Chapter 3

"A stranger? Selene, is that how you see me now?"

Hearing my words, a low growl rumbled in Damian's chest, his wolf rising to the surface, inexplicably agitated.

I answered calmly, "My pack allegiance is my own choice. Regardless of the life I'm living now, I find it fulfilling, and I certainly don't think I'm 'letting myself go.' You should save your pity for a rogue who actually needs it."

He clenched his fist around the crest, his jawline as sharp as a blade.

Aria sensed the shift in his mood. She walked to Damian's side and, seeing the silver crest in his hand, her eyes flashed with understanding.

Though flames of jealousy were burning in her eyes, she maintained the graceful composure befitting a future Luna.

"Selene, you won't accept our kindness? Then let me offer you some more practical help."

"I know a few decent Beta warriors. I could arrange a mating for you. His bloodline might be common, but he'd be enough to give you a place to stay, so you wouldn't have to be all alone and at risk of being torn apart by rogues in the wilderness."

"How about it? That has to be better than being helpless and alone, right?"

I elegantly cut a piece of roasted meat on my plate, pointedly ignoring her "kindness."

"Thank you, but I have my own standards for a mate, and I don't need anyone meddling in my affairs."

The surrounding wolves began to point and whisper: "Selene, don't be so ungrateful! Aria is our future Luna. It's an honor that she's even willing to help you!"

"Exactly, she's already been rejected by an Alpha, what's with the attitude? You're only acting this way because you're jealous of Damian and Aria! Who are you trying to fool with that holier-than-thou act?"

Aria shushed them with a false show of sympathy. "Everyone, please don't say that! Perhaps Selene has truly grown accustomed to being alone!"

She turned back to me. "Selene, this is a gesture of goodwill, a bit of face we're giving you for old times' sake. Don't let your ridiculous pride make you miss this chance."

I truly couldn't comprehend this need to force charity on someone.

If we were really talking about standards for a mate, all the Alphas in this room combined couldn't compare to the one truly destined for me.

"I really don't need it, thank you."

Aria's smile remained gentle, but the mockery in her eyes was practically overflowing.

Damian's knuckles turned white as he tightened his fist. Finally, he couldn't hold back his anger.

"Selene, you really have fallen. You won't even accept our help. You deserve to be cast out by your pack. Then go ahead, be a homeless nobody for the rest of your life!"

As soon as he finished speaking, several brutish Alphas from the border packs sidled over.

One of them, an Alpha reeking of stale sweat and unwashed fur, reached out to touch me.

"Poor little thing, don't be sad. So that Alpha doesn't want you. I do. You smell so… lonely."

"Just one night with me, and I promise I'll show you what a real Alpha feels like!"

His filthy gaze roamed over my body, lust clear on his face.

The surrounding pack let out a collective laugh. No one moved to intervene.

I frowned. This summit was even more barbaric than I'd expected. If I wasn't waiting for someone important, I would have already flipped this table.