Chapter 61 Silver Claw Pack
Phoebe
By the Moon Goddess, I’ve never seen anything this grand in my entire life.
From Hayden’s car window, I stared in awe at the four-story building that looked more like a European palace than a regular home. When we pulled up, a line of guards stood like a human fence along both sides of the driveway. Dressed in black uniforms, they looked like modern Jedi knights—but way more intimidating.
My heart sank. This wasn’t just a powerful pack—Silver Claw basically owned everything within a radius the size of Texas. It felt like its own universe, complete with strict rules and a theatrical lifestyle. Take Hayden, for example—always dressed sharp like royalty, but his hair? It looked like something straight out of a K-pop concert.
“Oh, my sweet boy.”
A woman stepped out of the silver-carved double doors. Her long hair shimmered in silver and blonde tones, and her swan-shaped earrings glinted in the light. She looked like a magical creature—more fairy than wolf. Her movements were graceful, her smile warm, but her eyes… those weren’t to be underestimated.
“My heart hurt waiting for you,” she said, hugging Hayden tightly before her gaze landed on me. “I hope meeting your girlfriend makes me feel better, Hayden.”
“Hi, Luna. I’m Phoebe.” My voice barely came out.
“What a lovely girl. Come on in, the Alpha’s waiting.”
I followed her and Hayden inside, feeling awkward with every step. She moved so lightly, I honestly thought she wasn’t even touching the floor. I had to look twice to make sure.
“My mom has veela blood,” Hayden whispered quickly, clearly reading my thoughts.
I nodded, though I didn’t fully understand what that meant—until he explained: magical beings from his ancestry, known for their beauty and mystical charm. Suddenly, his whole vibe made sense. I used to think he just had eccentric taste.
We stepped into a massive room that felt like a royal hall. But it wasn’t the gold-trimmed, baroque kind I expected. The space was sleek and modern—white crystal chandeliers hanging from the tall ceiling, and a semi-circle of gray couches facing a fireplace at the far end.
Sitting there was Alpha Truman. Tall, broad, and powerful—just like I remembered seeing him back at the dorm. Beside him sat a younger man, probably ten years younger. His face was kinder, but he still carried an air of authority. And next to him...
Lily.
My whole body tensed. She sat rigid, hands folded on her lap, eyes locked on me with a frown—like I was messing up her carefully laid plans.
“Welcome, Phoebe Matthews,” Alpha Truman said, standing up.
“Thank you for having me,” I replied quietly.
“This is Beta Clint,” he said, gesturing to the younger man. “And his daughter, Lily. I’m sure you’ve heard of her.”
“Yes, of course,” I said politely, holding my breath.
Beta Clint nodded at me with a neutral expression. “Welcome to our pack house, Phoebe.”
“Thank you, Beta Clint.”
“I just want to get to know the girl who managed to catch my son’s attention,” Alpha Truman said, fixing his sharp gaze on me. “So, you’re from Mystic Guardian, huh? Who are your parents?”
“Beta Ralph Matthews and Beta Female Karina Matthews,” I answered, clutching the fabric of my skirt.
“Let me guess—you’re younger than Hayden?”
“Yes, sir.”
“What are your goals after you graduate?”
“I haven’t fully decided yet, but I’m considering following in my mother’s footsteps. She used to teach female warriors about inter-pack relations.”
“Hmm,” he leaned back. “Interesting. Though not really the kind of skill that matters much to a Luna of a pack like Silver Claw.”
That one stung. I smiled thinly, trying to stay composed.
Lily chimed in, “Dad always says a Luna should have a deep understanding of politics and strategy. That’s what I’ve been learning. Can you do that?”
I turned to her. “That’s not really my passion. But I do think inter-pack relations are part of strategy, don’t you?”
Lily’s smile tightened. But Alpha Truman chuckled softly. “Smart answer. But I value experience over clever words.”
“Truman,” Luna Meredith’s gentle voice cut through the tension. “You’ve only just met her. Don’t be so quick to judge.”
Alpha Truman glanced at his wife, clearly not happy to be challenged, but she stayed calm and poised.
Deep down, I was more annoyed by Lily than anyone else. I could understand Alpha Truman asking hard questions—he was Hayden’s father, after all. But Lily’s comments felt like personal attacks.
I wanted to get up and leave. Before I could make up my mind, Hayden spoke.
“Dad, that’s enough.” His voice was firm. “Phoebe came here because you invited her. That doesn’t give anyone the right to test or judge her.”
“She’s not right for you, Hayden. Even your father would agree with me,” Lily said haughtily.
Alpha Truman raised an eyebrow. “You’re letting your heart lead, Hayden. That’s dangerous for a future Alpha.”
“It’s even more dangerous to repeat the old ways that tore so many couples apart.”
The tension was thick in the air. I couldn’t take it anymore.
“I’m sorry, Hayden. But I think… I should go.”
“What?” Hayden looked at me, shocked.
“I can’t sit here and let myself be disrespected,” I said, my voice soft but steady. “I know who I am. And I won’t force myself on a family that clearly doesn’t want me here.”
Hayden stood and reached for my arm. “Phoebe, wait—”
But I shook my head. “I’d feel better if you stayed. This is your family.”
I walked away, my chest trembling. Luna Meredith started to follow me, but Alpha Truman held her back.
“Let her go. If she can’t handle a little pressure, she’s not the right mate.”
Those words cut deep—like claws to my heart. But I refused to look back. I’d seen enough.
I just wanted to be alone. I wanted to scream and cry, but what would that change?
After sitting in the back of the bus and thinking it over a thousand times, I realized something—
Maybe Lily was right that I wasn’t good enough for someone like Hayden.