Mated To My Mate's Worst Enemy Chapter 34

ARIA

She extended her hand, and I took it, noting how her grip was firm but not quite warm. Her smile was perfect—welcoming, friendly, everything it should be. But her eyes told a different story. They assessed me coolly, measuring, judging, finding me wanting.

I knew that look. I'd seen it enough times from Sera.

"The honor is mine," I said, keeping my voice neutral. "Nina speaks highly of you. I understand you've been gathering herbs?"

"Among other things." Ivory gestured to her bags. "Actually, I brought back quite a haul. Some rare specimens that should help with various pack needs. Including—" she pulled out a carefully wrapped bundle, "—moonbeam plants. Fresh ones, properly harvested. I heard our Alpha had a mishap with some that were picked incorrectly."

The implication hung in the air, subtle but unmistakable. She'd done what I'd failed to do—harvested moonbeam plants the right way, without nearly getting everyone killed by nightwalkers.

"That's wonderful," I said, refusing to take the bait. "I'm sure Eliza will be thrilled. The plants have been helping Kael significantly."

"Yes, well, I know exactly how to prepare them for maximum efficacy," Ivory said with that same pleasant smile that didn't reach her eyes. "I've been studying healing herbs for years. It's something of a specialty of mine."

Of course it was. Of course this beautiful, beloved, competent omega had skills I lacked, knowledge I didn't possess, a history with the pack that I could never match.

"Ivory's one of our best herb gatherers," Nina said, seemingly oblivious to the undercurrent of tension. "She's traveled all over, studied with some of the best healers in the territories. Having her back is a real blessing."

"I'm sure," I murmured, watching as pack members continued to crowd around Ivory, welcoming her home with genuine affection.

It was then that I felt Kael's presence through our bond—a surge of happiness and recognition that made my stomach sink. I turned to see him emerging from the forest, his massive wolf form moving with more energy than I'd seen from him in days.

He made a beeline for Ivory.

The greeting between them was warm, familiar in a way that spoke of long history. Ivory didn't hesitate to bury her hands in his fur, to press her forehead against his shoulder in a gesture of deep affection. And Kael—Kael practically melted into her touch, his tail actually wagging like a puppy's.

*"Ivory,"* I heard through the mindlink he'd opened to include her. *"You're back early. I wasn't expecting you until next week."*

"Couldn't stay away once I heard about your new Luna," Ivory said, her voice carrying a teasing lilt. "Plus, I found those treatment herbs you asked me to look for. The ones that might help push back against the curse more effectively."

*"You found them?"* Kael's mental voice was filled with hope and excitement. *"Ivory, that's incredible. Have you shown Eliza?"*

"Not yet. Wanted to see you first." Ivory pulled back, her hands still buried in his fur as she examined him. "You look better than I expected, actually. Someone's been taking good care of you."

*"Aria saved my life,"* Kael said, and I felt a warmth through our bond that should have reassured me. *"She harvested moonbeam plants during a nightwalker attack. Risked everything to keep me alive."*

"How brave," Ivory said, finally glancing my way. Her smile was still pleasant, still perfect. "Though I'm glad I'm back now. We can't have our future Luna taking such dangerous risks. That's what pack members like me are for."

The implication was clear: I'd been reckless where she would have been competent. I'd endangered myself unnecessarily while she knew how to handle such situations properly.

I felt my wolf bristle with irritation, but I kept my expression neutral. Getting defensive would only make me look insecure.

*"Aria,"* Kael said, his mental voice warm as he included me in the link. *"I'm glad you came down to meet Ivory. I was hoping you two would get along. Ivory's been part of this pack since we were children. She's like family."*

"I'm looking forward to working with you," I said to Ivory, meaning it despite the tension I felt. "It sounds like you have valuable knowledge that will benefit the pack."

"Oh, I'm sure we'll work together wonderfully," Ivory said, her tone light. "After all, we're both omegas. We understand each other in ways others can't, don't we?"

There it was again—that subtle dig. She was emphasizing our shared designation, reminding everyone present that we were both omegas, both technically lower in the hierarchy, both dependent on the pack's goodwill for our positions.

Except she'd earned her place through years of service and skill, while I was here because of a political alliance and a dying Alpha's desperate need for a mate.

"I'm sure we do," I said evenly.

Nina was watching the exchange with a thoughtful expression, and I wondered if she was finally picking up on the undercurrent of hostility. But before she could say anything, Eliza hurried over, her healer's instincts clearly drawn by the mention of new medicinal herbs.

"Ivory! Nina said you brought moonbeam plants? And other treatment herbs?"

"I did." Ivory finally released Kael and turned her attention to Eliza. "Let me show you what I found. Some of these specimens are incredibly rare."

The two of them moved toward the pack house, Ivory explaining in detail about her harvest while Eliza listened with rapt attention. Most of the crowd followed, eager to hear about Ivory's travels and what she'd brought back.

I started to drift back toward the pack house myself, planning to return to those letters that still needed responses. But Kael's voice in my mind stopped me.

*"Aria, wait."*

I paused, turning back to where he stood. Through our bond, I felt his happiness at Ivory's return mixed with hope about the new herbs she'd brought.

*"I know this might feel awkward,"* he said carefully. *"Ivory returning right before the ceremony. But I really do hope you two can build a good relationship. She's been my friend since childhood. One of the few people who stayed by my side when the curse first took hold."*

Of course she had. Of course Ivory was loyal and devoted and everything a pack member should be.

*"I'll do my best,"* I promised, and I meant it. Whatever my personal discomfort, Ivory clearly mattered to Kael and to the pack. Building bridges with her was part of my responsibility as future Luna. *"She seems very knowledgeable about herbs and healing. That's a valuable asset."*

*"She is,"* Kael agreed. *"And she's kind, once you get to know her. I think you two could be friends, actually. Both omegas who've proven yourselves through action rather than birthright. You have more in common than you might think."*

I highly doubted Ivory wanted to be my friend, but I kept that thought carefully shielded from the bond.