CHAPTER THIRTY ONE - Shadows in Moonlight

Lucas tensed, his arm instinctively tightening around Aria. "What do you mean, rival packs are gathering?" The young messenger shifted nervously. "The Northern Ridge and Stone Valley packs. They're saying that with both the Red Crescent and Silver Moon in transition, our territories are vulnerable." Christine's face hardened. "This is outrageous. They're using an ancient law to force our hand." "What ancient law?" Aria asked, struggling to sit up straighter despite the pain. "Pack territories without a formally mated Alpha pair can be challenged," Lucas explained, his golden eyes flashing with anger. "It's rarely invoked, but technically..." "It's legal," Christine finished. "They're opportunists, nothing more." The messenger cleared his throat. "There's more. They're demanding an answer by moonrise. They say if there's no formal announcement of a mating, they'll consider it an invitation to... negotiate boundaries." Lucas swore under his breath. "How many?" "At least thirty wa