The moment Lyra’s mocking words left her lips, the room seemed to darken.

I didn’t know why her voice affected me the way it did maybe because it carried something sharp, like a warning hidden beneath a smile.

“Well,” she’d said, her tone light but her eyes cutting through me, “welcome to Silver Claw pack.”

I forced myself to stay calm, even though my heart was beating too fast. “Thank you,” I managed, though my voice trembled slightly.

And her smirk deepened. “I’m sure you’ll find things… different here. We’re not used to strangers. Especially ones who show up out of nowhere with the Alpha.”

Her words stung, but before I could respond, a familiar energy swept through the room powerful and unmistakable.

Lyra’s expression faltered instantly, her confidence draining as the scent of dominance filled the air.

I turned, and there he was.

Then, unexpectedly, he reached for my hand. His touch was warm, grounding.

Umh Alpha.. she chuckled nervously, I was trying to tell her how things are done here.

Lyra stuttered faking a smile, right violet?

Her words carrying a hint of malice.

She's right Alpha i answered forcing a smile.

Alpha Donovan didn't utter a word he just looked at her with unreadable expression.

“Come with me,” he said quietly.

I blinked, confused. “Where are we going?

I asked without stopping myself.

His lips curved faintly not quite a smile, but something close. “Somewhere.

And just like that, he turned towards

the door, his hand still holding mine as he led me out of the room.

The place alpha Donovan took me to looked simple yet elegant. It sat behind the pack house, far from the noise and busy movements of the pack members. The air felt fresher, and the quietness made it feel peaceful almost too peaceful.

Tall trees surrounded the yard, their leaves whispering softly whenever the wind passed through.

I didn't expect this side of the pack house to look so calm yet beautiful.

Alpha Donovan stopped and turned to me, his expression softer than usual. “You’ll stay here for now,” he said, his deep voice firm but calm.

Before I could say anything more, his phone began to ring. He looked at the screen, his jaw tightening a little before he answered. His tone dropped, serious, as he turned and walked a few steps away to take the call.

I nodded slowly, still looking around. “It’s really beautiful,” I whispered.

He gave a small smile, though it barely reached his eyes. “Good,” he said simply.

I stood quietly, unsure of what to do. The bandage on my arm still ached a bit, but I ignored it. I glanced at his back as he spoke in a low, hush commanding tone to the other person on the phone.

After a few moments, I looked around again. The soft sound of running water came from somewhere nearby, and birds chirped lazily in the trees.

Then I heard light footsteps behind me.

When I turned, a woman was approaching tall and graceful, her long black hair falling freely behind her shoulders.

She looked calm and confident, her eyes warm but observant.

Violet “ she said kindly, smiling a little.

“Hi Lyra, ” I answered softly.

Come with me,You’re still hurt. Let’s get that wound taken care of.”

I glanced towards Alpha Donovan, who was still on the phone. Then I nodded and followed her.

Lyra led me down a stone path that curved around the cabin. The area opened up into a small garden filled with herbs lavender, mint, and others I didn’t recognize.

“Sit,” Lyra said, pointing to a wooden stool and I obeyed quietly.

She took my hand and carefully unwrapped the old bandage. The wound had closed a bit, but it was still red and sore.

She mixed something in a small bowl and began to apply it gently. The ointment was cool at first, then warm, spreading a soft tingling feeling through my arm.

“It will help heal faster,” she said softly.

“Thank you,” I murmured.

She smiled and nodded. “It’s nothing.”

When she finished, she cleaned up and motioned for me to follow her again. “Come,” she said. “You should know your surroundings. It’ll make you feel more at ease.”

As we walked, Lyra talked easily, her voice soft and friendly, unlike it was when we first met.

“You’ll get used to being here,” she said. Alpha Donovan is strict, but he’s fair.

I looked at her, curious. “You seem close to him.”

She smiled a little, glancing at me. “Yes,” she said simply. “ alpha Donovan and I have known each other for years. I know him more than anyone else around here, am his Beta.