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Phoenix's jaw tightened. "Torrel needs to decide where his loyalties lie. With you as his alpha, or with his own ambitions. This will force that choice. It will also give your original lands the chance to replenish, and then you can make a decision about that down the road. We need somewhere to plant a few trees," he added with a cheeky grin, nudging Bayer’s shoulder.

I glanced at Em, and he reached out to entwine his fingers with mine. I swallowed. “Hormones,” Em whispered. We all waited for Bayer’s response, and he glanced at me. I nodded, my smile big. Bayer reached out a hand to Phoenix, but Phoenix just made a disgusted noise and dragged him in for a hug.

Em passed me a tissue.

Chapter twenty-eight

Danny

I was nestled in what Bayer now jokingly called my "command center" on the couch when a knock at the door interrupted my lesson planning. Emery had gone to pick up supplies for the school, and Bayer was with Phoenix finalizing details for our eventual move to the new territory. All the bears seemed excited with the idea."Come in," I called, expecting Simeon with another one of his protein-packed snacks.

Instead, two women I'd never seen before hesitantly entered the living room. Both were clearly bear shifters—it was something about their solid presence and the way they carried themselves with contained strength. The taller one had auburn hair pulled into a practical braid, while the shorter sported a silver-streaked pixie cut that framed sharp, intelligent eyes.

"Sorry to disturb you," the taller one said, her voice surprisingly gentle for someone who looked like she could bench press a small car. "I'm Maya, and this is Sylvia. We're part of your mate's pack," she added, nodding toward where Bayer would be if he were here.I straightened, setting aside my tablet.

"Nice to meet you. He's not here right now, but I can take a message for whatever you need."

The women exchanged glances, and something unspoken passed between them."Actually," Sylvia said, stepping forward, "we came to see you specifically."

"Me?" I couldn't hide my surprise. Most of the bears had kept their distance since my pregnancy became known, as if afraid I might spontaneously go into labor if they got too close.

Maya nodded, her expression serious. "We wanted to discuss the Winter Gathering."

"The...what now?" I asked, gesturing for them to sit.

They perched on the edge of the armchairs across from me, looking oddly formal. Sylvia pulled a small, leather-bound book from her bag and placed it on the coffee table between us."The Winter Gathering," she repeated. "It's our most important seasonal celebration. Traditionally, it's organized by the alpha's mate."

I blinked, the implications sinking in slowly. "Wait, you want me to organize a bear festival?"

"It's more than just a festival," Maya explained, leaning forward. "It's a ritual of renewal. A time when the pack comes together just as winter starts to strengthen bonds and prepare for the lean months."

"And the alpha's mate has always been responsible for it, even though we haven’t celebrated it as a pack for over ten years," Sylvia added, tapping the leather book. "This contains the traditional elements, but...well, we were hoping you might bring some fresh perspectives."

I stared at them, my brain struggling to process this new responsibility. "I don't know anything about bear traditions. I mean, I barely know how to be a mate, let alone plan a traditional ritual."

The women exchanged another look, and I caught something that might have been hope in Sylvia's eyes. "That's exactly why we came to you," Maya said carefully. "The old ways...they weren't always good for everyone."

I shifted uncomfortably. "What do you mean?"

Sylvia's mouth tightened. "Under Bayer's father, the Winter Gathering became something else. Something darker."

"The alpha's mate had no real authority," Maya added, her voice dropping. "Just responsibilities. Endless responsibilities with punishment for failure."

My stomach clenched. "Punishment?"

"Public humiliation was Micah’s favorite," Sylvia said bluntly. "He enjoyed making an example of those who displeased him. Especially women."

"Jesus," I whispered.

"The she-bears were essentially servants," Maya continued, her eyes fixed on her clasped hands. "Expected to prepare food, decorate, entertain, all while being..." She hesitated.

"Available," Sylvia finished for her, the word sharp with bitterness. "To any unmated male who caught their scent."

I felt sick. "That's not a celebration. That's sexual slavery." It was rape.

"Yes," they said in unison, and the simple acknowledgment made my chest ache.

"When Bayer's mother was alive, she protected us as much as she could," Maya said softly. "After she died...things got worse."