And I need to know why.
“Miss Carter?” A voice pulls me from my thoughts. “Welcome to Silvercrest.”
I turn my head to find a woman in her early thirties approaching with a warm smile. She has dark hair pulled back in an elegant twist and is wearing a formal yet laid-back navy dress. She extends her hand.
“I’m Lydia. I’ll be coordinating your stay here. If you need anything at all during your time with us, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
“Thank you.” I shake her hand, noting the firm, confident grip. “I appreciate that.”
“Of course. Now, I’m sure you’d all like to freshen up after that eventful drive.” Her expression turns sympathetic. “I heard about the rogue attack. Are you alright?”
“We’re fine. Your alpha’s security team handled it quickly.”
An odd look flickers across her face at the mention of Lucas, but it’s gone before I can identify it.
“I’m glad to hear it. Come, let me show you all to your rooms. You’ll have about an hour before the welcome reception.”
She leads us into the estate house. The interior is surprisingly warm despite the severe architecture—polished wood floors, comfortable furniture, soft lighting. It’s clear someone put thought into making this place feel like a home rather than a fortress.
My assigned room is spacious and well-appointed. Private bathroom, a comfortable sitting area, fresh flowers on the desk. My luggage is already waiting.
“The welcome party will be in the main hall,” Lydia says from the doorway. “One of the guards will come collect you just before it starts. Take your time settling in.”
A shower helps wash away the dust and tension from the drive. I stand under the hot water longer than necessary, trying to organize my thoughts.
I’m in his territory now. His home. For four weeks. At least.
Since I’m going to be seeing him every day, I will have to do something about our relationship. I can’t stand feeling the mate bond pull between us while he pretends it doesn’t exist.
I will make him acknowledge it.
I’m toweling off my hair when my phone buzzes on the bathroom counter. I check it and find a congratulatory message from my parents. They must have finally gotten my text about the promotion.
I smile as I open it. They have impeccable timing, always seeming to know when I need them the most, even from half a world away.
I stare at the screen for a moment, warmth spreading through my chest. I feel like a teenager again, just wanting a big hug and to be told everything will be okay.
For a second, I consider calling them. I want to tell them about Lucas, about how hard he is making this whole thing, about the confusion and distress that have been sitting like lead in my chest since the moment he shoved me away.
They’d listen. They’d comfort me. But I don’t want to worry them.
They’re supposed to be relaxing, enjoying their time traveling together. I’m not going to dump my problems on them when they’re so far away and can’t do anything about them anyway.
I type out a quick message: Love you both so much. Thank you for always believing in me.
I hit send and set the phone down.
Then, I open my luggage and pull out the burgundy dress I packed specifically for tonight. It’s proper for the occasion yet extremely flattering. I keep my hair loose around my shoulders. If I’m going to confront Lucas tonight, I want to look like someone who knows exactly what she wants.
A guard arrives precisely one hour later to escort me downstairs.
The main hall is already filled with people when I arrive. Silvercrest pack members mingle with my team, conversation flowing easily. A long table holds enough food to feed twice this many people, and servers move through the crowd with drinks on trays.
“There you are!” Lydia appears at my elbow with a champagne flute. “I hope the accommodations are to your taste?”
“The room is lovely. Thank you.”
“I’m so glad. Now, come, let me introduce you around.”
