I could feel his doubt from across the kingdom grounds. King Jack knew something, or thought he did. He had told me to stay in the royal quarters, yet somehow he discovered I left. The question burning in his mind was simple. What was I doing with Ethan in my old apartment for over an hour?
I sensed his wolf stirring beneath the surface. He was remembering Clara, his first mate who betrayed him. The one who made him look like a fool in front of the entire pack. Now he wondered if history would repeat itself. If I would do the same.
But I was not just his chosen mate. I was Cody's mother. He loved me. I knew he did. The thought of disappointing him again made my chest tight.
That afternoon, I overheard him speaking with Beta John in his office. The door was slightly open.
"Aurora will resume her duties in the Royal Hall tomorrow," King Jack announced. His voice carried the weight of authority that made wolves submit without question.
John smiled wide. "I was going to ask you to convince her to return. We have nobles demanding designs for the upcoming festival. None of our pack members can satisfy them. Our artists are struggling too. They cannot create anything worthy of the competition. These areas are Aurora's strength. We need her back, and she needs to work hard for the next two weeks."
"What competition?" Jack asked sharply.
"The Royal Festival Competition. It is international this year. The focus is on designs, sculptures, and paintings. The Queen Mother of the Allied Territories wants to celebrate her legacy. Foreign packs will attend. Whoever wins gold will attract their investments and alliances."
I heard Jack stand abruptly. "Why was I not informed?"
"My fault, Your Majesty. I received notice two days ago. I should have told you immediately. Please forgive me," John said quickly.
"Which kingdoms are participating?"
"All our rivals. Every major pack wants their best artists competing. Our members are not skilled enough. Aurora is an expert. I am grateful she returns tomorrow."
"The Eastern Pack is competing as well?" Jack's tone grew cold.
"Yes, they registered first."
Silence fell. I knew that look on his face without seeing it. When King Jack went quiet like this, trouble followed.
"What is our ranking?" he finally asked.
"Number seven," John admitted quietly.
"Seven? The Northern Kingdom is seventh?" Jack's voice dropped dangerously low. "We are the strongest pack in the region."
"I believe someone pushed us back deliberately. They want us to look weak. By the time we present, the judges will be exhausted. They will not judge fairly."
"Gather our people. Aurora will give her best work. We will prove our strength. We do not surrender what is ours."
I stepped away from the door before they noticed me listening.
Later that day, a servant came to inform Jack that Dr. Richard had arrived. I heard their laughter echoing through the halls. Richard was one of the few wolves Jack trusted completely.
When the doctor left, evening had fallen. Jack returned home earlier than usual. He did not come inside. Instead, a servant found me and said the king waited in the garden.
I had never been to the royal garden before. When I stepped through the iron gate, my breath caught. Seats formed a circle beneath an ancient oak tree. The branches spread wide, casting shadows over everything. Soft grass covered the ground, thick and green. Lanterns hung from the lower branches, glowing warmly in the dusk.
It was beautiful. Romantic. The perfect place for mates to spend time together.
Jack sat with one leg crossed over the other. His dark hair fell slightly over his forehead. His jaw was set in that way that meant his mind was working. When he looked at me, his golden eyes held no warmth.
I felt exposed under his gaze. Like he could see through every wall I built. But I pushed the feeling aside and walked to him. I kissed his cheek softly. "Welcome home, darling. I missed you."
He forced a small smile. "I missed you too."
A servant brought coffee and disappeared silently.
"How was your day? Did you send the rejection to the Eastern Pack?" Jack lifted his cup but barely drank.
"I did. But their Alpha sent another message. He offered to triple my payment. He said I could work one month and leave if I wanted. No obligations."
"Did you accept?" His eyes locked onto mine. I felt like he was searching for something hidden.
"Of course not. How could I when you do not want it? I would never deliberately upset you."
"I see." He took another small sip.
"Two other packs contacted me too. They want me to start tomorrow. The urgency is strange. I cannot explain it."
Jack did not smile. He looked unhappy. Distant.
"John knows you are returning. He was pleased. You are expected at the Royal Hall in the morning."
I nodded. Something was wrong. "Why do you look so troubled?"
"Just thinking about pack matters." He set his cup down. "How was your day? Were you bored staying in the quarters alone?"
The question seemed casual, but his tone was not. He was testing me. Waiting for something.
"I was not bored at all. I stayed home all day. I slept and did things I enjoy." I kept talking, listing small details about my day in the royal quarters.
But Jack was not listening anymore. His expression changed. His jaw tightened. The gold in his eyes darkened to amber.
I stopped mid-sentence. "Jack?"
He stood slowly. His wolf was close to the surface now. I could see it in the way he moved.
"You stayed home all day?" he repeated quietly.
"Yes."
He stared at me for a long moment. Then he turned and walked toward the garden gate without another word.
I sat there alone, my coffee growing cold in my hands. The lanterns swayed gently in the breeze. He knew. Somehow, King Jack knew I lied.