Mated to My Intended's Enemy novel Chapter 56

Chapter 56: Chapter 56 The Garden of Memories

Victoria

The morning after our leadership council meeting, I stood on the back terrace of Howlthorne Manor, watching as the gardeners tended to my mother’s beloved rose garden. Despite my exhaustion from days of crisis management, I’d risen with the dawn, drawn to this peaceful corner of the estate where my mother had spent so many happy hours. The gentle spring breeze carried the scent of freshly bloomed flowers, momentarily washing away the stress of leadership.

"I thought I’d find you here," Leo’s deep voice came from behind me.

I turned to see him approaching, casual in dark jeans and a simple black button-down with the sleeves rolled to his elbows—a rare departure from his usual intimidating suits. Even dressed down, he radiated the unmistakable energy of an Alpha, drawing the instinctive glances of every werewolf on the grounds.

His hand found mine, our fingers intertwining naturally. "You’ve done remarkably well these past few days. The pack is responding to your leadership."

"Even Garrett seems to be coming around," I said with a small smile, still surprised by how effectively bringing my former antagonist into the leadership circle had neutralized his opposition. "His proposal for reorganizing the security patrols actually makes sense."

"Keep your enemies closer," Leo murmured, echoing my earlier strategy. "Though I still don’t trust him completely."

I nodded, gazing out at the sprawling grounds. "Neither do I. That’s why I’ve assigned Lilith to handle external communications. She’s ambitious enough to take pride in the role, but she’ll have no real power to undermine us."

Leo’s lips quirked into an appreciative smile. "Clever mate. You’re playing the game like you were born to it."

"Maybe I was," I replied, my thumb absently stroking the Howlthorne pendant at my throat. "I just never had the chance to play before."

*We’ve always been stronger than they knew,* Ava whispered within me, my wolf spirit radiating pride and satisfaction.

An elderly man with gnarled hands and a weathered face approached us then, carrying a basket of freshly cut roses. I recognized him immediately—Thomas, the head gardener who had tended these grounds for over forty years.

"Good morning, Alpha Victoria," he said, bowing his head respectfully. The title still sounded strange to my ears, but I was gradually growing accustomed to it. "Alpha Moretti."

"Thomas," I greeted warmly. "The garden looks beautiful. Mother would be pleased."

His weathered face creased into a smile. "Luna Elisabeth always said roses need love as much as sunshine. I’ve tried to give them both in her absence."

"You’ve succeeded wonderfully," I assured him, touched by his dedication.

Thomas glanced between Leo and me, his eyes crinkling with something like approval. "You remind me of her, you know."

"Did you know her well?" I asked, hungry for any connection to the mother I’d lost too young.

"As well as anyone outside your father, I suppose," Thomas replied. "She spent hours out here, documenting every plant, experimenting with new varieties." He hesitated, then added more softly, "Not like the other one—Lady Aurora. She ordered half the medicinal herbs ripped out to make room for more decorative varieties. Said they were ’common weeds.’"

I felt Leo tense slightly beside me at the mention of Aurora, but Thomas seemed oblivious to the effect of his words.

"Luna Elisabeth was a true botanist," Thomas continued, setting down his basket. "Always taking notes, pressing specimens. Had her own study filled with books and plants. I don’t think anyone’s really been in there since... well, since she passed."

My heart quickened. "Her study? Where is it?"

"East wing, second floor. The small solarium that overlooks this garden." Thomas pointed to a rounded glass extension I could just make out from our position. "Lady Aurora wanted to convert it to a tea room, but your father wouldn’t hear of it. Kept it locked up after Miss Elisabeth died."

I exchanged a glance with Leo, seeing my own curiosity reflected in his eyes.

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