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
Raymond's voice carried through the council chamber with practiced authority as he raised his hands for silence. The pack members fell quiet immediately, their attention fixed on their Alpha and the young woman standing proudly beside him."Today marks an important moment for our pack," Raymond anno
Surprise flickered across Kane's face before he controlled it. "You were spying on us?""I was passing by," I said, the half-truth coming easily. "But her questions seemed oddly specific."Kane's expression grew thoughtful. "Yes, they did. Almost as if she had prior knowledge of Council politics.""
I rubbed my arm where his fingers had dug in. "I was networking with allied Alphas, as is my duty.""Networking?" Raymond scoffed. "You were flirting, encouraging their advances.""I was doing no such thing," I said, indignation rising. "They were being inappropriate, and I was attempting to extrica
Raymond's grip on my wrist tightened as he pulled me into a secluded alcove near the back of the hall. Flickering candlelight cast harsh shadows across his face, accentuating the fury in his eyes."What the hell do you think you're doing?" he demanded, finally releasing me.I rubbed my wrist, certai







