Three years ago, Rowan Stewart was gifted to the infamous Alpha of Red Moon as one of his pleasure servants—a brutal tradition cloaked in civility, where beauty is bartered for peace. The Alpha, powerful and feared, accepted her without question, despite already having two wives. For Rowan, life in the Red Moon Pack was tolerable,lavish, but hollow. She kept her head down, grateful that her obedience spared her family’s lives, even if her own freedom was quietly buried. But everything changes the day she discovers she’s pregnant,with the Alpha’s child. The news detonates through the pack like wildfire. This isn’t just a scandal,it’s a miracle. Or a lie. Because Alpha Kael was cursed by a witch a to never bear an heir. Infertile. Doomed. Now Rowan stands at the center of a storm,accused of deception, targeted by the Alpha’s jealous wives, and caught in a web of ancient curses, pack politics, and dangerous truths. Some believe she carries hope. Others believe she’s a threat. And Kael himself? No one knows if he’ll claim the child... or kill them both. What began as survival has become something far more treacherous. Because if the curse is broken… Then Rowan Stewart may be carrying more than just a child— She may be carrying the future of the Red Moon Pack.
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I dont wake him up—I never do. I wait. And when he wakes, I bow, avert my gaze, and remain silent until he leaves. Then, I wonder when he’ll come again. I head to the bathroom to freshen up. The girl staring back at me in the mirror looks like a mess. Grabbing my brush from the cabinet, I quickly run it through my hair. I keep it long because that’s what the Alpha prefers. We all do. There are three of us, and I’m the least visited. Perrie says he only comes to me out of obligation, a reminder that I was given to him as a gift. In three years, he’s only laid with me five times,twice in the past two months. Zelma claims he was angered when he found out I wasn’t a virgin. I don’t believe her, though. I remember that night. He didn’t seem particularly interested in me, and his indifference neither grew nor lessened when he realized I lacked a hymen. Satisfied with my hair, I tie it into a neat ponytail. Today will be busy. It’s Luna Chelsea’s birthday, and a grand celebration is planned. I don’t want my hair getting in the way. I hear the Alpha shift in my bed. It’s time to go back. When I step into the room, he’s sitting on my bed. I bow. “Good morning, Alpha Kael.” “Good morning, Jemma,” he replies. Alpha Kael still doesn’t know my name. Or maybe he does and simply doesn’t see the need to use it. Perrie says he calls her by name. But that’s different,she’s his favorite. Zelma refuses to speak on the matter. I remain bowed as he dresses. Once fully clothed, he takes his watch from my nightstand and leaves without a word. Not even a simple goodbye. I straighten, exhaling a quiet sigh. The only evidence that the alpha had been with me is the lingering scent of wood. I hope today turns out well. The Celebration By the time we arrive, the party is in full swing. The square is crowded. Alpha Kael sits watching the festivities, his Beta, Carlos, by his side. I spot Luna Chelsea speaking with Andrea, Beta Carlos’s wife. “Kris,” I call to the nearest helper. She bows slightly. “Yes, ma’am?” “Please start setting up. I want to greet the Luna.” She bows again and heads to my table. I approach Luna Chelsea and bow when I reach her. She giggles, placing a hand on my shoulder. “How many times must I tell you? No bowing, Rowan,” she chides gently, tapping my shoulder. A smile tugs at my lips. Luna Chelsea is my favorite person in this pack. When I first arrived, she welcomed me with open arms and showed me the ropes. “I can’t help it,” I tease. “Your royal presence overwhelms me every time.” She laughs. I can’t help but stare,Luna Chelsea is breathtaking, with her strawberry-blonde locks and striking green eyes. Alpha Kael certainly has good taste. “Attention, attention!” Beta Carlos’s voice booms from the makeshift stage. Andrea lightly touches Luna Chelsea’s arm before heading toward the stage, likely to support her husband. “It is time to present gifts to our beloved Luna! Daughter of Alpha Sinclair of the Shadow Pack, Luna to Alpha Kael of Red Moon Pack, first of her name,Luna Chelsea!” The crowd erupts in cheers as Luna Chelsea gracefully ascends the stage. She is deeply loved by her people, far more than Luna Vivienne. She takes a seat beside Alpha Kael, her smile radiant as she waves elegantly to the crowd. I wonder what it’s like to be her—adored, powerful, married to the most formidable man alive. I make my way to my table as Beta Carlos continues speaking. The setup is perfect, and I make a mental note to thank Kris later. “What did you get the Luna?” Perrie whispers, standing beside me as high-ranking pack members step forward to present their gifts. “Something small but meaningful,” I reply, not giving anything away. “Always so secretive, Row,” Zelma remarks, joining us. “She’s just like a Luna,a lady of few words,” Perrie adds. “Or maybe she thinks she’s one because she’s fucking the Alpha,” Zelma quips, a little too loudly. They both giggle. I say nothing. Their taunts don’t bother me anymore,I learned early on that giving Zelma a reaction only makes her push further. “Get ready, ladies,” Zelma instructs. “After the lady’s maids, it’s our turn.” Since she’s been here the longest, she naturally takes charge. I don’t argue. “Presenting their gratitude to our Luna,the Alpha’s Comfort Servants.” The term is more palatable for the children present. Every adult knows the kind of comfort we provide. Zelma leads, Perrie follows, and I walk just behind them. We stand before the Alpha and his Lunas. Luna Vivienne regards us with disgust. Alpha Kael looks indifferent. “Luna Chelsea, it has been my pleasure to serve under you,” Zelma declares, voice bright with enthusiasm. “As a token of my appreciation, I present this gift.” A servant rushes forward, carrying a velvet box. Zelma opens it, revealing a dazzling diamond necklace. Luna Chelsea smiles, nodding her approval as a servant collects the gift. Next, Perrie steps forward. “Luna Chelsea, I have found you something truly unique.” A second servant presents a small bottle. “This perfume lasts an entire day. And that’s not even the best part,it brings good luck to whoever wears it.” Another approving nod. Then, it’s my turn. No servants rush to me,my gift is in my purse. I pull it out swiftly. “Luna Chelsea, you are a dear friend. Two things I admire most about you are your love for nature, especially the oak tree,and your faith in our goddess.” I hold up my offering. “I sculpted this by hand from the wood of the oak tree you always sit under,a statue of our goddess.” Luna Chelsea lets out a delighted squeal, immediately rushing toward me and pulling me into a tight hug. Her words are muffled by her tears. She pulls back, a maid dabbing at her face. “Oh, Rowan, you know me so well. I love it.” I want to thank her. I want to tell her how much her friendship means to me. But I can’t. Because everything goes black.Rowan's povThe moment Beta Carlos parks in front of the Alpha’s estate, I’m out of the car before he even shifts to neutral. My heart drums violently in my chest, but it's not from fear,it's fury. Betrayal.I ignore the guards stationed outside Kael’s door. One of them steps forward, murmuring something about clearance, but one look at my face and he freezes in place. Good. Let them try to stop me. Let them all watch.I storm through the entry hall, boots echoing off marble floors, the silence of the estate shattering beneath the weight of my wrath. I don’t bother knocking on the office door. I push it open with both hands, hard enough that it hits the wall behind it with a crack.Kael is seated behind his massive desk, a map of the outer borderlands spread before him. Two beta warriors flank him on either side, standing at attention.He looks up, unbothered by my sudden arrival. “Out,” he says simply, without looking at the warriors. They hesitate for half a second before nodding an
Rowan's POVFive days have passed since the Moonlight Dance Festival,I’m officially assigned a shadow just after my little sparring session with Thoran.Though I told the Alpha I didn’t care who it was, I can’t deny I’m relieved by his choice.Beta Carlos.Second-in-command to the Alpha, husband to Andrea—who happens to be close friends with Luna Chelsea. Even before everything happened, Beta Carlos was one of the few who didn’t treat me like dirt beneath his boots. We never spoke, but silence, I’ve learned, is far kinder than the venom others spit.Since the announcement, he’s followed me like a silent sentinel. Every time I leave my room,rare as it is,he’s there. Quiet. Unassuming. Stoic, with the same unreadable expression his Alpha wears like armor. I’ve only left for the kitchen or to wander the gardens, but he’s always a few steps behind.Today, though, I need more than air.I need answers.For three days, I’ve tried to recreate that strange surge of power I felt during the fes
Rowan's POV I hadn’t stepped outside in two days.I told myself I was recovering. Resting. Healing.But really, I was hiding.It felt safe here. No Lunas. No Alpha Kael. No whispers behind my back. No sharp-eyed elders wondering why I was still breathing.Just me, my thoughts, and my books.So when Thessaly burst in that morning, all heat and impatience, I was less than pleased.She didn’t knock. Just opened my door and scowled at me like I’d offended her personally. “You look like a ghost.”I blinked up at her from beneath the blanket. “Nice to see you too.”She dropped a bundle of clothes on the bed. “Get up. You’re coming with me.”“No,” I said immediately, pulling the blanket tighter. “I’m not.”She crossed her arms. “You’ve been in here for two full days. Staring at walls. Breathing like an old woman. It’s pathetic.”“Thanks for the pep talk.”“I’m serious.” She sat on the edge of the cot, her voice dropping. “Rowan, you were poisoned. Someone tried to kill your baby. You don’t
Kael’s POVThe scent of howler’s bane still clings to my coat. Subtle. Bitter. Laced with cowardice.I should’ve torn the damn festival apart the moment I saw Rowan’s pale face. Should’ve forced every wolf to shift and sniff out the traitor,the one who dared to challenge me.But panic is weakness, and I can’t afford that. Not now. Not with her safety hanging by a thread.I walk into the council chamber like a storm. The Elders are already gathered, cloaked in their smug calmness, seated at the crescent table like they own the bones of this pack. Some frown, clearly hungover and irritated I dragged them out of bed so early after the festival.Elder Thera sits stiffly upright, her eyes flicking briefly to the space beside me,as if expecting Rowan.Elder Marros leans back, fingers steepled beneath his chin. Ever the patient serpent.“Alpha,” Thera begins, her voice smooth, rehearsed. “We received word you called for an emergency—”“Someone tried to poison Rowan,” I cut in, voice cold as
Rowan's povMy heart hammers in my chest as Thessaly disappears into the crowd to find the Alpha.How fast does the poison work?Did I drink enough to hurt myself?Did I drink enough to hurt... my baby?The thought slams into me, sharp and breath-stealing.My baby.Whatever the reason for this child’s existence,whatever fate or accident brought it into me,it doesn’t matter. I already love it with my whole heart.It’s mine.And I’d die to protect it.A fierce, aching love bursts through my chest. I press a trembling hand to my stomach.Please, Moon Goddess, I beg silently, don’t take this away from me. Don’t let anything happen to my baby.Tears sting my eyes. My wolf paces restlessly inside me, snarling for answers.Then I see them;Thessaly, weaving urgently through the crowd, and behind her… Alpha Kael, face carved from stone.“Are you alright?” Thessaly reaches me first, her hand cool against my forehead. “No fever.”The Alpha steps forward, expression unreadable.“We need to get yo
Rowan's povThe Moonlight dance Festival. A night meant to honor the Goddess and celebrate the full bloom of spring. A night of music, lanterns, laughter,and masks. Fitting, I think, considering how many people in this pack wear one every day.Including me.Thessaly clasps the final hook at the back of my gown, and I barely recognize the woman staring back at me in the mirror.The dress is a shade of deep charteuse, but under the lantern light it will shimmer with hints of gold and emerald. The fabric clings to me like silk and spills into a gentle flare just past my hips. Bare shoulders, a low back, and slits on both sides that flirt with every step. I haven’t worn anything this daring in my life.My hair, usually tied in a tight ponytail or braided out of convenience, flows around my shoulders in soft waves. Thessaly had insisted on weaving tiny threads of silver into the strands, catching the light with every movement. A crescent-moon clip holds one side in place, revealing a sharp
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