Christian pov "You''re deceiving me, Adrian," I said, my tone heavy with seriousness. A wave of intense emotion surged through me as I locked my eyes on him.


    He kept his head down, insisting that Sheh wasn''t in his room. Just then, I heard footstepsing toward us at the entrance. I didn''t turn around because I recognized my mom''s footsteps,


    But I couldn''t understand how he could im Sheh was struggling with her transformation when she had been going through it for so long.


    "Good evening, Alpha Christian, " A familiar voice interrupted my thoughts. I looked up to see who it was. "Sheh?" I called out, surprise evident on my face as I nced at Adrian before focusing back on her. "Yes, I apologize for struggling with my transformation earlier, but I''m okay now."


    As she walked closer, I moved toward her, trying to catch her scent, but there was no trace of any painful transformation. "Are you alright? Do you need help?" I asked, cing my hands on her shoulders and keeping my gaze on her. Sheh''s gaze met mine, and for a brief instant, I detected a hint of something-perhaps fear or difort. However, it was swiftly reced by her characteristicposure.


    "I am fine, Christian," she assured me, her tone unwavering. "It was merely a minor setback. Adrian was assisting me."


    I shifted my attention back to Adrian, who remained with his head lowered, his eyes focused on the ground.


    "Is that urate?" I inquired, maintaining a firm yet measured tone.


    Adrian nodded, his voice scarcely audible. "Yes, Alpha. Sheh was facing some... challenges. But I provided her with assistance."


    I scrutinized Adrian''s bodynguage, looking for any indications of dishonesty. His stance suggested guilt, yet Sheh''s words and scent implied otherwise.


    "Very well," I concluded, easing my focus away from Sheh. "Let us proceed inside. We need to discuss the forting Gathering."


    Sheh nodded and walked alongside me, while Adrian trailed behind, his gaze still averted.


    Upon entering the house, my mother weed us with a warm smile. "Wee back, dear. I see that Sheh is feeling better."


    "Yes, Mom," I responded. "Thank you for your concern."


    We settled into the living room, and I turned to Sheh. "Now, please borate on this... setback."


    Sheh paused, casting a nce at Adrian before replying. "It was simply a minor issue with my wolf''s instincts. Adrian helped me... recalibrate."


    I raised an eyebrow. "Recalibrate?"


    Adrian interjected, his tone still cautious. "It''s a new method I''ve been researching, Alpha. It aims to assist werewolves like Sheh in managing their transformations."


    Curious, I leaned in closer. "Please continue."


    However, before Adrian could provide further details, a knock at the door interrupted our conversation. My mother stood to answer it.


    "Alpha Christian, it''s Emily," she announced from the entrance.


    My instincts heightened. Emily would note by without significant news.


    "Let her in," I instructed, my gaze fixed on Sheh and Adrian.


    What could Emily possibly want? It is umon for her to visit the pack. Sheh, have you done something to provoke this visit? I inquired, but she merely frowned, rolled her eyes, and offered no response. I suppose you might want to ask her directly.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    It would certainly lead to conflict; I couldn''t help but envision her presence within my pack. Just then, my mother led the way, with Emily following closely behind. I hoped to avoid any hostile expressions from her and silently wished for a smile. As my mother and Emily entered the living room, the atmosphere was thick with tension. Emily''s sharp green eyes swept across the room, pausing on Sheh and Adrian before finally resting on me.


    "Alpha Christian," Emily stated, her tone crisp and formal. "I see you are aware of my arrival."


    I nodded, maintaining eye contact. "Emily, what brings you to our pack? You are well aware that you are not precisely... weed here."


    Emily''s face remained impassive, yet a flicker of amusement sparkled in her eyes. "I havee to discuss a matter of mutual interest, Christian." Sheh scoffed, folding her arms. "I find that hard to believe."


    Emily''s gaze shifted to Sheh, her smile cold. "This matter does not concern you, Sheh."


    Sheh''s expression hardened. "And what about my involvement?"


    Emily hesitated, her eyes fixed on mine before she replied. "It pertains to you refraining from speaking when ites to business matters."


    I let out a faint chuckle; Sheh had iting. Emily is a business associate, yet she does not regard her as such, which deeply troubles me. I allowed them to engage in their unrefined exchange. Emily''s remarks stung, but I kept myposure, recognizing the fragile dynamics between our packs.


    Sheh''s eyes burned with fury, yet she restrained herself, opting for silence.


    Adrian''s jaw tightened, his fists clenching. "That''s enough, Emily."


    Emily''s gaze remained steadfast on mine. "No, Adrian, it is not sufficient. Christian must grasp the concept of boundaries."


    My mother interjected, her tone steady andmanding. "Let us concentrate on the issue at hand. Emily, what does the Council suggest regarding Sheh''s... capabilities?"


    Emily''s demeanor changed, her voice adopting a more formal tone. "The Council proposes a mutually advantageous arrangement. ess to our research facilities and experts in return for... coboration." Sheh''s eyes narrowed further. "What type of coboration?"


    Emily''s smile suggested ulterior motives. "We will need to conduct regr evaluations to ensure your skills are in line with our objectives."


    Adrian advanced, his tone resolute. "You are seeking control, and that is uneptable."


    Emily merely shrugged. "I assure you, this is for the benefit of all parties involved."


    I observed Emily''s bodynguage, perceiving that her proposal held moreplexity than it initially appeared.


    "I require time to confer with my pack," I finally responded.


    Emily acknowledged this with a nod. "I anticipated that. I will return tomorrow for your decision."


    As Emily began to walk away, Sheh''s voice called out to her.


    "Emily?"


    Emily paused, raising an eyebrow in curiosity.


    "Why are you doing this?" Sheh inquired, her voice tinged with emotion.


    For a fleeting moment, Emily''s facade faltered, revealing a hint of vulnerability. "Business, Sheh," Emily replied, her tone softening. "It is merely business."


    Yet, I detected something deeper-a profound yearning that she quickly masked.


    As Emily exited, I was left with the unsettling impression that the delicate peace between our packs was at stake. "Christian, we cannot ce our trust in her," Adrian cautioned, his voice barely above a whisper.


    "I trust her with my life; I do not require your counsel."