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The carriage lurched over frozen ruts, and Neve pressed her bruised cheek against the splintered wood, watching her breath cloud in the darkness. They had given her no cloak. The thin dress she wore might have been fine for summer, but winter in the Northern Territories bit through fabric like teeth through skin. She could hear her stepbrother laughing with the driver. They thought this was hilarious. Send the broken Omega to the Lykan king. Let him see what the clear water pack really thought of his demand for a bride.
Neve closed her eyes and tried to remember warmth. Before her mother died, there had been warmth. A cottage at the edge of packlands where her mother had grown herbs and smiled despite everything. Where Neve had been allowed to exist without constant reminders that she was too small, too quiet, too strange, that her wolf was too weak to be worth anything. Her mother had told her once that strength came in different forms. Neve had believed her then. She was seven years old and still hopeful. That hope had died along with her mother 6 years ago, buried in frozen ground while her father's new mate moved into their cottage before the earth had even settled. Within a month, Neve had been moved to the pack house, given a room in the coldest corner, and put to work in the kitchens. Within a year, the bruises had started. The carriage hit another rut and her shoulder slammed against the wall. Pain radiated down her arm, but she made no sound. She had learned years ago that crying only made things worse.
They had laughed when they told her. The Lykan King Theron had sent word to all the northern packs. He was seeking a mate. Each pack could send one candidate to his keep in the Frost Peak Mountains. The selection would take place over the course of one moon cycle. Ne's stepmother had smiled with all her teeth showing. Her stepbrother Marcus had actually clapped his hands together with glee. They would send Neve, their ugly little Omega, their embarrassment. Let the Lykan king see what kind of offering the Clearwater Pack thought he deserved. The insult was deliberate. Everyone knew you sent your finest to a king. Your strongest wolves, your most beautiful daughters. You did not send the girl you kept hidden in the kitchen with burn scars on her hands and a limp from a poorly healed ankle.
But ne had stopped arguing years ago. Arguing got you locked in the cold cellar. Arguing got you denied meals. Arguing got you nothing but more pain. So she had nodded. Pack the one bag they allowed her. Let them push her into this carriage in the middle of the night like refues being hauled away. At least she would be away from them. Even if the Lykan king took one look at her and sent her back in disgrace, she would have a few days of distance. A few days where Marcus could not corner her in the hallways, where her stepmother could not find new ways to remind her she was worthless.
The carriage began to climb. Neve could feel the change in pressure, the way the wheels strained against the incline. They were entering the mountains. She had heard stories about Theon Blackmane all her life. the Lykan king who had united the northern pacts under one rule 20 years ago, who had ended the territorial wars that had killed so many, who was said to be fierce as winter itself and just as unforgiving. Some said he had never taken a mate because no wolf was strong enough to stand beside him. Others whispered that he had loved once and lost her, and his heart had frozen over like the peaks he ruled from. Neve did not care about his heart. She cared about surviving the next few days without adding to her collection of scars.
The carriage finally stopped. She heard voices outside, deep and commanding. The door opened and freezing air rushed in, stealing what little warmth she had managed to preserve. Marcus grinned at her from outside. Out you come, little sister. Time to meet your king. She climbed down carefully, favoring her bad ankle. The cold bit into her bare arms immediately. They were in a courtyard surrounded by stone walls that seemed to touch the sky. Torches burned in iron brackets casting dancing shadows across the snow. There were other carriages, other women being escorted toward a massive wooden door. Neve saw furs and fine wool, elaborate braids and confident postures. She saw wolves who belonged here. She did not belong here. "Pathetic," Marcus said loudly enough for the nearby guards to hear. "But maybe the king needs someone to scrub his floors. You are good at that." One of the guards, a tall man with silver in his dark hair, looked at Marcus with an expression that made Ne's stepbrother take a step back. The guard said nothing, but Marcus suddenly seemed very interested in returning to the carriage. "Go inside," the guard said to Neve, his voice surprisingly gentle. "You will freeze out here." She nodded and walked toward the door, each step careful on the icy stone. Her thin dress offered no protection, and she could feel her body beginning to shake, not just from cold, from the knowledge that soon she would be standing in front of the Lykan king, and he would see exactly what kind of insult had been delivered to his door.
Inside, the entry hall was vast. A fire burned in a hearth large enough to stand in. The other women clustered near it, their fine clothes and confident laughter filling the space. Neve stayed near the wall, trying to be invisible. It was a skill she had perfected over the years. A woman in deep blue robes appeared, her silver hair pulled back in an intricate knot. Her eyes swept over the gathered candidates and stopped on Neve. For a moment, something flickered in her expression. Not pity, something sharper. Recognition perhaps, though they had never met. "I am Marin, adviser to the king," the woman said, her voice carrying easily through the hall. "You will be shown to your rooms. Tomorrow you will be presented to King Theron. Tonight, rest and prepare yourselves." Servants appeared, guiding the candidates toward a wide staircase. Neve followed at the back of the group, still shaking from the cold. She caught fragments of conversation, excitement, speculation. These women wanted to be here. They saw opportunity. Neve saw only the next trial to survive.
The room they gave her was larger than any space she had ever called her own. A bed with thick furs, a fireplace already burning, a window that looked out over snow-covered peaks, turning purple in the fading light. She stood in the doorway, uncertain if she was allowed to enter. "Go on," a young servant said, not unkindly. "This is yours for the duration of your stay." Neve stepped inside and the door closed behind her. She was alone, truly alone, for the first time in years. No one to watch her, no one to criticize or strike or mock. She walked to the fire and held out her hands. Feeling slowly returned to her fingers. The shaking began to ease. On the bed, someone had laid out a dress. Deep green wool lined with fur, thick stockings, soft leather boots. Neve touched the fabric with trembling fingers. It was real. This was all real. Tomorrow she would meet the Lykan king. Tomorrow he would see her and understand the insult. Tomorrow she would likely be sent away. But tonight she had warmth. She had safety. She had this room and this fire and this moment of peace. She would take it. She would hold it close. And when they sent her away, she would remember that for one night she had been warm. Neve changed into the green dress. It fit perfectly, as if made for her. She sat on the edge of the bed, her hands folded in her lap, and watched the fire burn. She did not let herself hope. Hope was dangerous. Hope led to disappointment, and disappointment led to pain. But somewhere deep inside, in a place she thought had died with her mother, something small and fragile stirred. "What if?" She pushed the thought away and lay down on the bed, pulling the furs close. Outside, wind howled through the peaks. Inside, the fire crackled and warmth seeped into her bones. Tomorrow would come soon enough. Tonight, she would rest.
In another part of the keep, Theon Blackm stood at his window and looked out over his territory. 20 years he had ruled these mountains. 20 years of keeping peace, settling disputes, protecting his people. 20 years alone. He had stopped believing he would find his mate long ago. Some wolves waited their entire lives and never felt that pull. He had accepted his fate. A king did not need a mate to rule effectively. He needed strength, wisdom, and the will to make hard choices. But his advisers had insisted. The packs were restless. They wanted to see their king bonded. They wanted the stability that came with a mated pair at the center of power. So, he had agreed to this selection. Let the pack send their candidates. He would choose someone suitable, someone strong and capable. It would not be a true mate bond, but it would be enough.
Marin appeared in his doorway. "They have all arrived. Any complications?" "One." Marin stepped into the room, her expression troubled. "The Clearwater pack sent their Omega daughter, the one they keep hidden." The turned from the window. "Why would they send an Omega?" "As an insult, I believe. The girl arrived in a thin dress in the middle of winter. No escort, no belongings beyond one small bag. Her stepbrother made several cruel remarks to the guards before departing." Something cold settled in Theron's chest. Not anger, not yet, but close. "Is she being cared for?" "She has been given a room and proper clothing. But my lord, you should know. She bears marks of old injuries, and she is afraid. Of me, of everything, I think." Theren looked back out at the darkness. The Clearwater Pack had always been problematic, too focused on dominance displays and hierarchy games. He had been considering replacing their alpha for years. "I will meet her tomorrow with the others," he said finally. "She will not present well," Marin warned. "The other candidates are all strong wolves from prominent families. This girl is small and damaged. If you show her favor, the others will see it as weakness." "Then they understand nothing about strength." Theon's voice was quiet, but edged with something that made Marin bow her head. "Make sure she has everything she needs. And Marin. Find out everything you can about how the Clearwater Pack has treated her." "Yes, my lord." After Marin left, Theon remained at the window. He did not know why this girl's situation bothered him so deeply. He had seen cruelty before. Had punished it when necessary. This should be no different. But something pulled at him, a thread of connection he could not name. Tomorrow he would meet all the candidates. Tomorrow he would see for himself what the Clearwater pack had sent. And if they had harmed one of their own to make a point, they would learn what happened when you insulted the Lykan king. He turned from the window and prepared for sleep, but rest was slow to come. His wolf paced restlessly inside him, agitated in a way he had not felt in years. Something was coming. Something that would change everything. He could feel it in his bones.
Neve woke to pale sunlight streaming through the window and the sound of someone moving in her room. She sat up quickly, her heart hammering and saw a young woman setting a tray on the table near the fire. "Good morning," the woman said with a smile. "I'm Lra. I brought breakfast. You'll be presented to the king in 2 hours." Ne's stomach twisted. She had almost forgotten, almost let herself believe the warmth and safety of last night could last. "Thank you," she managed. Lra studied her with kind eyes. "The dress laid out for you is for the presentation. If you need help with your hair, I can return." After Lra left, Neve forced herself to eat. The bread was fresh and soft, the cheese rich and creamy. Food like this had been forbidden to her at home. Kitchen scraps and leftovers were what omegas deserved. Her stepmother had always said. She washed in the basin of warm water that had been provided and then looked at the dress. Deep blue this time with silver embroidery at the collar and cuffs. Beautiful. Far too beautiful for her. She dressed carefully and attempted to braid her hair. Her hand shook and she had to start over twice. Finally, she managed something simple that would not embarrass her too badly. When Lra returned, she made a small sound of approval. "You look lovely. Come, the others are gathering."
The great hall was even more impressive in daylight. High ceilings supported by massive beams, windows that let in the winter sun, and at the far end, a raised platform with a single chair carved from dark wood. The other candidates were already there, arranged in a semicircle. Neve counted nine of them, all tall and confident, all wearing expressions of determination or excitement. She took her place at the end of the line and tried to make herself invisible. It was easier than expected. The other women barely glanced at her. "He's coming," someone whispered. A door opened behind the platform and Marin entered first, her blue robes sweeping the floor. Behind her came the Lykan king. Neve felt the air leave her lungs. She had expected someone intimidating, someone fierce. She had not expected this. Theren Blackman was tall and broad-shouldered, his presence filling the hall without effort. dark hair touched with silver at the temples, a strong jaw, and features that might have been carved from the mountains themselves. But it was his eyes that caught her, pale gray, like winter sky, and so intense that even from across the hall, she felt their weight. He moved with the fluid grace of a predator, power restrained, but always present. This was a man who had united waring packs through strength and will. This was a king. He took his seat and those gray eyes swept over the assembled candidates. Neve felt her wolf stir for the first time in months. A small frightened stirring, but movement nonetheless. "Thank you for coming," Theren said, his voice deep and carrying easily through the hall. "I know this is unusual, but my advisers are correct that it is time I take a mate. Over the next weeks, I will meet with each of you. Learn who you are. At the end, I will make my choice." He paused and his gaze moved down the line. Neve felt it coming closer. Felt the moment approaching when he would see her and understand. His eyes reached her and stopped. The world tilted. Heat flooded through her body. Her wolf surged up, suddenly awake and desperate. Every nerve ending came alive. The bond, the mate bond, it crashed over her like a wave, drowning her in sensation. No, this was not possible. She saw Theron's entire body go rigid. Saw his hands grip the arms of his chair. Saw something flash in those gray eyes that looked like recognition and shock and hunger all at once. He felt it, too. The Lykan King was her mate. Panic clawed at her throat. This was worse than anything she had imagined. She was not supposed to be anyone's mate, especially not his. He would reject her the moment he understood what she was, what her pack thought of her. "We will begin individual meetings this afternoon," Theron said, his voice slightly rougher than before. His eyes had not left her. "Marin will provide the schedule. You are all welcome to explore the keep and grounds. I ask only that you respect the private areas marked as such." He stood abruptly and left through the door he had entered. Meen watched him go with a small frown before turning back to the candidates. "The king will meet with three of you today," she said, consulting a tablet. "The rest tomorrow. You will be notified when it is your turn." The candidates began to disperse, talking among themselves. Neve remained frozen in place. Her heart was racing. Her wolf was howling inside her, desperate to follow the pull that led toward wherever Theron had gone. "Neve of Clearwater." She jumped. Marin stood beside her. "You will meet with the king first. In 1 hour, I will come to collect you from your room." Neve nodded, unable to speak. She managed to walk back to her room without falling. But once the door closed behind her, her legs gave out. She sat on the floor, her back against the bed, and tried to breathe. He was her mate, her true mate, the bond that was supposed to be rare and precious and sacred. And he was a king and she was nothing. He would reject the bond. He had to. A king could not be mated to a broken omega from a pack that had sent her as an insult. It was impossible. But her wolf did not care about impossibility. Her wolf wanted to run through the keep until she found him. Wanted to be near him. Wanted things ne had never allowed herself to want. She pressed her hands to her face and tried to think. She had survived six years of cruelty. She could survive this. She would meet with him. He would reject the bond. She would accept it. And then she would find a way to leave before the pain of rejection destroyed her completely.
The hour passed too quickly. Marin arrived and led her through the keep in silence. They climbed stairs and walked down corridors lined with tapestries showing wolves running beneath full moons. Finally, they stopped at a heavy wooden door. "The king's study," Marin said. She knocked once and opened the door. "Neve of clear water, my lord." Neve stepped inside and the door closed behind her. The study was warm and lined with books. A fire burned in the hearth. And standing by the window, his back to her was Theon. "Sit," he said without turning. There was a chair near the fire. She sat, her hands folded tightly in her lap. The turned to face her and the bond surged again, stronger now that they were alone. She could feel his wolf reaching for hers, could feel the pull between them like a physical cord. "You feel it," he said. "Not a question." "Yes." Her voice came out barely above a whisper. He crossed the room and crouched in front of her chair so they were eye level. this close, she could see the silver threading through his dark hair, could see the lines at the corners of his eyes, could see the intensity of his focus as he studied her face. "How long have they been hurting you?" The question caught her off guard. She had expected him to talk about the bond, about rejection, not this. "I don't know what you mean." "Yes, you do. His voice was gentle but firm. I can see the marks, the way you hold yourself, the fear in your eyes. How long?" Something in his tone broke through her defenses. Maybe it was the bond. Maybe it was the fact that he was looking at her like she mattered. Like her pain mattered. "6 years," she whispered. "Since my mother died." A low growl rumbled through his chest. His eyes flashed gold for a moment before returning to gray. "Your stepf family. They sent me here as an insult to you. Everyone knows that I'm not supposed to be a candidate. I'm supposed to be proof that my pack thinks this whole thing is beneath them." "They sent you here because they are fools." Theren reached out slowly, giving her time to pull away, and took one of her hands in his. His palm was warm and calloused. "Do you know what you are to me?" "A mistake," she said, the word bitter on her tongue. "The bond made a mistake. You're a king. I'm nothing. I'm weak and damaged, and my wolf barely functions. You should reject it now before anyone finds out." "No." The single word was absolute. Final. "You don't understand, Neve said desperately. If you accept this bond, everyone will know. They'll know you're mated to an omega who can't even shift properly. It will make you look weak. It will undermine everything you've built." "Let me be very clear." The grip on her hand tightened slightly. Not painful, just grounding. "I have waited 43 years for my mate. I stopped believing I would ever find her. And now the gods have brought you to my door. Do you truly think I care what anyone else thinks about it?" "You should care. You're a king." "I am. And as king, I decide what matters. You matter. This bond matters. Everything else can burn." Neve stared at him, unable to process what he was saying. No one had ever said she mattered. No one had ever looked at her the way he was looking at her now, like she was precious, like she was worth protecting. "I'm afraid," she admitted. "Of me, of this, of what happens when you realize I'm not strong enough to be what you need." The released her hand and stood. For a moment, she thought he was leaving, that he had finally understood and was walking away. but instead he moved to the fire and stared into the flames. "When I was 23, the packs were at war," he said quietly. "Territory disputes that had been going on for generations. Wolves killing wolves over boundary lines and old grudges. My father was alpha of the black main pack, and he was trying to broker peace. He believed we could find a way to coexist." He paused, and Neve saw his jaw tighten. "They killed him for it. Three alphas who preferred war to peace. They ambushed him during a meeting and tore him apart. Then they came for my pack for my family." "What did you do?" Neve asked softly. "I ended it. I challenged each of those alphas and I won. Then I went to every pack in the northern territories and I gave them a choice. unite under one rule, under one law that would protect all of us or continue the wars until there was no one left. Most chose unity. The ones who didn't, I removed." He turned to look at her. "I am telling you this so you understand. I know what strength looks like. Real strength. And it is not about how well you can fight or how dominant your wolf is. It is about surviving when everything is trying to break you. It is about continuing when it would be easier to give up. You have that strength. I can see it." Tears burned in Ne's eyes. She blinked them back furiously. "They broke me. You don't know what they did." "Then tell me why." "So you can pity me?" "So I can decide how they die?" The words were spoken calmly, but there was nothing calm in his eyes. They had gone full gold now, his wolf rising to the surface. "You can't kill them," Neve said alarmed. "They're pack. There are laws. There are laws against abuse, against harming pack members who cannot defend themselves. If they have broken those laws, I am within my rights as Lykan king to dispense justice." He moved back to her chair and crouched down again. "But I will not act without your consent. This is your story, your pain. You decide what happens next." Neve looked into those golden eyes and saw the truth. He meant every word. He would tear apart her entire pack if she asked him to. Not because he was cruel, but because she was his mate and they had hurt her. The bond pulsed between them, warm and insistent. Her wolf was begging her to trust him, to take the protection he was offering. "I need time," she whispered. "This is all happening too fast. Yesterday, I thought I would be sent home in disgrace. Now you're telling me I'm your mate, and you want to punish the people who hurt me. I can't process this." Theon studied her face for a long moment, then nodded. "You will have time. But understand this. You are under my protection now. No one will hurt you again. Not your stepf family. Not anyone in this keep. Not anyone in the entire Northern Territories. You are mine to protect. And I take that responsibility seriously." "What about the other candidates? What about them?" "What about them? They came here hoping to be chosen. Some of them probably need this alliance for their packs. You can't just dismiss them because of the bond." "I can and I will. He stood and offered her his hand. But if it will ease your mind, I will meet with them as planned. Let them say they had a fair chance. It changes nothing. You are my mate. That is not negotiable." Neve took his hand and let him help her to her feet. The contact sent warmth racing up her arm. her wolf pressed against her skin, desperate for more. "I don't know how to be a mate," she said. "Especially not to a king." "We will figure it out together." He lifted her hand and pressed it against his chest over his heart. She could feel it beating strong and steady. "The bond will guide us. And I promise you, Neve, I will never give you reason to fear me." She believed him. Against all logic and self-preservation, she believed him. "Can I go back to my room? I need to think." "Of course." He released her hand, though she could see the reluctance in his eyes. The bond did not like separation. "But you will join me for dinner tonight. Just the two of us. I want to know everything about you." It was not really a question, but Neve nodded anyway. "All right."
Marin was waiting outside the study. She escorted Neve back to her room in silence, though Neve caught her glancing over several times with an expression that might have been curiosity or concern. Back in her room, Neve sat by the window and watched snow fall over the mountains. Her mind was spinning. Everything had changed in the space of an hour. She had a mate, a true mate. And he was a king who wanted to protect her, who looked at her like she was precious. It was too much, too good. Things like this did not happen to girls like her. But the bond did not lie. She could feel it even now. A constant awareness of where Theren was in the keep. A pull toward him that took effort to resist. A knock at her door made her jump. She opened it to find LRA holding a tray. "Lunch," the girl said cheerfully. "And the king sent a message. He said, 'You should rest this afternoon. Dinner will be in his private dining room at sunset.'" After Lra left, Neve picked at the food and tried to rest, but her mind would not quiet. She kept replaying the conversation. The way Theron had looked at her, the promise in his voice when he said no one would hurt her again. She wanted to believe it, wanted it so badly, it hurt. But 6 years of pain had taught her that wanting something did not make it real. That hope was dangerous. That trusting someone gave them power to destroy you. Even if that someone was your mate, especially if that someone was your mate. Because if Theon changed his mind, if he decided she was not worth the trouble, the rejection would kill her. The bond would not survive it. She would not survive it.
As the sun began to set, LRA returned to help her dress. Another beautiful gown. This one deep red with gold threading. LRA braided her hair in a style that was simple but elegant. "You look beautiful," Lra said, stepping back to admire her work. "The king will be pleased." Neve doubted that, but she did not argue. Marin came to escort her again. They walked through quiet corridors until they reached a smaller door. Marin knocked once and opened it. "Neve, my lord." The dining room was intimate. A table set for two near a large window that overlooked the mountains. candles provided soft light, and Theon stood by the window, watching the last rays of sunlight paint the snow gold and pink. He turned when she entered, and something in his expression made her breath catch. Not hunger, though she could feel that through the bond, something softer. Wonder perhaps. "You look beautiful," he said. "LRA helped. LRA enhanced what was already there." He pulled out a chair for her. "Sit. I promise the food is good. I may be a king, but I still appreciate a well-cooked meal." The food was indeed good. Roasted meat and vegetables, fresh bread, a soup that warmed her from the inside. They ate in comfortable silence for a while, and Neve found herself relaxing slightly. "Tell me about your mother," Theron said eventually. The request surprised her. "Why?" "Because she clearly meant a great deal to you. And I want to know what made you who you are." So Neve told him about the cottage at the edge of Packlands. About her mother's herb garden and her gentle hands, about the stories she used to tell of the old days when wolves and humans lived in harmony. About the way she had made Neve feel safe and loved even when the rest of the pack looked at them with disdain. "She sounds remarkable," Theren said when she finished. "She was. I wish you could have met her." "So do I." He refilled her wine glass. "What happened after she died?" Neve hesitated. This part was harder, but he was watching her with those steady gray eyes, and she found herself wanting to tell him, wanting him to understand. "My father remarried within a month, Ara. She had a son from a previous mate, Marcus. They moved into our cottage and I was sent to the pack house. At first, it was just neglect. I was given the worst chores, the smallest portions of food. But then Marcus started cornering me, pushing me, testing to see how much he could get away with." Theron's hands tightened on his glass, but he said nothing, just listened. "It got worse over time. My stepmother encouraged it. Said I needed to learn my place. That omegas who thought they were special needed to be reminded of reality. The alpha knew but did nothing. In his mind, I was just an omega, not worth protecting." "Their names," Theon said quietly. "I want their names." "What are you going to do?" "That depends on what you want me to do. But I will not let this stand. They broke our laws. They harmed a member of their pack. That requires consequences." Neve set down her fork. "If you punish them, everyone will know why. They'll know about the bond, about us. Are you ready for that?" "I have never been more ready for anything in my life." He reached across the table and took her hand. "You are my mate, Neve. I am not ashamed of that. I will never be ashamed of that. And anyone who thinks less of me for it can challenge me directly." The bond flared between them, warm and bright. Neve felt her wolf surge up, pressing against her skin. For the first time in years, she felt the shift coming naturally. Not forced or painful, but right. "My wolf," she whispered. "She's waking up." Theren smiled and it transformed his face. "The bond is healing her, healing you. That is what mates do. We make each other stronger." Neve felt tears slip down her cheeks. She did not try to stop them. "I'm scared." "I know, but you are not alone anymore. You will never be alone again." He stood and moved around the table, pulling her gently to her feet. "Let me hold you just for a moment. Let me show you that you are safe." She stepped into his arms and he wrapped them around her carefully as if she might break. She pressed her face against his chest and breathed in his scent. Pine and snow and something wild. Her wolf settled, content for the first time in years. They stood like that for a long time, the bond humming between them. And for the first time since her mother died, Neve let herself hope that maybe, just maybe, everything would be all right.
The next morning, Neve woke to find a note slipped under her door. Theon's handwriting was bold and clear. "Meet me in the courtyard after breakfast. Dress warmly. We are going for a run." Her wolf stirred with excitement. A run. She had not shifted in over a year. The last time she tried, Marcus had caught her and beaten her so badly she could not walk for 3 days. After that, she stopped trying. Let her wolf retreat into the dark corners of her mind where the pain could not reach. But now the bond was waking her wolf up, making her remember what it felt like to be whole. LRA brought breakfast and helped her into warm clothes, thick leggings and a tunic, boots lined with fur. When Neve made her way to the courtyard, she found Theen waiting with two other wolves. Both nodded respectfully when they saw her. "This is Garrett and Cena," Theren said, "My personal guard. They will run with us for safety, but they will keep their distance." "Safety from what?" Neve asked. "The mountains have dangers. Wild animals, rough terrain. I will not risk you." He stepped closer and lowered his voice. "Are you ready for this? We can wait if you need more time." Neve looked at the forest beyond the courtyard. Snow-covered pines stretching up the mountainside. Open space and freedom. Her wolf was practically howling with need. "I'm ready." They walked to the treeine together. The shifted first, and Neve watched in awe as the Lykan king transformed. His wolf was massive, easily twice the size of a normal shifter. Black fur with silver markings across his shoulders, those same gray eyes watching her with intelligence and patience. Neve closed her eyes and reached for her wolf. For a moment, nothing happened. Fear crept in. What if she could not shift anymore? What if the damage was permanent? Then the bond pulsed warm through her chest, and her wolf surged forward. The shift came easier than it had in years. Bones rearranging, fur sprouting, senses sharpening. When she opened her eyes, the world was brighter and clearer, and full of sense she had forgotten existed. She looked down at herself, small compared to Theon, her fur a pale silver gray. but whole. Her wolf was whole. Theon moved closer and touched his nose to hers. The gesture was gentle, intimate. Then he turned and ran into the forest. Neve followed. They ran for hours through snow and overfallen logs, up rocky slopes and down into valleys. Garrett and Cena kept pace, but stayed far enough back to give them privacy. Ne felt her strength returning with every stride. felt her wolf rejoicing in the movement and freedom. Theiron led her to a clearing near a frozen stream. He shifted back and she followed both of them breathing hard from the run. "How do you feel?" He asked. "Alive." The word came out with wonder. "I feel alive." He pulled her close and kissed her forehead. "Good. That is how you should always feel." They shifted again and ran back to the keep. By the time they reached the courtyard, Neve was exhausted, but happier than she had been in years. Her wolf was content, purring in the back of her mind. The bond felt stronger, more settled. The walked her back to her room. "Rest this afternoon. Tonight there is a gathering in the great hall. All the candidates will be there along with my council and visiting alphas. I want you by my side." "As what?" Neve asked. "They do not know about the bond yet. They will after tonight." His expression was serious. "I am going to announce it publicly. Claim you before witnesses. Are you ready for that?" Ne thought about the other candidates. About the visiting alphas who would judge her? About her stepf family hearing the news? about becoming the maid of a king when she had spent 6 years being told she was worthless. "Yes," she said, "I am ready."
That evening, Lra helped her dress in the finest gown yet, deep green with silver embroidery that caught the light. Her hair was arranged in an elaborate style that left her neck bare. Lra fastened a necklace around her throat, a pendant of silver shaped like a wolf. "A gift from the king," LRA said softly. "He wanted you to wear it tonight." When Neve entered the great hall, it was already full of people. The other candidates stood together near the front, talking quietly. Council members and visiting alphas filled the tables. Everyone turned to look when she entered. Marin appeared at her side. "Come, the king is waiting." She led Neve to the raised platform where Theon sat in his carved chair. But tonight there was a second chair beside his. Smaller but no less ornate, a mate's chair. Theon stood when he saw her. His eyes traveled over her, taking in the dress and the necklace. Something possessive and pleased flashed across his face. "You are stunning," he said quietly, then louder so the room could hear. "Sit with me." Neve climbed the steps to the platform. Whispers erupted through the hall. The other candidates stared at her with expressions ranging from confusion to anger. She sat in the chair beside Therron and felt his hand cover hers. "They know something is different," she murmured. "They are about to know everything." He stood and the hall fell silent. "Thank you all for gathering tonight. I know many of you have traveled far to be here. I appreciate your patience during this selection process." He paused and his hand tightened on knees. "However, the selection is over. I have found my mate." The hall erupted, voices raised in shock and excitement. The other candidate stood frozen, staring at Neve with disbelief. The raised his hand and silence fell again. "Nev of Clear Water is my true mate. The bond recognized her the moment we met. I will complete the mating bond with her and she will be my queen." One of the visiting alphas stood. Neve recognized him as Alpha Corven of the Western Pac, a powerful ally. "My lord, with respect, the Clearwater Pack sent her as an insult. Everyone knows this. To accept her is to accept that insult." "The Clearwater Pack sent her because they are fools who do not recognize value when they see it," Theren said, his voice hard. "But their foolishness is my gain. The bond does not make mistakes. Neve is my mate, and that is the end of the discussion." Another alpha stood. This one Neve did not recognize. "She is an Omega. Forgive me, my lord, but the Lykan king's mate should be strong. should be able to stand beside you as an equal. How can an Omega do that?" Neve felt shame burn through her. She started to stand to leave before this got worse. But Theron's hand held her in place. "You speak of strength," Theron said, his voice dropping to a dangerous growl. "Let me tell you about strength." Neve survived six years of abuse at the hands of her own pack. Six years of cruelty and neglect and pain. She was beaten, starved, and broken. And yet, she is still here, still standing, still capable of hope and trust despite everything they did to her. That is strength. Real strength. And if any of you question it, you are welcome to challenge me directly." The hall went silent. No one moved. "I thought not." Theon looked down at Neve and his expression softened. "Stand with me." She stood on shaking legs. He took her hand and raised it high. "Neve of Clear Water is my true mate. I claim her before all of you as witnesses. She will be my queen, and you will show her the respect she deserves. Anyone who harms her or speaks against her will answer to me personally." The bond flared bright and hot between them. Neve felt her wolf rise up strong and sure. She looked out at the assembled crowd and saw respect in some faces, calculation in others, but no one challenged Theron's words. Then the doors at the back of the hall burst open. Ne's heart stopped. She knew who it was before she even turned around. Her stepmother, strode into the hall. Marcus at her side. They must have received word of the selection and traveled here. Behind them came her father, looking uncomfortable, but saying nothing. "This is an outrage," Ara announced, her voice carrying through the hall. "That creature is not fit to be anyone's mate, let alone the Lykan kings. She is defective, weak." "Her own mother was barely better than a human." The moved so fast, Neve barely saw it. One moment he was beside her, the next he was down the platform steps and across the hall, his hand wrapped around throat. He did not squeeze, but the threat was clear. "You will watch your tongue in my hall," he said softly. "Dangerously, "Or I will remove it." Marcus lunged forward, but Garrett intercepted him, forcing him to his knees. "Let me go," gasped. "I am a member of the Clearwater Pack. You cannot touch me." "You are an abuser who broke our most sacred laws," Theron said. "And I can do whatever I want." He released her and stepped back. "Neve, come here." Neve descended the platform on trembling legs. Every instinct screamed at her to run, to hide, but she forced herself to walk to Theron's side. He put his arm around her waist, grounding her. "Tell them what they did to you." "Theon, I cannot." "Yes, you can. You are my mate, my queen. No one here has power over you anymore. Tell them." Neve looked at her stepmother's furious face, at Marcus' sneer, at her father's averted eyes, and something inside her broke open, not in pain this time, in fury. "They starved me," she said, her voice growing stronger. "They beat me. They locked me in the cellar for days at a time. Marcus would corner me and hurt me for entertainment. My stepmother encouraged it, said I needed to learn my place, and my father did nothing. He watched it happen and did nothing." Gasps echoed through the hall. The visiting alphas looked horrified. Even the other candidates stared at and Marcus with disgust. "These are lies," spat. "She is trying to turn you against us." "Remove your shirt," Thoron said to Neve. She stared at him. "What?" "Trust me. Remove your shirt. Show them what was done to you." Ne's hands shook as she reached for the laces of her gown. Lra appeared beside her, helping her loosen the bodice enough to slip it down her shoulders. The dress fell to her waist, leaving her in only a thin shemese. She heard the gasps, heard someone curse. The scars were visible through the thin fabric, criss-crossing her back and shoulders, some old and faded, others newer, evidence of years of abuse. "These are the marks of an omega who was beaten regularly," Theon said, his voice like ice. "Anyone with eyes can see it, and you dare to call her a liar?" Ara's face went white. Marcus tried to bolt, but Cena blocked his path. "The laws of the Northern Territories are clear," Theon continued. "Any wolf who harms a pack member who cannot defend themselves is guilty of abuse." "The punishment is exile or death, depending on the severity. What you did to Nev qualifies as severe." "You cannot do this," Ara said desperately. "We are not part of your territory. Clearwater Pac is independent." "Clearwater Pac signed the unification treaty 15 years ago. That makes them subject to my laws and my justice." He looked at Alpha Corin. "You witnessed the scars. Do you dispute my judgment?" "No, my lord," Corin said firmly. "Justice should be served." The other alphas murmured agreement. Even Neve's father said nothing in defense of his mate. "Then it is decided," Theron said, "Elara and Marcus of Clear Water Pack are hereby exiled from the Northern Territories. You have until sunrise to leave. If you are found within our borders after that, you will be executed. Your lands and titles are forfeit." "No!" Ara screamed. "You cannot do this. We are pack." "You stopped being packed the moment you raised your hand against someone weaker," Theon said coldly. "Guards, remove them." Garrett and Cena dragged and Marcus from the hall. Their screams echoed until the doors slammed shut. Neve stood frozen. Her dress still around her waist. She could not process what had just happened. Six years of torment ended in minutes. Her abusers exiled. Justice served. LRA appeared again, helping her pull the dress back up. Theren turned to her and cuped her face in his hands. "Are you all right?" he asked softly. "I do not know," she admitted. "I thought I would feel relief, but I just feel empty." "That will pass. Justice does not erase the pain, but it allows healing to begin." He kissed her forehead. "Come, we are leaving." He led her from the hall through the keep and up to his private chambers. She had never been here before. The rooms were large and warm with a massive bed and windows overlooking the mountains. "Sit," he said, guiding her to a chair by the fire. He poured her wine and pressed the glass into her hands. "Drink." She drank and felt warmth spread through her chest. Theon sat across from her and waited. "I thought it would hurt more," Neve said finally. "Seeing them punished. I thought I would feel guilty." "Why would you feel guilty?" "Because they are still pack, still family in a way." "They stopped being family when they hurt you," Theron said firmly. "You owe them nothing. Not guilt, not forgiveness, nothing." Neve sat down the wine glass. "What happens now?" "Now we complete the bond. If you are ready," he leaned forward, his elbows on his knees. "I will not rush you, Neve. We can wait as long as you need." The bond pulsed between them, warm and insistent. Her wolf was pressing against her skin, desperate to complete what they had started. And ne realized she did not want to wait. She had spent 6 years in fear and pain. She did not want to spend one more moment denying herself something good. "I am ready," she said, "I want this. I want you." Theon stood and offered his hand. She took it and let him pull her to her feet. He led her to the bed and sat on the edge, drawing her to stand between his knees. "This is your choice," he said, his voice rough. "You can
Change your mind at any time, even in the middle. I will stop if you ask me to. Do you understand?
Yes. Say it. Say you want this.
I want this, Neve said clearly. I want to complete the bond. I want to be your mate.
His eyes flashed gold. Then let me show you what it means to be cherished. He was gentle. So gentle it made her want to cry. His hands on her skin were reverent, worshipful. He kissed every scar, every mark of pain, and replaced them with warmth. The bond grew stronger with every touch, every whispered word.
When the moment came for the bite, he cradled her against his chest and pressed his lips to her throat. "This will hurt for just a moment," he murmured. But then it will be perfect. Are you ready?
Yes.
His teeth sank into the junction of her neck and shoulder. Pain flared bright and sharp, then transformed into something else entirely. Pleasure and connection and completeness. The bond snapped into place, fully formed and unbreakable. She felt everything he felt. his love, his protectiveness, his absolute certainty that she was his and he was hers. Her wolf howled in triumph. She bit him in return, marking him as hers, claiming the Lykan king as her mate.
When it was done, they lay tangled together, breathing hard. He traced the mark on her neck with gentle fingers. "Mine," he whispered. "Yours," she agreed. And you are mine always. He pulled her closer, tucking her against his chest. Sleep, my queen. You are safe now. You will always be safe.
Neve closed her eyes and let herself believe it. Let herself feel the bond humming between them, constant and sure. Let herself accept that she was worthy of this, of him, of happiness. For the first time in six years, she fell asleep without fear, and her dreams were full of running through snow with a black wolf at her side.
Two years later, Neve stood at the window of the royal chambers and watched snow fall over the mountains. Her hand rested on the swell of her belly, feeling the flutter of movement beneath her palm. Their daughter was active today, tumbling and kicking as though already eager to run through these forests.
"You should be resting," Theron said from behind her. His arms came around her waist, his hands covering hers over their child.
"I have been resting all morning. I needed to move." She leaned back against his chest, feeling the bond hum contentedly between them. Two years and it still filled her with wonder. The certainty of his love always present, always steady.
"The council meeting went well," he said. "Alpha Corven brought news from the Western Territories. The new laws against pack abuse are working. Three alphas have been removed from power for violating them."
Neve smiled. That had been her first act as queen, working with Theron and the Council to create stronger protections for Omegas and weaker pack members, making sure what happened to her could never happen to anyone else.
"Good," she said softly. "That is good."
A knock sounded at the door. Lra entered now Neve's official lady-in-waiting and closest friend. "My lady, your guests have arrived."
Neve's heart jumped already. "I thought they would not be here until this evening."
"They made good time. Shall I bring them up?"
"Yes, please." Lra disappeared.
Theron turned Neve to face him, his expression gentle. "Are you nervous?" he asked.
"A little." She smoothed her hands over her dress. "I have not seen her in 2 years. She is your sister. That has not changed."
The door opened again, and a young woman entered. Isla looked different than Neve remembered. Taller, stronger, her hair cut short and her clothes practical rather than decorative, but her eyes were the same. Kind and warm.
"Neve," Isla breathed. Then she was across the room, pulling Neve into a careful hug that minded her belly. "I cannot believe it. You look so different, so happy."
"I am happy," Neve said, tears stinging her eyes. "I am so glad you came."
"Of course I came. You are my sister." Isla pulled back and looked at Theron. "And you are the king who gave her justice. Thank you for that."
"She gave herself justice," Theron said. "I merely provided the means."
Isla smiled. "Father is here too. He is waiting downstairs. He was not sure you would want to see him."
Neve's chest tightened. She had not spoken to her father since that night in the great hall. He had written letters, dozens of them, all filled with apologies and regret. She had not answered any of them.
"I will see him," she said finally. "But not alone."
"I will be with you," Theron said immediately.
They went down to the private sitting room where her father waited. He looked older than Neve remembered. Gray in his hair and lines around his eyes. He stood when they entered, his hands twisting nervously.
"Neve," he said hoarsely. "Thank you for agreeing to see me."
She said nothing, just waited.
"I know my apologies mean nothing," he continued. "I know I failed you. I was weak and cowardly and I let them hurt you. There is no excuse for that. I do not expect your forgiveness. I just wanted you to know that I am sorry, that I will regret my silence for the rest of my life."
Neve studied him, looked for the father she remembered from childhood before her mother died. The man who used to carry her on his shoulders and tell her stories. He was still there, buried under years of guilt and shame.
"I cannot forgive you yet," she said quietly. "Maybe someday, but not yet."
He nodded, his eyes bright with unshed tears. "I understand, but you are still my father, and this child will be your grandchild. If you want to be part of her life, you can be on my terms."
"Anything," he said quickly. "Whatever you need."
"No more silence," Neve said firmly. "If you see something wrong, you speak up. You protect those who need protecting. That is the price of being in my life."
"I swear it," he said. "I will never be silent again."
It was not forgiveness. Not yet. But it was a beginning.
That evening, Neve stood in the great hall where everything had changed 2 years ago. But tonight was different. Tonight was a celebration, the winter festival, when all the packs gathered to honor the longest night and welcome the return of the sun. She wore a gown of silver and white, her hair crowned with winter flowers. The mark on her neck was visible, proclaiming her as Theron's mate. She no longer hid it, no longer felt shame.
Theron took her hand and led her to the center of the hall. The assembled wolves fell silent, watching their king and queen.
"Two years ago, I stood in this hall and claimed my mate," Theron said. "Many of you doubted. Thought I was making a mistake. But you were wrong. Neve has been everything a queen should be. Strong, compassionate, wise. She has made our kingdom better. Made me better." He turned to her, his eyes warm. "You once told me you felt broken. Do you remember?"
Neve nodded, her throat tight.
"You were never broken," he said softly. "You were a survivor and now you are a queen. My queen, my mate, my heart." The bond flared bright between them. Neve felt her wolf rise up strong and whole and free. She thought about the frightened girl who had arrived at this keep two years ago, who believed she was worthless, who thought she would never be anything more than the omega they threw away. That girl was gone. In her place stood a queen.
"I love you," she said, loud enough for everyone to hear. "You gave me back myself."
"No," Theron said, pulling her close. "You did that. I just gave you a safe place to heal." He kissed her and the hall erupted in cheers. Neve heard Eela's voice among them. Heard the visiting alphas calling their approval. Felt the love and acceptance of her new pack, her new family.
When the kiss ended, Theron rested his forehead against hers. "Ready to celebrate?" he asked.
"Ready?" she said.
They danced until late into the night. Neve felt her daughter moving inside her, dancing too. Felt the bond singing between her and Theron, unbreakable and true. Felt the weight of the past lifting, replaced by the promise of the future. She was no longer the girl they threw away. She was the queen they never saw coming.