HARDIN
Aaron and I had always chased different things. At least I had.
Since we turned eighteen, we barely shared the same dreams, let alone ambitions. Especially not the kind of life I wanted. The one built on strength, not handed down like some fragile crown.
Aaron never hungered for real power. But he was still my brother.
And right now, the only thing we both craved was the same. Our mate.
Lyon had been pacing under my skin all night, restless and snarling whenever Elara's face crossed my mind. The pull was undeniable. Her scent alone made my wolf surge forward, demanding I get closer to her. That's why I'd done something this reckless. Something the old me would've scoffed at, even if the Moon Goddess had begged.
A knock sounded once on my door before it opened. James, my assistant, stepped inside.
"I have updates, boss."
I signed the last papers on my desk, the ones regarding the alliances with a few smaller packs I intended to bring under my influence. Aaron wanted nothing to do with Father's throne. Fine. I did. But I wouldn't rule like our father. He ruled weak enough that a pathetic pack like the Stone pack could make demands, or shameless enough to trade daughters like bargaining pieces in his games.
That was what Father lacked. He had the throne, but not the power that should come with it. Because without power, you couldn't protect the people you cared about. Power wasn't greed. It was protection. An empire so unbreakable that obedience came without asking.
When I looked up, James wore that familiar disappointed expression.
"They refused the Aegis Court membership again," he said. "They probably want more influence first."
The Aegis Court is the most powerful council of elders in the city. They controlled nearly half the packs here. And I had been pursuing their recognition for two years now, ever since I moved to the city to build something of my own. Yet, even after contributing to half the initiatives they demanded, I was still considered unworthy.
I nodded slowly. "That's fine," I said calmly. "We still have time."
I folded my hands on the desk. "The boy?"
He had only worked for me for a year and half, but he understood me well enough. I didn't have any friends. But if I ever came close to having one… It would be James.
He gave me that knowing look before answering. "We still have nothing on Silas. So far, the guy's been normal."
I didn't buy it for a second. Something about the guy had been off the moment I saw him at Elara's place earlier. His story hadn't lined up, and worse, he carried himself like someone with something to hide. Liars had a scent and I'd dealt with enough of them in my life to recognize the type. So I put a tail on him.
James stepped closer. "Still nothing solid on Silas. Guy seems normal on paper."
"Just keep watching him," I said. "And the girl?"
He dropped the file on my desk, running through the details I'd asked him to gather about Elara.
I barely needed to read much. Her life revolved around exactly two things: work and school. Simple and predictable. Not the kind of life that would attract any attention.
"I'll keep this." I slid the file into my drawer and grabbed my suit jacket. "I'm driving tonight."
James didn't question it, but the surprise on his face was obvious. I ignored it.
A few minutes later, I was already in the driveway. I got into the car and drove straight to the one person who had been on my mind all night.
Elara.
By the time I reached her side, the city had gone quiet. Her scent should've hit me on the stairs. The usual warm, electric, scent that made Lyon whine with need. Instead, it was faint. I climbed the last stairs leading to her floor, already knowing she'd probably be pissed to see me. But it didn't matter to me. I just needed to see her once before heading back.
I knocked twice. There was no answer.
My brows pulled together. Someone else's scent lingered behind the door. Definitely a male.
That alone made my chest tighten, heat flooding my veins like wildfire. Lyon stirred a little. His claws pricked at my control. I knew her roommate's scent. This one was different.
My jaw clenched as something hot and ugly began boiling in my chest. I saw red. That's what it felt like.
Before I did something reckless, I decided to try one more knock.
Just then, the door swung open.
My eyes landed on a guy wearing glasses. His shirt was half open, a clean wristwatch on his wrist, and an expression that immediately rubbed me the wrong way.
I stared at him for a moment. Why the hell was he the only one in her room?
Where was Elara?
"Who are you?" I demanded coldly.
He blinked at me, clearly confused, before scoffing. "Bro, you're the one standing at my door. Shouldn't I be asking you that?"
My door? I glanced at the door tag again. No mistake. This was definitely Elara's room.
"Where's the owner of this room?" I asked again, my voice harder this time. I was trying hard to stay calm.
He rolled his eyes and started to shut the door. Big mistake. My hand shot out, catching the door before it closed.
The next second, my other hand grabbed his collar and yanked him outside. His back slammed hard against the wall.
"Where the fuck is Elara?" I demanded, my voice low and edged.
"Hey, cool it, man," Lyon roared in my head. "You're about to hurt a stranger we just met."
His voice echoed so loud but I ignored him. The boil of jealousy drowning out every reason in my head. Talking was never my strong suit. Punching people usually got faster answers.
"Don't say I didn't warn you," Lyon growled again. "You're gonna scare the shit out of our mate if she sees you like this."
"Shut up, Lyon!" I snapped.
The guy took advantage of the moment and shoved my grip off his shirt, staggering back with a rough breath. I stepped forward, ready to grab him again. That's when I heard my name.
"Hardin?"
My head snapped toward the stairs. Elara stood there, eyes widened.
Her gaze moved from me to the stranger beside the wall. "Oh my goodness," she breathed. "What did you do to him?"
"I told you," Lyon scorned.
She marched up, her glare sharp enough to draw blood. From the fury in her eyes, murder was definitely on the table.
And fuck if that fire didn't make the mate pull burn even hotter inside me.