[Damian]

The attacks had become erratic, patternless, and my pack was running on fumes. I took the grand stairs two at a time, the polished stone smooth under my boots, heading straight for Alpha Stone’s office.

The packs—mine, the Alpha's, and the few Luna Lana’s brother had loaned out—were spent. Endless border patrol, no rest. It was time to pull them back, time to let them regain their strength. I just hoped Alpha Alaric saw it the same way. I hated the thought of discord with my future mate’s father over something this critical.

Alaric Stone was a gracious and understanding Alpha, but lately, he’d been on razor-edge. And then there was that scent.

I'd noticed it four months ago, the day I arrived in Emberwood: subtle, yet distinctly intoxicating. It was human, though I’d never seen a single human servant in his home. Now, it was potent, constantly catching my attention, stronger every month. It was distracting, often pulling my focus during our strategy meetings.

Was the Alpha hiding a human? And if so, why?

Humans were a dime a dozen in the world and even in Inhuman territory, often used as servants. Most of them were criminals or just those who desired to be under the whims of others. So, it wasn’t taboo that they be vassals.

It wasn't my business, of course, no matter how much my Alpha curiosity spiked. I tried to dismiss it as him having a secret human—something kept from his family. Humans were used for feeding, servitude, or darker desires, often sexual, but typically both mates participated in that fantasy. Some Alphas, however, kept secret pleasures. Though I found the sexual use of humans distasteful—I preferred the traditional satiation of my own kind—I knew it happened.

Still, the thought of Alpha Stone, whom I respected deeply, keeping secrets from his Luna was bothersome. And yet, that scent was impossible to ignore. I could only imagine how it must taste. If I could smell it, how could Luna Lana—as legendary in her abilities as Alaric—not? Perhaps she was involved, too.

Tired of the frivolous speculation, I finally reached the school’s main office.

“I’d like to speak to the headmaster,” I told the older woman at the desk.

“Headmaster Stone is not taking visitors today,” she said, eyeing me intently.

I was used to the stares. As the last Lycan Alpha of my species, with one misty gray eye and one deep hazel, my presence always drew attention. Unfortunately for the staring females, I was already spoken for: the chosen mate of Lyra Stone.

“You know who I am,” I stated, my voice firm. “I wouldn’t be here if it weren't important.”

She picked up the phone, a small flicker of annoyance in her eyes, and dialed his office. Moments later, she hung up. “I apologize, Alpha, wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t check with the Alpha Stone first.”

I nodded, annoyed but resigned. My rank meant little here; their loyalty to their Alpha was absolute, and I respected that. This was his territory.

I took the stairs to the second floor. The closer I got to Alaric’s office, the stronger that familiar scent became, pulling at my attention like a physical force. I paused outside his door. I did not want to walk in on something I shouldn’t see.

I gave a firm, hesitant knock.

“Come in.”

I entered. The scent was loud now, yet the only two people in the room were Alaric and a woman leaning against his desk with her back to me. A slight turn of her head revealed perfect features and a soft smile.

It was Luna Stone.

She was, without a doubt, the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. Even the perfection of Lyra didn't hold a candle to the regal beauty that brought her into the world. It hit me then: the Alpha would be a fool to risk his marriage for a human. He couldn’t be hiding a lover.

I realized my thoughts had been open a moment too late when I saw the amused smirk on her face. Mind reading. I immediately shielded my thoughts.

“Should I leave you boys to it?” she asked.

“No, Luna Lana,” I hurried to reassure her. Her presence was as important as Alaric’s.

The Alpha’s smirk widened. “I’m sure the young Alpha doesn’t mind your company, sweetheart.”

I contained my professional air and nodded, though I knew he’d caught my unprofessional admiration of his wife.

“So, what is it? Any new developments from the patrol?” Alaric asked

“No, Alpha,” I reported. “It’s been quiet for a week and a half. I believe they’ve realized our security is too tight. A few ferals tried sneaking in during daylight, but they were nipped in the bud.”

“Good. Keep up patrol, and they’ll stay away.” He paused, reading my expression. “There’s something else.”

“Yes, Alpha, there is. Our wolves. They’re weary—barely resting or eating.”

“My pack is trained for long periods without nourishment.”

“True, but the Lycan appetite is different. We need a day for everyone—Lycan and wolf alike,—to go home, rest, and regroup. The last attack was vicious; some haven't fully recovered.”

“And what do you suggest? If we remove our men, they’ll attack.”

“The Covenants have agreed to summon protection around the borders. The vampires, though they took some convincing, have also agreed to take their place.”

He scoffed. “You asked the vampires? They’re mischievous. They only agree if they gain something. How do you trust them?”

“Because the ferals and wildlings have no respect for any one species. The vamps lost a child in the last attack to a wildling; they seek vengeance. They’ll agree if only to protect their own.”

“Never thought the leeches would be of any use,” Alpha Stone muttered.

“On the contrary, my love,” Luna Lana interjected smoothly. “While we may not be on the best of terms, the vampires have extraordinary abilities. Besides, do we really have the right to call them leeches?”

“There are more ways to be a leech than just blood feeding,” Alaric countered. “Such abilities, and they’ve never lifted a finger to help.”

“They have assured their cooperation, Alpha,” I asserted. “However, their leader wishes to meet with both of us first to confirm the agreement.”

“And your word wasn’t good enough?” he inquired.

“I am an Alpha, but I am not their leader. I respect your position; I would have requested the meeting regardless.”

He looked to his mate. “What do you think, love?”

She placed a hand on his shoulder. “I think this young Alpha has a very good idea. Get the factions to earn their keep. They have the means.”

“I have warned them about deceit, Alpha,” I confirmed. “If they place this city at harm, they will be dealt with accordingly.”

“And where is my Beta amongst this negotiation, young Alpha?”

“Cael asked that I come to you, as I’m a fellow Alpha. Besides, if you thought this idea was ridiculous, I’d rather take full responsibility than send another in my place.”

A small smirk finally crossed Alpha Stone’s face. “True leader indeed. You do realize your pack is your pack? You don’t need my permission for them to rest.”

“I was asking on behalf of your men, Alpha. But under your jurisdiction, my pack will not rest if their comrades cannot.”

Alaric’s smile widened, clearly impressed by my respect for his territory. He shouldn’t have been surprised; I am my father’s son after all.

“Well, then I guess we have a trip to make after I’m done here.”

“I’ll await your call, Alpha.”

“It seems you boys have everything covered,” Lana said. “I’ll see myself out.” She kissed her mate and headed for the door.

I held the door for her. As she approached, there it was again: that scent. It was even stronger on her than it was on the Alpha. Was she hiding something? Did the scent only linger on Alaric through contact with her? And what kind of human essence was so powerful it clung like this? There was only one kind, and I’d only ever met one. But this…this was more potent than that.

I couldn't help myself. I followed her out and watched her turn, heading in the opposite direction of the exit. “That really is an intoxicating fragrance you have on, Luna Stone,” I remarked smoothly, unable to stop myself.

She turned, her expression curious. “Fragrance?”

“Yes,” I said. “It’s very... potent.” It was clearly human, but I had my mind cordoned off. She couldn't read the thought, but the knowing amusement in her eyes told me she saw the suspicion behind my words.

“Thank you,” she simply smiled. “It is my favorite scent.” Then she sauntered away.

I watched her go, moving toward the school’s deeper corridors. Lyra’s class was in the opposite direction. Where was she going? Was this 'special' side piece hers? Was she hiding a human from the Alpha? Impossible. He was too seasoned a wolf to be tricked. Yet, the essence was too powerful to be ignored.

It was obvious now. The Stones were hiding something.