Chapter 2

I needed a few days to organize my portfolio before I could enroll and qualify for a scholarship. My talent in painting had earned me an exception from the Royal Academy, making me the first Omega without a wolf ever invited to join.

But the moment I showed Owen my acceptance letter, an anger unlike anything I had ever seen flared across his face.

"Aurora, you're not going anywhere!" he growled, pressing me against the desk and sinking his teeth into my neck. "The world outside is too dangerous. You don't even have your own wolf yet. Starving Alphas would tear you apart. Stay here, obey me, and I'll take care of you forever."

I instinctively reached up to touch the bite mark he had left, feeling a sharp sting in my chest.

"So she's the orphan you adopted?"

As the flashback ended, a sharp female voice rang out from behind me.

A woman in a form-fitting black dress leaned against Owen, scrutinizing me with a deep frown.

Owen's hand rested lightly on her narrow waist, but his eyes never left mine.

"Aurora, meet my fated mate," he said coldly. "Julia Silva, the daughter of the Alpha of Silverstar pack."

I stayed impassive. "May the Moon Goddess bless your union."

Owen stepped forward involuntarily, stunned by how composed I appeared.

Julia rolled her eyes in disdain but quickly forced a polite smile. "Owen and I will have our bonding ceremony next week. I've moved my things in early. Could you show me around a little?"

"Do you really think I don't know what you're scheming?" she hissed, digging her manicured nails into my shoulder. "You're just a runt adopted by an Omega. Do you actually believe you can be a Luna? You're nothing but a worthless bitch."

I replied evenly, calm as ever. "Since you're already his mate, why do you care about an adopted wolf like me?"

A cold laugh escaped her. She pinched my chin, forcing me to meet her gaze. "You'd better be sensible. After Owen and I are married, you'll leave this house. Try me, and you'll regret it."

I responded evenly, "Okay, I'll think about it."

Julia was momentarily speechless, then rolled her eyes and stomped off in anger. She had underestimated me. Years of living here had taught me the art of enduring humiliation.

I headed to the storage room alone, sifting through my old works. As the moon rose, Owen's familiar scent enveloped me. His warm hands slid around my waist instinctively.

He buried his face in the curve of my neck and breathed in deeply. "Darling, are you angry? Don't worry. My heart is yours alone."

When I didn't respond, he gently turned me to face him and lifted my chin. His eyes blazed with possessiveness.

"Just hold on for one more week, alright? I've made up my mind. On the day of the bonding ceremony, I'll reject Julia in front of everyone," he said, placing my hand over his heart.

"Then I'll declare that you are the one I've chosen. After that, no one will dare question your place, Aurora. The whole world will know that you are my one true love."

"Alright."

I offered a shy smile and tiptoed to kiss him. "Owen, I'll do as you say."

He grinned in satisfaction and left. The instant his back was turned, I erased the shy expression from my face.

What a heartfelt lie.

If I hadn't looked through his phone last night, I might have actually been moved to tears by his devotion.

An hour later, I carried the usual cup of medicinal soup up to the bedroom at the far end of the third floor. Eliana Brooks, Owen's mother and former Luna of great renown, now lay confined to her bed, weakened by years of chronic lung illness.

As I reached for the door, Owen's voice came through the crack. "Mother, just hold on a few more days. After the bonding ceremony, I'll deal with that wretched Aurora."