Chapter 2

After Grayson left with Raven, he didn't come back.

That night, Alpha Tristan hosted a party, and everyone in the pack showed up except Grayson.

We waited for half an hour before he finally walked in with Raven. Draped over her shoulders was the white deer cloak he had hunted earlier that day.

The cloak was set with a moonstone just like she wanted, and even the ties were adorned with smaller stones. It was a display of pure, unadulterated luxury.

The moment Alpha Tristan saw it, his expression shifted. He had already heard rumors of the day's events, but seeing it for himself made it undeniable.

"Grayson, your seat is next to Ella. Sit down," he said, his voice low.

At that, Raven immediately tugged on Grayson's sleeve, pouting coyly.

Grayson hesitated for a moment before saying, "Father, Raven is still new to the Northwind pack. Everything here is unfamiliar to her. I'll stay with her and help her get used to our customs."

A she-wolf laughed at his words. "Grayson, she didn't just arrive today. She's been here for months. Does she really still need you to walk her through everything?"

Raven's expression darkened instantly. "Shut up! Grayson is speaking. Who do you think you are, interrupting him?"

The she-wolf who spoke was an Elder's daughter, and she certainly wasn't someone to be trifled with.

Her face hardened. "Raven, don't let a little attention go to your head. Do you know where you are? This is Alpha Tristan's party. Even he hasn't told me to be quiet, so who do you think you are to order me around?

"And what gives you the right to talk to me like that? Grayson's future mate hasn't said anything, so what makes you think you have any say at all?

All eyes turned toward me.

Raven's tears fell immediately, her hands trembling as she removed the white deer cloak. She then held it out to me with both hands.

"I'm sorry, Ella," she said. "I've loved white deer since I was little, and I got carried away. If you really wanted it, you could've just said so. Why did you have to let the she-wolves single me out, bully me, and humiliate me like this?"

I was genuinely speechless.

What did any of that have to do with me? I hadn't said a single word.

Grayson stepped forward and pulled her into his arms protectively. He glared at me, fury blazing in his eyes.

"Ella, I always thought you were generous. I never imagined you were this calculating. It's just a white deer, yet you went this far to make things difficult for Raven.

"With that kind of temper, how could you ever be worthy of me? If this is how petty you are, I refuse to accept you as my mate. Apologize to Raven right now. Only if she forgives you will we even discuss a future together."

Everyone's expression shifted at his words.

"Grayson Ashcroft, that's enough," Alpha Tristan said sharply.

He looked at Grayson with a mixture of disappointment and simmering rage. "Before the Winter Hunt, you swore in front of everyone that you would hunt a white deer for Ella to prove your loyalty. But then, you turned around and gave it to someone else. The fault lies entirely with you.

"Now, you can't even tell right from wrong, and you're accusing Ella based on a few whimpering words from Raven. Have you lost your mind?"

Grayson let out a cold laugh as he looked at me. "I didn't expect you to be this capable, getting my father to speak up for you."

Raven's eyes reddened as she clutched the cloak tightly. "Grayson, this is all my fault. I made Alpha Tristan angry, and Ella is upset, too. Maybe I should just leave."

She shoved the cloak into his hands and turned to go.

But Grayson caught her arm, pulling her back. "Wait, Raven."

He gripped her hand firmly and led her to the center of the dance floor.

Raising his head, he looked Alpha Tristan directly in the eye. "Father, I finally understand who I really like. I don't want a mate who is dull, lifeless, and shackled by a bunch of rules. They might be poised and gentle, but they have all the personality of a wooden puppet.

"It wasn't until I met Raven that I realized I like someone bold, vibrant, and full of life. I've already confessed to her. I intend to mark her, and I want her to be my mate. Please give us your blessing."

The she-wolves in the room all looked at me with sympathy.

Even though Grayson and I had only been dating, his parents' attitude over time had already made it clear to the pack that the future Alpha's mate would come from the Slater family.

And that person was supposed to be me, Ella Slater.

Grayson's words were an insult to the Slater family and a direct challenge to his parents' authority.

Alpha Tristan slammed his hand on the table. "Enough! The Moon Goddess chooses your mate. As the future Alpha of this pack, your mate is not something you get to decide for yourself!"

Grayson lifted his chin stubbornly. "Why shouldn't I get to choose my own mate?"

"Because she was chosen for you by the Moon Goddess!" Alpha Tristan retorted.

"Forget it," I said, stepping forward and cutting him off.

I reached for the moonstone necklace around my neck, the one given to me by the Luna herself, and unclasped it, holding it up with both hands.

"I'm deeply grateful for the kindness Alpha Tristan and Luna Emily have shown me. But since Grayson wishes to end our relationship, it's only right that this necklace be returned to its rightful owner.

"Alpha Tristan, Grayson and Raven are in love. I'm willing to step aside and let them be together. From this moment on, I, Ella Slater, have nothing to do with Grayson. His future and mine are no longer entwined."