Chapter 415 Dangerous Games

Cecilia’s pov

I watched Maggie’s perfect mask start to crack, and satisfaction warmed my chest.

The fury in her eyes told me I had hit my mark.

I casually tucked a strand of hair behind my ear and let a slow smile curve my lips as quiet laughter spread through the room like a soft current of amusement.

Zane stood frozen for a moment before recovering, his expression twisting into an awkward smile.

“I’ll consider it, of course,” he said, his voice too smooth to sound honest. “You’re my daughter. I would never disappoint you.”

The sweet talk rolled off his tongue like cheap booze at a dive bar, easy to serve but hard to swallow.

I could see right through his little stalling act.

He smelled of fear and guilt, faint like iron and smoke.

Maggie was too angry to stay calm. With one quick motion, she pushed over the antique vase stand near the door. The porcelain crashed to the floor, and she stormed out.

The sound echoed through the hall like a gunshot.

The carpet softened the fall, but the wooden stand and vase still hit the ground with a heavy thud.

Servants rushed in to clean up, keeping their heads down and careful not to draw the important guests’ attention.

As the door slammed shut, the tension in the room finally loosened.

The collective relief was obvious; everyone seemed to breathe easier once her presence was gone.

Even the air smelled cleaner, free of her anger and perfume.

I leaned back against the table, heartbeat steady, enjoying the quiet victory.

Author’s pov

The grandfather clock chimed midnight, each note rolling through the hall like a heartbeat.

Martha exhaled slowly, her tired eyes softening as she looked around the room.

“Thank you all for staying so late,” she said, her voice warm despite the exhaustion. “Tonight has been complicated, but I’m still grateful. It’s been far too long since the Locke family gathered under one roof. Cecilia’s return… that alone makes this night worth it.”

She glanced down at her hands, the faint tremor of age visible.

“Forgive an old woman for being sentimental,” she continued. “But I don’t have endless moons left. My only wish is to see the Locke pack united and strong before I go. That would be my greatest peace.”

Her words drew a ripple of emotion from the elders seated nearby.

Even the old wolves, hardened by decades of politics, lowered their heads in respect.

Elder Luna Black, never one for emotional speeches, shifted uncomfortably in her chair.

“For heaven’s sake,” she muttered. “Why such gloomy talk? The Silver Peak Pack and your family have always been close. We’ve worked together for generations. Business is good, the borders are safe. The Lockes aren’t fading anytime soon.”

Martha seized the moment.

She turned the topic easily toward the earlier discussion about the potential bond between Sebastian and Cecilia, calling it a match blessed by the Moon Goddess herself.

Alpha Yardley straightened in support.

“Exactly right,” he said, his tone firm with authority. “Sebastian and Cecilia are already connected by fate. It’s practically settled.”

Luna Regina joined in with warmth. “Rebecca and I used to talk about pairing our children,” she said with a wistful smile. “And look how naturally it happened. Some bonds are written in the stars.”

Elder Luna Black opened her mouth to argue, then stopped herself.

The Cole patriarch, however, was less patient.

“What exactly are you implying?” he demanded, glaring at Elder Luna Black. “You kept quiet during the banquet, and now you hesitate again. Do you think my granddaughter isn’t good enough?

If Sebastian and Cecilia part ways, I could find ten young Alphas ready to court her by sunrise!”

Martha hurried to intervene. “Please, there’s no need for that—”

But the Cole patriarch’s temper had already flared.

“We don’t beg,” he said coldly. “If word spreads that the Cole family seeks a mate for our granddaughter, suitors will line up before dawn.”

Sebastian sensed the tension and moved closer to Cecilia.

“Cece,” he murmured, his voice low and uncertain, “you won’t leave me, right?”

Before she could answer, he touched her cheek and turned her face toward him.

His eyes, usually full of authority, now showed something rare—fear.

Cecilia’s heart softened.

“Of course not,” she said. “We’re fine.”

Relief crossed his face. He turned to the Cole patriarch, his voice steady again. “Cecilia doesn’t want to leave. She’s ready to complete the mate-bonding ceremony.”

The patriarch looked at him for a moment, then turned to Cecilia.

“Do you care for him that much?” he asked quietly. “Are you sure he’s the one?

Cecilia paused.

She could feel Sebastian’s breath on her skin and his wolf energy touching hers, restless and uncertain.

Her heart softened again. “Yes,” she said finally. “I do care for him.”

Sebastian exhaled in relief, his shoulders relaxing.

The Cole patriarch’s expression eased.

“Then it’s settled,” he said, turning to Elder Luna Black. “You see? They can’t stand to be apart. Do you still wish to break them up?”

Martha added gently, “When our children are happy, the whole pack thrives.”

Cornered, Elder Luna Black sighed.

“I never said I disapproved,” she muttered. “But you keep changing which granddaughter you favor. No wonder people are confused.”

At his words, Jessica’s face darkened.

She had once been the favored granddaughter, but now she was forgotten, a fallen star hidden in Cecilia’s shadow.

Martha noticed her but didn’t waver.

She had no patience left for jealousy.

“You’re right.” Martha said evenly. “We’ve both made mistakes. Let’s step back and let the young ones decide. Whoever ends up together, we’ll celebrate.”

It was a graceful exit, one that saved everyone’s pride.

Martha knew the older Luna’s pride was as thick as armor, and sometimes just as heavy.

Elder Luna Black nodded in relief. “Very well. We’ll proceed as you suggest.”

Zane’s mood brightened almost instantly.

He even pulled Alpha Yardley aside, whispering about future alliances as if he’d planned them all along.

With the tension diffused, Martha rose, smiling. “That’s enough heavy talk for one night. Let’s end on peace, not politics.”

As the guests began to leave, Zane noticed Cecilia preparing to depart as well.

“Cece,” he called, “your room is ready. Why not stay?”

Before she could answer, Luna Regina stepped in firmly.

“Absolutely not,” she said. “The Locke estate isn’t safe for her yet.”

Realizing her tone might offend Martha, Luna Regina softened immediately.

“Martha, I know you want Cecilia home,” she said gently. “But with her current condition, it’s better to take things slowly. If she stays here, Sebastian should stay too. There’ll be time later.”

Martha, who already knew about Cecilia’s pregnancy, nodded in understanding.

“You’re right,” she said kindly. “Tonight might be too soon. We’ll take it one step at a time.”

She walked to Cecilia, taking her hands in hers.

“Then promise me this, child,” Martha said with a faint smile. “You and Sebastian will come for breakfast tomorrow morning. The sun will rise on a new day, and we’ll start again.”