Chapter 6

(Penelope)

Five years.

Five years since I stopped being the trembling girl who begged for love from a man who only knew how to hate. That girl is gone.

The woman standing here now? She’s a masterpiece of her own making.

Training wasn’t just about breaking my body—it was about rebuilding it. 

My father didn’t coddle me. He threw me into the fire and watched me rise, stronger, sharper, untouchable. I learned to fight, to lead, to kill if I had to. 

My mother made sure I knew the power of a well-placed word, a perfectly timed smile. I can negotiate a trade deal in the morning and slit a throat by nightfall. I’ve mastered the art of being both the wolf and the woman.

“Everything is prepared, Princess Penelope,” my guardian said, standing at attention. “The pack leaders await you inside the Great Hall.”

“Perfect.”

I smoothed my ceremonial cloak and stepped forward, my black heels pressing into the ancient soil. The dress hugged my curves—midnight blue silk embroidered with the Moon Pack symbols. Money well spent, considering the statement I needed to make tonight.

“Princess Penelope!” A young pack member rushed forward. “Let me escort you inside.”

“Not necessary,” I said firmly. Heads turned as I walked past, conversations dying mid-sentence.

“Holy shit,” someone muttered. “Is that her?”

“Can’t be. Last I heard she disappeared after—”

“No, look at her face. It’s definitely her.”

“She looks stunning.”

The Great Hall doors opened at my approach. Inside, representatives from all the territory packs gathered around the ceremonial fire. Alliance treaties worth vast hunting grounds were being forged with blood oaths and ancient rituals.”Quite an entrance,” Marcus, my dad’s Beta, said as he came to stand beside me. “Though I expected nothing less.”

“Are all the Alpha Council members here?”

“Getting impatient.” He handed me a goblet of ceremonial wine “They’re not used to being kept waiting.”

“Good.” I took a slow sip. “A little anticipation never hurt anyone.”

More wolves gathered, their whispers growing bolder:

“That’s really her?”

“She looks so different…so beautiful.”

“What happened to that scared little mate?”

“Probably found some rich Alpha’s bed to warm—”

“Or a sugar daddy…”

“Actually,” I cut in smoothly, turning to face the gossiping group, “I earned every penny myself. Though I appreciate your concern for my pack status.”

They jumped, faces reddening. I’d moved closer without them noticing—another skill I’d perfected over the years.

A woman in red pushed through the crowd. “Don’t act so high and mighty. We all remember what you were—a weak little thing who couldn’t even keep her mate.”

“Kelsey, isn’t it?” I smiled, displaying my pointy teeth. “Still hanging around the edges of power, hoping some Alpha notices you?”

She flushed dark red. “How dare you—”

“Oh, I dare quite a lot these days.”

Marcus cleared his throat. “Perhaps we should begin the ceremony ?”

“Not yet.” I spotted James, Dominic’s Beta, edging closer. “Let them speculate a little longer.”

“Miss Penelope.” James bowed slightly. “You’ve…changed.”

“Have I?” I raised an eyebrow. “Or did you just never see me clearly before?”

I could feel his discomfort as he swallowed. “The pack has missed you.”

“No, they haven’t.” I finished my wine. “But they’re about to miss my father’s territory, aren’t they?”

More whispers erupted. I caught fragments of conversation—speculation about my heritage, my wealth, the power I now wielded so casually.

“Pack leaders.” Marcus struck the ceremonial gong. “If I could have your attention please.”

The room gradually quieted. Hundreds of calculating eyes turned toward us.

“As you know, the Great Pack Alliance has undergone significant changes recently. Tonight, we’re honored to introduce our new Alpha-Heir.”

I stepped forward, chin high.

“Please welcome Miss Penelope Moon of the Iron Mountain Pack.”

The guests recoiled, falling silent all at once. I saw recognition dawn as they connected the dots—Moon, like Alpha Nathan Moon. The most powerful wolf in three territories.

“Thank you, Marcus,” I said easily. Everything felt so effortless now, trained by years of pack rituals and combat. “I look forward to working with all of you.”

“This is ridiculous!” Kelsey jumped up again. “She’s nobody—just a rejected mate who ran away!”

“I assure you, my bloodline is impeccable.” I stared right back at her, refusing to back down. “As is my claim to fifty-one percent of the Alliance territories.”

“Fifty-one percent?” Someone gasped. “That’s impossible!”

“Check the ancient scrolls .” I smiled. “I’ve been quietly winning territory challenges for five years .”

The whispers grew frantic. I caught more fragments: “Nathan’s daughter?”…”How did we not know?”…”The Iron Mountain bloodline…”

“She’s lying,” Kelsey spat. “She’s nothing but an orphan—”

“An orphan?” I laughed. “No, Kelsey. I’m the daughter of Alpha Nathan, stolen as an infant by his enemies. The orphan you knew was a crafted lie.”

“Prove it!” Someone shouted.

I pulled out the ancient medallion, holding it high. The large crystal at the center of the hall glowed in response, displaying the bloodline test results, birth markings, official pack records.

“Satisfied?” I asked the suddenly silent room. “Or shall I call my father to verify personally?”

“Your father,” said a cold voice, stopping everyone mid-sentence. They all turned. “How convenient.”

My heart stuttered but I kept my expression neutral as I turned. Dominic stood at the edge of the crowd, devastating in a black suit. His gray eyes burned into mine.

“It seems money can buy everything these days,” he continued icily. “Even falsified pack records .”

“Nothing’s falsified.” I held his gaze. “Though I understand why you’d prefer that comfortable lie to the truth—that you spent five years abusing the daughter of the most powerful Alpha in three territories.”

His jaw clenched. In the past, that subtle tell would have sent me scrambling to appease him. Now it only amuses me.

“That’s enough.” He stepped forward. “Stop making a scene here. Come back with me.”