The king was the first to break the silence.

“What do you mean Nelson has disappeared?”

The guard’s voice came through the device, tense and uneasy.

“My High Alpha King, we searched his quarters, the security barracks, the training grounds, and every checkpoint within the palace walls. No one has seen him since early this moonrise.”

Brandon’s expression darkened.

“Seal every palace gate immediately,” he ordered. “No one leaves the kingdom without my authorization. Search every road leading out of the capital, every stable, every vehicle, and every estate. I want Nelson found.”

“Yes, My High Alpha.”

The call ended.

A heavy silence settled over the chamber.

Emma looked from Brandon to the king.

“Do you think he ran away?”

Brandon slowly shook his head.

“I don’t know. But if he did, he wouldn’t act alone.”

The king folded his hands behind his back and walked toward the window. His gaze drifted across the palace grounds where guards carried on with their duties, completely unaware of the danger that might already be lurking within the kingdom.

“If Nelson disappeared on the same day you discovered some wolf had reopened the hidden tunnel,” the king said quietly, “then I refuse to believe it’s a coincidence.”

Brandon nodded.

“I believe the traitors realized we were getting too close.”

The king turned to face everyone in the chamber.

“Which means they’ve already begun changing their plans.”

The chamber fell silent again as the weight of his words settled over them.

Emma’s heart pounded.

“You think they’re planning to strike during the royal mating?”

“I do,” the king replied. “The royal mating will bring together every royal family, every Alpha, every dignitary, and thousands of guests. There will never be a better opportunity to throw the kingdom into chaos.”

Brandon’s jaw tightened.

“Then we don’t have four days to prepare.”

The king held his gaze.

“No.”

A grim silence stretched between them before Brandon spoke again.

“We’re already running out of time.”

The king drew a slow breath.

“Double the guards around the palace. Seal every entrance to that tunnel and search every inch of it. I want reports on my desk before moonfall.”

Brandon inclined his head.

“It will be done.”

Only after the orders had been given did the king’s expression soften as he looked at Bernard and Elara.

“Now, let’s deal with your family.”

“Go back to the estate and continue planning your mating. You have just four days. Tell…what’s their name again?” The king asked, looking at Brandon.

“Crowe family?” Brandon said.

“No, the lady.”

“Maelis,” Bernard said.

“Tell her that I would like to see her today at 5 pm.”

“Here?” Bernard asked, still holding Elara firmly as if she would leave him again if he took his hands off her.

“No, your house. I will notify the Crowe family. They will be there also. We need to hear from them and sort out their differences once and for all. I would not entertain unnecessary scenes during my Moon Princess royal matebond. Brandon you and your Queen Luna will also be there,” the king said.

“What is the second guy’s name?” The king asked.

“His name is Joel,” Bernard responded.

“I will also need his device number. He must be part of the meeting.”

“Alright,” Bernard accepted and Elara looked at him, wondering if he had forgotten that Maelis would not like to see Crowe’s family.

Bernard held Elara’s hand and she leaned on his shoulder as they walked out of the king’s living chamber. She pulled away from him when they got to his new armored Mercedes-Benz S-Class Guard.

Bernard held on to her hand as she tried to slip it free.

“I’ll see you at moonfall,” she said with a teasing smile.

“What?” He tightened his fingers around hers. “I miss you like hell.”

She smiled, wishing he knew she had been counting the hours too.

“Come with me,” Bernard murmured, leaning close enough for only her to hear.

She looked up at him. “I want to use my car. I prefer my BMW 7 Series Protection.”

A grin spread across his face.

“Your BMW is impressive, but I have something even better waiting. More luxury, more privacy.”

“Oh?” She tilted her head. “You have plans?”

Before he could answer, she glanced toward the front. Brandon and Emma were already by their car, both watching them with amused smiles, clearly wondering why they were still standing there.

Bernard ignored the audience. He leaned closer until his lips were near her ear.

“I do,” he whispered. “I just want you in my arms.”

Her smile softened. She stepped into him, rested her head against his chest, and wrapped her arms around his waist.

He held her for a moment, then pulled back just enough to look into her eyes.

“Shall we?”

She nodded.

He opened the car door, and she slid inside. Just before it closed, she caught Emma beaming at her with an excited grin. Brandon simply shook his head, a knowing smile tugging at his lips as the door shut between them.

Bernard’s new armored Mercedes-Benz S-Class Guard had been a gift from Brandon. Ever since he brought it home, Elara had never once ridden in it.

The door clicked shut.

The noise outside disappeared.

Soft music drifted through the cabin as Bernard tapped the screen. The quiet wrapped around them, leaving only the music and the sound of their breathing.

Elara ran her fingers over the leather seat, then looked at him.

He was already looking at her.

Neither of them spoke.

A slow smile tugged at her lips.

“I love you,” she whispered.

Bernard reached for her hand and gently guided her closer. The reclining seat shifted back a little as he leaned over her.

He searched her face, his eyes moving over every familiar feature as if he were making sure she was really there.

His thumb brushed her cheek.

“Don’t leave me again,” he said quietly. “I don’t want to go through that again.”

She swallowed and nodded.

“I’m—”

He closed the distance and kissed her before she could finish.

She kissed him back without hesitation, her fingers slipping into his hair as she drew him closer.

A few moments later, she pulled back just enough to catch her breath.

“The driver…”

Bernard rested his forehead against hers and smiled.

“He can’t hear us unless we call him. Right now, it’s just us.”

She smiled, closed the small gap between them again, and kissed him, her fingers still tangled gently in his hair.

He let out a low groan and brushed his lips against her palm.

She smiled, leaned in, and kissed him again, savoring the familiar warmth of his lips as she breathed him in, as though she had missed even the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

Bernard slipped his fingers into her hair, holding her gently as he deepened the kiss. She melted against him, one hand resting on his shoulder while the other curled around the back of his neck.

His hand traced slowly down her back before settling at her waist. He buried his face against her neck, leaving a trail of light kisses that made her close her eyes.

“I missed you so much,” she whispered.

“So did I.”

She shifted closer until she was sitting across his lap, her arms circling his neck.

“I love this seat,” she said with a soft laugh.

He smiled, one hand resting at the small of her back.

“It was waiting for you.”

She searched his face for a moment.

He didn’t look away.

His eyes stayed on hers, warm and steady, and her smile grew as she leaned in to kiss him once more.

They resumed their kiss as Bernard slipped his hand beneath her dress again. She trembled against him, her breath catching as she clung to his shoulders.

She was already on the edge, but it still wasn’t enough.

“I want you now,” she whispered, her voice barely above a breath.

She had always dreamed of sharing a moment like this in a car with the love of her life. Now, wrapped in Bernard’s arms, that dream was unfolding before her eyes. With her legs resting between his, he slowly helped her out of her clothes, never taking his eyes off her.

She pushed herself up slightly and leaned against the armrest as she began unbuttoning his shirt. He captured her lips again before she could finish, kissing her as though he had been waiting forever to hold her this close.

She loosened his belt and tugged at his jeans, smiling when he looked at her. They held each other close, lost in the moment, their kisses lingering as they forgot everything outside the car.

Neither of them noticed that the car had already come to a stop.

The intercom light blinked on and off.

The chauffeur had been trying to reach them.

She finally noticed the flashing light and started to pull away.

“Bernard…”

He tightened his arm around her waist with one hand and reached for the intercom with the other, his eyes never leaving her.

“Arlo, what happened?” Bernard asked.

“We’re home, sir,” the chauffeur replied.

Thanks, Arlo,” Bernard replied.

He let out a quiet sigh, switched off the intercom, and rested his forehead against hers for a moment before they finally gathered themselves.

Bernard grinned at her. “Good thing Arlo spoke up. We might’ve spent another hour here.”

Elara grinned. “Poor Arlo. He was probably wondering what was taking us so long.”

Bernard laughed. “I’m sure he’s learned not to ask questions.”

Elara burst into laughter. “You’re terrible.”

Twenty minutes later, they stepped out of the car.

Elara took one step, then stopped.

“A lone figure was waiting for them.”