Chapter 41: Chapter 41
That got everyone’s attention.
"The herd is only present on the disputed territory six months per year. The rest of the time, both families are fighting over empty land."
Margaret frowned. Thomas’s eyes narrowed.
"My judgment is this: the disputed territory becomes a Luna’s Reserve—communal pack hunting ground managed for everyone’s benefit. The Harrison and Kelly families will serve as co-stewards, organizing seasonal group hunts that maximize the harvest."
"Absolutely not," Thomas started.
"I’m not finished." My wolf rose in my voice, surprising me.
"Both families gain honor through leadership. Both retain access to the resource. The entire pack benefits. And—"I looked directly at Michael and Emma—"maybe we can finally stop forcing young wolves to choose between love and family loyalty."
The hall went dead silent.
Michael and Emma were staring at each other across the space, hope written on both their faces.
Thomas looked like he’d been slapped. "You want me to work with her?"
"I want you to stop wasting pack resources on a fight that benefits no one." I turned to Margaret. "Your grandmother documented every hunt. Thomas’s grandfather maintained the trails. You’ve both been essential to that territory’s value. Why not be essential together?"
Margaret’s expression was unreadable. "And if we refuse?"
"Then you refuse, and the territory remains disputed, and your children stay miserable." I shrugged. "Your choice."
Linda Harrison stood suddenly, her voice trembling. "I accept. I’m tired of this fight. I’m tired of watching my son suffer for a grudge I don’t even understand anymore."
Margaret’s facade cracked. Just a little. Her eyes found Emma, who was crying silently.
"If Thomas can accept," Margaret said slowly, "then I can too."
Every head in the hall swiveled to Thomas.
The big man looked at his wife and his son. At Michael, who was staring at Emma like she was his entire world.
Thomas extended his hand across the hall. Margaret stood and walked forward.
When their hands clasped, the hall erupted in applause.
Michael and Emma ran to each other, embracing in the middle of the hall, and I had to blink back stupid tears.
Elder Thompson stood. "The Elder Council acknowledges that Sophie Turner has passed the Wisdom Challenge."
Even Elder Sarah had to nod, though she looked like it physically hurt.
Christian’s pride hit me through the bond like a tidal wave.
I caught his eye across the hall. He was smiling—really smiling—and the warmth in his expression made my chest tight.
"The Strength Challenge will commence in three days," Elder Thompson announced. "Luna candidate Sophie Turner will face pack warriors in formal combat trials."
The hall buzzed with excitement.
I was still floating on the high of success when I returned to my suite.
The white dress came off. Comfortable clothes went on. I collapsed on the bed, exhausted but victorious.
That’s when I saw it.
Another envelope on my pillow.
Red wax seal.
My hands shook as I opened it.
Clever girl. But wisdom won’t save you from what’s coming. The Strength Challenge is just the beginning. Ask Christian what he’s hiding.
- A Friend
I stared at the note, ice flooding my veins.
Someone had been in my room again.
Someone who knew things they shouldn’t.
And they were trying to make me doubt Christian.
I grabbed my phone, pulling up Christian’s contact.
Then stopped.
What if there was something Christian wasn’t telling me? What if the note was right?
A knock on my door made me jump.
"Sophie?" Christian’s voice. "Can I come in?"
I shoved the note under my pillow. "Yeah."
He walked in, still in his Alpha formal clothes, his expression soft in a way it was never in public.
"You were wonderful today."
"Thanks." I tried to smile. "Team effort."
"No." He crossed to me, his hands framing my face. "That was all you. Your wisdom. Your creativity. Your compassion."
The note burned in my mind. Ask him what he’s hiding.
"Christian." My voice came out smaller than I intended. "Is there anything you’re not telling me? About Vanessa? About... anything?"
His expression shifted. Just for a second. Something flickered in his eyes—guilt? Fear?
"Why are you asking?"
"Just answer the question."
Christian’s hands dropped. He took a step back.
"There are things from my past I’m not proud of. Things I need to tell you. But not tonight. Not when you just won your first trial and you should be celebrating."
"Christian—"
"Please." His voice cracked. "Give me a few more days. After the Strength Challenge. I’ll tell you everything. I promise."
He left before I could argue.
I pulled out the note, reading it again.
Someone was playing games.
Someone wanted me to doubt Christian, to question everything.
But why?
