Chapter 1

“You barren witch! It amuses me how you actually think life is all about making successes in business.” The words of her mother-in-law sliced through the loud music that penetrated the walls of Rashel’s matrimonial room.

 

“You plan to let me die without seeing my grandchildren?” I’ll make sure to throw you out of my son’s life sooner than you think!” Mrs. Charlotte spat, pointing her perfectly manicured fingers at Rashel, who stood with a neutral expression.

 

Rashel was used to this. The only difference about the former Luna’s words to her today was that she, Rashel, was about to prove her wrong.

 

She was never barren. In fact, she was pregnant, waiting to share the news with Seth, her mate, whom she had been married to for the past three years now.

 

In their realm, any Alpha who couldn’t bear an heir to his throne at 35 years of age is most likely to lose his pack to the most eligible contender who is fit to overthrow him.

 

Rashel was scared at first, but now she couldn’t wait to let Seth know that he wouldn’t be losing his pack to Merikh, his younger brother, like he always feared.

 

Merikh already had two sons and a small pack. He was waiting patiently to snatch the Nightwish pack from Seth for four years.

 

Rashel wished she could laugh and spit on Merikh at his delusion now that she was carrying Seth’s heir.

 

It was a big day for Rashel and the Nightwish pack. They had organized one of the biggest business galas ever hosted in two years.

 

The Nightwish pack was the fourth largest pack in the country. They were respected by all. No wonder Merikh was so envious.

 

Seth was proud of Rashel, and that was all that mattered.

 

“Mum, I’d like to return to the party. I only came to use the restroom,” Rashel said with a forced smile that seemed to reach her sapphire eyes as she walked past Charlotte.

 

Outside, a lot of dignitaries graced the occasion. It was such a pity that Alpha Jethro couldn’t make it to the party.

 

Rashel had never met with the lycan king. Ever. She only reached him through his Beta, Gamma, PAs... He was so unavailable to the public. But seeing that today was a significant day when people came to get business contacts and make new acquaintances, she wished he would be present.

 

She was dying to show him the Fortis Security Network. The project is a tech integration for pack security involving the implementation of cutting-edge security systems and technology to protect the pack’s territory and assets.

 

This project will be beneficial not just to their pack but to other packs who might want to partner with her. And, considering the fact that Alpha Jethro is the CEO of the biggest tech company in the country and beyond, he was the best person to talk to about this project.

 

“Hello, beautiful. May I have this dance?” A familiar voice pulled her out of her wishful thoughts.

 

Rashel smiled sheepishly, wrapping her arms around his neck—her husband’s. The man to whom she had given her all for the past four years now.

 

Seth, 31, was the man after her heart. They had dated for one year and had decided they were meant for each other, even though the Moon Goddess didn’t deem it fit to pair them.

 

Surprisingly, two months into their marriage, they found out that they were fated mates after all. What a twist of fate!

 

“Come here, baby.” She pulled him in, capturing his lips in hers in a passionate kiss.

 

Rashel’s gaze rested on Fiona, Seth’s sister, who sat with her group of friends, glaring at her, their eyes shooting daggers at her.

 

She only smiled. Her marriage to Seth was opposed by his family, except his late father, Alpha Kingsley, who loved her like his own daughter.

 

But she didn’t care. As long as she had Seth’s love and support, every other person could kiss her ass.

 

She had enjoyed the look on their faces when she and Seth announced to them that they were fated mates.

 

Suddenly, Rashel felt Seth’s body stiffen under her embrace. He slowly pulled away, sniffing the air.

 

Seth’s eyes darkened with a sudden intensity, his grip loosening on Rashel’s waist as he inhaled deeply. The transformation in his demeanor was immediate and jarring.

 

Seth’s nostrils flared, his gaze darting toward the entrance of the ballroom.

 

“Is something wrong?” Rashel asked, her voice laced with concern as she gazed into Seth’s hazel eyes. But Seth’s attention had already drifted, his expression clouded with something she couldn’t immediately place.

 

His eyes flashed a subtle shade of green. His wolf fought to take complete control.

 

Rashel couldn’t understand a thing going on.

 

“Mate?” Her husband muttered with a low growl.

 

What the hell was going on?

 

“I am your mate, Seth! “What mate are you talking about?” It all seemed like a cruel joke to Rashel.

 

She followed her husband’s gaze, and there, she saw her... the woman who was going to ruin her life.

 

The young, elegant lady stepped into the ballroom with grace and poise that made Rashel’s stomach churn.

 

Her long, dark hair cascaded in glossy waves down her back, framing a heart-shaped face. Her deep green eyes sparked with a captivating glint that drew attention.

 

She walked forward, obviously feeling the same way Seth felt, as her gaze swept the entire hall before resting on Seth’s enchanted form.

 

“No, Seth. Come back here!” Rashel said in a desperate whisper as her husband abandoned her in the middle of the hall, walking toward the other woman as if his life depended on it.

 

The crowd erupted in a murmur.

 

Rashel had only heard such stories in fairy tales. That an Alpha could be mated to two women at the same time, and on some occasions, the second bond is usually stronger than the first.

 

Was this what this was about? Of all people, the Moon Goddess has chosen her to inflict such pains on?

 

A dam threatened to break from Rashel’s eyes as her gaze rested on Charlotte and Fiona. They had this satisfied look on their faces that would haunt her for the rest of her life.

 

Her heart pounded in her chest as she watched Seth close the distance between them.

 

She struggled to process the sudden, sharp pain that pierced her heart when the woman smiled at Seth, and he returned the smile, pulling her into a warm embrace.

 

Recognition dawned on Rashel. That was Viola. The Beta’s sister had been studying abroad since she was a teenager.

 

She shamelessly ran after Seth, not minding the crowd staring at her. This was her marriage. Her life. Her mate. Her man. She had to fight for it all.

 

“Seth! What... What are you doing?” Her teary eyes searched his desperately, her slender palms holding onto his large arm.

 

“Stop it, Rashel. “You are making a scene,” Seth whispered to her, looking around at the curious eyes of the crowd.

 

“Hi...” Viola said to Rashel before turning to meet Seth, “Who is she?” Her sugary voice asked with an equally sweet smile.

 

Seth swallowed. “Uh... She’s nothing we can’t take care of. You don’t have to worry about her.”

 

At that point, the world seemed to tilt for Rashel. Her legs felt suddenly weak, as if the very ground beneath her was giving way. She could barely grasp the cold hardness of Seth’s arm, her fingers trembling and losing their strength as they slipped away.

 

Her legs buckled beneath her, her knees giving way as her vision narrowed to a dark, suffocating tunnel. She tried to call out, but no words came before she finally gave in to the darkness that threatened to envelop her.