Kelsey's POV
Angela's words painted images I didn't want to see.
When I stayed silent, she yanked her collar lower.
Fresh bite marks glistened with healing serum—marks Marcus shouldn't have given to anyone but his true mate.
My fangs pierced my cheek, blood drowning the bile rising in my throat.
I turned to zip up my duffel. Three years of life packed into thirty pounds.
Angela's rose-scented pheromones choked the walk-in closet as she drummed polished nails on gilded doors.
Beta Darcy scurried to take her fur coat, neck bared in submission to the higher-ranked wolf.
"Darcy," Angela sang, "that luggage looks expensive. Get her something... suitable."
The Beta threw a moldy canvas sack at my feet. "Use this."
Marcus' pine scent cut through the mildew stench from the adjacent bathroom.
His shower water pounded like gunshots.
The fading bond from our partial mating three months ago made morning sickness churn harder.
"Search the bag." Angela's fangs peeked beneath crimson lips.
I turned away, swallowing the ultrasound report. The ink tasted like ash.
Unmarked mates shouldn't conceive. With Marcus showering just beyond the bathroom door, discovery would be disastrous.
"What's the holdup?" Beta Darcy grabbed my shoulder with bronze claws, earth-stink breath in my face.
"Want to dig through my underwear?" I snapped.
"Disgusting," Angela fake-gagged.
Darcy shoved me toward the door. "Get moving!"
The walk to the mansion's entrance felt endless.
Darcy upended my sack, clothes scattering across marble floors.
Too bad she wouldn't find what really mattered—that ultrasound was dissolving in my stomach acid now.
My phone buzzed as I crouched to gather belongings.
Catherine's voice broke through, "Kels? You okay?"
Tears hit the floor before I could stop them.
Three years of humiliation hadn't broken me, but one familiar voice did.
"Catherine." My voice wavered.
"Why are you crying?"
"I... I have nowhere to go."
"Alpha Marcus rejected you?" Catherine sighed.
"Listen," Catherine rushed, "your brothers found me! Three blood brothers in Washington, cousins too. They're all looking for you."
"My family?"
I'd known I was an orphan but never sought my family.
Though I longed to belong to a Pack, since my parents abandoned me, I saw no need to search for them.
"Come back quickly. Your brother will take you to your Pack. I..."
The phone died.
I knelt frozen. Family? Real family?
"Making scenes again?"
Marcus' voice cut through my daze.
He stood dripping in a silk robe, gaze locked on my scattered thrift-store jeans. "In all your years here, I never restricted your access to Pack resources. Are you leaving with thrift-store clothes just to make my grandmother think I mistreated you?"
I clutched my dead phone, still processing Catherine's news. Once, I'd dreamed of being found by family, ending my loneliness.
Distracted, I ignored Marcus.
Angela limped out dramatically. "She insisted on that filthy sack! We tried to stop her..."
Darcy nodded eagerly. "Threw her clothes everywhere for attention."
The air grew tense. I stood frozen, listening to their slander.
Watching Marcus, I wondered what he'd say.
"Nothing to say?" His eyes glowed Alpha gold.
Predictable.
"Why bother?" I laughed bitterly. "They've scripted your truth already."
His jaw tightened. "What more do you want? You've had every luxury—"
"To be more than your glorified chef!" My claws unsheathed. "A real Luna leads. Protects. Not hides like some shameful secret!" I laughed bitterly. "You said I could use Pack resources. Did you mean for groceries and cooking?"
"Finished?"
"Not yet."
"Keep saying."
"Pay me and I'll keep talking."
Marcus's lips thinned. "So money-hungry, Kelsey. Greed will lead to your downfall. You're the most shameless woman I've met. Leave. I never want to see you again."
He walked away, his back as cold as ever.
I felt defeated, baffled by this biased man's judgment.
Angela raised a brow. "Leave Bladeclaw—never return."
Suddenly, a helicopter thundered overhead and landed boldly on the lawn.
Several tall, black-clad bodyguards strode toward me, their aura intimidating.
Marcus, hearing the helicopter, watched from the doorway as the guards approached me respectfully.
"Kelsey, we're here to take you away."
Marcus' POVMy feet moved before my brain caught up. Kelsey stood frozen as black-suited figures surrounded her.Since when did a rogue have extraction teams?And why hadn't the Bladeclaw sentries alerted me?Angela sneered, her lips curling. "Kelsey, what a dramatic act. Did you hire these actors from some no-name temp agency? A sparrow remains a sparrow, no matter how hard it flaps its wings. And a helicopter? You've probably never even touched a private jet's stairs!"Her Lycan fangs gleamed.Before Kelsey could retort, a guard swiftly slapped Angela hard, sending her tumbling onto the lawn.Angela seethed, but her wolf… I froze.These guards exuded a powerful werewolf aura—they weren't Alphas, but clearly from a formidable Pack.Yet Angela's Lycan aura... Why wasn't it crushing them?"Kelsey! How dare you?" Angela shrieked from the grass, shoulder fur rippling. "Do you know the status of Lycans among werewolves? My brother will skin your fakes alive!Kelsey didn't flinch."Well, I
Digby's POVAs we headed to the dining area, a couple suddenly rushed toward Kelsey.They shouted at Kelsey, "Kelsey, you ungrateful brat! We took you in when no one wanted you, an orphan. Now you've found rich relatives and plan to ditch us? We're your benefactors!"My brow furrowed as I glanced at Kelsey.Her smile vanished. "Wally, Sky, you dare call yourselves my benefactors? I nearly starved under your roof until Catherine fed me. Later, you dumped me with her."Catherine was stunned. "How did you find me? I didn't tell anyone."Sky sneered. "We're her legal adoptive parents. You can't claim all the credit.""Right. Kelsey's family must be wealthy to afford this posh hotel. They should compensate us."My right hand twitched at my side, Lycan blood surging beneath my skin.The crystal chandelier dimmed three times. My nails pierced my custom gloves, glowing dark gold beneath my suit sleeve.Wally and Sky froze—ordinary humans might not sense my werewolf aura, but they still felt p
Digby's POVThe air thickened within the circle of wolf guards.Wally and Sky's sweat beaded visibly on their foreheads—not from fear, but from my lupine aura altering the air pressure."Locked in a storage room?" As I leaned in, Sky's pupils reflected not a face but a twisted golden glow.Dammit, my heritage was showing. Only those near death could catch a glimpse."Y-yeah, but the house was too small back then. The storage room was cozy.""Right, we were poor. Everyone was hungry."I felt nothing as I worked them over, leaving them bloodied and toothless.Rubbing my wrist, I said coldly, "Take them away. Don't let Kelsey see."Can't have my gentle, timid sister traumatized. How could I be a kind, upstanding, non-scary big brother otherwise?Turning toward the dining area, a burning sensation pricked my eyes—the sign of Lycan powers fading.I softened my expression as I looked at Kelsey. "Order whatever you like."Kelsey glanced toward the hall, noticing Wally and Sky's absence. "Whe
Kelsey's POVAfter dinner, we returned to the penthouse suite.Moonlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, and my nape prickled as if kissed by a pup's tiny teeth.I'd planned to chat with Catherine but fell asleep soon after lying down.The recurring nightmares of the past three days vanished that night.The next morning, I woke to my alarm.Once, as Marcus's mate and Luna of the Bladeclaw Pack, I'd risen at seven daily to cook his breakfast—for three years.Now, I turned off the alarm. No more pleasing that Alpha.But soon, my phone rang.The screen flashed a name I couldn't forget—Marcus.In three years of marriage, he'd never called me.I'd have been thrilled once, but now, I didn't want to answer.When the call finally ended, I lay awake. It was the first time I'd refused Marcus, and my emotions were tangled.My wolf whined in my mind, and I soothed it.Another call came—our Pack's omega."Luna Kelsey, do you know where Alpha Marcus's favorite blue tie is?"I almost
Digby's POVI grabbed a bagel sandwich, snapped a photo, and posted it to our family group chat with the caption—Kelsey's breakfast—another day of being loved!Jasper replied instantly, "Make her pay, bro? Come on!"Lucas added, "Agreed, unless she brings me a NY bagel too!"Arya messaged, "Landing in NY in an hour, three cousins on the same flight, don't let them steal our sis!"I frowned and typed, "Don't tell the cousins yet" before sending a separate alert to my cousins.Ever since Kelsey vanished at eight during a theme park trip, these three cousins had distanced themselves from us.Now, after finally locating her through DNA matching, I hoped our six brothers could reunite.As Kelsey and Catherine exited the hotel elevator, my phone buzzed crazyly.Catherine eyed the lobster Benedict on the coffee table. "That's pricey, right?""Complimentary executive lounge perks," Kelsey explained. "We're in the presidential suite."When "Angela" called, I nearly tossed my phone into the lat
Kelsey's POVI held my ground, the temporary mark on my nape—still healing—prickling under Angela's rose-scented pheromones.I released my signature pine aura to counter hers. "Moira summoned me for the full moon feast, not to be the kitchen omega."Mia's fangs pierced her lip, Alpha bloodline pressure wafting like cheap perfume. "You're a rogue even without a pack badge. What makes you think you're Bladeclaw's Luna?"I walked into the hall, where Sydney and Angela sat by the fireplace.Sydney's permanent mark from the former Alpha glowed, while Angela—Marcus's childhood soulmate—eyed my fading temporary mark with her emerald wolf eyes.Mia shoved me, releasing aggressive pheromones. "Sydney! This rogue refused to prep food and attacked me with pheromones!"Sydney's moonstone-tipped staff flared with frost. "Challenge your own Pack? You'd be nowhere without Marcus's pure blood calming you!"Angela twirled her hair, rose pheromones mocking me. "Wolves never change their meat-eating hab
Kelsey's POV"Sizzle—" Hot oil scalded my hand, and smoke rose instantly.As a werewolf, this burn should've healed in minutes.But the shattered mate bond made the wound raw and throbbing, pain shooting through my nerves.I rinsed my hand under cold water as Angela cooed, "Alpha Marcus, my hand's burned. It hurts, but don't blame her—she probably didn't mean it."Her rose-scented whimpers wrapped around us—her signature mark.She thrust her wrist toward Alpha Marcus, the golden healing glow already fading.I felt a flicker of sarcasm but didn't look up.Next, a man seized my arm. "Kelsey, I didn't expect you to be so…"Marcus's eyes fell on my blistered hand, bright red and swollen.He pursed his lips, leaving his sentence hanging.The temporary mark on my nape crackled like ice splitting, the residual bond slicing into my glands.My wolf howled in my mind, remembering how we'd warmed Marcus during his wolfsbane coma three years ago.I tilted my head. "Didn't expect me to what?""Kel
Kelsey's POVThe atmosphere in the Bladeclaw Packhouse hall felt strange.My wolf growled unhappily from my injury, trying to heal me.Angela said unwillingly, "Let's check her first. I'm not in a hurry.""Why aren't you in a hurry? You're Lycan, and she's just a rogue. She can't be compared to you. Even if she scars, she won't die, but you're different. If you scar, your brother will be furious," Sidney said.Angela smiled and replied, "I won't tell him."Sidney sighed with relief and said coldly to me, "You know what? Angela is kind-hearted and won't hold it against you. She saved you this time!"I said calmly, "I didn't push her. On the contrary, she hurt me on purpose. The one who should apologize is her!""Kelsey, stop making excuses. Who else could it be? I've seen your tricks too many times. Apologize to Angela right now!"Marcus frowned and said, "I said the stove falling might have been an accident, and we haven't even checked the surveillance footage yet.""Marcus, you're di
Kelsey's POVHearing this, a wave of sarcasm washed over me. Everything was still the same as before.I let go, and Angela immediately threw herself into Marcus's arms, starting to sob.I looked at Marcus defiantly and said, "She was the first to lash out, but I knew you wouldn't believe me, so forget it."I turned to leave, hearing Angela's tearful voice behind me, "Alpha Marcus, let's just drop it."I stared at the ceiling, determined not to look back."Stop!"Marcus's cold voice halted me. I gathered my courage and turned to face the couple. "What else?"Angela stood meekly beside him. "Alpha Marcus, let's just forget it."I felt I shouldn't have come today or taken the order in the first place.I should have cut all ties with the Marshmans.Marcus approached, his face a mask of coldness.I stood my ground and met his gaze. "What do you want?"Marcus frowned, noticing my disheveled hair and the cut on my lip.His gaze softened slightly. "Does it hurt?"Was he concerned?Marcus quic
Third Person's POVAngela hadn't expected Marcus to ask Kelsey to redesign the villa's soft furnishings.She had the butler change the decor to erase Kelsey's presence, which had enraged Marcus so much that he fired the butler.Her attempts to rectify the situation with renowned designers had all fallen short of Marcus's expectations.In response to Angela's inquiry, Kelsey nonchalantly placed the design plans on the table. "Yes, it's me. When will Marcus be back?" "He's working late. His return time is uncertain. But discussing it with me is just as effective, as this villa will eventually be ours to live in together," Angela remarked. Angela picked up the design plans and sat on the sofa to review them. The hall was quiet except for the sound of pages turning. Kelsey stood there, feeling the time drag on. Angela put down the documents. "Your designs are excellent, but a few details need adjusting. For instance, I'd like a photo wall for our wedding pictures. Where do you think
Kelsey's POVI arrived at work on time the next day.However, as soon as I sat down at my desk, Eloise approached me in a huff. "Kelsey, did you do this on purpose?"I was having breakfast and replied calmly, "What are you talking about?""Don't play dumb. Why did you have me oversee the mansion project yesterday? Was it to mess up the design and get me in trouble?" Eloise was furious, still upset about being scolded and having her makeup ruined.I blinked. "You volunteered to go. How is that my fault?"Eloise, red with anger but unable to argue, stormed off.I finished my breakfast calmly. I knew Eloise had leaked information to Mia before, leading to Mia and Sidney humiliating me.I was not the same pushover I used to be.In the afternoon, uniformed officials arrived at the office. "Who's the boss?"Eloise stepped forward. "The boss isn't here. What's this about?""We're from the relevant department. We received a complaint alleging intentional fraud at your studio.""This is imposs
Marcus's POVConceiving?I stared at the small bottle in front of me. Is Kelsey taking this to conceive? Does she plan to get pregnant?My phone rang, but I didn't glance at it, keeping my eyes fixed on the folic acid bottle in my hand.Darcy spoke up, "It's Sidney's calling."Only then did I pick up my phone. "Hello, Mum.""Marcus, after much thought, I've decided to tell you something important. A few days ago, when I went to the hospital to visit an old classmate, guess who I ran into?" I fiddled with the folic acid bottle in my hand. "Mum, just get to the point.""I saw Kelsey secretly having a gynecological check-up at the hospital. She must be trying to conceive your child quietly. Then, using your granny as an excuse, she'll latch onto the Bladeclaw Pack permanently. You must be careful and cannot let Kelsey get pregnant. Otherwise, you won't be able to divorce her.""Who said I want a divorce?" I blurted out.On the other end of the line, Sidney said, "Didn't you propose divor
Marcus's POV"As long as I haven't rejected you, you're still my mate. Fraternizing with other men—do you even know what shame is?""Then let's just complete the rejection ceremony," Kelsey suggested.I yanked off my tie in frustration. "Here we go again. You know Granny won't agree to our divorce. You're just trying to threaten me.""I'm not threatening you," Kelsey said calmly, meeting my gaze. "We can handle the divorce discreetly and not tell Granny until after her surgery.""Do you think Granny is a fool?" I stepped forward and grabbed her chin. "So eager to finalize the divorce—what if Granny catches wind of this? Can you handle the consequences?"She lowered her eyes slightly. "I just want to clear the way sooner, so Angela doesn't have to wait.""What does this have to do with her?"I wasn't planning on marrying Angela!I looked down at her, my tone a warning. "Kelsey, I'm warning you. If your gossip hurts Granny, I won't let you off the hook, and neither will I tolerate your
Kelsey's POVI told them, "Didn't you hear me just now? I'm in charge in this house. It's useless to talk to him!"Skye skeptically said, "You're just boasting. Your husband is wealthy and powerful. He must be the one in charge of this house. How could it be you?"I pursed my lips, nervously glancing at Marcus. I really didn't want him to agree.The implication of what I just said was pretty clear.Marcus rolled up his sleeves, looked down at me, and said, "Come here."I wasn't sure what he meant.As soon as I got closer, Marcus's hand rested on my shoulder, pulling me into his embrace.I stiffened, looking at him in confusion.Marcus looked up at the two greedy women on the sofa and said, "I have plenty of money."My grandmother and Skye exchanged glances, their faces lighting up with delight.The next second, Marcus continued, "But all my money is in my wife's hands. In this house, she's the one who makes the decisions."My head buzzed as his words reached my ears.We were so close
Kelsey's POVI wasn't surprised. After all, the day I was driven out, Angela had declared she would replace all the decorations.I said, "It's good that they were changed. Out with the old, in with the new.""Luna Kelsey, don't be angry. After these decorations were changed, Alpha Marcus came back very angry and even fired the housekeeper," the omega said."Really?" I was somewhat surprised. The housekeeper was someone sent by Sidney. It seemed he was really angry."Help me take stock of which decorations have been changed here. I'll be in charge of the subsequent renovations, and you can help me coordinate," I said."Okay, Luna Kelsey, but aren't you going to check upstairs?"I lowered my eyelids and said, "No need for upstairs."After all, I didn't want to go upstairs and see the traces of Marcus and Angela's life together. I didn't want to at all.I kept the changes in the living room in mind, preparing to go back and draw up the design plans, thinking about how to modify them.At
Kelsey's POVThough an orphan, I had my pride and principles.When Sidney spoke those words, my wolfish side ignited. My inner rage surged like a volcano about to erupt."Sidney, she's an orphan. What upbringing could she have had? Her uncle is still in the hospital. How could he have raised her?" Mia's words were like sharp fangs, piercing me painfully.My wolf could no longer be suppressed. I grabbed a cup from the table and threw its contents at Mia.At the same time, a powerful werewolf aura burst from me, enveloping the entire space. "Shut up!"I roared, my voice carrying the fury and authority of my wolf. I could be spoken of, but not my loved ones.They were the softest spots in my heart, and I would not tolerate any infringement.Mia screamed in terror at the sudden release of my aura. She trembled, her face etched with fear. "Kelsey, are you crazy? I'm going to tell your boss!"In the face of such overwhelming werewolf aura, she was like a frightened little animal.Craig came
Marcus's POV"Alpha Marcus, as you just heard, Miss Walsh refused our offer."I replied, "I see."I took out my phone and scrolled through Instagram, landing on Kelsey's post from last night. My mood instantly became complicated.Remembering the woman who had deliberately flaunted herself in front of me last night, I felt an inexplicable anger, wishing I could pull her into my arms and teach her a lesson.Ever since the divorce, Kelsey seemed like a completely different person, becoming more and more inscrutable.Was she truly just an ordinary rogue?My phone alerted me to a trending news story."Washington's Leading Actor's New Romance Exposed!"I frowned and clicked in, seeing a photo of Kelsey and a man's silhouette. She was wearing a champagne-colored gown, her figure slender, the hem fluttering gently.My fingers twitched, recalling the sensation of her skirt brushing against my hand.I swallowed hard, took a few sips of water, and then called Darcy over. "Take down the headline."