Chapter 1

Rowan's POV

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.