Page 40 of Once You Go Pack
The worst part was knowing her training would probably be postponed indefinitely. Lyra was grieving too, and rightfully so. Which meant Mila would have to navigate these treacherous waters alone, armed with only the handful of books she’d read and her stubborn determination to prove she belonged here.
Do I even belong here anymore?
The doubt crept in like poison, seeping through the cracks of her newfound confidence. Yes, they’d discovered her ancestral connection to wolves this morning. Yes, the mate bond between her and Cade was undeniable. But connections and bonds meant nothing if she was going to be shut out every time real life intruded on their fairy tale romance.
She wanted to be his partner, not his pretty distraction. She wanted to stand beside him as he faced the impossible weight of kingship, to offer her strength and intelligence and unwavering support. But how could she do any of that from the confines of a guest suite?
As midnight approached, Mila finally admitted defeat and changed into the silk nightgown Cade had chosen for her. The fabric whispered against her skin like a caress, reminding her of his hands and mouth and the broken workout bench that bore witness to their explosive passion. Her body still hummed with the memory of his touch, and the way he’d made her feel beautiful and desired and utterly cherished.
God, I’m falling for him so hard.
The terrifying realization hit her as she slipped between the Egyptian cotton sheets, her chest tightening with the weight of it. Somewhere between his gentlemanly courtship and his primal claiming, she’d tumbled headfirst into love with a man who might not have room for her in his new reality.
The tears came without warning, hot and relentless against her cheeks. She cried for King Drake, whose warmth and acceptance had made her feel like family during their breakfast together. She cried for Lyra, who’d lost her father and anchor. She cried for Cade, drowning in duty and grief with no one to pull him to the surface.
But mostly, she cried for herself. For the little girl who’d lost her mother and learned to be invisible. For the woman who’d spent years making everyone else’s life easier while her own dreams withered. For the part of her that wondered if she was strong enough to love a king, or if she’d crumble under the pressure like everyone seemed to expect.
Through the storm of tears, something strange began to pulse in her chest. A warmth that had nothing to do with the fire crackling in her hearth, and everything to do with the connection she’d felt with Cade since the moment they met. It was like a golden thread stretched between them, vibrating with emotions that weren’t entirely her own.
Grief. Raw, devastating, and all-consuming.
But underneath it, something else. A fierce protectiveness and desperate longing that made her breath catch. He was thinking of her—she was sure of it. Missing her even as duty held him captive in his father’s office.
The mate bond. It had to be. Somehow, across the vast corridors of the castle, she could feel echoes of his heart calling to hers.
I’m not going anywhere,she whispered into the darkness, hoping somehow the mate bond would carry her words to him.
FOURTEEN
CADE
The leather chair behind his father’s oak desk had become Cade’s prison. Twenty-four hours of sitting in the same spot and breathing in the lingering scent of pine and authority that still clung to every surface in the office. His father’s reading glasses lay folded next to a half-finished cup of tea, steam long since dissipated, and Cade couldn’t bring himself to move either item.
He was just here yesterday morning,Cade thought, his eyes burning from exhaustion.We discussed the council meeting next week. He was worried about my transition to High Sovereign, but he seemed... stable.
The irony wasn’t lost on him. The moment he’d finally claimed his mate—the moment his wolf had found peace in Mila’s arms—everything had shattered. Like the universe demanded payment for his brief happiness.
His communicator buzzed for the hundredth time that day. Another call he couldn’t ignore, no matter how much his wolf snarled in protest.
“King Cade here,” he answered with the unfamiliar title.
“Your Majesty,” came the gravelly voice of King Thornberry from the Blue Moon pack. “We’ve received word of King Drake’spassing. The Blue Moon pack offers our deepest condolences and pledges our continued loyalty to the Ice Moon throne.”
Your Majesty.The title settled on Cade’s chest like a lead vest. Yesterday, he’d been Crown Prince with the luxury of time. Today, he was King of the Ice Moon pack and High Sovereign of the entire Ice Mountains territory, responsible for three packs and thousands of lives.
“Thank you, King Thornberry. Your support means everything to our pack during this transition.”
The words came automatically, diplomatic responses his father had drilled into him since childhood. But underneath the polite veneer, Cade’s wolf growled, agitated by the endless stream of condolences and political posturing.
The call ended, and immediately another one came through. This time, the caller ID made his jaw tighten.
“Yes, King Zarik?”
“My deepest sympathies, King Cade.” The Shadow Moon leader’s voice carried false warmth that made Cade’s skin crawl. “Such a shock, losing your father so suddenly. I’m sure you’re feeling... overwhelmed by your new responsibilities.”
There was something underneath Zarik’s tone—not quite excitement, but a barely contained anticipation that set every alpha instinct Cade possessed on high alert. Like a predator who’d been waiting for him to show weakness.
“The Ice Moon pack remains strong,” Cade replied carefully. “As does the High Sovereign’s authority.”
