Chapter 25

Freya's POV

The cold voice sliced through our laughter like a silver blade. My body tensed instinctively, and I felt Ember stir within me, suddenly alert and defensive.

I turned slowly, already knowing who I'd find. Ethan stood beneath a towering oak, his broad shoulders rigid with tension. Riley was pressed against his arm, her face wearing that smug little smile I'd grown to despise. The afternoon sunlight caught in her perfectly styled hair, making it gleam like polished copper.

Ethan's eyes moved between Noah and me, flashing with undisguised fury. His jaw was clenched so tight I could almost hear his teeth grinding. The Alpha energy radiating from him made the forest around us seem suddenly smaller, more dangerous.

Riley looked immaculate in what was clearly a high-end custom outfit – far too formal for a casual walk in the woods. She made a show of looking Noah up and down, her gaze lingering just long enough to be inappropriate.

"Dr. Fletcher," she purred. "What a surprise to find you here."

A sharp pain squeezed my chest, and Ember let out a low growl deep within my mind. I drew a deep breath, willing my racing heart to slow down.

"Ethan." I straightened my spine, refusing to look intimidated. "Funny running into you here. I see you've brought company as well." I let my eyes drift pointedly to where Riley clung to his arm. "Seems the Alpha with a mate isn't exactly alone either."

Ethan's nostrils flared, a telltale sign of his anger rising.

Riley stepped forward, subtly adjusting her stance to showcase her designer heels. "We're accompanying a client to tour the territory," she said, her voice dripping with condescension. "Business, you understand. Not like some people who sneak off for private meetings with other men."

The accusation hung in the air like poison gas. I felt my cheeks burn with indignation.

Ivy stepped between us, her eyes flashing with barely contained magic. "As Alpha's mate, Freya has every right to spend time with her friends without being interrogated. Or is she supposed to be locked away in your territory like some prisoner?"

Surprise flickered across Ethan's face before his expression hardened again. "As Alpha's mate, she has obligations to maintain the pack's image and reputation."

"Freya, darling," Riley interjected with false concern, "you look terribly pale. Are you feeling unwell? You should probably rest before the next trial." Her eyes glittered with malice. "It would be such a shame if you weren't at your best."

Ethan nodded, positioning himself firmly at Riley's side. "You should return to the tent to rest and prepare for the upcoming trial."

A chill spread through my body, starting from my heart and radiating outward. My chest tightened painfully as I watched them standing together, a united front against me. Ember whined mournfully inside me, both yearning for and rejecting the Alpha's dominant scent.

I felt my eyes burning with unshed tears but refused to give them the satisfaction of seeing me cry. "Thank you for your concern," I said, my voice low but steady. "But I don't need your guidance on how to spend my time." I turned to Noah and Ivy. "Let's go."

As I moved to walk past them, Ethan stepped forward, his hand reaching toward my arm. "Freya, you're not leaving until we've discussed this properly."

Before he could touch me, Ivy's eyes flashed silver. She muttered something under her breath, ancient words flowing like water. With a tremendous crack, a massive tree branch broke free and crashed to the ground between us, creating a perfect barrier.

"Ivy!" I gasped.

She grabbed my hand, pulling me away. "I've placed a disruption spell around the tree," she whispered. "It'll mask our scents for a while. He won't be able to track us."

We hurried through the woods until we reached a fork in the path, far enough from Ethan and Riley that we could finally catch our breath.

Noah checked his phone, frowning. "I just got an urgent message from the hospital. One of my patients needs immediate attention. I have to go."

Ivy glanced around at the dense forest. "I wanted to explore the energy patterns in this part of the woods anyway. There's an unusual convergence of ley lines here."

I nodded, understanding their need to leave. "I think I'll find a quiet spot to sketch some designs. Clear my head a bit."

We parted ways, and I wandered until I found a peaceful lakeside clearing. Settling on a smooth, sun-warmed rock, I pulled out the sketchbook I always carried with me. As I began drawing, the silver designs flowing naturally from my pencil, I felt the knot in my chest gradually loosen.

My fingers moved with practiced precision, creating intricate patterns meant to complement a werewolf's natural energy while avoiding silver's harmful effects. The act of creation soothed me, as it always had. Even Ember grew calm within me, seemingly mesmerized by the designs taking shape.

"That is perhaps one of the most beautiful silver designs I have ever seen."

The accented voice startled me from my creative trance. I looked up to find a man standing a few feet away, watching me with appreciative eyes. His bearing was elegant, distinctly European, with an air of old-world nobility that couldn't be faked.

"I apologize for interrupting," he said with a slight bow. "Sebastian Laurent, from Shadow Collection. I couldn't help but admire your work."

My heart skipped a beat as I recognized the name. This was the European client Riley had mentioned – the very man whose company I was supposed to design for.

"The way you've balanced form and function is remarkable," Sebastian continued, gesturing toward my sketch. "These pieces would be beautiful and practical for our kind."

Something about his genuine appreciation made me straighten my shoulders with professional pride. "The silver is specially treated," I explained, my voice gaining confidence. "It maintains its beauty but won't harm our skin when we wear it."

Sebastian's eyebrows rose in surprise. "That technique sounds remarkably like Rose Winters' signature approach. Are you familiar with her work?"

I smiled, feeling a small thrill of satisfaction as I signed "Rose" at the bottom of the design. "Very familiar, actually. Pleased to meet you, Sebastian."

Recognition dawned in his eyes, followed by genuine respect. "No wonder it seemed so familiar. I've long admired your craftsmanship."

He reached into his jacket pocket and produced an elegant business card, embossed with gold lettering. "We should collaborate directly. This card has my personal contact information."

I carefully tore the completed design from my sketchbook and offered it to him. "Consider this a memento of our first meeting."

Sebastian accepted it with careful hands, his expression one of genuine appreciation. "This is one of the most precious gifts I've received."

My ears suddenly caught the distant sound of voices – Ethan and Riley, discussing finding Sebastian. My heart rate spiked instantly, and Ember went on high alert.

"I need to go," I whispered urgently to Sebastian. "Please don't mention that you've met me."

I quickly ducked behind a massive ancient oak tree, controlling my breathing and willing my scent to remain undetected. From my hiding spot, I watched as Sebastian carefully tucked my design into an inner pocket just as Ethan and Riley emerged at the lakeside.

Riley was hanging on Ethan's arm, pressing herself intimately against him. "Sebastian! We've been looking everywhere for you," she called, her voice honey-sweet.

Ethan's expression was serious, almost distracted, his eyes scanning the lake's edge as if searching for something – or someone.

Sebastian greeted them with polite warmth, though I noticed curiosity in his eyes as he observed Riley's possessive stance. "I was admiring your beautiful territory. Truly magnificent."

Sebastian studied the way Riley clung to Ethan, then asked directly. "Ethan, is this lovely lady your mate?"