Chapter 2

A political alliance. The words felt like stones in her stomach.

By dawn, Ioannis had abandoned any pretence of rest. She dressed in simple clothes and slipped out to the training grounds behind the main house. Physical exertion had always cleared her mind.

The morning air carried the scent of dew and pine as she moved through the familiar forms—lunges, strikes, and blocks that her father had insisted she master from childhood. "An Alpha's daughter must never be defenceless," he'd told her. The memory brought a small smile to her lips as she increased her speed.

"Your left guard is still dropping," came a familiar voice.

Ioannis spun around, joy flooding her chest. "Federico!"

Her brother stood at the edge of the clearing, travel-worn but grinning. His dark hair was windblown, and he carried himself with the easy confidence that had always made pack members gravitate toward him. Before she could move, Federico had crossed the distance between them and swept her into a tight embrace.

"You're early," she said, pulling back to study his face. "Father said you wouldn't arrive until this afternoon."

Federico shrugged, his blue eyes, so like her own, twinkling with mischief. "I may have pushed the pace a bit. Nickolas and his guards are still on the main road, taking the... diplomatic approach."

The mention of Nickolas sobered her. "So it's true then? Father wants to arrange a match between us?"

Her brother's expression turned serious. "It's being considered, yes. But Io..." He used his childhood nickname for her. "Nothing is set in stone. This is just a preliminary meeting."

"A preliminary meeting that happens to coincide with my Coming of Age," she countered, crossing her arms.

Federico sighed, running a hand through his hair. "The timing isn't subtle, I'll grant you that. But Nickolas is... different from what you might expect."

"Different how?" Ioannis asked, curiosity piqued despite herself.

A knowing smile played at Federico's lips. "He's not just some arrogant Alpha-heir. He's thoughtful. Strategic. And he's as wary of political matches as you are."

"You seem to have become quite friendly with him," she observed.

"Let's just say we understand each other's positions." Federico glanced toward the main house. "Has Violeta been circling while I was gone?"

Ioannis's expression must have answered for her because Federico let out a low growl. "Why is she even on our pack lands? She’s from Moon's Shadow Pack? Oh, right, she’s visiting her Uncle and Aunt, but still being her usual self. She found me last night by the midnight orchids," Ioannis admitted. "Fishing for information about the Moon Dance... and you."

Federico's jaw tightened. "That girl never misses an opportunity. Watch yourself around her, Io. The Chase twins mentioned she's been asking questions about our family lineage at Sacred Heart."

"The genealogy charts in Father's study," Ioannis murmured. "He's been researching bloodlines."

"Smart girl." Federico ruffled her hair affectionately, the way he had since they were pups. "The Carberry family has been strategically positioning itself for generations. Violeta's mother nearly succeeded in securing a match with the Ocean Ridge Alpha's son before he found his fated mate."

Ioannis tucked this information away. "What's Nickolas really like, Fed? Beyond the diplomatic face?"

Her brother considered the question, absently tracing the wolf tooth pendant hanging at his throat, the mark of his close alliance with the Storm Striders.

"He commands respect without demanding it. Reads people well. Has a dry sense of humour that catches you off guard." Federico paused. "He asked about you, you know. Not just the formal questions, but about your interests, your nature."

Heat rose unexpectedly to Ioannis's cheeks. "And what did you tell him?"

"That my little sister is stubborn as an old wolf, talented with charcoal and blade alike, and has a habit of sneaking out to sketch flowers in the moonlight." Federico grinned. "I may have mentioned your midnight orchid obsession."

"Fed!" She punched his arm, mortified.

"What? It's endearing. Shows your patience." His expression softened. "Look, Io, I know this isn't what you dreamed of. But give him a chance before you decide. Sometimes duty and desire aren't as opposed as we think."

Before she could respond, a horn sounded from the direction of the main gates, three long, measured blasts that announced important visitors.

"That would be our Storm Strider guests," Federico said, his posture straightening subtly. "Earlier than expected. Nickolas must have pushed the pace too."

Ioannis suddenly felt acutely aware of her training clothes and windblown hair. "I need to change..."

"No time," Federico said, already steering her toward the main house. "Besides, better he sees the real you first, not the polished Alpha's daughter version."

"But..."

"Trust me on this, Io." The serious tone in his voice made her pause. "Nickolas values authenticity above all else."

As they rounded the path toward the front courtyard, Ioannis caught her first glimpse of their visitors. Five wolves dismounted from their horses, four guards in the Storm Striders' traditional grey and silver, and at their centre, Nickolas Harvey.

He was taller than she remembered, his presence commanding just as it had been the last time she had seen him from a distance. She wasn’t sure if she could do this; she generally kept to herself with her love of drawing and painting, and had recently started working on some graphic novels, but would she be able to continue that if she went through with the political mating she was about to turn 18? Hence, she still had a year before any arrangement came into effect, but she had her people to think about, not just what she wanted, leaving her feeling conflicted.

He turned, as if sensing her presence, and their eyes met across the courtyard. Something electric passed between them, a recognition that transcended the formality of the moment. Ioannis found herself unable to look away from those storm-grey eyes that seemed to see straight through her carefully constructed walls.

"Breathe," Federico whispered beside her, amusement colouring his tone.