The Apocalyptic Queen's Werewolf Journey (Thora and Darius) novel Chapter 48

**Shadows Hearts by Joseph King**
**Chapter 48: Meet the Mother**

Darius felt a mix of emotions swirling within him as he watched Thora take a step back from him, her eagerness to create distance a sharp contrast to his own feelings. Yet, despite the tension, he maintained a buoyant spirit. After all, he had secured the engagement first, a victory that filled him with a sense of optimism about what lay ahead. Who could predict the twists and turns of fate?

As Thora turned to rejoin the crowd alone, a sense of urgency propelled Darius forward. He quickly closed the gap between them, his long strides eating up the distance, and wrapped his arm around her waist from behind, a gesture meant to convey unity.

Thora’s reaction was immediate; her expression hardened, and she seized his wrist with a grip that felt like ice.

Darius had half-expected this response. Leaning in closer, he lowered his voice to a conspiratorial whisper, “We need to act more intimate to make people believe us, don’t we?”

For a moment, her grip faltered, and he sensed a shift in her demeanor. Though her face remained a mask of indifference, the tension in her body eased slightly.

A flicker of triumph danced in Darius’s eyes as he guided Thora toward the Greens, his arm still possessively around her waist.

Norman, unable to contain his mounting anxiety, finally blurted out, “Mr. Blackwood, regarding your engagement to my daughter Thora…”

The prospect of connecting with the Blackwoods of the Nightclaw Pack was undeniably enticing for the Greens, yet the thought of Thora as the bride filled Norman with a gnawing dread. Ever since her return, the coldness that lingered in her gaze had unsettled him. If she managed to solidify her position with the Blackwoods’ support, reclaiming the Silverleaf Pack inheritance would become a distant dream. He might even find himself struggling to maintain his standing within the Greens.

“How dare you! This is my decision. Do you have a problem with it?” Marlon’s booming voice cut through the air like a knife, silencing Norman instantly.

“Dad, shouldn’t we at least consider Thora’s opinion?” Norman pressed, forcing back his resentment.

Marlon faltered at this, momentarily taken aback.

“Thora, what do you think?” he asked, his tone shifting from authoritative to somewhat pleading.

A flash of worry crossed his mind; he feared she might outright refuse, which would be a significant blow to both the Blackwoods and the Nightclaw Pack.

Darius squeezed Thora’s waist gently, a gesture meant to reassure her, but her expression flickered with irritation. Was this man asking for trouble? Did he think it was acceptable to be so forward, as if he were testing the waters?

“Thora, your grandfather is speaking to you,” Darius said, his demeanor innocent, as if his earlier move had been nothing more than a casual touch.

Stepping away from Darius’s grasp, Thora faced her grandfather and replied crisply, “Grandpa, I have no objections.”

Marlon’s face lit up with satisfaction. “Good girl!” he exclaimed, pride swelling in his chest.

However, Laurel was quick to interject, her smile a thin veneer over her discontent. “Marlon, how can such an important matter be decided solely by you? Surely Mr. Blackwood’s family and the elders of the Nightclaw Pack would not agree to this engagement, would they?”

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