Chapter 150 Wolf Running

Chapter 150 Wolf Running
Beatrice pov 

We met in the courtyard twenty minutes later, both dressed for a forest run. The morning air was crisp and clean, carrying the scent of pine and damp earth. Perfect running weather.

I shifted first, shedding my clothes and folding them quickly before letting Luna take over. She stretched luxuriously, pleased to be out and free. Darius shifted beside me, his wolf Rowan matching Luna in size.

Ready? I asked through the bond.

Race you to the river, Darius replied.

We took off running, paws pounding against the forest floor. I let Luna have full control, trusting her instincts completely. She leapt over fallen logs and dodged between trees, her powerful legs eating up the distance.

Rowan kept pace beside us, his fur gleaming in the dappled sunlight. We ran for the pure joy of it, no threat to escape, no battle to fight. Just two wolves running through their territory on a beautiful morning.

Luna reached the river first, barely. She pranced in triumph while Rowan play-bowed in acknowledgment of her victory.

Show-off, Darius said fondly.

You love it, I replied.

We shifted back to human form. I grabbed my clothes from where I'd tucked them by a familiar oak tree—we always left them here when we ran this route. Once dressed, we sat on the riverbank, feet dangling in the cold water.

"I could do this every day," I said. "Just run and enjoy being alive. No politics, no responsibilities. Just this."

"We can," Darius said. "Not every day, but most days. Make it part of our routine."

"Our routine," I repeated. "I like the sound of that. Normal couple things instead of constant crisis management."

"You deserve normal," Darius said. "After everything you've been through. A chance to just live without always looking over your shoulder."

"Do you think it'll last?" I asked. "This peace. Or is it just the calm before the next storm?"

"Does it matter?" Darius asked. "Right now, at this moment, we have peace. Enjoy it while it's here."

He was right. I was so used to bracing for the next disaster that I'd forgotten how to simply be present.

"Okay," I said. "I'll try. No more borrowing trouble from the future."

"Good," Darius said as he stood and offered me his hand. "Come on. Let's head back before your brothers send a search party."

We walked back to the Keep hand in hand, taking our time. The forest was beautiful this time of year, with early spring flowers starting to bloom and birds singing in the trees.

When we emerged from the tree line, I spotted Theron and Silas in the courtyard locked in conversation. Both looked tense.

"So much for a peaceful morning," I muttered.

"Go see what's wrong," Darius said. "I need to check in with Brennan anyway. See you at lunch?"

"It's a date," I said as I kissed him quickly and headed toward my brothers.

They stopped talking when they saw me approach.

"Morning," I said carefully. "Everything okay?"

"Fine," Theron said, but his jaw was tight. "Just discussing some administrative matters."

"Liar," I said. "What's actually wrong?"

Theron and Silas exchanged a look."It's nothing for you to worry about," Silas said. "Just some minor territorial disputes that need arbitration."

"And you're both this tense over minor disputes?" I asked. "Try again."

"Leave it alone, Beatrice," Theron said. "We have it handled."

I crossed my arms. "I'm officially recognized as Wynter heir now. That means I get to know about problems affecting our House. So either tell me what's going on or I'll find out on my own."

Silas sighed. "It's personal, not political. Theron's been avoiding dealing with potential matches and the Council is starting to notice."

"Matches?" I asked, confused. "What matches?"

"Marriage prospects," Theron said flatly. "Several families have approached us expressing interest in alliance marriages. Silas thinks I should at least pretend to consider them."

"And Theron thinks he can ignore them forever," Silas added. "Which isn't sustainable. Eventually the Council will demand he choose someone."

"That's ridiculous," I said. "He's Lord Alpha. He can marry whoever he wants."

"In theory," Silas said. "In practice, there are political considerations. Alliances to maintain, territories to strengthen, expectations to meet."

"So what?" I asked. "He should just marry someone he doesn't love to make the Council happy?"

“No” Silas said. "He should at least meet with the candidates and make an informed decision. Refusing to even consider them makes us look weak and disorganized."

"I don't care how we look," Theron said. "I'm not marrying for politics."

"Then what are you waiting for?" Silas asked. "Just make it official with Liora already. Everyone can see how you feel about each other."

"It's not that simple," Theron said roughly.

"Why not?" I asked gently. "Liora is wonderful. She's kind, smart, and she clearly cares about you."

"She's an omega," Theron said. "From another pack. The Council expects me to make a strategic match with an alpha or beta from a prominent family. Not..."

"Not someone you actually love?" I finished. "Theron, you were one of those who told me to follow my heart with Darius. Why can't you do the same?"

"Because Darius is still the Beta of an allied pack," Theron said. "Your match strengthens our position with Ashthorn. Mine would be seen as... frivolous. Self-indulgent."

"That's ridiculous," I said firmly. "You're the Lord Alpha. You can mate whoever you want."

"Can I?" Theron asked. "When the Council is already questioning our family's stability? When we're still rebuilding after the war? Taking an omega mate from another pack sends the message that I'm prioritizing personal desire over political strategy."

"The war is over, Theron," Silas said sharply. "We won. You can't keep using that as an excuse to avoid your own happiness."

Theron's jaw tightened. "It's not just about the war"

"Then what is it about?" I pressed. "You told me you'd court her properly after the war ended. Well, it's over. So what's stopping you now?"

"The Council"

"The Council will say what they always say," Silas interrupted. "But you've proven yourself a hundred times over. You led us through a war and won. If you want Liora, claim her. Stop hiding behind politics."

"What if she deserves better?" Theron said quietly. "Someone who can give her the status and respect she deserves instead of a mate who'll bring her nothing but judgment from other packs?"

"Have you asked her what she wants?" I asked gently. "Because I'm pretty sure she just wants you, Theron. All of you. Not your title, not your status. You."

"And more importantly," Silas added, "I've seen how you are with her. How she steadies you. That's worth more than any political alliance the Council could arrange."

Theron looked at him in surprise.