Chapter 57 — The Heir’s Distraction
932 Words
The gates of Illarik’s stronghold were already closing when Linda and Stanton returned.
The sky had begun to lighten in the east, the pale gray of early morning slowly pushing away the darkness of night. The storm had passed, leaving the forest damp and quiet.
Linda walked beside Stanton along the stone path leading into the stronghold.
Their hands brushed lightly together as they moved.
At first it had been accidental.
Now neither of them bothered to pull away.
The guards at the gate nodded respectfully as they passed.
Neither Linda nor Stanton noticed.
High above the courtyard, a window stood open.
Trent stood there watching.
From the distance he could not hear their conversation.
But he could see enough.
Linda was smiling.
A soft, relaxed smile he had never seen on her face before.
And Stanton walked beside her like he belonged there.
Trent’s jaw tightened.
His hand slowly curled into a fist.
Then—
CRACK.
His fist slammed into the stone wall beside the window.
Pain shot through his knuckles.
He barely noticed.
Behind him a quiet cough sounded.
Trent turned sharply.
Illarik stood in the doorway.
The Alpha had entered so silently Trent had not heard him.
Trent straightened immediately.
“Father.”
Illarik stepped closer to the window, his gaze drifting briefly toward the courtyard below where Linda and Stanton disappeared into the inner halls.
Then he looked back at his son.
“Would you like to explain something to me?”
Trent’s shoulders stiffened.
“I don’t know what you mean.”
Illarik’s voice remained calm.
“How did a single woman manage to disturb the future Alpha of this pack so easily?”
Trent looked away.
For a moment he said nothing.
Then finally he muttered,
“I thought I might marry her.”
Illarik blinked once.
Then slowly shook his head.
“No.”
The answer came without hesitation.
Trent frowned.
“You didn’t even think about it.”
“Because I already know the answer.”
Trent turned toward him fully.
“And what is that answer?”
“You will not marry Linda.”
The words landed hard.
Trent’s expression darkened.
“Why not?”
Illarik stepped toward the window again.
“Because I never gave permission.”
“And I never will.”
Trent’s voice sharpened.
“You realize what that bond could produce?”
Illarik said nothing.
Trent stepped forward.
“Her bloodline alone—”
“Yes, yes.”
Illarik waved a dismissive hand.
“I know exactly what her bloodline is.”
Trent continued anyway.
“White hunter blood.”
“Strength.”
“Speed.”
“Instinct.”
“And combined with the Alpha line—”
He gestured toward himself.
“The children could be extraordinary.”
Illarik finally turned toward him.
“They could.”
“Exactly.”
“And yet you will not marry her.”
Trent stared at him.
“Why?”
Illarik’s voice lowered slightly.
“Because Linda is not meant to become your Luna.”
The young wolf’s brows furrowed.
“Then what is she meant to be?”
Illarik smiled faintly.
“Something far more useful.”
Trent’s frustration flared.
“You’re using her.”
“Of course.”
“She’s a person, not a weapon.”
Illarik’s eyes sharpened.
“That distinction matters less than you think.”
Trent clenched his jaw.
“You don’t understand.”
Illarik raised an eyebrow.
“Oh?”
Trent looked toward the courtyard again.
“She could change everything.”
Illarik watched his son carefully.
“That is precisely why she cannot be tied to you.”
Silence stretched between them.
Finally Illarik gestured toward the door.
“Go to your chambers.”
Trent hesitated.
“Father—”
“Now.”
The young wolf hesitated another moment.
Then turned and left the room.
The door closed behind him with quiet finality.
Illarik remained by the window.
For several seconds he watched the empty courtyard.
Then he sighed softly.
“You may come in now.”
The door opened again.
Olson stepped into the room.
The Beta approached respectfully.
“You called, Alpha?”
Illarik nodded.
“I have a task for you.”
Olson waited.
“Find a suitable match for Trent.”
Olson blinked.
“A match?”
“Yes.”
“A noble family.”
“Strong bloodline.”
“Preferably someone politically useful.”
Olson hesitated carefully.
“I’m not certain Trent will accept that arrangement.”
Illarik’s patience vanished instantly.
A low growl escaped his throat.
“Acceptance is not required.”
Olson remained silent.
Illarik turned toward him sharply.
“What would be far worse,” the Alpha said coldly, “is if my heir decides to start plotting around a destined mate.”
Olson’s eyes widened slightly.
“That would be… problematic.”
“Exactly.”
Illarik’s gaze hardened.
“Destined mates reshape kingdoms.”
“And I will not allow my son to gamble the future of this pack because he fell in love with the wrong woman.”
Olson nodded slowly.
“I understand.”
Illarik turned back toward the window again.
“Find someone suitable.”
Olson bowed his head.
“I’ll begin immediately.”
As the Beta left the room, Illarik remained standing by the window.
Far below in the halls of the stronghold, Linda and Stanton had already disappeared from view.
Illarik watched the empty courtyard thoughtfully.
Because he knew something his son did not.
Linda was never meant to become Trent’s Luna.
She was meant to become something far more dangerous.
- Writer
