It was a full wolf moon, and the Vermilion Hollow Pack held a celebration beneath its silver glow. In the quiet of the Alpha's office, Tesmee stood in a red slitted dress with long sleeves hugging her thick, curvy frame. Black strapped stilettos clicked softly on the polished floor as she faced the Alpha.
"We haven't spoken for a while," he said calmly, leaning back in his chair.
"I suppose, Great One," she replied evenly.
He stood and walked over to the drawer in the corner, pulling out a sleek black wooden box—closed tight like treasure. He placed it gently on the table between them.
"You've served this pack well... Risked your life, missed reunions, celebrations—hell, even your peace. You've stayed in battle, lost a loved one, and still stood guard. Tyrese—your brother—would be proud of you. As much as I am... and thankful."
She scoffed lightly, eyes amused as they met his. "Are you thanking me... or warning me to be careful so we don't die? In fact—we don't die."
He laughed under his breath, a small, dry sound. "Maybe. This whole thing is more of a curse than a blessing… It works better with actual mates. Not with someone as reckless as you."
Her brow lifted, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Are you saying I'm reckless?"
"Ain't you?"
"Wow," she said, rolling her eyes. "Anyway, what's—"
She reached for the box, fingertips just brushing its edge when the Alpha caught her hand. In that instant, their eyes flickered—brief bursts of light, the colors of their wolves flashing before settling back to normal. Both their hearts thundered.
Tesmee drew her hand back slowly, breath caught.
He exhaled sharply and looked away, brushing past the moment like it didn't happen. "It's a gift," he said. "But it comes with rules."
"It's a dagger carved in moonstone," he said, opening the box slowly. "Only one person can own and touch it."
He looked at her, eyes steady. "Take it. I can't."
Tesmee cleared her throat softly, then reached in and picked up the dagger. The weight of it felt ancient, powerful.
Without warning, Tyric shifted just enough to release a single claw and sliced across her palm. Blood ran down her hand, dripping onto the dagger's handle. The blade lit up faintly, a pulse of light traveling through the moonstone.
"You're now officially the owner," he said, watching the glow fade into a quiet hum. "Either way, I can still touch the blade."
She raised an eyebrow. "Of course you can. We share a life."
She rolled her eyes, a small smirk tugging at her lips.
"It's amazing… thank you," she said, her voice softer now as she looked at him.
He spent a moment just staring at the dagger, then looked up at her before handing it back, tucking one hand into his pocket.
"We're gonna ignore this, aren't we?"
She sighed, placing the dagger back in the box.
"What plan do you have?"
"Nothing. It's for the best…"
She gave a slow nod. "Good."
And with that, she turned and walked away, leaving him standing in the quiet.