Chapter7

Sebastian

“Freya! What is this?” I roared.

The thought of her in Brand’s arms was unbearable. It sent Fenrir into a frenzy, pacing restlessly in my mind, his need mirroring mine.

I fought him. For a while.

But his rage was my rage. His need was my need.

I gave in.

Shifting mid-stride, I tore through the woods, my paws hammering against the dirt as we raced toward Riverbay. Her scent was everywhere, thick and intoxicating. Every leaf, every breeze carried the essence of her, guiding me like a beacon.

We ran faster. Harder. My wolf burned for her, my muscles stretched to their limits.

Then—she came into view.

She stood by the river, her golden eyes reflecting the moonlight on the water’s surface. Unaware. Unprotected. Ours.

We watched in silence, muscles locked, barely holding back the primal need clawing at us. Then she moved, body tensing, her gaze scanning the shadows. As if she felt us. As if she knew.

Freya, could it be…

We stepped forward, slow and deliberate. She turned, her breath hitching as I emerged from behind the shadows of the trees.

She stretched out a hand. Fenrir surged forward.

The instant her fingers brushed against my fur, lightning shot through me. My joints weakened, and my blood ignited. A growl rumbled deep in Fenrir’s throat as he nuzzled her, inhaling the scent that was made for us.

But it wasn’t enough.

Fenrir withdrew, whining in frustration. The need burned deep, searing through my veins.

He surrendered to the shift.

My flesh replaced his fur, my form towering over her as the fire in my veins exploded. Desire coiled, thick and heavy. My pulse thundered, demanding, tightening, urging me to claim her here, now.

My mate. My woman. My—

“Astrid!”

A voice shattered the moment.

Astrid turned, her golden gaze breaking away from mine.

The magic between us splintered.

I vanished.

Fenrir howled in rage, his frustration mirroring mine. But we had lost the moment. The interruption had stolen our chance.

For now.

****

Brandur

Pathetic.

I crouched in the shadows, watching my all-powerful brother crumble beneath his own weakness. His mate. His single flaw.

And now, thanks to the interruption, I had time to think. To plot. I needed witnesses, someone close, someone related. Someone to testify.

The intruder would do. And then another joined them. He seemed close to the intruder. I studied him and the woman. Their connection to Astrid seemed genuine. Just what I needed.

Because if Astrid had a connection to that woman… then I had everything I needed.

I stayed hidden, studying them. The man embraced Astrid’s friend, pulling her close before lifting her veil and kissing her lips. Then he carried her inside.

I smirked. Perfect. Three of them would make the three pieces on my chess board.

A mate who made Sebastian weak. A woman he would protect at any cost. And a kingdom on the brink of war.

And then—Fenrir.

That foolish wolf still lingered in the distance, hidden in the darkness, prowling just out of sight.

I clenched my jaw. Insufferable mutt.

But the mistletoe shielded me. The wildflowers masked my scent. He would never sense me watching.

I waited. And when the night deepened, when Fenrir finally retreated, I moved.

Yormsborg was silent when I entered the castle, but I had no need for discretion.

I went straight to her.

Iyanna

She sat up immediately, her dark eyes flashing as I stepped into her chambers.

“Who let you in, Brandur?”

I smirked, shutting the door behind me. “Since when do I need permission?”

She scoffed, tossing her silk robe aside. “That changes tomorrow. Once I’m Luna, you won’t have these privileges.”

I laughed. If only she knew.

Stepping forward, I grabbed her by the waist, dragging her flush against me. “Then enjoy your last night of freedom.”

She shivered as my fingers traced over her bare skin, down to her wet entrance as my mouth found her breast, she gasped, arching against me.

“Brand,” she moaned. “f**k me.”

I did. Hard. Her moans echoed through the chamber walls, loud enough that the guards surely heard. I didn’t care. Neither did she.

When it was over, she traced a lazy finger down my chest. “Where are you going?” she purred. “Don’t tell me you’re leaving so soon.”

I smirked, dressing quickly. “Unlike you, I have work to do.”

Her eyes narrowed. “You didn’t come here just to f**k me. What do you want, Brandur?”

Smart girl.

But predictable.

I turned to her, voice like silk. “I’m going to be King.”

She snorted, rolling onto her side. “How do you plan to dethrone Sebastian?”

I leaned in. “With your help.”

That got her attention.

She sat up, her expression shifting to curiosity. “I’m listening.”

I smiled. Slow. Calculated. “There’s a poison—mistletoe. Even an Alpha as strong as him can be neutralized.”

Her amusement faltered. “You’re serious?”

“Deadly.”

She was silent for a long moment, contemplating.

I leaned closer, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “You, my dear, will be the one to weaken him.”

Iyanna stiffened, lips pressing into a thin line. “You think my father will let you take his place?”

I tilted my head, watching her carefully. Then I struck the final blow.

“Or… don’t you think your father would rather me as King?”

That was it. The shift in her gaze. The flicker of doubt. I had her.

Slowly, a wicked smile curled on her lips.

“You’re lucky I like that d**k of yours,” she murmured, pressing a kiss to my jaw. “Fine. But if this fails, Brandur, I’ll personally make sure your head is mounted on a spike.”

I chuckled, running a thumb across her lips. It was adorable to watch her threaten me, while her life dangled between my fingers.