Chapter 9 Blackmail.

Kylie sat poised at the head of the long oak table in Brandon's study, her fingers drumming a soft rhythm against a crystal glass of red wine. Across from her, three pack elders shifted uncomfortably, their eyes flicking between one another, unsure how they'd even ended up here under her command.

Brandon stood by the window, his silhouette tense against the gray afternoon light. He hadn't spoken much since Kylie's return-just watched, listened, and, more than once, walked away when he couldn't answer her questions.

"Let's be clear," Kylie began, her voice velvet-smooth but carrying an undercurrent of steel. "This pack needs stability. After Lindsay's... disappearance, the rumors are already spreading. The outside clans smell weakness."

Elder Rowan cleared his throat. "That may be true, but Lindsay was still his wife. The Luna's absence doesn't make you-"

"Doesn't it?" Kylie cut in, tilting her head with a sly smile. "I've stood by Brandon's side since the beginning. Who else has weathered the storm with him? Who fought beside him during the Crescent War?"

Brandon's jaw clenched, but he didn't speak.

"I'm not asking for your blessing," Kylie continued, standing gracefully, her glass untouched. "I'm offering you a choice."

She slid three envelopes across the table. "Inside are things I don't think your families would want exposed. Financial secrets, hidden alliances, old betrayals. You can walk out of here and oppose me... or you can help me ascend as Luna and keep those skeletons buried."

The elders stared at the envelopes like they were venomous snakes.

"You're threatening us," Elder Myles said hoarsely.

"I'm giving you protection," Kylie countered sweetly. "And Brandon-" she turned toward him, her eyes gleaming-"he knows it's the right move. Don't you, love?"

Brandon's lips parted, but no words came. His gaze shifted to the envelopes, then to the faces of the men who'd once been his father's closest allies. His pack.

"What choice do I have?" he murmured finally.

"Exactly," Kylie purred, gliding toward him, resting a hand on his chest. "The pack needs strength, not sentiment. And if Lindsay couldn't stand beside you in the storm... she was never meant to be Luna."

A cold shiver ran down his spine. He wasn't blind to what she was doing-manipulating, cornering, bending the pack to her will. But every path forward seemed to close around him, brick by brick.

The elders exchanged dark looks. Elder Rowan was first to pick up the envelope. He didn't open it-he simply tucked it into his coat and gave Kylie a tight nod. The others followed, silent, resigned.

Kylie watched them go, her smile sharpening once the door closed.

Brandon turned away from her, rubbing his temples. "You've twisted their hands, Kylie."

"I've ensured their loyalty," she corrected smoothly. "Same thing."

Outside, thunder rumbled low in the distance.

Kylie stepped beside him, whispering close to his ear. "Soon, they'll announce me as Luna. And once they do... no one will question who stands beside you."

By sunrise, Kylie had moved into Lindsay's old quarters. Her clothes filled the closets; her scent clung to the sheets. It wasn't subtle, and it wasn't meant to be.

Brandon found her at the balcony, overlooking the training grounds where the younger wolves sparred under the morning sun.

"They're already questioning the elders," he said grimly. "Half the pack thinks they've been bought."

Kylie turned, her silk robe fluttering like a banner. "Let them question. It keeps them distracted."

"You're playing with fire."

"I'm controlling it." Her gaze hardened. "They were weak under Lindsay. Too soft. We can't afford softness now, not with rival packs circling like vultures."

A knock at the door interrupted them. Elder Rowan entered, his expression tight. "They've gathered in the council hall. The declaration ceremony is set for tonight."

"Good," Kylie said. "Then let's make it official."

But Rowan hesitated. "Some... are still loyal to her. They whisper she's alive."

Kylie's smile was sharp. "Let them whisper. Soon, they'll see where true power lies."

She dismissed him with a wave, turning back to Brandon. "Tonight seals everything."

Brandon watched her, a flicker of doubt in his eyes. "And if she comes back?"

Kylie's smile didn't falter. "Then she'll wish she hadn't."

Downstairs, Kylie moved swiftly. She summoned guards, reassigned ranks, and revoked patrol routes loyal to Lindsay. Anyone who questioned her found themselves replaced-or worse, disappeared quietly into the night.

By midday, whispers had turned to unease. Wolves who once walked freely now eyed each other with suspicion. The pack felt tighter, darker, like an invisible leash had slipped around every throat.

In the council hall, Kylie stood at the head of the table as the elders filed in, their expressions weary. She placed her hands on the oak, leaning forward.

"Tonight, I will be Luna. Anyone who challenges that... will face me directly."

The council hall had grown cold despite the roaring fire. Kylie stood at the head of the long table, her hands gripping the carved wolf emblem at its center.

Elder Rowan cleared his throat, his voice solemn. "We've discussed your... request, Kylie."

"Request?" Her lips curled. "It's not a request. It's my right."

Rowan met her gaze without flinching. "It's not so simple. The Luna title demands more than proximity to the Alpha's bed. You know our laws."

Kylie's smile faltered. "Speak plainly."

Elder Mirella leaned forward, her silver hair shining beneath the torchlight. "If you want to be Luna, you must secure the lineage. You must give the pack an heir."

Silence.

Brandon stiffened beside her, his jaw tightening. "That's enough. This isn't-"

"It is," Rowan cut him off. "Without an heir, there's no future for your line. No unity for the pack. You want the title, Kylie? Then prove your claim. Carry the Alpha's child."

Kylie's throat went dry. She glanced at Brandon, who avoided her gaze.

"How long do I have?" she asked carefully.

Mirella's eyes gleamed. "Until the next full moon. Fail, and the council will choose another Luna."

Brandon turned to her at last. "This wasn't the deal," he said under his breath.

Kylie laughed softly, but there was no warmth. "Every deal has layers, darling."

She straightened, lifting her chin. "You'll have your heir."

The council dismissed, leaving shadows and whispers in their wake. Kylie stared at the empty room, her hands trembling slightly. She hadn't expected this. She hadn't prepared for this.

Brandon stepped closer. "You don't have to-"

She spun on him. "Don't pity me." Her voice was sharp as a blade. "You gave me this crown. I'm not about to let it slip because a few old wolves cling to tradition."

She strode past him, but paused at the doorway. "And you," she added over her shoulder, "better start acting like an Alpha."