Page 18 of Rebel for Claws
"My grandfather made sure I could access our history directly, not through the Council's sanitized versions." Vivian felt a surge of pride at Maya's obvious respect. "I know a bit about the dormant magical genes and about what happens when the ancient bloodlines mate with modern shifters. I think I know why Thorne is so desperate to eliminate us."
Alaric's hands clenched into fists, and she caught the subtle scent of his wolf rising to the surface. "Because hybrid matings restore the ancient abilities, right? Because that threatens the very power structure he's spent three centuries building."
"Exactly." Vivian met his gaze again, surprised by the intelligence and understanding she saw there.
Maybe the stories about him being a mindless traditionalist were wrong. Maybe there's more to him than I assumed.
The SUV turned through massive iron gates, and Vivian caught her first glimpse of the Silvercrest estate. Even in the moonlight, the sprawling stone mansion exuded power and elegance, surrounded by acres of pristine snow-covered grounds that spoke of generations of Alpha wealth and influence.
"Impressive," she said dryly as they pulled up the circular drive. "Very traditional."
Alaric's laugh surprised her—rich and genuine, with none of the cold authority she'd expected. "You'll find that many things about my life aren't quite what they appear on the surface."
The SUV stopped in front of the main entrance, and Kieran cut the engine. The sudden silence felt loaded with unspoken tension, the mate bond crackling between her and Alaric like electricity before a storm.
"Thank you for the ride," Vivian said to Kieran and Maya as they all climbed out. "And for understanding that I'm not going to sit quietly while my destiny unfolds around me."
Maya smiled, the expression warm and encouraging. "Trust me, I understand the frustration. But sometimes strategic patience is the most powerful weapon we have."
Alaric moved to stand beside her as Kieran and Maya prepared to leave, his presence both comforting and disturbing in ways that made her wolf restless beneath her skin. The mate bond hummed stronger now in the moonlight, as if the lunar energy was amplifying their connection.
"I'll show you to your room," he said quietly. "And then, if you're willing, I'd like to have dinner. Just the two of us."
Vivian studied his face in the silver moonlight, noting the way the shadows emphasized the strong line of his jaw and the intensity in his grey eyes. Everything logical in her mind screamed that spending time alone with him was dangerous—not because she feared he'd harm her, but because the mate bond made her want things she'd never allowed herself to want.
He's offering to treat me as an equal. To actually talk to me instead of just issuing orders. Maybe I can make him understand that I won't be sidelined any further.
"Fine," she said, ignoring the way her pulse quickened at the thought of being alone with him. "But I want answers. About your real agenda, about what you actually believe, and about why you're not the rigid traditionalist everyone says you are."
Alaric's smile was barely visible in the moonlight, but she caught the flash of something that looked almost like relief. "I think that's exactly what we both need right now. Complete honesty."
Complete honesty. As if either of us is ready for that level of vulnerability. As if admitting this mate bond exists won't complicate everything we're trying to accomplish.
But as they walked toward the imposing entrance of his estate, Vivian found herself looking forward to the conversation despite every instinct that warned her to maintain her distance. The mate bond pulled her toward him like gravity, and for the first time since being brought to Silvercrest territory, she wondered if embracing her destiny might mean more than just fulfilling an ancient prophecy.
Maybe it means finding the one person who can finally understand her.
The moonlight streamed through tall windows as Alaric guided Vivian through the main entrance of his estate, the marble floors gleaming under crystal chandeliers that cast dancing shadows across ornate tapestries. The sheer scale of the mansion made her feel momentarily small—soaring ceilings, elegant archways, and artwork that spoke of centuries of Alpha wealth and power.
"This way," he said, his deep voice echoing softly in the grand foyer as he led her toward a sweeping staircase that curved gracefully to the second floor. His hand rested briefly at the small of her back, the simple touch sending electric currents through her body that made her wolf pace restlessly beneath her skin.
Focus. This is just the mate bond playing tricks with your mind.
But as they climbed the marble steps, Vivian was acutely aware of his presence beside her—the way his dark jeans emphasized his powerful thighs, how his thermal henley stretched across his broad shoulders, and the intoxicating scent of pine and lemon that seemed to cling to his skin.
"The east wing should provide you with privacy and comfort," Alaric said as they reached the second floor landing, his eyes meeting hers with an intensity that caused her heart to race. "Though I suspect you're more accustomed to sparse accommodations given your rebel lifestyle."
"I can adapt to luxury." Vivian kept her voice steady despite the way her body responded to his proximity. "Though I prefer functionality over opulence."
A ghost of a smile crossed his lips. "Then you'll appreciate the practical amenities I'm including."
He opened heavy oak doors to reveal a suite that took her breath away. The bedroom featured a king-sized bed with midnight blue linens, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking snow-covered grounds, and a sitting area with leather chairs and a small table positioned before a stone fireplace. But what caught her attention were the subtle modifications—reinforced window frames, multiple exit points, and sight lines that spoke of defensive positioning.
He thinks like a warrior, not just an Alpha.
"What size clothing and shoes do you wear?" Alaric asked, moving to stand near the fireplace where the flickering flames cast shadows across his strong features. "I'll have my staff provide a complete wardrobe tomorrow so you can be comfortable during your stay here."
"Size eight shoes, medium tops, and size six pants and dresses," she replied, then added with a challenging edge, "Though I prefer tactical gear over evening gowns."
