Chapter 26

Chapter 26

Trent's POV

I paced my office, the rage in my veins barely held back by the thick glass of the windows. The memory of Kiara’s stunt burned fresh in my mind. How dare she put Eva at risk? The very thought of Eva being harmed made something primal twist in my chest.

I didn’t say a word as I sat behind my desk, fingers steepled under my chin. The silence was heavy, but I needed to think—rationally. There were bigger threats brewing, and I couldn’t afford distractions.

A knock broke my thoughts.

“Come in,” I said, voice clipped.

Kyle stepped in, shutting the door behind him. His expression was calm but alert—he already knew what this was about.

“She told you?” I asked, not bothering to clarify.

Kyle nodded once. “Yeah. She trusted me with it.”

I stared at him for a beat, then leaned back. “Good. Because I’ve known from the moment I scented her at the boundary. Her aura... it was too familiar.”

“You knew she was the Princess of the Emerald Moon Pack and said nothing?” he asked, not out of judgment, just curiosity.

“I needed her to say it. I needed her to trust me with the truth. That’s the only way this bond between us works.”

Kyle’s gaze softened. “She’s stronger than she knows. The fact that she even survived after what happened...”

“We’re going to rebuild her legacy,” I said firmly. “Her pack. Her people. Whatever is left—we’ll find them. And if no one’s left, we’ll start from scratch. Eva deserves that much.”

“I’ll start looking into it right away,” Kyle said. “Old allies, outposts, any surviving warriors... someone has to be out there.”

“Keep it quiet,” I warned. “If word gets out that the lost princess is alive and mated to the Supreme Alpha, it’ll paint a target on her back.”

A slow smirk curved Kyle’s lips. “She’s already marked by you. That ship’s sailed, brother.”

I didn’t return the smile. “And if anything happens to her, I’ll drown the world in blood.”

Another knock echoed, and I instinctively growled. Kyle raised a brow but stepped aside as the door opened.

Myra strolled in without invitation, her heels clacking too loudly on the marble floor. Her eyes narrowed when she saw Kyle. “You two look serious.”

I said nothing.

Her gaze darted between us. “Is this about the famous Emerald Moon Pack?” she asked, too sweet, too sharp.

Kyle crossed his arms. “You’ve heard of it?”

“Who hasn’t?” she shrugged. “A legendary pack brought to ruin by the Jade Moon Alpha and his dogs. A pity. I always thought the princess sounded like Luna material.”

My fingers clenched the arms of the chair. “Don’t,” I warned.

She turned to me with a calculated smile. “What? I’m just saying—maybe you should find her. She’d be a better Luna than—”

I was on my feet before she finished.

The room blurred as I slammed her against the wall with one hand at her throat. Kyle didn’t flinch. He knew better than to interfere.

“You speak her name again with that tone, and I’ll forget you’re my blood,” I growled.

Myra’s eyes widened. “Trent—”

“You're only breathing because you’re my sister,” I hissed. “But that doesn’t give you the right to speak about my mate like that.”

“She’s a nobody—”

I pushed harder, just enough to make her gasp. “She is mine. And if I ever hear you disrespect her again, I swear to the Moon Goddess, I will exile you with nothing but your name.”

She choked, face turning red. I let go.

Myra crumpled slightly but stayed upright, rubbing her throat and coughing.

Kyle turned his face, hiding a grin. “Damn.”

I shot him a look and nodded toward the door. “Go. Handle the revolt in the Crimson Vale Pack.”

“You’re not coming?” he asked, surprised.

“No. I’m not leaving her alone, not with snakes still slithering under my roof.”

Kyle’s gaze flicked to Myra, who was still struggling to catch her breath.

“Understood,” he said, bowing slightly. “I’ll send word once it’s handled.”

He left swiftly.

I stood there for another moment, staring at my sister.

“Last warning,” I said coldly.

I didn’t wait for a response. I turned and stormed out of the office, letting the door slam behind me.

I needed to be with Eva.

My mate. My queen. My future.

She was in the garden when I found her, sitting beneath the shade of the old olive tree, fingers trailing through the petals of a wild bloom. The sight of her was like cool water on my burning fury.

She looked up, sensing me before she saw me.

I approached slowly. “You shouldn’t be out alone.”

Her lips curved faintly. “I’m in the garden, not the battlefield.”

“With this pack, there’s little difference,” I muttered.

She tilted her head. “Is everything okay?”

I crouched before her. “It will be.”

I reached out and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Her scent filled my senses, grounding me. All of this—everything I ruled, everything I built—none of it mattered without her.

“I need you to know something,” I said softly.

Her eyes met mine.

“I don’t care about your bloodline, your title, or what happened in the past. You’re mine, Eva. And I’m yours.”

She swallowed, eyes glistening. “Even if I come with ghosts and ruins?”

I leaned closer, pressing my forehead to hers. “Then I’ll build you a new kingdom from the ashes.”

She let out a breathy laugh and rested her hand against my chest. “You don’t know what you’re offering.”

“I know exactly what I’m offering,” I said. “Everything.”

She pulled back slightly, eyes serious now. “And what if I’m not strong enough to accept it?”

“Then I’ll wait,” I said, voice low. “But I won’t let you go.”

Silence settled between us—thick, warm, intimate.

After a while, she whispered, “I’m scared, Trent.”

“So am I,” I admitted. “But I’d rather face the entire werewolf world than live a day without you.”

Her arms wrapped around me and I held her close, the thorns of the world fading in the warmth of her embrace.