The Missing Heir

The Amethyst Pendant

Chapter 4

Somewhere on the North American continent, the atmosphere inside Damon Knight’s study was tense but controlled. Reports had been coming in all morning.

“The operations in the northern territories are successful,” Marcus said, standing rigidly at attention. “However, Silvermoon, Twilight, and Eclipse have increased their patrols along the border.”

Damon didn’t look up immediately. His expression was stern, regal, the quiet dominance of an Alpha who never needed to raise his voice. He continued fiddling with the small gadget he’d been working on for days.

“That is expected,” he murmured.

Marcus pressed on. “Barrington is planning a business trip to Europe. He’s taking the entire family. Silverton is also leaving for Scotland for a family reunion. Maybe this is the best time to hit them with our full force.”

Damon finally looked up, amusement flickering in his eyes. “My dear Marcus… you are not as bright as I believed.”

Marcus tensed, jaw tightening.

“Silverton has five betas,” Damon continued. “The only pack in the Western Hemisphere that can claim that. Each beta commands an army. Even if he takes Declan with him, the remaining forces will m******e us. Barrington lacks strength, yes — but he has wealth.” Damon turned toward the window of his immaculately furnished study. “Both will be traveling with a force you won’t see until it’s too late.”

The door opened without warning.

Liam Blake stepped inside.

“Do you not knock, witch?” Marcus snapped.

Liam, immaculate in a grey suit, glanced around the study with casual arrogance. “No. Because I am the reason you have this estate.”

The nerve of this man — walking around as if he owned the place.

Damon didn’t turn. “You’re wrong, friend. You saved my life, yes. But we both know you had your reasons. You gave me a start. Everything else was what the Moon Goddess bestowed upon me.”

Liam smiled faintly. “It’s absolutely amazing how you wolves believe in that nonsense.”

Marcus flared, taking a step forward.

“Settle down, Marcus,” Damon said calmly, finally facing the mage. “We will remember that someday. Now… what do you need, witch?”

Liam’s smile widened. He knew Marcus would tear him apart without his magic. He knew Damon could tear him apart with it. But he also knew Damon wouldn’t kill him, not yet. Not until the balance shifted. Not until Liam secured the amethyst pendant.

He moved toward the window.

“The amethyst pendant was created over a thousand years ago,” Liam said quietly. “It holds phenomenal power. Even a human could harness a fraction of it. But for wolves… its most important function is, it identifies the Alpha King.”

Both men froze, shock visible, unmistakable.

Liam didn’t pause. “The Reids of Scotland and the Abrassi of Italy were the custodians of the pendant.”

Damon exhaled slowly, a sigh edged with old knowledge. “The oldest two packs in the world. Wait… you said were?”

A subtle smile tugged at Liam’s lips, the kind that carried more meaning than he intended to explain. “The pendant was lost just over two years ago. Traditionally, every seventy years it changed hands. At the exchange ceremony, the families would search for the new Alpha King. And for four hundred years… no Alpha King was chosen.”

Damon’s expression didn’t shift. He had heard this tale too many times to be impressed. “Old wives’ tale. A myth, like the white wolf.”

Liam’s face remained stoic, almost carved from stone. “Be that as it may, I speculated that the bearer of the pendant was the Reid’s next in line to be Alpha. To my surprise, he was mated right here in the Northern Territory.”

Recognition flashed in Damon’s eyes. “Morgan Reid.”

Liam’s smile sharpened. “The one and only dead Morgan Reid.”

Silence settled over the room, heavy and unmoving.

“I killed him,” Liam said plainly, as if discussing weather rather than murder. He walked toward the bar, his footsteps unhurried, and poured himself a glass of Irish whiskey. “I tried to make it look like a rogue attack. But the pack didn’t buy it. No rogue would stand a chance against Morgan. He was an Alpha in his own right, more powerful, stronger than Silverton, yet he chose to serve as Silverton’s beta because of his mate… Silverton’s sister.”

Liam took a slow sip, letting the burn settle before continuing.

“So, I instigated an attack on his daughter. I needed to see if the pendant’s power had left a trace on her. Nothing major, just manipulated a few foolish adolescents into bullying her. Push her emotions, provoke her wolf, test her strength. If the pendant’s power was present, it would show… even though she wasn’t of age yet.” The door opened softly. Jessica Knight entered, solemn and graceful.

“Liam,” she said, greeting him without emotion. Her voice was polite, controlled, offering nothing of the disdain she felt for having a witch in her home. The very fact that he lived here sickened her, but she did not show it.

“Son, I brought you and your friends supper since you were not in the dining room.” Damon acknowledged her. “Thank you.” Then he turned toward Liam. “You referred to Morgan as next in line.” Liam nodded. “Yes, but not because of his position in the family. Morgan was the youngest of the Reid siblings. Victor is the second eldest, so he ascended as Alpha like his father before him, because the eldest vanished. Hence, at the time of the exchange ceremony, Morgan was next in line, thus he became the bearer.”

Marcus’s interest was piqued. “What was his name? The one that vanished?” Liam answered subtly, as if he knew something the rest of the world did not. “Eoin Reid.” Jessica could not hide the feeling rising inside her at the name, the young man she met in Nice twenty‑six years ago. Could it be the same man? No… he did not have a wolf. Liam, as if sensing Jessica’s question forming in her mind, continued, “The Reid family, because of the old blood flowing through them, can hide their wolves so other wolves can’t sense or feel it”.

Jessica’s face turned pale. “Is something the matter, Mother?” Damon asked.

She swallowed gently, her voice faint. “I feel a bit under the weather,” Jessica murmured.

Damon rose quickly and took his mother’s hand. “You should lie down,” he said, steady but concerned. He turned to the servant. “Fetch the physician.”

As the servant assisted Jessica to her room, Liam continued, “Now that the girl has vanished like her uncle, I have to start all over again trying to ascertain the whereabouts of the Pendant.”

Damon, returning to his seat, paused at the coffee table and poured them all a cup. “So… where do we start?” he asked, taking a sip.

“Silvermoon,” Liam replied. “I still believe it’s there. Remember, only a Reid or an Abrassi can hold the Pendant for that long. Anyone else would go insane. So, it’s not with Morgan’s wife.”

Marcus rose slightly, thinking aloud. “The beta who was killed a few years ago… I think I read somewhere that his sister is also married into the Silvermoon Pack. To one of their betas.”

Liam looked up, surprised by information he clearly didn’t have. “Who is the sister?”

Marcus glanced at Damon. “I don’t know. You’re the one who read it.”

Marcus threw his hands slightly. “I don’t know, but I can find out.”

Liam leaned back, reflecting. “She’s of the bloodline. As soon as you find out, let me know.”

“You’ll have to make it quick,” Damon added. “She’ll be off to Scotland in a day.”

Liam froze, stunned by the revelation. “How do you know this?”

Marcus shifted uneasily. “My brother’s mate is from the Silvermoon Pack… and the i***t already said he’ll be joining her pack.”

Liam stood abruptly and left without another word.