My Second Mate Is My Ex's Mortal Enemy

After Silvercrest Alpha Damon Vane publicly rejects Nora Arden, his Luna and chief negotiator, for opposing the execution of a Blackthorn envoy, Nora cuts the prisoner free and crosses into enemy territory. Branded a traitor, she faces execution in Blackthorn until heir Kael Thorne offers a thirty-day political mate pact: her knowledge of Silvercrest can help him challenge Regent Seraphine, while his protection gives Nora a seat at the negotiating table. Nora agrees only after deleting every clause that demands obedience. Their alliance is tested as Damon blocks medicine, endangers refugees, and repeatedly uses war to preserve control. Nora keeps choosing civilians from both packs over loyalty, while Kael learns to support her without taking away her voice, even when it costs him his claim to succession. Silvercrest captain Mira Holt also begins to defy orders openly. Nora and Kael eventually uncover that Damon and Seraphine have been sustaining the conflict together. At a public summit, Damon orders archers to fire on his own civilians and blame Blackthorn. Mira refuses. Kael’s soldiers lower their weapons. Both rulers lose the obedience that kept them in power. After the war, Nora refuses a joint crown tied to her mate bond. Kael tears up their political pact before the vote. Nora is elected the first queen of both packs, chooses Kael privately on her own terms, and opens the long-sealed border so Silvercrest and Blackthorn civilians can finally cross together.