I stood there, staring blankly at him the moment I forced my way in, my wolf tense beneath my skin, heart pounding louder than it should. His hand held the picture of Maurine like it was a sacred relic. His other hand…
Gods.X
There was a visible bulge in his pants. He didn’t even flinch when he realized I was watching. His movements were calm, composed, like this wasn’t the least bit humiliating. He slid the photo behind his back, stood straight, and looked at me with that same blank, professional face he always wore.
As if I hadn’t just caught him lost in thoughts of her.
I should’ve ripped his throat out right then, But I didn’t. Instead, I smiled
“You want me to help you with that?” My voice was mock–sweet, linged with the venom of betrayal only a she–wolf can carry.
His eyes didn’t flicker. No shame. No fear. Nothing. “No need, Young Miss,” he said coolly. “This is a private matter.”
Of course it is.
He still called me “Young Miss.” Like we hadn’t live up under the same roof. Like I wasn’t the one who vowed to protect me like a perfect wolf knight he was. But she came along–Maurine, with her moon–blessed smile and scent of sugar and manipulation–and he forgot everything.
I turned on my heel and walked off, my wolf snarling in my chest. I’d had enough of chasing validation.
Enough of trying to be chosen.
Let.Maurine be the innocent flower. I’d be the poison beneath it.
“What are you doing here?”
I smirked. “Nothing.” I lied. “Just accompany me at the fashion gala tomorrow,” I told Lucas to accompany me, even told him Maurine would be there.
His ears twitched ever so slightly at the mention of her name. That’s all it took.
And God, he didn’t even hide it.
The next evening, he was waiting at the foot of the stairs. Black suit, Silver trim. Clean–cut. Eyes unreadable.
I walked past him without a word for the first time in years. His expression shifted–just a twitch–but I caught it. I always do
In the car, silence hung like fog. Thick, Suffocating. My wolf paced inside me, restless and furious. But I kept my face blank as stone
I arrived at the Limited Edition Fashion Gala not just as Rebecca Aethon, heir of the Aethon bloodline–but as the future Luna of the Thane Pack. Well, they would find out soon. Even if my soon–to–be mate was in an enchanted slumber, I would carry myself like his equal. Heads turned the moment I stepped in. I heard the murmurs.}
And then she arrived.
Maurine. Draped in moonlight silk, lips red like cherries, smile sweet and poisonous. She greeted me with that fake giggle of hers, a flutter of lashes. “Sister,” she said.
I turned, narrowed my eyes, and let the ice in my voice cut her down.
“Don’t call me that.“”
Lucas, standing just behind me, stiffened. I saw it. The tension in his jaw. The sohening of his gaze the moment she looked his way. It was her again. Always her!
And then I saw the dress.b
A masterpiece of craftsmanship–midnight blue fading into silver at the hem like starlight dripping from the heavens. The bodice was encrusted with moonstones, the neckline edged with the finest wolf–thread lace. It was perfect
I attended the Limited Edition Fashion Gala for one purpose alone–not for show, not for status, not even to impress the social elite–but to find the perfect dress for my upcoming arrival at the Thane Pack. The wedding may still be weeks away, but as the soon–to–be Luna of one of the most revered packs, every detail mattered. The Thane Pack was proud, ancient, and steeped in tradition. Though their Alpha remained in a deep slumber due to the poison, our union had already been decided by the Elders.
And I found the dress
“I want it, I told the designer.
She smiled. It’s one of a kind. Many have tried to bid on it. Offers in gold, rubies, even blood–oaths.”
“I’ll offer double in gold.”
And then–Maurine’s voice!
“Oh, I like this one too,” she said, touching the sleeve with those dainty fingers of hers l
The air shifted. I squared my shoulders.
1 already claimed it, I said flatly.
Maurine’s smile remained sweet, but her eyes were sharp. “Surely the designer wouldn’t mind a little competition.””
Before I could tear her to pieces, someone else stepped forward–a tall male in a charcoal–block suit, the kind that whispered power without speaking. I saw how he glanced at Lucas before talking to the designer.”
Maurine’s smile remained sweet, but her eyes were sharp. “Surely the designer wouldn’t mind a little competition.”
Before I could tear her to pieces, someone else stepped forward–a tall male in a charcoal–black suit, the kind that whispered power without speaking. I saw how he glanced at Lucas before talking to the designer.
“I’ll take the dress,” he said to the designer. “Name your price.”
The designer blinked. “And you are?”
He bowed slightly. “Reid. Beta of the Silvana Pack. Our Alpha instructed that anything Miss Maurine Aethon desires tonight shall be hers At any price.”
Gasps echoed around the room.
“The Silvana Pack?”
“Why her?“2
“Oh my goodness, their Alpha had taken a liking to the second daughter of Aethon Pack?”
Maurine blinked, feigning innocence. “I’ve never even met him.”
“Rebecca,” she turned to me with syrupy sweetness, “will you still try to fight for this? I’d hate for you to go bankrupt.”
My fists clenched.
Lucas didn’t even look at me. His eyes never left her. Of course, everything was happening because of him and his damned hidden wealth.2
And then the parade began.
Dress after dress. Necklace after necklace. A pearl white wedding gown, an emerald dress that shimmered like envy itself, a ring with a moonstone large enough to blind.
Each time, Beta Reid stepped in. Bought it all. For her.
Afinally turned to him.
“Is your Alpha planning to leave anything for the rest of us?“8
He glanced at Lucas–just for a second. “Our Alpha only cares that the Second Miss enjoys herself. The rest of you… don’t matter” It stung more than it should.S
Lucas smiled at Maurine like she was the Moon Goddess herself. I had to remind myself not to bare my fangs.
The night ended with Maurine surrounded by stylists and nobles, basking in adoration.
And me? I slipped away. Quiet. Alone.
I got into the car and told the driver “Bloodmoon Club. Now.”
I needed to feel something. Anything. The burn of liquor. The thrum of music. The anonymity of shadows.
Before we could drive off, Maurine opened the car door and jumped in beside me, grinning. “Sister, I’m bored! Let’s go together!”
I almost shoved her out. But before I could, Lucas held the door.
“Drive,” he ordered calmly.
I seethed
On the way, she chattered. “Isn’t it crazy how the Alpha of Silvana Pack is so nice to handsome Alpha!“)
Lucas chuckled. “Because he likes you.” Then, he added more, “You’re… special.”
Then came the question
“Do you like me too, Lucas?”
He hesitated. I could feel his answer forming in his chest.
But I didn’t let him finish.
“If you two want to flirt,” I said coldly, “get the hell out. This is my car.“!
Maurine pouted, whispered, “Sorry… like the innocent thing she’s not
I looked out the window. And in the reflection–I saw it.X
His gaze, soft and full of warmth, on her.
Then it shifted to me. Cold, Empty. Disgusted.
me? I don’t even know him! But they sa
say he’s the most
I smiled bitterly. So this is what men love–sweet voices, fake tears, and the delicate whimper of a she–wolf who knows how to act fragile. Nothing like me.
Chapter 3%
