Two hours later, I served my last kitchen shift and surrendered my apron to Lou.

"Zara." Aspen rested a small hand on my shoulder as I washed my hands from the last round of dishes. My hands were so wrinkled, like they belonged to an eighty year old woman.

I mean wolf.

I'll get it eventually.

I patted Aspen's hand with mine, although her touch felt unpleasant to me.

In a soft, meek voice, she offered, "I know you were doing this for punishment, but thanks for your help this week."

Oh, so you could flirt with Lucus the entire time?

I wanted to scream those thoughts at her. Instead, I pressed my lips into a false smile and nodded, then shook her hand off my shoulder.

"About Lucus..." Clasping her hands, she looked down at them. "I know what I am, he's the future Alpha. I'm nothing. Despite what you saw, I won't... stand in your way."

"Aspen..." I put a hand under her chin and guided her gaze up until she looked me in the eye. "What kind of person, I mean wolf, would I be if I went against the Goddess' natural selection? You are what his wolf wants, your bond would always be stronger than anything he and I would share. So, tell him to come to my room after dinner tonight."

Her eyes fell, and I groaned at what my words implied and corrected myself, "Only to talk to him," I reassured her and lowered my hand. "We'll figure this out, but as far as I'm concerned... He's yours."

She didn't say anything, but her eyes brightened as they studied mine.

"One more thing." I sighed. "Don't ever call yourself nothing. You're not. You're the future Luna of the Silverback pack, that's something special."

"Thank you, Zara." She surged forward, wrapping her thin arms around me. "I... I didn't expect you to be so kind about this."

"Ehh... thanks." My spine stiffened and I patted her back until she released me.

"Goodbye, Aspen." I plastered the biggest, brightest, and most fake smile that I mustered on my lips.

Definitely time to go.

Later that evening, dinner was uneventful. Alpha Faelen made a speech about house alignments, during which Lucus looked like he wanted to be sick and I tried my best not to glare daggers at him.

During our meal, I ate nothing, Raina picked at her food, and Cole and Elena were engrossed in each other. Gamma Jameson eyed me from across the table, smirking.

At one point, I mindlinked Elena that we needed to leave and asked her to make discreet arrangements for us to depart the next morning. Her eyes widened, but she nodded then mindlinked Cole. I gave both a smile and slumped in my seat when they dismissed themselves.

Baron left the Northern territory two days after my training incident. While I was happy to not have his unpleasant presence around, I couldn't help but wonder how my father would react to the news of when I attacked two Northern pack warriors during practice and that Lucus was not my mate. Knowing pride wasn't on the list of his potential reactions, I wasn't sure of the extent of his displeasure.

Raina and I attempted to speak with the rogue again, but Lucus kept him too heavily guarded. He gave the appearance that he didn't trust his own sister, denying her access as well as me. It led to a fight between them that rattled the hallway with their snarling and wrestling.

While I sat alone in my thoughts at the last dinner, Cole made the security arrangements for the rogue's transport and Elena tended to more personal matters, like informing the Eastern territory pack that we'd arrive four days earlier than planned.

After the last plate cleared, I made an effort and spoke with Alpha Faelen and Luna Cassandra.

"Thank you so much..." I attempted to speak as graciously as possible, given my heart felt full of lead at this point. "For allowing us to stay here. I regret to inform you that we'll be leaving in the morning."

After initial shock widened their eyes, both Alpha Faelon and Luna Cassandra's faces hardened into stern but pleased expressions.

"I hope the rush means that you're heading home sooner than planned for the right reasons," Alpha Faelen remarked.

"Th-thanks again," was the best response I thought of. I assumed that they suspected this would be our last encounter, but slipped on stoic expressions that shielded their true emotions.

After I spoke with them, Lucus grabbed my hand and led me out of the great hall.

"Is it true?" he asked in a hushed whisper.

"We'll talk in my room." I slid my hand out of his while we walked down the hall.

Once inside, I shut the door behind him and stepped away until a large space was between us. I smiled at my now empty wardrobe. Elena had packed, leaving my bathroom items left.

She also laid out one more outfit, my casual traveling clothes. My fingers twitched to put them on now.

"Are you leaving early?" Lucus' eyes shifted from my closet to my face. He crossed his arms over his chest and leaned his large frame against the closed door.

"Yes," I replied, folding my arms over my chest in a similar haughty stance. "I don't... think there's any point in us, especially me, staying here longer."

"Zara..." He stepped closer and grabbed my shoulders.

I held up one hand to prevent him from steering this conversation since I was done with his antics. "We both know there's nothing between us, Lucus." Quiet but firm, I glued my eyes on his so he knew I was serious. "But I hope that this experience can lead us to some sort of friendship."

"I still feel pulled to you," he admitted in a strained voice. "And my father's wish of us being mated will never change."

"Can you talk to him? Or we could do it together?" I suggested, shrugging his hands off.

He thought for a moment in silence, then widened his eyes. My original thought was that we should talk to Alpha Faelon together, but he surprised me with his response.

His fingers dug into my upper arms as he blurted out, "Reject me, Zara." His dark eyes now pleaded with me with a look of strained desperation in them.

"What?" I stared at him blankly because I didn't know that was an option.

His eyes brightened. "Say the words and reject me. It will sever any potential mate bond that we have."

Guess that is an option. Did you know, Lumi?

I interpreted her lack of an answer as a solid no.

My lower lip tucked under my teeth. "Is that..."

Best?

I didn't want to say the word out loud because I contemplated what was best for me, not him. There wasn't anything between us but severing all ties seemed a bit rash.

And my father instructed me to not make any decisions until after I visited every territory.

"What I want? Yes." His eyes crinkled at the corners and he nodded. "I will sort things out with Aspen and my father after you leave. Please, Zara."

"I don't know," I mumbled. "It seems a bit overkill. Can't you reject me?"

His head shook, loosening a few curls across his forehead. "I'm only allowed to reject my mate. You're the white wolf."

What the fuck does that mean?

I sighed, rubbing one hand over my forehead. "I don't -"

"Please Zara," He clasped one of my hands over his chest, as if his heart was broken.

'Not mate.'

Lumi was irritated with his closeness. Internally, I felt as if she also urged me to reject him. My chest heaved as I released a loud sigh.

"Okay...:" I relented. "One condition. You must promise that once you're Alpha, you will never attack me or my pack."

He nodded, so I whispered, "What's your full name?"

"Lucus Shaw."

"No middle name?" My eyebrows lifted and he shook his head. "I'm Zara Accalia Lykaios... You go first, or no rejection."

He took a deep breath, expanding his chest. The confident ease he spoke with felt like a stab in the heart, "I, Lucus Shaw, promise to never attack you, Zara Accalia Lykaios, or any member of your pack once I am Silverback Alpha." His eyes flashed yellow, like Shadow acknowledged the promise.

At this point, I trust the wolf more than him.

"Right then..." I ran my fingers over my hair nervously.

He did his part.

"I, Zara Accalia Lykaios... reject you, Lucus Shaw, as my mate and future Alpha."

Not sure what to expect when I rejected Lucus, but I felt nothing except a small amount of pressure as a sneeze built up. For her part, Lumi snuffed in my mind.

Lucus however, took a deep breath in, exhaled, and smiled brightly. His face and shoulders relaxed, looking as if a giant weight had been lifted off his chest.

"Thank you, Zara," He scooped me up in his arms, gave me a big hug, then placed a chaste kiss on my cheek. Like our other kiss, this one felt completely platonic. As I watched him leave, I closed the door and turned back to my room.

A tingling rush through me sensed now was the time I needed to finish packing.

Immediately.

My heart pounded as I changed into my travel clothes and packed up the dress I wore to dinner. I needed my gathered wits to not walk right out tonight, but leaving without being noticed didn't feel appropriate.

So, I settled for the idea that I slept in my travel clothes instead.

Not minutes after Lucus fled and I brushed my teeth and hair, a knock pounded on my door. Raina stood in the doorway, hands on her hips and chin lifted, shock and disbelief written all over her face.

"What have you done?" she hissed. Her eyes narrowed and brows pinched together as soon as she saw my face and change of clothes.

I pulled her inside and shut the door. "What he asked me to do.".

"But our father -" she started.

"Isn't going to be pleased with Lucus' decision. I'm sorry, but that's for him to work out." I stepped into the bathroom, packing my personal bathroom items into the suitcase that Elena had sat on the vanity counter.

"You're leaving?" Her frown deepened as she watched my hurried hands. "Four days early?"

"I think it's best that we not overstay our welcome. I'll miss you, Raina. I can't thank you enough." I exited the bathroom and gave her a gentle hug.

She brushed me off with a shrug of her shoulders. "I don't do hugs, Flower, but you're welcome. Where are you going next?"

"Eastern territory, then West, then South." I sighed, then noticed a glint appeared in her eyes.

At the sight, a crazy idea came to me.

"Come with us Raina," I pleaded.

"What?" She stared at me, her mouth dropped open. "I... can't. This is my home."

"Sure you can." I smiled then listed acceptable reasons, "You don't have a mate here. You can travel with us, see the territories. Let Arlo do the training. Learn how other packs fight, and kick their asses in the process."

"Even if I could, why would I go?" She seemed like she considered the idea, which was more than I expected after blurting the words out.

Which was a punch in the face, to be honest.

"Because you're bored," I replied, lifting my shoulders. "I saw it in your eyes at the competition. And in your expression at dinner tonight. There's a bigger, exciting part of this world to explore and maybe it holds more for you than staying."

"I don't... know," she whispered and looked away. She didn't stand in her normal tough, standoffish posture, but cradled her elbows with her palms.

Encouraged, I pressed, "I would assume it's also helpful to have your pack warrior trainer be familiar with all the other fighting done by the other packs. And we're going to be visiting the silver weapons mine in the West."

"True..." The skeptical shift in her voice seemed unconvinced, but she hadn't outright rejected the idea.

"Plus, potentially future Luna." I laid on my thickest charm at this point, suppressing a smile. "You could use it for practice, interacting with other alphas and lunas."

That might have been too much of a stretch. Schmoozing political allies might not be of interest to her.

She blinked at me, then snorted. "I see how well that's worked out for you, Flower."

"Well, think about it. We're leaving at nine am tomorrow and I'd feel a hell of a lot safer traveling if you were with us." I meant every word of that last sentiment.

Her eyes lifted with mine, but glazed over in a mindlink. Once her dark irises returned, she nodded. "I will. Thank you, Zara."

Since there was no other reaction to have at that point, I smiled. "Goodnight, Raina. Hope I see you tomorrow morning."

I opened my bedroom door to Elena standing there, fist raised to knock and a serious expression on her face. She greeted Raina in passing, then closed the door behind her.

"Everything's ready for tomorrow," she assured me.

I gave her a smile and climbed into bed. My shoulders slumped down onto my pillows. "Thanks."

"You okay?" Her brown eyes peered at me.

Taking in her tired appearance, I realized how little I saw of her during this trip. With the exception of meals, she and Cole had been absent. I hoped she and I got caught up and regrouped on the long drive to the Eastern territory.

I needed her help since obviously I'd failed here.

"We'll talk in the car," I assured her with a smile.

"Good, because Luna Cassandra is right behind me," she rushed. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"Thanks, Elena." I smiled goodnight at her before her words soaked in.

"Miss Zara." Sure enough, Cassandra stood in the doorway. I jolted upright at her strongly projected voice. "May I enter?"

"Of course. It's your packhouse." I slid my feet out of bed to stand and bow, but she held up her hand.

"Stay, I'll sit." My eyes pulled wide as she sat down at the foot of the bed. Even seated she radiated her commanding presence, with a straight spine, proud chest, and shoulders drawn down.

She didn't mince words either, "Zara, I have reason to believe that you rejected my son earlier today."

My face and shoulders fell. "Oh... ehh, really?" I stalled. "How's that?"

"He told me." Her lips pressed in a line so thin that she masked their pink tones. "Why?"

"Lucus asked me to do it," I admitted as my eyes fell to nothing in particular on the blanket covering my legs.

The mental image of Lucus and Aspen, hidden in the pantry, happy and tangled up in each other's arms flashed through my mind. "I couldn't force anyone into a relationship where they'd be miserable, no matter how much of a strategic advantage."

I paused and searched for the right words. Shrugging my shoulders, I offered, "It seemed... I don't know, cruel."

"That sounds like it was in the benefit of his feelings." Her head cocked sideways and her dark eyes studied me. "What were your reasons?"

"Oh, don't get me wrong. He's very handsome. The... human side of me thought he was perfect." She returned my smile with one that didn't travel higher than her lips. "And an alliance would have made strategic sense because you have the largest territory and strongest warriors. Raina is a very impressive trainer... I can't thank her enough. Even the weather is nice."

Elena's layers suggested otherwise, but I didn't mind the cold. It felt crisp and refreshing, like it invigorated energy inside me.

"But -" she prompted, arching her eyebrows.

"And," I continued. "From personal experience, I've been here a short time but your pack bond is so strong."

My voice softened, closing my eyes to trap the tears that welled up in them. My last admission came out a husky whisper, "It's more of a family than I could've dreamed of."

She sat quietly, absorbed my words, and waited for me to continue.

I drew a slow breath in, feeling my shoulders collapse as I admitted, "But my father forced me into living in isolation for almost eighteen years. The last thing I want, for the rest of my life, is any sense of imprisonment, for both of us. Lucus and I might have been satisfied with each other, but we wouldn't have been happy. So, I'm trusting the Moon Goddess' judgment in her selection for his mate over mine."

She sat back and looked at me for a few minutes. For the first time, her presence didn't make me feel nervous while I waited for her to respond.

"You sound very compassionate," Luna Cassandra finally spoke.

Staring in her eyes, I emphasized how much I meant my words, "Compassion is not weakness."

"No one said that," she replied in a tight, strained tone, sitting up straighter.

"My father would say otherwise." I averted my eyes.

"Fair enough," she corrected, pursing her lips. "No one here said that."

"Would it help if I admitted it was the hardest decision I've ever had to make?" I raised my eyes to hers again, which, for the first time, were soft.

"Thank you for your candor, Miss Zara." A smile spread from her lips to her eyes, filling them with warmth.

I nodded slightly, then bit my lower lip. "Will Alpha Faelen accept this?"

Her smile dissolved. "I will speak to him, but most likely no. So, let's keep the news of your rejection quiet until after you've left and Lucus can discuss it with him personally."

Personally, that idea wouldn't have been my preference, speaking with Faelon would have been, but I'd already messed up enough in Silverback affairs.

"Thank you, Luna Cassandra." I smiled. "You've been so hospitable welcoming us here. I'm really glad that we came here first, thank you."

My heart squeezed at those words, which were true. I couldn't measure the amount of growth I felt in under a month, but I appreciated every opportunity to experience it.

"Goodnight, Miss Zara." She nodded and stood up.

Glancing back at me as if she needed to say something else, Luna Cassandra pressed her lips into another tight line and shut the door behind her.

My cheeks puffed out as I exhaled and collapsed back into my pillows with a loud sigh. Shifting my eyes around the room, I took in every detail as if now was the last time I saw these charming stone walls.

Knowing sleep escaped me for yet another night, I didn't even try. I had a long, boring car drive east to sleep during and the last thing I wanted to do in the North was go outside and see the sea. The ocean was such an integral part to this packhouse location and felt like another goodbye I needed to make.

After the quietness in the packhouse hinted that most of the pack had settled down to sleep, I crept out of my room and up to the tower where Lucus and I had gone on our date.

The wind was stronger tonight and yanked my hair around my face, tugging on my roots. My skin didn't feel cold as the air gusts swept along the edges of my bare arms. I brushed a few strands behind my ears but ignored the wind otherwise. My elbows leaned onto the cold, coarse stone wall as I watched the moonlight reflections that shifted with the waves below.

Silent and still, I stood there. My entire body relaxed as I gazed at the water, felt the freedom in the wind, and looked up to the moon and stars.

It's beautiful.

A three-quarters moon hung high in the sky, illuminating the panoramic scenery brighter and casting ink-black shadows than when I was last up here. Sharp, white foamed peaks highlighted the blackened waves as they lashed against the shoreline. The seductive view pulled at me, looking inviting as I imagined being curled up on the small rocky beach below and surrounded by their peaceful serenade.

My lips parted as I took in a deep breath, tasted the salt of the sea on my tongue, and exhaled slowly. My thoughts drifted to, of all things, the Northern territory's white pups fable. While the story was false, like all fairy tales, my imagination wished some truth lived in its words. The idea I boarded a ship, sailed off into a northern area of icebergs, snow, and white wolves filtered into my mind.

If only... Too bad that's ridiculous.

I shook these silly thoughts out of my head and brought my attention back to the current situation. Clasping my hands, I outlined the intersections of my fingers.

I'm no closer to finding my mate than when I arrived.

While I thought rejecting Lucus was the kindest decision I could make for him, I wasn't sure if it was the right one. My eyes shifted up to the moon and gazed at the gray swirls that clouded the partially illuminated circle.

I don't know if you're there, Moon Goddess, but I trust you. I know you're busy but if you throw me a bone next time with this mate stuff, then I'd appreciate it.

I didn't expect a response, so I wasn't disappointed when none came.

At least I have you, Lumi.

I laughed at her reaction, offering her unusual perspective as always.

'Bone.'

The next morning, I gave one final look out the window from within the room I called mine for the past month. Like the bedroom in my father's house, this one didn't reflect anything about me and all my belongings were packed away. Skipping breakfast, I sat in the stone window seat, gazing absently at the blue-gray ocean. A thin, foggy mist settled over the area and blanketed the ground with a gray haze.

"Elena, Cole?" I knocked on their door. "Let's go."

Elena opened the door with a smile, dressed in a fluffy coat. We carried our last bags down to the main hall, where a small farewell gathering was assembled. Whispers hissed out as we approached, then an uncomfortable silence enveloped the space.

I walked straight up to Raina since I wanted her to be my first goodbye. The weight of our parting crushed down on me, tugging down the corners of my mouth and blurring the smirk she wore.

"Goodbye, Raina." I pulled a tight, unauthentic smile. "I'll miss you."

Her smirk never wavered but her eyes shone. "Miss me later, Zara."

"You... you're..." Looking her over, my eyes widened at the leather bag strap that hung off her shoulder. My eyes flipped back to hers and my heart flipped. With a squeal, I wrapped my arms around her. "Ahh!"

She's coming with us, Lumi! And for once, she didn't call me a fucking flower.

Lumi was pleased with the idea of Mist's companionship. Both of us shared the same idea, to continue training with her. My lips broke out into a toothy smile and I fought the urge to give her a real hug.

"But remember, I don't hug." She pushed me off her. "Someone needs to keep an eye on you, Flower."

And, like that, our tender-hearted moment's over.

Bouncing on my heels, I shifted my weight from one foot to the other.

"It's a full-time job, looking after this one." Cole flicked his thumb at me, earning him my tongue stuck out. "But glad to have you with us Raina."

"Good thing I'm not the only one coming, right?" She glanced over to her left side.

My eyes followed her gaze and saw that Idris also had a bag thrown over his shoulder. His chin dipped down and eyes looked up at me under his lashes but lips twitched into a smile.

"Ohh!" I cried out as he nodded.

My feet rushed me to him. I couldn't help myself, hugged my arms around him, and pressed a kiss into his cheek. His smile was brighter and the tips of his ears tinged pink after I released him, clasping my hands at my heart.

"You'd better have one of those for me as well, Miss Zara." A voice whispered in my ear. I turned around to a scowling Jameson.

"Goodbye, Gamma Jameson." My lips rolled inward at his heart-fluttering appearance, heated look, and close proximity.

"I was disappointed you're leaving early." His eyes bore into mine, making my skin tingle under the attention. "I tried to find you last night but you weren't in your room. Particularly after you rejected Lucus."

"Shh..." I put a finger up to my lips as my eyes darted to Alpha Faelon. I reached my hands over Jameson's shoulders, brushing a gentle, platonic kiss on his cheek.

He surprised me as he lifted me off the ground and wrapped me up in what I thought was a gentle hug. A giggle tickled its way out my mouth as I clung onto him. He set me down, held my chest pressed against his, and whispered in my ear, "Stay one more night, so I can show you a real Northerner doesn't kiss on the mouth."

As the meaning behind his words registered, I released him, slid down, and grounded my feet. My entire face tingled with warmth and I cupped a hand over my mouth. Grateful that my midnight stroll outside hadn't gotten me into that kind trouble, the smirk that now spread from his lips to his eyes fueled the heat creeping up my neck.

"I... will keep that in mind." Based on the warmth fanning down my neck and into my chest, I was close to my red, splotchy stage. "It was n-nice to meet you."

We said our goodbyes, then bowed and gave thanks to Alpha Faelen and Luna Cassandra. She clasped both hands around mine this time, squeezing. I think the gesture was her way of saying she accepted my decision. I gave Lucus a hug and a small kiss on his cheek, winked at Aspen, then we left with Elena hugging her coat around her.

A part of me was sad to leave, like a force still drew me here. In reality, nothing was here, no reason for us to stay without burdening the pack. Perhaps the allure was the Silverback pack's closeness I observed while Raina and Idris said their goodbyes.

While I was disappointed that Lucus wasn't my mate, I was ecstatic that Raina and Idris joined us. She would never admit what convinced her but I guessed the tipping factor was her sense of adventure. The open road was addictive and I both looked forward to the next leg of our journey and wondered what possibilities the Eastern territory held for us.

"Honestly, I'm kind of glad not to be driving over this cliff." I threw Elena and Raina a smile as we drove over the narrow entrance to the packhouse.

"We're headed West next, I assume?" Raina mumbled out the window as her pack's open practice fields passed us.

"Eastern territory." Elena cleared her throat. "Then heading back to the West."

"What kind of logistical nightmare is that?" Raina's dark eyes left the window and zeroed in on mine immediately.

I smiled at the irritation in her voice then winked at Elena.

"Welcome to Zara's decision-making process. And, on that note..." Elena pulled out a thick book and placed the binding on her lap. "Eastern territory, the Yellow Sun pack. Their sigil is a brown wolf with a medicine flask in its jaws. Alpha Stephen, Beta Valko, Gamma Sebastian. Luna Rashida is known as the strongest Luna in the country -"

Raina's narrowing eyes paused Elena's lesson.

"- No offense to your mother, Raina," she continued. "Future Alpha is Torak, his sister is Rose. They're pack is known for being scholarly, protectors of all the history within the country, while the working members of the pack are predominantly herbal farmers."

"Is she always like this?" Raina looked between Elena and me.

I nodded, with no idea what an herbal farmer was but twenty-four hours of driving time to figure it out. Or rather, Elena explained the relevant information over and over until I was familiar enough.

"You'll get used to it..." I assured her. Part of me missed Elena's lectures and felt glad for another round of them. "It's a long ride East."

Elena's huff drew my eyes back to her. "Zara, pay attention, this is important!"

The corners of my mouth curled up as my eyes drank in the last of the Northern Territory's rugged beauty. I'd never deny that I felt sad as we left. Like Raina, I gazed out the window for at least an hour and watched as the dramatic white cliffs and sea view turned into rolling green hills as we headed south-east.

Unlike when we'd left my father's home, I relaxed back in my seat with a small sense of accomplishment. I still had a long way to go training and strengthening my relationship with Lumi, but we came a long way in less than a month.

I'm also nowhere closer to finding my mate, but at least now know what not to look for.

I didn't know what lay ahead in the Eastern territory, but did know that I had to face my father first. A sense of hesitation flickered inside me and I chewed on my thumbnail.

Knowing my father, we'll find out soon enough.

The End of the North

A/N: So proud of Zara's growth. Making new friends too as they head East.

East... That's where the largest library in the country is located. Maybe their books offer more insight than those from her father's library?

Speaking of her father, wonder how he'll react to Zara rejecting Lucus? Let's find out!

As always, thanks for reading.

-me