2

I always remembered that I was mating with Asher for the future of the Moon Shadow Pack.

Yet, Asher repeatedly embarrassed me.

Just this morning, before the public gathering, the elders of both packs were discussing an agreement about shared hunting grounds.

The Moon Shadow elders proposed several amendments based on our pack's needs.

As the Moon Shadow representative, I hoped for a chance to explain the importance of these terms to Asher in detail.

However, when I tried to communicate with him, he seemed distracted.

His gaze kept drifting toward Selena, who was laughing and playing with a group of young females nearby.

"Ella," he interrupted me, his tone dismissive, "I trust my elders to handle these details effectively. You needn't worry too much. As long as Moon Shadow's demands aren't excessive, Silver Pine will try to accommodate them."

His words sounded "generous," but I detected a note of condescension.

In his eyes, we seemed to be nothing more than a weak appendage requiring his "charity."

What embarrassed me even more was during the gathering, when an envoy from a neutral pack presented a congratulatory gift to me as the "future Luna" according to protocol, Asher yawned openly, then loudly called Selena over to ask about the evening's bonfire dance preparations.

The smile on the envoy's face instantly froze as he awkwardly glanced at me.

Asher, however, seemed utterly oblivious, his attention completely captivated by Selena.

Selena's exclusionary tactics also intensified.

My attendants, Lia and Mia, also frequently faced difficulties and cold treatment from Silver Pine wolves when collecting daily supplies. The food and furs allocated to them were often the poorest quality.

"Lady Ella," Lia complained indignantly, "those Silver Pine wolves are outrageously disrespectful! They don't take you seriously at all!"

Indeed, they didn't take me seriously.

Now, Asher was crushing my dignity underfoot, forcing me on the eve of our mating ceremony to agree to him spending the entire night with another female.

Faced with Asher and Selena's challenging gazes, I ultimately nodded.

I heard my own voice push through clenched teeth. "As you wish, Alpha."

"Awoooo!" Cheers and applause erupted. The tense atmosphere instantly dissolved.

"Our Moon Goddess is so magnanimous! Truly worthy to be Silver Pine's future Luna!”

"No wonder Alpha Asher fought the elders for three full moons to have you!"

"A true Moon Goddess knows when to give her Alpha dignity!"

His expression shifted from tight-lipped to a triumphant sneer.

He pulled Selena close, lovingly kissing her flushed cheek, his true intentions now crystal clear.

"Alright, wolves,” he announced, "it's getting late. I have... an old promise to keep. And tomorrow's mating ceremony needs early preparation."

He winked.

"The rest of you, party on! All the mead and roast tonight is courtesy of Silver Pine!"

"Ooooh, Selena's in for a wild night!"

"Alpha's got stamina!"

More lewd howls and laughter echoed through the forest.

Asher scooped Selena up in his arms and passed by me.

As his scent—a mix of arrogance and Selena's eager musk—washed over me, he leaned close.

"My Ella," he whispered, "if you'd like, go find yourself a strong wolf too. Taste freedom. I swear by my Alpha honor, I won't be jealous."

He was certain I wouldn't.

He knew my conservative nature, my so-called loyalty.

Just another way to humiliate me.

I met his gaze. "Truly, Asher?"

He raised an eyebrow. "An Alpha's promise is unbreakable, my little moon. Just as I promised to mate with you, and I will." His tone oozed condescension, as if possessing me was some grand favor.

My gaze drifted past him to the deepest, darkest edge of the bonfire.

There sat a lone Alpha, like a caged storm—even motionless, his power was palpable.

Him. Lucas.

"No need to go far, Asher."

"What?"

Ignoring Asher's suddenly furrowed brow, I stood up, my movements fluid and composed.

I walked toward Lucas, old memories and a dangerous, deliberately forgotten scent pulling me toward him like a tide.

Less than two meters away, I knelt at his feet, lowering my head, offering my hands in complete submission.

The desire I'd buried deep within unfurled, blooming around me.

I raised my eyes to meet his, deep pools that reflected the dancing firelight.

My voice was soft as a breath.

"Alpha Lucas. Tonight, make me yours... please."