Chapter 3

My heart thundered in my chest as I stepped into the great hall. Everyone fell silent, their eyes boring into me—some hostile, others curious, a few unreadable. I forced myself to focus on the Alpha standing at the altar, his back to me. Even from behind, he looked commanding, his broad shoulders and defined silhouette radiating power.

I shook my head, reminding myself he was the reason I was here. Taking a steadying breath, I walked forward until I stood before him. His dark eyes raked over me from head to toe, and I couldn't tell what he was thinking. His intense gaze made my breath catch, and against my will, I found myself wondering what was going through his mind. After a long pause, his eyes met mine, neither of us willing to look away first.

"Today, we gather for a sacred rite in the Black Shadow Pack," announced the elderly woman officiating the ceremony. Her voice carried across the hall with practiced authority. "We celebrate the mating ceremony of our Alpha and his chosen mate."

The entire pack howled in unison, the sound reverberating off the stone walls. I clenched my fists as Jared's lips curved into that infuriating smirk. He was enjoying every moment of this.

The officiant raised her hands, and silence fell immediately. "Now, I begin the ancient rites." She spoke in the old tongue, words I barely understood flowing from her lips like a river of power. After several minutes, she turned to me with a weathered smile. "Young woman, speak your vows."

Glaring at Jared, I forced the words out. "I, Lael Slade, accept Jared Blackmoon as my mate."

Before the officiant could prompt him, he spoke with calm certainty. "I, Jared Blackmoon, accept Lael Slade as my mate."

"Now, you must claim each other through the sacred mark."

Jared closed the distance between us, and I held my breath as he tilted his head, exposing his neck. My heart hammered wildly—once I did this, there would be no going back. I leaned forward and sank my teeth into his flesh, tasting copper on my tongue. I bit harder than necessary, wanting him to feel pain, to suffer even a fraction of what he'd put me through. When I pulled back to gauge his reaction, the bastard looked completely unfazed, as if my bite was nothing more than a mosquito sting.

"Nice try, little lamb," he murmured, his tone deceptively soft. "Now let me return your kindness."

Ice flooded my veins at his words. I tried to step back, but his large hands captured my waist, pulling me against his hard chest. Before I could react, he bent his head and I felt his fangs pierce my skin.

Lightning shot through my entire body. My claws dug into his arms as I closed my eyes, a moan escaping my lips when he licked the fresh mark. My eyes flew open in horror at my own reaction.

Oh no.

That taunting smirk returned to his lips, his hands still gripping my waist. His eyes blazed red as burning coals—his wolf had taken control.

"Hello, mate," his wolf growled, the word rolling off his tongue like a caress. His gaze devoured me, and my throat constricted as a terrible realization crashed over me.

I couldn't feel my wolf. I'd thought Merlie was just resting, recovering from whatever they'd done to us. But it had been three days since I'd awakened, and she hadn't stirred once.

I stumbled backward. "Merlie," I called through our mental link, desperation creeping into my voice. I tried again, then a third time. Nothing but deafening silence.

"What's wrong, little lamb?" Jared's voice cut through my panic.

"What did you do to my wolf?" The question came out as barely a whisper, but I saw something flicker across his face—concern?—before his expression went cold again.

"We're still in ceremony, little lamb. Behave yourself."

~~~

The moment I could slip away from Jared's side, I searched for my brother. I needed to know if his wolf was still intact, though I dreaded what I might discover.

"That sick bastard," I cursed through gritted teeth, scanning the crowd until I spotted Muriel. His face was twisted with disgust and barely contained rage. I hurried to his side, grabbed his hand, and pulled him to a secluded alcove.

"What's wrong, Lael?" Worry creased his features.

"Your wolf—can you still feel your wolf?" I cut straight to the point.

His brows furrowed. "Yes, Mike is fine." Relief flooded through me like cool water. "He's furious, actually. Can't stop showing his disgust at what just happened."

"Thank the goddess," I breathed. "I'm so glad he's okay."

"Wait—is something wrong with Merlie? Lael, talk to me." His hands gripped my shoulders, forcing me to meet his eyes. I didn't want to lie to my twin, but I knew how volatile Mike could be. Even outmatched, Muriel's wolf would try to tear Jared's throat out if he learned about my dormant wolf.

I wasn't certain Jared was responsible, but who else could it be?

I forced a smile. "It's fine, Muriel. I was just worried about you and Mike. You know how hard it is to trust that monster."

His tense shoulders relaxed slightly. "I don't trust him either, but don't worry about me. I can take care of myself. I'll always be here with you until Father comes to rescue us."

A bitter pang shot through my chest. Father rescue us? Muriel still didn't know about our father's betrayal. I opened my mouth to tell him the truth when I sensed Jared's presence lurking nearby.

"You should get back to the celebration," I said quickly. Muriel studied my face for a moment, then nodded and returned to the hall.

"Come out," I demanded.

Jared emerged from the shadows with a low chuckle. "Tsk, tsk, little lamb. Don't tell me you actually believe your father is coming to save you."

His mockery made my blood boil. "Didn't your father teach you basic manners? It's rude to eavesdrop on private conversations."

He threw his head back and laughed—a rich, genuine sound that sent unwanted butterflies dancing in my stomach. I'd never seen him look so carefree, so devastatingly handsome when he wasn't wearing that cold mask.

His voice was beautiful, almost hypnotic. I shook my head violently, reminding myself that this man was my enemy, no matter how attractive his laugh might be.