Estelle’s POV

[I am looking forward to our partnership.]

I stared at my phone screen, reading the message I just sent to Zayne for the third time.

“There’s no need to stare at your phone like that,” Killian chuckled from across the dining table. “Zayne Silvius is a busy man. He might take some time to reply.”

I set my phone face-down on the polished wood surface. “You’re right.”

Killian’s dining room overlooked the training grounds of the Blackmoon Pack. Through the large windows, I could see young wolves practicing combat formations under the afternoon sun.

“So,” Killian continued, cutting into his grilled chicken, “remember the event you’ve been invited to next week? It’s actually the annual Lycan summit. You will be representing the Blackmoon Pack, on top of being His Majesty’s guest as his potential future mate.”

I nod, picking at my salad. “What should I expect?”

“Politics. Lots of politics.” Killian’s expression grew serious. “The Lycans use these gatherings to assess the strength and loyalty of the various packs. They’ll be watching you closely, especially since you’re not the heir they thought Blackmoon would have.”

“And Zayne will be there?”

“Of course. As the Lycan King, he hosts the entire event.” Killian paused. “It’ll be a good opportunity for you two to meet face-to-face again. Work out the details of your arrangement.”

My stomach tightened slightly. The marriage arrangement with Zayne still felt surreal.

“The other Alphas will be curious about you,” Killian warned. “Some might try to test your resolve. Others will attempt to form their own alliances before you can establish yours with the Lycans.”

“I can handle it.”

Killian smiled. “I believe you can. Your father would be proud.”

My phone buzzed against the table.

I flipped it over, expecting to see Zayne’s name. Instead, Asher’s contact photo filled the screen.

I frowned but answered anyway. “Hello?”

“Estelle.” Asher’s voice came through crisp and clear. “Did you see Ashley today?”

His tone was casual, but I detected an underlying tension. “Yes, I saw her this morning.”

“Good. Mom asked you to come help around the house, right? With the twins?” 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

I straightened in my chair. “She did. I declined.”

There was a pause. When Asher spoke again, his voice was softer, almost gentle. “Estelle, sweetheart, I know you’re busy. But Ashley just gave birth. She’s struggling.”

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. She was struggling, alright. With her shopping bags.

“I’m sure she is.”

“And Mom is getting older. She can’t handle everything on her own.” His tone remained patient, understanding. “They’re family. Our family. When family needs help, we’re supposed to be there for them.”

I glanced at Killian, who’s pretending not to listen while clearly following every word.

“I understand that,” I said carefully.

“Do you?” Asher’s voice took on a slightly firmer edge, still gentle but with an unmistakable note of correction. “Because refusing to help when they specifically asked for you sends a different message entirely.”

My jaw clenched. “What message is that?”

“That you think you’re too important now. Too busy for the people who raised you and cared for you all these years.”

I nearly scoffed. They had fed and clothed me, yes, but they had barely spared any bit of care for me growing up. That was why I worked my ass off to help them previously. I was grateful, but they obviously did not treat me like the family that Asher claimed they were.

Even though Asher tried to mask his words with a gentle tone, it was difficult to miss the accusation.

I close my eyes, recognizing the familiar pattern. Asher had always been skilled at this. His gentle tone made his criticism sound like loving concern. He framed my choices as selfishness while positioning himself as the reasonable mediator.

“I see,” I said neutrally.

“I knew you’d understand once I explained it.” Relief flooded his voice. “You’ve got such a good heart, Estelle. Sometimes you just need someone to help you see the bigger picture.”

“Mm-hmm.”

“I’ll come pick you up, and we can go see them together. You can apologize in person, maybe explain that you were overwhelmed with pack business. They’ll appreciate the gesture.”

I opened my eyes, staring out at the training wolves. “Apologize for what, exactly?”

“For not being there when they needed you.” His patience didn’t waver. “For making them feel like they don’t matter to you anymore.”

I rolled my eyes.

“Where are you right now? I can be there in twenty minutes.”

I looked across the table at Killian, who was watching me with growing concern.

“I’m in a meeting,” I said. “With pack representatives, discussing potential alliances.”

“Pack business?”

“Yes. You mentioned last month that I should explore alliance opportunities. I’m following your suggestion.”

I can practically hear Asher recalculating. He couldn’t exactly criticize me for doing something he explicitly asked me to do.

“Right. Of course.” His voice brightened again. “That’s great, sweetheart. I’m glad you’re taking initiative with pack relations.”

“Of course.”

“Well, when will you be finished? I can wait.”

“I’m not sure. These things can run long.”

“Okay, no problem. Just send me your location, and I’ll come whenever you’re ready.”

I stared at my phone screen, thinking quickly. Through the window, one of the young wolves successfully executed a complex maneuver and grinned triumphantly at his packmates.

“Of course,” I said. “I’ll text you the address.”

“Perfect. I’ll see you soon.”

The call ended.

Killian leaned back in his chair, studying my expression. “Everything alright?”

“Fine,” I said, opening my maps application. “Nothing I can’t handle.”

I scrolled through the map, looking for somewhere appropriately far away. My finger hovered over several options before settling on a small town nearly three hours’ drive from the Moonveil Pack territory.

Perfect.

I copied the address and pasted it into a text message to Asher.

“Tomorrow’s meeting with the Blackmoon Pack council is at ten,” Killian said, clearly changing the subject to give me space to handle my personal business. “Most of the senior members will be there. Helena and Benedict declined to attend, but everyone else accepted the invitation. This will be a good opportunity to prepare you before the the meeting with the lycans.”

I hit send on the text message before looking up. “That’s fine. It’ll be good to meet the people I’ll be working with.”

“They’re eager to meet you too. Your father spoke about you often in the months before he died. They know how much he regretted the years you were separated.”

My phone buzzed with Asher’s reply. [On my way. See you soon.]

I set the phone aside and focus on Killian.

He asked, “Are you planning to stay overnight in Blackmoon territory, or will you be returning to the neutral zone?”

“I’ll head back to my place tonight,” I said, smiling. The thought of Asher going on a wild goose chase made my mood significantly better. “Less complicated that way.”