LOGINNothing 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
"It's the mate bond," Kane said, his voice tight. "Raymond and Giana are together right now."The confirmation only intensified my humiliation. I sank into a chair, trembling as the mark continued to burn. For a moment, Kane just watched me, his expression unreadable.Then, instead of reaching for m
"A guest who's apparently the only one willing to point out the obvious," Kane retorted. "This isn't about giving Giana protection. This is about legitimizing your relationship while Aurora does all the actual work."The tension between them crackled, both men drawing themselves to their full height
I spent the day after my wedding hiding in the bridal suite, curled up on the edge of the ornate bed that seemed to mock me with its pristine, untouched sheets. Housekeeping had knocked twice, but I ignored them, unable to face anyone or explain why the bride was alone on what should have been the f
"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







