Chapter 7

Even though it was pouring heavily, he was standing tall in front of me in his black attire, which was as dark as the night.

There was something in his eyes that scared my inner wolf. I gulped, trying to shift my gaze away from his piercing eyes.

A man rushed toward him from behind, holding an umbrella over his head.

I was staring at Daniel.

Even though the umbrella was now shielding him from the rain, her face was wet. Raindrops were dripping down his sharp jawline.

When my gaze locked with his again, I lowered my head, clutching my ring in my palm.

He kneeled down on one knee in front of me out of the blue, which scared me.

He lifted his hand and placed one finger under my chin. I felt shivers around my spine because of his touch.

With slow motion, he lifted my chin, making me look at him again.

When I looked at him again, a smirk formed on his lips.

His eyes stared into mine as if they could see through me.

With a smug look on his face, he muttered,

"Teary eyes, pale face, broken heart... Interesting."

I clenched my jaw while staring at him. I did not know why, but I did not like this man.

He was both my husband's rival and his stepbrother.

Perhaps that is why he chose a rivalry with Leo. No matter how successful he had become, in my eyes, my husband was the best man.

Daniel was one year younger than Leo but three years older than me.

Daniel looked younger than his age. Perhaps it was because Leo took his responsibility more seriously, whereas Daniel did not and instead lived his life carelessly.

Before I could push his hand, he let go of my chin and stood up straight. His eyes moved from me as he looked at the butler.

"Send my condolences to your former Alpha and Luna. They must be very upset after losing the apple of their eyes."

After that, he gave me one last look before walking past.

The butler bowed in his direction.

"Young Master, will you not go to the pack house while you are here?"

Daniel paused, turned his head to the side, and replied,

"That's not my house. And I don't need anyone's permission to visit any pack."

The Butler turned silent and lowered his head. Daniel's presence astounded the guards. They stood there silently, afraid to say anything.

When Daniel started to walk away again along with his guard, I got to my feet.

When I got to Leo's car, I told the driver to start the car.

Throughout the ride, my mood was off. I kept looking down at the ring on my hand.

I arrived at the house and found all the family members were present in the pack house.

Fraser Brown sat on the main couch like he owned the place. His legs were crossed, a drink in his hand. His shirt was unbuttoned halfway, and his lips curled in a lazy smirk. He looked like someone who had just come back from a nightclub, not a family meeting.

As soon as he saw me, he gave a long, slow whistle.

“Well, look who’s still acting like the grieving widow.”

My shoulders stiffened. I said nothing.

Fraser was Leo’s cousin, but he had no respect for the family. Everyone knew what kind of man he was. He slept around. He flirted with anything that moved. He treated women like games, and he never stayed serious for long.

He’d just come back from overseas. Some said he had a business. Others said he had nothing but a passport and a credit card.

My parents had come to ask Clara if I could stay with them for a while. Clara refused.

“She’s the Luna,” Clara said. “She belongs here.”

My mother wanted to argue, but she didn’t. She gave me a long, sad look.

Then Wesley stood up. His voice was calm, but serious.

“I think Violet should remarry.”

The room fell silent.

What? I widened my eyes.

Clara turned her head sharply. “What did you say?”

“She’s too young to stay alone,” Wesley replied. “We need to find her a husband. Soon.”

“She just lost her mate!” Clara shouted.

“Exactly,” said Grandma. “She needs stability again.”

I sat frozen. Their words echoed in my ears. Remarry? So soon? I hadn’t even cleaned out Leo’s room. I still wore his ring. My heart hadn’t even healed.

Then, Fraser laughed.

“I’ll marry her.”

Every head turned.

I gasped. “Fraser, don’t joke about this!”

But Fraser kept going. He stood up, took a few steps toward me, and looked me up and down like I was something on a shelf.

“She’s not marked. That means she’s still... useful,” he said to Clara.

My stomach twisted.

“I am Leo’s wife!” I snapped.

Fraser gave a cold chuckle. “Not anymore.”

He leaned in closer to me, and his voice dropped.

“You’re not Luna material, Violet. You’re just a sad little girl playing dress-up. But don’t worry. I’ll keep you around. Maybe for a few weeks. Maybe less.”

I stared at him, my hands curling into fists.

Fraser straightened and turned back to the elders.

“If you’re serious about marrying her off, don’t wait. I’ll do it. Someone has to.”

Wesley didn’t answer. The elders went into the study for a private talk. Fraser followed, still smirking.

The moment the door closed, the room burst into low whispers.

I sat there, trying to breathe. My heart was pounding.

I had never felt so small.

So humiliated.

My vision blurred. A tear rose in my throat.