The dawn broke cold and quiet, the serenity of the morning a deceptive calm before the storm that was about to test everything Kate and Brison had built together.
As the pack began to stir, a stranger arrived at the village—a young woman with sharp amber eyes and an air of authority. She introduced herself as Freya, a Luna from a neighboring pack, seeking refuge after her territory had been ravaged by the same shadows threatening Brison's pack.
Brison greeted her with the respect due to a Luna, but Kate couldn't ignore the flicker of unease that passed through her. Freya's gaze lingered on Brison too long, her words carefully chosen to flatter him.
"Your pack is strong, Brison," Freya said as they walked through the village. "It's rare to see such unity under one Alpha's leadership."
"It's not just me," Brison replied, gesturing to Kate. "My Luna has been instrumental in building that strength."
Freya's smile didn't reach her eyes as she turned to Kate. "Of course," she said smoothly. "Every Alpha needs a Luna. Though some bonds are more… natural than others."
Kate stiffened, but Brison placed a reassuring hand on her lower back. "Kate and I are fated mates," he said, his tone leaving no room for doubt.
Freya tilted her head, her expression unreadable. "Fate is a curious thing," she murmured.
Later that day, Freya requested a private meeting with Brison, citing urgent matters about the shadows. Kate hesitated but ultimately agreed, trusting Brison's loyalty. Still, a sliver of doubt wormed its way into her mind.
Hours passed, and when Brison finally returned, Kate couldn't hide her frustration.
"What did she want?" Kate asked, her voice sharper than she intended.
Brison frowned. "She wanted to discuss strategy for dealing with the shadows. Her pack faced them before, and she thinks we can combine forces."
Kate folded her arms. "And that took three hours?"
Brison sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Kate, I'm trying to protect the pack. Freya has valuable information, and I needed to hear her out."
Kate's chest tightened, her emotions swirling. "I know you're doing what's best for the pack, but something about her feels… off."
Brison stepped closer, his eyes searching hers. "Do you trust me?"
The question hung in the air, heavy with meaning.
Kate's anger softened as she looked into his eyes, seeing the love and sincerity there. "Of course I trust you," she said quietly. "But this is new for me—sharing you with the pack, with outsiders. I'm still learning how to be Luna."
Brison cupped her face, his touch grounding her. "You're not sharing me, Kate. You and I are a team. No one can come between us unless we let them."
Kate nodded, leaning into him. "I just… I don't want to lose you."
"You never will," Brison promised.
That night, the challenge escalated. During a pack gathering, Freya stepped forward with a proposition.
"I've seen the devastation the shadows bring," she said, addressing the pack. "And I've seen what happens when a Luna is too weak to stand against them. If Brison is to lead you through this, he needs a Luna who can match his strength—someone with experience."
The implication was clear, and the pack murmured in surprise.
Kate stepped forward, her heart pounding. "Are you questioning my bond with Brison?" she asked, her voice steady despite the storm inside her.
"I'm questioning whether your bond is strong enough to protect the pack," Freya replied. "If it is, prove it."
Brison growled low in his throat. "This is ridiculous, Freya. Kate has nothing to prove."
But Kate placed a hand on his arm, silencing him. "If proving myself will put this to rest, then I'll do it," she said, meeting Freya's gaze head-on.
Freya's lips curved into a smile. "Very well. At dawn, we'll see if your bond is as unbreakable as you claim."