Elle hadn't moved from Nova's bedside. Her hand was still wrapped in hers. Elias was checking her vitals again, just to be sure. Aeron stood near the door, arms crossed, sharp eyes alert. Cael sat at the foot of the bed, silent but clearly not planning on budging either.
"I need to meet with Alpha Balen," Fin said finally. "He's requested my presence. Apparently something urgent."
"You go," Elle said without hesitation. "We've got her."
"She's not waking up alone," Cael added.
"We weren't planning on leaving anyway," Aeron muttered.
"Unless you kick us out," Elias chimed in, glancing up. "And even then, it would take all four of you."
Fin mindlinked Aeron.
Fin: No one takes her from my chambers.
Aeron: Understood.
The fire in the hearth crackled low, casting a warm glow across the private chamber where Fin was ushered. Waiting were Alpha Balen and Grant.
Grant offered a quiet nod of greeting.
Balen, however, was straight to business.
"I'll get to it," he said, pouring himself a small glass of brandy. "First order of business: I was under the impression you were still to marry Meredith of Ashbane."
Fin held his composure.
Grant gave him a sideways wink behind his father's back.
"Seems my son has found his fated mate," Balen continued, voice softening slightly.
"Meredith. To be honest, I didn't see that one coming. But here we are. Now, obviously, the arrangement is... complicated."
Fin didn't miss the calculation in Balen's eyes.
"You're here because you want to make it right. And ensure stability at the border."
"Exactly." Balen took a sip, watching him. "I have no desire to sour relations between our packs. But if we break the betrothal to Meredith, I'd like to see if we can secure something stronger in return. You're a smart man, Alpha. I know you understand."
Fin leaned back, fingers laced together.
"Let me propose something," he said calmly. "If Meredith is to stay with your pack, united with your future Alpha, I'll authorize a trade route exclusive to Bloodmoon through the eastern corridor. That gives you access to the merchant hubs Valehart has secured since the war. In return, we'll use this to rally our border forces under a shared banner — Shadowclaw and Bloodmoon, united. If Ashbane stirs, we strike together."
Balen raised a brow. "A joint force."
"And a public alliance. I'll make the declaration at the next High Council gathering," Fin said smoothly.
A pause. Then Balen smiled.
"You have my blessing," he said, lifting his glass. "Fated love is the most powerful thing we have. I'd be a fool to stand in the way of it."
Fin exhaled — tension bleeding from his shoulders.
Then came the second hammer.
"Second order of business," Balen said, setting down his glass. "It would seem my daughter… is fated to Gamma Thorne."
Grant stiffened beside him.
"The Moon Goddess must've had a big day planned for both my children," Balen said with a chuckle, attempting levity, but his eyes gleamed sharp as steel.
"It would dishonor my daughter if the bond was rejected outright. That would cause a political strain between us. Not by my choice, but by the precedent our traditions uphold — and the respect owed to divine matebonds."
Fin nodded once.
"Nova broke the chosen bond when she found out," he said quietly. "She fainted… but she'll be alright. Jax and your daughter are walking now."
Balen's stern demeanor softened slightly.
"My daughter's had a difficult year. Lost her mate in the war. She didn't want to come here — I begged her. Told her to breathe fresh air. Meet people. She's been through enough. I promise she'll be a fine addition to your pack."
Fin smiled politely.
That warmed his heart but he already understood she was not to blame. None of this was her fault.
Then, Balen's expression changed — unreadable, calculating.
"And on the subject of Nova… I'd like to formally request she come back with us to Bloodmoon."
Fin didn't react.
"She'll be in agony watching Thorne and Marra together. Surely you can see that."
Grant kept his eyes lowered, letting his father do the talking.
"If not with us," Balen added, "I can arrange a politically beneficial marriage in one of our sister packs. The Redmoon heir is not mated yet and is around your age. If not there, somewhere she'll be respected. A Beta or Gamma in another pack. It wouldn't be out of malice. But practicality."
A silence stretched.
Fin's wolf stirred.
Growled.
Xeon:This is your second chance. Don't mess it up.
Fin:Wasn't dreaming of it.
He straightened.
"Alpha Balen," he said slowly, "I'm about to tell you something I haven't said out loud to anyone. I'm asking for your word — and Grant's — that it stays private. At least until I speak to a few people myself."
Balen's brow lifted.
"You have it," he said, surprisingly sincere. "We're family now, aren't we? Extended, at least."
Fin nodded, meeting both their eyes.
"The truth is… I've been in literal agony every day since Nova Moonveil arrived in this pack. Because the very best friend I have — the man I trust with my life — fell in love with my fated mate."
That silenced the room.
"My mate was underage when she got here… and she still hasn't felt the bond yet. I was betrothed to her sister to secure peace. I chose duty. I told no one."
He exhaled.
"I planned to honor that betrothal. My people come first."
(He didn't. He never would have.)
"But I've watched her give and give and break herself trying to do what's right… for Jax, for her pack, for people who didn't even know the full truth. And I stood by… silent."
He looked at Balen dead-on.
"I'm telling her the truth when she wakes. If she still wants me — if she gives me a chance to make this right — I'll spend the rest of my life earning it."
"And if she doesn't?" Balen asked, unreadable.
Fin smiled.
"She leaves. Of course."
(That was a lie.)
"Damn," Balen muttered, leaning back. "This next generation has a lot more spine than we ever did."
"I'll take that as a compliment," Fin said, rising to his feet.
"You'll tell her everything?" Grant said, still watching him.
"Yes."
"Then I hope she chooses you."