The library was my favorite place. The gardens were utterly gorgeous in the spring and summer, and the sitting room with the piano had the comfiest sofas and coziest fires, but the library with the thick green carpet and dusty shelves was my sanctuary.

Most of the wolves never ventured here. They had no use for books when they were content with their lives the way they were. They were comfortable with the hierarchy of things, happy to continue the traditions of the werewolves that came before us.

One of my duties when I wasn’t working as a secretary was to attend the library; no one else wanted it. I dusted the shelves, polished the dark oak tables, and made sure everything was in order. Even though I was off from my job and all official duties, I still spent the rest of the day hiding and cleaning. No one was here to pepper me with questions or shoot curious looks my way. It was secluded. It was safe.

Of course, there were a handful of people who knew I would be here. Unfortunately, it wasn’t only the people I’d be happy to see.

“There she is,” I heard Bryce’s voice from behind me. I almost groaned. Instead, I kept my nose buried in my book and tried to ignore him. Maybe he’d go away.

He walked in front of me and made to grab my book from my hands. I dropped the book into my lap and his fingers snatched at empty air. He chuckled, once, and dropped his hand, assuming I would concede like I had always done.

Fuck it.

“Do not touch my belongings,” I said with quiet calm. I stood then, half a head shorter than Bryce, but met his stare evenly.

I was done pretending. Done acting as though he’d be my alpha or beta one day. Done being the one to smooth things over between us as best I could. He could rot in hell for all I cared. I wouldn’t be a part of this pack forever, and damn the consequences.

He blinked. I’d never challenged him before, but he was now realizing that maybe he wasn’t dominant over me. I had learned a long time ago that I was the stronger of the two of us. I could see in his eyes the moment he learned the same thing.

Eye contact, or lack thereof, was a way respect and deterrence was shown, especially when we were in our wolf forms and couldn’t communicate with our words.

“Look away,” he nearly growled, pitching his voice low, trying to intimidate me.

“You first,” I countered easily, exhilarated at finally standing up to the pretentious asshole.

We stood there, only a foot separating our noses, as we stared each other down.

“Back. Down,” he demanded.

“No.”

He exhaled sharply through his nose and grabbed my arms, trying to physically force me back, force me to concede.

No, I don’t think so.

I shifted like I was about to bring my knee up. He moved his thigh to block the blow, and as soon as he fell for my feint, I snapped my elbow around. It connected with his cheek with a satisfying smack. Bryce released me and whirled away, hands pressing against his face. He’d be bruised tomorrow, that was for sure. I bared my teeth at him in a feral grin. I could feel the tips of my fingers and toes tingling, the adrenaline calling for me to shift to wolf. But I had better control than that. Bryce’s features, however, were becoming slightly wolfish.

“The next time you think to touch me, or even look at me, I want you to remember how easily I bested you, how I’m the dominant one between us,” I snarled, taking a step forward towards him. He relented a step, maintaining the distance between us. He couldn’t even look at me. I chuckled darkly. “That’s what I thought. I’d hate to have to give the entire pack a demonstration to remind you of your place.”

He bowed his head.

My blood sang. My wolf wanted me to make a scene and assert my dominance over him in front of everyone, to show that they couldn’t walk all over me just because I was born female.

I was born to lead.

But it wasn’t worth burning bridges for. And I knew that’s what would happen if I made a spectacle in front of the pack.

I grabbed my book, intending to leave, and turned toward the nearest exit only to see several wolves standing there. Maddock led the group that consisted of the alpha of the Blood Moon pack and his sons, my father bringing up the rear. My stomach dropped, hands falling to my sides even as my chin raised. I wouldn’t apologize for what I did without being forced to by my father or alpha. And even then, I might not be convinced to.

The tension was palpable, but Tobias stepped out from behind Maddock and laughed. “I can see why this son of yours isn’t your beta.” He stepped into the room, looking me over. “Yes, she’s a strong one. Definitely a wise choice, having her father as your beta instead.”

I wasn’t sure if that was an insult or compliment to Maddock, or even both. Maddock seemed confused as well. My father tried—and failed—to hide a smile. He winked at me. The pressure around my chest lifted as the tense mood dissipated.

Tobias looked towards Bryce. “I suggest you take heed,” he advised with fatherly patience. “From my experience, women can be more cunning and savage than we give them credit for.”

He clapped a hand down on my shoulder, startling me into meeting his gaze. I quickly averted my eyes. I didn’t want him to think that his future daughter-in-law was disrespecting him.

“I’ll be glad to have you as part of my family and pack.”

I stared, wide-eyed, as he turned around and walked out. Maddock quickly followed, still not having uttered a single word, but Bryce followed his father like a lost puppy.

Quickly, I dared a glance at the brothers. Noah looked amused at the whole exchange, and a strange look lit up Jonah’s face, like he was actually seeing me for the first time.

There’d been a lot of that going on today, I realized. It was part of the issue of being a woman in Maddock’s pack; he didn’t value us like he ought to.

I wondered if my future family would be any different.