Conan Moss

"You look beautiful, sir!" Emma beamed as she fussed over the lapels of my tuxedo.

It was beautiful. A luxurious, all-white tuxedo tailored to fit royalty—crisp silk lapels, soft matte linen underneath, glimmering silver cufflinks shaped like tiny crescent moons. The jacket hugged my waist and flared just slightly at the hips, the trousers pressed to perfection. Even the shoes shone like they'd never been touched by dirt.

I looked like a dream. A perfect little Luna for the pack.

And it was fucking absurd.

"It's custom that when a new Luna is introduced, they wear all white," Emma said proudly, smoothing the sleeves.

I hated it.

I wasn't some blushing bride. I wasn't walking down the aisle full of love and promise. I'd been sold—given away like a cheap inheritance—to some stupid brat I didn't even know. What the hell was there to celebrate?

Was it because this Levi kid was the alpha's son?

Who gives a fuck?

I don't.

Every time I've seen him, my skin's crawled. Something about him puts me on edge, makes my instincts buzz like a warning alarm. Lucky for me, he doesn't seem too fond of me either. We haven't even spoken yet. Just mutual avoidance, cold stares, and silent disgust.

Fine by me.

The only good thing—the only good thing—was that now I had opportunities. A mansion this big? Rich people with loose pockets? I could start skimming valuables little by little. Pawn them off. Build up enough to run, vanish, and start over somewhere far away.

I didn't have anything to my name. I didn't even own socks. But that meant I had nothing to lose. If I could just survive a few months here, I'd make it out.

I could find someone better. Someone not.... fucking Levi.

"Are you okay, sir? You look a little sick," Emma asked, fanning me gently with her hand.

For a second, I almost told her everything. Just let it all fall out—how I wanted to run, how I hated this, how I needed help.

But I didn't know her.

She'd assigned herself to me two days ago and hadn't left my side since. Maybe she was sweet. Maybe she was just doing her job. But maybe—just maybe—she was reporting everything to Levi and his parents.

And where would that leave me?

Nowhere. Same as always.

No. I've already been sold off like cattle. I can't get lower than this. From here on out, it's only up. My escape plan is the only thing keeping me sane.

"I'm fine," I lied.

Emma smiled, satisfied. "What a great honor to be mated to the pack leader's son."

"I'm sure it is," I said, matching her tone with a perfect smile. So far, I'd given her all the right answers. No irritation. No suspicion. No beatings. Yet.

I might just be able to pull this escape off.

Soon, the world would be mine.

"Knock knock!"

The voice that followed sent a chill down my spine. Sharp. Bitchy. Familiar.

Emma lit up like it was a holiday. "Oh, your family has come to visit you. How precious! I'll let you guys speak alone for a bit."

She slipped out, blissfully unaware—or just pretending not to notice the shift in the air.

Fuck.

I turned in my seat to face them.

My parents. My sister. Three faces I knew better than my own reflection, each one carved in stone and judgment.

"Look at you," Esme sneered. "They cleaned you a bit and now you think you're something?"

Her eyes roamed over the tux like it offended her.

"An omega's life can only go two ways," she muttered with a roll of her eyes.

"Well, it has nothing to do with us anymore," my father said, arms crossed. "You did your part for the family. At least you were able to make yourself useful."

Funny.

That was the closest thing to praise I'd heard from him in years. And even then, it felt like a knife to the ribs. I kept my expression still. Calm. Like it didn't hurt.

But it did.

"The least you could do is smile," my mom said, eyeing my still expression like it offended her. "You don't know how embarrassed I've been. People are saying we threw our burden onto the pack leader's son."

Then why do it? Why sell me off at all?

But of course, in this family, the sky could fall and they'd find a way to blame me.

"Don't embarrass us out there," Dad added, patting my shoulder like I wasn't already resisting the urge to scream. "You should be on your best behavior."

What could I possibly do today that wasn't?

"I don't think we have to worry about that, Dad," Esme said sweetly, her eyes sharp on me. "Everyone knows the pack leader's family doesn't tolerate crap from anybody. As soon as he messes up, they'll probably educate him real good. You know how Levi can get."

"That's right," Mom chuckled. "You'd better be careful. The pack leader's son won't hesitate to disfigure you if you step out of line. You belong to him now. Don't forget that. And if something does happen, don't even think about coming back to our house. We won't help you."

No surprise there.

But still. Hearing it stung.

"We should still make him come by three times a week! I still need my stuff cleaned!" Esme frowned.

"We'll talk to Alpha Dunham and arrange it," Dad said. "There's a lot of things that need to be dealt with from the past few days."

I won't be doing it. I'd rather die. Seriously.

Death is my last escape plan, and honestly? It's not off the table.

Happy thoughts, Conan! Happy thoughts!

Your life is over—but somehow, it's just beginning. You're out of their house now. One foot out the door. Just a few more steps...

"Oh, and don't think you're actually something now," Esme added, voice all venom and glee. "Everyone knows your spot should've been Rebecca's. Levi's in love with her."

Didn't matter. Had nothing to do with me.

And yet... something about it still pissed me off.

"Why's he still mute?" Esme muttered, stepping forward and shoving my shoulder. "Don't you hear me talking to you?"

I didn't answer.

I didn't have to answer her anymore. I wasn't their puppet.

I turned back to the mirror and ignored them, adjusting my cufflinks like they weren't even there.

In the reflection, I saw her raise her fist.

Emma re-entered the room just in time, and Mom yanked Esme's arm down before it could land.

Good to know.

Emma might be annoying, but... she just might be useful.

⸻

The large double doors opened with a slow, ominous creak, revealing a vast hall filled with far too many people. Of course it was crowded—this was a ceremonial day, after all. But the second those doors opened, I felt every eye snap toward me.

Hundreds of stares. Not a single smile among them.

So much for slipping away. Everyone had seen me now. They knew who I was. Knew what I was here for. My escape would have to wait—unless I wanted to cause a scandal and get tackled before I made it two feet.

I scanned the front of the room, and there they were.

Levi and some other guy—both staring me down like I was something filthy tracked in from outside.

Their glares practically screamed turn back, run while you can.

But I wasn't going to run. Not today. I'd already lost—lost my home, lost my family, lost any choice I ever had in my life. I had nothing left to lose. Which meant everything from now on would be a gain.

Levi's eyes locked with mine, and the pressure in his stare turned sharp. It actually made me look away. My feet moved faster, carrying me toward the altar like it might disappear if I hesitated too long.

And then, for the first time, I really looked at Levi.

He was tall, dressed in a pristine black suit that fit him like a second skin. Curls—dark brown, maybe even black—sat perfectly tousled atop his head. His eyes were a deep, unreadable brown, and everything about his face was infuriatingly symmetrical.

Of course he was handsome. He was an alpha.

They always are.

Maybe that's why I hated looking at him. He was exactly like the world that sold me—perfect on the outside, poisoned on the inside.

But still... why the hell was he glaring at me so hard?

Frank, the officiant, spoke a few words from memory—none of which I listened to—and then a cold ring was slipped onto my hand.

We bowed. First to his parents, then to mine, then to each other.

It was humiliating.

And now it was official. I was "mated" to Levi Dunham. Just like that. No choice, no freedom, just a short ceremony and a cold kiss. He barely brushed my lips, sealing the deal with a look in his eyes that said don't think this means anything.

I had to smile. I forced myself to smile.

I wanted to throw up.

—

How many damn people were in this place?

As we moved toward the banquet hall, everyone seemed to orbit around Levi like he was some celestial body. Hugging him. Clapping him on the back. Wishing him well. Some even joked about hearing "news" of children soon.

Not one of them looked at me.

Not one word. Not even a passing glance.

I didn't let my expression slip. The mask stayed on. Perfect and cold.

We entered another massive room—the dinner hall—and were led to a table right at the front. Fancy, of course. A light dinner was served, followed by a speech from the pack leader, then—

Oh, of course. The dance.

Time for me to dance with Levi.

The music started. The crowd parted. Levi took my hand without a word and led me to the floor. We moved in practiced steps to the rhythm, but it wasn't romantic. It was stiff. Formal. Cold.

And then it was over.

And just like that, I was replaced.

People lined up to dance with him. Laughing. Teasing. Gushing. And I was shoved aside, forgotten like trash someone didn't know what to do with.

I stood alone.

Just watching the party.

I told myself I didn't care. That it didn't matter. But... for some reason, I couldn't stop watching.

I didn't understand it.

The night dragged on. I was exhausted. My back ached, my legs were sore, and my smile had long since slipped away. A sigh escaped me before I could stop it.

And that's when he approached.

The redhead who'd been standing next to Levi earlier.

Without warning, he grabbed my wrist and pulled me into a dance. No invitation. No choice.

"You should smile or at least try to look happy," he said, voice sharp enough to snap me out of whatever daze I was in.

"Of course I should," I murmured, dropping my gaze. There was something hostile about him—like he was vibrating with anger.

"It's your duty. You should at least save some face."

I stopped moving for a second.

What face did I have to save? These people had stripped me of everything. What else did they want?

"Don't you dare cry," he whispered in a low hiss, spinning me back into the rhythm. "It's not appropriate. God, this is why no one is going to listen to you, fucking useless omega."

My head snapped up.

"Who the fuck is crying?" I hissed through clenched teeth, glaring up at him. My whole body was shaking with rage.

He faltered.

"You—"

"Come, it's time to leave," a deeper voice cut through, calm and dangerous. A hand settled on my shoulder, halting the dance.

My blood ran cold.

Right. I had to leave with him.

Levi.

The redhead—Charlie—tightened his grip on my wrist for just a second before I managed to respond.

"Su-sure, let's go," I said, my voice unsteady.

I tried to pull away, but Charlie's hand wouldn't let go. Not until Levi spoke again.

"Charlie, just let it go today. I'm tired enough."

Charlie exhaled, slow and deliberate. "Of course. I wish you two much success together."

His words were really a death sentence.

Then he disappeared into the crowd.

Levi didn't say anything else. He just turned and stalked toward the exit, his shoulders tense with restrained fury. I followed behind, quiet, submissive. What else could I do?

We walked through endless corridors, past polished wood and glowing chandeliers, past doors I couldn't even count. Finally, we stopped in front of two massive, ornate doors that stood taller than the rest.

From the window beside them... I could see the edge of the territory.

So close.

Freedom was so fucking close.

This was the best and worst day of my life.