Chapter 2

Kane's pupils contracted sharply.

But the shock in his eyes lasted only a second before it turned into condescending scrutiny.

He clearly thought this was just a clumsy protest for attention.

The car sped all the way and finally stopped in front of the iron gates of the Alpha estate.

The door had barely opened when a soft voice drifted over.

"Kane, you're back."

Ivy stood on the steps.

She wore a pure white silk dress, holding moonflowers freshly picked from the temple. She looked pure, obedient, the perfect Luna template the elders had always dreamed of.

"I just got back from praying for Selena at the temple." Ivy looked at me gently, her eyes full of flawless concern. "Selena, are you okay? The elders said you were a little emotionally unstable today."

Kane's gaze shifted from me to Ivy.

The aggressive chill around him dissipated by more than half.

When he looked at Ivy, his eyes were relaxed and approving. When he looked at me, there was only exhaustion and a headache.

"It's cold outside. Let's go in." Kane said to Ivy.

I sat in the car, watching them.

This was the perfect mate he wanted.

Gentle, obedient, always knowing what to say in every situation.

Good. Your perfect bride is right there.

Kane turned back to look at me, still sitting in the car, his tone returning to that commanding coldness.

"Go change into your gown. Tonight is the family's full moon banquet. The elders will all be there. Don't embarrass me again."

I didn't move.

"Since Ivy knows the rules so well, and she just prayed for me, wouldn't it be better to take her?" I smoothed my skirt. "After all, as long as this orphan isn't there to offend anyone's eyes, the elders will definitely be happy tonight."

Kane's face darkened completely.

He strode back, yanked me out of the car, and lowered his head to my ear, grinding out a warning.

"You are my fated mate. Even if you don't know the rules, you will stand by my side tonight."

Yes. Fated.

He'd said the same thing in my last life, as if it were some great gift.

But I knew perfectly well. If not for the mate bond, the one he would freely choose would never be me.

Ivy stepped forward at the right moment, understanding and considerate, and took my hand.

"Selena, don't fight with Kane. Let me help you back to your room to change. The banquet is about to start."

I pulled my hand back and walked straight into the estate.

Back in my room, the heavy wooden door had just closed when the gentleness on Ivy's face vanished, replaced by undisguised jealousy and wariness.

"What are you playing at?" She lowered her voice, staring at me. "Why did you give the marriage contract to me in front of the elders?"

"Because you two love putting on a show in front of the elders. Love going to the temple to confess." I pulled out a suitcase and started throwing essentials into it. "I'm giving you what you've always wanted. Isn't that what you've been after?"

Ivy sneered.

"You think playing hard to get will make Kane change his mind?" She stepped closer, her voice dropping into a threat. "Don't dream. Even if you don't want to marry him, I'll give Kane a surprise at tomorrow's ceremony. You lowborn orphan, you'd better not ruin my plans."

The banquet began.

The hall was brightly lit. The pack's nobles were dressed to the nines.

Kane stood in the center of the hall. According to tradition, he was supposed to invite his future mate to the first dance.

He looked at me.

I picked up a glass of red wine and turned toward the outdoor terrace.

A murmur rippled through the hall.

I saw Kane's face turn ashen, while Ivy smoothly stepped to his side, lowered her head slightly, and extended her hand.