After My Mate Marked the Alpha’s Daughter, I Walked Away

The summons arrived on a crisp morning, the messenger's boots crunching through the fresh snow as he delivered the ornate scroll to my father's study.

"A Diplomatic Summit," my father announced, his voice echoing in the high-ceilinged room. "The Northern Territories. All packs must attend."

I looked up from the border maps spread across my desk. Two months had passed since I'd reclaimed my position as Lycan Princess, and the work had been relentless. But this—this was different.

"The Northern Territories?" I repeated, my finger tracing the icy border on the map. "That's Shadow Ridge territory."

My father's eyes met mine, knowing and concerned. "You don't have to attend, Gia."

"I do." The words came out stronger than I felt. "I need to be there."

---

Three days later, I stood at the edge of the Summit grounds, watching pack leaders arrive one by one. The massive stone lodge loomed behind me, its windows glowing against the darkening sky.

"He's here," my handmaiden whispered, her eyes darting to the sleek black SUV pulling up to the entrance.

I didn't need to ask who she meant. My wolf stirred within me, a low growl building in my chest.

Austin emerged first, his confident stride faltering slightly as he took in the grandeur of the Summit. Quinn followed, her designer boots sinking into the snow as she clung to his arm.

"God, it's freezing," she complained loudly. "I don't understand why we couldn't have held this in civilization."

Austin's jaw tightened. "It's mandatory. Every pack leader needs to be here."

"And you need to fix your reputation," Quinn added with a smirk. "The Silver Moon alliance isn't looking so beneficial anymore, is it?"

I turned away, my lips curving into a cold smile. Let them freeze. Let them argue. I had work to do.

---

The Great Hall buzzed with tension as I entered, my silver mask firmly in place—a royal tradition for high-ranking Lycans who hadn't yet been formally unveiled to the diplomatic community.

"Who is she?" Quinn whispered loudly to Austin as I passed.

Austin's eyes followed me, narrowing slightly. "I don't know, but she's sitting at the head table."

I took my seat beside my father, the weight of my new position settling comfortably on my shoulders. From this vantage point, I could see everything—including Austin's desperate attempts to charm Alpha Wade Perry of the Obsidian Pack.

"We need a loan," I heard Austin say, his voice strained with false confidence. "Just until our supply lines are reestablished."

Wade's cold eyes assessed him dismissively. "Why would I invest in a failing pack?"

"Shadow Ridge isn't failing," Austin insisted. "We're experiencing temporary difficulties."

"Temporary?" Wade's laugh was sharp as ice. "I hear your Omega advisors are deserting in droves."

I watched Austin's face flush with anger and embarrassment. Quinn rolled her eyes dramatically and wandered off to flirt with another Alpha.

"Perhaps," Wade said suddenly, his gaze shifting to me, "the Royal Council would consider a joint venture instead?"

My father smiled thinly. "My advisor will be happy to discuss options."

Austin's head snapped toward me, confusion clouding his features. There was something in his expression—a flicker of recognition, perhaps—that made my heart race.

---

Later, during a break in negotiations, I slipped into a quiet corridor to review the latest border reports. The mask felt heavy against my skin, but I couldn't remove it yet.

"Gia?"

I froze at the sound of Austin's voice behind me. Slowly, I turned.

He stood there, his eyes wide with disbelief. "What are you doing here? As a servant?"

I raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me?"

"You can't be here as a petitioner," he continued, stepping closer. "You're not authorized—"

"Step back," I commanded, letting just a hint of my aura slip through.

He did, his wolf instinctively responding to the power he couldn't understand.

"This is a restricted area," I added coldly.

Austin's face hardened. "I don't know what game you're playing, but—"

"It's not a game," I interrupted. "Now leave."

He left, but not before I saw the calculation in his eyes. He didn't recognize me as the masked advisor—he thought I was just a servant or petitioner who'd somehow gained access.

---

"What if she still responds to me?" Austin's voice drifted through the cracked door of the planning room.

I paused, my hand freezing on the document I'd been reading.

"It's a bet," Quinn replied boredly. "If you can still command her wolf, I'll... I don't know, give you another chance to impress me."

"And if I can't?"

"Then you're officially pathetic."

I heard Austin's low growl. "Watch this."

The mind-link hit me like a physical blow—faint but unmistakable.

"*Gia! Help me! I'm hurt in the woods near the eastern border! Please!*" Austin's voice screamed in my head.

My wolf surged forward, responding to the distress call before I could stop it.

"*Austin?*" I responded instinctively.

"*Yes! I need you! Please!*" His mental voice sounded strained, desperate.

I closed my eyes, fighting against the pull. It was weak—the mate bond nearly severed—but still there.

"Don't fall for it," I whispered to myself. "It's a trap."

But even as I thought it, my feet were already moving toward the eastern woods.