CHAPTER 31: CHAPTER 31 RIVER VALLEY PACK

Leo

Ronan, my wolf, rumbled contentedly within me. *Mate,* he purred, the single word carrying mountains of possessive satisfaction.

"Focus," I muttered to myself, flipping through the market analysis reports Tiny had compiled. River Valley Pack had been steadily eating into our northeastern distribution territory for weeks now.

*Her wolf grows stronger daily,* Ronan observed, completely ignoring my attempt to concentrate on pack business. *Did you feel how Ava pushed forward when Victoria was dreaming?*

I couldn’t help the small smile that formed. Last night, Victoria had jolted awake from a dream, her eyes flashing brilliant gold—evidence of Ava’s growing presence. For a half-breed whose wolf awakened so late, her development was remarkable. Most mixed-bloods struggled their entire lives to connect with their wolves, yet Victoria and Ava were already establishing a powerful bond.

"She’s extraordinary," I agreed aloud, knowing Ronan needed the acknowledgment. "Far stronger than any hybrid I’ve encountered."

*Not a mere hybrid,* Ronan growled defensively. *Our Luna. Future mother of our pups.*

The image of Victoria swollen with my child sent a surge of primal satisfaction through me. Soon, perhaps.

A sharp knock interrupted my thoughts.

"Enter," I called, straightening in my chair.

Tiny’s massive frame filled the doorway, his expression grim. "Alpha, we’ve confirmed River Valley’s latest movement. They’ve established a outpost two miles within our territory."

I felt my jaw tighten. "Permanent structures?"

"Yes. Small cabin, observation tower. Six wolves stationed there as of this morning."

Ronan snarled, bristling at this blatant provocation. This was beyond testing boundaries—this was a direct challenge.

"Contact Alpha Blackwell," I ordered, rising from my chair. "Arrange a meeting. Today."

A ghost of a smile touched Tiny’s lips. "I’ll inform him immediately."

As Tiny departed, I moved to the window overlooking the training grounds where several of our warriors were sparring. The Shadow Pack wasn’t just wealthy—we were militarily formidable. Alpha Blackwell knew this, which made his provocation all the more puzzling.

"Gather a security detail," I instructed Carson when he entered a moment later. "Six of our best. Full combat readiness, but weapons concealed. We’re meeting River Valley in an hour."

"Problem?" Carson asked, already mentally selecting which warriors to bring.

"Hopefully not for long," I replied, shrugging into my leather jacket. "Either way, River Valley will understand their mistake by sunset."

---

"Alpha Moretti," Blackwell greeted, his tone falsely cordial. At fifty-something, he was older than me by nearly two decades.

I inclined my head slightly. "Alpha Blackwell. I wasn’t informed this was a council matter."

Elder Maverick stepped forward, his ancient face impassive. "It wasn’t, until Alpha Blackwell requested mediation this morning."

Tiny shifted closer to me, a subtle move of support. We both recognized the play—Blackwell was attempting to legitimize his land grab through bureaucratic channels.

"Interesting timing," I observed coolly. "Requesting mediation the same day I discover permanent structures erected on Shadow Pack land."

Blackwell spread his hands in a gesture of innocence. "Simply a wildlife observation post. The migration patterns this season have been unusual—"

"Cut the bullshit," I interrupted, my patience evaporating. "You’ve been systematically pushing boundaries for weeks. Now you’ve built structures and stationed warriors deep in my territory without permission or notification."

Elder Maverick’s eyebrows rose slightly at my bluntness, but I continued before he could speak.

"This isn’t about wildlife. This is about the three new silver deposits discovered in that region last month." I watched satisfaction drain from Blackwell’s face, replaced by wariness. "Did you think we wouldn’t know? Shadow Pack has the most advanced mineral survey operation in the territory."

"The deposits cross boundary lines," Blackwell argued, recovering quickly. "River Valley has historical claim—"

"To deposits located on your land, yes," I agreed, pulling a folder from inside my jacket and handing it to Elder Maverick. "These are the geological surveys from an independent firm. The silver veins run parallel to our shared border, not across it. All three deposits are fully within Shadow Pack territory."

The elder opened the folder, studying the detailed maps with interest while Blackwell’s expression darkened.

"This could be examined by council experts," Blackwell suggested tightly.

"By all means," I replied, confidence flowing through me. "In the meantime, you have until sundown to dismantle your outpost and withdraw all River Valley wolves from Shadow Pack land." I stepped closer, lowering my voice. "Or I’ll remove them myself."

Elder Maverick looked up sharply. "Alpha Moretti, threats of violence—"

"Are unnecessary," I finished smoothly. "Because Alpha Blackwell respects pack law and territorial boundaries. Don’t you, Robert?"

"The council will review these claims," he managed, nodding toward the documents.

"Of course," I agreed pleasantly. "And when they confirm what we already know, we can discuss proper compensation for the timber your wolves harvested from my territory during their... wildlife observation."

Blackwell’s face flushed with anger, but with the elder present, his options were limited. "Six hours is insufficient time to fully dismantle—"

"Then leave it half-dismantled," I shrugged. "But your wolves vacate my land by sundown, or they’ll be considered hostile intruders." I turned to Elder Maverick. "Pack Law Section 17 is quite clear on the rights of an Alpha to defend against unauthorized presence."

The elder nodded reluctantly. "Alpha Moretti is correct about the law, Alpha Blackwell. Without formal dispute proceedings initiated before the incursion, your wolves must withdraw pending council review."

Victory secured, I allowed myself a small smile. "I believe our business is concluded. Elder Maverick, my pack honors your presence. Alpha Blackwell—sundown."

As they retreated to their vehicles, Tiny moved to my side. "That went well."

"Too well," I muttered, watching the dust rise as they drove away. "Blackwell knew exactly what he was doing. The question is why push now? Why risk open confrontation?"

"Perhaps it’s tied to the rumors about your mating," Carson said quietly. "Some might see change as weakness... an opening to strike. Also, Luna Victoria texted me earlier—she said she’s planning to visit the Omega House today."

I pulled out my phone. A single unread message from Victoria lit up the screen:

[My class ended early. Hannah actually complimented me—progress! Heading to Omega House now.]

My lips curved faintly as I typed back:[Proud of you, little wolf.]

I hesitated, my thumb hovering over the keyboard for a beat longer than necessary, before adding:[Miss you.]