“Well, the situation has shifted, and you''re going to have to adjust your thinking ordingly. Jason is right-we have urgent matters to attend to. Get your mind focused because the transition is underway, and I need you sharp," he said firmly.


    I nodded in agreement. He wasn''t wrong, but I couldn''t deny it wouldn''t be easy to ept.


    ra


    "Take a team and patrol the borders. I want a clear report on how many we''re facing," my father instructed me calmly as he stood beside me.


    For months, there had been skirmishes near our borders, but none had directly impacted us until today. This morning, one of our young warriors still in training was found dead, disyed as a grim warning on our eastern border. It was an unmistakable threat, though the reason behind it remained a mystery.


    The two warriors on duty acknowledged the order with a nod and moved to carry it out. My father nced at me, and despite hisposed exterior, I could see the exhaustion etched beneath his calm demeanor.


    "Why now?" I asked quietly. “We''ve maintained peace with all our neighbors throughout my entire life. What could possibly be driving this?"


    "You, ra, my dear," my mother said as she entered the room, radiating the quiet strength of a goddess. An omega followed her, carrying a tray with the familiar aroma of her favorite teavender and mint-wafting gently ahead. My mother''s preferred way of tackling problems was always with a steaming cup of this soothing blend.


    "Why me? What have I done?" I mentally reviewed every recent interaction I''d had with our neighbors. Since turning eighteen, I had apanied my father to all Alpha meetings and negotiations.


    "You''re an unmated Alpha female, sweetheart. When your father is gone, you have the right to lead, but some still believe a woman''s ce is beside the Alpha, not as the Alpha. You''ve encountered many males eager to im the role of Alpha, but you''ve turned down all their advances," she said, smiling knowingly at me. I hadn''t rejected their advances outright-only their eagerness to be Alpha by marrying me. There was a big difference between the two.


    "So, you think this is about me?" I asked, ncing between them as the omega set the tea before me.


    "It''s a working theory, though nothing concrete. This is the first time the fighting has affected us directly, but there must be a reason it keeps ring so close to our borders."


    "What else are we doing about this?" I asked, already bracing myself for the answer.


    "First and foremost, you and your mother will receive extra protection..."


    "Dear-"


    "What about you?" I interrupted my mother sharply. She was better at controlling her temper than I was. As a Luna, she naturally kept her cool to maintain peace, but I definitely inherited the fiery Alpha rage.


    "You know full well that the target will be me only after something happens to one or both of you. You''re the heir to the pack-and a female. It''s notmon, but rare enough to rattle some of the boys,” he chuckled, and I couldn''t help but smile when my mother swatted his arm. “But seriously, we''re not taking any chances. I know you can handle yourself, but,” he nced around before lowering his voice, "I''m not convinced all the conflict is outside our borders." His raised eyebrows made the implication clear.


    “Fine, but can I at least have Jax and Dev with me? They''re funpany, and I don''t have to worry about either of them trying to sleep with me," I bargained.


    “I''m okay with that. Stay close to the pack house for now. There aren''t any major events you need to attend. I want to get a grip on this situation and determine if you''re truly a target," he replied.


    I rolled my eyes but didn''t argue. I had my own ways of gathering information.


    Miss L Author


    Thank you so much for reading! I appreciate all constructivements and kind words. I can''t interact here, but if you want to join the conversation, you can find me on social media. I''m most active on the Clock app, and I post publishing updates on Facebook.


    Emotionally, ra''s struggle to bnce her fiery spirit with the responsibilities thrust upon her wille to the forefront. Her rtionships with Jax and Dev, as well as her parents'' protective instincts, will be tested in new and unexpected ways. The delicate dance of trust, loyalty, and hidden motives will likely surface, making every interaction charged with unspoken questions and potential betrayals. Readers can anticipate a chapter that blends strategic maneuvering with personal stakes, setting the stage for significant developments.