Chapter 46 Chapter 46
Tiana
I had not even affirmed to his motion before he continued.
“I would like to emphasize that I refused you working on the border project because the borders are not stable.
Sending you to a potential conflict zone unguarded is not a wise decision.”
I raised my left hand slightly, indicating to him that I wanted to speak and when he moved his head from up to down, my voice rang out.
“Alpha, but your nephew already mentioned that there are patrols stationed at the border. I was excited about this idea because I thought, I could… umm… gather a bit of construction knowledge that could be useful to me, especially when I’m settled and sent out of the pack.
It was only a second but I noticed how Zane’s gaze shifted downwards before he replied. “You have a point. But there are other ways and times to learn all of those. Your primary focus now should be on your treatment and birthing a pup.”
I said nothing, only nodding my head in response.
“Do you understand?”
“Yes, I do. It’s just, I really would have loved to go to the border. If we ever get attacked, I can always shift to my wolf form and run back to the pack?”
“You?” Zane questioned, his voice almost sounding amused.
“Your wolf could barely hold alcohol,” Zane said, and something shifted in his expression—not quite a smile, but close. “And you think it could outrun a border threat?”
The corner of his mouth twitched. Just barely. Like he was fighting it.
I stared at him, stunned. Was that… was he almost amused at my shame?
The ‘almost’ amusement disappeared as quickly as it came, Zane’s expression smoothing back into neutrality. But I’d seen it. That flicker of some humanity beneath the Alpha mask.
“What I am trying to say is that your treatments are too delicate for unnecessary exposure,” he continued. “The healers have been clear about minimizing stress and risk factors.”
I nodded once, shifting my gaze downwards.
“I hope you understand now?”
“Yes, Alpha.”
His hand flexed against the table, his knuckles going white before relaxing again. I noticed it peripherally but didn’t look up.
“Good,” he said after a moment.
Silence settled again, heavier this time.
I thought he was finished so I could escape.
But then: “You’ll work with the supply division,” he said, his voice still that same controlled tone that had initially only disappeared for a minute. “Gamma Rowan will oversee your training. You’ll assist with organization, inventory management, and distribution logistics.”
“Noted.”
“You’ll stay within the pack house or near it.” He paused. “For your safety.”
For my safety. Or for his control.
I couldn’t tell anymore. Maybe there wasn’t a difference.
“Understood, Alpha,” I said quietly.
Another pause. Longer this time.
Then he shifted, his posture changing slightly.
“The healers,” he voiced out after a brief moment of hesitation. “How are the treatments progressing?”
I blinked, surprised enough that I actually looked at him.
He had never asked about the treatments before. Yes, he was present in the first phase and that was all.
“Fine, Alpha,” I responded. “The next phase is scheduled for—”
“Good.” He cut me off, his jaw tightening slightly. “That’s… good.”
And just like that, the moment closed. Whatever door had cracked open that made him ask, slammed shut again.
He straightened, stepping back from the table. “I will inform Gamma Rowan about your assignment to the division. He should be expecting you in the storage wing. Don’t keep him waiting.”
“Yes, Alpha.”
I stood, smoothing down my dress even though it didn’t need smoothing. Just needing something to do with my hands.
When I reached the doorway, I glanced back.
Zane stood exactly where I had left him, his back to me now, hands braced against the table. His shoulders were tense.
Like he was holding something in.
I turned away before I could think too much about what that something might be, then I walked to the Luna chambers to get myself prepared.
Maybe I could take what I learn from working in the supply division, go on to build connections with other packs and after I get my settlement from the contract, establish trade routes. I could become an independent merchant wolf and have something of my own, that didn’t depend on a mate bond or an Alpha’s approval.