"Den Mother, is it really wise to openly challenge the Alpha like this? I remember your family is struggling with resources too, and your mother's condition..." She sighed. "That night, you acted on impulse. You shouldn't have transferred those tribute marks to the pack treasury out of spite. You've essentially lost double what you gave!"
I understood better than anyone how crucial those marks were.
But if I wanted Aurora gone, I had to spend them.
Just as I was speaking, a call came through from my intended mate.
"Lyra Nightshade, have you lost your senses? Did you use my tribute seal to transfer five thousand marks to your pack?"
"Yes. My transfer limit was reached that day, so I used yours for five thousand. But I repaid you afterward using another seal."
Kael Stormhowl fell silent for a moment, then spoke coldly: "I find this disrespectful. And I've heard you've been banished from the pack. I think... perhaps we should sever our courtship."
Before I could respond, he ended the connection.
When I tried to reach him again, his communication rune had blocked my scent-signature entirely.
Back in my den, I lit a calming herb stick and inhaled slowly.