Chapter 6

Lydia's POV

I didn’t expect it to hit this hard. Alpha Zane. Tomorrow. My future husband. The thought was enough to make my stomach turn. After rejecting my mate—something I thought would tear me apart—I had to face another man. Alpha Zane, the infamous leader of the Stonebrook pack, a man with a reputation that chilled even the boldest of wolves. And, worse, he had a reputation with women.

I needed space, some time to wrap my mind around this. I headed straight for my room, hoping the silence would calm my racing thoughts.

But, of course, Wendy had other plans. She followed me inside, her voice bright as ever.

“This is going to be so amazing, Lydia!” she chirped, grinning from ear to ear.

I could feel my frustration bubbling up. Why couldn’t she just leave me alone?

“What do you even know about Alpha Zane?” I asked, my irritation slipping out in my tone.

Wendy, without missing a beat, whipped out her phone. “He’s gorgeous! Look at this photo! Taken two months ago when he was in Silverburn. My friend there sent it to me. You’re marrying this guy. Can you believe it?”

I looked at the picture she shoved in my face. Yeah, he was handsome. But that didn’t help.

“I guess this makes me the queen of gossip now, huh?” Wendy teased. “I’ll keep everyone updated on all things Zane. You’re fine with that, right? It’s not like you own him. He’s just your husband. For now.”

I let out a heavy sigh, rubbing my temples. “Do whatever you want, Wendy. It’s not like I have a choice in any of this. My father’s decision, my pack’s benefit. No one’s asking how I feel.”

Wendy tilted her head, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. “How do your feelings change the fact that you’re marrying the most eligible wolf in North America? Looks, money, warriors at his command... His territory’s bigger than ours. It’s like something out of a fantasy. And you get it all.”

I crossed my arms, feeling a gnawing unease. “What about his womanizing?”

Wendy laughed, almost dismissively. “Come on, Lydia. Zane is the Alpha of the biggest pack in North America. He’s young, he’s rich, and he's surrounded by women. Do you think he’d be a monk? If he gives the word, a line of women would form just to catch his attention.”

I groaned, the image she painted sinking into my gut. “That’s not what I meant. Didn’t you hear? He rejected dozens of women begging to be his mate.”

Wendy shrugged as if the idea didn’t even faze her. “One hundred women? A thousand? What does it matter? You’re a catch, Lydia. Beautiful, educated, and your father’s the Alpha of Silverwood. You think Zane’s going to say no to you? Even if he’s cold at first, he’ll come around. Trust me.”

I paused, letting her words sink in. Could it really be that simple? I was everything Wendy said—and more. I hadn’t met a man yet who wouldn’t be drawn to me, and no matter how many barriers Zane built around himself, I was confident I could break through them.

But then, the thought of Victor flitted across my mind. That perfect, Greek-God-like man who gave me everything for a few minutes and then left me in pieces. I shoved the memory aside.

What about Zane? Did he have a mate? Or had he rejected her, too?

“Do you know if he’s found his mate?” I asked, trying to keep the edge of vulnerability out of my voice.

Wendy thought for a moment, her lips pursing. “Maybe he did, but things didn’t work out. But that doesn’t matter. Once you’re bonded with him, nothing else will matter. You’ll be the Luna of the most powerful pack, and he’ll adore you. No one else can take that away.”

Luna. The thought of it sounded better each time. And Zane… Well, he was young, strong, and yes, undeniably attractive. Who in their right mind would turn down such a future?

Still, the restless feeling gnawed at me. The feelings for Victor were still there, buried deep, even after everything.

“Are you okay?” Wendy asked, her voice softer now.

I nodded, forcing a smile. “Yeah, I’m fine. It’s just… tomorrow’s a big day. I need something to wear. I didn’t pack my best dresses, so we might need to go shopping.”

Wendy’s eyes lit up at the thought. “Shopping? Oh, you’re in for the best time!”

At the Stonebrook Pack...

Zane stood at the entrance of the packhouse, his gaze lingering on the towering building before him. The three-story structure seemed to stretch on forever. He used to love coming here when he was a child, when his mother’s warmth filled every room. Now, it was quiet, a ghost of what it used to be.

With his pack scattered and the halls silent, Zane sighed and turned toward the car. Tyler and Vivian were already inside, their usual banter echoing from the vehicle.

“Cheer up!” Tyler shouted, his voice teasing. “You’re about to meet the hottest woman in the North American werewolf community! What’s there to be glum about?”

Vivian slapped him lightly. “Do you ever think before you speak?”

Tyler grinned. “Come on, you love it when I talk dirty.”

Vivian’s laugh was soft, but there was a playful spark in her eyes. Zane couldn’t help but shake his head. This wasn’t what he needed right now.

A few moments later, Tina, the packhouse caretaker and a longtime family friend, appeared at the door. With a smile, she handed Zane a couple of food containers. “For the road. Don’t starve on your trip.”

Zane smiled, accepting them. “Thanks, Steph.”

She winked, her tone teasing. “Just keep it together, Zane. I’m not raising another child. You’re on your own now, but you know I’ve got your back.”

As they drove off, the silence in the car only deepened Zane’s unease. This meeting was going to be far more complicated than he’d ever anticipated.