MasukNothing could have quite prepared me for the Alpha King's victory ball. Crystal chandeliers scattered light like fallen stars, and silk banners danced in the gentle breeze. Every allied territory had sent their finest—everyone dressed to the nines. We were here to honor those who'd protected and def
But the highlight of the whole evening? Watching Raymond get recognized for stepping up when it mattered most. He approached Aurora and me afterward with genuine warmth. No leftover bitterness."Honestly, congratulations," he said, grinning from ear to ear. "You two show that love and leadership can
Kane POVTwo months of proper courtship had changed everything between Aurora and me. The frantic, terror-fueled push and pull that once defined us was finally gone. What grew in its place felt solid. Real. Like something we'd actually chosen instead of stumbled into during a crisis.I courted Auror
Following my honest conversation with Raymond in the library, the divorce proceedings moved faster than I'd expected. Filing those papers? I'd held my breath for weeks—finally I could exhale properly.I signed my name with a heart that felt both heavy and resolved, officially ending a marriage that
"You feeling sick or something, Alpha?" Elizabeth asked when I turned down wine at a celebration dinner. She organized most of our social events—always trying to get everyone together for one party or another."Never felt clearer in my life," I told her, raising my water glass instead of reaching fo
Kane's POVGetting home was torture. Every damn mile reminded me of the mess I'd made with Aurora. Part of me wanted to whip my car around and grovel at her feet.But I couldn't. Not yet.First, I had to prove I deserved another shot.My territory looked like complete hell when I finally arrived. Mo
"Where we go from here," I repeated flatly. "You mean the contract marriage that will make me a shell while you live happily ever after with Giana?"He winced, but didn't deny it. "I need time, Aurora. Time to secure my position as Alpha. Once I have full control, I can change things, protect Giana
The antiseptic smell of the hospital room wrinkled my nose as I regained consciousness. A dull throb pulsed at my temple, and when I reached up, I felt a bandage. Memories before I blacked out rushed back—the ring shopping, Raymond and Giana, the confrontation, and then pain.A soft shuffling sound
The atmosphere grew awkward as Raymond disappeared after Giana. Everyone was staring at me, whispering among themselves. The humiliation burned through me like fire, making it hard to breathe. First Raymond had abandoned me at our engagement celebration, and now he'd publicly shoved me aside to chas
"Who wouldn't want a perfect Luna like Aurora?" Kane casually remarked. Then, turning to me, he added with that infuriating smirk, "Once you become Luna, our packs will have plenty of business to discuss."I watched as Giana's face crumpled, tears welling in her eyes before she burst into sobs. With







