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After the sun had set over the snow-covered mountains of Winter and the moon rose to her place in the sky, the celebrations were on their way.

With Galen in the mountains and Ashleigh getting ready for the event, Caleb was left in the care of another wolf of Winter. Luckily, he had not insisted on helping Caleb into his suit. But he did insist on standing beside him like a bodyguard.

“I appreciate you taking the time to escort me, Saul.”

“It is my pleasure,” Saul replied with a nod.

“I heard you had a child recently,” Caleb said, “how is it? Being a new father.”

Saul thought for a moment before answering. He pulled at the collar of his suit uncomfortably.

“It has been challenging,” Saul replied.

“Oh?” Caleb asked. “A fussy baby?”

“She is perfect,” Saul replied, with just the slightest hint of offense. “I do not enjoy leaving her.”

Caleb smiled quietly. He couldn’t help but wonder how he might feel the day he held his and Ashleigh’s baby in his arms.

His daydream was interrupted by a familiar voice calling out to him.

“Well, if it isn’t that tasty, Alpha of Summer,” Alice cooed as she approached Caleb.

He looked up at her with irritation and boredom in his eyes.

“Oh, you always have the nastiest expressions for me,” she smiled playfully._.

He realized then that she seemed to enjoy his attempts to get her to leave him alone.

Caleb couldn’t help but notice that she was dressed to impress. He would give her that credit, at least.

She wore a floor-length dress of red and black. Her shoulders and throat were covered in black material that extended down to her chest, though still leaving a window of cleavage for all to see.

Just below the bust line, the fabric changed to a deep red corset cinched at the waist. Flaring out at the hips like coattails before changing into a form-fitting skirt of red with a black overlay.

Her hair was painted red and black to match and worn down in loose curls that hung around her shoulders. As she took a step closer to him, Caleb realized the skirt had a slit at mid-thigh.

“Do you like my dress?” she asked sweetly, spinning around for him.

“Not particularly,” Caleb replied.

“Someone will,” Alice said, smiling brightly at him with a wink.

“Galen isn’t here,” Caleb sighed.

“He’s no fun anyway. He never plays with me,” Alice pouted, crossing her arms over her chest.

“Good,” Caleb said. “You can leave him alone then.”

“Oh, but if you tell me to….” Alice smiled, “it makes me want to chase him.”

Caleb sighed.

Saul cleared his throat, drawing Caleb’s attention. He pointed his chin across the hall to the entrance.

The doors had already opened. The first to walk in was Axel. He wore a suit of all black, and his hair was parted. Leaving a large swath covering his eye as per his usual style. While the rest was tied back in varying sizes of braids.

Next to enter were Wyatt and Corrine.

Wyatt also wore a black suit, but he wore a large and heavy fur on his shoulder. Beside him, Corrine wore an olive-colored flowing dress with a skin around her shoulder. Both Alpha and Luna wore their hair in elaborate braids and knots resembling crowns.

Even before entering the room, Caleb’s heart was racing with anticipation for her.

Ashleigh stepped into the hall. Caleb felt the air leave his lungs and his heart jump into his throat.

She wore a form-fitting long-sleeved deep blue dress. At first glance, it was floor length, but quickly Caleb realized that beyond mid-thigh was just a veil of laced flowers. Her long, well-defined legs were on display for any whose eyes lingered too long.

Caleb’s eyes followed the curves of her body all the way back up to her alluring neck, just in time to see her turn and realize that her entire back was exposed.

The growl that rose in Caleb’s throat startled both Alice and Saul.

Saul cleared his throat.

“Now that dress says ‘eat me’ all over it….” Alice giggled.

“I’m sure you have literally anywhere else to be,” Caleb growled through gritted teeth.

“No fun,” Alice pouted as she walked away.

Caleb looked back at Ashleigh. Every time he had seen her, her hair was tied back in a loose braid. But tonight, it was far more elaborate. Two small braids on each side of her head. Her hair was puffed up and then braided in a large braid down her back at the center. The rest of her hair laid loose at her back, curled at the ends.

She was beautiful.

She followed her family, greeting each of the alphas in attendance. Her spine was straight, and she held herself with elegance and power. Paying just enough attention to each alpha as was necessary while turning away from them the moment their glance became less than respectful.

He watched her with desire and awe. Here he saw his future Luna.

“Are you…” Saul spoke quietly, hesitating to finish his words. “…Alright?”

“What?” Caleb asked, his sight never leaving Ashleigh.

“I mean…” Saul sighed.

Caleb begrudgingly looked away from her. He could tell that Saul was struggling at whatever he was trying to say.

“Is there something the matter, Saul?” Caleb asked.

Saul clenched his jaw; one might think he was angry. But Caleb noticed a slight pink hue in his cheeks. He followed Saul’s eyes. He glanced at Ashleigh and then looked back to Caleb himself.

“If it were my Pearl… I would… not be alright,” Saul finally managed to say.

Caleb nodded in understanding.

“Thank you for your concern, Saul,” Caleb said, looking back at his Ashleigh.

She smiled a coy smile. Someone must have commented about how lovely she looked. Caleb clenched his jaw.

“I don’t enjoy what is happening,” Caleb said, maintaining calm. “But I understand it.”

“What do you mean?” Saul asked. Watching the alphas whom Ashleigh had already greeted, their eyes still lingered on her. Even he, as her friend and packmate, wished to rip their eyes out.

“Ashleigh and I will announce our bond after Axel is officially recognized as Alpha of Winter and the Declaration of Peace is made,” Caleb said.

“She has dressed for the occasion?” Saul asked.

“In a way,” Caleb replied.

Ashleigh smiled as she clenched her jaw. Caleb saw the sharp intake of breath. Another inappropriate comment. It seemed these lesser alphas needed a lesson in respect.

“You have been at my side the entire evening, Saul,” Caleb continued. “How many other alphas have greeted me?”

Saul thought about it, shocked by the answer.

“None.”

“Correct,” Caleb said. “Every alpha in this room relies on Summer for one thing or another. Yet, not one has shown respect to the Alpha of Summer.”

Saul looked around the room.

“At the Blood Moon, these men lined up to greet me,” Caleb said. “So, tell me, Saul, what has changed between then and now?”

Saul looked at Caleb. His eyes immediately moved to the chair.

“Exactly,” Caleb said, clenching his jaw. “They view me as broken and weak because of this chair.”

“I don’t understand how this connects to Ashleigh dressing as she has.”

“Because Ashleigh identified that weakness, and she plans to exploit it,” Caleb said with the slightest tilt of his lip.

“How?” Saul asked.

“When we announce our bond, there will naturally be a mixed reaction. But those who see it as an opportunity to take my mate will reveal themselves as our enemies.”

“I see, so you planned this?” Saul asked.

“No,” Caleb replied with a shake of his head. “She did this on her own.”

Ashleigh smiled sweetly and turned her eyes shyly. The alpha before her licked his lips and cocked his brow as she moved on to the next.

“Then how do you know that is what she is doing?”

“Because I can feel it through our bond,” Caleb replied. “Her irritation at the uncomfortable dress, disgust at all the eyes directed at her. Satisfaction when she identifies someone she thinks won’t pass the test.”

Caleb couldn’t help the surge of pride and desire he felt for her at that moment. Across the room, Ashleigh laughed at something her mother whispered, and then suddenly, she straightened her back and let out a trembling breath.

Her eyes turned to him immediately, she bit her lower lip, and he smiled back wickedly.