Rachel's POV
As I was being driven by my brother, Cole to the Moon Stone pack whose territory was in the West, I leaned back in the passenger seat, staring out the window and reflecting on why we were heading to the Moon Stone mansion. I couldn't help but think of how I was being forced into marriage with this pack's Alpha, Damon. After the incident at the party two nights ago when Alpha Damon had blatantly called me his mate, word had quickly spread that the Alpha of the Moon Stone pack had found his mate. Then my father had summoned me to his study and informed me that arrangements had been made with Alpha Damon's father for us to get married. He reasoned that our union would strengthen his business alliance with the Alpha's father, and hopefully Alpha Damon, too, and I had no choice in the matter. He had threatened that if I dared refuse, he would rather cast me out from our pack than let my unreasonableness affect his business dealings with Alpha Damon's father. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to handle being a lone wolf, after I'd heard both good and bad stories about being a lone wolf. So I caved to my father's wishes. I wasn't too thrilled with the whole idea, seeing as his reputation of being a cruel Alpha preceded him, and I didn't want to submit to any man, mate or not. But I also didn't want to risk incurring my father's wrath by refusing. Cole glanced at me. "What are you thinking about, Rachel?" I shook my head slowly. "Nothing. Just wondering what my life is going to be like from now on." "You're worried about how Alpha Damon will react to having you as his wife, aren't you?" he rightly guessed. I sighed. "I honestly never imagined being in this kind of position. I mean, I've heard stories about women getting sold to Alphas as their mates for different reasons and whatnot, but I never thought I'd end up in a similar situation." Cole scoffed. "But I guess looking on the bright side, you didn't get sold off, right? This was a different kind of arrangement." I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, sure. I was given two impossible choices to choose from. I'm not sure which one you'd have preferred I chose." "Hey." He raised one hand up in a gesture of peace. "I'm not blaming you, okay? If anything, I'm actually glad you didn't choose to be cast out from our pack. Contrary to what you might believe or might've been told, not every lone wolf is stronger than a pack," he said in a somber tone. "Not every lone wolf can last long enough out there." I knew that I had made a mistake when I had decided to speak out against what I felt was my father's cruel treatment of some of the weaker members of our pack, but I couldn't just stand by and watch as others suffered. And to make matters worse, I had refused to back down even when he lashed out and threatened me. It wasn't until after the whole incident that I was made to realize that my actions had served as a start to undermining his authority before the rest of the pack and that wasn't something that could be taken lightly. That was probably why he was so eager to get rid of me now. I have always been an independent and strong-willed she-wolf. I grew up in a pack that had been harsh and unforgiving, and valued tradition and hierarchy above all else, but I had always felt stifled by my father's strict rules and regulations. Our pack was led by my father who ruled with an iron fist and who could be quite cruel and abusive sometimes. I had been one of the few females in the pack, and I had been constantly belittled and mistreated by the males, especially because I had been expected to have my first turning at the age of seventeen which was the ideal age, but it didn't happen until I turned twenty. During the years in-between, my father had felt that since it hadn't happened, it was never going to happen. In my family, I was the only one who failed to turn at seventeen years of age. My brother Cole cared for me and protected me in his own way, being careful enough not to coddle me and risk incurring our father's wrath. Our father had raised us both with an iron fist so we hadn't been allowed to show excessive displays of emotion towards one another, even if we wanted to. Even our mother was widely, albeit discreetly regarded as the ice queen among the members of our pack because of her constant cold, and sometimes harsh, demeanor. When in public, you would've hardly guessed that we were her children. Her constant coldness and aloofness sometimes made me wonder how my father still loved her as much as he did. Maybe in their private chambers, behind closed doors, she was an entirely different person; a softer, kinder person. But if that was the case, we never got to see that side of her. Her excuse for being this way was that in a world filled with creatures, including those of our kind and others, who were out to capture and subdue us, we needed to be tough and she and our Alpha were helping us achieve that. As I grew older, I had fought hard to gain the respect of the other wolves and I believed that I had proven myself to be a skilled hunter and a capable fighter. However, I eventually saw that my efforts had been in vain. It was as if they didn't care how hard I'd tried to prove myself, they had already concluded and ruled me out. So I had become determined to break free from the oppressive environment of my pack by speaking out against the injustices I observed. Little did I know that trying to break free would lead me down this path. Hell, the Alpha was my father and I thought I could leverage off that and his love for me as his daughter, even though I knew that he didn't take such pride in me; I just didn't think he would retaliate in this way. As we rounded a bend, we arrived at a well-cleared path and my eyes grew wide with bewilderment as a familiar and strongly inviting scent hit me. The scent of a sexy masculine fragrance blended with leather, wet earth, lavender, creamy vanilla, and a subtle metallic scent that probably came from an animal that he had hunted. The scent belonged to Alpha Damon and I knew he wasn't very far away.Damon's POV I was born into a pack of strong and proud werewolves. My father had been the previous Alpha. He had ruled with an iron fist and had been feared and revered by many, and my mother had been a well-respected member of the pack, also. According to my father, I had begun to show exceptional leadership skills, intelligence and strength from a young age, and recognizing my potential, he had begun grooming me to take over as Alpha when the time came. My childhood had been filled with rigorous physical and mental trainings. My father had taught me to control my shifting, hone my senses and track prey. I had also received an education in pack politics, negotiation and strategy, during which time my father instilled in me the importance of protecting and providing for the pack. As I grew older, I had become aware of the responsibilities that came with being an Alpha. I had witnessed the struggles and sacrifices that my father had to make in order to maintain peace and order withi
Rachel's POV I had been greeted with a shocking and unexpected sight as soon as Cole had pulled up to the curb. In one jarring moment I had witnessed Alpha Damon and another woman locked in a deep kiss, and I had also realized that he was the source of the scent that had tickled my wolf and I even before we reached the gates to the Moon Stone mansion. So the man whose mate I was destined to be was already in love with another woman? Making me what, an intruder in their relationship? What a cruel joke the Fates and the Moon Goddess had decided to play on me, I had thought, shaking my head sadly. I could hardly believe that the Moon Goddess had made us mates, much less understand why she would pair me with someone so cruel. It was so unfair! "I have to get back home to our pack," Cole had informed me. "Now you take care of yourself and don't go stepping on tails that shouldn't be stepped on, okay?" I had nodded sadly in agreement and reached out to hug him briefly, wondering how lo
Rachel's POV I was very pleased albeit surprised when Francine received us at the gates. For some reason, when Alpha Damon had mentioned that I would be staying at her quarters, it hadn't occured to me that she might have been the one he was talking about. The moon was now full and bright, casting a silver glow over the forest far behind us and illuminating Francine's motherly and buxom frame. "Francine!" I smiled at her. "This is Miss Francine Hayes," Gabriel told me. "Miss Francine, this is -" "Rachel!" She grinned and pulled me into a tight hug. Gabriel furrowed his brows, confused. "You two know each other?" I grinned, nodding. "We've met before." "It's good to see you again. What are you doing here so late? Is everything alright?" she asked me, concerned. "And what's with those bags you're carrying, Gabriel?" She inquired, leading us towards the front door. "Well, you're just in time for dinner." Her compound was quite spacious, with beautiful gardens and a swimming pool
Damon's POV I sat in my study, going over a file containing building plans and the proposed materials that would be needed for the construction of a new building that my team and I had gotten a contract for in Los Angeles. I was still trying to come up with an estimated budget for the project, when someone knocked on the door. Without bothering to inquire who it was, I asked them to come in. I raised my head up to see Caleb strolling in and taking a seat. I returned my focus to the file on my desk. "Hey man, what are you up to? Is that the Montana project?" he asked, pointing to the file. I nodded. "Yeah." "Oh, good. What did you think of the blueprint?" "The designs are great, but I think Sam could make a few adjustments to them. So I'm taking him along with me to LA tomorrow to go over the plans, and also because I'd like to be at the site and have a talk with Ken about the building materials. It'll help me better with making an estimation for the budget, since I'm still strug
Rachel's POV The following morning, I groggily got out of bed, took a shower and came downstairs to find that Nathan had left the house and that breakfast was ready. "He leaves early. Sometimes around six, sometimes around seven," Francine told me when I asked about Nathan's whereabouts. It was 9:33am and I felt bad that I had woken up late, plus I would've liked to go out with Nathan for a little bit of hunting. Taking a fancy to the pretty boy now, eh? Kayla teased me. Don't be absurd. I just don't want to laze around the house, that's all, I reasoned. "Why didn't anyone wake me?" I asked her, as I sat down to a breakfast of an egg and sausage sandwich and a cup of steaming coffee. "We didn't want to disturb you. We assumed that you must've had a long day yesterday. I mean, you got here around eight last night." Well, my encounter with Alpha Damon yesterday had been something, I thought. I sighed and nodded. "Thank you, Francine." Francine eyed me skeptically. "Eat up, oka
Rachel's POV As Beta Caleb and I sat at the dining table drinking coffee, he handed me a note, informing me that it was from Alpha Damon. I wondered if it was a rejection letter. Did Alpha Damon loathe me that much that he didn't want to reject me to my face, and he had to tell me in a note which he sent his beta to deliver to me? Well, unfortunately, and much to my displeasure, the note read: My Beta, Caleb will take you shopping for a wedding dress and anything else that you might need. Don't worry about the cost, just select something suitable for the occasion. And that was the end of it. He hadn't even bothered to sign the note, but that wasn't really important to me right now. This guy was serious. He was already making wedding plans and I wasn't even thinking that far yet. I mean, I knew it would happen eventually, but I wasn't expecting that it would be so soon. But why? I wondered. I didn't like him or want to be with him, and he sure as hell didn't like me or want to be w
Rachel's POV In Beta Caleb's car, I sat in the front seat, while Francine was in the backseat. He turned on the radio and tuned it to a channel where a classical rock song was playing. You couldn't really tell if he knew the song that was playing or not, because he didn't hum or sing along, he just tapped his fingers occasionally on the steering wheel while he drove. All the windows were rolled down, filling the car with a natural cool breeze. I had thought that all the windows would be completely rolled up. Maybe he just didn't want to attract any special attention from humans once we entered into town. I knew next to nothing about the kind of person Beta Caleb was, so I could only assume these things. Francine was staring out the window, a pleased look plastered on her face. She was either enjoying the music or the breeze. Maybe both. Whatever the case, Francine seemed like she was always happy or in a good mood and I wished I could have some of that cheer in my life right now
Damon's POV The moment I stepped into my office, I could feel the tension lingering in the air. It had been a long morning filled with tedious pack matters, and I was already running low on patience. Yet, I barely had a moment to settle into my chair before my Beta, Caleb walked in, uninvited. "She's choosing the dress," he said without preamble, dropping into the seat across from my desk. I leaned back, rubbing my temples. "And?" Caleb tilted his head slightly, studying me like he was amused. "And I don't think she's going with your idea of 'small and simple.' " I let out a slow exhale. "Why do I have a feeling this is your way of telling me she's deliberately ignoring what I asked for?" He smirked. "Because she is." Of course, she was. I had anticipated some form of defiance, but I hadn't expected it to start with something as trivial as a dress. It was irritating, but not surprising. "Do I even want to know what she picked?" I asked, already certain I wouldn't like the
Damon's POV Sleep never came. I sat at my desk, fingers steepled as I stared at the security report Caleb had delivered. The words blurred together, but the message was clear - our men had spotted faint tracks along the northern border. No confirmed sighting, but enough to suggest movement. Enough to suggest Vaughn's men had been there. My jaw clenched. That rogue's words from the day of the wedding echoed in my mind. Vaughn knows about your little arrangement, Alpha. Of course he did. A sharp knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. "Come in," I called. Caleb stepped inside, his expression as grim as ever. "He's not talking." I didn't need to ask who. The rogue we captured had been locked up for over a day now, yet he refused to say anything more than that cryptic warning. I pushed back from my desk and stood. "Then we'll make him talk." The scent of damp stone and sweat filled the underground cells beneath the packhouse. The rogue sat on a cot inside his c
Rachel's POV The laughter and chatter around me felt distant, as if I were watching the celebration through a thick layer of glass. The toasts had begun, voices rising in cheer as people lifted their glasses in honor of a union that didn't feel real to me. I barely registered what was being said. Words about alliances, about strength and prosperity for the Moon Stone Pack. Beta Caleb spoke first, his usual sharp demeanor softened just enough for this public display. My father followed, his words clipped and measured - proud of the deal he had struck, rather than the daughter he had just married off. Cole's toast was the only one that made my throat tighten. His words were short, but laced with a quiet, unwavering support only a brother could give. "To my sister, who always finds a way to survive. May she do more than that here - may she find a way to live." A strange hush settled after his words, but only for a beat before the next person stood to speak. I exhaled,
Damon's POV The ceremony was over. Rachel stood at my side, her face unreadable as the final guests filed out of the hall. The moment we had exchanged vows played in my mind on a loop, but I shoved the thoughts aside. It was done. The alliance was sealed. I should have felt a sense of accomplishment. Relief, even. Instead, there was something gnawing at me - something I couldn't quite name. Then, I felt it before I saw her. Maya. She was a storm brewing just beyond my line of sight. I turned my head slightly, just in time to see her approaching with sharp, determined steps. "You actually did it," she hissed under her breath. "You married her." I clenched my jaw. "Now's not the time, Maya." Her blue eyes burned with fury. "When exactly is the time, Damon? When will you stop pretending that this -" she gestured vaguely toward Rachel, who was distracted by a conversation with Francine, "- means nothing to you?" "It does mean nothing," I said coldly. "It was necessary.
Rachel's POV The ceremony was over. I had expected to feel something - anything - when the vows were spoken, when the bond was sealed in the eyes of the pack. But instead, I felt... nothing. No relief. No anger. No sense of finality. Just an odd hollowness that settled deep in my chest, like I had been walking toward the edge of a cliff for so long, only to realize there was no drop at all - just more ground stretching endlessly ahead. The reception was in full swing, though it hardly felt like a celebration to me. Pack members mingled, laughing, drinking, toasting to the union of their Alpha and his Luna. They were celebrating for their own reasons - security, alliances, stability - not because they believed this marriage had any love to offer. The whispers had started as soon as the ceremony ended. I had caught bits and pieces of them as I walked through the crowd. "She looked beautiful, but did you see how he barely even looked at her?" "He kept the vows so brief...
Damon's POV The hall was already filling with guests by the time Caleb and I arrived. My father stood near the front, speaking in hushed tones with a few high ranking members of the pack. As soon as he spotted me, his gaze swept over me in silent scrutiny before giving a curt nod, satisfied that I had made it on time. I straightened my suit jacket, rolling my shoulders. Everything about this event felt suffocating - the sheer number of people, the weight of expectation pressing down on me, and the knowledge that within the next hour, I would be bound to Rachel in a way that couldn't be undone. Caleb, standing beside me, exhaled. "We made it." "Barely." My eyes flicked across the hall. Faces blurred together, none of them particularly interesting - except for one. Maya. She stood near the middle of the hall, her back stiff, her hands clenched at her sides. She wasn't even trying to conceal her fury. When our eyes met, hers darkened with resentment. If she thought I was goi
Damon's POV Caleb and I moved swiftly through the hallways of the packhouse, urgency pressing down on us. The wedding was starting soon, but this couldn't wait. The rogue they had captured claimed to have a message from Vaughn, and whether it was a trap or not, I needed to hear what he had to say. We crossed the courtyard, stepping into the fading light of dusk as we made our way toward the pack's holding cells. The timing was terrible. Guests were arriving, the ceremony was being finalized, and I should have been inside, preparing to take my vows. Instead, I was heading to interrogate a rogue. "This could be another one of Vaughn's games," Caleb muttered beside me. "Maybe," I agreed. "But if there's even the slightest chance that he actually sent a message, I want to know what it is." We reached the underground cells, where two guards stood stationed outside the heavy iron door. They straightened at my approach. "Has he said anything yet?" I asked. One of them shook
Rachel's POV The estate was a flurry of activity as the final wedding preparations fell into place. I stood near the window of my temporary room in the pack house, watching as cars arrived one after another, filling the circular driveway below. Guests - some high ranking wolves from neighboring packs, others influential figures from Arkwood Valley - stepped out, dressed in their finest. It was happening. The wedding was actually happening. Francine had already helped me get ready earlier, her excitement in stark contrast to my own lack of enthusiasm. I had let her fuss over my hair and adjust the final details of my gown, but my mind had been elsewhere. Now, standing alone and watching the guests arrive, I finally had a moment to breathe - to process what all of this really meant. Damon and I were being bound together for reasons neither of us had chosen. My father had forced me into this arrangement for our family's survival, while Damon's father had done the same to secu
Rachel's POV The mirror in front of me reflected a woman I barely recognized. My hair was pinned into an elegant updo, delicate pearl pins securing the strands in place. The wedding dress - the one I had stubbornly chosen despite Damon's preference for something simpler - fit perfectly now after final alterations. It was beautiful, undeniably so. And yet, I felt like I was staring at a stranger. I reached out, my fingers ghosting over the lace on my sleeves, tracing the intricate embroidery that must have taken weeks to sew. It was a dress designed for a Luna, for a woman stepping into a role of honor and duty. But that wasn't why I had chosen it. I had picked it because it was mine. Not Damon's choice. Not his father's. Not his pack's. Mine. And maybe that was the only power I still had in all of this. Francine bustled around me, adjusting the lace before stepping back to assess her work with a pleased smile. "You look stunning, Rachel," she said warmly. I f
Damon's POV I should have felt satisfied. Everything was moving according to plan. The wedding was set. Security was handled. In just two days, Rachel would officially be my Luna. And yet, as I sat in my office, staring at the finalized arrangements spread across my desk, an unfamiliar sensation gnawed at me. Unease. I leaned back in my chair, exhaling slowly. This was what needed to be done. It was what was best for the pack, for stability. Rachel had proven herself capable, and even if she hasn't been my choice, she was learning to adapt. Learning to survive. And that, I could respect. But that was just it - she wasn't my choice. And the longer I thought about it, the more I realized that something about that bothered me in a way it hadn't before. I ran a hand down my face, my jaw tightening. Why now? Why, after everything, did this feel... wrong? The logical part of me argued that this was simply a matter of control. The decision had been made for me - b