Chapter 1

After sixty-six months of waiting. My fated mate, Alpha Asher, rejected me at our Mating Ceremony for his pregnant lover, Cora. I left him and became the mate of the most powerful Alpha King, Ronan.

The next time I saw Asher was five years later.

Ronan and I had been invited back to my old territory.

Since Ronan was called away on urgent business, and I was pregnant, I’d simply tied my hair back, wearing no makeup or jewelry.

I never expected that the Alpha Ronan had arranged to greet me would be Asher himself.

"Well, well. If it isn't the pack reject, Evelyn."

I had just stepped off the private jet when a harsh, familiar voice sliced through the quiet.

Seven or eight werewolves in formal suits stood holding a banner embroidered with a crescent moon and a crown.

The Alpha King's personal sigil.

The man at their head turned.

Asher.

My ex-mate, the current Alpha of the Silver Moon Pack.

My mind flashed back five years.

The sacred Mating Ceremony. Moonlight bathed the altar.

I was dressed in a pure white ceremonial gown, my heart full of hope as I waited for him.

The entire pack had gathered to witness our union.

But he arrived with a pregnant Cora at his side.

“I’m sorry, Evelyn,” he’d said in front of everyone, his voice as cold as a stranger’s. “I can’t complete the marking with you. My heart belongs to Cora, and she is carrying my pup. I choose to reject you.”

In that moment, my world shattered.

Whispers sliced through the crowd:

“She’s been rejected…”

“How pitiful…”

“Asher chose true love…”

I remembered how I trembled under everyone’s gaze, how I fought back tears as I fled the altar… I remembered the humiliation of their curses, how a rejected she-wolf had no place in the pack.

Five years had passed.

He looked more mature, dressed in a tailored suit with an expensive watch on his wrist.

His aura was calmer, more settled than before.

Clearly, life had been good to him.

“Evelyn?” Asher narrowed his eyes, his tone a mix of surprise and a certain superiority. “What are you doing here?”

“Alpha,” a young pack warrior beside him added respectfully, “didn’t you say you were here to welcome the Alpha King? With your status now, even the royals must show you respect,I never thought you would actually still remember her.”

“Mm,” Asher nodded, pleased. “Under my leadership, the Silver Moon pack has become one of the most powerful in the southern territories. Being chosen to welcome the King is a recognition of my strength.”

His gaze fell back on me, now dripping with contempt.

“Unlike some people, whose years have been…”

He paused deliberately, raking his eyes over my simple attire. “…less than kind, it seems.”

I didn't answer, just watched them calmly.

“Gods, her scent…” another warrior wrinkled his nose in disgust. “Why is it so… weak?”

“Look at what she’s wearing,” a guard muttered. “She must be doing terribly.”

“She used to be the Head Healer, and now look at her…”

“This is what happens to she-wolves our Alpha rejects.”

Asher’s mate, Cora, stepped forward.

She was draped in an expensive silk gown, holding a child of about two whose clothes were clearly designer.

“Darling,” she purred to Asher, her eyes full of triumphant pride, “it looks like someone’s had a rough time and come crawling back.”

Then, raising her voice for everyone to hear, she added:

“She was so high and mighty when she disappeared. And now? Can’t even afford a decent dress.”

I took a deep breath, schooling my features.

The 'weakness' they smelled was a glamour, a gift from the Moon Goddess to shield my pregnancy—and the immense power of the royal pup in my womb.

But I had no intention of explaining that to them.

"Asher," I said, my voice even, "you're here to welcome the Alpha King, correct?"

They burst out laughing:"You don't actually think this has anything to do with you, do you?"

Cora clutched her child tighter, her eyes filled with malice. "Dearest Evelyn, you can't possibly think you're still worthy of meeting the King, do you?"

"Looking like that," one of the guards said, raking his eyes over me, "I doubt you could even get past the palace gates."

Asher waved a hand, silencing them.

"Evelyn," he said, his tone dripping with false generosity, "I know you've had a hard time these past few years. After I rejected you, no other Alpha would want damaged goods, would they?"

Cora giggled. "Maybe a few low-ranking Alphas had a taste, but they must have gotten bored quickly. After all," she paused deliberately, "who would want another Alpha's trash?"

I felt the poison in their words, but all I felt now was tired of them.

Five years ago, their words would have made me weep.

But now, I was just grateful.

Grateful to be free of this pack of arrogant, short-sighted fools.

"However," Asher continued, "for old times' sake, I'm willing to give you a chance."

"What kind of chance?" I asked coldly.

"Come back to Silver Moon," he said, his voice laced with condescending pity. "You can be a nanny to Cora's pup. The boy could use a healer."

Cora hugged her child, her gaze triumphant.

"Asher is offering you a place in the pack, Evelyn. You should be grateful, not putting on that cold act."

She paused, a vicious glint in her eye.

"After all, you've been gone for five years. The Goddess only knows how many wolves have had you and tossed you aside. The fact that any pack is willing to take you in is a blessing."

Asher let out a derisive snort and glanced at me.

"What does she have to complain about? She ran off over a little spat. Now that her power has faded and she can't make it on her own, it's only right she learns her place."