23 - Terms of Alliances and Boundaries

Kael POV

The sun cast a muted glow over the dense canopy as Kael and Elias made their way through the forest, moving with the quiet discipline. Their feet landed on the damp earth with muffled thuds, softened by a thick layer of fallen pine needles. The air was heavy with the scent of moss and woodsmoke, and beneath it, something more primal—change.

Kael’s eyes remained fixed ahead, jaw tight with the weight of the meeting to come. A treaty with Moonfang. A partnership with Theron. It was almost laughable, if the stakes weren’t so high.

Beside him, Elias walked in silence, the usual cocky tilt to his mouth absent. Even he wasn’t immune to the pressure of what they were about to attempt.

Kael broke the silence, voice low and dry. “Don’t think I’ve forgotten you once mentioned your mate is from Moonfang.”

Elias snorted, a brief smile flickering across his lips. “Did I?”

Kael turned toward him, one brow arched. “Have you continued to meet him in secret?”

There was no hesitation. “Yes. The bond is impossible to ignore.”

Kael nodded slowly, expression darkening. “Be cautious. When the time comes, don’t let it cloud your judgment.”

Elias met his gaze without flinching. “Right back at you.”

Kael looked away, jaw ticking. “I plan on staying away from Aria.”

A beat of silence. Then Elias gave a soft huff of amusement. “Do you, now?”

Kael didn’t respond, didn’t need to. His fingers tightened into a fist.

The border of Moonfang loomed ahead. As they got closer, a few guards nodded, their eyes lingering. Despite the truce, Nightclaw warriors still turned heads here.

Inside the heart of the Moonfang compound, the atmosphere was somber and efficient. Guards eyed them with suspicion, warriors paused in mid-drill, and a few low murmurs followed their steps like shadows. Healers carried crates toward the infirmary. The tension was palpable. Everyone felt it—something was coming.

They were ushered into the council chamber, a large, windowless room with a high ceiling and exposed beams. The stone walls seemed to absorb all warmth. At the head of the long table sat Alpha Theron, his presence as rigid as his posture. Beta Ryker lounged beside him, arms crossed, boots propped casually against the table leg.

Kael and Elias stepped forward, all formal strength and poised readiness.

“Alpha Theron,” Kael said with a respectful nod.

Theron gave the barest incline of his head. “Nightclaw.”

Kael and Elias took their seats across from the Moonfang leaders.

Ryker offered a crooked grin.“Well, well. Nightclaw and Moonfang at the same table. The world must be ending.”

Theron shot him a glare. “Enough.”

Kael leaned forward slightly. “Let’s get to it, then. We believe the rogue threat is more than scattered attacks. They’re organizing. Gathering in numbers. Our scouts have seen signs of coordinated movement.”

Theron nodded grimly. “We’ve seen similar signs. Fresh scents near the border. A pattern in how they retreat. They’re not acting like wild dogs anymore.”

Ryker shrugged. “Still not exactly brilliant, though. But yeah... smarter than before.”

Kael didn’t smile. “Smarter is enough. They could be consolidating under a single rogue Alpha. If they come for either of our packs, we may not survive alone.”

Elias cut in smoothly, “That’s why we’re proposing a partnership. Joint defense. Shared intelligence. And training.”

Theron’s brows lifted. “Training?”

Kael nodded. “Our soldiers train together. At least once or twice a week. If war comes, we need to move as one.”

Ryker sat up, a glint of interest in his eyes. “That might actually be smart.”

Theron was less enthused. “What about your elders? They’ve never approved of outside influence.”

“I’ll handle them,” Kael said simply. “But they’ll meet with you. I believe their guidance will be essential if this threat escalates.”

Theron’s jaw tightened. “I don’t take advice from old men stuck in the past.”

Kael held his gaze. “You don’t have to take their advice. Just hear them out. They’ve lived through more than we can imagine.”

Another long pause passed between them before Theron gave a clipped nod. “Fine. I’ll attend.”

Ryker leaned back with a satisfied grin. “Well, that’s something.”

Kael let out a breath. It wasn’t everything he’d hoped for, but it was a start.

Before the meeting concluded, Theron cleared his throat. “One more thing. Personal, but relevant.”

The other three men turned their attention to him.

“I’ve decided to claim my mate,” Theron said, voice low but firm. “Lyra.”

Elias blinked in surprise, and even Ryker’s grin faltered for a moment.

Kael narrowed his eyes. “You’re certain?”

Theron gave a slow nod. “The bond is there. I’ve resisted it... for too long. But I’ve grown to care for her. And having a Luna—especially before battle—will strengthen the pack. I intend to make it official soon.”

Ryker gave a low whistle. “Hell must’ve frozen over.”

Kael said nothing. But part of him respected the decision. Claiming a mate meant vulnerability—and trust. Perhaps Theron wasn’t as cold as everyone assumed.

The meeting ended with the four men rising and clasping forearms—Nightclaw and Moonfang, united, at least for now. The cool afternoon air met them as they exited the chamber.

Just as Kael stepped outside, Ryker paused mid-step, his attention snagging on someone in the distance.

“Aria! Wait up!”

Kael turned before he could stop himself. There she was, radiant as ever, hair catching the sun in a blaze of red-orange. She turned at the sound of her name, smiling instinctively.

Ryker jogged up to her and without hesitation, threw an arm over her shoulders as if they’d done it a hundred times before. Her laugh was soft, barely audible, but Kael’s wolf snapped to attention.

Something primal stirred. Heat. Possessiveness. Fury.

His fists clenched at his sides.

Elias stood beside him, observing the scene quietly. Then, with a barely contained smirk, he murmured, “Staying away, huh?”

Kael didn’t answer. Couldn’t. Not when Aria was looking up at Ryker like that—like she trusted him.

He couldn’t help the thought that followed, sharp and dangerous.

She’s mine.

But for now, he said nothing.