"CAN SOMEONE please explain how the fuck my daughter goes missing in less than an hour?!"

My wolf stirs inside me, a deep growl rumbling in my chest, and the air in the room thickens with my fury. Every guard standing before me stiffens, shoulders squared, but I can smell their fear. They should be afraid.

It hadn't even been two damn hours since we arrived at the Crestmoon pack house. I'd given explicit orders to keep a close eye on Reya. She was still adjusting to the area, and with her first shift only weeks ago, she was unpredictable. The last thing I needed was her shifting without warning and running off into unfamiliar territory.

And yet, that's exactly what happened.

She was supposed to stay in the guest room. Next thing I know, she shifts, leaps out of a fucking window, and bolts into the woods. If that wasn't reckless enough, she managed to evade a handful of warriors before they finally caught her.

I drag a hand down my face, exhaling sharply. At least she was back now. But she was still in her wolf form, and that told me everything I needed to know-she wasn't ready to talk yet.

"Arik, take a breath, man," Jacob, my Beta, says, stepping forward. His voice is calm, but I know him well enough to hear the underlying amusement.

I snap my gaze to him. "Go check on Reya."

"I did," he says, a smirk playing on his lips. "You'll never believe the story she told me. She had herself quite the adventure."

My brows furrow. "What do you mean?"

Jacob folds his arms, clearly enjoying this. "Let the guards off the hook before they piss themselves, and you can hear it from Reya yourself."

I take a slow, steadying breath before leveling my gaze at the guards. "Get out of my sight. But if this happens again, you'll wish banishment was your punishment."

They don't need to be told twice. The second I step back, they scatter, relief rolling off them in waves.

I turn to Jacob, motioning for him to lead the way. My patience is wearing thin, but my priority is Reya. With the Rogue Queen still causing havoc, I can't afford to have my daughter running off like this.

We step into the main hall, and my eyes instantly find her. She's surrounded by a group of female wolves, their voices soft as they try to soothe her. Reya sits with her knees drawn to her chest, her long dark hair tumbling over her shoulders. Even from across the room, I can tell she's exhausted.

"Ladies," Jacob says, flashing his easygoing grin. "Thanks for looking after her, but her dad needs to have a word."

The women turn, their gazes lingering on me a bit too long. I ignore the lustful glances they throw my way-none of that matters. My focus is on Reya.

She glances up at me, eyes wide, searching my face for a reaction. She expects me to be angry. Normally, I would be. But right now, I just need to know she's okay.

"D-Dad?" Her voice is small, uncertain.

I crouch in front of her, gently cupping her cheek. "Yes, love?"

Her lower lip wobbles. "Are you still mad at me?"

I sigh, brushing a stray tear from her cheek. "No, sweetheart. Not mad."

Her brows knit together. "You're lying."

I huff a quiet laugh, the tension in my chest easing just a fraction. "Alright. Maybe a little."

Her shoulders slump. "I know, but it was so boring being stuck inside."

"So jumping out of a window seemed like a good way to cure boredom?" I arch a brow.

Jacob snorts from the corner, and I shoot him a warning glance. He holds up his hands in surrender, but the grin stays.

"Can't give us some privacy, can you?" I mutter.

"I will, I will," he says, still grinning. "But let her tell you about her adventure first."

I turn back to Reya, noting the way she fidgets with the hem of her dress.

"What adventure did you have, sweetheart?" I ask, though I'm already bracing myself.

She hesitates for a moment before finally speaking. "I was in the woods..."

I nod for her to continue.

"I saw this bird-it had blue and orange feathers. It was so cute. I started chasing it, and it kept flying further, so I just kept running and running and running and-"

"Reya." My voice is a warning.

She stops, giggling sheepishly, but then her face grows more serious. "Then I tripped and... broke my leg."

My entire body goes rigid. "What?!"

"But I'm fine now! See?" She jumps to her feet, showing off her legs like nothing happened. "My angel saved me."

I blink. "Your angel?"

She nods, eyes bright with excitement. "Yes! She was so pretty and kind. She called me 'sweetheart,' like you do. She told me everything would be okay."

I exchange a glance with Jacob, who only shrugs. This is new.

"So this angel... helped you?" I ask carefully.

Reya nods eagerly. "Yes! I wanted her to meet you, but... she couldn't stay." Her face falls slightly, her earlier excitement fading.

I sigh, rubbing my temples. Times like these make me wish her mother were still alive. I've spent years raising Reya on my own, but moments like this-when she needs comfort, guidance, and answers-I still feel lost.

"Alpha Arik?"

The sound of my name pulls me from my thoughts, and I turn to see a woman approaching. She's older, maybe in her forties, with a posture that radiates quiet authority. Her gaze is sharp, assessing, but there's a calmness to her presence.

"Hello there, I'm Zorya, the Luna of this pack. It's nice to meet you."

I rise to my full height, nodding curtly. "Luna Zorya. Thank you for having us here."

She smiles, but her eyes shift toward Reya, who instinctively moves closer to me. I place a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"And who is this lovely child?" Zorya asks, her voice smooth but unreadable.

I glance down at Reya, giving her a small nod. "Go on."

Reya hesitates for a moment, small fingers clutching the hem of her dress. Then, barely above a whisper, she speaks. "Hello, Luna. I'm Reya."

Zorya's smile warms, her sharp features softening. "Oh, she's beautiful and so well-mannered."

A chuckle escapes me, low and dry. Well-mannered? My mind flashes to her leaping out of a damn window not even two hours ago, but I decide to let it slide. No need to embarrass her in front of Crestmoon's Luna. "Thank you," I say instead.

Jacob steps forward, offering an easy grin. "Good evening, Luna Zorya."

Her keen eyes flick to him, something amused sparking behind them. "Oh, Jacob, I didn't see you there."

Jacob rubs the back of his neck, flashing a sheepish look that's rare for him.

I narrow my eyes. "You two know each other?"

Zorya chuckles, tucking a strand of silver-streaked hair behind her ear. "I found him conversing with your men earlier. Something about how they lost the Alpha's daughter on the first day of your visit." She tilts her head slightly, gaze drifting back to Reya with quiet amusement. "Seems she's already been found, though."

Reya shifts under the scrutiny, her small frame pressing subtly against my side. My wolf, Kieran, stirs at the protective instinct, but I keep my face neutral.

Jacob, ever the distraction, kneels beside her and lifts her effortlessly into his arms. She squeaks in protest before giggling, the unease from moments ago melting away. "Hey, Reya, remember that paintbrush I promised you?"

Her eyes light up. "You brought it?"

Jacob nods. "Of course. Come on, let's go check it out."

Their conversation fades as they move out of earshot, leaving me alone with Luna Zorya. The quiet lingers between us for a beat, but I know what's coming. I can feel the question hanging in the air.

"How are you coping?" she finally asks, her tone laced with genuine concern.

I sigh heavily, not really wanting to delve into that. "Managing," I mutter, though the weight of it feels like a lie.

Luna Zorya doesn't push further, simply nodding, but we both know things haven't been easy for me. Losing my mate, Kayla, to the Rogue Queen... it changed everything. The pack hasn't been the same without its Luna. In times like these, a Luna keeps order, provides hope. And without her... without Kayla... there's just this void. All that's left is the promise I made to avenge her death.

"I understand," she says quietly, sensing the grief. "Well, I almost forgot-my mate and the other Alphas are waiting for you in the meeting room. They'd like your presence."

I nod, grateful for the distraction. "Lead the way."

She escorts me outside, guiding me to a large wooden building not far from the packhouse. It's nearly as big as the Alpha's home, but this one bears a clear label: Meeting Room. A place where decisions that affect entire packs are made.

"This is it." She stops at the entrance, offering me a brief smile before stepping away.

I stand before the door, already hearing the hum of male voices inside. With a deep breath, I push it open, and the room falls silent until I head footsteps heading my way.

"I don't even have time to process before a firm hand claps my back. Alpha Derek of Crestmoon grins at me, his blue eyes glinting with the kind of energy most Alphas don't have. Where the rest of us carry ourselves with stoicism, weighted by leadership, Derek acts as if nothing in the world can touch him.

I respect that.

"So glad you could join us for another meeting, my friend," he says. His grip is firm, a little too firm, but I don't flinch.

"I don't care how many meetings we have," I say, voice low. "As long as it gets us closer to ending the Rogue Queen."

Derek chuckles, the sound deep and unbothered. "That's why I called you here. The Bloodveil Clan is always ready for action."

I don't respond. Just follow him further into the room.

The chamber is packed with representatives from some of the strongest packs. It took ten years for them to take the Rogue Queen seriously. Ten years of watching her influence grow while they did nothing.

The thought alone makes my wolf stir with barely-contained rage.

They could have stopped this when it was still manageable. When she was just a wolf with an idealistic dream of unity.

But she didn't understand the world she was trying to change.

She believed Rogues could be tamed, that packs should welcome them instead of banishing them. She never understood why we cast them out in the first place.

Her naivety turned into something worse. Something violent.

Now, she doesn't just want acceptance. She wants blood.

She's slaughtering entire packs, taking prisoners, corrupting them into her cause.

And for ten years, the others hesitated.

I was barely crowned Alpha when this started. Too young to grasp what was coming. But I'm not that man anymore.

Now, everything will change.

It has to.

Kieran rumbles his agreement inside me, his presence solid. It's rare for him to speak lately. Ever since Kayla's death, he's been distant. Withdrawn. Maybe even more broken than I am.

But Reya-our daughter-she's the one thing keeping him tethered.

She calls for him more than she calls for me. He shifts into his wolf form just to play with her, while I... I struggle to even look at her sometimes.

Because she has Kayla's eyes.

And every time she looks at me, I see what I lost.

"Shall we proceed?" Alpha Haden, the leader of Crestblood, speaks up, his gaze sweeping the room like a hawk, checking if everyone's paying attention. Some turn to face him, while others act disinterested-but I know they're all listening.

Some Alphas shift in their seats, others remain still, but I know they're all listening.

This meeting isn't just another discussion.

It's the beginning of war.

And this time, I won't stop until the Rogue Queen is dead.

Derek leans forward, resting his forearms on the table, his expression uncharacteristically serious. "We've all been dealing with the aftermath of her attacks, but this is the first time we've gathered with a real plan in mind. We need to decide-do we strike first, or do we wait?"

Alpha Haden scoffs. "Wait? She's been at this for years. The more we hesitate, the more she grows in power. We should hit her where it hurts."

"And where exactly is that?" Alpha James challenges, arms crossed over his chest. "We don't know where she is. Her forces are scattered, and every attempt at tracking her has led us to dead ends."

"Because we aren't searching hard enough," Haden bites back. "If we worked together instead of sitting in our own damn territories, maybe we'd get somewhere."

A murmur of agreement ripples through the room, though some remain silent, considering their options.

"Even if we did find her," Alpha Roland of the Stormclaw Pack interjects, "what then? She has an army of rogues, and we don't know how deep her network runs. Charging in without a plan would be a death sentence."

Haden exhales sharply, running a hand through his hair. "Then what do you suggest? That we keep losing our warriors? Our families?"

Silence.

I glance around the room, noting the flickers of uncertainty on some of their faces. They're afraid. Some more than others. They know the Rogue Queen isn't just a rogue with a grudge-she's something else entirely. Cunning. Ruthless. Unrelenting.

"The longer we wait, the stronger she gets," he says, voice laced with frustration. "We should strike now before she gains more ground. Our warriors are prepared-we just need to act."

Alpha James exhales, crossing his arms. "Prepared? Your warriors are exhausted. So are ours. You know as well as I do that an attack without proper planning will only result in more losses."

Alpha Derek, ever the peacemaker, rests his elbows on the table. "We're all aware of the risks, Haden, but this isn't just about pride or vengeance. If we rush in blind, we'll be playing right into her hands."

I listen, jaw clenched. They're all speaking in circles-debating, hesitating-while the Rogue Queen continues to spread her chaos.

"She's not going to stop," I say, keeping my voice steady, though my wolf growls inside me, itching for action. "If anything, she's daring us to come after her. And every second we hesitate, she gets bolder."

Alpha Haden nods sharply. "Exactly. So why wait? We know where some of her forces are stationed. A preemptive strike would send a message."

A few murmurs of agreement ripple through the room, but Alpha James shakes his head. "And if it's a trap? What then? How many warriors will we lose?"

Haden scoffs. "What do you suggest? Sitting on our hands while she grows her army?"

Alpha James holds his ground. "I suggest we strategize. Find her weaknesses before we charge in like reckless fools."

I feel my patience thinning. "We don't have time for slow deliberation. We should have acted years ago. And now we're left scrambling to fix a mistake that should never have happened."

Alpha Haden's gaze hardens. "Exactly my point. If we hesitate again, we'll be repeating the same mistake."

Derek sighs, rubbing his temples. "What we need is balance-an approach that isn't reckless but also doesn't waste precious time." He looks at me. "Arik, what's your take? You've fought her forces firsthand."

I exhale, my fingers pressing against the table's surface. "She only shows herself when it benefits her. If we want to draw her out, we need leverage-something she values enough to come out of hiding."

Silence stretches across the room as they consider my words.

Haden narrows his eyes. "You're suggesting bait."

I meet his gaze. "I'm suggesting a guaranteed way to get to her."

The room hums with tension, the weight of the conversation pressing down on everyone.

Alpha Haden shakes his head. "It's risky."

Derek leans back in his chair. "But effective."

James frowns. "And incredibly dangerous."

Haden exhales sharply. "Yes, but what choice do we have? She only sends her rogues to do her dirty work. The last time she surfaced was ten years ago-"

"I know," I cut him off, my voice low and dangerous. I don't need anyone reminding me of that day. The nightmares are enough.

An uneasy silence settles over the room as the Alphas consider their next move.

"Maybe..." Alpha James, leader of the Wraithfang Clan, breaks the tension, "we should take our time and find another way... without putting our packs in danger."

Alpha Haden clenches his jaw, clearly annoyed by the suggestion, but eventually nods. "Of course. I don't see why not."

"Good." Alpha Derek claps his hands, drawing my attention back to him. "Now, why don't we all rest? We'll discuss this after my daughter's celebration." He rises, and I follow suit, as do the other Alphas.

"I don't see why not," I say.

"Not a problem, Alpha Derek," others agree.

Alpha Derek, being the eldest among us, always knows how to calm tensions when things get heated. It's a skill not many possess, especially among wolves as proud as we are.

Alpha Haden storms out, radiating anger, but no one says a word. One by one, the others leave, until it's just me and Derek standing at the entrance.

I was expecting Kieran to become angry over Alpha Haden behavior but he wasn't.

He has been unusually calm since we arrived here. Even when we heard about Reya running away, he didn't shut me out or get worked up. When Alpha Haden mentioned that day-the day we lost everything, he didn't growl or lose control. He just... let me handle it. It's strange.

"I heard you had a runaway situation," Derek jokes, leaning against the doorframe beside me. I chuckle.

"She said it was boring staying indoors."

"So, it was more exciting outside?" He shakes his head, chuckling. "pups, huh?"

"Yeah, I know." I sigh, feeling a rare moment of contentment. We stand there in silence until the door to Derek's house swings open. A large wolf trots out, with Reya on its back, her giggles filling the air.

"Jacob, faster!" she shouts, and the wolf rolls his eyes before picking up his pace, making Reya squeal in delight.

"Is that your beta?" Derek asks.

"Yeah. He's been watching her while I was here."

"I see." He pauses, his expression shifting. "Does he have a mate?"

"No."

He falls silent, but I can sense he's holding something back. Curiosity nags at me despite myself.

"You want to say something, don't you?" I ask, eyes still on Reya.

Derek hesitates, then sighs. "Have you thought about... getting another mate?"

My body tenses. Kieran stiffens inside me, his hackles rising. "What did you just say?"

"I don't mean another fated mate," Derek clarifies quickly. "But a mother for Reya."

The thought makes my blood run cold. Kieran's rage pulses through me, wanting to tear into the man who dared to suggest such a thing. He knows what he's asking of me?

"You know I can't, Derek." I turn away, eyes focusing on a patch of wildflowers. "I just... can't."

It's not just that Reya needs a mother figure. It's the thought of replacing her. Our mate. The pain of her loss still lingers, even though Reya never asks about her mother. She doesn't remember. But sometimes, when I catch her watching other mothers with their pups, I see the questions in her eyes. Questions she doesn't voice.

She needs a mother, and it breaks me inside. But another mate? I don't think I could do that. And Kieran-he wouldn't accept anyone who isn't Reya's mother.

"Arik." Derek's voice pulls me from my thoughts, but I don't respond. "People are starting to talk. They say you're being... greedy."

"Greedy?" I whip around, my eyes flashing red, fists clenched."How the hell am I greedy? What did I do to make them think that?"

Derek raises his hands in defense. "I'm just telling you what I've heard."

I grit my teeth, turning on my heel and storming away before I do something I'll regret. Reya's voice calls out to me, but I don't stop until I reach my roomin the guest house. I slam the door shut behind me, fists clenched, Kieran's voice breaking the silence in my head.

"Arik, you need to calm down," he urges.

"How are you not angry about this?" I snap, my legs pacing across the room."He has no right-"

"I am, but getting mad at Alpha Derek won't help." Kieran growls softly, but there's a calmness in him that unnerves me."He's just looking out for us."

"Did I ever tell him we were unhappy?" I fire back.

"You don't need to tell him, Arik. Everyone knows what happened to us the moment she died. And don't ever think I'm okay with this-because I'm not. Stop acting like you're the only one who lost her. I lost Athena, and I lost Iris too."

His tone grew harsher at the mention of Iris, Athena's wolf. I felt a familiar ache at the sound of her name, but I understood the weight behind it. Kieran had suffered just as much as I had. The anger simmering inside me started to cool, though not completely.

I sighed through our bond, the frustration lingering in my voice. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have been so harsh. It's just... you've been so calm about everything. Even when Haden-of all people-brought it up, you stayed composed. It bothered me."

There was a pause before Kieran responded. "I get that. It's not that I don't feel it... I just... something's been off ever since we got here, and it's been eating at me. I've been thinking about it constantly, and it's made me start questioning the Moon Goddess."

His words made my brow furrow. "What kind of thoughts? And what exactly are you questioning?"

I waited, my curiosity piqued, even though a part of me hated this kind of talk. These moments of worry always unsettled me, but this was the first time in a long while that we'd had a real conversation. So I stayed quiet, giving him the space to speak.

After a beat, Kieran spoke again, his voice low but direct. "When Alpha Derak mentioned the possibility of a second mate... I started wondering if that's why I've been acting so strange."

His confession hit me hard. "What are you getting at?"

"Maybe we already have one," he said, the weight of those words sinking in.

I stared ahead, my mind racing. "What?" The idea was absurd, almost laughable. "Another fated mate? That's impossible. The Moon Goddess doesn't give wolves second chances like that."

"You think I don't know that?" Kieran snapped, frustration bleeding into his voice. "But that's the point, Arik. What if we do? What if we've already been given one?"

I was silent, my brain struggling to catch up. The very thought of it felt like betrayal. Another mate? After everything we lost?

"It's not possible." I say, making him sigh.

"But what If and..."he suddenly went silent.

"And?"

"And," Kieran continued, his words slow, deliberate, "what if she's here,"

"What?"

"Our second mate. What If she's here,Arik. What if our second mate is part of Alpha Derek's pack?"