QUEEN OF THE PACK

ons have reached an all-time high," he said, his tone urgent. "The fragile accord is at

obligation descend. She was acutely aware of the delicate balance t

ke, Father?" Eleanor que

aw. "There is only one course of action," he stat

oposition, as the prospect of

riously expect me to marry him," Eleanor ex

must see the importance of this engagement to our pack's continuing peace and pro

's comments and recognized that her personal misg

e thought of being bound to Nathaniel Blackwood was immensely uncomfortabl

lf pack, one of the packs in Silverwood Falls, which

oonlit clearing, sending thrills down her spine. She wra

e was interwoven with political intrigue. The concept of rejecting her father was dangero

ance had reached her, and the prospect

eone else's presence until he stepped alongside

cial lamb," he said, hi

ortitude. "I am Eleanor Grey," she

imid pup in her father'

r ground. "I am young, not weak," she r

t a wicked chuckle. "Time will tell," he

ience. His statements made her feel apprehensive, know

ght cast it's glow on the surrounds. The weight of her father's expectations hung over her, raising doubts about

ounds of her pack, bracing herself for the impen

ered and anxious, when she heard a fami

? Is tha

od friend, emerge from the darknes

laimed, her voice quivering. "My father has a

h surprise. "Nathaniel B

I am aware. But my father insis

in concern. "You cannot allow him to pressu

ated. "I wish it were that ea

we'll make him see sense," she declared

e her father's announcement. She would not have

knew something was wrong in the pack

the clearing's edge and saw Beta J

alled, puzzled. "

e. "The same question applies to you," he

noticed Jacob's transformation. His once-su

ppening?" Emily p

ut in the clearing, followed by a quick move

or, to see Nathaniel Blackwood emerge from the sh

makes an appearance,"

's contemptuous look, her fists balled at her sides. "I am fleei

r demonstrated courage. "Is that true?" "It appeared quite the opposite,

's jeers engulfed her. She despised his delight of her disqu

that called into question her own strength. Could Nathaniel be right? Wa

rity and her own fears, wished to bre

ing under Nathaniel's persistent mockery. She wanted to trust in her abi

to the darkness. She knew confronting him would only exacerba

ide and trepidation. As Nathaniel's shadow fade

oed across the air, a continual reminder of her vulnerabilities. She wished to find the resolve to confront him, challenge his

the underbrush startled her. She stiffened, expecting a threat

of Eleanor approached slowly, his demeanor opaque.

ed in her voice. "Your pre

of worry and curiosity: "I was informed about the e

ed history between their families, he had always treated her wit

trembling voice revealing her act

replied. "But understand this, Eleanor: you are not al

gering doubts. For the first time since Nathaniel's jabs, she felt a s

at the clearing's edge caught her attention. A pack of wolves emerged from t