He went for my stepsister

Althea's POV:

The knowledge that the Alpha prince, the most powerful wolf in the Pack, was my Mate left me feeling both excited and terrified. 

Our bloodlines couldn’t be more different. He was nobility, born to lead and feared by all. I, on the other hand, was a nobody, a servant in my own father’s house.

My heart fluttered between hope and sadness. Every time I scrubbed the floors or cooked a meal, I couldn’t help but wonder: Why would someone like him choose me? Would he even acknowledge me as his Mate in public?

That evening, I found myself at my usual lonely spot by the edge of the woods. I sat on the moss-covered rock, my head resting on my knees, as my thoughts spiraled.

Then, I caught his scent.

The woody aroma mixed with hints of cedar and musk wrapped around me. My heart skipped a beat as I lifted my head and saw him approaching. 

Zane.

His silver-gray eyes locked onto mine as if I were the only thing that mattered. My breath hitched as he closed the distance between us, his gaze softening when he saw the tears threatening to spill down my cheeks.

“Althea.” He called out, his deep voice sending shivers down my spine.

How does he know my name?

He must have asked around—that would explain it. But that didn't matter right now. What matters is that my Mate is finally standing right in front of me.

“Zane.” I whispered, quickly wiping my face. “What are you doing here?”

His lips curved into a small smile as he sat down beside me. “You abandoned me.” I spoke first, then I looked away, unable to meet his gaze. 

“I didn't abandon you. I just… something came up.” He replied.

“I don't believe you.” I scoffed.

“Then let me say this.” He reached out, gently tilting my chin so I was forced to look at him. “You’re my mate, Althea. That bond between us is undeniable. It doesn’t matter where you come from or what anyone else thinks. You’re mine, and I’ll make you my Luna.”

My heart swelled at his words, the fear and doubt that had been growing in me suddenly vanished. “You mean it?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

He chuckled softly, his thumb brushing against my cheek. “Of course, I mean it. You’re everything I’ve ever wanted, Althea. I’ll make sure you never doubt that again.”

I couldn’t stop the tears from falling then, but this time, they were tears of relief. Before I could say anything else, Zane leaned in, his lips capturing mine in a kiss that sent sparks shooting through my entire body.

My fingers tangled in his hair as he pulled me closer. When he finally pulled away, his forehead rested against mine, and we stayed like that for a moment.

“I have to go.” He said reluctantly. “But I’ll see you soon. Trust me, Althea. Everything will be okay.”

I nodded, watching as he stood and disappeared into the night.

For the first time in years, I felt genuinely happy. The doubts that had plagued me were gone, replaced with the thought that Zane wanted me.

In the days that followed, my entire self changed. I smiled more, laughed even. The chores that once felt like a burden no longer was. I moved through the house with a wide smile, while humming softly to myself as I worked.

But my happiness didn’t go unnoticed.

One afternoon, as I made my way upstairs to clean my father’s room, I overheard Riya’s voice coming from her bedroom. 

I froze, then I edged closer to the partially open door. “Bethany.” Riya said sharply, addressing her maid. “Have you noticed anything… strange about Althea lately?”

“Strange, ma’am?” Bethany replied.

“Yes, strange!” Riya snapped. “She’s been smiling and humming like an idiot. It’s infuriating.”

“Well…” Bethany hesitated before continuing. “Now that you mention it, she has seemed unusually happy. But I don’t know why.”

Riya let out an loud sigh. “I want you to find out. Spy on her, follow her everywhere, and figure out what—or who—is making her act this way. If you don’t, I’ll send you back to the streets where you belong.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Bethany said quickly, her voice laced with fear.

My hands clenched into fists as I listened. Riya would never change. As soon as her footsteps approached the door, I quickly moved away and hid behind a pillar.

Once I was safely hidden, I couldn’t help but laugh to myself. “It’s Riya.” I muttered under my breath. “She’s all talk and no action.”

And I was right. Days passed, and Riya did nothing, her threat to Bethany proving to be empty words. My father still remained unaware of my connection to Zane, and for once, everything felt… normal.

A few days before Zane’s coronation, I received a message summoning me to the Pack square for an important announcement, indirectly hinting that Zane was ready to introduce his Mate and soon-to-be Luna to the Pack.

Unlike the messages that Riya, my father and the other Pack members received, mine came with an additional note: Dress beautifully.

When the evening arrived, I wore a dress that was far nicer than anything I’d ever owned, a soft blue dress that hugged my figure and flowed gracefully as I walked. 

The moment I stepped into the square, all eyes were on me, as I made my way to the center. 

I could feel their judgment. Why is she dressed like that? Who does she think she is?

But I didn’t care. This was the moment I have been waiting for, the moment Zane would declare me as his fated mate and Luna.

My heart soared as Zane stepped forward, his commanding presence silencing the crowd. Our eyes met, and I felt a rush of warmth, the bond between us pulling me toward him.

“Thank you all for gathering here tonight.” He began. “I have an important announcement to make.”

I held my breath, waiting for the words that would change my life forever.

But what he said next shattered everything.

“I’ve gathered you all here today to introduce Riya Reidson as my Luna.” He announced, and Riya stepped forward unexpectedly.