Chapter 1 Discovery in Garden

Amelia's POV

The smell of home still felt fresh as I moved around my apartment, arranging the souvenirs I'd unpacked yesterday. Just one day back from three weeks in Europe, and already the real world was pulling me in—classes starting today, research to organize, and Daniel to see. I carefully lifted the small wolf sculpture from my desk—carved from dark wood by an old artisan in a tiny German village. Daniel would love it.

One year together, and he still made my heart race. Being the younger brother of Alexander Westbrook, the most powerful Alpha of all packs, meant Daniel could have had any girl in our territory, but he chose me. The thought still dizzied me sometimes.

My phone buzzed beside me, and I swiped to call Daniel.

"Morning, beautiful," his voice sent a flutter through my chest. "Ready for your first day back?"

"As ready as jet lag allows," I said, smiling as I traced the wolf sculpture's edges. "When can I see you? I got back yesterday, but it feels like forever."

A pause. "About that... I've got this big event for the Anthropology Club tonight. We're prepping for the freshman welcome, and I'm kinda stuck here."

"Oh." I tried to mask my disappointment. "That's okay. How late do you think you'll be?"

"I'll come over as soon as we're done, I promise. I've missed you like crazy, Amelia."

Three weeks apart, and now more waiting. But he's busy. It's fine.

"I've missed you too. See you tonight, then."

I hung up and stared at the wolf sculpture. At least Daniel and I had a choice in our relationship, unlike the ancient pack law about fated mates—the one rule no wolf could break without risking exile or worse.

My afternoon anthropology class was the only one I couldn't reschedule to give myself a jet lag buffer. Professor Hammond's voice droned on about pack hierarchies and social structures while I struggled to keep my eyes open. I sketched absent-minded wolves in my notebook margins, adding Daniel's name beside mine.

"The integration of Alpha-Omega dynamics into modern society remains one of the most fascinating aspects of our evolution," Hammond said, adjusting his glasses. "Ms. Throne, perhaps you could share your thoughts? I understand you conducted some field research in Europe."

I snapped to attention, heat rushing to my face. "I... um..."

"Still on European time, I see," he said with a knowing smile. "Welcome back. Try to join us mentally as well."

A few students chuckled, and I sank lower in my seat.

When my phone lit up with Daniel's text after class, my embarrassment evaporated: Swamped with prep work. Can't wait to see you tonight though.

I smiled, tapping my fingers against the screen. Why wait for him to come to me? I could surprise him instead.

My phone rang as I crossed the quad. My brother Nathan's name flashed on the screen.

"So the promotion went through?" I asked, pressing the phone to my ear.

"Yeah, officially Beta now," Nathan's voice carried the mix of pride and exhaustion I'd grown used to since he joined Shadow Kingdom's inner circle. "Alexander's been pushing me hard, but it's worth it."

My brother had stepped into our father's shoes as best he could after Dad died before I was even born. At eight years older than me, Nathan had always been more parent than sibling, especially with Mom's health declining over the years.

"That's amazing, Nate! We should celebrate."

"Already planned. Dinner tomorrow for your birthday, seven o'clock, that Italian place you like."

My heart warmed. No matter how busy he got, Nathan never forgot the important stuff.

"You're the best. Hey, I'm thinking of surprising Daniel tonight. He's working on some club event."

The silence on the other end lasted a beat too long.

"Your Alpha boyfriend?" Nathan's voice turned sharp. "Save yourself the trip. That guy's got more rumors swirling around him than flies in a bathroom."

I rolled my eyes. "You don't even know him."

"I know enough. Alexander's a good leader—fair, strategic, committed to the pack. But his little brother? All the privilege, none of the responsibility. I see how he operates around headquarters."

"You worry too much," I said lightly, but his words left an uneasy feeling in my stomach. "Mom doing okay today?"

Nathan's sigh carried through the phone. "Better than yesterday. The new medication seems to help with the pain. She asked about you this morning."

"I'll stop by tomorrow, I promise. Just need to recover from today's classes."

"She'd like that. Take care, Lia."

Back at my apartment, I pulled out the blue dress Daniel had once said brought out my eyes. I curled my hair, applied makeup with more care than usual, and fastened the small wolf pendant he'd given me last Christmas around my neck.

I wrapped his gift in silver paper, adding a small card: Brought back a piece of the old world for you. Missed you every day. —A

In the mirror, I barely recognized myself—cheeks flushed with anticipation, eyes bright despite lingering fatigue.

He's going to be so surprised.

I texted him before heading out: How's the event prep going?

No immediate response, but he was busy. I grabbed my keys and purse, then paused at the door. Mom would want to know how my first day went. I dialed her number, waiting through four rings before her soft voice answered.

"Amelia? How was class, sweetheart?"

"Exhausting, but good to be back. I'm heading out to see Daniel."

"Ah, rushing to see your young man already?" There was a teasing lilt in her voice. "Three weeks in Europe, and you can't spare one evening for your poor mother who's been missing you terribly?"

I felt my cheeks warm. "Mom..."

"Don't 'Mom' me," she laughed softly. "I remember what it's like. Your father and I once spent a month apart when we were dating. When we finally saw each other, we—"

"Okay! Too much information," I cut in, laughing despite myself.

"Go on then. Just don't forget your old mother entirely."

The familiar ache bloomed in my chest—missing Dad, someone I'd never even met. "I'll come over tomorrow, I promise."

"Love you, sweetheart."

"Love you too, Mom."

The campus paths were quieter as evening approached. I made my way to the Student Activities Center, gift in hand. Room 312, where the Anthropology Club always met. I peered through the small window in the door, expecting to see Daniel amid a flurry of activity. Instead, just a handful of students packing up equipment.

"Excuse me," I said to a guy wrapping up extension cords. "I'm looking for Daniel Westbrook?"

He looked up, brow furrowed. "Daniel? He left like half an hour ago. Said he had somewhere to be."

My smile faltered. "But he told me he was busy with event prep all evening."

The guy shrugged. "Not here, he wasn't. Spent most of the time texting someone, then suddenly said he had to go. Left us to finish everything."

"Oh. Thanks." I backed toward the door, confusion replacing anticipation.

Why would he lie?

I took the long path home, the wrapped gift heavy in my hands. Crickets chirped from the shadows of Oak Lane, a secluded walkway bordered by gardens where couples often sought privacy.

Something rustled in one of the garden alcoves ahead. A low murmur of voices followed by what sounded like... laughter? Papers shuffling? I slowed my steps, curiosity piqued.

"You're amazing... God, I've missed you so much."

The male voice sounded oddly familiar. I hesitated at the hedge entrance, my heart suddenly racing though I couldn't say why. Something about that voice...

I edged closer to the garden alcove, careful to stay hidden in the shadows. The silver wrapping of Daniel's gift caught a sliver of moonlight, and I tucked it closer to my body. One more step and I could peek through the gap in the hedge.

I leaned forward, my curiosity overwhelming my better judgment. Just one quick look...