The Alpha Heir’s Reckoning at Pinecrest LodgeChapter 1

Four winters had passed since Selene Frostveil severed our bond without warning. I encountered her again at a territory gathering during the Moon Festival.

Once everyone had settled into their seats around the great wooden table, someone suggested we play a game of truth-or-dare—pack style, where lies could be scented.

Selene drew the first challenge. Truth.

"In your last courtship, what was the wisest decision you made?"

Her pale eyes flickered toward me, and a slow smile curved across her lips.

"I let my former intended clear seventy thousand in blood-debts I owed to the border packs. Once I'd secured a status-mating with a wealthy Alpha, I cast him aside like a shed pelt."

The den chamber erupted in murmurs and gasps.

Everyone expected me to rise in fury, to storm out with my wolf bristling beneath my skin. Instead, I leaned back and gestured for the game to continue, a calm smile on my face.

When my turn came, the question shifted:

"In your last courtship, did you ever conceal anything from your intended?"

"I did."

"What was it?"

"I'm actually the Alpha Heir of the Nightcrest Pack."

——

Silence hung in the air like morning mist.

Then the private chamber exploded with laughter.

"Kael Nightcrest? Are you telling me you've been running so many courier routes that you've started believing those ridiculous Alpha-heir dramas they broadcast on the packnet?"

"Listen to some friendly advice, brother—stop pretending to be something you're not. You haven't even taken off that delivery vest!"

I glanced down at the golden Armani casual jacket I wore, then at the custom AGV helmet resting beside me on the bench.

I supposed it did look like courier gear.

Before I could respond, Selene's mocking voice cut through the noise.

"Kael, it's been four years since we parted ways. How are you still this desperate for status?"

"Tonight's gathering is meant for reconnecting old pack-ties. There's no need to pretend there are no differences in rank among us. You'd do better to show some sincerity."

I remained perfectly still, my back pressed against the carved oak chair, watching her with an expression as cold as winter stone.

"I spoke only the truth. I am indeed the heir to the Nightcrest bloodline."

"Without my standing, do you really believe any of you could have reserved the Moon-Imperial Chamber at Pinecrest Lodge?"