(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.”
(Penelope)Dominic’s hand shot out to grab my arm. I twisted away decisively, making him stumble back.“Don’t touch me,” I said coldly.His nostrils flared. “You dare—”“Yes, I dare.” I straightened my spine. “I’m not your submissive little mate anymore.”The crowd around us shifted, wolves moving back to create space for the inevitable confrontation. I saw pack members watching intently, witnessing every moment.“This act won’t work,” Dominic spat. “Nathan Moon’s daughter? Do you really expect anyone to believe that?”“Believe what you want.” I adjusted my midnight blue ceremonial cloak . “The blood tests speak for themselves.”A photographer approached, camera raised. “Princess Moon! Would you join the council members for the binding ritual?”“Of course.” I moved toward the waiting group, leaving Dominic seething behind me.The camera flashed as I posed with various pack members. I made sure to smile extra brightly, knowing it would infuriate him further.“Such a natural,” one of t
(Penelope)My heart hammered in my chest, but I’d be damned if I let him see how his touch still sent a flicker of heat through me. Not anymore.“Penelope!”I didn’t stop. Didn’t even glance back.“What, Dominic?” I tossed the words over my shoulder, my voice sharp and laced with sarcasm.“Did you finally figure out what it feels like to chase someone who doesn’t want you? Or is this just your sad attempt at a role reversal?”He caught up, his hand grabbing my elbow. I spun around, yanking my arm free. “Harass me again, and security will throw you out.”His face darkened, but before he could respond, a shrill voice cut through the conversation.“You bitch!”I whipped around to see Kelsey charging toward me, her face contorted with rage, dark curls bouncing wildly. Pack members scattered out of her path as she stormed across the ceremonial grounds.“How dare you seduce my mate and hit him!” Kelsey screamed, drawing every eye in the Great Hall. She raised her hand, ready to deliver a sla
(Penelope)I stood frozen on the terrace, my father’s words sinking in like teeth into flesh.“What do you mean Edward will be there tonight?” I asked, gripping the phone tighter.“Exactly what I said,” my father replied bluntly. “Alpha Benjamin’s son will attend the banquet. He’s eager to meet you.”“The arranged marriage partner you never bothered to tell me about?”“It’s been in motion for months, Penelope. Edward is a suitable match. Strong bloodline, excellent pack connections.”“And what about my opinion?” I snapped. “Five years free from Dominic, and you’re already trading me to another Alpha’s son?”“This isn’t a negotiation,” he said firmly. “The alliance with Benjamin’s pack secures our southern borders.”“Maybe focus on your pack conglomerate and your daughter rather than using me as a bargaining chip,” I argued hotly.“Everything has already been arranged properly,” he replied coldly. “Edward expects a dance tonight, at minimum.”“Father—”The call ended abruptly, leaving
(Dominic)I slouched on the black leather couch in the bar area, swirling my fourth glass of bourbon. The ice had melted into a watery mess, but I couldn’t care less. My eyes were glued to her.Five years. That’s all it took for Penelope to go from the quiet, broken girl I used to know to the woman who now owned every damn room she walked into.This Penelope stood tall. Her voice cut through conversations, leaving silence in its wake.Her eyes—those green eyes I once refused to look into—now assessed everyone coolly, revealing nothing.A stranger wearing my mate’s face.“Alpha Dominic? Another drink?”“Leave the bottle,” I growled.The server placed it on the table and retreated quickly. Smart move.My mood darkened by the minute as I watched pack leaders approach Penelope, bowing respectfully. Since when did anyone bow to her?“She seems to be enjoying herself,” James remarked, appearing beside me.“I didn’t ask for your observation,” I snapped harshly.“The council members are aski
(Penelope)A slow waltz played as Edward guided me onto the dance floor. I placed my hand lightly on his shoulder, maintaining a gap between us as we began to move.“You’re quite good at this.”“Five years of formal pack gatherings at Iron Mountain. My father insisted I learn every traditional dance.”“Mine too,” Edward laughed softly. “Though he called it ‘essential Alpha training’ rather than dancing lessons.”I smiled despite myself. On the dance floor, I caught glimpses of pack leaders watching us, their expressions ranging from curiosity to calculation.“We’re causing quite a stir,” I noted, nodding subtly toward a group of elders whispering behind raised hands.Edward glanced over my shoulder. “Good. Let them talk. At least we’re giving them something new to gossip about.”His hand remained respectfully at my waist, never straying lower or pulling me closer than I allowed. His amber eyes occasionally caught mine, warm and appreciative but never invasive.“So,” he said as we com
(Penelope)Edward’s warm hand enclosed mine as he led me through the crowd. Pack members leaned close to exchange theories about the confrontation they’d just witnessed.I refused to look back, but Dominic’s gaze burned holes between my shoulder blades. The weight of his stare sent conflicting emotions swirling through my chest.“Breathe,” Edward murmured close to my ear. “We’re almost outside.”I nodded stiffly, focusing on placing one foot before the other. The grand hall seemed endless, faces blurring as we passed. Only when the cool night air hit my skin did I realize how desperately I’d needed escape.“Thank you,” I said, inhaling deeply. “That was…”“Intense?” Edward suggested, releasing my hand once we reached the stairs.“Understatement of the century,” I replied dryly. “I apologize for dragging you into my drama.”Edward shrugged. “I’ve experienced worse. Though your ex-mate seems particularly volatile.”“He wasn’t always,” I admitted grudgingly. “Or maybe he was, and I just
“I…I need time to think,” I said. “I feel overwhelmed, Dad.”He sighed. “Well, you should go to your room then. We’ll discuss the wolves tomorrow.”I nodded. “Thank you.”I made my way to my bedroom, barely noticing where I was going in my haze. As soon as I reached my bedroom, I closed the door behind me and exhaled slowly. The ceremonial dress felt suddenly heavy. Dominic’s face—angry, possessive, hurt—flashed through my mind as I moved toward the bathroom.I kicked off my heels, wincing as my sore feet touched the cool surface, and flicked on the bathroom light as I began removing my jewelry. Earrings, bracelet, the silver Moon Pack pendant that marked me as a princess.My fingers reached for the zipper at the back of my dress, pulling it down in one smooth motion. The fabric slipped from my shoulders, pooling at my feet.That’s when it hit me—the scent.I froze, flaring my nostrils. Dominic. His woodsy scent clung to my skin, where his hands had gripped my arms, my waist. The sce
(Penelope)On Saturday afternoon, I packed the last of my documents into my leather portfolio. The Black Forest council meeting demanded formal attire, and I’d chosen a navy blue suit that projected authority while remaining comfortable for the long session.“Everything’s ready,” I muttered to myself, checking my appearance one final time in the mirror.My phone alarm chimed, reminding me I needed to leave in fifteen minutes to arrive on time. The council wouldn’t wait, especially not for a female Alpha-Heir still proving herself worthy of respect.A small knock on my door interrupted my thoughts.“Come in,” I called, expecting Marcus or one of the pack assistants.Instead, Debbie’s head peeked around the door, her green eyes wide and hopeful. She bounded into the room wearing her favorite yellow dress, hair neatly braided—clearly dressed for an outing.“Are you going somewhere, sweetheart?” I asked, zipping my portfolio closed.“With you!” she announced proudly, twirling to show off
Dominic’s POV“That’s none of your business,” Penelope snapped, her green eyes blazing.I moved closer, backing her against a stone column. “Then why does she call Edward ‘Daddy’?”“She doesn’t.” Her nostrils flared. “You’re delusional.”“I heard her.” My voice rose. “She saw him coming and yelled ‘Daddy’!”“You’re hearing things.”“Why lie? Too embarrassed to admit you’ve replaced me so completely? New mate, new daddy for your kid?”“Edward isn’t her father,” Penelope hissed. “But he’s been more of one than her real father ever was.”“And who is that? Some random wolf you fucked after leaving me?”Her palm cracked against my cheek. It rang out so loudly people turned to stare. “Don’t you dare.”I grabbed her wrist before she could strike again. “Hit a nerve?”“Let go of me,” she snarled.“Tell me who he is.”“Go to hell.”“Is it someone I know? One of your father’s pack?” I tightened my grip. “Or did you leave already pregnant?”She jerked away, rubbing her wrist. “My life after you i
Penelope’s POVI spotted them from across the courtyard. Dominic bent down, talking to Debbie.My heart slammed against my ribs. Time seemed to freeze as my worst nightmare came tue before my eyes. My daughter chatted animatedly with the one person who must never know she existed.“Debbie!” I yelled, running toward them. My ankle twisted on the uneven ground, but panic numbed the pain. “What the hell are you doing here?”Debbie jumped, startled by my tone. She clutched her stuffed wolf backpack tighter. “Mommy!”I grabbed her arm, harder than I meant to. A red mark bloomed on her skin. “You shouldn’t be here. Who brought you?”“Uncle Ryan,” she said, her lip quivering. “Don’t be mad. I wanted to surprise you.”I scanned the area frantically. No sign of Ryan. That traitor. I’d fire him the second I got home.“I saw a kitty cat,” Debbie continued, words tumbling out fast. “A really cute one. I went to pet it, and when I came back, Uncle Ryan was gone.”“And you just wandered off? After
Dominic’s POVI watched Penelope and Edward walk away arm in arm, rage boiling in my veins. The casual way she leaned into him, the deliberate show for my benefit—it cut deeper than any knife.“Fuck!” I slammed my fist into the nearest wall, relishing the pain that shot through my knuckles. Blood smeared the stone as I pulled back, breathing heavily.Five years. Five years I’d spent in this hollow existence, and now she paraded her new relationship in front of me like I meant nothing. As if our bond—broken or not—had never existed at all.I closed my eyes, fighting for control. My wolf thrashed against its cage, demanding I chase after them, challenge this Edward directly.“Hello, Mister?” a small voice interrupted my thoughts.I opened my eyes, looking down to find a little girl staring up at me. No more than five years old, she clutched a small backpack shaped like a wolf, her green eyes wide and anxious.“Mister, have you seen my mommy?” she asked timidly.I crouched down to her lev
Penelope’s POVI turned my back on Dominic, deliberately excluding him as I continued my discussion with the council members.“As I was saying,” I emphasized pointedly, “this creature had control over plants. It generated vines from the forest floor to restrain me.”Alpha Kenneth leaned forward, absorbing every detail. “And you believe this was a deliberate attack? Not random aggression?”“It seemed targeted,” I confirmed. “Too coincidental to find me right after my car crashed.”Dominic stepped into my line of sight. “Penelope, you can’t seriously believe Kelsey tried to kill you.”I stared through him as if he were invisible. Alpha Oliver gave me a sympathetic glance before addressing the council at large.“We should increase patrols near pack borders,” he suggested. “If these advanced mutations are occurring naturally, we need to contain them.”“And if they’re not natural?” I asked pointedly.Silence fell across the room as the implication sank in.Dominic moved closer, invading my
Penelope’s POVI froze at the sound of Edward’s voice. It came from directly behind me. I hadn’t heard him approach, but now he stood just feet away, his face tight with anxiety. His usually calm composure had slipped, revealing something darker underneath.“Why not?” I asked, hand still on the doorknob. “What’s behind this door?”.“Just a storage room,” he said, stepping forward quickly. He pushed the hidden door closed with a firm click and forced a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Nothing interesting in there—just business documents and financial records.”The swift change in his demeanor raised red flags. Whatever lay beyond that door was important enough to make him nervous.“Financial records kept behind a false bookshelf?” I asked skeptically.“Security precautions,” Edward replied smoothly. “The business attracts espionage. Can’t be too careful these days.”I nodded, pretending to accept his explanation, but my suspicion only deepened. His heartbeat had accelerated—I could he
Penelope’s POV“You know about the mutations?” I asked, surprised.“I’m just guessing,” Edward said, shrugging. “That werewolf had a very distinctive form, completely different from normal werewolves. The plant integration was unlike anything I’ve seen before.”I frowned, recalling the horrifying creature—part wolf, part plant. “It controlled plants somehow. Made vines grow to hold me down. No normal werewolf has that ability.”“Fascinating,” Edward murmured, then quickly added, “and terrifying, of course. I’ve been following news about the detention camp run by the Council. Some reports mentioned similar mutations, though nothing quite this advanced.”“The council needs to know about this immediately,” I said. “If there are more of these things out there…”“Agreed.” Edward nodded. “But first, you need to recover your strength.”He leaned closer, his eyes dropping to my neck. “Your scars are glowing. Did you notice?”I touched the marks again. “I noticed. They’ve been like this since I
Penelope’s POVSunlight stabbed through my eyelids, forcing me awake. Pain throbbed in my head, my neck, everywhere. I blinked against the brightness, trying to make sense of unfamiliar surroundings.Not my bedroom. Not a hospital.I lay in a large four-poster bed draped with rich burgundy curtains. The room had expensive furniture that was minimalist but clearly high-end. It looked expensive but soulless, like a hotel room nobody lived in.Panic shot through me as memories flooded back. The car crash. The brakes failed. That monstrous plant-wolf creature attacking me. And then, Edward appeared from nowhere.I sat up too quickly, making my head spin and my vision darken momentarily. My body protested every movement with sharp reminders of yesterday’s trauma. My hand went to my throat, finding tender spots where the creature had gripped me.I slid from the bed, wobbling slightly as I made my way to a nearby mirror. In the reflection, I caught sight of strange marks circling my neck—fain
Edward’s POVI stood in my laboratory, surrounded by equipment most wolves would never understand. Half-empty containers littered the counters. Many were crusted with dried residue. The room stank like a chemistry accident, like acidic fumes mixed with something rotten underneath.“Perfect,” I murmured, holding a serum up to the light. The viscous liquid shimmered green and blue, throbbing like it might jump from my hand. “Almost ready for mass production.”The body on the floor groaned softly. Not just anybody—Edward’s body. The real Edward, heir to Northern Crescent Pack.Or what remained of him.“Quiet now,” I scolded, kicking him without looking down. “The sedative should have kept you under longer. How disappointing.”I set the vial down and turned to my unwilling guest. The man’s face was a bloody mess—I’d removed most of his skin already, carefully preserving it for my own use. His muscles twitched beneath the exposed tissue, nerves firing randomly in his agony. He wouldn’t s
Penelope’s POVThe scent puzzled me, but I didn’t have time to dwell on it. I gripped the steering wheel, started the engine, and pressed the accelerator. The car rolled forward, gradually leaving Dominic’s pack territory behind. The headlights cut through the darkness, illuminating the road.“Years of training have made me extra sensitive to scents,” I murmured to my wolf as I drove. “But why would Kelsey’s scent be in my car? When would she have had access?”A trace of unease crossed my mind. Kelsey had always been vindictive, but tampering with my car seemed extreme even for her. I quickly pushed the thought aside, reaching for the stereo knob. Music blasted through the speakers, temporarily drowning out my concerns.The road curved, descending a steep slope toward the valley that separated Darkwood territory from the main highways. I pressed my foot on the brake pedal to slow down before taking the turn.Nothing happened.I pressed harder. The pedal went straight to the floor wit