Mated To My Mate's Worst Enemy Chapter 54

ARIA

The words hit like a slap, even though I'd half-expected them. "I understand. You did it for Kael."

"I did it for my pack," Ivory corrected. "For the stability of Shadowmere. For the alliances that would have been damaged if the bonding ceremony had been disrupted. You just happened to be part of that equation."

I nodded slowly, trying to keep my expression neutral. "I appreciate your honesty."

"Do you?" Ivory's gaze was sharp despite her injuries. "Because I want you to understand something else, too. Just because I protected your bonding doesn't mean I think you're the right choice for Luna. Just because I helped doesn't mean I like you or approve of you or think you're worthy of Kael."

The hostility I'd sensed before was crystal clear now, no longer hidden behind pleasant smiles and diplomatic words. This was the real Ivory—the woman who resented my presence, who thought I was inadequate, who would have preferred anyone else standing where I stood.

"Then why help at all?" I asked, keeping my voice steady. "Why put yourself in danger if you don't think I should be Luna?"

"Because Kael made his choice," Ivory said simply. "And I respect his right to make that choice, even if I disagree with it. But Luna Aria—" her voice hardened, "—I'm going to be watching you. Every decision you make, every action you take, every way you try to lead this pack. And when you inevitably prove yourself incompetent, when you show everyone that you're not up to the task, I'll make sure Kael sees it. Not through sabotage or manipulation, but simply by letting you fail on your own merits."

"You're that certain I'll fail?" I asked, fighting to keep the hurt out of my voice.

"I've been part of this pack my entire life," Ivory said. "I've studied healing and herbs for years. I've traveled the territories, built relationships with other packs, proven my value time and time again. You've been here a week. You saved Kael once, stumbled into some children who liked you, and agreed to a political marriage. That's not a foundation for successful leadership. That's desperation on his part and opportunism on yours."

Each word was carefully chosen, designed to cut deep. And they did. Because underneath the hostility, there was truth. I was new. I was inexperienced. I had stumbled into this position more than earned it.

But I'd also made a commitment. And I'd be damned if I let Ivory's low expectations define what I could become.

"You're right," I said quietly. "I am new. I am inexperienced. I have a lot to learn. But I'm also stubborn, dedicated, and not going anywhere. You can watch me all you want, Ivory. You can wait for me to fail. But I'm going to prove you wrong. Not to change your mind about me, because frankly, I don't think anything will. But because this pack deserves a Luna who fights for them, and that's what I intend to be."

Something flickered in Ivory's eye—surprise, maybe, or reassessment. But before she could respond, I moved toward the door.

"I'll send Kael and Nina back in," I said. "You should rest."

"Wait," Ivory called out, and I paused with my hand on the door. "Call them in yourself. I want to speak to all of you together."

Confused but compliant, I opened the door and gestured for Kael and Nina to return. They entered quickly, concern evident on both their faces.

"Everything okay?" Kael asked, his gaze moving between Ivory and me, probably trying to assess whether we'd had an argument.

"Fine," Ivory said, and her tone had shifted entirely. Pleasant again, warm even, with no trace of the hostility from moments before. "I just wanted to thank Aria properly. For being gracious about my interference with the ceremony. I was worried she might resent my involvement, but we talked it through and worked out our differences. We're going to be good friends, I think."

The lie was so smooth, so convincing, that for a moment I almost believed it myself. Kael's expression brightened with relief and hope, clearly thrilled that his mate and his childhood friend were going to get along.

Nina looked slightly more skeptical, her gaze sharp as she studied both of us. But she didn't contradict Ivory's statement.

"That's wonderful," Kael said warmly. "I was hoping you two would connect. You have more in common than you might think."

"Mmm," Ivory hummed noncommittally, then shifted topics smoothly. "Nina, I was thinking—when you have time later, could you bring me some grapes? I'm craving them terribly, and the clinic food is so bland."

"Of course," Nina said immediately. "I can go grab some right now if you want."

"Actually," Kael interjected, "I'll get them. You should rest, Nina. You've been awake as long as I have."

"Absolutely not," Ivory said firmly. "Kael, you're the Alpha. You have a pack to rule, and you have that whole situation with Luna Aria's ex-boyfriend to solve. Council meetings to attend, decisions to make. I can't have you running errands for me like some servant when you have actual responsibilities."

"Ivory, you got hurt protecting us," Kael protested. "The least I can do is—"

"The least you can do is be the Alpha this pack needs," Ivory interrupted gently. "Nina can bring the grapes. Or send one of the children—they'd probably love an excuse to visit. But you, Alpha Kael, need to focus on leading. Especially now, with everything that's happened."

Kael looked torn, clearly wanting to do something, anything, to show his gratitude but unable to argue with Ivory's logic. Finally, he nodded reluctantly.

"You're right. But Ivory, if you need anything—anything at all—you tell Nina or Eliza or anyone, and it will be taken care of. Understood?"

"Understood," Ivory agreed with a small smile. "Now go. Both of you. You have work to do, and I need to rest before Eliza starts lecturing me about overdoing it."

We left the clinic together, Kael and I walking side by side toward the pack office where the real work of the day awaited us. Through our bond, I felt his relief that Ivory was awake and coherent, mixed with lingering guilt over her injuries.

"She seems better," I offered. "Her mind is clearly sharp, which is a good sign."

"She is better," Kael agreed. "Thanks to Eliza's skill and Ivory's own healing knowledge. But it's going to be a long recovery. Fractured cheekbone, broken nose, severe concussion—those aren't injuries that heal overnight."

"No," I agreed quietly. "They're not."

We reached the pack office, a large room that served as the administrative center for Shadowmere. Nina had laid out more documents here earlier, and I could see new ones had been added—including several with official council seals.

"The council wants to meet today," Kael said, picking up one of the sealed letters. "To discuss what to do with Alpha Cross and his wolves. And apparently—" his expression darkened as he read further, "—Luna Sera has sent a formal demand for her mate's release."

"Sera?" I moved to read over his shoulder, my stomach sinking as I took in the formal language of the letter.