Chapter 1

"Look at her, swaying her hips like she owns the place," someone muttered loud enough for me to hear as I walked down the bustling town square.

I kept my head high, ignoring the sting of their words. This had become my daily life ever since I turned sixteen. Every woman in the pack hated me for the attention I never asked for, and the men only wanted my body, following me around at every chance they got. No one cared about who I really was.

My feet carried me to Mr. Gracia’s vegetable stall, one of the few places in the pack where I felt an even a shred of normalcy.

“Good morning, Rae,” Mr. Gracia greeted me warmly, his weathered hands gently packing a bundle of fresh greens. “It’s a fine day, isn’t it? The sun’s been kind to the crops this season. I was worried we wouldn’t have enough, but look at this—plenty to go around!”

I smiled, grateful for his kindness. “That’s wonderful, Mr. Gracia. The vegetables look amazing, as always.”

As we spoke, I let myself relax, even if just for a moment. But that feeling didn’t last long.

“Rae!”

The voice was sharp, and before I could react, my head jerked back violently. A hand fisted in my hair, yanking me away from the stall.

“You little harlot!” Mrs. Gracia’s voice was loud as she dragged me roughly. “You think you can steal my husband, don’t you? I’ve seen the way you look at him!”

I struggled against her grip, wincing as her nails dug into my scalp. “I’m not trying to steal anyone! I came here for vegetables, nothing more!”

“Liar!” she spat, with her voice rising. “You’ve broken so many homes, Rae. I won’t let you break mine!”

She struck me, her hand connecting with my cheek in a stinging blow.

“Stop this madness, woman!” Mr. Gracia stepped forward, trying to intervene. “She’s done nothing wrong!”

But his words only fueled her anger. She turned on him, slapping him hard across the face. “Stay out of this, old man! You’re too blind to see her for what she is!”

Her hands were back on me, yanking my hair and raining blows down on me. I tried to shield myself, but I couldn’t.

Then suddenly I heard the sound of hooves followed by it was a commanding voice.

“Enough!”

Mrs. Gracia froze, her grip loosening. I looked up, wiping away the tears that blurred my vision.

My eyes landed on Damien—The Alpha King’s son. He sat tall on his horse. He looked furious. In an instant, he was beside me, pulling me into his arms.

“If you ever lay a hand on her again,” Damien said coldly, his eyes locking on Mrs. Gracia, “I will have you thrown into the dungeon. Do you understand me?”

Mrs. Gracia’s face paled, and she stammered a response. “I’m sorry, my prince.”

He turned to the gathered crowd, with a stern look on his face. “That goes for all of you. If anyone dares to harm Rae again, they will answer to me.”

The crowd dispersed quickly, whispers rippling through the square as they scattered.

Damien lifted me onto his horse afterwards. “Hold on,” he said softly, and with a swift kick, the horse began to move, carrying us toward the palace.

As we approached the gates, we were met by Kayla, one of Damien’s closest friends. Her sharp eyes narrowed as they landed on me.

“What are you doing, Damien?” she demanded, stepping in front of us. “Why are you bringing her here? A whore like her has no place in the palace.”

Damien’s jaw tightened. “Watch your words, Kayla.”

“I’m saying the truth!” Kayla spat. “Isn’t she a whore, all she does is entice men.”

“What will your father say when he sees her?” Kayla pressed, her voice rising. “You’re risking everything for this girl!”

“My father won’t say anything,” he replied. “Because I’m going to make Rae my Luna.”

Kayla’s eyes widened, disbelief flashing across her face. “You’ve lost your mind,” she hissed.

Then turned to me,flashing a mean glare my way. “You witch. You’ve bewitched him. Free him from your spell!”

“The only spell I’m under,” Damien said firmly, taking my hand, “is the spell of love.”

Kayla looked like she might explode, but Damien didn’t give her the chance to respond.

“If you’ll excuse me,” he said, “I’d like to spend time with my woman.”

He led me down the palace halls and my heart raced as his words echoed in my mind. His woman.

When we were alone, I finally found my voice. “Did you mean what you said out there?”

Damien stopped walking, turning to face me. “Every word,” he said softly. “I’ve loved you since I set my eyes on you on solstice night. I know we may not be mates, but I don’t care. I’ve thought about it long and hard. I don’t want anyone else. I want you as my Luna.”

My breath hitched. His words were beautiful, almost too good to be true. No one had ever looked at me the way Damien did. No one had ever fought for me, protected me, the way he had. I knew that if I was with Damien I wouldn’t have to deal with the women in the pack.

“I want to marry you,” he continued, and his voice caught my attention. “I’m telling my father tonight. By tomorrow, we’ll be together.”

I couldn’t speak, overwhelmed by the weight of his love and his promise.

“You’re quiet,” Damien said, his voice laced with worry. “Do you not want this?”

“I do,” I whispered.

Relief flooded his face, and he leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to my cheek.

That night passed quickly , and before I knew it, I was back at the palace. Damien greeted me at the gates, he had an excited look on his face.

“My father wants to see you,” he said, taking my hand.

But the moment we entered the courtroom, the atmosphere shifted. The Alpha King sat on his throne, his gaze cold as it swept over me.

“Your majesty.” I bowed my head, trying not to feel intimidated by his gaze.

“Is she the one?” he asked Damien, ignoring my greeting entirely.

“Yes, Father,” Damien said confidently.

Before another word could be spoken, a warrior stepped forward, whispering in the King’s ear.

The Alpha’s expression darkened, and he rose abruptly, leaving the room with the warrior.

When he returned, his face was hardened , and more guards trailed behind him.

“Seize her!” he roared, pointing at me.

The guards moved quickly, grabbing my arms.

“What is going?” I cried out in shock.

“Father, what are you doing?” Damien demanded, stepping between me and the guards. “This is the woman I want to marry!”

“You can’t marry her,” the Alpha spat. “She’s a traitor.”