Chapter 1

I stand at the altar, my heart pounding in my chest like a drum. I'm finally marrying Caleb Drennan, my gentle and kind-hearted Beta wolf from the Silverwood Pack.

He smiles at me, his hazel eyes crinkling at the corners, and I feel my knees weaken. His hand wraps around mine, sending a jolt of electricity through my body.

We've been together for three years, and every moment with him has been a gift. He's the only one who's ever seen past the scars of my past, past the whispers and the bullying. He's the only one who's ever made me feel like I'm worth something.

As I look at him, I'm flooded with memories of our time together. I remember the way he used to walk me home from school, protecting me from the snickers and the sneers of the other pack members.

I remember the way he'd listen to me, patiently and kindly, when I needed someone to talk to. And I remember the way he'd hold me, warm and safe, on cold winter nights.

The pack priest clears his throat, drawing our attention.

"Do you, Caleb Drennan, take Aria Thornveil to be your mate, to love and cherish her, to stand by her side through trials and triumphs, and to honor the bond between you?"

Caleb's smile falters, and his eyes lock onto mine with an intensity that makes my breath skip.

"I accept Aria Thornveil to be my mate, to protect and provide for her, to stand by her side through all of life's challenges, and to love her with every fiber of my being," he says, his voice low and husky.

The pack priest turns to me, a warm smile on his face.

"And do you, Aria Thornveil, accept Caleb Drennan to be your mate, to love and honor him, to stand by his side through trials and triumphs, and to cherish the bond between you?"

I take a deep breath, feeling a sense of joy and commitment wash over me.

"I accept Caleb Drennan to be my mate, to love and support him, to stand by his side through all of life's challenges, and to cherish him with every fiber of my being," I say, my voice clear and strong.

The pack priest smiles, his eyes shining with warmth.

"Then let it be known, before the pack and before the gods, that Caleb Drennan and Aria Thornveil are mates, bound together by their love and their commitment to one another."

As the priest speaks, I feel a sense of pride and belonging wash over me. For the first time in my life, I feel like I'm part of the pack, like I'm accepted and loved for who I am.

The pack priest's voice rises, his words echoing through the lodge. "Is there anyone who objects to this union? Anyone who does not wish these two to be mates?"

The room falls silent, the only sound the quiet rustling of fabric as the pack members shift in their seats. I hold my breath, feeling a sense of anticipation build in my chest.

And then, just as the silence is about to be broken, a voice rings out, loud and clear…

"Yes, I object."

My heart sinks, my world crashing down around me. Who could be objecting to our union? And why?

The room erupts into chaos, the pack members murmuring and whispering to one another. Where did the voice come from? Who could have said that?

Caleb's eyes lock onto mine, filled with concern and protection. I feel a sense of fear and uncertainty wash over me, and I wonder what's going on.

The doors of the ceremonial lodge burst open, and a bright light shines in, illuminating the room. The sudden influx of light makes me squint, but my gaze is drawn to the figure walking through the doorway.

He's a man, tall and imposing, with a chiseled physique that seems carved from granite. His face is chiseled, with sharp cheekbones and a strong jawline, and his eyes seem to bore into my very soul with a cold, calculating gaze.

The room falls silent as everyone's attention turns towards the mysterious figure. I feel a shiver run down my spine as he strides towards us, his movements confident and purposeful. His eyes seem to scan the room, taking in every detail, before finally settling on me and Caleb.

Who is this man? Why has he objected to our union? And what does he want?

As I gaze at him, I feel my heart racing in my chest. It's beating so fast, I can feel it pounding in my ears. I try to take a deep breath, but my lungs seem to be constricting, making it hard to draw in air.

The man's eyes seem to lock onto mine, and I feel a jolt of electricity run through my body. He's handsome, in a rugged, masculine way, but there's something about him that seems...off. Something that makes me feel like I'm in danger.

Caleb's hand tightens around mine, and I feel a surge of gratitude towards him. He's trying to protect me, to shield me from whatever this man might bring.

I gaze at the stranger once more and I feel a sense of trepidation building inside me. Who is he? And what does he want from us?

The pack priest's eyes widen in fear, and he takes a step back, his eyes darting back and forth between the man and us.

"N-no, it can't be," he stammers.

Did the priest somehow know him? The man's eyes narrow, and he takes a step forward, his gaze fixed on me.

"I object," he repeats, his voice low and menacing. "She has already been claimed.”

“What?! What are you talking about?” Caleb looks utterly confused. Even me.

“She's already mated to me."