The wife he gave away

Untitled EpisodeChapter24

Some doors opened because of strength. Others opened because of fear.

The most valuable ones opened because people believed they were making their own decisions.

That was the kind of door standing in front of me when Dominic and I finally arrived at the borders of Shadowfang Pack.

The journey had taken longer than expected. The roads became rougher the farther we traveled from Alaric's territory, and the forest gradually changed around us. The trees grew taller and closer together, their branches twisting overhead like claws reaching across the sky. Even the air felt different here. Heavier. Sharper. Less civilized.

Shadowfang territory had always carried a reputation for aggression, and looking at the massive wooden barriers surrounding their border settlement, I understood why.

A dozen warriors stood guard near the entrance. They were not ordinary warriors. They were veterans, the kind of wolves who had survived enough battles to stop being impressed by threats.

The moment they spotted us, several stepped forward. Weapons were drawn. Their eyes were cold.

One of them, a broad-shouldered wolf with a scar running from his temple to his jaw, raised a hand for us to stop.

"You've crossed far enough."

His voice was rough and carried the confidence of someone standing on his own land.

Dominic immediately pulled his horse to a halt beside me.

"We come on behalf of Alpha Alaric," he said.

The guard didn't seem impressed. "Then deliver your message and leave."

His hand remained on the hilt of his weapon.

"This isn't a social visit."

I almost smiled. Straight to the point. I appreciated that.

"We need to speak with your Alpha."

The reaction was immediate. Several warriors laughed. It wasn't polite or kind. It was the kind of laughter reserved for ridiculous requests.

The scarred warrior shook his head. "No."

The answer came so quickly that Dominic didn't even have time to speak.

"You didn't hear me," I said calmly.

"I heard you perfectly."

The guard's eyes narrowed. "My answer remains the same," he continued.

I slowly climbed down from my horse. That immediately put the guards on edge. Several shifted their stances. One took a step forward.

Dominic looked irritated.

"Valeria..."

I ignored him. Instead, I focused entirely on the guard. "I've traveled a long distance."

"Not my problem," the guard said, unimpressed.

"I carry important information," I continued, ignoring him.

"So do messengers," he said. His expression didn't change.

"You aren't seeing the Alpha," he added.

I admired his discipline. Most men started bending long before this point. This one hadn't. Yet.

I stepped slightly closer, but it was not enough to threaten him… just enough to force him to pay attention.

"Then perhaps you should ask yourself what kind of information would convince the Luna of another pack to ride directly into enemy territory."

For the first time, uncertainty flickered across his face. It was only brief, but I saw it.

That was enough. People rarely changed their minds all at once. They changed them one small doubt at a time.

The guard crossed his arms.

"What makes you think the Alpha cares?"

I smiled softly. "Because if he doesn't, then he can send me away himself."

The warrior stared at me. I could practically see him debating whether the conversation was worth continuing.

Eventually, he sighed.

"Wait here."

Progress. Not victory. But progress.

Nearly twenty minutes passed before he returned. This time, another warrior accompanied him. Older. Higher ranking.

The older wolf studied me carefully. Then Dominic. Then he turned to me again.

"You have ten minutes."

I smiled. "That will be enough."

Dominic looked less confident. As we followed them through the gates, he leaned closer.

"This is a mistake."

His voice was low enough that only I could hear it.

"Everything is a mistake to you lately."

"I'm serious."

"So am I," I responded flatly.

He looked frustrated. I looked ahead. The difference between us was simple.

Dominic feared consequences. I planned for them.

The Alpha's hall stood near the center of the settlement. Unlike Alaric's residence, it wasn't elegant. It was practical. Built for defense rather than beauty.

The moment I entered, I understood exactly what kind of man ruled this territory.

Strength first… everything else second.

Alpha Darius Blackthorne sat at the far end of the room. He was larger than most wolves I'd seen and carried himself like someone accustomed to command. His dark eyes settled on me immediately. Of course, it wasn't warm or inviting. He looked at me suspiciously.

Good. I respected suspicion. It meant he wasn't stupid.

"You have nerve."

His voice filled the room.

"Walking into enemy territory."

I met his gaze. "And you have confidence."

One corner of his mouth twitched. Not quite a smile. "Confidence keeps me alive."

"No," I replied.

"Intelligence does."

For a moment, neither of us spoke. Then he gestured toward a chair.

I sat while Dominic remained standing.

Darius leaned back.

"I hope you understand the situation."

His expression hardened.

"Anyone who stands before me from another pack is an enemy."

The statement wasn't emotional. It was a fact… and I appreciated facts.

"Then consider me a polite enemy."

That earned the faintest hint of amusement. Only for a second. Then it vanished.

The discussion quickly shifted toward the border conflict. Darius outlined his demands… more territory, greater access to trading routes, reduced patrol restrictions… additional rights near disputed lands.

The list was long. The confidence behind it was even longer. When he finished, I remained silent for a moment.

Then I shook my head.

"Alpha Alaric won't agree to your terms."

Darius snorted. "Then we're finished here."

"No."

I leaned forward slightly.

"We're just getting started."

That caught his attention. Dominic's too.

Darius narrowed his eyes. "What exactly is that supposed to mean?"

I glanced toward Dominic. Then back to Darius.

"I need a private conversation."

Dominic immediately frowned. "Valeria."

I didn't look at him. "Give us a moment," I just said.

His frustration became obvious. "You can't be serious."

I finally turned toward him. The smile I gave him wasn't a request. It was a command disguised as politeness.

"Please."

Dominic knew me well enough to understand the difference. Reluctantly, he stepped outside. The moment the door closed behind him, silence settled across the room.

Darius watched me carefully… much more carefully now.

The moment we were alone, his posture changed. It wasn't dramatic, but it was enough to signal that the real conversation was beginning.

"You've got my attention."

His voice lowered.

"Don't waste it."

I folded my hands calmly. "I didn't come here to negotiate peace."

His eyes narrowed immediately.

"You certainly didn't come here to ask me to spare your life… because I am allergic to showing mercy."

"That's not why I came."

The room became very quiet. Outside, I could hear distant movement from the settlement. Inside, neither of us moved.

Finally, Darius spoke… "Then why are you here?"

I smiled the way a person smiles when they've spent years preparing for a moment nobody else sees coming.

Then I gave him the truth.

Or at least part of it.

"I want to take Alpha Alaric's place."

I held his gaze.

"And I know you will help me."