The Red Moon Pack mansion garden was quiet in the afternoon.
The fountain water flowed slowly under sunlight.
Hazel stood near the white flowers, hands resting lightly on the stone edge.
She had regained some strength after the awakening exhaustion.
Behind her, footsteps approached.
She did not need to turn to know who it was.
Mila.
The witch aura carried confidence.
And tension.
"Hazel," Mila said sweetly.
Hazel turned slowly.
"Yes?"
Mila smiled.
"You are recovering well."
"Thank you."
Silence followed.
Mila walked closer.
Not too close.
But close enough to feel challenge.
"You know," Mila said softly, "pack females are starting to talk."
"About what?" Hazel asked calmly.
"Whether you are truly suitable as Alpha mate."
Hazel did not react immediately.
The wind moved gently across the garden.
Pack territory life continued normally outside.
Then Hazel spoke.
Slow.
Clear.
Controlled.
"I will tell you something once," Hazel said.
Mila waited.
Hazel continued.
"I do not plan to leave Ryan."
Silence.
Not dramatic.
Not aggressive.
Just truth.
Hazel's eyes were steady.
"Not in the worst day."
"Not in the best day."
Mila's expression tightened slightly.
Hazel continued.
"You should stop trying to have your way."
Pause.
"Ryan is my mate."
The words were said simply.
But carried heavy emotional weight.
Mila's green eyes narrowed slightly.
"And if he chooses someone else?" Mila asked.
Hazel answered immediately.
"He won't."
Not arrogance.
Confidence born from emotional bond and observation.
Silence followed.
Mila spoke quietly.
"You are human-born."
Hazel corrected calmly.
"I am more than that."
Mila's voice sharpened slightly.
"You are afraid of pack rejection."
Hazel shook her head slowly.
"I was afraid."
Pause.
"But not anymore."
Mila crossed her arms.
"You are too confident."
Hazel answered quietly.
"Confidence is not the same as arrogance."
Silence.
Then Hazel said one more thing.
Very clearly.
"I will not compete with you for Ryan."
Mila frowned slightly.
"Why?"
Hazel's voice softened slightly.
"Because he already chose."
Mila did not respond immediately.
Because Hazel was right.
Inside the mansion balcony above—
Ryan stood silently watching.
Venom stirred slowly.
Not violently.
Just satisfied.
Ralph guarded.
Blade observed.
Hazel continued speaking.
"If Ryan wanted you, he would not stand five days beside my bed without sleep."
The words were quiet.
But sharp.
Mila's expression became cold.
Hazel finished softly.
"You deserve someone who chooses you without doubt."
Silence.
Mila turned slowly and walked away.
Inside the mansion—
Ryan closed his eyes briefly.
Because Hazel had just claimed him emotionally in a way that was not aggressive.
But very, very permanent.