Violet’s POV
Ava stepped forward with poise, offering Asher a polite bow.
Her movements were precise, measured.
I had heard of Ava before–Jason’s only daughter, the pride of
the bear clan. She was a warrior, a diplomat, and most
importantly, a figure Jason had been grooming for something
bigger. Something like this. She had the kind of presence that
made people stop and pay attention, without her needing to say
a word. Even standing silently behind her father, she made an
impression.
Jason followed her gesture with a slight grin, watching Asher
carefully. “So,” he said, voice casual, “what do you think of my
daughter?”
“Impressive,” Asher said with a smile. “Miss Ava looks no less
capable than any warrior here.”
“And what about as a mate?” Jason continued.
The entire gathering of wolves erupted in murmurs, some
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looking visibly angered. I was stunned–I hadn’t expected Jason to have such intentions. The competition was just a ploy, a way
to showcase his daughter by comparison.
My wolf howled in my mind, provoked and eager to be
unleashed. Pregnancy had made us even more temperamental. But not now. I forced myself to remain composed, suppressing
the urge to shift.
But I would never allow Asher to be with anyone else. He was
mine–only mine.
Jason remained unfazed, waiting in silence. Asher furrowed his
brows and said sternly. “I already have a queen.”
Jason laughed, a deep chuckle that filled the room. “I know, I
know. Wolves are so. monogamous. One mate, one bond. But in
our clan, it’s common to have more than one. The royal family
especially. More mates, stronger alliances.”
I noticed a few of Jason’s warriors nod subtly, like they were
aware of what was going to happen here.
Asher’s jaw tightened. “I apologize, but I’m not interested. Violet
is enough for me.”
But Jason didn’t give up because of this, he leaned back slightly,
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still smiling. “Of course. But hypothetically. what if she can’t
bear you a healthy heir?”
The air turned cold.
Every single person in the room tensed. Not just our wolves-
everyone.
Asher’s eyes stayed on Jason, narrowing just a fraction. Then
came the sound. A low, sharp growl rumbling from Asher’s
throat. It wasn’t loud–but it cut through everything. A threat.
Philip took a half–step forward. Simon’s posture shifted too.
Every wolf in the room caught the signal.
Across from them, the bear warriors responded in kind.
Shoulders squared, feet planted. One of them reached toward
their belt but stopped when Jason gave a brief wave of his
hand.
My heart kicked against my ribs.
Jason held up a hand. “Relax. It’s just a question.”
Asher didn’t move. His voice was quiet when it came, but there
was no mistaking the fury in it. “Violet is my Luna. My mate.
Don’t test me again.”
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There was no mistake in his tone. That was a line, and Jason
had gotten far too close to crossing it.
Just as the atmosphere grew increasingly tense, a child’s voice
suddenly came from the side.
“Mama!” It’s Mia.
Mia ran into the room, her steps quick and arms wide as she
darted past the startled guards.
“Are these the bears?” she asked, looking up at the warriors
with awe. “They’re huge!”
Some of the guards behind her scrambled to catch up, clearly
having tried–and failed–to stop her.
All eyes followed her. Every posture eased slightly, the tight
coil of aggression slipping loose.
I rushed to her before anyone else could move, scooping her
into my arms. “What are you doing here?”
She giggled, pointing at the warriors. “I wanted to see bears! I
have never seen them.”
“What a cute little girl.” Jason smiled. “She’s curious.”
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“Well, she’s a child,” I replied with warn, brushing a hand
through Mia’s hair, then walked over and stood beside Asher.
I placed a hand on his arm. “Let it go.” He nodded, reluctantly
tearing his gaze away from Jason.
Olivia appeared at the door just a moment later, worry etched
into her face. She didn’t say anything, but her eyes scanned the
room, quickly picking up on the tension that still hadn’t fully
disappeared. I handed Mia over without a word, and she took
her quietly, carrying her back out of the hall.
Jason turned to me after a pause. “Your daughter has spirit.”
“Yes, she did” I confessed, and proud of her.
He nodded once. “She’s lucky to have you.” There was no trace
of mockery in his voice now.
“Enough with the games.” I stepped closer, keeping my voice
steady. “What do you want from us?”
Jason’s smile faded. He didn’t hesitate.
“I’ll give you what you need. The Silvermoon Grass. It will lift
the curse–no tricks, no riddles.”
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I waited.
“But I want something in return.” Jason’s gaze shifted back to
Asher. “I want you to marry Ava.”
The words dropped like stones into water, rippling across the
room.
Jason went on, calmly, as if he hadn’t just detonated the most
offensive request I’d ever heard. “She won’t need to be queen.
That role is yours, Violet. This is about unity. A child between
Ava and Asher would bind our clans together. Secure peace.
And give you a proper heir.”
My body locked up.
He had the nerve to say it so plainly–like it was just another
business deal. Like I hadn’t been fighting for the child inside me
with everything I had.
