“The eastern ridge needs reinforcement,” I say, deliberately changing the subject. Then pause, aware I’ve revealed too much of my strategic thinking “Among other areas,” I add vaguely.
Zion leans forward, his interest piqued. “The terrain’s treacherous. We’d need at least twenty warriors stationed permanently
“Fifteen would suffice if we implement a rotation system,” I reply automatically before catching myself. Why am I sharing these details with him?
“Ambitious,” he remarks, eyes wandering down to where my hands rest on my knees. I cross my arms, creating distance.
“The Silverpelt Pass is still vulnerable, Zion continues, seemingly oblivious to my discomfort. “Rogue forces could funnel through there, given the chance.”
Tve considered several approaches,‘ I say, more guarded now. The night suddenly feels colder than it did moments ago.
“I imagine you would,” he replies, his tone appreciative in a way that makes my wolf bristle. “You’re quite thorough.”
I stare into the darkness between the trees. “We should be getting back. Dawn comes early.”
“Have you thought beyond defense?” Zion asks, ignoring my hint. “About what Windhowl could become in peacetime?”
The question catches me off guard. Few consider that I might think beyond survival.
Chapter 43
“I have,” I admit cautiously. “Trade routes through the northern territories. Alliances with the western parks”
I stop short of mentioning the schools. Some dreams are too personal to share in this arrange midnight conversation. “You sound like Raiden before he became Alpha, Zion murmure
That name.
That ache
I wonder if Raiden is awake now, if he’s with Iila. My wolf whines softly within
Sometimes I wonder, Zion says, shifting closer than necessary, if the strongest packs aren’t built on battlefields but in moments of vision like this”
You surprise me, Zion,” I say, standing abruptly. The oak hark scrapes against my back. “I expected resistance to my presence here.”
He rises too, a small smile playing at his lips. “I go where the best ideas are. Right now, they seem to be coming from y
you! His eyes hold something beyond professional respect, and I step back, creating distance.
“It’s late,” I say firmly. “And we both have duties tomorrow.”
“What about the marshlands?” he asks, as if I hadn’t spoken. “The council’s written them off, but I’d value your perspective” “Another time, perhaps,” I reply, already turning toward the path that leads back to the warriors quarters.
As I walk away, I feel his eyes on my back. This unexpected alliance feels unstable, his interest in my strategies tinged with something that makes me uneasy.
*Siena, Raiden…he is a fool.”
I allow a slight smile to grace my lips before glancing toward the Alpha’s quarters where Raiden sleeps, but I say nothing more–the cut has been made.
Once, I would have shared my midnight thoughts with him. Now, I keep my strategies close and my dreams closer, unsure who I can truly trust.
Some bonds can’t be chosen. Some choices can’t be undone.
I quicken my pace, leaving Zion and the oak tree behind.
For the first time in years, someone–a man–is listening to me. Really listening.
Dawn breaks through the trees, washing the world in a soft glow. I realize how much time has passed, how easily the conversation flowed. A warmth spreads through me–not attraction, but… appreciation
“Thank you, Zion,” I whisper, the words almost lost to the morning breeze.
As I turn to head back to my cabin, a figure steps out from the shadows.
Raiden.
His expression is thunderous, his jaw clenched so tight I can almost hear the grind of his teeth. His eyes–those midnight eyes that once held so much warmth–now burn with something darker.
“Consorting with my Best friend now?” he asks coldly, his voice barely above a growl.
Chapter 41
The accusation slices through me, sharp and unjust, I stop meeting his gaze, refining to hack down.
Your hypocrisy is breathtaking 1 reply quietly, too exhausted to summon the anger that should be there
For a heartbeat, something flickers in his eyes–regret? Shame? I can’t be sure. But the moment passes, his walls slamming hack into place.
“Have you no shame Siena? Stay away from Zion, he warms, his voice low and dangerous
Why I ask softly, tilting my head as I step closer, daring him to give me a reason that doesn’t reek of control.
His jaw tightens, and for a moment, I think he might actually answer. But then he steps aside, letting me pass without another word
As I walk away, I feel the weight of his gaze on my back, but I don’t look back. I can’t
Because if I do, I might see the man I’ve been trying to forget–the man who once held my heart–and I’m not sure I’m strong enough to walk away from him again.
