The Black Pack mansion was quiet when Liam entered his private study, the smell of old leather and ink wrapping around him like a familiar cloak. He came here often to think… but tonight, his thoughts were troubled.
Hailey's power.
Her shift.
Her glow.
Her control.
None of it matched any wolf Liam had ever seen.
He pulled an ancient wooden box from the highest shelf. Dust swirled in the air as he opened it. Inside lay a thick, black leather book, bound with silver runes.
The Chronicle of Wolves.
A book older than any pack, passed down to each Black Alpha—never to be opened unless absolutely necessary.
Tonight… it was necessary.
Liam sat, lit a single candle, and opened the book.
Pages hissed softly as he turned them.
Bloodlines. Mythic wolves. Lost abilities. Ancient prophecies.
And then—
A symbol.
A silver wolf with fire in its eyes.
Liam's breath stopped.
He read the passage… once.
Twice.
A third time, heart pounding.
His chair scraped violently as he stood.
He needed to tell the family. Now.
In the Drawing Room
Della looked up from the sofa when Liam entered, the ancient book clutched tightly in his hands.
Jason and Claire sat near the fireplace, Hailey curled between them with a soft blanket draped over her shoulders. She looked tired but peaceful… unaware of the storm her father carried.
"Liam?" Della asked. "What's wrong?"
Liam set the heavy book on the table with a thud that made everyone jump.
"Everything," he said quietly. "And nothing. Because this—" he tapped the cover "—explains everything about Hailey."
Hailey blinked. "Me?"
Liam opened the book.
Everyone leaned in.
He pointed to the silver wolf symbol.
"This section hasn't been touched for generations. I didn't even remember it existed. But Hailey's shift… her power… triggered something."
His voice trembled—not with fear, but awe.
"It says here that a certain kind of wolf appears only once every few centuries."
Jason frowned. "What kind of wolf?"
Liam turned the page.
"A Celestial Wolf."
The room went dead silent.
Claire whispered, "Celestial… like the stars?"
"Yes," Liam said. "A wolf born with ancient magic in her blood. A wolf whose power chooses her—not the other way around."
Hailey stared, wide-eyed.
Liam continued reading aloud:
"The Celestial Wolf carries light within her veins, power tied to moon and fire. Her presence awakens destiny."
Della reached for Hailey's hand.
Liam flipped to the next section.
"This part," he said slowly, "is about her mate."
Hailey stiffened. Jason growled under his breath, still angry about what Ricky had done.
But Liam shook his head.
"No. Ricky Wright is not her destined mate. The book is clear. A Celestial Wolf is given a Designed Mate—chosen by fate itself."
He read:
"Her true mate will be unmatched in strength. His wolf will be dominant, ancient, and fiercely possessive. He will guard her beyond death, for every lifetime he returns to her."
Hailey's lips parted.
Della whispered, "Every life…?"
Liam nodded.
"It says her mate's soul always finds hers. In every generation. At the right time."
Jason muttered, "Then Ricky rejecting her doesn't matter."
Claire snorted, "He never stood a chance."
Liam turned the book toward Hailey.
"There is more."
Hailey swallowed. "What does it say?"
He read softly:
"When she awakens, her strength will call him. When she cries, he will rise. When she falls, he will burn the world for her."
Hailey shivered as a strange warmth crept across her skin.
Claire stared at her sister. "Hailey… your true mate sounds terrifying."
"And powerful," Jason added. "Maybe more powerful than Dad."
Della exhaled sharply. "Liam… is that possible?"
Liam closed the book, eyes dark and thoughtful.
"Yes," he said. "If the book is right… her mate will be stronger than any Alpha alive. Stronger than me. Stronger than Blood Sigma. Stronger than all Packs."
Hailey's heart raced.
"Dad… what does this mean for me?"
Liam placed a hand on her shoulder.
"It means you are not ordinary, Hailey. You never were. And the one meant for you… will be unstoppable."
Jason smirked.
"Good. She deserves someone who won't be an idiot."
Claire slapped his arm. "She deserves someone who truly sees her."
Della smiled gently at Hailey.
And Liam—
Liam looked at his daughter like she was destiny itself.