Cassum Raynes—the Northern Light Princess. A few years ago, she was practically my idol when she went up against her siblings in the Trials as the first Alpha-born female in werewolf history. I was crushed when they said that her older brother Kendrick had killed her. How she ended up here at Scopan Lake is mind boggling.

Everyone else gathered around the table just stares at her. The Alpha's sharp breath finally cracks the pressing silence.

"Who do you claim as the pup's father?"

Cassum's gaze flicks to me before returning to the Alpha. "Your son Dante. At the last heat, we had an encounter."

"He was with his own mate during the last heat."

Another glance in my direction. "I fought his female fair and square to be able to claim her male. I'm surprised they didn't tell you."

When Dante's lips stay glued together, I clear my throat. "It's true. We encountered a rogue female in the woods and she and Dante mated."

The Alpha massages the bridge of his nose as another bout of silence settles like a dire foreboding over the dining table. When his glare settles on Dante, his son can't even look him in the eyes.

He refocuses on Cassum. "Are you still a member of the Northern Light pack?"

"As you might've heard, I challenged my brothers during our last Trials. When I realized I couldn't win, I walked away and renounced the pack. Have lived as a rogue ever since."

"And what do you want from us?"

She raises her chin. "As the mother of an Alpha born descendant, I have the right to seek admission to this pack. I want to live among you—have a family again."

She conveniently leaves out that she can also challenge me for the Luna position. Not only will I be an easy opponent due to her superior physical strength, but she also bore the first heir. This puts her in the prime spot.

"If you want to be part of this pack, you have to obey our rules. As Dante's mate, Raelyn has the right to raise your pup. He will know her as his mother and you will bow to her as future Luna. Are you willing to comply with that?"

A small smile twitches on Cassum's lips and she gives me this as-if look. "These are the same rules as in every pack. I wouldn't have come here if I weren't willing to live by them."

"Then you are welcome to stay. As long as you nurse the pup, you may occupy a spare bedroom in this house. Afterward, you'll be assigned to alternative housing in the lower settlement."

Cassum tilts her head to a small bow. "That would be fine. Thank you, Alpha."

"Now sit down and share this meal with us. Welcome to your new pack."

~~~~

To my dismay, Dante asks Cassum to join us for our run around the lake. Though she's reluctant at first to leave her small pup with a stranger, her opposition dwindles when Harla jumps eagerly into a grandmother role. At the last minute, Jos decides to come with us; soon, the four of us race down the path by the shore. The chase turns quickly into a competition and after weeks of neglected exercise, I struggle to keep up.

Cassum's wolf is even more massive than I remember, her size at least as big as Dante and Jos. Her caramel fur shines glossy under the sun. Usually, rogues are unkempt and malnourished, but she must have found a way to sustain herself without being detected by our scouts. Surprising, giving the additional patrols over the last weeks. Where was she hiding when the hunters searched the territory for Savannah and Bay?

I get my answer soon enough. There, in the clearing where Jos and I encountered the boy, rests the cabin in the sweltering heat of the afternoon sun. I'm so stunned how it all of a sudden reappeared that I'm the last to shift. Conscious how scrawny my body looks in comparison to Cassum's muscle packed frame, I cross my arms in front of my chest.

She points at the cabin. "This is where I've been staying during my pregnancy. Please come in for a few minutes. I would like to get my things."

Flaunting, she walks up the steps to the front door. Dante is on her heels like a well-trained pup.

I squint at Jos. "Do you remember the cabin now?"

Wrinkles crinkle his forehead. "I'm not sure what you're on about. I've never seen this shack before in my life and usually don't even come this way when I go for a run." With a click of his tongue, he follows his brother and Cassum inside.

My glare daggers into his back. His odd behavior is getting worse by the day. Now he can't even remember that we visited this clearing.

The inside of the cabin is dimly lit and a fire crackles in the open fireplace despite the heat. The heavy scent of spices hangs in the air. I know the blend—it's the same type our elders used for the tea to soothe the contractions during the birthing process.

Cassum juts her chin at a couple of duffel bags. "It's not much, but I've kind of gotten used to my stuff."

"It's fine. We can either take them now or I can send a fighter wolf up here to get the bags later tonight." Dante turns around when the door to the cabin opens. The young boy appears on the threshold with a couple of dead rabbits flung over his shoulder.

"Oh, Andrenior, good that you're here," Cassum says. "The Alpha has agreed that Allo and I can stay. For now, I'll be moving into the packhouse."

"That's cool." It's the first time his words aren't carried by the wind. His voice is unusually rough; it doesn't match his young appearance.

A deep growl rumbles in Dante's chest. "Who is he?"

Cassum smiles and steps between Dante and the boy. "Just a friend. He's been helping me out these past months."

"I don't like him." Dante snaps his teeth at the boy. "He can't stay."

The boy smirks. "Chill, bruh. I've better places to be. I'll be gone by morning."

"No! You need to leave now. This is my pack's land and you're not welcome."

When Dante takes a step forward, Cassum blocks his way. "He's just a child."

"I smell yours and my pup's scent on him." Dante's growl is full of aggression. Bones crack and joints pop as he tries to keep control over his wolf.

"It's because he helped during the birth. Besides, I'm not your mate. You have no claims over me."

This time, Dante's snapping teeth are directed at Cassum. "Watch it, female. You're the mother of my pup and bound to me through his blood."

For a second, Cassum looks like she's going to have a go at him, but then she bows her head in submission. Smiling with teeth, she turns to the boy. "Andrenior, you heard the Alpha's son. Leave now."

The boy nods. "Does that mean you're releasing me from your bondage?"

"It does. You are no longer required to serve me."

Without a further word, the boy turns on his heels. He opens the door. With the breath of the wind, he's gone. Vanished in thin air.

I frown. "Where did he go?"

"Forget him." Cassum shoulders one of the duffels. "Can one of you guys give me a hand with the other bag?"

Dante blinks a few times as if awakening from a daze. "I'll help you." Grabbing the duffel, he turns to Jos. "Would you mind taking Raelyn for a little longer run? She hasn't had enough exercise lately."

Jos rubs against his temple before his eyes regain their focus. "That's not a problem."

With an open mouth, I watch Dante trotting behind Cassum out of the cabin. Nothing is left of the aggression he displayed just moments ago.

"What just happened?"

Jos's gaze is puzzled. "What do you mean?"

"This whole situation. I mean, the boy just disappeared and you're not even questioning it?"

He stares blankly at me. "What boy?"

"Andrenior."

"I have no idea what you're talking about." He gazes around the room. "But this is a nice cabin. I wouldn't mind claiming this as my special refuge once things settle down again."

"But that's what it used to be."

His smile is mild. "To be honest, you're not making much sense today. Let's just finish our run, so I can get a few hours of rest before heading back to the border."

The only one not making any sense is he. What manipulative mind games are Cassum and this Andrenior kid playing on us? And why am I the only one who seems to remember him?

Walking behind Jos down the steps and into the clearing, I decide I'd better watch my back. If Cassum can hide in plain sight for her entire pregnancy, who knows what else she is capable of.

~~~~

Cassum has no trouble fitting in. Everyone including Harla loves her and she volunteers for any imaginable chore. Yet, I can't shake the feeling that she constantly watches me—even measuring me at times. Like she's waiting to make a move to challenge my authority without even realizing that I could never be a true match for her. Just at the outset of her prime, she outshines me in both life experience and bodily strength. One snap of her powerful jaw could finish me off.

I'm equally puzzled by her interaction with Dante. She coos around him with this submissive stance, always agreeing and never questioning. That earns her plenty of approving looks from the Alpha and Harla. Even Lance is smitten by her.

"My mate told me this morning that you'll be officially admitted into the pack during tomorrow's full moon." The Luna smiles at Cassum who beams back at her.

"That's wonderful news."

Cassum cracks an egg over the mixing bowl. Stirring, she gazes at Alexander who has fallen asleep in my arms. It's awkward that I'm supposed to raise him as my own. On the one hand, I've started to bond with him the more I am around him, but on the other hand, I'll always hold doubt in my heart that he won't love me the whole way as long as Cassum is around. Something Harla never had to deal with after the Alpha killed Jos's mother. Still, I wonder if she has ever favored one pup over the other and how it will be once I have my own son.

Over the next few hours, the pack is getting ready for Cassum's admission ceremony. The clubhouse is decorated with balloons and Lance supervises the construction of the altar. Since the weather is so nice, Harla is planning on a barbecue. Hailey and I make more lemonade and Millie comes up with some delicious salads. After the summer solstice celebration was already ruined, the Luna is determined to make it up to the pack.

As the full moon peaks, Harla sends me to Cassum's room. "Tell her that everything is ready and get Alexander."

I knock before I enter Cassum's private space, still feeling like an intruder as she turns away from the mirror to face me. Her dark, curly hair is once again braided and tucked close to her scalp. She's wearing a simple, long dress with no shoes.

"The pack is ready for you."

She turns back to the mirror and smooths down an eyebrow with her thumb. "Allo is in his crib. He has just fallen asleep."

"Why do you call him Allo and not Alexander?"

"I named him after my grandfather and Allo was his nickname."

I carefully peel the pup out of his blankets and clutch him to my chest. My nose nuzzles in his hair. I love the scent of newborns. "Do you miss your family?"

"I miss my brother. We were very close."

"The one who died during the Trials?"

"No, not him." If you're ready, we should go."

Together, we make our way to the large clearing behind the packhouse. Just as it was with my own admission ceremony, hundreds of lanterns illuminate the way. The hunters chant at the moon. Cassum holds her head high; not the slightest fear reflects in her stance. Since she doesn't have a mate, the Alpha will mark her with the pack tattoo. I step next to Hailey at the bottom of the hill. Cassum keeps walking up without hesitation to stand tall next to the Alpha.

With their fingers intertwined, their hands reach toward the moon. "The Moon Goddess has blessed us with this female who gave our pack the first Alpha heir. Welcome her into our midst as if pack's blood flows through her veins and vouch your loyalty to her."

The hunters' chanting starts again and everyone takes a knee. I have to clutch Alexander closer to avoid losing my balance. The Luna kisses Cassum on both cheeks and mumbles something into her ear. Having been through the same experience, I know the words.

Welcome to your new pack.

Dante pulls her into a tight hug. The triumph in Cassum's smile is like salt rubbed into an open wound. She moves the loose ends of her braids aside before bending over the altar.

Our eyes stay locked the entire time the Alpha carves the pack's initials into her neck. She doesn't flinch or clench her hands to fists. Only when the Alpha steps behind her with the glowing blade does she suck in a deep breath. The sickening smell of burning flesh flares my nostrils as the heat seals the wound with a hiss. Cassum's eyes water briefly before she blinks the tears away. By the time she straightens, she's all smiles. I don't miss that she and Dante exchange another hug.

Hailey pulls me toward the clubhouse. Though my stomach is tight for some reason, I try to relax. Yet, my gaze returns to Cassum again and again despite my best efforts. She's the light of the party. Unmated males bend over backward to bring her food and drinks, and even some of the younger mated males eye her until their mates' nudges get them back in line. Couples soon crowd on the dance floor and Cassum takes turns while I'm stuck minding Alexander. Not that I'd have someone to dance with. Dante is back with his friends, playing cards and drinking whiskey.

"Are you having a nice time?"

I look up at Harla. "Yes, of course."

She drops into the chair next to me. "Cassum is like a breath of fresh air, don't you think?"

More like a breath of stale air. "She seems very nice."

"It's what this pack needed. And I'm sure at the next equinox, she'll find a mate who will make her happy. You'll see. Everything will fall into place."

"I'm sure it will."

Alexander stirs in my arms before opening his eyes. A foul smell emits from his diaper. "He needs changing. I'll be right back."

Crossing the courtyard, I leave the laughter and music behind. The kitchen and living room are dark; only a few beams of the full moon slice through the drawn curtains. I don't bother turning on the light, my eyes quickly adjusting. I make it up the stairs and into the nursery. Opening the curtains, I allow the moon to be my company.

When I open Alexander's diaper, I gag a little. It's so disgusting when he goes full-blown number two. Wiping away the poo, I smear cream on his butt and grab another diaper. Fastening it, a snicker from downstairs distracts me.

"Shush, be quiet." That's Dante.

"Don't worry. They are all at the party." Cassum's assurance cuts into me like sharp teeth. The door to her bedroom opens with a low creak.

Forcing a pacifier into Alexander's mouth to keep him quiet, I pick him up and tiptoe down the hallway. They didn't even bother to close the door. There, in the silvery moonlight, I watch my mate making love to another she-wolf. Though I want to walk away, I'm paralyzed in place. He's on top of her and doesn't notice me, but her eyes lock with mine. She smiles at me with teeth; her long sharp canines glisten in the darkness.

Menacing. Challenging. Claiming her place among my pack.

It's a declaration of war. She plans to take it all—my mate, my future as Luna, the pup who's rightfully hers.

I snap my teeth at her.

Game on, bitch.

If she thought I'd go down without a fight, she has something else coming.

~~~~

© Sally Mason 2018

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