Chapter 91
Lysandra’s POV
Alaric’s jaw remained tight, eyes never leaving Tristan’s face. The hostility between them crackled like lightning about to strike. My brother’s protective rage was a physical thing, rolling off him in waves that made nearby wolves instinctively step back.
“Ric,” I said, keeping my voice gentle but firm as I touched his arm. “I believe Dad is calling for us. Let’s go over there.”
“Your sister knows how to end conversations,” Tristan said, his voice deceptively light. “Maybe she can teach you.”
Alaric’s fingers flexed at his sides, claws threatening to emerge. “I know exactly who needs teaching here.”
Other Alphas watched from a careful distance. Some appeared fascinated by the confrontation, while others seemed frankly terrified. These were the most powerful wolves in several territories, and their combined fury could tear this yacht
apart.
Astrid stirred within me, concerned about the building tension. She might enjoy Tristan’s attention, but even she recognized the danger of two rival Alphas on the verge of violence.
“Ric, please,” I tugged more insistently at his arm. My real fear wasn’t the confrontation itself but what Tristan might say. If he mentioned the twins, even in passing…
To my surprise, Tristan’s demeanor changed suddenly. The anger in his eyes transformed into something I couldn’t read–a strange, almost haunted look.
“Another time, Alpha Alaric,” he said with a formal nod, then turned to me. His expression was unsettlingly calm as he said, “Princess Ravencroft. Congratulations on your… resurrection.”
With that, he walked away, leaving me staring after him in confusion. No accusations. No rage. !
unreadable look.
hat strange,
***
“That bastard!” Alaric seethed as we made our way across the deck. “Did you see his arrogance? How dare he approach us with such pride? That cold–blooded Silverblood Alpha, after everything he put you through!”
I squeezed his arm. “Control yourself, Ric. He’s always been like this. But I’m glad he knows the truth now. Seeing his face when he realized the ‘wolfless nobody‘ he dismissed is actually the daughter of Moonshade’s Alpha family—that was
satisfaction enough.”
Alaric’s nostrils flared. “If he dares touch you again, your brother will show him what real Alpha power feels like, I won’t let him hurt you again.”
I smiled despite myself. Alaric’s protectiveness was excessive, but comforting. After years spent feeling worthless in Tristan’s pack, having someone fight for me still felt like a luxury I hadn’t fully adjusted to.
Mother found me minutes later, her silver eyes searching my face with unmistakable worry. Luna Aurelia Ravencroft was the picture of elegance even in distress, her sleek gown shimmering like moonlight as she pulled me aside.
“Are you alright, dear?
Chapter 91
I smiled reassuringly. “Mom, I’m fine.”
She glanced over my shoulder, clearly looking for Tristan. “Why did he approach you and Alaric? What did that man say? I saw the way he was looking at you…”
“Mom, relax. He can’t do anything to me. You’re all here with me. And I’m not that weak, wolfless girl anymore. I have Astrid, I have my own strength.”
Her face softened, tension melting into pride. “Of course I’m happy, my precious girl. Nothing gives a Luna more joy than claiming her daughter as her own blood. Your father and I waited years for this moment.”
Father found us shortly after, his commanding presence drawing respectful nods from passing wolves. We talked about the significance of tonight’s announcement, the future of our pack, and my role as CEO moving forward.
Kieran joined our family circle, bringing drinks and that easy smile that always lightened the mood. “The twins called again,” he mentioned casually. “They miss you.”
Guilt twisted in my stomach. Between running Ravencroft Enterprises and preparing for tonight’s reveal, I’d barely seen my children all week.
“Maybe you should call them,” Kieran suggested, seeming to read my thoughts. “Just to say goodnight?”
I nodded gratefully. “I’ll do that now.”
I found a quiet spot at the edge of the deck, where the party noises faded beneath the gentle lapping of waves against the yacht’s hull. The moon hung full and bright overhead, its silver light dancing across the water’s surface.
When I dialed home, I expected Lucy to answer. Instead, Lyra’s indignant voice greeted me.
“Mom, we’re mad at you. You don’t care about us.”
I leaned against the railing, guilt washing over me. “What’s wrong, my little moonbeam? Didn you all my time tomorrow?”
cy tell you I’m giving
“Mom, why are you so busy? We’re two people alone at home. We don’t like it. Grandpa and Grandma aren’t here either. I wanted to see your pretty dress.”
“Baby, Mom’s so sorry. Just one more hour, okay? Did you eat dinner?”
I heard rustling, then Orion’s more serious voice in the background: “Tell Mom we didn’t want to eat. Tell her we’re angry.”
“I’m sorry. I promise we’ll go out tomorrow. Tell me where you want to go. Mom will take you there.”
“Nowhere,” Orion declared. “We don’t want to go anywhere. And if that Dangerous Wolf Man is there, I’ll protect you.”
My heart clenched. Somehow, they always circled back to Tristan, the mysterious “Wolf King Hero” who’d saved me. The twins‘ opposing views of him–Lyra’s fascination and Orion’s suspicion–were a constant reminder of the complicated truth I kept hidden.
“Mom, are you mad at us?” Lyra’s voice had gone small and uncertain.
I realized I’d been silent too long, lost in my thoughts. “No, babies. Mom loves you both. How could I be angry with you? You two are my life.”
Chapter 91
“Okay, Mom. Let’s go to the park near our school. My friends always go there with their Alpha daddies.”
The innocent comment stung more than it should have. “Alright, we’ll go there.”
After promising to return soon, I ended the call and leaned against the railing, letting the sea breeze cool my heated skin. Astrid whimpered in my consciousness, sensing my emotional turmoil.
“You should bring them next time.”
The deep voice behind me sent a jolt through my system. I spun around to find Tristan leaning against a support column, half–hidden in shadow. How long had he been standing there? How much had he heard?
That explained why Astrid had been whimpering–she’d sensed her mate nearby while I was too distracted to notice.
“You’re spying on me now?” I attempted to step around him, but the deck narrowed here, leaving little room to maneuver.
“For what it’s worth, I wasn’t. I came here for some quiet and found you already here.”
“Well, you’ve had your quiet. I’m leaving.” I moved to pass him again…
His hand shot out, fingers closing around my wrist. The contact sent electricity racing up my arm as he pulled me toward him with surprising gentleness. My body collided with his, and I looked up in shock.
In the moonlight, I could clearly see the blood–red ring around his irises expanding, his wolf pushing against the surface of his control. His scent surrounded me, familiar yet dangerous.
“Why didn’t you tell me he was your brother?” His voice dropped to a whisper, rough with emotion I couldn’t name.
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