(Audrey’s POV)

Despite Florian Stormhowl’s constant talk about rare healing herbs contributions, he surprised me by arranging luxurious amodations in the Northern Territory. The den was elegant andfortable, far beyond what I was ustomed to.

As evening approached, I began gathering my things, nning to return to Central Territory that night. My phone buzzed with Florian’s name on the disy.

“I’m going to Central Territory tomorrow, I can take you back,” he said without preamble, his voice carrying that characteristiczy drawl.

I considered refusing but thought better of it. “Fine. What time?”

“I’l call you,” he replied and hung up before I could argue.

The prospect of riding in his luxury Pagani rather than taking a pack transport service was admittedly appealing. I might as well take advantage of his offer.

I settled into the plush bed, looking forward to sleeping in the next morning. My body ached from the constant tension of establishing Winter’s Remedy while dealing with Emma Shadowcrest’s demands.

The shrill ring of my phone jolted me awake. Sunlight streamed through unfamiliar curtains as I fumbled for the device.

“Come down,” Florianmanded without greeting.

I squinted at the clock. “It’s only eight!”

“Elder Shadowcrest wants to see you,” he replied. “Don’t keep her waiting.”

I sat up, immediately alert. “Elder Shadowcrest? Why?”

“How would I know? Just hurry up.”

Grumbling, I threw off the covers. “This is the second day in a row you’ve woken me up early.”

“You can sleep in the car,” he offered before ending the call.

I rushed through my morning routine, wondering what the elderly she-wolf could want. Yesterday’s revtion about her missing granddaughter and her connection to our office space still weighed on my mind.

When I reached the lobby, Florian was leaning against his car outside, his tall figure impossible to miss. His golden eyes were shadowed with fatigue as he twirled a lighter between his fingers.

“Alpha Stormhowl, did you not sleep all night again?” I asked, noticing the dark circles under his eyes.

He answered with a jaw-cracking yawn. “Elder Shadowcrest called me at dawn. Said she needed to see you today.”

I approached the passenger side, but Florian tossed me his keys.

“You drive,” he said, heading to the passenger seat without waiting for my response.

“What? Why?”

“Because I’m tired, and if I drive, we might both die.”

His bluntness made meugh despite myself. Once inside, he immediately reclined his seat, pulled an eye mask from his pocket, and settled in to sleep.

“You trust me not to crash your car?” I asked, running my hands over the expensive steering wheel.

“If you do, you’ll die too, so I’m betting on your survival instinct,” he mumbled before falling silent.

I started the powerful engine and carefully navigated through the territory roads. The GPS directed me toward the outskirts of Shadowcrest territory, to an area I’d never visited before.

The Shadowcrest Pack’s old residence was perched on a hillside, more modest than I’d expected. Unlike their newer, ostentatious mansions, this territory den had a quiet dignity, embraced by ancient trees and traditional wolf boundary markers.

I parked in front of the entrance and gently shook Florian awake. “We’re here.”

He removed his eye mask and squinted at our surroundings. “Finally.”

As we walked toward the entrance, Florian unexpectedly said, “Stop calling me ‘Alpha Stormhowl’ all the time.”

I nced at him, surprised by the request. “What should I call you then?”

“Florian, obviously. When you say ‘Alpha Stormhowl,’ it always sounds insincere or like you’re mocking me.”

The observation left me speechless. I hadn’t realized my tone revealed so much. Around him, I was more like my true self – the free-spirited wolf who existed before years of adjusting to Arthur’s status had taught me to be cautious and sensitive to others’ feelings.

A Beta attendant greeted us at the door and led us through corridors adorned with ancient wolf artifacts and family portraits. The scent of healing herbs permeated the air, reminding me of my parents’ small den when I was a child.

Elder Shadowcrest was waiting in a sunlit room filled with flowering nts. When she saw me, she stood up with surprising energy, her face lighting up.

“Healer Winter, thank you foring!” she eximed, extending her hands toward me.

Florian bowed slightly to his godmother. “I brought her as requested, Grandmother Shadowcrest.”

“What can I do for you, Elder?” I asked, genuinely curious about this summons.

Elder Shadowcrest smiled warmly. “I wanted to show you my collection of rare healing herbs for your formtion. Perhaps you’ll find something useful.”

She turned to Florian. “Dear, would you mind going to the dining area and making sure they’re preparing fresh venison for our guest?”

Florian’s golden eyes narrowed slightly, clearly recognizing the dismissal. “Of course, Grandmother.”

Once we were alone, Elder Shadowcrest’s demeanor changed. She took my hands in hers, her touch gentle but eager.

“Audrey,” she said, using my first name, “after meeting you yesterday, I had a dream.”

Her eyes grew misty. “I dreamed of my little granddaughter, Serena. She was smiling, and she seemed to like you very much.”

I wasn’t sure how to respond to this unexpected confidence. Elder Shadowcrest continued, “Why don’t you call me Grandma like Florian does?”

The request caught me off guard. Bing familiar with a member of the Shadowcrest Pack seemed dangerous, especially with my ongoing conflict with Emma. But the hope in the elderly she-wolf’s eyes made refusal impossible.

“If that would please you… Grandma,” I said hesitantly.

Elder Shadowcrest beamed. “It would please me very much.”

She guided me to afortable seat near the window. “Tell me about your parents, dear. Were they healers too? What methods did they use?”

The unexpected personal question stirred memories I rarely discussed. “Yes, they were both skilled healers. My father specialized in trauma treatment, and my mother in chronic conditions.”

I paused, the familiar ache returning. “They died when I was eight years old. Rogue wolves attacked our territory… they died protecting me.”

Elder Shadowcrest’s eyes filled with sympathy. “No wonder my granddaughter likes you. You both had hard lives, losing your parents young, not enjoying much happiness.”

Her words touched something deep inside me. Despite her connection to Emma, I felt a genuine warmth from this elderly she-wolf that I hadn’t experienced since my aunt had taken me in.

The tender moment shattered as an angry voice cut through the room.

“Audrey Winter, you’re trying to im my pack now? This is my Grandma, how dare you call her that!”

Emma Shadowcrest stood in the doorway, her eyes shing with fury. Her expensive outfit and perfectly styled hair contrasted sharply with the traditional setting of the old den.

Elder Shadowcrest’s expression hardened. “Emma, I didn’t expect you today.”

“Clearly,” Emma snapped, her gaze fixed on our joined hands.

“I came to introduce my potential mate,” Emma continued, stepping aside to reveal the tall figure behind her.

My heart sank as Arthur Moonstone entered the room. He looked as impable as always in his tailored suit, his dark eyes briefly meeting mine before focusing on Elder Shadowcrest.

“Elder, it’s an honor to meet you,” Arthur said, bowing respectfully. “I’m Arthur Moonstone, Alpha of the Moonstone Pack and Emma’s intended mate.”

His voice was steady, his demeanorposed, as if we were mere acquaintances rather than wolves who had shared a mate bond for years.

Elder Shadowcrest still held my hand tightly as she looked over at Arthur, her gaze cool and without warmth.” I heard you just severed your mate’s bond?” She asked directly.