Rebecca.

Rebecca.

A pampered hostage.

That was what I felt like. The moment the elders suggested that I stay in the same room as him to “stabilize” him, I nearly tore the IV from my arm.

“Sleep in the same room?” I spat, glaring at Charles and the elders standing like looming statues by the door. “You seem to be forgetting that I am your Luna.” I spat angrily. They seemed shocked at my reminder. If I were married to the Alpha, didn't that make me Luna? I wasn't going to let them walk all over me. Not again.

“The bond is fragile,” the second elder insisted, with his face tight with frustration. “He may stir again, and if he does, proximity to you will stabilize him—”

“Stabilize him?” I barked out a bitter laugh. “He bit me like a feral animal. Marked me without consent. And now you want me to lie beside him like a sacrificial offering?”

“He won’t wake again so violently,” Charles said. “You will help him. That’s what matters…”

“No,” I said sharply, forcing myself upright. “If I’m his lifeline, fine. But I’ll do it on my terms. I want privacy.”

The third elder narrowed his eyes but they all went silent. I knew I had the bargaining power.

Then Charles sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Very well. We’ll prepare the adjoining chamber.”

And they did.

The adjoining room wasn’t much. It was a small, windowless space separated by a thick door and glass panel, likely installed to allow the healers or guards to keep an eye on both of us.

I didn’t care. I needed space.

The maid had rolled in a table filled with delicacies not long after I’d been moved. Sweet honey-drenched bread, spiced meats, glazed fruits, roasted roots. Enough food to tempt even the hungriest wolf. My stomach growled in betrayal, but the nausea that followed killed the urge to eat.

I needed to benefit from this arrangement somehow. I would not agree to be kept like a pet for emotional support. From what I've seen, I could be tossed aside when he gets better.

If they were going to use me as a tether to their king, then I had every right to demand something in return.

I wrapped a silk robe around my shoulders and stepped toward the door, determined to summon Charles and get clarity on the rules of this cursed arrangement.

But just as my fingers touched the doorknob, a loud bang shook the door.

I paused. Why is my life so filled with drama at every turn? I need a break!

Another slam echoed through the corridor, interrupting my grumbling. It sounded louder and more frantic. What the hell was happening?

“Open this damn door! Now!” A sharp, furious, feminine voice bellowed.

My breath caught in my throat. Had a mad woman made way into the pack house?

The guards outside were agitated. I could tell from their muffled voices “You can’t be here. Please, step away—”

“I said open it!”

Before they could stop her, a deafening bang rent the air. The wood broke apart and the door flew open like a paper tiger.

I stumbled back instinctively, with shock as my eyes widened. The next thing I saw was a blur of movement, heels clacking against the stone floor, and then…

A burning slap tore across my cheek. My ears were ringing from the force. I just had a slap for breakfast.

“You filthy little witch,” she hissed. “Who the hell do you think you are?!”

I blinked through the pain, struggling to process what had just happened. When I turned around to see who it was, my mouth was left gaping as I recognised her. “What…?”

She stepped closer, fury radiating off her like heat. “You think just because he marked you, you get to stay here? You get to pretend to be queen?” She spat the last word like venom.

The guards rushed in, finally reacting, but she snarled at them. “Touch me and I’ll have your heads on spikes!”

They froze. Because she was that powerful. She was one woman every girl wished to be like. The princess of the fiery moon pack. One of the most dangerous packs in the city.

“Who the hell are you?”

She threw her head back and laughed. “I am his mate. The one he was supposed to choose. The one who’s been at his side before your cursed scent showed up.”

My hands trembled, but I hid it behind me. “You don’t belong here. You are just a breeder. A scourge.”

Something flared inside my chest at her words and despite the fear I felt, I wanted to stand up against her.

I straightened, ignoring the way my heartbeat tripled. “Then why are you so threatened?”

Her eyes widened, surprised I was talking back.

“If I’m nothing,” I said calmly, “why are you breaking down doors like a jealous ex?”

She lunged for me again, but this time the guards stepped in, holding her back with considerable effort. But then suddenly, she stopped struggling, smoothed down her dress and lifted her chin with a haughty calm.

“Fine,” she said with an extra sweet voice. “Play your little Luna fantasy for now.”

She placed a perfectly manicured hand on her still-flat stomach. “But let’s see how long it lasts when he wakes up... and finds out I’m pregnant.”

The words slammed into me like a brick.

She tilted her head with a victorious gleam in her eye. “That’s right. I carry the Alpha King’s heir. The only one worthy of this throne.”

I could feel my head banging with a headache. What mess is this?

“I told you,” she purred, stepping back, letting the guards escort her. “You’re just a stand-in. A breeder. He marked you in madness.”

She turned and glided toward the shattered doorway, and turned one last time before leaving.

“When he wakes, we will see who he chooses.”