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“I was exiled, Selena. What if they find out I'm your Beta Female and decide they have something to say about it?”

“They have no say in my pack.”

“Selena…”

“No. They don't.” I hold her gaze. “And if they decide to cause trouble, Rylan and I are Lycans. We can technically make their Alpha submit and take over the pack.” Darian's eyebrows rise.

My Lycan gives a satisfied rumble. We could make their Alpha submit.

“We could.”

And take the pack.

I glance at Arlene, who is still watching me.

“There are two other packs between us and them,” I remind her.

Then we may have to take those too.

I press my lips together, but I can already see what she means. Taking over Arlene's former pack would leave it separated from Silver Moon by two other territories. If we ever decided to expand that far, we would have to consider what happened to the packs between us.

“We would need to speak with Rylan,” I tell her.

Of course. But we should look into it.

“Agreed.”

“Selena?”

I blink and look at Arlene. “Sorry. My Lycan and I were discussing the geography.”

Darian looks at me. “The geography?”

“Your former pack isn't directly beside Silver Moon,” I tell Arlene. “There are two other packs between us.” Arlene stares at me.

My Lycan sounds entirely too pleased. She understands.

I smile. “I'm not saying we're taking over three packs tomorrow. But if we ever decide to expand in that direction, we'd need to think about the territory between us.”

Darian slowly leans back in his chair. Arlene looks from him to me. “I was only worried they might object to me becoming Beta Female.”

“I know.” I reach for her hand. “And I'm telling you they don't get to decide that. Whatever happens with your former pack, you're my choice.” Her eyes shine.

I soften my voice. “You don't have to accept because you think you owe me anything. You don't. I want you because I trust you, and because you've already shown me the kind of Beta Female you would be.” Arlene looks down at our hands. For a moment, neither of us speaks.

Then she takes a breath. “Yes.”

My smile widens. “Yes?”

“Yes. I'll be your Beta Female.” I stand and walk around the desk. She pushes herself carefully to her feet, and I hug her. “But the official ceremony is after the baby,” she says against my shoulder. I laugh. “After the baby.”

“And after I've recovered.”

“Properly recovered,” I promise.

“Good. Because I am not risking all that excitement sending this pup into an early arrival.” Darian nods immediately. “Agreed.” Arlene looks at him. “You don't get a vote.”

“I'm the pup's father.”