Chapter 2

"Of course. I’m coming to get you right now." Zander's voice sounded genuinely happy, possessing a warmth I had never heard before.

I hung up the phone, a swirl of complex emotions rising within me.

Zander is the Alpha of the Dark Moon pack, the most powerful territory in the region.

I know his history—his ancestors were once part of the Moonstone Alpha lineage.

However, after Kaden’s ancestor insulted that powerful female Alpha, Zander’s ancestor left the Moonstone pack in disgust and established the Dark Moon pack.

Due to the bloodline connection, Zander’s branch is still cursed, though not as severely as the Moonstone line.

In my past life, Zander had tried to propose to me, but I was so obsessed with Kaden that I rejected him outright.

Ultimately, Zander couldn't break the curse and, refusing to burden his pack, he chose to become a rogue.

As soon as I finished the call, Kaden’s voice echoed through the hall. "It’s settled. My mating ceremony with Maya will take place on my twentieth birthday!" He shot me a provocative look. "That’s exactly one week from today!"

I knew exactly what he was doing—he was afraid I’d use the pack elders to interfere, so he went public to lock it in.

It was a smart move, but unfortunately for him, I had no intention of stopping him this time.

"I wish you both the best," I replied simply.

I turned and walked away without looking back.

Zander was fast; by the time I reached the border, he was already waiting for me.

He wore a black suit, his tall frame radiating a powerful Alpha aura.

He walked up to me and offered his hand with a smile. "We meet again, my Luna."

"Indeed," I said, placing my hand in his and feeling the warmth of his palm.

He took me back to his territory.

Over the next two days, Zander treated me with incredible tenderness.

He showered me with exquisite, priceless jewelry.

He even arranged for the top designers to create my wedding gown, insisting I would be the most beautiful bride.

"You deserve the best, Lyra," he said, looking at me earnestly. "I’ve waited a long time for you."

My heart softened. Thinking of his fate in my previous life, I felt a surge of guilt and heartache.

In this life, I vow to break his curse and give him a real future.

The following day, Zander suggested we visit a master jeweler to customize rings using top-tier healing stones. "Healing stones aren't just beautiful; they can save your life in a crisis," he said gently. "I want you protected."

But just as we were about to leave, Zander received an urgent mindlink. His expression turned serious. "Rogues are attempting a raid on the pack’s nursery. I have to go immediately."

"Go," I nodded understandingly. "Pack safety comes first."

Zander kissed my forehead before leaving, a gesture so tender it made my heart skip a beat.

"I've transferred a hundred million dollars to the master," he said. "Get whatever you like. Don't worry about the price."

A hundred million? I stared at him in shock.

He just smiled. "You're worth it."

At the shop, the master jeweler greeted me warmly and displayed various rare healing gems.

I eventually chose a ring set with a rare moonstone. It was stunningly designed and priced at eighty million dollars.

As I was about to pay, the door swung open. Kaden, Maya, and my parents, Marcus and Elena, walked in. They froze when they saw me.

"Lyra?" Marcus frowned. "What are you doing here?"

"Buying a wedding ring," I said calmly.

Maya immediately let out a shrill laugh. "A wedding ring? Are you still delusional? You think forcing a marriage will make Kaden change his mind?"

"I’m not marrying him," I replied coolly.

Kaden sneered. "Who else would want a piece of trash like you?"

"Stop embarrassing yourself and go home!" Elena added coldly.

Maya’s eyes then landed on the ring in my hand. They lit up instantly. "That ring is gorgeous! I want it!"

"Sorry, I already picked this one," I said, gripping the ring.

"How could you possibly afford this?" Maya saw the eighty-million-dollar price tag and started screaming. "You liar! Where did you get that kind of money?"

Marcus and Elena’s faces turned ashen. "Did you steal money from the family?" Marcus demanded.

"My fiancé gave it to me," I argued.

No one believed me. Kaden stepped forward and snatched the ring from my hand.

"Enough! You're so vain," he said, handing the ring to Maya. "Something this beautiful belongs to someone who actually deserves it."

Maya took the ring triumphantly, admiring it on her finger. "Thanks, Kaden! This is way better than that cheap stuff!"

I was shaking with rage, but Marcus had already summoned warriors who surrounded me.

"Take her back and throw her in the dungeon!" Marcus ordered. "Let her think about what she's done."

Before the warriors moved, Kaden signaled them to wait. He leaned in close to me while Maya and my parents were looking at other jewelry.

"I know you came here today to try and provoke me. I know how much you love me," he said with nauseating confidence. "But Lyra, you’re too aggressive. That's not how a she-wolf should act."

"A she-wolf should be sweet and submissive, like Maya," he continued. "But I'm not completely heartless. Even though I won't mark you, I can keep you around as my mistress after I mark Maya. If you play nice, I’ll still take care of you."

I couldn't believe my ears. Was I really so blind as to love this piece of work in my past life?

I lunged forward and slapped Kaden hard across the face. The sound echoed through the store, and everyone turned in shock. Kaden’s expression became murderous. "You actually dared to hit me?"

"Teach her a lesson! Get her to the dungeon now!" he roared at the warriors.

I looked at him with a cold smirk. "Your ancestor was cursed for looking down on women, and here you are saying the same things. You have pathetic blood, and you deserve every bit of that curse."

Kaden turned pale with fury, but I was already counting down in my head.

In four days, he would become the very thing he despises most.

I can't wait to see Kaden smelling like a sweet, inviting treat in front of the whole pack, surrounded by other males.