Chapter 26
Evelyne packed away her supplies alongside the rest of the camp as the morning training session finally drew to a close, one far more heated than usual.
Word of Beau’s stunt with Alaric the night before had spread quickly, settling over the grounds like a bruise no one wished to name.
Thankfully, no blood had been spilled and Alaric seemed to have brushed the incident aside with practiced composure, as though it were an inconvenience rather than a warning.
Ravena had spoken on her son’s behalf, offering an apology so firm it left no room for debate, though it should have been Beau standing there to give it.
No one expected much reflection from him in his current state, not while the sting of Heidara’s rejection still festered.
If he could not find some way to move forward, Moonshade would have little choice but to change course entirely.
By morning, that much had been made plain.
After a quiet exchange with Kaldrek, Coren confirmed that Beau would no longer be allowed anywhere near the Ironwolf pack.
Evelyne suspected the order had come from Ravena herself.
She had the look of a female who made decisions swiftly and expected them obeyed, leaving Coren to deliver the message while she turned her full attention to correcting her son.
Evelyne suppressed a laugh as Beau was sent trudging back toward his tent beneath a very public scolding, Ravena’s voice carrying across the training grounds for all to hear. After all, he had no business being there that morning.
Evelyne found herself wondering how a female came to lead a pack. Had the tattoo chosen Ravena as it had chosen Kaldrek? Or had her place grown from the mating bond she shared with Coren? Was she born into Moonshade, or had she forged her place there through years of loyalty and strength?
Evelyne knew she belonged to Kaldrek. Yet the question would not leave her.
Why had no Ironwolf ink ever claimed her, as it had the others? Why not Cillian? She had no answer. Only the deep, aching need to understand how belonging truly worked, how one was chosen, drawn in, and made part of the living body of a pack. Should Kaldrek’s acceptance not have been enough?
“You move well for a new wolf.”
Evelyne turned and found Ravena standing just behind her. She had not heard her approach, and had no sense of how long she had been there.
“I’m not quite sure what you mean by well,” Evelyne replied, offering a polite smile. “But thank you.”
“I mean you do not let your instincts overrun you. You temper them. I’ve watched you train.
” A glimmer of appreciation touched her features.
“You fight with control—and with purpose.” She paused, then added, “Kaldrek has spoken to me of his mate’s noble upbringing.
Of how greatly you impress him. I’ll admit, I did not expect to believe him so readily.
And yet… here I am, feeling compelled to see it for myself. ”
Evelyne finished rolling a thick wool blanket before answering. “That’s very kind,” she said carefully. “Though I can’t claim to be half as capable as the others.”
“No,” Ravena agreed without unkindness. “You are not.” Then she tilted her head. “But you do stand apart.”
Evelyne blinked.
“An alpha learns to recognize potential,” Ravena continued. “And you possess it. You do not shy from fear. You meet it… especially when it threatens those you love.”
“Yes,” Evelyne said quietly, nodding.
Ravena studied her for a moment longer. “Though I am not your alpha, I can sense that you are unsettled. A little unmoored.”
Evelyne shook her head at once. “I’m happy,” she said. “With my mate. With my friends. I love the pack.”
Ravena’s expression shifted, less guarded now.
“I did not say you were unhappy. I only mean you have not yet discovered the full shape of your calling. You will.” She hesitated, then added, “Your mate will always love you. He will protect you. But it is just as important that you learn to trust your own instincts—your wolf’s, not only his. ”
“I’m not sure I understand,” Evelyne admitted.
Ravena smiled and placed a steady hand on her shoulder. Evelyne’s eyes drifted to the intricate tattoo winding up Ravena’s arm and along her neck—the clear markings of an alpha, crowned by the small crescent moon near her collarbone. Moonshade.
Ravena noticed and tapped her neck lightly, directly over the mark. “You already feel the urge to protect your mate and your family,” she said. “That is both human and wolf.” Her eyes darkened, thoughtful. “But one day, you will feel that same pull toward others. Toward a group that needs you.”
Evelyne’s brow furrowed. “How will I know?”
“Because packs choose their own,” Ravena said simply.
“Not just the family bloodline within them—but the magic bound to them. The same magic that leaves its claim upon us.” She gestured to her markings.
“You are exactly where you are meant to be. For now. Do not mistake that for an ending. Your story is only beginning.”
Evelyne did not know how to answer. She felt confused, yes, but also seen. Honored, even. And strangely steadied by the attention of a female who owed her nothing. Ravena was not bound to Kaldrek and had no duty to guide her. Yet she stood there all the same, offering something quiet and rare.
Evelyne smiled softly, her thoughts churning long after Ravena had returned to her pack, leaving silence—and possibility—in her wake.
“Should I be worried,” Heidara asked mildly, appearing at Evelyne’s side, “or was that one of those conversations where an alpha stares into your soul and decides your fate?”
“Nothing so dramatic. Just a brief discussion of wolf customs, training methods. That sort of thing.”
Heidara eyed her skeptically. “Mm. I’m sure that’s all.”
“It is,” Evelyne said, smiling. “Truly.”
Heidara rolled her eyes and dropped onto a crate, tugging at the straps of her pack. “Well, while you were being quietly assessed by the Moonshade alpha, I was trying not to commit murder.”
Evelyne glanced at her. “Beau?”
“Obviously.” Heidara’s mouth twisted. “I still cannot believe he tried to swing at Alaric. Drunk or not.” She shook her head, then groaned. “And we were so close, Ev. So close to actually kissing.”
Evelyne’s brows lifted. “You were?”
“Yes,” Heidara said at once. “And it was beautiful. And perfect. You know, the sort of moment that does not come often.” Her scowl darkened. “And then Beau had to become… whatever foul thing took hold of him. I am sorry, is this too strange to speak of? I know you and Alaric—”
“Not at all,” Evelyne said, motioning for her to continue. “Go on.”
Heidara sighed, then added more softly, “Alaric is doing better, though. I checked on him this morning.”
A small knot loosened in Evelyne’s chest. “I’m glad.”
“He was dizzy for a bit,” Heidara continued, shrugging. “But I think it was just nerves. He was wound tight all night. You could practically hear his heart trying to leap out of his chest.” A grin tugged at her mouth. “Poor thing.”
Evelyne smiled. “That does sound like nerves.”
“Exactly. He’s been looking at me like he’s wanted to kiss me for days. I’d wager anything on it.”
Evelyne laughed and secured the final strap on her pack. “Then you should stop standing here talking to me and go find him.”
Heidara blinked. “Now?”
“Yes, now,” Evelyne said, amused. “We’re heading into the Mokkvyrn Forest, Heidara.
That dark, miserable stretch of wilderness, and autumn has already begun sinking its teeth into the air.
” She nodded toward the distant treeline.
“If there’s anything you mean to say—or do—you would be wise not to keep delaying it. ”
Heidara hesitated, then smiled to herself. “Fine,” she said. “But if I miss him because you distracted me—”
“I will take full responsibility,” Evelyne promised.
With a laugh, Heidara slung her pack over her shoulder and set off through the camp.