Chapter 7 : Unspoken Tensions Chapter 7 : Unspoken Tensions ( Elena's POV ) " Marcus ! " she said brightly , then feigned surprise at seeing me . " Oh , Elena ! I didn't know you two were acquainted ." I stared at Marcus and said . " No , we are not . " Her voice carried false sweetness as she continued . " I could introduce you properly . This is Alpha Marcus Blackwood , one of the most powerful leaders in the Northern Territory ." The pack nurses gathered nearby , their eyes filled with envy as they watched Sophia's casual familiarity with the Alpha . " She's so lucky , " one whispered . " Imagine having connections to someone that influential , another murmured . They had no idea I was Marcus's actual Luna . To them , Sophia was the privileged one with access to the Alpha's inner circle . Marcus's attention focused entirely on me , his wolf Logan stirring restlessly within him. He seemed to have heard only Sophia's words about us not being close as mates . " I was merely discussing some pack matters with the Alpha , " I replied coolly . " I couldn't claim any familiarity " Marcus's expression turned glacial , his Alpha authority radiating displeasure that made the nearby nurses step back instinctively . Sophia , oblivious to the underlying tension crackling between us , smiled brightly . " If you need any help with pack issues , I'd be happy to assist ," she offered generously . " Marcus is usually quite cold toward other she - wolves , but he might make an exception . " That won't be necessary ," I declined firmly . I turned and walked back toward my office , needing distance from the painful scene . After I left , I heard Sophia's voice through the corridor . " Does Elena need help with those pack matters ? " she asked Marcus with deliberate concern . Marcus's dismissive response cut through me like silver . " Don't bother yourself with that kind of person . " His footsteps echoed as he walked away , leaving his cruel words hanging in the air. My enhanced werewolf hearing had caught every word . The hurt crashed over me in waves . I knew David had a history of territorial disputes and fights , but he had never seriously injured anyone before . I wanted to understand what had happened this time . I was grateful for Marcus's help , but hearing him dismiss my family so coldly in front of Sophia devastating In his eyes , the Blackthorne family members were nothing but greedy , opportunistic pack climbers . Chapter 7 : Unspoken Tens ( Sophia's POV ) When Elena disappeared into her office , Marcus glanced at her door with an unreadable expression . I secretly gritted my teeth , sensing the relationship between Marcus and Elena was far more complex then it appeared on the surface . I recalled my careful planning when I first arrived in the Northern Territory . I had played the role of a single mother , hoping Marcus's protective instincts would allow me to regain control over his affections . But after his recent dismissal , I was pleased by his harsh words about Elena . I deliberately spoke louder , ensuring she would hear his negative opinion through the thin walls . " You're right to keep your distance from such people , " I said , emphasizing Marcus's negative view of Elena's situation . " Marcus , would you accompany me to pick up Oliver from Crescent Ridge Academy ? We could have dinner together afterward . " Marcus's expression shifted , becoming more serious . " Have you seen the trending topics online about our supposed family unit ? " I stiffened , realizing my orchestrated attempt to create scandal linking Oliver , Marcus , and me as a family had been suppressed by his public relations team . This revelation made me understand that Marcus's feelings for me weren't as strong as before . I feigned guilt , my voice trembling slightly . Tm so sorry for involving you in unwanted attention from the werewolf community . " "I can't prioritize Oliver in everything . " Marcus stated firmly . " He's not my son . I've hired a pack nanny to handle the academy pick - ups going forward ." I understood the underlying message about boundaries and reluctantly agreed . " Of course , Marcus . Whatever you think is best . " After Marcus left , rage exploded within me . I swept the medical documents from my desk , papers scattering across the floor . Suspecting another she - wolf had captured his attention , I immediately pulled out my phone to contact my private investigator . Someone needed to dig deeper into Elena's background . ( Elena's POV ) Very late that evening , I finished my healing duties at the institute and returned to Moonhaven Estate . I found Marcus casually flipping through TV channels on the sofa in the Great Hall . His suit jacket and tie were loosened , making him look unusually relaxed . I paused at the Shadow Gate Foyer , surprised by his presence . He hadn't been home to our shared quarters much lately . Marcus noticed me through his heightened Alpha senses . He turned off the TV and stated sim eaten . " I was taken aback , wondering if he'd returned to ask for the mate bond severance agreement . " I haven't Cute 2 Seeing my hesitation , Marcus's voice turned mocking " Whats wrong ? Aren't you opposed to be performing well so I can find a lawyer for your wwwthters brother ? 1 bit my lip , my expression a little sad . I put down my bag Til cook Marcus's mocking words shout performing well for David's sake echoed in my mind . The weight of a expectations pressed down on me like a physical bunden . In the Moonhaven Kitchen , I busied myself preparing a meat Usually , Catherine Hayes would seek the refrigerator with groceries . In the past , when I wasnt to busy with my healing duties . I would personally cook and wait for Marcus to return . Even if he didn't come back for dinner , I would reheat the dishes for him when he arrived late But he never touched them . He simply said that he didn't need me to do these things I had tried to fulfill my duties as his Luna for six years , only to be rejected by him . Now that I didn't want to he was starting to order me around ? The irony wasn't lost on me . My hands moved mechanically as I prepared the venison steaks , seasoning them with moonlight herbs While reaching for the vinegar on the upper shelf , Marcus appeared behind me . He easily retrieved the bottle his tall frame towering over mine . I felt his warm figure close behind , almost enveloping me . The familiar scent of his cologne mixed with his natural Alpha musk filled my senses I remembered our intimate moments in the Master Suite bathroom , when he pinned me against the Heat flooded my cheeks at the memory Startled , I moved away quickly . " The food isn't ready yet , wait outside . Seeing me try to avoid him , Marcus pulled me into his arms . His strong hands gripped my waist , preventing my escape I froze , my face flushing with humiliation . His golden eyes held amusement as he locked down at me " What's inappropriate ? " he asked , his voice low and teasing . The question alluded to our past intimacy . making my heart race , My heart trembled . Was this his way of shaming me ? " It's not appropriate ... " I murmured . " How is it not appropriate ? " he pressed , his breath warm against my ear . Marcus's hand slipped under my shirt . Comments Watch videos get points ( 0/10 ) > Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!