Chapter 1

Kari’s POV

I woke up and stretched, blinking against the morning light from the window above my head. I stood from bed and smiled to myself.

Today was to be my wedding to the love of my life.

Grabbing a towel, I sat at the edge of my bed, yawning. This was real. This was actually happening. Titan and I were finally getting married after all these years.

A grin spread across my face, but before I could head to the bathroom, a knock sounded at the door.

I opened it to find Indira my step sister, grinning at me. Technically she is my father's first daughter from another marriage, but the both of us had grown to be very good friends.

“Good morning, Luna-to-be,” she teased, stepping inside. “How are we feeling today?”

I turned back toward the bed. “Good, good. Just about to take a bath. But I still feel sleepy.”

She rolled her eyes and yanked me up before I could sit. “Well, don’t keep the whole pack waiting. Go, go!”

Laughing, I grabbed my towel and made my way into the bathroom. The hot water felt amazing against my skin as I scrubbed away the remnants of sleep. By the time I stepped out, Indira was lounging on my bed, waiting for me.

She sat up as soon as she saw me. “Look at you,” she mused. “By the time I’m done, your Alpha won’t know what hit him. He'd be nursing a boner throughout the wedding.”

I chuckled, shaking my head, but I let her lead me to the mirror.

Outside, I could already hear the wolves singing a welcome song for me. This was it, my Luna coronation ceremony.

As Indira started on my hair, I found myself thinking about everything that led to this moment. How I had left my parents and chose Titan, how I had disobeyed their wishes to build this life with him. It hadn’t always been easy, but it had always been worth it. We had had sex for the first time a few days ago, and that sealed our bond forever.

Indira glanced at me through the mirror as she worked. “You better start popping out babies soon, sister. The Alpha’s going to love you even more once you do, you'll see.”

I met her eyes in the mirror. “And I’ll love him even more, too.”

Still, something about today had my stomach in knots. Was it excitement or something else? I couldn't really tell.

I shook it off. I was about to be Titan’s wife. That was all that mattered.

Once Indira finished, I stood and took in my reflection. The transformation was crazy. Titan wouldn’t be able to take his eyes off me throughout the ceremony.

"Thank you, I love you!" I yelled at Indira as I rushed out of the room.

When I arrived at the hall, the pack’s voices filled the air as I walked toward the front. At the front, two chairs were set up, one for me and one for Titan.

I settled into my seat, my eyes scanning the crowd for him. But the chair next to mine was empty. I couldn't see him anywhere. Frowning, I called out to one of the guards nearby. The guard hurried over.

“Where is Alpha Titan?” I asked. “Why isn’t he here yet?”

“The Alpha will be here shortly.” Was all the guard said.

I sighed, nodding. Fine. He’d be here soon. But why did something still feel off?

“Do you need anything else?” the guard asked.

“No, you can go,” I said, waving him off.

He bowed slightly before walking away, and I felt Indira’s hand on my shoulder from behind. “Relax, he’ll be here soon,” she whispered.

I let out a slow breath. I could barely keep my frustration in check. Indira appeared and sat behind me, then began to smoothen out the creases on the back of my dress. She muttered something about me rumpling the fabric on the dress.

“I’ve waited so long for this day, Indira,” I muttered. “The least he can do is show up on time.”

She moved to stand in front of me and crossed her arms. “Kari, If you keep frowning like that, you’ll ruin all the work I did on your face,” she teased. “Now smile and wait for your man.”

I forced a small smile, but deep down I was still uneasy. My chest felt heavy, like an animal was sitting on it. Titan should have been here by now. Should I send someone to check on him? No, I didn’t want to look desperate.

“Wolves of Wilder Manor!” A young man stepped onto the stage, holding a microphone. “Welcome to the moment we’ve all been waiting for!”

The wolves erupted into cheers. “Now, now,” the man chuckled, holding up a hand. “I know we’re all eager for the ceremony, but let’s give our Alpha some time. He’s making sure he looks perfect for his Luna-to-be.” He winked in my direction.

Laughter spread through the crowd, but it didn't reach me. Titan wouldn’t keep me waiting just for looks. Still, I nodded. Maybe I was overthinking. Maybe I just needed to breathe.

“Oh! He’s here,” the announcer grinned, gesturing towards the entrance. “All hail the Alpha!”

“Long live the Alpha!” the pack echoed back.

My eyes moved toward the entrance, and there he was. Finally! I smiled genuinely, this time and stood as he approached.

When he reached me, I pulled him into a quick hug. “What took you so long?” I whispered, scanning his face. “Are you okay?”

No answer. No reassuring smile. Just… nothing. His face was blank, which further reinforced my fear that something was wrong.

He sat beside me and barely glanced in my direction before muttering, “I was busy. Sorry.”

My heart jumped, but I said nothing. “Shall we begin?” the announcer asked.

“Yes,” the crowd answered in unison.

Titan wasn’t acting like himself. His energy was distant, like his mind was somewhere else entirely. I studied his face, searching for an explanation but he wouldn’t meet my eyes.

Why didn’t he say anything about how I looked?

Where was the usual warmth in his touch, the way he always held my hand in front of the pack?

Then just as I was about to ask, he stood up. The crowd cheered as he walked onto the stage. He waved once, then turned to face us.

“Wolves of Wilder Manor,” he began. “I greet you all.”

He looked at me then. But there was no love in his eyes, no excitement at finally being my husband. No trace of the man I had loved for years.

“There’s something I need to say before we begin.” Titan took a deep breath, then turned to me. “I, Alpha Titan renounce you, Kari as my mate.”