JAX

The war preparations crawl at a pace that tests my patience, each passing day feeling like precious time slipping through my fingers. I lean over the detailed maps spread across my mahogany desk, studying troop formations and supply routes with growing frustration. The manor warriors are skilled, loyal, but their numbers aren't sufficient for what I'm planning.

I need more soldiers. More weapons in my arsenal.

The solution comes to me through one of my ravens, its dark eyes gleaming with intelligence as it delivers information that makes my lips curve into a satisfied smile. A female Alpha named Nora has been searching for her mate, traveling between territories with increasing desperation. Her pack is substantial—nearly three hundred warriors, all battle-tested and fiercely loyal to their Alpha.

Perfect.

The plan crystallizes with brilliant simplicity. If I can convince Nora that I'm her destined mate, her entire military force becomes mine to command. The irony is delicious—using the mate bond that's caused me so much trouble with Aubrey to expand my own power.

"Avery," I call, knowing the witch is never far when I need her talents.

She materializes from the shadows with fluid grace, her emerald dress rustling against the stone floor. Those violet eyes sparkle with curiosity as she takes in my expression.

"You look pleased," she observes, moving closer until her jasmine scent fills the air between us. "What delightful scheme are you plotting now?"

"I need a scent-altering potion," I explain, watching her face carefully. "Something powerful enough to fool an Alpha's enhanced senses."

Avery's smile falters slightly, suspicion creeping into her features. "And why would you need such a thing?"

I describe the situation with Nora, watching jealousy bloom across Avery's face like poison ivy. Her perfectly manicured fingers curl into fists, and something dangerous flickers in those violet depths.

"Absolutely not," she says with deceptive calm. "I won't help you seduce another woman."

The possessiveness in her tone is both amusing and irritating. As if she has any claim on me beyond our business arrangement. Still, I need her cooperation, which means managing her jealousy carefully.

"It's purely strategic," I assure her, stepping closer until I can see the pulse hammering in her throat. "Once I gain her trust and secure her warriors, you can have her."

The offer hangs in the air like bait, and I watch Avery's eyes widen with dark interest. She's always enjoyed having power over others, and the thought of controlling a female Alpha clearly appeals to her sadistic nature.

"You would give her to me?" she asks, her voice dropping to something silky and dangerous. "Completely?"

"Do whatever you want with her," I confirm, letting calculated indifference color my words. "She's just a means to an end."

Avery's smile returns, sharp as a blade. "Very well. But I want your word that once you have what you need, she becomes mine to play with."

"Agreed."

***

The scent-altering potion works flawlessly. Within hours of encountering Nora at a neutral territory gathering, her nostrils flare with recognition. The powerful Alpha female—tall, athletic, with the kind of presence that commands immediate respect—goes rigid as the artificial mate bond hits her senses.

"You," she breathes, her amber eyes wide with wonder. "I've been searching everywhere for you."

Too easy.

"As have I," I lie smoothly, allowing calculated relief to color my voice. "I was beginning to think I'd never find my mate."

That night passes in a blur of manufactured passion. Nora responds to my touch with the desperate hunger of someone who's waited years for completion, her strong body yielding to mine with touching vulnerability. The guilt I might once have felt is buried beneath strategic satisfaction—every kiss, every caress is an investment in future military power.

As dawn breaks across her temporary camp, Nora traces lazy patterns across my chest with genuine affection. "I can't believe you're real," she murmurs against my skin. "I was starting to think the Moon Goddess had forgotten about me."

"Never," I assure her, pressing a kiss to her temple that feels more like a brand of ownership. "We were always meant to find each other."

She tells me about her plans then—how she's been visiting various packs to strengthen alliances, building the political connections necessary for a female Alpha to maintain respect in our patriarchal world. It's exactly the opening I've been hoping for.

"I'd like to accompany you," I suggest carefully. "Meet these other Alphas, understand the alliances you're building."

Nora's face lights up with joy. "Of course! Oh, this is perfect. Having my mate beside me will strengthen my position immeasurably."

And give me access to intel about every pack in the region.

"There is one thing," she continues, her expression becoming more serious. "Before we begin the alliance tour, I need to visit the royal court. Seek the King's blessing for our union."

The words hit me like lightning, sending electricity racing through my veins. The royal court. Where Aubrey is playing her little games with Knox.

"Actually," I say, letting genuine enthusiasm color my voice, "I was hoping we could visit the castle anyway. I want to share the news of finding my mate with my family."

Nora's amber eyes widen with delight. "Your family? Oh, that's wonderful! I'd love to meet them."

"They'll adore you," I assure her, though my mind is already racing with anticipation. Soon, I'll be standing in the same halls as Aubrey, watching her struggle to maintain her composure as I parade my new "mate" before the entire court. The look of betrayal, of confusion, of hurt—it will be exquisite.

She needs to remember who she belongs to. And nothing will drive that lesson home like seeing me with another woman.

The game is about to become far more interesting.