"Go and talk to Jeremiah," my dad instructed firmly.


    I rubbed my hands over my face, then ran them through my hair in frustration. "What exactly am I supposed to say? Jeremiah is my priority, but Rayna... she''s his weakness.” The weight of the situation was already pressing down on me, and I hadn''t even fully settled into my role yet.


    Dad gave me a knowing look. "Your priority has to be what''s best for the pack as a whole. Think about it-what''s better for the pack: what Jeremiah wants or what Rayna wants? They''re newly mated, so emotions are running high and quick to re. You also have to consider who will be easier to manage if they end up opposing the decision. Remember, it''s not just about them—it''s about the pack''s stability."


    I sighed and nodded, understanding theplexity but still feeling overwhelmed. "I''m going to talk to Jeremiah. I don''t think Rayna would sneak out and follow us, but if she''s anything like Kennedy..." My heart clenched painfully at the thought of Kennedy''s fiery nature, and I had to cough to steady myself. "If they''re anything alike, she''ll show up unannounced, full Luna pride, to stake her im over Jer right in front of this alpha female.” Dad just nodded silently, choosing not toment on my hesitation when I mentioned Kennedy''s name.


    I stepped into the packhouse and found Luna Beth and Rayna standing at the kitchen ind, surrounded by a cloud of flour as they baked some kind of pastry. Theirughter and chatter filled the room. I waved as I passed through, but the only response I got was Rayna pointing sharply toward the media room. Great. Clearly, I was on her bad side by proxy unless I yed along with her wishes. Taking a deep breath, I headed toward Jeremiah.


    "Dude, your girl is pissed at me now, and I haven''t even done anything yet," I joked, patting him on the shoulder before sliding onto the couch.


    "She hasn''t even been convinced to change her mind," Rayna called out from the kitchen,ughter ringing from Luna Beth nearby.


    I exhaled, trying to keep my cool. "I don''t like you right now," I muttered. "We need to take a walk, or she won''t let me get a single word in." Raising my voice a bit, I added, “Especially when I''m here trying to help—since she asked so nicely!" The girls giggled, which at least reassured me that I was on the right path to easing tensions.


    We retraced my steps back toward the front door. Jeremiah paused in the kitchen to press a gentle kiss to Rayna''s temple. No words were exchanged, but the stubbornness in both their stances was clear-they both wanted to win this argument.


    "Why can''t she go?" I asked directly, cutting through any pretense that this was anything but a negotiation.


    "You know why," Jeremiah replied tightly. "We don''t know what''s really going on. My father isn''t giving me any guidance, and my mother has been forbidden to get involved. If I knew the exact threat, this would be easy. But since I don''t, I can''t guarantee she won''t be in danger."


    I tried to reason with him. "With you, me, and Jason there, she''ll have plenty of protection. You can''t keep her locked up here forever. She''s alpha-born-if the worst happens, she can defend herself." I sensed his body tense at the thought, but I didn''t take it back. Danger was always a possibility for her because of who she was. “Besides, your dad wouldn''t send you out if it was that serious. No one learns like that. He wouldn''t risk the pack''s future or your legacy on a training exercise."


    Jeremiah shook his head. "I know all that, but I can''t let her go with the chance she might be in danger. Not yet."


    "So you''re willing to risk her sneaking off on her own, unprotected?" I let the words hang in the air before continuing. “Do you remember what your twin did to make a point?" I avoided saying her name it made it hurt less, and I hoped it was getting through to him. "Your mate is no different. You''re going into a pack with an unmated alpha female. She''ll want to make sure her im is secure.” I held up my hands when he started to argue. “She''s too blinded by you to see any danger, and if she goes off on her own, things will spiral out of control. We won''t be able to manage it.”


    Jeremiah stopped walking and lowered his head in frustration. "I hate it when you''re right. Tell Jason and Tommy to gear up, and let your dad, Geoff, and Drake know we''re all heading to ck w."


    "Where exactly are you going?" I asked, curious.


    "To punish my mate. I need to feel like I''m in control of something in this


    rtionship,” he answered with a small, wry smile as he walked away. I smiled softly


    to myself, knowing I wouldn''t see him or Rayna again until we left.