to the window, but the saddened reaction didn’t bloom like she thought it would everytime someone mentioned her. No... another furious anger began to boil inside her.

“Not finding them at all... or just not on the mountain?” Lo asked harshly. Llae canted her head at her, but said nothing. It was telling enough.

Was her grandfather still not allowing wolves to go search? After what happened to her mother? Lo took a hard breath. That anger seemed to just be growing, and not dimming down.

“Take me to the oldest wolf that hasn’t found their mate.” Lo growled. She’d seen so many now, gone was her doubt that wouldn’t find at least one.

And if it was true, that the mountain wolves suddenly began to be fated to others outside their domain... then she was certain the large gaps of those still searching in the woodlands may actually be filled... here, of all places.

“Why?” Llae asked suspiciously. Lo just held her gaze hard.

“Because it’s very likely I know where their gifted is.” Lo said confidently.

-

Tristan stood at the border, staring south.

They had sent scouts hours ago, yet not a single one had returned.

A deep unease gnawed at his gut. The horrible feeling that he was making the wrong decision. About all of it.

He glanced back toward the mountains. The rising sun bathed the peaks in soft golden light, though much of the range still lay buried in shadow. His gaze drifted higher, toward the endless trees where somewhere deep within them...

The Unba had his mate.

The distance between them suddenly felt impossible.

Tristan clenched his jaw hard, trying to contain the rage simmering beneath his skin. He kept reminding himself they were her family. He was trying to focus on that. Trying to see some kind of silver lining in this disaster.

Lo was finally meeting them.

And if the mountain wolves truly intended to attack Lykaia, they would have already done it. They certainly wouldn’t have warned them about an incoming attack against Adalwolf.

Tristan dragged in a slow breath and turned his attention south again.

Worry for his own family sat heavily in his chest now. He kept forcing himself to remember that Hutch was older, wiser, and always prepared. If anyone could withstand Ulmer, it was his father.

He had to trust that.

Had to trust that if Adalwolf truly needed them, they would send word.

His father’s command echoed over and over in his head.

Stay and defend.

If either territory fell, it would destroy them both. And Lykaia was far more vulnerable than Adalwolf.

...this had to be a distraction.

A ploy to pull their strongest wolves away.

Tristan scanned the forested hills surrounding the territory once more. Nothing felt out of place. No strange scents. No movement.

Yet the unease remained.

“Tris...”

Dena’s voice barely broke through his thoughts as she approached him in wolf form before shifting beside him.

“None have returned yet,” Tristan said immediately.

Dena didn’t answer at first.

That alone made him glance at her.

Something was wrong.

“I think...” Dena hesitated, casting a quick glance over her shoulder. Tristan frowned as he watched her carefully scan the surrounding area to ensure they were alone.

Only once she seemed satisfied did she continue.

“Jay, Grady, and I checked every inch of the border.” Her expression hardened. “I think someone let them into the territory. Someone with knowledge of our patrol routes. Even if they were scouting us, I don’t think they could’ve slipped through unnoticed otherwise. Jay and Grady were both running the border last night.”

Tristan’s brow furrowed deeply.

He trusted those two completely. They were meticulous.

His gaze shifted back toward the mountain.

“Why?” he asked tightly.

Rage was beginning to build again, hot and relentless. His father’s suspicions suddenly felt far too real.

Dena glanced around once more before lowering her voice.

“You know who I suspect.”

Tristan exhaled harshly.

“And what motive would he possibly have?” he demanded. “None of this makes any sense.”

“I know.” Frustration flickered across her face. “Sawyer keeps defending him. Says he’s loyal. Says his family’s been pack for generations and that he’d never betray us.” She shook her head grimly. “But the signs keep pointing back to him. And worse... I know he isn’t working alone.”

Tristan dragged a hand down his face.

His gaze lifted toward the mountains again.

Oddly enough, beneath all the fury and fear... there was relief too.

Lo was beyond Arthur and Cecil’s reach now.

Safe.

That thought alone steadied him more than he wanted to admit.

And maybe now he could finally focus on protecting their home. Making Lykaia safe enough for her to eventually return to.

Though deep down...

He feared that return might take far longer than he could bear.

“I’m sorry,” Dena said quietly after noticing where his attention had drifted. “Neither of you deserve this.”

Tristan swallowed the bitterness rising in his throat and forced himself to focus again.

“No one has seen or heard anything?” he asked.

Dena shook her head.

“No. We have our best wolves covering the borders. All vulnerable pack members were moved deeper into the territory. Anyone living near the edges was evacuated.” She paused briefly. “Your house is full right now. Hope you don’t mind.”

Tristan gave an absent nod.

He barely cared anymore.

What use was an empty house to him now?

Silence settled between them as they continued watching the forests.

“...why would they take Willa?” Dena finally asked quietly.

The question twisted painfully in Tristan’s chest.

Because he’d been wondering the same thing.

“I don’t know.” His voice was rough. “Maybe because she was with Lo. Lo had just asked her to call her mother...”

Pain tightened in his chest again at the memory.

Everything had finally been going right.

For once.

And now this.

A bitter thought crept into his mind again—that maybe this was punishment. Some endless consequence for all the mistakes he’d made in his life.

Maybe happiness simply wasn’t meant for him.

His eyes drifted back toward the mountain.

The tension inside him kept winding tighter and tighter.

For the first time in a long while, Tristan felt uncertain of himself.

Maybe his instincts couldn’t be trusted after all.

Because lately...

They only seemed to fail him.

“Do you think I’m making a mistake?” he asked quietly at last.

Should they have sent wolves to reinforce Adalwolf?

Would he regret this choice for the rest of his life if Ulmer managed to destroy them?

Dena was silent for several moments before answering.

“Our grandfather isn’t someone you underestimate.”

The confidence in her voice eased something in him, if only slightly.

He nodded once.

“And their territory is far harder to attack than ours,” she continued. “I think you’re right. This feels like a distraction.” Her expression darkened thoughtfully. “And I don’t think it’s coincidence that Lo was taken tonight.”

Tristan frowned slightly.

“But it also doesn’t make sense,” Dena admitted. “If someone here was working with our enemies... why take her to the mountains instead of handing her to Ulmer? How does that benefit them?”

Tristan hated that she was right.

None of it fit together.

It felt like they were missing some critical piece of a puzzle. And until they found it, their entire territory remained vulnerable.

“Dammit,” Tristan muttered harshly.

For the first time in years, he found himself wishing he’d never been born an Alpha.

He thought of the ordinary families within the pack. Wolves who didn’t spend every waking second worrying about war, betrayal, and enemies.

Wolves whose mates weren’t constant targets.

A strange ache settled inside him.

He could’ve simply been living his life beside Lo.

That was all he wanted now.

His gaze drifted toward the mountain once more.

“We’ll find a way to bring her back,” Dena said gently. “She wants you, Tristan. It was obvious from the way she looked at you last night.” She offered him a small reassuring smile. “Maybe they’ll respect that. Maybe they’ll let her return willingly.”

Tristan tried to let the words comfort him.

They didn’t.

He didn’t know Frid personally, but he knew enough stories.

The male was a hard Alpha.

And Lo still carried the scar from that forced claim.

If Frid believed she’d been mistreated...

Tristan doubted he would ever willingly let her leave.

Tristan shoved the thought aside hard.

One problem at a time.

A distant calling howl suddenly cut through the silence.

Both of them turned instantly toward the territory.

It was meant for him.

Dena’s expression tightened.

“I’ll stay here. Go,” she ordered firmly.

Tristan didn’t hesitate.

He shifted immediately and sprinted toward the call.

Grady and several enforcers intercepted him halfway.

“We caught an Ulmer wolf,” Grady said the second Tristan shifted back to skin. He was breathing hard. “Inside the territory.”

Tristan’s mind reeled.

“Inside?” he repeated sharply.

How?

How the hell had this happened again?

Even now, with heightened patrols and every precaution in place?

His wolf surged violently beneath his skin.

“...and you’re not going to like where we found him,” Grady added grimly.

Tristan’s chest tightened instantly.

Because he already suspected.

“Where?” he growled.

Grady hesitated only briefly.

“Near your house.”

A sharp pressure hit Tristan’s chest.

Ulmer wouldn’t know Lo was gone.

Meaning as far as Cecil knew...

His pregnant mate should still be there.

Rage crashed through Tristan all over again.

“Was he scouting?” he demanded.

Every instinct in him screamed to tear that wolf apart himself.

Grady hesitated.

“No.” His expression darkened. “It’s their Delta.”

Tristan’s attention snapped back to him immediately.

The anger vanished almost as quickly as it came.

...Raul?

Ulmer’s Delta?

That made even less sense.

A Delta was the Alpha female’s guard. Sawyer’s counterpart.

Why would Cecil send one of his strongest wolves personally?

What the hell was going on?

“Who caught him?” Tristan asked, unease growing rapidly now.

“It took five wolves to bring him down. Sawyer got there fast too.” Grady exhaled heavily. “He’s in the cells.”

Tristan stared toward the direction of the prison.

He wasn’t sure what unsettled him more.

That Raul had entered their territory...

Or that he had made it so far inside.

“How did he get in?” Tristan snarled.

Twice in less than a day.

Their borders had been breached twice.

“I don’t know,” Grady admitted. “We’re trying to figure it out.”

Tristan growled low in his throat.

Any doubt he’d had before was gone now.

There was a traitor among them.

Probably several.

“Do you want us to question him?” Grady asked.

Tristan considered it briefly.

But it would be pointless.

A Delta would die before giving up useful information.

And they couldn’t afford to waste wolves or time elsewhere.

“No.” Tristan’s voice turned cold. “Kill him. Dump the body beyond our border.”

Grady’s eyes flickered slightly in surprise.

Tristan didn’t care.

He was done with diplomacy.

Especially if Raul had truly come for what Tristan suspected.

His wolf practically snarled at the thought.

“And lock every Eyolf transfer in the cells,” Tristan ordered harshly.

Grady stared at him carefully. “All of them?”

“All.” Tristan no longer cared who it offended.

“And Nathan,” Tristan continued darkly, “assign him to guard them. He stays inside the prison.”

Grady’s expression sharpened immediately.

“And put three enforcers you personally trust at the prison doors. Wolves capable of taking Nathan down if necessary.”

The damage one trusted wolf could cause had become painfully clear now.

He wouldn’t risk it again.

Grady studied him for a long moment. Tristan knew Dena had told him everything already. The bond between those three littermates was as strong as the one he’d once shared with Elly.

“I’ll handle it,” Grady said finally, turning to leave.

“Wait.” Tristan said. Grady paused.

“Anyone else even remotely suspicious goes in too,” Tristan growled. “I’m done playing nice.”

Grady looked back at him carefully.

“A lot of the pack won’t like this.”

Tristan’s gaze drifted once more toward the distant mountains.

“I don’t care,” he said coldly. “Until we know who betrayed us, this is how it’s going to be.”

He needed every suspect contained.

Far away from the borders.

Far away from the damage they could do.

Grady gave a grim nod.

“I’ll see it done.”

-

Lo had lost some of the anger as nervousness crept back in the further they walked along the path and she felt all the curious eyes on her again. A lot of pups this time had stopped their play to follow them just off the trail. Hiding whenever she looked back at them.

The strange looks they were giving her made so much more sense now after what Llae had told her...

She half expected Llae to refuse, but she didn’t. If anything, she seemed intrigued. Lo tightened her hold slightly on Willa’s hand. Llae had draped a blanket over her in addition to her clothes. She seemed truly worried for the little pup.

And Lo didn’t have to wonder why. The temperature was not comfortable on the skin, even in the sun. She could still see her breath in tiny puffs, and it hurt a bit to breathe as they walked along the frosted ground. The air had a strange stillness to it.

Lo cast a worried glance down at Willa. Maybe she shouldn’t have been so hasty to take her out.

“It’s up here.” Llae said as she glanced back at them. Lo looked toward where she indicated. It was a well constructed tent, like many of the others.

“He was the first.” Llae said. Lo was quiet a moment. She almost wanted to correct her... because technically... her mother was. But she didn’t.

“Come.” Llae said as she made her way over to it. She didn’t attempt to get their attention, she just walked right in. Lo frowned and followed her... if anything, to get Willa out of the cold.

“Tae.” Llae introduced him. Lo looked over at the male who crouched in the middle, seemingly unperturbed by the sudden intrusion of his home. Was it normal for them to just barge into each other’s houses? Lo didn’t know what to expect, but she didn’t expect a fully grown male. He looked older, much older then she thought. He had to be in his late thirties. He was building a fire in the center of his hut in a circular stone hearth. His expression changed slightly when he glanced at her, and he almost looked startled as he straightened.

"It’s true... she looks just like her.” He said in shock.

"She says she may know where to find your mate.” Llae said, and her tone was full of skepticism. His startled eyes snapped to her.

"How would she know that?” He growled, almost angrily now. As he turned fully toward her, Lo felt a hard dropping in her stomach when she saw the claim mark on his neck.

... why did it take her until that moment to notice a female scent was intermingled there in the hut with his?

Lo looked at Llae accusingly. How had she not thought to mention this? But Llae was no longer paying attention to her. She had pulled her infant out to feed her.

"I don’t know, she said she did, I was curious too.” Llae said as she glanced back at him.

"The pup with her... is Seh’s gifted.” Llae added. Tae’s eyes snapped to Willa.

"A woodland wolf?” He said with such disdain, Lo couldn’t help but pull her closer and clench her teeth.

... it was becoming clear to her now, more then ever, why her mother had to do what she did. And what it cost her, all because of this... prejudice? She wasn’t sure what this was. But clearly they thought little of the woodlanders.

But knowing now, that he’d clearly taken a chosen, she felt hesitant. More than hesitant.

Maybe she shouldn’t do this.

“What does he have to do?” Llae asked her in that tone Lo was beginning to resent. It occurred to her that she didn’t believe her. Lo felt torn as she looked at him again, then to the bed in the far corner of the hut. It was clearly a shared one.

Lo looked at Tae again and hesitated.

... but didn’t he still deserve to know? She thought of a female somewhere out there, not knowing either. Lo frowned.

“...can he show me his mark?” Lo asked. Llae translated it. She felt a little odd. Maybe she should just let them know she knew...

Tae looked at her with an annoyed look. He didn’t move. There was clearly hesitation on his face. He finally looked backward, at something that was clearly significant to him by the way he tensed up, but Lo had no idea what. She glanced behind him too. There was a cluster of belongings back there.

“...does the Alpha know about this?” Tae asked.

"No.” Llae responded as she cooed at the infant at her breast.

“...then no.” Tae finally said. Lo took a slow breath. She understood his hesitation, on a few levels, but she felt a bit sad too.

Sad and angry.

And the anger quickly overtook the sadness. How quickly he decided against it the moment he heard her grandfather wasn’t aware. The anger of that was just growing inside her.

Especially knowing what her mother suffered... All because she wanted to find her mate.

Tae looked at Llae with a disapproving look.

"Finish feeding your pup, then leave.” Tae said with a hard tone as he shoved through the tent flaps and left. Lo watched him go with a frown.

“How would you know just by looking at his mark?” Llae asked, seeming unperturbed by the male’s attitude. She was still focused on her baby.

“I’ve seen a lot of them. I’ve traveled all over.” Lo said, her tone came out far sadder than she intended.

“There are a lot of woodlanders... and even packs down south and along the coast, that have many wolves still searching for their gifts.” Lo added. Llae finally looked up at her. Her studying eyes felt intense. She seemed interested again.

“You’ve traveled through the human territories?” She asked. Lo nodded. Willa tugged at her hand then and Lo looked down.

“I’m thirsty.” She said quietly. Lo gave her a small smile.

“Okay... I’ll get you something.” Lo said, but Llae was already walking toward a barrel in the back. She took a cup and brought over some water to offer to Willa.

Lo felt somewhat uncomfortable that she just helped herself to someone else’s stores. Llae smirked at her.

“We share all our assets here.” She said. Willa took the cup and drank the whole thing, almost too quickly. Lo frowned as she watched her. She had dark circles under her eyes, and she seemed stressed. Far too stressed for a pup her age.

Lo clenched her teeth again to push down the anger that they were there at all... against their will.

So many things were going through her mind, but getting them home, was at the forefront...

“I need to speak to the Alpha.” Lo demanded. Llae have her an odd look.

“No one speaks to him. Not unless he comes to you.” Llae explained. Lo frowned at her.

“I still need to speak to him.” Lo demanded. Llae observed her again in that way that felt judging.

“You can’t. Until he summons you.” She said as if she was talking to a child. Lo ground her teeth for a moment and looked toward the direction of the Alpha housing.

“Even if we’re blood?” Lo asked. Llae smiled at her.

“We get no special treatment. Our Alpha is fair to all.” She insisted. Lo took a hard breath.

This was ridiculous...

She looked down at Willa again, her little eyes were on her. Lo instantly tried to temper her anger. She knew the pup was confused and scared.

“It’s okay. I’m working on getting us home. These wolves are my family... they just wanted to meet me.” Lo said. Willa hesitated a moment, before she nodded.

“Okay...” she said, and Lo felt a bit relieved to see her look a little less scared.

“The hut next to this one... has a young female who hasn’t found her gifted either. They are considering a chosen for her. Shall we go there?” Llae asked as she adjusted her clothes and tucked her infant back into the pouch. She had that curious look again. Lo frowned at her.

“Will you get in trouble for not asking the Alpha first?” Lo asked in that same hard tone she had given her earlier. Llae smiled a little.

“He has no rules against helping someone find a gifted... we just aren’t to leave territory without his permission.” Llae said. Lo studied her a moment, and realized she truly couldn’t get a read on her.

“Fine.” Lo said. Llae smiled and took the cup back from Willa to put it back in its place, before leading them outside. Like the first time, she just walked right in.

Two females by the fire shot to their feet the moment they saw her. Lo frowned at their startled reaction, but her eyes were drawn to the younger one. She smelled freshly mature. Barely having had her first heat. Two more much younger females were sitting in the back on a bed. Staring at them with curious eyes.

The older female immediately bowed her head toward Llae in a sign of respect. Followed closely by all her girls. Lo glanced at Llae with a frown.

She realized she had no idea how the hierarchy worked in this pack. Tae certainly hadn’t bowed to her like this, and he didn’t seem to be a ranked wolf either.

"She claims to know how to find mates, I’d like to see how it works... if you don’t mind.” Llae said. Lo couldn’t help but feel irked by the phrasing. Was this just some kind of experiment to her? Lo glanced at the young girl whose eyes immediately lit up with clear hope.

"Show her your mark.” Llae added with authority, unlike with Tae. She didn’t give her a choice. Lo frowned at Llae.

This isn’t what she intended...

But the female seemed excited as she quickly began removing her layers of clothing. Lo looked at her mother, she looked uncertain. A worried frown crossed her face.

The female pulled her top off completely, leaving her bare as she moved over to her. Lo glanced down, it was nearly in the same place as her own, on her left breast.

She studied the design and immediately felt a dropping in her stomach.

She didn’t recognize it.

“...I’m sorry... I don’t know.” Lo said hesitantly. Llae translated, and Lo liked her tone even less. She glanced at the mother’s pained expression, especially as she caught the scent of salt. The girl had turned away to redress, but it was clear she was crying.

Lo tried to swallow the lump in her throat. Why had she thought this was a good idea?

“I’m sorry, we’ll leave.” Lo said quickly, she had every intention to turn and quickly get out of there, but a little hand tugged on her coat. Lo glanced beside her at the little female who had a fist in the fabric. Her blue eyes were bright. She was a very pretty child. Probably around eight years old.

"Can you look at mine?” She asked.

“She wants you to look at hers.” Llae said. Lo took a slow breath and looked at the mother again to see if she would protest, but she was focused on gently caressing her oldest daughter’s back as she cried. Lo hesitated, before she slowly nodded. The little girl gave her a toothy little smile as she pulled down her coat past her collar bone to show it to her. It was on her upper chest.

Lo stared at it for far longer than she needed to, because she recognized it immediately.

The delayed shock of it hit her hard. She almost didn’t believe it for a moment.

She looked at the little pup’s bright little face. Her soft rosy cheeks. Her curly white hair framed her little face.

“Her mate is in Lykaia...” Lo said, her shock coming through in her tone as she looked up at Llae. Llae was staring at her oddly.

“He’s the Beta’s youngest son.” Lo said with a shaky voice now. Her gaze went to Willa, who was watching her now with wide eyes.

“His name is Christopher... but he goes by Kit.” Lo said.