The Red Moon Pack training garden was quiet in the late afternoon.
Golden sunlight reflected softly on the modern glass walls surrounding the territory.
Hazel stood near the fountain, studying the water as Nick explained pack diplomatic behavior again.
"Remember," Nick said calmly, "pack politics is not about confrontation. It is about positioning."
Hazel nodded slowly.
"I am starting to hate positioning."
Nick smiled faintly.
"Good. That means you are learning."
Footsteps approached.
Hazel didn't need to turn to know who it was.
Mila.
The witch's presence carried sharp confidence.
"Hazel," Mila said sweetly.
Hazel turned slowly.
"Yes?"
Mila smiled politely.
"I heard you are learning pack etiquette."
"Yes."
Mila's eyes flickered briefly toward Nick.
Then back to Hazel.
"I hope you are not exhausting our Gamma."
Hazel blinked.
Nick spoke calmly.
"I am fine."
Mila sat slowly on the stone bench beside Hazel.
Too close.
Intentional.
Hazel did not move away immediately.
Mila spoke softly.
"You know, Alpha Ryan is very… patient with you."
Hazel responded neutrally.
"Yes."
Mila continued.
"Some people think patience means affection."
Hazel didn't respond.
Mila smiled faintly.
"But you are human-born."
Pause.
"That makes pack females curious."
Hazel's expression remained calm.
"Curious about what?"
Mila's voice became slightly sharper, but still sweet.
"How long you will stay before you leave."
Silence.
Nick observed quietly.
Hazel spoke slowly.
"I don't know."
Mila tilted her head.
"Do you love Alpha Ryan?"
The question was direct.
Dangerous.
Hazel did not answer immediately.
Because she was not ready to define that feeling.
Mila continued.
"Because if you don't, you should step aside."
Hazel's fingers tightened slightly.
But her voice remained calm.
"I am not standing in anyone's way."
Mila smiled.
"Good."
Then she added softly:
"Because I intend to become Alpha mate if you fail."
Silence.
Hazel's chest tightened slightly.
But she did not react emotionally.
Instead she stood slowly.
"I don't compete with women who talk more than they act."
Mila's smile froze slightly.
Hazel walked away.
Later that evening—
Hazel was standing inside the mansion kitchen again.
Trying to cook something simple.
Ryan entered quietly.
Hazel did not turn immediately.
"You met Mila," Ryan said.
"Yes."
Silence.
Then Ryan spoke quietly.
"What did she say?"
Hazel stirred the food slowly.
"That she wants to be your mate if I leave."
Silence.
Hazel expected anger.
Or explanation.
Or denial.
Instead—
Ryan walked slowly behind her.
Not touching.
But closer than before.
His voice was low.
"I will not choose her."
Hazel's hand paused slightly.
"Why are you telling me this?"
Ryan answered quietly.
"Because you are starting to matter."
Hazel's heart tightened.
But she said nothing.
Ryan added softly:
"Mila's actions will not change my position."
Hazel asked quietly:
"What is your position?"
Silence.
Then Ryan said the dangerous word again.
"Mate."
Hazel didn't move away.
She didn't step closer either.
But she didn't reject his presence this time.
Outside the mansion—
Mila watched from a distance.
Her expression was cold.
Because every move she made…
Was bringing them closer.
And she hated that.