(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
(Penelope)I stared at Dominic, refusing to let his barb pierce my composure.“I wasn’t aware you were monitoring my schedule, Dominic,” I replied coolly. “How thoughtful of you to concern yourself with my punctuality.”“The council doesn’t run on Moon Pack time, Penelope. Some of us respect tradition.”“And some of us were handling actual pack emergencies rather than preening for an entrance,” I shot back.Around us, council members and pack leaders paused their conversations, attention drawn to our confrontation like moths to flame. The circular chamber, ancient and imposing under its vaulted ceiling, suddenly felt too small.Dominic stepped closer, invading my personal space. “What emergency? Another nail broken? Or did your new fiancé need help picking out his tie?”“My responsibilities are none of your concern,” I stated firmly. “You lost the right to question me five years ago.”“Lost the right?” He laughed harshly. “I still have every right. You may have broken our bond, but y
Edward’s POVI slammed my fist onto the stone table, cracking it down the middle. The Rogue counselors flinched, their mutilated bodies hunching forward in the torchlight.“Incompetent fools!” I roared. “Hundreds of my creatures—destroyed! Months of planning—wasted!”The emergency meeting in the underground den had gone poorly from the start. Failure reports poured in from every territory. The defensive efforts of the wolf packs had decimated my mutated army faster than we could replace them.“Rogue King,” a counselor ventured timidly, his half-rotted face barely visible beneath his hood. “Perhaps we should reconsider our approach. The direct attacks aren’t working as expected.”I glared at him, enjoying how he shrank back into the shadows. “And what brilliant strategy would you propose instead?”The counselor’s mouth opened and closed several times. No sound emerged.“As I thought,” I sneered. “Useless.”I paced the length of the gloomy hall.. Twenty Rogue counselors sat at the long t
Penelope’s POVI watched Debbie rush onto the winners’ podium, her curls bouncing in the sunlight. Her face glowed with excitement as she waved frantically to everyone watching. The referee handed her a shining medal, which she immediately held up high above her head.Pride swelled in my chest, momentarily overwhelming my confusion about Dominic. She looked so happy, so triumphant. This was what mattered—her joy, her confidence. Not my complicated feelings about her father.“Look, Mom!” she called, bouncing on her toes. “It’s real gold! Or at least it looks like it!”I smiled and gave her a thumbs up. She deserved this moment of glory after working so hard in practice.Debbie suddenly turned toward me, eyes wide and hopeful. “Mom!” she called, waving me over. “Mom, can we take Uncle Ice Cream out for dinner tonight? To celebrate? Please?”Her pleading expression caught me off guard. Before I could respond, she’d already bounced off to collect her medal certificate, leaving me standing
Penelope’s POV“I’ll get you both to the finish line,” Dominic promised, his voice low. “I’ll make sure you win, even if it costs me.”I snorted, adjusting my blindfold as we continued through the tunnel. “How noble of you.”“This way,” he murmured, guiding me around another bend. “Five more steps, then we’re out.”I counted silently, and sure enough, the air changed on my fifth step. Brightness filtered through my blindfold as we emerged from the tunnel.“We made it!” Debbie cheered.I yanked off the blindfold, blinking as my eyes adjusted to the sunlight.The final challenge stood before us now—a dense briar patch stretching thirty yards across. Thorns longer than my fingers jutted from every twisted branch. A few families already circled the perimeter, fathers searching for the safest path through.“Rules are simple,” the referee announced. “Cross the briars to reach the finish line. Parents must protect their cubs from injury.”Tommy’s father probed the edge of the patch with a sti
Penelope’s POVI rubbed my sweaty palms against my competition shorts as we approached the suspension obstacle. The referee stood ready, whistling between his lips, watching us take our positions at the starting line. Other families lined up alongside us.“Ready?” the referee asked.I felt Debbie jump at my side, her small hand squeezing mine. “We’re gonna win, right Mom?”I forced a smile. “We’ll try our best, sweetheart.”The referee blew his whistle, the shrill sound carrying across the entirety of the field. Families sprang into action all around us.“Both of you, hold onto me,” Dominic ordered, dropping to one knee. He gestured toward his neck and waist. “I’ll carry you across.”I froze, glaring at the direction of his scent through my blindfold like he’d grown a second head, but I could only see darkness. I heard the other fathers already hoisting their children onto their backs, but none attempted to carry both child and mother.“Mom, come on!” Debbie tugged at my arm impatientl
Penelope’s POV“Next up, solo agility course for five-to-six-year-olds!”Debbie bounced on her toes, already moving toward the starting line with the other cubs. The first events were individual showcases, allowing each pup to demonstrate their skills before the parent-child relays began.“Good luck, baby!” I called out, watching her scurry to her position.The moment she was out of earshot, I turned to Dominic. “Why were you at her training camp?”His jaw tightened. “What?”“Don’t play dumb,” I snapped. “Debbie told me you visited her training camp. What were you doing there?”“I wasn’t—”“She said you played games with them. That you were watching her.” I stepped closer, keeping my voice low but intense. “Were you spying on my daughter?”Dominic’s expression shifted, resignation replacing his initial denial. “Fine. Yes, I went to the camp.”“Why?” I demanded.“You know exactly why,” he replied, eyes locked on mine. “I needed to know if she was mine.”My heart hammered against my ribs
Penelope’s POVI checked my phone for the twentieth time, anxiety agitating my stomach. Still no messages from Edward. No calls. No explanation for his absence.“Mom, when is Daddy Edward coming?” Debbie tugged at my shirt, her bottom lip quivering slightly.She wore her competition uniform—a miniature version of the traditional pack hunting gear, complete with the Iron Mountain insignia.“Soon, baby,” I lied, dialing his number again. The phone rang five times before going to voicemail, just like the previous attempts.Around us, the Rainbow Claw camp was on the go. Families gathered in the assembly area, parents helping their cubs stretch or practice last-minute techniques. Everyone had two parents present—everyone except us.“But the competition starts soon,” Debbie insisted, her green eyes filling with tears. “Tommy said we can’t play if we don’t have a dad. He said we’ll be disqualified."“Disqualified,” I corrected gently, smoothing her hair. “And Tommy doesn’t make the rules.”B
Penelope’s POVI stood at the edge of the training ground, my heart swelling with pride as Debbie shifted effortlessly between her human and wolf forms. Her small body glowed briefly during each transition before settling into her pup form—a beautiful silver-white wolf that shined brighter than any of the other young ones.“Remarkable coat she has,” my father noted, standing beside me. “Much brighter than normal for her age.”I nodded, unable to take my eyes off my daughter. The little wolf darted through the training course, leaping over low barriers and ducking through tunnels. Her speed impressed even the hardened trainers who nodded approvingly.“She’s a natural,” I said, trying to keep my voice casual though pride threatened to burst from my chest.My father tapped his wooden staff against the ground. “The Moon bloodline runs strong in her.”I tensed slightly. Comments about bloodlines always made me nervous, especially regarding Debbie.“The trainers say she has exceptional contr
Penelope’s POV“Stand still, sweetie.”I adjusted Debbie’s training uniform while she wriggled impatiently. “Is it time yet? Is it time?” she asked for the tenth time since breakfast, her voice bubbling with excitement.“Stop squirming,” I grunted, finally getting the second arm through. “I can’t dress you properly when you’re bouncing around like this.”“I can’t help it!” Debbie giggled. Her small feet pattered rapidly on the wooden floor of her bedroom. “Miss Lyra said I might get to try partial shifting today if I do really well!”I tugged the uniform into place, checking that the protective padding covered her vital areas. Today would be my first time watching her progress at the Rainbow Claw Training Camp. The instructors had sent glowing reports, but I needed to see it for myself.“Arms up,” I instructed, fastening the side buckles.Debbie instantly raised her hands, still bouncing on her toes. I smiled as she did. Something about her excitement warmed me to the core.I crouched
Kelsey’s POVLuna Sophia wanted a “proper” mate for her son—one with ancient bloodlines and important pack connections. Not me.I arranged flowers outside her quarters, forcing a smile whenever pack members walked past. The roses pricked my fingers, drawing blood that stained the white petals red.Word had spread quickly through the servants—the Alpha’s mother actively sought new Luna candidates from neighboring packs.After five years of waiting, of serving Dominic loyally while he mourned his runaway mate, I still didn’t measure up in Sophia’s eyes. Yesterday she dismissed me mid-sentence when I brought her afternoon tea.She barely acknowledged me while studying charts of eligible females from nearby territories, so I needed to act immediately.Night fell over the pack house. Most wolves attended the emergency council meeting about the mutant attacks, leaving the corridors nearly empty as I moved silently through the halls. My bare feet made no sound against the floors.Near the cou