The wedding venue was a vision of ethereal beauty. White lilies and roses cascaded from every archway, crystal chandeliers cast dancing light across silk-draped walls, and a carpet of cream petals traced the path I would soon walk.It was perfect, like a dream pulled from my childhood imagination—ex
Beside her, Kane's expression was unreadable, his amber eyes fixed on my neck where Raymond's mark now claimed me. Something like anger flashed across his features before he schooled them back to careful neutrality.The reception that followed was an elaborate blur—first dances, toasts, cake cutting
I stared at the ceiling of the bridal suite, counting the delicate roses carved into the crown molding. One hour passed, then two. Sleep refused to come.The irony wasn't lost on me. Here I was, in a bed meant for newlyweds, alone on my wedding night while my husband was undoubtedly with another wom
"Are you sure?" he asked one final time, his voice rough."I refuse to be a weeping bride on my wedding night," I said. "Make me forget, Kane. Just for tonight."His eyes held mine for one final moment before he surrendered.It was different from our first encounter—that had been clouded by the effe
I spent the day after my wedding hiding in the bridal suite, curled up on the edge of the ornate bed that seemed to mock me with its pristine, untouched sheets. Housekeeping had knocked twice, but I ignored them, unable to face anyone or explain why the bride was alone on what should have been the f
Yet beneath the regret lurked something else—a dangerous anticipation. When Kane touched me, I forgot everything—the pain, the humiliation, even Raymond. For those brief moments, I was free.Sleep finally claimed me near dawn, my dreams a confusing tangle of wedding vows and secret promises scribble
I could feel curious eyes following me as I left the dining room. Several pack members lingered in the hallway, their hushed whispers barely concealing their interest in what had just transpired."Did you see how the Alpha stormed out?" one woman murmured to her companion."And did you hear what Kan
I adjusted my blazer one final time before knocking on Raymond's office door. The leather portfolio in my hands contained weeks of preliminary work for the Mating Gala—venue options, catering proposals, entertainment suggestions, and a detailed budget breakdown. As the new Luna, organizing this trad
I rubbed my arm where his fingers had dug in. "I was networking with allied Alphas, as is my duty.""Networking?" Raymond scoffed. "You were flirting, encouraging their advances.""I was doing no such thing," I said, indignation rising. "They were being inappropriate, and I was attempting to extrica
The Great Hall had been transformed beyond recognition. Cascading lights resembling stars hung from the vaulted ceiling, while strategically placed living trees created the illusion of an enchanted forest. The soft amber glow from hundreds of floating lanterns cast everyone in their most flattering
Surprise flickered across Kane's face before he controlled it. "You were spying on us?""I was passing by," I said, the half-truth coming easily. "But her questions seemed oddly specific."Kane's expression grew thoughtful. "Yes, they did. Almost as if she had prior knowledge of Council politics.""
I worked through the night, completely redesigning the Gala entrance and arrival sequence to accommodate Kane's last-minute security demands. By dawn, my eyes burned from exhaustion, but the revised plans were complete.A small, defiant part of me took satisfaction in the work's perfection. If Giana
The following morning, Kane was nowhere to be found at our scheduled security briefing. His second-in-command delivered the update instead, informing me that Kane had reassigned himself to border patrol duty—effectively removing himself from all Gala preparations.Two days passed in similar fashion.
I pressed my hands against my eyes, horrified to find them wet with tears I hadn't realized I was shedding. "So don't stand there and lecture me about self-respect when you have no idea what it costs me just to get through each day."The silence that followed my outburst seemed to stretch forever. W
The insistent pounding on my door started just after midnight. I knew who it was before I even reached the entryway—only Kane would dare disturb the Luna at this hour with such impatience.I opened the door to find him exactly as I'd expected: jaw clenched, eyes blazing with barely contained anger.
"A guest who's apparently the only one willing to point out the obvious," Kane retorted. "This isn't about giving Giana protection. This is about legitimizing your relationship while Aurora does all the actual work."The tension between them crackled, both men drawing themselves to their full height
"The ceiling installation needs to be raised another foot," I explained to the decorating committee. "The taller guests will be at risk of hitting the lower elements otherwise."Five committee members nodded, making notes as I walked them through the adjustments to the Gala design. We stood in the c