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Lucas, the strongest Alpha of the Blackstone Pack.

The rumors say that he is cold and heartless, like an iceberg to everyone. No woman can win his affection.

His pack and ours, the Moon-shadow Pack, had been enemies for generations.

He was also my first love… the one I had tried so hard to forget.

Years ago, I almost became mates with him, the man I truly loved, the man I wanted more than anything.

But we were torn apart. And now, he was here. Right before my mating ceremony…

Leaning against an ancient oak, his power radiated a bone-chilling intensity.

With just a word, a look, he could tear me apart.

A stifled laugh escaped Asher's throat. "Ella, darling, him? You choose him?"

"He hasn't touched a female wolf in years! Not since his first mate... abandoned him." Asher's words carried a hint of contempt.

Abandoned... is that what they believed?

My heart ached silently. My gaze never left Lucas.

That face, so severe yet filled with sorrow, had haunted my dreams for seven long years.

Ever since our mate bond... was severed.

Tonight, emboldened by Asher's betrayal and too much strong mead, I finally dared to look him in the eyes again.

My claws dug deep into my palms.

I didn't know what he would do. Perhaps to the Lucas before me now, I was just a stranger who had once hurt him, and he would be even more cruel because of it.

Or maybe he was here specifically to witness my humiliation.

Perhaps he could use Asher's shaming to crush me under his heel...

Lucas raised his head, crooked his foot, and used the toe of his heavy leather boot to lift my chin, forcing my face higher.

His scent was still untamed and wild, overwhelming my senses, making me tremble.

His jaw tightened, his gaze colder than a frozen river.

"Are you certain, she-wolf?" His voice was low, filled with barely contained fury.

I leaned into the pressure of his boot, fear and more primal emotions surging through me.

"I am certain, Alpha."

He stood, his aura of dominance intensifying.

I could feel the air solidify around us as everyone tensed, fearing an explosion at any moment.

Rumors said he once threw a fawning omega into rapids for standing in his path, leaving them to drown.

Even Asher panicked, setting Selena down and rushing forward with arms spread wide.

"Lucas, brother! She's my intended mate! Don't hurt her!"

"She doesn't know your temper, your... preferences. Ella, get up! I told you, he has no interest in females anymore. And you have no interest in anyone but me. Stop this act. Go back to your tent with your attendants."

Perhaps it was that possessive phrase "my intended mate" that shattered his remaining restraint.

Lucas growled, shoving Asher back, making him stumble.

Lucas's eyes now burned like fire, locked on Asher.

"Who said I have no interest in this she-wolf?"

Before I could react, I felt my world tilt. I was airborne, thrown over Lucas's shoulder like a trophy.

His voice, deep and resonant by my ear, carried years of resentment and pure possession.

"Ella Moon Shadow. You came to me this time."

As we strode toward the clearing's edge, all wolves frozen in shock, Asher finally found his voice.

"Lucas Black Stone! What is the meaning of this?"

Lucas. His name. The mark branded on my soul.

He paused at the tree line, turning his head. His voice held no mercy.

"Exactly what it looks like, Silver Pine."

Asher's voice was hoarse with disbelief.

"You can't be serious! She's my Moon Goddess! My mate!"

His mate.

Those words, even now, clawed at my heart.

Lucas gave Asher a contemptuous glance. Then he shifted his gaze to me, full of predatory appreciation.

He hoisted me higher, gripping me possessively, then plunged into the dark forest.

Asher lunged forward, grabbing Lucas's arm.

"Lucas! We grew up together, shared the same hunting grounds!"

His gaze implored me, still slung over Lucas's shoulder.

"An Alpha doesn't take another's mate, Lucas. You know the ancient law! You can't break the rules!"

Lucas didn't even break stride.

He merely flexed his body, shaking off Asher's grip, then delivered a palm strike to Asher's chest, sending him stumbling backward into a confused Selena who had been following close behind.

Asher fell into Selena's arms, forming an awkward embrace, the atmosphere no longer intimate as at the beginning, but filled with embarrassment.

Lucas's whisper cut through the forest like a winter wind.

"Then you should know better, Silver Pine."

"The moon is high. Enjoy your... freedom!"