Chapter 4

I didn't back down.

I shifted just enough for my claws to extend.

In one swift motion, I grabbed Chloe's wrist and yanked her in front of me.

My claws pressed against her throat.

Chloe screamed.

Kaelen's eyes went wide. His claws shifted instantly—away from my chest, now aimed at my neck.

Three years ago, I took him in during the dead of winter. Now his claws were at my throat.

"Kaelen. This is how you repay the one who saved you."

My voice was quiet. Only he could hear.

"Fine."

I let go of Chloe.

She stumbled and fell, then crawled back to Kaelen's feet, sobbing.

I walked to the hidden compartment and took out an obsidian fang—but not the real one.

A replica. One I'd prepared long ago.

It sat heavy in my palm. The late Alpha had told me the day he gave me the real one: This is your last safeguard.

Now I was going to throw this fake at his feet. I held it up in front of Kaelen. Watched his eyes. It was greedy.

I let go. The fang dropped from my hand and hit the stone floor. A piece chipped off the edge.

"Take it. And my family doesn't need your mercy."

Kaelen bent down and picked it up. He turned it over three times, checking every inch.

The tension in his face finally eased. A smile crept onto his lips.

He grabbed Chloe and walked out without looking back.

The moment the door closed, Chloe's laughter drifted in from outside.

I turned and reached into the deepest part of the hidden compartment.

My fingertips touched something cold. I pulled it out.

The real Obsidian Fang. Black as midnight. Carved with ancient wolf runes.

"They think that fang can command the warriors."

I gripped it tight.

"They don't know all pack warriors only answers to this real one."

A hidden passage opened silently. One of my scouts slipped out and knelt at my feet.

I placed the fang in his hand.

"Get word to my brother. Fake a defeat. Pull back from the border. Bring three hundred warriors. Surround the territory. Cut off every exit. Wait for my signal."

The scout took the fang and vanished without a sound.

I stood by the window.

The sky had gone dark.

Finley hurried in.

"Luna. Kaelen used that fang to reassign the border patrols. Every post is now held by his wolves."

I didn't turn around.

"Finley."

"Yes, Luna."

"The third Decree. It's time everyone knowned what he really is."