Chapter 9

Emma's Pov

I hesitated at the doorway of the pack house, my feet rooted to the ground.

I could still hear the laughter and chatter inside, the sound of celebration buzzing through the air. I wanted nothing more than to stay outside, away from all of it.

But Luna Essa’s grip on my arm tightened, her determination unwavering.

“Come on, Emma,” she urged, pulling me gently but firmly. “You’re part of this now. No more hiding.”

“I-I don’t think—” I began, my voice barely above a whisper. But she was already dragging me toward the entrance, her steps decisive.

The moment we stepped inside, the noise swallowed me whole.

The room was filled with people, Omegas and Betas from other packs, all gathered to congratulate Alpha Gregory on finding his mate.

I felt my stomach twist, the weight of their ignorance pressing down on me. They didn’t know the truth.

They didn’t know that Gregory had rejected me, that he didn’t want me.

I kept my head down, trying to avoid eye contact with an