I watch, trying to keep a straight face, as Kellan—our fearless Alpha Prime, my brother in every way that matters—is being scolded like a schoolboy by Lady Kaia. Her hand grips his ear, dragging him down to her level as she chides him, and he has no choice but to obey, wincing under her grip. It's almost surreal seeing the mighty Alpha brought to heel, but if anyone could manage it, it's Lady Kaia.
She looks remarkable for a woman in the twilight of her second century. Her skin is warm and tanned, her hair twisted into braids laced with crystals and beads, glinting in the light. Dressed in a rich purple shirt and a long, black skirt, her tribal tattoos peek out, ancient and intricate, a language of power and heritage I've yet to fully understand. Despite her age, she doesn't look a day over fifty; in fact, she'd give most younger wolves a run for their money in both grace and strength. If I didn't know better, I'd think she was a vampire with how slowly she ages, but no—she's a shaman, the shaman of our pack, feared and revered by every wolf in Moonsand and beyond. And she's Kellan's godmother.
I hide a snicker with a cough as Kellan tries to wriggle out of her grip, only to be tugged right back into place. If anyone can reign in Kellan's restlessness, it's her. He's been on edge for days, and we all feel it, that barely-contained storm raging inside him as he waits for the next full moon. But Lady Kaia's presence is a steadying force, her energy like a weight that grounds the entire estate. She's exactly what he needs right now—even if he wouldn't admit it.
After one final admonishing tug on his ear, she releases him and swats him away, her expression stern yet somehow amused. He grumbles, rubbing his ear as he's unceremoniously shooed out of the room to fetch whatever it is she sent him for.
And then, her gaze swivels to me.
The hairs on the back of my neck stand up, and I take a cautious step back. It's instinctual, that desire to vanish under the weight of her attention. Her eyes—dark, wise, and sharp as a hawk's—are locked onto mine, pinning me in place with a single word.
"Tristan."
My feet are rooted to the floor. She gestures to a chair across from her, and I nod, swallowing as I sit down opposite her. Nobody says no to Lady Kaia, not if they value their skin.
"Lady Kaia, you look as beautiful as ever," I begin smoothly, hoping to charm my way into the conversation. But, as expected, she isn't having it.
"Oh, shut it," she says, cutting me off with a quick flick of her hand. She leans back in her chair, a weary sigh slipping out. "Honestly, at my old age, officiating a mating ceremony? I should have a successor by now." Her grumbling sounds genuine, but I catch the faintest hint of pride in her eyes. She wouldn't have it any other way.
A glimmer of curiosity crosses her face, her attention shifting. "How is she?" she asks, clearly meaning Ember.
I smirk, thinking of Kellan's fierce mate who has him wrapped around her finger.
"She's...well. She's Kellan's match, that's for sure," I say, a chuckle slipping out. There's nothing quite as satisfying as watching Ember put the mighty Alpha Prime in his place like no one else can. The look of exasperation on Kellan's face half the time is priceless.
Kaia laughs, her eyes lighting up with mirth. "I knew it," she says, a knowing smile tugging at her lips.
"I told Ada ages ago—Kellan doesn't need someone soft and sweet, he needs someone who'll keep him on his toes. Fate finally got something right." She chuckles, a deep, genuine sound that makes me feel strangely at ease.
Ada, Kellan's mother and Kaia's best friend, had always imagined her son with a gentle mate, someone like herself. But Kaia had known better, just as she knew most things. She had a way of seeing to the heart of people, of knowing exactly what they needed. I glance at her, noticing the flicker of sadness in her eyes when she mentions Ada. Memories of those two women, inseparable and wise, linger like the scent of rain. I can tell she's thinking about her friend, gone too soon.
"Anyway," she says, clearing her throat and brushing the moment aside, "the moon told me Kellan isn't my only 'son' getting mated." Her gaze sharpens, pinning me down.
"Seems my other son has someone on the horizon, too." She's watching me closely, eyes glinting with something between curiosity and amusement.
I shift, feeling heat creep up my neck. "I have no idea what you're talking about," I say, feigning innocence and hoping my voice doesn't give me away.
"Hmm." She hums, her gaze steady and suspicious, but thankfully, she lets the subject drop. For now.