Twelve

Author's POV

"There’s an important meeting tonight," Luxian announced between bites of breakfast in bed—the same bed where they’d made love hours earlier. Summer stopped chewing mid-bite.

"Meeting? What kind?" she asked, wiping crumbs on her lips.

"An annual meeting for all the Northern Alphas," he replied as sipped his espresso.

"We’ll discuss pack security, territory disputes, and host a charity auction for wounded veterans—disabled wolves included." He set his cup down with a quiet clink.

"Rhys and his new wife will be there."

Summer choked on her toast.

Luxian’s lips curved into a knowing smirk. "Why so surprised?"

"I am not!" she snapped, lied, her throat tightening.

"No, I just don't know why you felt the need to tell me that."

Luxian smiled slightly, "I just wanted you to know." Luxian traced the rim of his coffee cup. "If Rhys’s presence makes you uncomfortable, I can attend the meeting alone—"

"No." She shouted, her forks clattered against the plate.

"I’m coming! I have to come." Summer said straightforwardly.

"Curious about them, are you?" Luxian pressed, watching her as he studied her expression.

She gave a stiff nod.

"I heard that your stepsister will be distributing wedding reception invitations at the event tonight." Luxian stared at Summer intently, as if to confirm how Summer would react to her ex-husband's news.

Summer nearly spat out her orange juice.

"How...lovely for them," she managed to fake it, acting unaffected by Luxian's words.

She then draining her glass in one searing gulp.

***

"I want the biggest, most extravagant wedding this territory’s seen in decade!" Virginia demanded with her hands on her hips.

"And I won’t accept no for an answer."

Rhys sighed, rubbing his temples. "Sweetheart, we’ve gone over this. The ballroom, your dress, the ice sculpture—it’s triple our budget—"

"I. Don’t. Care." She stepped forward, nails biting into his forearm.

"Take out a loan, or ask your mother for the money. My cousin’s mate bought her a diamond chokern and grand wedding—why can’t I have one perfect day?"

"Be reasonable," Rhys snapped, voice rising.

"Reasonable?" She shoved against his chest.

"You promised me no compromises when you proposed. Was that just another lie, Rhys?"

Rhys got up and pulled Virginia into his arms, "But I’d rather spoil you for life than—"

"I know what you mean," Virginia made a grim face.

"You are saying I'm not worth it, right?" Virginia pouted.

Rhys lifted Virginia's chin, and looked at her intensely, with a gentle smile, "Love, you are worth it, every grand reception in the world..."

"No, no, this time I'm not going to fall for your ways, I want the most luxurious reception that means I have to. And I don't want to hear any excuses from you! Understand, Rhys?"

"I'm done compromising! Either we do this right, or why get married?"

Rhys' jaw tightened, voice low but strong, "You think I don't want to give you everything?"

"Then prove it!" Virginia insisted.

"Or maybe I should have married someone who-"

Rhys growled, "Finish that sentence and I'll make you moaning my name until tonight... I'm done arguing when I can kiss you. " Rhys slid his hands under Virginia's dress, squeezing her round ass.

Virginia gasped, "You...You can't just-"

Rhys cut her off, crashed onto her lips in a kiss that left her struggle. He pulled back with ragged breath.

"Fine, ballroom for reception. The roof under the stars for the family feast. And every penny thereafter will make you feel like a queen. But, you have to stop doubting me or I'll set the world on fire for you. "

"You're the best!" Virginia jumped up to embrace Rhys, she flashed a satisfied smile knowing Rhys was now truly under her control.

***

"I'm heading to work. Get some more sleep because I want you looking fresh for tonight."

Just as he turned to leave, Luxian paused. "Uhmm, I think I forgot to ask you something. How's your leg feeling? Still hurt?"

Summer shook her head. "That medicine you gave me helped. My wolf's stronger now, and I'm healing faster."

"Good." Luxian gave her a quick smile before leaving.

"Oh, and Summer?" he added from the doorway. "If you need anything, just call for a servant."

"Thanks, I'll be fine," Summer said with a tight smile. The moment he was gone, her face fell.

Kindness.

The word sat heavy in her chest. Rhys had never shown her mercy, let alone actual care. After years of being treated like garbage - beaten, caged, left to suffer - now this stranger gives her medicine, a comfortable bed, and warm smiles?

No way. Summer didn't buy it.

Every nice thing Luxian did set off warning bells in her head. Pain was familiar. Cruelty made sense. But kindness from someone she barely knew? That just felt dangerous.

***

Luxian had just walked into his office when Beta Kian approached with a knowing look.

"Morning, Alpha. Got something you'll want to see." He handed Luxian a folder.

Sitting behind his desk, Luxian flipped it open. Kian leaned in. "Everything's here. VIP list, menu, schedule. And..." he lowered his voice, "some opportunities for special arrangements."

Luxian tapped his fingers on the desk, eyes narrowing. "I want him to feel exactly what he made my mate feel. Every bit of that humiliation."