#Chapter 41 Three Years Later

Bastiens POV

It still feels strange to sit at my father’s desk

When I first took over as Alpha I continued using my personal study for pack business, but after a few months Donavon suggested transition to the official executive office. I reluctantly agreed, and though I’m now used to sitting in Dad’s chair, 1 know I will never truly fill his shoes

Taking care of the pack is the only thing keeping me going now.

It took a long time for me to find my way as a leader: sabotaged by forces beyond my control and mourning the loss of my mate, only the danger posed to my pack kept my head above water. Over time doing whatever was required to protect the pack evolved into true governance, and one day I woke up and realized I was no longer merely going through the motions

In some ways this was my enemy’s biggest mistake. If they hadn’t continued trying to destroy my family’s legacy and weaken the Novas, I probably would have given up. Instead they gave me a reason to fight.

Not a day goes by that I do not miss my mate, that I do not wish I could turn back the clocks or trade the Goddess my life for hers. but I’ve come to believe helping others is a far better tribute to Selene’s memory than wasting away in grief, failing countless others the way I failed her.

As if he can hear my thoughts, Aiden appears in the doorway with a cursory knock. “We’ve had a report from Eros lands. A sighting of a mother and child – both Volanas.”

My brows raise skeptically. In the three years since Selene died, the tip line has never received a valid report of a Volana sighting A few false tips have come in every so often, but none which have ever panned out. Before today I was starting to think my mate might have been the last of her kind. Still, I could never bring myself to shut the system down.

If there is even a small chance another wolf like Selene is out there and in trouble, I have to protect them. I’ll never forget the way she stormed out when I suggested other Volana’s didn’t matter because they were not my responsibility. Of all my regrets, the number of lies or implied falsehoods I let Selene believe for the sake of politics and subterfuge remain high on the list.

Normally I wouldn’t go to investigate myself, but it’s extremely rare to hear of two Volanas, and I’m long overdue for a diplomatic visit with our allies. I haven’t seen Drake Cavanaugh since my father’s funeral, and though we have been in regular contact since his stepfather retired from being Alpha, we’ve yet to have a formal meeting as Alphas.

“Assemble a delegation for travel to Asphodel.” I instruct my second-in-command. “Our cover is a diplomatic mission Donavon and I will handle the Cavanaughs while you investigate the tip. Bring along whoever you need for the search.

Aiden raises one dark brow, “You want to go in person?

Inod slowly, “Something feels different about this one.” I confess, “I can’t explain it, I just feel like I have to see it through personally

He accepts my instincts without question. “How soon do you want to leave?”

“Immediately.”

Drake’s POV

mean the Novans are coming to Asphodel?” igrit out slowly, barely

Bastien Durand and a full diplomatic envoy. “They’re going to be here within the hour.” He states contritely, bowing his head in apology. “The message came in last night after wed already left for

“Do we know why?” An unplanned and urgent visit like this is never a good sign.

know? My wolf

Three

I think back, trying to smooth down the hairs standing on the back of

are critical security matters to discuss,”

wolf aripes.

what to do.”

he reaches the door, the other wolt pulls up short,

immediately zeroing in on a rising cacophony from the water garden in front of the Pack House, The commotion is already rippling through the

Were too late.

declare, resignation blooming in my bloodstream. “Brace

Bastien’s POV

it’s impossible

car, faint at first whispers and traces on the air and through the vaulted ceilings of the

ask Aiden and Donovan as the Eros officials lead

confirms, I

Selene. I growl, I don’t

Donovan reminds

me, speaking directly to my Betas’ wolves

take it easy, this could be some sort of trick Aiden

himself ragged trying to break free.

her death. I remind them. Things that didn’t make sense I never felt our connection break, I never

what you think the Eros’s took her and staged the fire? Donavon

kn- At that moment Drake Cavanaugh appears at the top of the staircase overlooking the foyer, and all thought leaves my head. While I could smell hints and whiffs of my mate lingering in the public garden and communal spaces of the house, the Eros

very recently, and from the strength of the aroma, they’re together often. The only reason he isn’t already dead

barrier of Cavanaugh’s own guards prevent me from launching my body at the other man. “Where is

Drake drawls, descending the stairs with easy swagger “take it you’re looking

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