Prologue

Ashina’s POV

“Crying doesn’t solve every problem, Ash?” Leonard’s voice echoed in the Attic.

I shuddered as his voice cut through the silence I was hiding in. 

“It’s the dust here, Leo. It got into my eyes.” I wiped my tears and faced him with a forced smile. 

He sighed, climbing in. “The twins told me Mum gave you a hard time again. Too bad I traveled for work and wasn’t here to stop her.”

My chest tightened as he mentioned the reason I was hiding up here in the first place. 

“The moon seems brighter tonight.” I changed the topic. Talking about my problems only made me feel worse.

“I agree.” He nodded, standing beside me.

“Does the Moon Goddess see my pain?” A tear ran down my pale cheek into my mouth. The sharp salty taste made me swallow, realizing that was the only thing I’d tasted all day. 

Leonard drew closer, staring into my eyes. His jaw hardened. “I can’t tell if she does, but I do. It hurts to see you in pain.” 

He wiped a tear off my cheek, his finger lingering more than necessary. 

I smiled. “You're the only one who cares about me here.” I sniffed and looked away. “Even the Moon Goddess thought it needless to give me a strong wolf? You think she forgot to give me a mate as well?”

The air thickened as he drew closer. “She didn’t forget to give you a mate, Ash.” He pinched my cheek, his eyes dimming.  

I rolled my eyes. “Where is he then?”

Leo sighed and dropped, his lips grazed mine. My eyes widened, and I placed both hands on his chest. 

His coffee breath and soft lips smooched against mine. My heart throbbed against my ribcage, an electric feeling pulled under my stomach. 

His grey eyes darkened as he pressed his forehead against mine. “He is right in front of you.”

Him? 

“You?” I asked, my lips brushing against his.

“We are chosen mates, Ash.”  

“Why?”

“I don’t know.” He ruffled my hair like he used to.

“What now?” My shaky hands found his abs. Chiseled warm skin pressing out through the thin fabric of his nightwear.

He looked away. “We can't keep it. This bond is forbidden, I am your brother—” 

Hell no.

I didn’t let him finish. I tilted my head slightly and kissed him— harder. My fingers raked through his hair, pulling him closer.

“No, you’re not my brother. I’m adopted,” I moaned into his mouth.

He groaned sharply, clawed at my waist, pulling me against himself. His tongue toured my mouth. I leaned in as warmth flooded me, it was a sensation I’d never felt all my life.

“Still, this is wrong.” His fist clenched.

My chest heaved as I took his hand. “But it feels right, doesn't it?” I asked, searching his eyes.

“I have a pregnant fiancée, Ash. Our mating ceremony is in a few days.”

Kate isn’t pregnant with his child. But how do I tell him without sounding like I’m making it up to have him for myself?

I crossed my arms and looked away, a pang tearing through my chest. 

“Leo, are you sure you are responsible for that pregnancy?” 

“I know I was drunk that night. But Kate said—”

“Forget about what Kate said. What are you feeling?” I pressed, my forehead creasing with concern. “Our bond is a gift. Don’t let a deception keep us apart.” I pressed both my palms together

He ran his hand through his hair as he shook his head. “You’re not thinking straight, Ash. Kate loves me and she would never de— deceive me.” He gritted his teeth. 

He struggled to speak those words, yet it didn’t make it less painful. 

“That hurts,” I groaned as my hands dropped. My vision was blurred by the tears filling my eyes. 

“I’m sorry, Ash.” Leonard heaved a sigh and came up to me. He held my arms, locking eyes with me as he licked his lips. “Dad asked me to protect you, and that is all I will do.”

“You can do that better as my mate and save me from this hell.” I sighed, taking his hand and whispered, “Show me what it means to be loved— intimately.”

He retreated, shaking my hand off. “Ash, as the Alpha of this pack, accepting this bond means risking everything. I can't.”

“You’re making a mistake,” I muttered through trembling lips. “I didn’t expect this bond, but I know this is what we need. I need you, Leo. I love you.” 

He swallowed, stepping further away. He bit his bottom lip, as if he was restraining himself.

“Maybe— you took my care and protection too seriously, Ash.” His gray eyes went dark. “I’m sorry, but all you are to me is a step-sister.” He turned and stormed out of the room, slamming the door shut.

“Step sister, damn it.” I corrected, though he'd gone. “I am not your blood!” I yelled out without giving a shit who would hear me.