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
"The ceiling installation needs to be raised another foot," I explained to the decorating committee. "The taller guests will be at risk of hitting the lower elements otherwise."Five committee members nodded, making notes as I walked them through the adjustments to the Gala design. We stood in the c
"Friend," Raymond cut in sharply. "You're my friend, Giana, and I won't have you mistreated." He turned to his father. "She's under my protection. That should be enough."Alpha Marcus looked between Giana's tearful face and Raymond's defiant expression, then to me. I kept my expression neutral, thou
***Alpha Marcus's announcement at dinner a week later caught me completely off guard."We're hosting a celebration for Aurora's birthday," he declared, smiling warmly at me. "The entire pack will attend."My birthday had never been a major event. I looked to Raymond, who seemed as surprised as I wa
I stared at the ceiling of the bridal suite, counting the delicate roses carved into the crown molding. One hour passed, then two. Sleep refused to come.The irony wasn't lost on me. Here I was, in a bed meant for newlyweds, alone on my wedding night while my husband was undoubtedly with another wom







