Chapter 10

Freya

Lyra had arrived.

"Pax," she said softly. "I hope I'm not putting you in an awkward position by being here. If my presence is inappropriate, I can leave."

"It's all my fault. I just missed you so much, and I only wanted to see you. That would be enough for me." She lowered her voice to a theatrical whisper. "I didn't realize I'd cause problems, especially at William's birthday celebration."

She turned as if to leave, shoulders dropping in a perfect display of dejection. I fought the urge to roll my eyes at the performance.

Paxton's eyes flashed gold—his wolf surfacing—and he reached out, catching her wrist. "Since you're already here, there's no need to leave," he said.

I felt the mark on my neck burn like a hot brand.

William's expression darkened as Paxton led Lyra toward him. The elder Alpha's displeasure radiated through the room like a physical force, causing several Beta wolves to shift uncomfortably.

"Grandfather," Paxton said, "Lyra has also come to celebrate with us. She just returned from the European Wolf Academy."

"At my birthday celebration," William said, each word precisely enunciated, "you bring a Beta—born of a third party—into our core territory. Is this appropriate?"

I felt a surge of vindication at William's words, though it did little to ease the ache in my chest.

"Grandfather, she comes with respect," Paxton replied.

William's anger was palpable.

Before the situation could escalate further, Lyra stepped forward, her eyes downcast in a perfect display of submission. "Pax, let's not upset William. Let him and Freya enjoy their time together." She placed a gentle hand on Paxton's arm, her touch lingering. "Why don't you show me around the Pack Manor?"

Paxton nodded, seeming relieved at the suggestion. Without another word to me or even acknowledging the tension he'd created, he placed his hand on the small of Lyra's back and guided her away. The entire room watched as they left, Lyra leaning into his body with obvious intimacy.

I caught a glimpse of Lyra's expression—a flash of triumph in her eyes, quickly masked by docile sweetness.

William approached me immediately, his anger controlled but evident.

He placed a weathered hand on my shoulder. "Lyra once saved Paxton during a hunter attack, and he feels indebted to her. "

I've saved him too, I thought bitterly. Multiple times.

The mark on my neck throbbed painfully, and I felt my amber eyes dim with hurt. But I maintained a composed expression—this was all I had left, my dignity as a marked mate, even if only for a little while longer.

"After the birthday ritual," William promised, his voice dropping so only I could hear, "I'll make him understand the meaning of a marking bond."

I shook my head slightly. "Let him be," I whispered, surprising myself with the resignation in my voice.

What's the point? Fighting with Lyra would only make my position as his mate more humiliating.

William studied me with concern, but before he could respond, Samuel and Jackson approached, both wearing expressions of carefully controlled anger.

"Freya," Samuel said with forced brightness, "I'm sure Paxton didn't mean anything by it. He's just helping Lyra get familiar with the Pack since she's newly returned from Europe."

Jackson nodded. "That's right. Lyra just got back from the European Wolf Academy, and Paxton doesn't want to seem unwelcoming."

But their eyes told a different story. Both men clearly thought Paxton had crossed a line. Bringing another woman to a territory celebration while still marked to me was a public humiliation.

"Is the mark dissolution contract ready?" Samuel asked quietly when William had moved away to greet other guests.

My heart sank—it seemed they already knew about that.

Of course they would. Paxton was close to them, so naturally he would have told them.

I felt a sharp twinge at the marking spot on my neck and nodded. The reality of our impending separation was becoming increasingly concrete.

Samuel sighed heavily. "What Paxton did tonight... bringing her here like this... it's practically announcing their relationship to the entire pack."

Jackson's expression darkened. "This is the most disrespectful thing he's done since becoming Alpha." He cut himself off, shaking his head.

They exchanged a look before Samuel continued in a hushed tone. "Everyone knows Sterling Enterprises wouldn't be where it is today without your strategic vision, Freya."

"When Paxton's parents were killed in that hunter attack," Jackson added, "and human competitors were circling the company like vultures, you came straight from business school to support him."

Samuel nodded. "You've used your 'Moon's Blessing' ability to help him see through business rivals. Not many wolves have that talent."

"And you've saved his life. Twice," Jackson emphasized. "Remember when you discovered that silver powder device planted in his car? You prevented what could have been a fatal injury."

"And that time he was trapped in that elevator," Samuel continued. "You forced those doors open with your Alpha strength."

The memories washed over me like a bitter wave. I had done all those things for a man who now couldn't wait to end our bond.

"I don't understand his choice," Samuel admitted. "Are you really going through with dissolving the mark?"

I looked between them, these friends who had witnessed my devotion to Paxton for years. "This isn't my decision to make," I said, fighting to keep my voice steady. "Paxton can't wait to give my position to Lyra. If I don't step aside, it would look like I'm desperately clinging to Sterling territory."

Samuel shook his head. "These past five years, you've given so much to him and the pack. He's grown accustomed to your presence, your abilities. Your marking bond was becoming stronger. I thought you would be permanently marked."

"Honestly," Jackson said bluntly, "Paxton is being incredibly stupid. Yes, Lyra saved his life once, but compared to everything you've done for the pack, what is that worth? Rejecting an Alpha like you for a Beta who only knows how to act vulnerable? If that's not stupidity, what is?"

Their words, though meant to comfort, only made the coldness in my heart spread further. No matter what I do for Paxton or the pack, it will never compare to whatever hold Lyra has on him.

Before I could respond, a familiar voice cut through our conversation—confident, slightly mocking, and unmistakably Alpha Lucas.

"Paxton abandons his marked mate to wander the territory with another Beta? At a celebration like this?"

He stepped closer, his voice dropping to a growl. "By doing this, he's completely challenging the tradition of marking. He's not treating your mate status with any respect, Freya. He's deliberately making you look weak in front of the entire pack."

I felt heat rise to my cheeks, embarrassed that an outside Alpha could so easily see through my situation.

"Lucas, shut up!" Samuel snapped. "This is an internal Sterling pack matter."

Lucas's eyes flashed silver-gray—his wolf rising to the surface. "Marking bonds deserve respect," he said firmly. "That's a principle all wolf packs should uphold."