I Left Before He Learned My Worth novel Chapter 17

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**Chapter 17**

**DAMON**

By the time I made my way back to the pack lands, the sun had ascended to its zenith, casting a warm glow over everything it touched. My phone was incessantly buzzing in my pocket, a cacophony of missed calls that hinted at pack matters demanding my immediate attention. Disputes, negotiations, issues that couldn’t afford to wait.

Yet, before diving into those pressing responsibilities, I felt an urgent need to reach out to the Shadowmere pack.

Last night, I had spent hours researching their merchant district, piecing together the best way to arrange a visit. Shadowmere was infamous for its protective nature over its territory; they were not known to welcome outsiders with open arms. This wariness had only intensified since their Alpha had been cursed three years prior.

The leadership dynamics within Shadowmere had become a tangled web of uncertainty in the aftermath of that curse. Some whispers suggested that the Beta was now at the helm, while others spoke of a council of elders making decisions. The truth was shrouded in mystery, and no one seemed to have a clear understanding of the situation behind the tightly guarded borders of Shadowmere.

If I wanted access to their merchants, I would have to secure permission from whoever was currently in charge.

I settled into my office, which Sera had transformed with her usual ruthless efficiency during my absence. The space felt organized, almost too pristine for my liking, but I appreciated her efforts. I pulled up the contact details for the Shadowmere pack, my heart racing slightly as I dialed their administrative office.

The phone rang four times before a voice finally answered.

“Shadowmere pack, Beta Nina speaking. How may I assist you today?”

“Beta Nina, this is Alpha Damon Cross from the Blackwood pack,” I replied, trying to keep my tone steady despite the underlying tension. “I’m reaching out to request permission for a visit to your territory. I need to meet with one of your merchants regarding a commission for some jewelry work.”

There was a noticeable pause on the other end of the line. When Nina finally spoke again, her voice was laced with an unsettling neutrality. “Alpha Cross. What an… interesting time to call.”

Her tone sent a shiver down my spine, and I felt my instincts kick in. “Is there an issue? I’m aware that Shadowmere has been closed to outsiders, but this is a matter of significant importance for my pack—”

“I’m sure it is,” she interrupted, her voice smooth as silk. “However, I regret to inform you that we cannot accommodate visitors at this time. Our pack is currently engaged in preparations for a significant event. Perhaps you could try again in three days?”

Three days. That timeline coincided with Aria’s expected return.

“What kind of event?” I asked, curiosity piqued despite my better judgment.

Another pause, heavy with unspoken implications. “We’re crowning our new Luna. It has been three long years since our pack enjoyed proper leadership, and we are finally rectifying that. The ceremony is quite elaborate, and we cannot afford any distractions.”

A new Luna. It made sense, given the dire state of their Alpha. Someone had to step up to lead the pack.

Yet, the way Nina pronounced “Luna” set my teeth on edge. There was a hint of possessiveness in her tone, as if she was speaking of someone she held dear.

“I understand,” I replied, striving to keep my frustration in check. “And what about after the ceremony? Will I be able to visit then?”

“Post-ceremony, our Luna will be responsible for approving all territorial visits. You will need to go through her for any permissions. I’m certain she will be reasonable regarding trade requests.”

“Your Luna will be in charge?” I couldn’t mask my surprise. “Not your Beta or Alpha?”

“Our Alpha is… compromised,” Nina stated carefully. “The curse remains unbroken, though we hold onto hope. In the meantime, yes, our Luna will assume full leadership of the pack. She’s more than capable—she’s been training with me for the past week, learning the intricacies of pack management and diplomatic protocols.”

A chill coursed down my spine. Aria had left about a week ago. But surely, that was just a coincidence. The Eastern forests were vast; there were numerous packs scattered throughout that region.