"What did you say?" The High Priest turned, fixing Nova with a grave look. "But Finn is indeed a wolf cub."

"Remember, the previous Alpha's human mate died in childbirth. Humans cannot survive bearing the bloodline of a powerful Alpha."


"Humans are promiscuous by nature," Nova said coolly. "Perhaps the child was conceived through her affair with some inferior werewolf."

The High Priest remembered vividly the tragedy of the previous Alpha. She couldn't let Alpha Caden suffer the same fate.

She considered Nova's words, then walked to a table covered with artifacts and retrieved a black crystal ball. "This crystal can detect blood relations between werewolves."


"If what you say is true, I will allow you to return to the pack."

Nova stared at the crystal ball, a greedy smile spreading across her face. "Thank you, High Priest."


Meanwhile, in the healer's room, Finn coughed and slowly opened his eyes.

"Mom," he called weakly.

Ella and Caden sighed with relief. Ella gently held his small hand. "Mommy's here. I'm so sorry, baby. Mommy didn't protect you."

Looking at Ella's slender figure, Caden felt both heartache and guilt. "I'm sorry. This was my fault. From now on, I'll personally watch over Finn."

Ella shook her head and looked at him, seeming to have made a decision. When she spoke, her voice was firm and clear.

"Alpha Caden, please let us leave the wolf pack."

Caden's heart clenched. "What do you mean?"

Ella chose her words carefully. "Finn has been hurt repeatedly. This wasn't an accident, and it could happen again. In the wolf pack, having a human mother means he'll always be ostracized."

"Besides, you hate humans too, don't you?"

"I..." Caden began.

Ella remembered his words about mutual benefits. "Of course, if you need your mate's comfort, you can contact me. I'll come anytime."

She'd thought of everything. She was determined to leave—to leave him.

Caden's chest heaved as he turned away. "I don't agree!"

"This is my fault for not protecting you both, but it won't happen again." His voice was calm, but listening carefully, one could hear his nervousness. "I do hate humans, but I don't hate you."

So please stay, Ella.

Caden's Spirit Wolf was begging, calling out.

He said he didn't hate her. Ella stood stunned, her heart racing.

Beside her, Finn tugged at her sleeve. "Mom, I like it here. Can we stay?" he asked softly.

Ella embraced him, her heart aching. "Baby, I'm just afraid you'll get hurt again."

"What happened today won't happen again. Tomorrow I'll give you and Finn an explanation." Caden sat on the bed, looking solemnly at Ella. "Will you trust me one more time?"

"Okay." Ella nodded.

The next day, Caden sat on the wolf-head throne in the great hall. Even elders who hadn't attended gatherings in years were present.

Ella held Finn's hand as they sat beside him. Marcus stood nearby. "Alpha, everyone is here," he announced respectfully.

"I've gathered everyone today to announce something—I now have a cub."

A wave of surprised delight spread through the audience.

"And my son Finn will become the next Alpha of the Warwick Family."

He looked at Ella beside him. Sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating them both in radiant light.

With his declaration, no one would dare harm the Alpha's heir again. Ella felt a weight lift from her shoulders.

She smiled gently.

At that moment, the High Priest's voice rang out: "I object!"