The palace gates loomed ahead as our car pulled up to the main entrance. Jack leaned over and kissed me, his lips lingering against mine longer than usual. I felt his reluctance to let me go, even though we had just spent the entire night together.
"I should get started on declining that job offer," I said, pulling back slightly.
His jaw tightened. "You're going to the Imperial Pack headquarters in person?"
"It's the respectful thing to do. They sent me a formal offer."
"They sent you a letter. Send one back." His golden eyes flashed with something possessive. "I don't want you going there."
I traced my finger along his jawline, feeling the tension there. "Jealous, Alpha King?"
"Yes." He caught my hand and pressed a kiss to my palm. "Very jealous."
I couldn't help but smile. "Then I'll go back to my quarters and write them a letter. I should also let John know I'm returning to my duties at the palace so he can prepare."
"I'll tell John myself. You just rest." His expression grew serious. "And we need to discuss contraceptives."
Heat crept up my neck. "I'm in my safe period. My cycle just ended two days ago."
Jack studied my face for a moment, then nodded and kissed my forehead before stepping out. He instructed the driver to take me back to the royal quarters immediately.
The car pulled away, and I watched him disappear into the palace building. My mind wandered to Rosa. I had heard through the pack bonds that she was struggling, that something had happened with John. The whispers spoke of pregnancy and heartbreak, though no one dared speak openly about the Alpha King's brother's affairs.
Then there was Daisy. The sadness in her eyes lately had not gone unnoticed. Her mate bond with Ethan seemed strained, fraying at the edges like old rope. I wanted to reach out to both of them, but my own situation kept me preoccupied.
When we arrived at the royal quarters, I changed into simple traveling clothes. The guards at my door bowed as I emerged.
"I need to visit my old apartment," I said. "There are things I need to collect."
They exchanged nervous glances.
"My lady, we cannot permit you to leave the grounds unescorted."
"Then escort me."
The taller guard shook his head. "The Alpha King gave explicit orders this morning. After the incident with George, no one is to allow you outside the palace walls without his direct permission."
My stomach dropped. "George? What happened to George?"
They wouldn't meet my eyes. That told me enough. Jack had punished someone, probably severely, and now everyone was terrified.
"Please, my lady," the younger guard said. "The Alpha King would have our heads if we let you leave. I have a mate and a pup on the way."
I softened my tone. "He doesn't need to know. Just open the gate."
They stood firm. The taller one suddenly walked away quickly, and I realized what he was doing. He was calling Jack.
"Damn it," I muttered.
The guard returned within minutes, looking relieved. "You may go, my lady. But please, you must keep this between us. If the Alpha King discovers we allowed this, we're dead wolves."
"I won't tell him," I promised.
They opened the side gate, and I slipped through before they could change their minds. I walked quickly down the cobblestone path that led away from the palace grounds, then flagged down a taxi at the main road.
As I climbed into the back seat, an uncomfortable sensation prickled at the base of my neck. Someone was watching me. Following me. I could feel it through my wolf senses, that predatory awareness that came with our kind.
I refused to turn around and confirm it. If someone was tailing me on Jack's orders, I didn't want to give them the satisfaction of knowing I had noticed. Let them think I was oblivious.
The taxi wound through the streets of the capital. The modern werewolf kingdom had evolved over centuries, blending old traditions with new technology. Glass buildings stood beside ancient stone structures. Wolves in business suits walked past market stalls selling traditional herbs and talismans.
My apartment building came into view, a modest structure in the middle district. I had maintained it even after moving to the palace, unable to let go of my independence completely. Now I was glad I had kept it.
I paid the driver and stepped onto the sidewalk. The feeling of being watched had not diminished. If anything, it had grown stronger.
I climbed the stairs to the third floor, my heartbeat quickening with each step. When I rounded the corner to my door, I stopped short.
Someone was sitting on the floor outside my apartment, back against the wall, legs stretched out casually. They looked up as my footsteps echoed in the hallway.
Recognition hit me like cold water.
I had not expected this. Not here. Not now.
The figure stood slowly, brushing dust from their clothes, and smiled at me in a way that made my wolf stir uneasily.
"Hello, Aurora," they said. "We need to talk."
My hand moved instinctively to my phone in my pocket, but I didn't pull it out. Not yet. I needed to understand what this person wanted first, why they had tracked me down, why they had been waiting here specifically.
"How did you know I would come here?" I asked, keeping my voice steady.
"I know you better than you think." They took a step closer. "And I know what you've been hiding."
My blood ran cold. What did they mean? What had they discovered? My mind raced through possibilities, each worse than the last.
I forced myself to meet their gaze directly. "If you have something to say, say it."
They glanced down the hallway, checking for witnesses, then back at me.
"Not here. Too many ears. Let's go inside."
I hesitated, weighing my options. Running would look guilty. Fighting would cause a scene. And if this person truly knew something dangerous, I needed to find out what it was before they could use it against me or Jack.
I pulled out my keys with steady hands, though my wolf was growling warnings inside my mind.
Whatever was about to happen, I had walked straight into it with my eyes open.
The lock clicked. The door swung inward—and I stepped into the unknown.