Page 41 of Once You Go Pack
“Of course, of course. Though I can’t help but wonder how well you’ll manage the transition without proper... support. A strong mate can make all the difference during times of upheaval.”
The comment hit its mark perfectly. Zarik somehow knew about Mila—probably knew Cade had claimed her yesterday,knew she was human, and knew exactly how vulnerable that made them both in the current political climate.
“The Shadow Moon pack’s concern is noted,” Cade said, ice creeping into his voice.
Zarik’s laugh was low and predatory. “Until the funeral, then. We have much to discuss about the future of the Ice Mountains territory.”
The call ended, leaving Cade staring at the dark screen with mounting dread. Zarik’s barely concealed eagerness confirmed what Cade had suspected—the Shadow Moon king saw King Drake’s death as an opportunity to challenge the established order. And with Cade newly crowned and still processing his grief, the timing couldn’t be worse.
I should have had months to prepare for this. Months to train Mila, to solidify our mate bond, and to prove to the council that she could be the High Sovereign’s queen.
Instead, he was drowning in responsibilities while his mate waited in isolation, probably wondering why he’d abandoned her after claiming her body with desperate passion.
Mila.
Just thinking her name made his chest tighten with longing. His wolf whined softly, craving her warmth and comfort, and the peace he’d found in her arms yesterday before everything went to hell. But he couldn’t face her like this—raw and vulnerable and barely holding it all together. She’d come to Nova Aurora looking for adventure, not to nurse a broken king through his grief.
She doesn’t need to see me falling apart. She needs strength, stability, and someone who can protect her from the political storm that’s coming.
But even as he told himself that, Cade knew he was lying. Part of him was terrified that if he let her see how much he needed her, how desperately his wolf called for her comfort,she’d realize she’d made a mistake. That a human paralegal from Earth couldn’t possibly handle being mated to a grieving king with enemies circling like vultures.
A soft knock interrupted his spiraling thoughts. “Come in.”
Martin entered with a tray of food that Cade had no appetite for and the carefully neutral expression that meant he was about to deliver news Cade didn’t want to hear.
“The viewing begins in two hours, Your Majesty. The ceremonial hall is prepared, and representatives from all three packs will be in attendance.”
Including Zarik.
“I’ll be there,” Cade said, though the thought of standing over his father’s lifeless body while making polite conversation with political rivals made his wolf howl in pain.
“Perhaps you should speak with Mila first,” Martin suggested carefully. “She’s been asking about you. Lyra mentioned she seemed... distressed.”
Guilt twisted in Cade’s stomach like a blade. Of course she was distressed. He’d claimed her as his mate and then vanished for twenty-four hours without explanation, leaving her to navigate the aftermath alone.
She probably thinks I regret what happened between us.
“I’ll see her at the viewing,” Cade said firmly.
Martin’s expression remained carefully blank, but Cade caught the disapproval in his Beta’s scent. “Of course, Your Majesty.”
Alone again, Cade finally forced himself to stand on unsteady legs. His reflection in the window showed a man who looked like he’d aged years in a single day—hollow eyes, stubble darkening his jaw, and the weight of kingship already etching lines around his mouth.
I need to get through tonight. Show strength to the packs, honor Father’s memory, and somehow find a way to protect Mila from the chaos that’s coming.
But first, he needed to look like a king instead of a grieving son who’d rather lock himself away forever in his father’s office, surrounded by memories of better days.
The formal black suit hanging in his private chambers awaited, along with the crown he’d never wanted to wear this soon.
The ceremonial hall stretched before Cade like a cathedral of grief, its vaulted ceilings carved with wolf totems that seemed to watch him with knowing eyes. The formal black suit felt foreign against his skin—too rigid and too constraining—while the heaviness of his father’s crown pressed against his temples like a physical reminder of everything that had changed in the span of a heartbeat.
This crown was supposed to be months away,he thought, resisting the urge to adjust the circlet of silver and ice-blue sapphires that marked him as High Sovereign.I was supposed to have time to prepare and to prove myself worthy of it.
The scent of funeral flowers—white aurora lilies and mountain sage—couldn’t quite mask the underlying tension that permeated the hall. Representatives from all three packs moved through the space with careful politeness, their conversations muted but charged with undercurrents of speculation and ambition. Every glance felt like an assessment and every condolence was like a test of his composure.
King Zarik stood near the eastern wall, his imposing frame draped in ceremonial black, but his glacial blue eyes tracked Cade’s every movement with predatory interest. The Shadow Moon king’s presence felt like a storm cloud gathering strength, and Cade’s wolf bristled beneath his skin in response.
He’s waiting for me to show weakness. Waiting for any sign that I’m not strong enough to hold this crown.
