Chapter 4

By the time I woke up, it was the next day.

My wolf wasn't damaged, and I was so thankful that my pup had also managed to survive the fatal attack. I could sense him resting safely inside me.

I used my blood bond and successfully reached my parents.

They were relieved to hear from me, but when they learned what I'd gone through last night, Father was furious. He said he'd leave immediately and come here himself to take me and the pup home.

Tonight was Ivan and Iris' bonding ceremony.

I had no interest in anything they were doing anymore. I just wanted to leave as soon as the ceremony was over.

I had nothing to take with me. Even if I did, the love and memories I'd built over those five years had already been ruined a few days ago.

After night fell, the guards outside suddenly barged in and grabbed my arm.

"You sure are lucky. The previous Alpha wants you to join him at the bonding ceremony."

The Alpha he mentioned was Ivan's father, Wilder Attridge.

I felt uneasy, but the Wolfsbane from yesterday had weakened me significantly. I couldn't risk fighting them when I had my pup to protect.

The guards rushed in, grabbed my arm, and dragged me into the main hall where the bonding ceremony was taking place.

The hall was filled with flowers, and moonlight streamed through the tall windows onto the platform. Ivan and Iris stood side by side, looking almost holy.

An old, imposing wolf stepped out of the crowd with his cane and looked down at me. "So you're Chloe, the one who tried to cling to Ivan? You're the one who seduced him and kept him away from the pack for five whole years."

The guests cast strange looks my way.

"That's her? Some lowly she-wolf who abandoned her own pack, and now she thinks she can join ours?"

"How ridiculous. I've never seen such a shameless wolf."

Wilder gave me a cold, hard stare. "Since you've come to my pack, you're my guest. I'll make sure you're treated well. Tonight is Ivan and Iris' bonding ceremony. Shouldn't you offer them a few blessings as well?"

Ivan spotted me then. He came down from the platform, looking at me with a tense, confused expression. "Chloe? What are you doing here?"

Wilder snorted in contempt. "Shut up. Don't forget that you're the Alpha of the Moonveil pack now. You have a Luna."

Ivan paused and looked at me, reassurance and apology in his eyes.

It was only a few days ago that I believed he would stand by me no matter what. Now, I could only laugh at how foolish I'd been.

"I can take you into our pack and provide protection, but in return, you must swear here and now that you will never come between Ivan and Iris. And today, you'll mate with a pack member I choose."

Ivan cried out anxiously, "Father, you can't do this!"

He tried to come forward, but Iris immediately grabbed his hand. Her eyes were red as she pleaded with him, "Ivan, don't forget. This is our bonding ceremony."

Ivan froze.

Wilder waved his hand, and a ferocious-looking, disheveled wolf approached and reached out to touch me.

At the same time, a commotion came from outside, growing louder as it drew closer.

Several guards who had been patrolling outside rushed in and reported in a panic, "The Alpha King of the 13 Wolf pack is here!"

Everyone was stunned. Wilder burst into laughter, clearly delighted. "Great! Alpha King Gareth has come all this way to give us his blessing! All the tributes our two packs had sent to the 13 Wolf pack over the years have finally paid off!"

His face lit up as he ordered, "Quick! Go welcome Alpha King Gareth!"

Everyone's face brightened at once, as if his arrival had brought them honor already. They rushed forward and lined up on both sides, eager to see the man who possessed the purest bloodline and greatest power among the werewolves, hoping for his blessing and favor.

Iris was already lost in a dream of power and influence. She acted as if she'd suddenly won the favor of the highest power and become part of the nobility. With her arm linked through Ivan's, she walked to the front of the line, a smug smile on her face.

I stood at the back of the group, feeling my family's familiar presence getting closer. I missed them terribly, but I was nervous too.

After all, it had been five years since I'd seen my parents. I couldn't help but wonder how they would react when they saw me again.

Just then, Iris seemed to remember something and swiveled around to look at me. "Why is this bitch still here? Take her away! Don't let her embarrass me in front of Alpha King Gareth!"

Her people immediately came over. One of them pressed down hard on my back and shoved me to the ground.

My knees slammed into the floor, my arms pinned behind me as pain shot through my entire body.

A commanding wolf howl rang out. The Alpha King of the 13 Wolf pack burst through the door with his army.

Everything fell silent as I raised my head, humiliated, and met Father's gaze.