Chapter 4

Larry's aura crashed down on me like a tidal wave.

My legs nearly gave out from the weight of it.

But I gritted my teeth and forced myself to stand tall.

Tonight was the alliance ceremony for two packs.

I couldn't lose my composure here.

"Larry, stop," I said in a cold voice.

But he didn't back down. His rage only grew. "What did you do to Chloe?"

"I did nothing," I said, struggling to keep my voice even. "She fell on her own."

Chloe lay on the ground, looking up at Larry pitifully.

"I was just trying to talk to Reina, and suddenly I felt this immense pressure..."

"Liar," I cut her off.

Larry's anger exploded. His Alpha aura intensified. "Apologize to her!"

His followers behind him joined in.

"Yeah, Reina, how could you bully Chloe?"

"She looks so fragile. You were too harsh."

"Just apologize. Don't make things difficult for our future Alpha."

Larry strode toward me, his voice a low threat. "I'll say it one last time. Apologize to Chloe."

"Or what?" I challenged.

"Or I'll reconsider this mating," he sneered. "We may be fated mates, but I have no desire for a cruel and vicious Luna."

He paused, his tone becoming flippant. "Of course, if you're willing to accept my earlier terms—no strings attached after we mate—then I can let this go."

He thought I would compromise just to be Luna, just like I did in my past life.

"In your dreams," I scoffed.

Just then, the great doors to the sacred grounds were pushed open.

The pack's Great Elder emerged, leaning on a heavy staff.

Derek was right behind him.

To my surprise, Derek looked much better tonight.

He was still in his wheelchair, but his eyes were clearer, brighter, as if something long suppressed was finally waking up.

"What is going on here?" the Elder asked, his voice heavy.

Larry immediately reined in his aura. "Elder," he said respectfully, "my mate and Chloe had a small disagreement."

Derek's gaze shot to me, filled with concern. "Reina, are you alright?"

His voice was quiet, but it was startlingly clear in the silent night.

I nodded. "I'm fine."

At the sound of Derek's voice showing me concern, Larry's expression hardened.

"This doesn't concern you, Derek," he said coldly. "I'm dealing with a problem with my future Luna."

Derek didn't back down.

He looked straight at Larry. "Every woman deserves respect."

"Respect?" Larry scoffed. "You, a cripple who can't even hold his wolf form, want to lecture me about respect?"

"Enough," the Elder cut in sharply. "Larry, watch your tongue."

Larry shot Derek a resentful look but fell silent.

He turned back to me, his voice possessive. "Reina is my fated mate, the future Luna. No one has the right to interfere between us."

Hearing this, the Elder's expression turned quizzical.

He gave me a long look, then glanced at Larry, and finally let his gaze rest on Derek.

A subtle tension filled the air.

Chloe struggled to her feet, leaning weakly against Larry. "I'm sorry, it's all my fault. If I hadn't come here, none of this would have happened."

The Elder was silent for a long moment before finally saying:

"Go inside. The ceremony is about to begin."