Chapter 5

Freya's POV:

"Sign it."

That was all Alpha Lucien said over 18 hours ago, as he pushed the contract across the table at me.

And like a fool, I signed it.

Now here I was, locked in this room that felt more like a prison, questioning every damn decision that led me here. My thoughts kept drifting to the contract I had signed less than twenty-four hours ago, wondering if I had just screwed myself over in the most spectacular way.

Was this part of Lucien's plan all along? Or had I just made the biggest mistake of my life?

Fuck it. I groaned and flopped back onto the bed, dragging a pillow over my face.

How was I supposed to face Kaiden when we finally met again?

I could already imagine the look on his face, the way his eyes would widen with that perfect mixture of shock and guilt.

Would he stutter? Would he try to apologize? Would he finally realize how deeply he’d hurt me?

A part of me wanted that. No—needed it. I wanted him to look at me and regret every cruel thing he ever said. But another part of me was scared that Theron would turn his back on me when he found out that I once had a relationship with his son.

What if this all blew up in my face?

My breath caught in my throat just as the door creaked open. I shot upright, scrambling to compose myself.

Alpha Theron stepped in. "Freya.” He said, with a warm smile. "We’ll be hosting a welcome party tonight. My son is returning with his mate."

My mouth parted slightly, but I forced it closed. I blinked quickly, shoved every last ounce of fear behind a fake smile, and nodded. “That’s wonderful news,” I said, my voice sounding weirdly distant even to me.

“A maid will be up shortly to help you get ready.” He continued. “I’ve arranged a dress for you. I want you to look stunning when I introduce you to the pack as my chosen Luna.”

As soon as he left, I collapsed back on the bed. Everything was moving way too fast.

First, the contract, now a party, and then what? Was I supposed to parade myself around in front of Kaiden like I didn’t remember every moment we spent together?

Suddenly, there was a knock followed by the sound of footsteps. Three maids entered, each holding a black dress with silver heels, a box of high-end makeup, and a velvet case of jewelry.

Already knowing why they were here, I didn't hesitate to let them work on me after taking a quick shower. I let them curl and pack my hair up, then apply makeup on me, followed by helping me into the dress that hugged my curves perfectly, and finally, the silver heel was slipped on.

Afterwards, they clasped diamond earrings onto my ears, looped a silver bracelet around my wrist, and finally secured the Bulgari necklace around my throat.

That’s when I heard his voice again.

“Beautiful.”

I turned.

And for the first time, I looked at Theron, who stood by the door dressed in all black. The dress shirt fitted perfectly over broad shoulders, black pants, and silver cufflinks.

He looked... devastating.

He walked toward me, offered his hand, and I slipped mine into his.

“Shall we?” He asked, and together we left the room.

As we walked down the staircase together, I expected to see people bustling around in the living room, but it was unexpectedly empty.

I frowned. “Where is everyone?”

He smiled. “The party is at the Hall beside this building. Everyone, including my son, is already there.”

Oh God. Kaiden was already there.

Behind the Hall was the Pack house garden, Theron added, and he’d love to take me there for a walk sometime.

“Thank you.” I managed, grateful for the softness in his voice.

As we approached the double doors of the Hall, two guards pushed them open. Stepping inside, the music stopped, conversations halted, and every single head turned to look at us.

I swallowed hard and straightened my shoulders as Theron’s grip tightened around mine. He leaned in and murmured, “You’re fine. I’ve got you.”

I nodded.

Eyes followed us as we walked to the front of the Hall, toward the stage.

And that’s when I saw Kaiden standing beside Isabella. He looked like someone had sucker-punched him in the gut. Isabella looked paler than usual with her lips parted in disbelief.

Theron cleared his throat, and a man rushed up and handed him a microphone.

“Thank you all for coming on such short notice.” Theron began. “Today is a joyous day. My son, Kaiden, has returned from college, and he has brought with him a young woman he wishes to make his Luna when he becomes Alpha.”

Applause rang out as heads turned toward Kaiden and Isabella. Kaiden nodded stiffly, and Isabella looked like she might pass out.

But the real bomb was still ticking.

Theron raised the mic again. “I, too, have an announcement. I’d like to introduce to you all... my chosen Luna.”

He turned to me.

“Mrs Freya Reese.”

The crowd gasped, and another round of applause followed, but it sounded more hesitant this time.

Once the microphone was handed off, Theron leaned toward me. “Come. Let’s join them.”

I followed him toward Kaiden and Isabella.

Isabella forced out a smile. “Alpha Theron.” She said with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Congratulations.”

He nodded, then turned to Kaiden.

“Son.” He said warmly. “This is Freya, your stepmother.”

Kaiden’s jaw clenched as his eyes darted between his father and me. “I need to speak to you. Alone.”

He walked off before Theron could respond. “I’ll be right back,” Theron said to me and followed his son.

Already knowing what Kaiden was about to say, I started to follow Theron, but Isabella grabbed my wrist.

“What are you doing here?” She hissed.

I yanked my hand free. “Save it, Isabella,” I snapped, then broke into a run.

I followed Theron’s scent, weaving through the back doors and out into the garden.

There, beneath the lanterns hung above the rose arch, Theron stood face to face with Kaiden.

“I need you to know who she truly is.” Kaiden began. “Freya used to be my girlfriend until we broke up after she found out about my relationship with Isabella.”

“So you are the fool who wronged her and caused her so much harm?”

“You knew?” He asked. “And yet you still want her?”

“Yes,” Theron said without hesitation.

“Then you would have to choose between me and her.” Kaiden snapped.

At his words, I turned to leave, certain that my fate had been sealed because no sane man would choose a woman over his son.

Theron took a breath. “Freya belongs to me, Kaiden. If you have a problem with it, then you are free to leave.” He declared, and I paused. “But know that you would be removed from my registry as a member of this family.”