Page 6 of Seas the Day
“A strategic mating.” Kaelen’s tone was carefully flat. “That’s your solution?”
“It’s practical and necessary. A mated Alpha commands more respect, and provides better continuity. The pack has been unsettled since—” Thalric caught himself before he could saysince Roman died, but the words hung unspoken between them.
“Since you started treating leadership like a performance instead of a calling,” Kaelen finished quietly.
The accusation hit like a slap, and Thalric’s control slipped enough for his eyes to flash with warning. “Careful, Kaelen.”
“Someone has to say it.” His Beta didn’t back down, meeting Thalric’s stare with steady determination. “Roman didn’t choose you because you could strategize your way through every problem. He chose you because you had heart and potential.”
“Heart and potential don’t win wars against fanatics who think we’re abominations.” Thalric’s voice carried the edge ofa growl. “Heart and potential don’t keep trade routes open. Strategy does. Planning does. Making the hard choices that?—”
The sharp trill of his communicator cut through his words, the device lighting up on his desk with an incoming call. His heart hammered against his ribs—a reaction he couldn’t quite suppress despite five years of practiced control.
Gerri Wilder.
The name sent a surge of anticipation through him that he hadn’t felt in years. This call might finally give him what Roman had always said was essential for lasting leadership.
Kaelen straightened in his chair, reading the shift in Thalric’s energy. Without a word, he rose from his seat, his dark eyes meeting Thalric’s briefly.
“Find me later.” He moved toward the door with efficient grace, pausing only to add, “Take your time, Alpha.”
The door closed with a soft click, leaving Thalric alone with the insistent trill of the communicator. He reached for it with hands that were steadier than they had any right to be, given the hammering of his pulse.
“Gerri.” His deep voice came out controlled and measured—the voice of an Alpha conducting business, not a man whose entire future might hinge on the next few minutes.
“Thalric, darling!” Gerri’s warm, knowing laugh filled the office like sunlight breaking through storm clouds. “I have the most delicious news for you. Are you sitting down?”
Despite himself, Thalric felt his mouth curve into something that might’ve been a smile. “Yes, actually. But maybe not for long.”
“Oh, you probably won’t be in a second.” There was something in her voice—a satisfaction so deep it practically purred through the connection. “I found her, Thalric. Your fated mate. And I must admit, she is perfect for you.”
The words hit him like a tidal wave, sudden and overwhelming. For a moment, his carefully constructed composure cracked, revealing something raw and desperate beneath. A hunger he’d been denying for longer than he cared to admit.
“You really found her?” The words came out rougher than intended, edged with an emotion he couldn’t quite name. “Where? When can I?—”
“Earth,” Gerri interrupted. “And before you ask, yes, I’ve already made contact. She’s a former Olympic swimmer, Thalric. Can you imagine? A human who’s spent her entire life mastering water, who moves through it like she was born to it.”
Thalric’s sea wolf stirred beneath his skin, a rumble of approval that vibrated through his chest. A swimmer. Someone who understood the pull of water, the way it could cradle and challenge in the same breath. Someone who wouldn’t flinch at the sight of his pack’s true nature or the endless pink expanse of Nova Aurora’s seas.
“Olympic level?” His strategic mind was already spinning, cataloging the implications. Physical strength. Discipline. The kind of mental fortitude that came from competing at the highest levels.
“Multiple golds, from what I understand. But more than that—” Gerri’s voice took on that particular tone she used when she was about to reveal something she found especially delightful. “She’s been coaching at the collegiate level. Teaching, nurturing, building others up. She has the heart of a leader, even if she doesn’t know it yet.”
Perfect.
The word echoed in Thalric’s mind as he began to pace, his wolf’s restless energy finally finding an outlet. A mate who understood water, who possessed both physical capability andleadership instincts. Someone who could stand beside him not just as a partner, but as an asset to the pack.
“Her swimming skills—they’ll be invaluable here,” he said, his voice gaining strength as the strategic possibilities unfolded. “With Graven’s fleet operating underwater, having someone who can match our natural abilities in the water...”
“Oh, Thalric.” Gerri’s laugh was rich with affection and just a hint of mischief. “Always thinking three moves ahead, aren’t you? Yes, she’ll be an asset. But she’ll be so much more than that.”
Something in her tone made him pause mid-step, his hand tightening unconsciously on the communicator. “What do you mean?”
“You’ll see.” The satisfaction in her voice was almost tangible. “When can you be ready to receive her? I’m thinking tomorrow would be perfect timing.”
Tomorrow.
The word sent another jolt of anticipation through him.
