Jax was seething. The blatant desire radiating off every man around them made his blood boil. It was one thing to admire —but this? This was something else entirely. The open stares. The leering. The way Renwick Lunaris had dared to speak to her. It was disrespectful. Borderline madness.
She wasn't just any woman—she was the Luna of one of the largest, most powerful packs in all the continents. The crowned Queen of North Varos. And she was mated. Bound. Spoken for. Yet still, they gawked at her like she was some unclaimed prize on display.
Jax clenched his jaw, eyes tracking every lingering gaze, every too-long glance. Yes, Nova was beautiful—stunning, even. Her presence was magnetic. But this went beyond admiration. This was hunger. And in a gathering built on power, territory, and bloodlines, that kind of hunger could get someone killed.
"Fin would not like this." He said through gritted teeth, agreeing with what Cael said earlier.
Cael exchanged a knowing look with him and chuckled, "Agreed. This would be a lot easier if she was ugly. Maybe the ancestors should've blessed her with average."
Marra mindlinked Nova. But Jax and Cael could still hear. He wondered if Marra was aware of this and let them hear or if they still had the edge on their mates with that knowledge.
Marra: Insufferable, but interesting.
Nova laughed at that and shook her head. But didn't respond.
Marra: Well played.
Nova: Thank you. I would take ten of him over Starfang, who was tailing us since we left our tent. I assumed you were aware though. Am I correct in that assumption?
Marra: Yes, you would be correct. I didn't want to frighten you. But I had my eye on it.
Nova: You won't scare me, Marra.
Marra: I think I may have underestimated you on that and one other thing.
Nova: My ability to get myself into sticky situations?
Marra laughed at this and shook her head.
Marra: No. Your ability to retain everything you read once. Even if it's skimming. Down to the page number. Am I correct in that assumption?
Nova hesitated before answering. She swallowed, keeping her eyes forward.
Nova: Yes.
Cael looked at the back of Nova's head with wide eyes while Jax blinked a few times. He knew she had fantastic recall from that war strategy book she read. But, he didn't realize it was to that degree. How did he miss that?
Marra: Knew it. You already read about packs and names, but faces were unknown. I linked them — you processed the rest. Confirm?
Nova: Yes.
Marra: Good. I saw your eyes tracking the tents — the symbols. You identified the packs by those marks, matched the faces to their names. And anyone away from their post, you placed by color, cloth, and emblem pin. Referring to Beta, Gamma, heirs, and officers. Is that correct?
Nova's breath hitched. She faltered just for a second and snuck a glance at Marra. Marra grinned. Nova shook her head and continued forward, letting out a small laugh of defeat.
Nova: Redmoon lost one hell of a Beta Luna.
Marra laughed and shook her head.
Marra: So it would be safe to conclude that you know the names, faces, packs, alliances, and political dynamics of everyone in this camp who was visible today. Correct?
Heat crept up Nova's neck, blooming across her cheeks. She glanced at Marra, then forward again, buying herself a heartbeat.
Marra waited. Patient. Certain.
Nova finally exhaled and answered, reluctant but honest.
Nova: There were a few I couldn't place.
Marra: Would you say around 90% matched?
Nova: Yes.
Jax was still blinking in surprise at the reading retention comment when his jaw fell open—and Cael's did too, in perfectly synchronized surprise. They exchanged the same dumbstruck look before both turned their eyes to the back of Nova's head, careful not to give away that they were listening.
Jax knew the sensation of her blushing through their matebond. Right now, he knew she was scarlet in the face.
Marra: I've never heard that about you. Why does no one know how brilliant you are?
Nova: I don't think I'm brilliant, but thank you for the kind words.
Marra: But you are. And no ego. I mean gods Nova.
Nova: Thank you Marra. But, it's all theoretical. No actual experience. I am pretending like I know what I'm doing, but I promise I don't. I've been faking it.
Marra: Excellent. Then you'll fit right in with the rest of us professionals.
Nova laughed out loud at that and lost her composure again just for a split second. Marra grinned.
Marra: Seriously though — if this is you faking it, gods help us when you finally realize you're not.
Nova: That's very kind of you. But there's no question — the brilliant one between us is the Gamma beside me. I can tell how observant you are from the intel you shared today — invaluable. At key points, you spoke louder so certain people would hear. Is that safe to assume that was intentional?
Marra: Yes.
Nova grinned and laughed.
Nova: So it's safe to assume I have the best Gamma Luna in Varos.
Marra: Yes.
Marra grinned. She snuck a glance at Nova who seemed to be thinking.
Marra: What are you thinking?
Nova had a shocked look just for a second, like she had been caught. Marra laughed.
Nova: I brought the book I mentioned to you earlier today, along with a few others. I had just connected something regarding that topic.
This time, Marra's breath hitched and her composure faltered for a split second.
Nova: My apologies, Marra. I didn't mean to upset you. Just know I'm working on it.
Marra: Thank you Nova. I'd like to hear about it later. Michael's father, Theo Fang, took back his old position after Michael's death. I am meeting with him and Alpha Ragnar Redmoon tonight after the council meeting. The sooner you meet them, the better before any others get in their ears. Night works best to keep our hand hidden, wear a cloak covering your hair and face. If I can get you a private audience with them tonight, would you be willing to meet them?
Nova: Yes. I want to meet with them as soon as possible. We need to clear it by Jax too.
Marra: He's on this mindlink so he's aware. Jax you still listening?
Nova's breath hitched again, but she kept walking, not changing her expression. She was annoyed at herself for not realizing that. Jax didn't answer.
Marra: Apologies, Nova. I thought you were aware.
Nova: Nothing to be apologize for…just didn't realize. I agree Jax and Cael need to be on all of our mindlinks here.
Marra: If you had realized, would you have admitted to me what I inferred?
She grinned mischievously and gave a knowing look to Nova. Nova didn't respond or change her expression. But her face went scarlet again. Marra knew.
Marra: Blushing again. You are shy.
Nova didn't comment and continued walking.
Marra: I've seen you be bashful and shy a few times… so this confirms it. Your secret is safe with me.
Cael: And me.
Nova laughed darkly and shook her head.
Marra: To be fair, Cael and Jax probably already knew you were shy. You don't hide it very well.
Marra giggled and Nova huffed, now annoyed at herself even more. Jax grinned now, only imagining the adorable expression on her face right now. The men were both beyond impressed with the two women in front of them.
Cael: Jax, what are your thoughts on a private audience with Regnar Redmoon tonight?
Jax didn't answer right away. But Marra sensed his hesitation and was two steps ahead.
Marra: One of you should be there. Preference for Cael. If they saw my new mate, the attention would be directed to that and I don't know how they'd react.
Jax: Fair. Cael will join. If you can get the audience.
Marra smirked again and this time Nova couldn't help but grin.
As they neared their tent, the sun was fully set and stars were now appearing in the sky. A loud horn blew from the distance and Nova knew, that meant the council meeting was going to be happening in one hour.
Marra: I didn't like how they tried to touch your hair today.
Nova: I was thinking that too.
Marra: I remember seeing it up … when I imagined you being there. So we should get it up quickly.
Nova nodded, walking into the Alpha's tent with everyone following behind. Inside was a table that comfortably sat 8 people. A study with a desk in its own section. Two bedroom sections that were private. A sitting area, liquor cabinet, and kitchenette. There were also two separate bathing rooms attached and a large room with Fin's armor inside, along with their clothes.
Elle ran over, hugging Cael. She hadn't seen him all day. He kissed her head.
Nova took off her crown casually and put it on the table gently.
"Nova! Don't. You. Dare." Elle said darkly, moving across the tent. "I had it perfect!"
"Can you put it up for me? Sorry Elle." Nova said.
"It is beautiful, Elle. Can you do my hair sometime?" Marra said.
"Oh yes! I'll do it tomorrow with Nova's. And your makeup if you'd like." Elle said, a little too enthusiastically.
Nova chuckled and smiled. "Elle is the very best, Marra."
"As fun as talking about hair is, we need to get moving soon." Cael said.
Jax tried to look unbothered by Nova. But of course, her taking off her crown and sitting down so casually reminded him of how she used to be when it was just them. He swallowed the lump in his throat again. Gods this was going to be difficult.