APRIL

MY LEGS pushed through the forest, deeper than I'd ever gone before. The cold air burned my lungs, but I didn't stop. I couldn't. It was getting to be too much.

I thought I'd be fine with Lori finding her mate. And I was-until my whole family found out. They congratulated her, wrapped her in warm embraces, beaming with joy. Everyone was happy. Everyone was proud.

And then, for just a moment, the celebration dimmed. A flicker of silence, a dullness in their eyes. And when Mom glanced at me, I felt it. The weight of an unspoken truth.

They think I won't find a mate, too.

Maybe I was imagining it. Maybe I was twisting things in my head, projecting my own insecurities. But that look-it crushed me.

I couldn't stand it. I needed to get out of there before Lori started thinking I was jealous.

Even if I was... just a little.

"April, can you hear me?"

Athena's voice cut through my mind, threading through the trees as I wove my way down another path.

After Lori told me, I had been the one to suggest sharing the news. I acted excited. I smiled. I played the part. But the second the room filled with laughter and pride, I knew I had to leave. Not because I was jealous.

Because I wasn't.

At least, that's what I kept telling myself.

"Are you still thinking about Lori having a mate?"

I didn't answer, but my silence was enough.

"You know there's still hope for us, right?"

I scoffed internally. Hope?

"I know it's hard, but you'll be fine. We'll be fine-"

"Just stop!" My voice tore through the quiet, the sound of it raw, breaking the stillness of the forest. "Please, just... stop."

Athena fell silent, retreating.

My pace slowed as I spotted a large rock ahead. I walked toward it, pressing my back against the cool surface, the chill sinking into my skin, grounding me. The pressure in my chest eased-just a little.

"I'm sorry," I murmured through our link.

It wasn't her fault. She didn't choose to be bound to a human like me. The Moon Goddess had paired us, and maybe she'd made a mistake.

"It's alright, April. I understand."

That made me feel even worse.

"But still-"

"I know. It's unfair," Athena interrupted, her voice softer now. "But like I said, you'll be fine. We'll be fine."

"Yeah," I murmured. "I guess so."

She didn't reply this time. I felt her presence withdraw, not completely gone, but distant. It was always like this-sometimes our connection felt strong, other times it flickered, fading into the background.

I had learned to live with it.

I close my eyes, letting the silence of the forest settle around me. The cool air brushes against my skin, carrying the faint scent of pine and damp earth. For a few minutes, I just breathe, allowing myself to sink into the moment. But I can't stay out here forever. Dad will start thinking I ran off again.

With a sigh, I push myself up, brushing off the dirt from my clothes-then I hear it.

A faint sound, barely there, but just enough to prick at my senses. My hearing isn't as sharp as a fully shifted wolf's, but it picks up on the subtle change. At first, I think it's just the wind whispering through the trees. But then I hear it again, clearer this time.

Crying.

My body tenses. It's quiet, broken, and filled with something that tugs at my chest. There's no mistaking it-it's another wolf.

I stand fully, scanning my surroundings as I listen. The sound is coming from deeper in the forest, beyond the familiar trails I usually stick to. Every rational part of me says to turn back, that it's dangerous to wander too far, but my feet are already moving forward.

The trees grow thicker as I push ahead, weaving through the dense brush. Shadows stretch between the trunks, and the ground feels uneven beneath my steps. A fallen branch nearly sends me sprawling, but I catch myself just in time. The crying is louder now. Closer.

It's a young wolf.

A female wolf-no more than ten years old-curled up on her side. Her fur is tangled with dirt, her breaths shallow, and her body shakes with quiet whimpers. One of her legs is twisted at an unnatural angle, either broken or dislocated. That has to hurt.

I swallow hard and step closer, careful not to startle her.

She stiffens at my approach, her golden eyes wide with fear. My heart clenches at the sight. She has no idea who I am, and in her condition, she's completely vulnerable.

Slowly, I lower myself beside her, reaching out a tentative hand. "Hey," I whisper, my voice soft, calming. I let my fingers brush lightly against her fur. She flinches at first but doesn't pull away.

Normally, wolves use pheromones to communicate their emotions, but I'm not fully shifted. She can't sense my intentions the way she would with another wolf. This will be tough.

I glance at her injured leg. She won't last out here alone. If I don't help her now, the pain will only get worse.

"Please calm down," I murmur, stroking her ears gently. She stares at me, her golden eyes still swimming with tears. "I won't hurt you, I promise."

She doesn't growl or try to move away. She just looks... broken.

"Can you shift back to your human form?" I ask, hoping it'll make things easier.

She shakes her head.

Too young, then. That realization sends a chill down my spine. How did she shift so early?

She's not from my pack, that's for sure.

In Crestmoon, no one shifts before eighteen. Some other packs are the same, but there are a few-like Bloodveil-where wolves shift much younger.

Bloodveil.

The name alone sends a ripple of unease through me. They're notorious, feared for their strength, their ruthlessness. If she's one of them, they're probably searching for her right now.

So how did she end up here? And why was no one with her?

I shake the questions from my head and focus on what matters. She's hurt, and I can't leave her like this.

Carefully, I lift her injured leg, resting it on my lap. My hands tremble slightly as I prepare to help. "Okay, sweetheart, this is going to hurt," I say gently. "But don't worry, you'll heal fast, alright?"

She watches me, her eyes filled with unshed tears. One of them spills over, dampening her fur.

My heart squeezes.

She nods, closing her eyes tightly, her small body trembling. Her whimpers cut through me, but I know what I have to do.

"Alright," I murmur. "On the count of three, I'll fix it, okay?"

She gives a tiny nod, squeezing her eyes shut.

"One... two..."

I grip her leg firmly.

"Three."

Then, I snap it back into place.

The crack of bone snapping back into place echoes through the forest. The young wolf's pained howl shatters the silence, sending birds scattering from the trees in a flurry of wings. My chest tightens, but I keep my hands steady, holding her leg in place as she trembles beneath my touch.

"It's okay, love. You did great." My voice is soft, soothing, as I stroke her fur. "You did so well."

Her breathing is ragged, but when she finally opens her eyes, there's something new in them-relief. Gratitude. She can't say the words, but I see them in her golden gaze.

"It's alright. Just rest for a bit, okay?" I murmur, still running my fingers gently over her matted fur. "Then maybe we can find your parents-"

A sharp voice cuts through the trees, distant but urgent.

"Reya!"

Her ears twitch, her body tensing. I feel her shift beneath my hands as she struggles to sit up.

"Reya?" I repeat, testing the name. She immediately turns toward me, eyes wide.

"That's you, isn't it?" I say gently. "Let me help you up."

She nods, and I carefully guide her to her feet, praying she's healed enough to stand. Her legs wobble for a moment, but then she steadies herself. Good. She'll be okay.

"Reya! Where are you?" The voice is closer now, sharp with worry. A female. That must be her mother.

I stiffen. If Reya really is from Bloodveil, I can't afford to be found here. They won't believe I was trying to help. And if word gets back to our Alpha that I was caught with an injured Bloodveil pup, the fallout won't be pretty.

"I have to go," I whisper.

Reya looks up at me, sadness flickering in her eyes. Then, to my surprise, she leans forward and nuzzles her face against my leg. A silent thank you.

I let out a quiet breath, brushing a hand over her head. "You're welcome, sweetheart," I whisper. "But I really have to go."

The sound of footsteps crunching against fallen leaves sends a shiver down my spine. Low growls follow-a warning. They've caught her scent.

I glance around and spot a boulder large enough to hide behind. "I'll stay back there," I tell her, pointing. "I won't leave until I know you're safe, alright?"

She nods, and I squeeze her shoulder gently before slipping away, keeping low as I crouch behind the rock.

Seconds later, two large wolves emerge from the trees, their sleek coats catching the dim light filtering through the canopy. They move with controlled precision, their sharp eyes scanning the area before their gazes land on Reya.

They bow their heads to her. Not just concern-respect.

That confirms it. She's important.

She steps forward, and the wolves flank her, their bodies tense as they scan the surroundings, not just protecting her-guarding her.

I hold my breath, pressing myself further into the shadows. My heartbeat slows, steady and controlled. They don't catch my scent. Luckily, I don't have a distinct one yet, which makes it hard for any wolf to detect me.

I stay perfectly still, watching as the wolves nudge Reya forward, guiding her through the trees. They move like sentries, hyper-aware of every shift in the air, every rustle in the undergrowth. I don't dare breathe too loudly. If they catch even the faintest trace of me, this night could end badly.

Reya hesitates, glancing back once, her golden eyes flickering with something-reluctance, maybe. A silent farewell. Then she turns away, slipping deeper into the forest with the wolves.

I exhale slowly, my muscles loosening as their footsteps fade into the distance.

Bloodveil.

Reya belongs to them.

That should be reason enough to forget this ever happened. Bloodveil wolves are ruthless. Dangerous. They don't take kindly to outsiders, and if they knew I touched one of their own, let alone helped her, they'd see it as a threat. A challenge.

I should leave now, head back home before someone finds me.

But instead, I linger.

Something about this feels... off.

Why was a Bloodveil pup out here alone, injured and terrified? Bloodveil wolves don't let their young stray far, and they certainly don't leave them vulnerable. They're possessive, territorial. So how did she end up hurt, abandoned in the middle of our territory?

Maybe Father knows about their visit.

The thought lingers in my mind, and I find myself nodding in agreement.

If the Bloodveil clan is here, then other clans might be as well. And if that's the case, there's only one reason they'd all gather.

The Rogue Queen.

Yes, that has to be it-

"April!"

A familiar, exasperated voice cuts through my thoughts.

I turn toward the sound, my feet moving before I even process it. Dodging past the trees I ran through earlier, I push forward until I see his face.

Matt.

Relief crashes over me like a wave.

"Matt," I breathe, my shoulders sagging slightly.

His expression is tight with worry, but the moment I reach him, he shakes his head.

"Am I glad to see you," I mutter.

"Where on earth did you go?" His voice is sharp, edged with frustration.

I shake my head. "Never mind."

Matt narrows his eyes, clearly unsatisfied with my response, but I don't give him a chance to press further. I step past him, my focus shifting as I recognize a cluster of rocks I passed earlier. Good. That means I'm heading in the right direction.

I keep walking, ignoring the weight of his gaze as he follows behind me.

"April," he tries again, his tone softer this time, but I pretend not to hear him.

The rest of the walk is silent.

It's only when we reach home that I finally slow down, pausing at the threshold. I can feel Matt watching me, waiting for an explanation.

But I don't give him one.

Without a word, I step inside.

"What don't you want to tell me?" he presses, shutting the door behind us. "What were you doing so deep in the woods?"

I shrug, keeping my expression neutral. "Just enjoying some fresh air."

It's not a complete lie, but I leave out the part about Reya. Matt would ask a million questions, and I'm not in the mood to answer any of them.

Before he can push further, Kiara appears from the kitchen, balancing a bowl of soup in one hand while the other rests on her baby bump. Her brown eyes light up when she sees me.

"Alex! Where have you been?"

"Hey, slow down, love," Matt says immediately, his protective instincts kicking in.

Kiara rolls her eyes. "Yeah, yeah, I know. You don't have to treat me like a baby."

"But I love treating you like a baby," Matt teases, grinning.

Kiara laughs. "That's too much love right there." Then she turns back to me, her excitement returning. "Alex, guess what I heard at the clinic?"

I settle onto the couch, stealing a bag of chips from the table. "Lori found her mate?"

It wouldn't surprise me. Kiara always has the inside scoop since she works at the pack clinic. Even now, with only weeks left before giving birth, she insists on going in. Matt had tried to persuade her to take it easy, but everyone had long given up that battle.

"Oh, I heard about that already," Kiara says, settling next to Matt and propping her legs on his lap. He starts massaging them instinctively, earning a pleased sigh from her. "You know just what I need."

"Always," Matt replies with a small, loving smile.

I watch them, feeling an odd pang in my chest.

They make it look easy-this whole fated-mate thing. For them, it was. They'd been in love since childhood, and when they turned out to be mates, it had been a seamless transition. Now they had Amelia, my niece, and soon, another baby on the way.

I wonder what that kind of love feels like. To have someone who just knows you. Who understands you without needing to ask.

Kiara's voice pulls me from my thoughts. "Oh, right! Back to what I was saying. Do you know what today is?"

"What?" I ask, popping a chip into my mouth.

She smirks. "The Alpha's daughter's birthday."

Realization dawns. "She's turning eighteen."

"Which means," Kiara continues, "she'll shift into her wolf tonight."

Matt hums in understanding. "That's always a big deal."

Kiara nods. "It is. But there's more-he's invited packs from all over to discuss the Rogue Queen."

I pause mid-bite. That explains why Bloodveil is here.

"Oh, that's a smart move," Matt says.

"Right? Your dad had a hand in it, too," Kiara adds, adjusting herself against the couch. "Some of the strongest packs are already arriving-or should be here soon, given the time."

I lean back, processing her words.

If all these packs are gathering... then whatever's happening with the Rogue Queen is worse than we thought.

Kiara sighs, shaking her head. "I still can't believe it. Packs from all over are coming. The Crescent Moon pack, the Shadowfangs, Silverclaw... even the Bloodveil pack."

I knew it.

I keep my expression neutral, but my mind is already racing. Of course, Bloodveil is here. That explains Reya. It also means their Alpha is close, which is not exactly comforting.

Kiara keeps talking, oblivious to my thoughts. "I mean, it makes sense. If anyone knows about rogues, it's Bloodveil. But still, having them here? It feels... I don't know. Intense."

Matt nods, his jaw tightening. "They're powerful, but they're unpredictable. We'll have to keep an eye on them."

""Exactly," Kiara says, nodding before turning to me with a smile I know all too well. The kind that usually means I'm about to get roped into something.

Here we go.

"So, I was thinking..." She draws it out, and I brace myself.

"...Would you want to go shopping with me later? I haven't been to the mall in ages. It won't take long, I promise."

I exhale, relieved it's nothing too bad. "Oh, um, sure. No problem," I say, standing up. "Just let me know when you're ready."

Her face lights up. "You're the best! We'll find you a nice outfit too. You need to look your best for tonight."

I pause mid-step, turning to her. "Best for what?"

Kiara shrugs casually, but there's a knowing glint in her eyes. "For the Alpha's daughter's birthday, of course. You're coming, aren't you?"

I hesitate. These pack gatherings always leave me feeling out of place. Wolves would stare, older ones would ask if I'd shifted yet or found a mate, and there was always that unspoken pressure of being the Beta's daughter. The whole thing sounded exhausting. Honestly, I'd rather spend the night in my room, painting.

Painting had become my escape, the one thing that let me breathe in a world where expectations felt like a noose.

But then I look at Kiara-her excitement, the effort she puts into making me feel included-and it's hard to say no. She's been like an older sister to me, and for that, I'm grateful.

With a sigh, I nod. "Yeah, I'll come."

Kiara beams, nudging Matt, who chuckles. "I'm so happy you're coming! Don't worry, I have a feeling this is going to be a great party."

I give her a small smile, but in the back of my mind, I can't shake the feeling that tonight is going to be anything but great.