And I’m the one coming undone.
Chapter 16
Dane
Iwalk back to the compound, heat still riding under my skin from our kiss. Her taste lingers, but her words cut deeper.
Find another way to burn off your fear.
The central fire pit crackles as I approach. Wolves gather around it, plates balanced on knees, conversations low but steady. Normal scene. Except nothing’s normal anymore.
I grab food I don’t want and scan the faces. Ben watches the perimeter. Callum sits apart, eyes tracking something I can’t see. Kari stands rigid by the supply cabin, arms crossed tight.
Nova enters from the east path. Dirt under her nails. That electric scent still clinging to her skin. Magic residue.
She doesn’t look at me. Doesn’t acknowledge anyone. Just moves toward the food table with quiet precision.
Kari shifts, blocking her path.
“Another solo mission?” Kari’s voice carries just enough for nearby wolves to hear. “Must be nice having no chain of command.”
Conversations die. Forks pause midair. The only sound is the fire’s pop and crackle.
Nova doesn’t startle. Doesn’t rush to explain. She stands perfectly still, eyes steady on Kari.
“If you have concerns about my methods, there are proper channels,” Nova says, voice neutral.
“Proper channels.” Kari’s laugh is sharp, humorless. “Like how you properly informed our Alpha before wandering off-site again? Or properly documented what you found? Or properly considered the risk to the pack when your trail leads straight back here?”
This isn’t about Nova. It’s about me. About leadership. About who follows orders and who doesn’t have to.
Three younger wolves—still in training—have stopped sparring to watch. Every ear in the compound strains toward this moment.
“We’re fighting something that doesn’t follow rules,” Nova says, calm and direct. “I track it where it leads.”
“Rules keep packs alive,” Kari counters. “Solo heroes get packs killed.”
The tension vibrates through the air. Not just between them—through all of us.
Lyanna steps forward, her movements fluid, unhurried. She doesn’t position herself between them. Just places herself at the edge of their space.
“The younger wolves are watching,” she says quietly. “Whatever message we send now, they’ll carry.”
Kari’s jaw tightens. Nova doesn’t move.
I could step in. Could pull rank, could redirect, could defuse. But I need to see what happens when I don’t.
Every wolf watches, waiting. Testing where their loyalties should fall.
I let the silence stretch until it’s unbearable. Then I speak—just once.
“Kari’s right about the chain.” My voice cuts through the tension. “Fix it.”
I don’t elaborate. Don’t soften it. Just mark the line.
Nova’s eyes find mine. No anger. No rebellion. Just clear assessment.
Message received.
