ONE

“We need to go. We can’t let the council wait for us.”

Liam glanced at Aron, who stood behind him with his usual guarding stance.

“Give me one more minute,” Liam said gloomily. His lips were set into a thin line and his pitch-black eyes flickered into a golden glow before returning to their usual color. He was so torn. He needed to be in this place to think things through.

Liam heaved out a heavy breath as he stared into the horizon. On this hill, just before the protective walls of Bresmont, was where the ashes of his late wife were scattered into the air. She was here, and he felt her presence through the stillness of the trees and the peaceful sound of birds chirping.

“I missed you, Tash,” he silently whispered. His heart felt empty since she was gone. It was never the same again, but he tried to live each day. There was never a day when he didn’t think of her, and with each passing day, his hunger for her presence grew stronger.

He missed her so much, and his unborn child who died with her.

Liam closed his eyes and uttered a silent prayer before he stood up.

Today, he will meet the woman who will be appointed as the new Luna of his pack. She was personally selected by the Lycan King, and agreed upon by the members of the Council of Claws.

Liam grimaced at the thought.

As the Alpha of one of the districts of Devonlaire, he’s bound to the rules set by the Council.

Liam needs to have another Luna to rule alongside him and produce the next Alpha in line as his successor.

Liam left the place with a heavy heart, and they drove straight to where the courthouse was located, at the Castle of the Lycan King, at the center of Devonlaire.

The majestic Castle of Devonlaire where the King resides welcomed Liam’s sight. The huge castle was an attraction. Neighboring kingdoms were envious at how the Lycan King of Devonlaire established such a magnificent castle that stood amongst the rest.

As Liam and Aron entered, all eyes shifted to where they stood. The Council members were already there, except for the Lycan King.

Looked like they were waiting for him. Liam fought the urge to smirk, he didn’t trust these councilmen, not even one soul. If there were someone he could trust, it was only his dead wife. And now that Natasha’s gone, he’s not even sure if there was one who’s loyal to him.

Liam roamed his sight at each creature present inside the courthouse. His parents and brother were there. His father nodded at him, and Liam knew what that meant. He's not allowed to argue whatever the council has decided.

“So much for being an Alpha,” Liam whispered to himself, but he knew every creature inside the courthouse heard what he said. But who gives a damn?

Liam gritted his teeth when his eyes locked on the only female present inside the room, Ember Jacobson, the only daughter of one of the councilmen.

Anger bubbled inside him when he looked at Arnulf Jacobson’s proud face. If he could only rip off that man’s head from his neck, he would probably have done it a long time ago.

Behave yourself, son. You don’t want to cross any of the council members today.

His father reminded him using their mind link. And that only made Liam want to burst into anger.

He felt like he was being mocked in front of these creatures.

“We don’t want to further delay this since Alpha William Ashdown is finally here.” Gregor Smith, one of the councilmen said, his voice was full of sarcasm. “William, Alpha of Bresmont, you swore that you would comply with any of the Council’s demands upon assuming your post as an Alpha. For years, you have been mateless and without a Luna to rule alongside you.  As an Alpha, you have to secure your post by producing an heir, and you failed.”

Gregor paused a bit, he looked at Liam who was about to burst in pure rage. Gregor could clearly see the anger in Liam’s eyes.

“I don’t want to take any Luna. Natasha will always be my Luna. Death or alive, she will always be my Luna.” Liam's eyes landed on Ember, who was sitting proudly on one of the chairs. His eyes flared. He hates her already.

“If so, you will bear the punishment set by the Council for defying orders. You and your family,” Arnulf interjected.

Whispers erupted from the courthouse.

The former Alpha of Bresmont stood. His eyes glowed as he stared at Liam, his son. “We have talked about this before. What the fuck is this now? I thought we had a deal?”

As a creature born with rage, Chris will not tolerate his son’s behavior. He can’t let Liam disgrace the name his family had been taking care of for decades. Just because of his stupid love for a she-wolf who’s already dead.

Chris growled. Sharp nails on his hands started to elongate, and his teeth started to appear as he snarled at his own son.

“Why?”

Heads snapped at Ember when she suddenly stood. Ember Jacobson is a true definition of beauty. With her red hair and emerald eyes, she’s every man's dream. She's not just an epitome of beauty, but also of strength, since she’s one of the strongest the pack ever had. That's the reason why she was chosen by the Lycan King to be the next Luna of Bresmont. She possessed all those qualities to be a great leader to rule alongside the Alpha. And she couldn’t quite figure out why this ruggedly handsome yet stupid Alpha couldn’t see her worth. He knows her. They grew up together, and Liam knew what she was capable of.

“You are the Alpha of Bresmont, it’s your responsibility to be the anchor of every pack member. Yet, here you are, still mourning the loss of your wife. It's a clear display of weakness and unstable emotion. Didn’t you swear to put the pack first before yourself? Are you a liar also? Aside from being weak and stupid? Your actions are a total disgrace to Ashdown's. You don’t deserve to be called an Alpha.” Ember spoke about what she had in mind. Her face was void of any emotions. Her eyes were like the depths of the ocean, mysterious and scary.

As one of the strongest female werewolves in Bresmont, it’s an insult to her to be declined by their Alpha. She came from a family of strong werewolves, the finest warriors Brestmont ever had. Yet, their Alpha had the audacity to reject her.

Growls erupted inside the courthouse as Liam tried to shift. But he was instantly stopped by his brother, Kean, and his Beta, Aron. The councilmen were in their fighting stance, too.

“You fucking bitch! How dare you speak to me like that?” He snarled. His eyes glowed and he bared his teeth. Liam was ready to shift to his wolf form, but Chris appeared in front of him using his lightning speed and gripped his throat.

Liam tried to lunge at her, but Kean and Aron got both of Liam's arms restricted.

Liam was one of the strongest werewolves in Bresmont, but he was no match for his father’s century-old strength. Chris clawed Liam’s neck; his sharp nails dug into his flesh, making fresh blood gush out from the wounds.

“Enough!” Chris’ thunderous voice reverberated inside the courthouse.

Liam let out a whimper. Chris’ tight hands were still on his throat. “You will not disgrace this family, William. I will not tolerate it.” His voice was strong and his eyes flickered, an indication that he was trying to control his anger.

It was written by the Code of Law of Devonlaire. Whoever defies the commands and decisions of the council shall suffer the consequences. For Alpha Liam’s part, he will be exiled and his family will lose status in society. Their wealth will be confiscated, and they will be left in the streets like rats. The pride of the Ashdown's can’t take that shame. “Do you understand me?” Chris demanded.

Chris tightened his hold on Liam’s throat, blocking the air passage to his lungs. Liam choked and he couldn’t breathe, but Chris was determined to get the answer he wanted from his son.

Chris truly understands his son’s sentiments, but as one of the elders of the Ashdown Clan, he can’t allow their downfall just because his son chose to be faithful to his dead wife. He knew how painful it is to lose a loved one. He himself experienced the deaths of his family. But right now, they need to use their wits.

“Fuck! Yes!” Liam struggled to say those words.

His heart ached for Natasha. Just the thought of having another woman in bed made him want to lash out at all of the creatures present in the courthouse.

His pride was wounded. He felt so powerless and weak.

As Liam stared straight into the emerald green eyes of Ember Jacobson, he promised that he would make her life miserable with each day that she would live as his Luna. She would regret the day she looked down on him.