Mated to My Intended's Enemy novel Chapter 174

Chapter 174: Chapter 174 Goodbye,Alpha

Freya

As I gathered my things to leave,my phone buzzed again. A text from Aurora: *Isabella left her medication at my house last night. I’ll bring it to the office today.*

Last night. Isabella had been at Aurora’s house last night.

The knowledge burned like silver against my skin. Of course Silvano would take our daughter there the moment I was gone. Of course Aurora would seize the opportunity to play mother to my child,to whisper stories of elven magic and ancient bloodlines in her ear.

My wolf snarled,territorial rage surging through me. *Mine,* Selene growled. *Our pup. Our mate.*

But were they? Truly? Or had I simply been keeping their places warm until someone more suitable—someone like Aurora,with her perfect breeding and her understanding of pack politics and her connection to the elven bloodlines—came along?

I texted Beta Timothy back: *I’ll be there. Preparing the counterproposal now.*

Then,before I could change my mind,I texted Isabella: *Good morning,sweetheart. I hear Grandmother wants us for dinner tonight. Looking forward to seeing you. I love you.*

I stared at the screen,waiting for those three dots to appear,signaling she was typing back. One minute passed. Then two.

Nothing.

Swallowing my disappointment,I slipped my phone into my pocket and headed out to my car. I had a pack to help run,territory negotiations to manage,and a dinner with the Elder Alpha to survive.

My personal crisis would have to wait.

---

The Shadow Pack headquarters occupied a gleaming high-rise in the heart of downtown,its tinted windows reflecting the morning sun. As I pulled into my reserved parking space—still there,despite my absence—I spotted Beta Timothy waiting for me in the lobby.

"There you are," he said,relief evident in his voice as I approached. "I was beginning to think you’d gone rogue on us for real."

I forced a smile. "Just taking some personal time."

Beta Timothy’s expression told me he wasn’t buying it,but he was too professional to push. "We’re in the main conference room. Jasper’s already here with his team."

My step faltered slightly at the mention of Jasper,Alpha of the Stone Lake Pack. We had history—complicated,painful history that I’d rather not revisit,especially not today.

"Any particular reason he came himself instead of sending representatives?" I asked as we stepped into the elevator.

Beta Timothy shrugged. "Territorial disputes always bring out the Alphas. You know how they get—all posturing and chest-thumping."

I did know. I’d spent years navigating the minefield of pack politics,learning to anticipate the moves of temperamental Alphas and soothe bruised egos. It was one of the reasons Silvano had valued me so highly as his Luna—I knew how to make peace where he would have preferred war.

"Silvano’s not here,though," I noted as the elevator climbed.

Beta Timothy glanced at me sideways. "He’s handling things up north. Left me strict instructions to consult you on all territory matters."

The north. Where Aurora was stationed with her security detail,overseeing the expansion of Shadow Pack territory into what had once been disputed lands. Of course that’s where Silvano would be focused.

"I see," was all I said.

When we entered the conference room,all heads turned toward me. I recognized most of the faces—Stone Lake representatives,our own pack lawyers,and at the head of the table,Jasper himself.

His eyes met mine,and for a moment,I was transported back in time—back to when I was just a Gamma in his pack,desperately in love with an Alpha who would never choose me over his destined mate.

"Freya," he acknowledged with a slight nod. "It’s been a while."

"Alpha Jasper," I replied formally,taking my seat at the opposite end of the table. "Let’s get started,shall we?"

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