What I hadn't foreseen was running into Raiden and Kaia at the neutral den where I was meeting the Red Moon pack Alpha.
I had come early, hoping to find a quiet place to get ready. My fears were soon calmed by the moon brew scent coming from the rear, till they entered and laughed heartily.
Kaia's hand rested in Raiden's arms. Her flawless smile was more radiant than the overhead moonstone. He laughed at what she whispered as she leaned closer.
I forced myself to remain composed as I gazed at my goblet, but Raiden saw me.
"Freya," he called out. I could hear the surprise and guilt in his voice
I forced myself to keep my face straight. "Alpha Raiden."
Kaia flowed to his side, pulling out a chair at my stone-hewn table. "Do you mind if we join your den-space?"
I wanted to say yes, but they sat down uninvited.
"This little den is charming," Kaia said sweetly. "Do you come here often, Freya?"
"Occasionally," I sharply retorted.
"Are you meeting someone?" Raiden asked, studying me with too much interest.
"Yes, the Red Moon pack Alpha."
"Always working," he smirked. "So dedicated."
I ignored him, checking the time as the moments stretched painfully long. Kaia giggled at her crystal communicator, occasionally showing Raiden something that made him laugh.
"Isn't this adorable?" she cooed, showing a pup wearing tiny fur clothes. "Raiden, we should do this someday, don't you think?"
My jaw clenched, but I refused to react.
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves, Kaia," Raiden replied awkwardly.
She pouted, then smirked at me. "Oh, right. Freya doesn't like pups. Or was it that you can't … "
"That's enough, Kaia," Raiden cut her off sharply.
My future ally, Rowan William, showed up shortly after, providing a much-needed diversion. He was tall, with a friendly handshake that made me feel at ease right away. "Sorry, I'm late," he said.
"No problem." I smiled, grateful for the excuse to shift my attention.
Raiden extended his arm. "Raiden of the Ironwood pack. Freya and I hunt under the same Alpha. Would you mind if I joined your counsel?"
I sent him a warning look, but Rowan nodded courteously, unaware of the tension.
The discussion of territory lines and moon-tithe began, but Raiden kept inserting himself, interrupting with unsought opinions. His presence was a weight in the air, suffocating.
By the time Rowan took his leave, I was fuming. "What was that about?" I snapped.
Raiden feigned innocence. "What do you mean?"
"You had no business being here," I growled.
Kaia smirked. "Relax, Freya. Raiden was just helping. Isn't that what packmates do?"
"Packmates?" I repeated, locking my gaze with hers. "Strange, I scent no bond-of-oath that ties you to this duty."
Her smirk faltered briefly before she turned to Raiden. "Darling, would you fetch us some refreshment? A moon-mint elixir for me."
Raiden hesitated, his eyes darting between us. "Keep the peace, both of you."
The moment he moved toward the server corner, Kaia leaned across the table. All her false sweetness was gone in an instant.
"Let's be honest, Freya," she remarked sternly. "You don't matter. Raiden is mine now. You're just an obstacle."
I refused to show any sign of weakness. "And yet you are the one putting forth such effort to provoke me. It would appear that you are the one who senses a threat."
Kaia's lip twitched. She extended her hand across the table with a fake smile. "A truce, then?"
"I think not." I moved to dismiss her gesture, but she seized the moment.
She grabbed my hand, twisted and threw herself to the ground with a dramatic gasp.
The Moonbrew den fell into a chilling silence, every head turning toward the commotion.
With tears in her eyes, Kaia gripped her wrist. "Why did you push me, Freya?"
My jaw dropped. "I didn't … "
Before I could continue, Raiden dashed back, dropping two goblets onto the table as he crouched beside her.
"Kaia! Are you alright?" he inquired. His voice was full of panic.
She whimpered as she leaned into his compassion. "She simply pushed me. I tried to reconcile with her, but she ... "
The absurdity of the situation left me stunned. The other folks' judgment was oppressive as they glared and murmured.
"What on earth, Freya?" Raiden became enraged.
"She's lying!" I shot back. "You weren't here. You didn't see … "
"I've seen enough!" he interrupted. His glare was piercing through me.
Kaia wiped nonexistent tears from her eyes. "I shouldn't have reached out. I just thought … maybe we could finally move forward."
Raiden's expression darkened. "You've crossed a line this time, Freya. This behavior won't be tolerated in any pack."
My hands trembled as I looked at him, not because of his words, but because of the realization that came over me.
Raiden would trust Kaia no matter what. No matter what deception she spun, no matter what truth I voiced, he had made his choice.
And it wasn't me.
