Jasper expected the scrutiny from his kid sister. What he didn’t expect was for her to do it so openly, with the kind of bluntness that came from years of sibling warfare.
A smile curved his lips, easy and unbothered. "Don’t you remember her?"
Liah frowned, her gaze fixed on the face smiling back at her. It wasn’t familiar. Not even a flicker of recognition stirred in her memory. But before she could voice her confusion, Jasper had already moved past her, pulling Corvine into a tight embrace.
"I didn’t see Damon."
Corvine returned the embrace, his grip firm. "Damon has retired for the night. You’ll see him tomorrow, unless it’s urgent."
Jasper pulled away, his expression brightening. "No, I just wanted to thank him. I used his advice, and the funds he transferred to us did magic." A note of disbelief crept into his voice. "And the good part? He’s not taking any interest."
Corvine wasn’t surprised. With other packs, interest was standard. Expected. But because of Liah, Damon had waved it off without hesitation.
"Well, you’re family." Corvine’s voice was warm. "If you need more help, just say it."
Jasper shook his head, his expression growing serious. "No. Things are already falling into place." His jaw tightened with satisfaction. "What the King did to my father is great. No Lycan has approached us since they delivered his battered form."
This time, Corvine frowned, a flicker of fake discomfort crossing his features. "Hey. That’s my father-in-law you’re talking about."
Jasper laughed, the sound sharp and unapologetic. "You should thank our King for doing what he did. If not, there would’ve been too much mess for me to clean up."
"Liah, I didn’t make you out too."
A soft voice spoke beside the men, drawing their attention. Liah turned, her frown deepening as she studied the young woman standing there. Something flickered in her memory. Something familiar.
"Wait." Her eyes widened. "Are you little Vianna? Gordon’s sister?"
The girl’s smile bloomed, bright and genuine. "Yes, Liah. After my mother left with us, we settled in the human world. I took my education seriously." A hint of pride colored her words. "I’m a surgeon now."
Liah’s mouth fell open. "Gordon informed me about his coronation, but I had a major surgery and couldn’t attend." Vianna’s voice softened, thick with emotion. "I’m so glad to see you again."
Liah embraced her tightly, the hug fierce and warm. Vianna and her mother had left the Silver Moon pack twenty years ago, leaving behind Gordon and his father. No one had expected her sudden return.
"I’m so glad you came."
"Same here." Vianna pulled back, her eyes bright with excitement. "Jasper told me about the Queen. I really want to meet her. I heard about her in the city but never got to work with her." She paused, hope flickering across her features. "Can you arrange for me to have a word with her?"
Liah shook her head, a smile playing at her lips. "I don’t have to. Our Queen will be handling the coronation herself. So you’ll get to see her."
Her gaze moved between Vianna and Jasper, a knowing glint in her eyes. "So, are you two..."
"You ask too many questions."
Jasper cut her off, punching her playfully on the shoulder. His deflection was smooth, practiced. But the slight flush creeping up his neck told a different story.
"By the way, you look stunning."
---
The next day was busier.


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