Ivy’s POV
Even after our meal, the confrontation with Chelsea lingered in my mind. I saw that Nancy’s confidence, though bolstered by Killian’s protection, was still fragile.
“You know what you need?” I said, pulling Nancy to her feet from a bench we’d found in the pack’s central garden. “Something shiny to make you feel powerful.”
Her brow furrowed in confusion. “What?”
“Jewelry,” I explained with a determined smile. “To go with that gorgeous golden dress. Something that screams ‘don’t mess with me.’ I want everyone, especially Chelsea, to know you’re under my protection.”
Twenty minutes later, we were browsing the display cases at Moonstone, the pack’s only jewelry store. Nancy’s mood had lifted as she examined the delicate pieces, her eyes drawn to a silver bracelet with tiny sapphires.
"This is perfect," she whispered, slipping it on her wrist.
I nodded in approval but my attention had been captured by a set of gold earrings with amber stones that would complement her dress beautifully. As I reached for them, the bell over the door chimed.
"I want those," came a sharp, unfamiliar voice from behind us.
I turned to find an elegantly dressed woman pointing directly at the earrings I’d been about to request. Her honey-blonde hair was styled in an immaculate updo, and her makeup was flawless. Next to her stood a familiar face—Chelsea—looking smugly at Nancy.
"I’m sorry," I replied calmly, "but I was just about to ask to see these."
The blonde woman’s perfect eyebrows arched. "And you are?"
"Ivy," I said simply, offering nothing more.
Her eyes narrowed slightly, assessing me. "Well, Ivy, I’m Kathrine. And those earrings would be perfect for the upcoming pack gathering." Her lips curved into what was meant to be a charming smile. "I’m sure you understand."
There was something practiced about her confidence, a brittleness beneath the polished exterior that Killian immediately identified as weakness disguised as strength.
She smells of desperation beneath that expensive perfume, Killian observed.
I turned back to the display case. "I’d like to see the amber and gold set, please," I said to the shopkeeper, deliberately ignoring Kathrine’s request.
The man behind the counter hesitated, his eyes darting between us before retrieving the earrings. Kathrine’s aura flared, pushing against mine in clear challenge.
"Perhaps you don’t understand who I am," she said, her voice dropping to a dangerous purr. "I’m going to be the next Luna of this pack."
Beside me, Nancy tensed, and I felt a flicker of surprise. My father was dating someone? This was news.
"Congratulations," I replied smoothly, examining the earrings the shopkeeper had placed in my palm. "But these will look better with Nancy’s gold dress than with whatever you’re planning to wear."
Chelsea stepped forward, her eyes glinting. "You should show more respect—"
Kathrine silenced her with a sharp gesture. "It’s alright, Chelsea. I’m sure once she realizes her mistake, she’ll be appropriately apologetic."
I smiled, feeling Killian’s amusement bubble up alongside my own. This woman had no idea who she was challenging. In my old life, I might have backed down, given her what she wanted to avoid conflict. But I wasn’t that girl anymore.
"These are beautiful," I told the shopkeeper, handing him back the earrings. "And I’d also like to see the gold necklace with the amber pendant."
Kathrine’s perfectly manicured nails drummed against the glass counter. "I was looking at that necklace as well."
"Then you have excellent taste," I responded pleasantly. "Nancy, what do you think of this set with your dress?"
Nancy glanced nervously between Kathrine and me before nodding. "They’re perfect, but Ivy, maybe we should—"
"I’ll take both pieces," I interrupted, pulling out my credit card. "And the silver bracelet she was looking at."
The shopkeeper, clearly uncomfortable with the tension, hurried to complete the transaction. Kathrine’s eyes never left my face, her smile growing tighter by the second.
"You’re new here," she stated, though it wasn’t quite a question.
"Actually, I’m not." I signed the receipt, tucking my card back into my wallet. "I’ve just been away for a while."
Kathrine tilted her head, studying me more carefully. Something flickered in her expression—recognition, perhaps, or calculation. "I see. Well, welcome back. I’m sure we’ll be seeing much more of each other."
There was a threat hidden in those polite words, one that made Killian stir restlessly.
"I’m looking forward to it," I replied, matching her tone.
As the shopkeeper handed me the bag with our purchases, Chelsea leaned in to whisper something to Kathrine, who laughed—a practiced, melodic sound that grated on my nerves.
"Do tell your friend there’s a dress code for the pack event," Kathrine said loudly as we turned to leave. "Some standards must be maintained."
I paused, feeling Nancy’s hurt and embarrassment, and faced Kathrine again. "I’ll make sure she outshines everyone there."
We were almost at the door when Kathrine’s hand suddenly gripped my arm. "A word of advice," she murmured, her voice pitched for my ears only. "This pack has changed since you’ve been gone. Don’t make enemies you can’t handle."
I looked down at her hand on my arm, then back to her face. For a moment, I let Killian surface just enough to change my eyes from their normal amber to a burning gold.
"Don’t touch what isn’t yours," I said softly. "That’s my advice to you."
Her hand fell away as if burned, her eyes widening slightly before she controlled her reaction. I pulled away and guided Nancy out of the shop.
Once outside, Nancy exhaled shakily. "I can’t believe you just did that."
"Did what? Buy jewelry?" I asked innocently, but my smile faded as I noted her genuine concern.
"Challenged Kathrine like that. Do you have any idea who she is?"
"Obviously someone who thinks very highly of herself," I replied, handing her the bag with her new accessories.
Nancy glanced around nervously before leaning close. "She’s been pursuing your father for months. And he seems… interested."
I stopped walking. "My father and that woman?"
Nancy nodded grimly. "She showed up about six months ago, from a neighboring pack. Quickly worked her way into the inner circle. She’s the one who’s been encouraging the hierarchy problems, rewarding she-wolves who follow her lead."
A memory flashed—Warren standing over me, his eyes cold as he pronounced my sentence. "You’ve brought this on yourself," he had said.
I had let others manipulate my life once before, with fatal consequences. I wouldn’t allow history to repeat itself with my father’s pack.
"Does she make him happy?" I asked quietly.
Nancy hesitated. "He smiles when she’s around. But…"
"But?"
"It doesn’t reach his eyes," she finished. "Not like when he talks about you. Or your mom."
I nodded slowly, taking in this new information. Another battlefield had opened, one I hadn’t anticipated. Kathrine wasn’t just some random bully—she was positioning herself to take a place of power. My place, if bloodlines meant anything.
"Thanks for telling me," I said, squeezing Nancy’s hand. "And don’t worry about Kathrine. I’ll handle her myself."
As we walked back toward the packhouse, I felt a calm resolve settle over me. Warren had taught me the cost of trusting blindly. This time, I would protect what was mine—my father, my pack, my future.
She will try to eliminate any threat to her position, Killian warned.
Let her try, I responded silently. I’m not the same girl who died on that operating table. This time, we’re ready.