A Mate's Betrayal, An Alpha's Claim.

Camila's POV

Nathaniel's grip on my wrist tightened, his body radiating silent dominance. Aiden took a step forward, his jaw locked tight, his chest rising and falling with barely contained fury.

"No," he said again, louder this time. His voice cracked through the silence like a whip. "She is not going with you."

Nathaniel exhaled slowly, turning his head just enough to glance at Aiden. His expression remained unreadable, but the tension rolling off him was unmistakable.

"And what do you plan to do about it?" Nathaniel's voice was calm—too calm. The kind of calm that promised destruction.

Aiden clenched his fists. "I'll double it."

The air in the room shifted instantly. A ripple of murmurs spread through the gathered Alphas and Betas. Even Alpha Greene's expression flickered with mild surprise.

Nathaniel's lips curved, but there was no amusement in his smirk. "You can't afford to."

Aiden's nostrils flared, his shoulders stiffening. He wasn't stupid. He knew Nathaniel was right. Even as the Beta of Silvercrest, he didn't have that kind of wealth—at least, not freely.

But the look in his eyes told me that he didn't care.

"Aiden," Sasha's voice was soft, laced with worry, but he didn't so much as glance at her. His focus was locked on me.

Nathaniel, on the other hand, let out a quiet chuckle. "Tell me, Aiden," he drawled, finally rising from his seat. "Is this about honor? Or are you just now realizing what you lost?"

Aiden's jaw ticked, but he didn't answer.

Nathaniel stepped closer, his voice dropping low enough that only a few of us could hear. "You had her. And you threw her away." His hand brushed over the silk of my dress, a possessive gesture meant to make a point. "She's mine now. Do you understand that?"

Aiden's entire body tensed, and for a moment, I thought he might swing at Nathaniel.

But he didn't.

Because he knew—he knew the consequences of going against him.

Nathaniel was untouchable.

Alpha Greene must have sensed the inevitable, because he leaned back in his chair, his smirk returning. "It seems the auction has concluded," he announced, his voice smooth with amusement.

Aiden barely moved. His eyes burned into me, a storm of emotions swirling beneath the surface.

"Let's go," Nathaniel murmured.

And just like that, he turned, guiding me toward the doors.

My legs felt unsteady, my stomach twisting into knots. I could feel Aiden's stare burning into my back, but I didn't dare look at him.

I couldn't.

Not when everything in me still ached for the boy who had betrayed me.

Not when another man had just bought me.

Not when I no longer knew who I was supposed to hate more.

Nathaniel led me outside, the cold night air slapping against my skin. The warriors fell into step behind us, their silence a weight of its own.

"Get on," Nathaniel ordered, nodding toward his horse.

I hesitated, my fingers curling into fists.

"Camila." His voice was softer this time, almost gentle. "We're leaving."

I swallowed hard and obeyed.

Because no matter how much I wanted to believe otherwise…

I had no other choice.

The ride was silent.

Nathaniel's grip on the reins was firm, his posture straight and unyielding. I sat behind him, my body stiff, my mind reeling.

I had expected fear. Panic. Maybe even despair.

But all I felt was numbness.

The road stretched endlessly ahead of us, the Silvercrest borders fading into the darkness behind. I stole one last glance over my shoulder, half-expecting Aiden to follow.

He didn't.

And that should have been my final answer.

When we finally stopped, the moon hung high in the sky. The clearing before us was quiet, but I could sense it—power. Strength.

Nathaniel dismounted first, his movements fluid. He turned to me, offering his hand.

I hesitated.

"Camila." His voice was low, almost patient. "You're coming with me."

I swallowed hard and placed my hand in his. His fingers curled around mine, steady, unwavering.

The moment my feet touched the ground, he spoke again.

"You belong to Blackwood now."

The words hit harder than I expected.

I belonged to them now.

To him.

My stomach tightened as I took in our surroundings. It wasn't just a temporary stop. The air was charged, the woods thick and untamed. This wasn't another trading ground.

This was a border.

A pack's border.

Nathaniel watched me closely, as if waiting for the realization to settle in.

"You're taking me to your pack," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

His lips curled slightly. "Yes."

A shiver ran down my spine.

Silvercrest had never been my home—not truly. I had been property there. A pawn.

But Blackwood?

I didn't know what awaited me there.

And that terrified me more than anything.

The scent of pine and damp earth filled the air as we crossed the border into Blackwood territory. The moment we stepped foot inside, a shift occurred. It was subtle but undeniable—like the forest itself recognized its Alpha's return.

I could feel the presence of others even before I saw them. Hidden eyes watching from the shadows, tracking our every move. The air was thick with unspoken questions.

Nathaniel walked ahead, his grip on my wrist firm but not painful. He didn't have to drag me—I had already learned there was no point in resisting him.

A group of warriors emerged from the trees, their postures tense, their eyes flicking between Nathaniel and me.

"Alpha," one of them—a broad-shouldered man with sharp features—spoke first, his tone respectful but questioning. "We weren't expecting you back so soon." His gaze landed on me, narrowing slightly. "And… her?"

Nathaniel didn't hesitate.

"Camila is under my protection now."

The warrior's eyes darkened with understanding.

A claim.

I forced myself to keep my expression blank, even as my pulse pounded in my ears.

Another man—leaner, younger—stepped forward. "Alpha Greene won't take this lightly."

"That's not my concern," Nathaniel said coolly. "Make sure the pack is ready. We might be expecting company."

The warriors exchanged looks before nodding. Without another word, they disappeared into the shadows, moving swiftly, like ghosts fading into the night.

Nathaniel turned back to me. "Let's go."

I followed because I had no other choice.

The Blackwood pack was different from Silvercrest. The moment we passed through the dense treeline, I saw it—stone-built houses nestled between towering pines, the soft glow of lanterns illuminating narrow pathways. It wasn't just a pack. It was a community.

But I didn't miss the way people stared.

Women whispering in hushed tones. Warriors stiffening as we passed.

They all recognized me.

They all knew what I was.

Nathaniel led me through the winding paths until we reached the largest structure at the heart of the pack. A towering estate, its dark wood and iron accents making it feel more fortress than home.

He pushed open the heavy doors without pause. The inside was warm, a sharp contrast to the night air, but I couldn't find comfort in it.

Because standing at the base of the grand staircase was a woman.

Tall. Regal.

Her dark hair was pulled into a sleek braid, her piercing blue eyes locking onto me instantly.

Her lips parted slightly before pressing into a thin line.

"Nathaniel," she said, her voice cool, assessing. "Explain."

Nathaniel released my wrist and stepped forward. "She's staying here."

The woman's gaze flicked back to me, sharp and calculating.

Then she smiled.

But it wasn't kind.

"Interesting," she murmured.

A chill ran down my spine.

Because I knew—whoever she was—she didn't see me as a guest.

She saw me as a threat.