Chapter 151 Choosing Theron Mate

Chapter 151 Choosing Theron Mate
Beatrice pov 

"What?" Silas said. "I might be pragmatic, but I'm not heartless. Besides, you've earned the right to choose your own mate. You've given everything to this family and this pack. It's time you gave something to yourself."

"Life is too short and too uncertain to wait for the perfect moment," I said. "Trust me, I know. The war taught us that."

Theron was quiet for a long moment, his expression conflicted. "I'll think about it."

"Don't think too long," Silas warned. "Someone else might notice what a catch she is."

"Is that a threat?" Theron asked, a hint of his alpha growl in his voice.

"Just a friendly observation," Silas said with a smirk. "But that reaction tells me everything I need to know. You're already territorial over her. Might as well make it official."

Theron shook his head, but I saw the hint of a smile. He left without another word, shoulders still tense but perhaps carrying a little less weight than before.

I turned to Silas. "Thank you for that. For backing him up."

"I meant it," Silas said. "He deserves to be happy. We all do."

There was an edge to his voice that made me look at him more closely. "Are you okay? You seem off too."

"I'm fine," Silas said automatically. Then he paused. "Actually, no. I'm not fine. I'm trying to figure out how to have a real relationship with someone when I've spent my entire life avoiding emotional vulnerability."

"Helena?" I guessed.

"How did you—never mind," Silas said. "Yes, Helena. She wants more than our arrangement. Wants me to actually let her in. And I'm trying, but it's harder than I expected."

"Love usually is," I said. "But it's worth it. I promise."

"So everyone keeps telling me," Silas said. "I just wish there was a strategic plan for it. A clear path from point A to point B."

"There isn't," I said. "You just have to trust the process and trust her."

"Trust," Silas muttered. "Right. Because that's so easy for me."

I hugged him, surprising us both. "You'll figure it out. You're brilliant at solving impossible problems. This is just another puzzle."

"Except this puzzle has feelings that can get hurt," Silas said, returning the hug briefly before stepping back. "Including mine."

"That's what makes it worth solving," I said softly. "The risk is what makes the reward so sweet."

“Spoken like someone who's already found their happy ending," Silas said, warmth in his voice rather than bitterness.

"I have," I admitted, feeling my cheeks warm. "And I want the same for both of you. You and Theron deserve to be just as happy."

"Look at you," Silas said with a soft smile. "Married life has made you unbearably optimistic."

"Married life has taught me that taking the risk is worth it," I corrected. "Stop overthinking it, Silas. Just let Helena in. I

After Silas left, I stood in the courtyard thinking. Both my brothers were dealing with complicated romantic situations while I had found my fated mate and was blissfully happily married.

It felt unfair somehow. They'd sacrificed so much to find me, to protect me, to build this life for our family. They deserved happiness too.

I made a mental note to pay more attention. To support them the way they'd supported me. To be the sister they needed instead of being so wrapped up in my own joy that I missed their pain.

Family meant being there for each other. Not just in battles and politics, but in the quiet struggles too. And if my brothers were struggling with love, then I'd help them however I could.

Even if that just meant listening when they were ready to talk. That afternoon, I found myself in the library with nothing particular to do. No training scheduled. No meetings planned. Just quiet hours to fill however I wanted.

The novelty of it was still strange. I pulled a book on Wynter family history from the shelves and settled into my favorite chair by the window. The text was dry, full of names and dates and political machinations, but it was my history. My family's story.

I was halfway through a chapter about my great-grandmother's diplomatic mission when Corin found me.

"There you are," he said. "I've been looking everywhere."

"What's wrong?" I asked, immediately alert.

"Nothing's wrong," Corin assured me. "I just wanted to check on you. Make sure you're actually resting instead of finding new ways to stress yourself out."

"I'm reading," I said, holding up the book. "Very relaxing."

"Family history," Corin read. "Because nothing says relaxation like studying your ancestors' political decisions."

"I'm curious," I defended. "About where I came from. Who I am."

"You're Beatrice," Corin said simply. "My sister. That's all you need to be."

"Easy for you to say," I said. "You've always known who you were. I'm still figuring it out."

Corin settled into the chair across from me. "Then let me help. What do you want to know?"

"Everything," I admitted. "What our family stood for. What it means to be a Wynter beyond just the bloodline and the power."

"Our parents were good people," Corin said. "Father was serious but fair. Mother was warm and fierce, protective of her family above all else. They loved each other deeply and loved us completely. They'd be proud of you," Corin said. "Of how strong you've become. How you've survived and thrived despite everything."

"You think so?" I asked.

"I know so," Corin said. "You're everything they hoped you'd be."