The Meeting
1133 Words
Lyra's Pov
The Northern Territory representatives brought winter with them.
The council building felt colder the moment they arrived. I stood beside my father, hands clasped tightly in front of me to hide how badly they were shaking. Alpha Donovan sat at the head of the long table looking nervous, sweat shining on his forehead even though the room was not warm. The other elders whispered among themselves like this was the most important political event in years. Marcus kept his hand on my shoulder, presenting me like some kind of offering.
My stomach twisted. I could feel the weight of everyone’s eyes on me. The mark on my neck had been burning faintly all morning, but now it felt like a warning I could not ignore. I forced myself to stand straight, even though my legs wanted to give out.
The Northern wolves entered first. They moved with military precision, all sharp movements and hard eyes. These were not farmers playing at strength like most of our pack. These were warriors. Their presence filled the room and made the air feel heavier. I noticed the difference immediately. Our wolves looked small next to them.
A tall, handsome man with an easy smile walked in first. He scanned the room until his eyes landed on me. Something flickered across his face for a brief second. Recognition? Curiosity? He gave a small nod. "Beta Damon Hart," he announced smoothly. "I speak for Alpha Theron Blackridge of the Northern Territories."
Then the room changed.
The temperature seemed to drop as a massive figure filled the doorway. Power rolled off him in waves so strong my wolf immediately wanted to bare her throat in submission. I forced myself to lift my head and look.
Time stopped.
He was the biggest man I had ever seen. Six foot four of pure muscle, broad shoulders, sharp features carved from stone. Battle scars peeked from the collar of his dark shirt. But it was his eyes that hit me like a blow to the chest.
Red-gold.
The exact shade that haunted my dreams every night since the forest. The same eyes that watched me while he marked me.
The mark on my neck ignited. It burned so hot and sudden that I gasped out loud, my hand flying up to cover it. Pain and heat shot through my body like lightning. My knees almost buckled.
Theron's eyes snapped to mine across the room. For one single second, his iron control slipped. Shock. Desperate hunger. Disbelief. All of it flashed across that cold face.
Then the mask slammed back down. His expression turned icy. Assessing. Dismissive. Like I was nothing more than another piece in a political game.
I could not breathe. My heart hammered so hard I thought everyone could hear it. It is him. The stranger from the forest. The man who held me, marked me, whispered that I was perfect. He is standing right there. But he is looking at me like I am a stranger.
He took his seat at the head of the table like he already owned the room. Everyone else looked small next to him. Damon sat to his right, still watching me with quiet interest.
Theron did not acknowledge me directly. He spoke to Marcus and Alpha Donovan, his voice deep and controlled. The same rough voice from that night, but now it was ice cold. "The terms are simple. Two-year contract marriage. Your pack grants us access to the disputed border territory. In return, I provide protection, resources, and elevated status for your family."
Marcus nodded eagerly. "That is acceptable, Alpha."
Theron continued without emotion. "She will act as Luna in public. Attend all required functions. The contract specifies no heirs. This remains a political arrangement."
The words stung. No heirs. Impersonal. Like I was just a tool for an alliance. I stood there silently as my father practically jumped at every term. Alpha Donovan shifted uncomfortably. "The girl is already marked, Alpha Blackridge. By an unknown wolf. Does this concern you?"
The entire room held its breath.
Theron's eyes flicked to me for the briefest moment. They burned into mine. "I am aware of her status. It is irrelevant to the contract."
His dismissal cut deeper than any rejection. I felt my chest tighten. Why is he pretending? Why did he leave me in the forest? Why is he here acting like this is all business? Confusion spiraled through me so fast I felt dizzy. The bond pulled at me, screaming for him, but his face gave nothing away. Damon watched the exchange carefully, like he was seeing more than everyone else.
Theron finally turned his gaze fully on me. "Do you understand the terms?"
His voice hit me straight in the gut. I forced my own voice to stay steady even though it wanted to shake. "Yes, Alpha."
"And you consent to this arrangement?"
I searched his eyes desperately for any sign of recognition. Any warmth. Any hint of the man who held me that night. There was nothing. Just a cold calculation. But my wolf was screaming inside me. Mate. Mate. Mate. The mark kept burning hotter with every second he looked at me.
"I consent," I said quietly.
Theron stood up. "Then we have an agreement."
He turned toward the door without another word. He had barely looked at me the entire meeting. Had not touched me once. My world tilted as I watched him walk away. What is happening? Why is he acting like this?
Theron stopped right next to my chair on his way out. For one heartbeat, his hand hovered near my shoulder. I felt the heat of his body, the pull between us so strong it made my breath catch. He leaned down slightly and breathed in deep, scenting me. His voice came so low only I could hear it.
"Two weeks. Pack your belongings."
Then he was gone, leaving nothing but ice behind him.
I sat frozen in my chair while the rest of the pack celebrated the new alliance around me. My mind kept replaying that single second when his control broke. He knew. I saw it at first glance. He knew exactly who I was. So why was he looking at me like I was a stranger he'd bought, not the woman he'd marked in desperation under the moon?
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