Mated To My Mate's Worst Enemy Chapter 98

ARIA

Some items were served raw—sliced tomatoes, lettuce leaves, cucumber rounds, fresh berries. Others were quickly cooked—sautéed vegetables, roasted squash, blanched beans. The aromas that drifted through the courtyard were mouth-watering, exactly what you'd expect from fresh produce.

Jason moved through the crowd, offering samples to anyone who wanted to try. The reactions were immediate and enthusiastic.

"It tastes completely normal," one woman said, wonder in her voice as she bit into a strawberry. "Better than normal, actually. Fresher."

"The tomatoes are incredible," someone else added. "I've never tasted anything this good from our regular gardens."

Even the elders were sampling the produce, their skeptical expressions giving way to genuine amazement. Elder Morrison took a bite of roasted carrot and actually closed his eyes, savoring the flavor.

"Remarkable," he said finally. "Truly remarkable. Ivory, you've outdone yourself."

The crowd's enthusiasm was building to a crescendo now. People were calling out questions, suggestions, praise. Someone started a chant of Ivory's name that quickly spread through the gathering.

I watched her reaction to all of this—the slight discomfort at being the center of so much attention, the pride she couldn't quite suppress, the way her gaze kept drifting to Jason as if seeking reassurance from his presence.

And I watched Kael watching her.

Through our bond, I felt the complexity of his emotions. Pride in what Ivory had accomplished, genuine admiration for her brilliance and dedication. But also that thread of possessiveness, of jealousy, that surfaced every time she looked at Jason or touched his arm or shared a smile with him.

He wasn't jealous of her success, I realized. He was jealous of Jason—of the easy intimacy between them, of the way Ivory turned to him for support instead of turning to Kael the way she used to.

The demonstration was winding down now, the samples distributed, the crowd beginning to disperse into smaller groups still discussing what they'd witnessed. Ivory was fielding questions from the elders, explaining technical details about the compound's composition and potential applications.

Jason stood nearby, not intruding on the official discussion but clearly available if Ivory needed him. Lia had been returned to his care, and the little girl was munching happily on a strawberry, juice dribbling down her chin.

"We should talk to her," I said quietly to Kael. "Officially acknowledge what she's accomplished. Make sure she knows the pack leadership supports her research."

Kael nodded, though I felt his reluctance through our bond. He didn't want to interrupt, didn't want to insert himself into a situation where Ivory had clearly established her own support system.

But he was Alpha. He had responsibilities. And one of those responsibilities was recognizing and supporting the achievements of his pack members.

We made our way through the crowd to where Ivory stood. She saw us approaching and her expression cooled noticeably, that professional distance sliding into place like a shield.

"Alpha Kael. Luna Aria," she said formally. "I hope the demonstration met your expectations."

"It exceeded them," Kael said, and I could hear him working to keep his voice appropriately neutral, appropriately Alpha-like. "What you've developed could revolutionize how we manage food resources. Not just for Shadowmere, but potentially for all the territories."

"The elders and I have been discussing next steps," Ivory said. "Expanded testing protocols, potential applications, timeline for wider implementation. I've agreed to document everything—the compound formula, the methodology, the results—so that even if something happens to me, the research won't be lost."

Even if something happens to me. A casual reference to the threats against her life, delivered without emotion, as if she'd already accepted that her survival wasn't guaranteed.

"Nothing's going to happen to you," Kael said, and there was something fierce in his voice that went beyond Alpha protecting pack member. "We've implemented security measures. We're monitoring the situation with Sera. You're safe here."

"Of course, Alpha," Ivory said, but her tone suggested she didn't entirely believe him. "Regardless, it's prudent to ensure the research is preserved. Jason has agreed to help me with the documentation process—he's been learning the technical aspects and can serve as a secondary source of information if needed."

Jason. Always Jason now. Every reference to someone helping her, supporting her, working alongside her—it was Jason's name that came up, never Kael's.

Through our bond, I felt Kael's reaction to this. The hurt he was trying to hide. The recognition that he'd been replaced in Ivory's life, at least in this capacity.

"That's wise," I said, speaking up when Kael seemed unable to form a response. "Having multiple people understand the research ensures its preservation regardless of what happens."

Ivory looked at me, and for just a moment, something flickered in her expression. Surprise, maybe, that I was supporting her. Or perhaps reassessment, reevaluating her assumptions about my intentions.

"Thank you, Luna Aria," she said finally, and while her tone wasn't warm, it wasn't as cold as it had been before. "I appreciate your understanding of the importance of this work."

It was the closest thing to a positive interaction we'd had. I'd take it.

"We should discuss the next steps in more detail," Kael said, finding his voice again. "Perhaps tomorrow, when things have settled down. I'd like to understand the timeline for expanded testing, what resources you'll need, how we can best support your continued research."

"Of course," Ivory agreed. "I'll prepare a formal proposal outlining my recommendations. Jason can present it if my presence at the meeting would be... uncomfortable for anyone."

The implication was clear—she was offering to remove herself from discussions if her presence would cause problems. If being around Kael, or me, or both of us together was too difficult.

"Your presence is required," Kael said firmly. "This is your research, your achievement. You should be the one presenting and discussing it."

Ivory studied him for a moment, something unreadable in her expression. Then she nodded once, accepting his decision.

"Tomorrow then. If you'll excuse me, I should begin organizing my notes while everything is fresh." She turned to Jason. "Would you help me carry the equipment back to the storage room?"

"Of course," Jason said immediately, beginning to gather the potted plants and remaining supplies.

They left together, Ivory explaining something technical while Jason listened attentively, Lia skipping alongside them holding her half-eaten strawberry. They looked like a family, I realized. Like something natural and right and complete.

And Kael was watching them go with an expression he probably didn't realize he was showing—loss and longing and something that looked almost like grief.

"She's moving on," I said quietly, not sure if I was trying to comfort him or prepare him. "Building something new."