6

VENUS

The next morning, I am doing my archery practice on the training grounds when Mallory walks in. I restrain myself from shooting her with my arrow and avoid her. I don’t like her and I don’t need to act nice. 

“Hey, I see how much you guys love each other. I don’t intend to come in between that. I don’t think I can ever have what you have with him,” she says, and I see the sadness in her eyes. She scoffs. “I didn’t wish for this, but I can’t stay away from him because of my wolf.” 

I simply nod in understanding. I can’t blame anyone here because it’s fate’s fault for putting us in this situation. 

—-------------------------

Bronze and Mallory leave the pack to head to the Alpha King’s castle. A month passes and I talk to him through the phone, but he has been speaking less to me because of his busy schedule and I don’t bother since I focus on training myself for the camp. 

Sydney also went with them, and she calls me since we have become good friends. 

We’d talk about various things and she’d tell me about the meeting since she was a part of the plan. 

A week later, just as I’m about to head to the pack grounds for my usual training, a flurry of movement catches my eye. Pack members bustle around the house, their voices blending into a steady hum of activity. Some carry large crates overflowing with fresh flowers, the scent of roses and lilies filling the air. Others haul strings of glowing lights, their wires tangled as they hurry toward the community hall. A faint buzz of excitement lingers in the atmosphere, making me pause. Something is going on. 

Puzzled, I head to the kitchen and find the head maid Nazi there. She is chopping some onions when she sees me and gives me a smile. “Good morning, Venus.” 

I return her smile. “Good morning. Is there an occasion I don’t know about?” I ask as her brows furrow.

“What are you talking about?” 

I point my thumb at the door. “There are servants around the house carrying flowers and lights. They all seem to be busy with something.” I mutter. 

Nazi’s brows lift, “Oh, that. They’re decorating the community hall.” 

I get confused. “The community hall? Is there anything special?” 

She shrugs, keeping her eyes on her work. “No idea, sweetie.”

I bite my lower lip. Bronze isn’t here, so why will they decorate the hall? I don’t recall any important ceremony that can be taking place. 

After the training is over, I take a shower and decide to call Bronze. But he does not pick up my call and texts me instead. 

“Busy right now. Talk to you later.” 

I’m slumping my shoulders. This does not feel good. Bronze and I haven’t been speaking much lately and though I have tried to not bother myself with that, I feel sceptical. He’s with his mate in the King’s pack so anything can happen. 

A heavy feeling sinks in my stomach. Did something happen to them? Why is he always so busy? 

My phone rings, jerking me off my thoughts, and my heart thuds in my chest. It must be Bronze. But my excitement dies when I see that it’s Sydney. 

I pick up the call and sit on the edge of my bed.

 “Hey, what’s up?” Her voice comes and I sigh. 

“Woah, I know that sound. Is everything alright?” Sydney asks. Even though we haven’t been friends for that long, she’s quick to catch when I’m sad. 

“I don’t know. I just saw the community hall being decorated with flowers and when I called Bronze, he said he was busy,” I reply and lay down on the bed. “It feels like he does not have time for me like he used to. What if he’s losing interest and wants to be with Mallory?” 

“Hey, that’s bullshit. The Alpha has maintained his distance from Mallory throughout the entire time. I saw it during the meetings. But she seems to not like it and today they had an argument after the meeting was over.” 

I sit upright at the information. “What? Really? What did they argue about?” I ask. 

“Mallory believes her wolf is getting weaker because the Alpha is pushing away their connection. She also said that it would be better if he simply rejected the bond officially to finish this since she can’t take it anymore.” She explains. 

“Oh, I see.” I look at the ceiling and think about Mallory. I don’t know how to feel about it. As much as I want Bronze to myself, I feel guilty for holding him back from getting a royal wolf’s support. This camp might get canceled if Mallory decides to not help us. Am I doing the wrong thing by coming in between two fated wolves?

“The bottom line is, the Alpha is only interested in you. So don’t worry about it.” Sydney assures me, and I sigh in relief. 

“I get it, but what’s with all the decorations in the community hall?” I ask and she goes silent for a few seconds. 

“Oh my Goddess! What if he’s preparing another surprise for you? Maybe he wants to propose to you again and make up for the failed engagement party.” She yells and I feel a wave of hope wash over me. 

Bronze is capable of this, especially after the engagement party went downhill with Mallory’s arrival. That must be why he isn’t speaking to me—he wants it to be a surprise. He’s done this before, like when he planned my surprise birthday party. He went quiet, barely talking to me, just like now.

“Oh… that sounds nice.” I say, feeling a bubble of excitement rush through me. 

“Nice? That’s so romantic of the Alpha! Oh, I’m jealous of you for having such a passionate partner.” She taunts and I roll my eyes. 

“You’ll get one too. Just keep looking,” I tell her and hear her sigh.

“I don’t know. I don’t feel that spark towards anyone,” she groans. “Anyway, you need to wear a hot dress when the Alpha comes back so he can rip it off of you.” She giggles and I blush. 

I’m looking forward to the day when Bronze returns. If he proposes to me, then I’ll finally be engaged to him and become his Luna. 

A few weeks pass by and Bronze finally returns to the pack. I prepare myself to welcome him back, putting on a nice yellow summer dress and styling my blue hair in beach waves. I keep my makeup subtle, as that’s how he likes it. He tells me I look beautiful with less makeup. 

The door to my room creaks open and Sydney pops her head. “Hey!” 

“Sid!” I squeal as I see her and she walks inside, then hugs me. 

“You look so cute in this dress,” she compliments as she looks at me and then whispers, “I hope the Alpha can control himself until the party ends.” She taunts me and I blush. 

“Shut up!” I playfully hit her arm. 

Sydney and I both wait in my room for the news of Bronze coming to the packhouse. But two hours pass and there’s no news. I mind-link him but there’s no response from him. 

“Maybe he’s busy arranging the surprise,” Sydney says, and I nod. 

There’s a knock at the door and she jumps on her feet. “It must be him.” 

I smile and walk towards the door. My heart is racing wildly in my chest. I’d be seeing him after such a long time. I open the door and my smile fades when I see Nazi standing there. 

“Venus, what are you doing here? The Alpha has summoned everyone to the community hall. Come, let’s go.” She says in a hurried tone and walks away. 

I turn towards Sydney, who looks confused. 

“Let’s go,” she says, and I nod.

 We walk towards the community hall and I keep wondering why he didn’t meet me first. Does he want me to see him right when he proposes to me?

I head inside and see a large crowd gathered before the decorated platform. Sydney holds my arm and tugs me to one corner of the hall so we can stand properly and get a clear view. 

A few minutes later, I see Bronze get up on the stage with his men behind him. Simon stands beside him as they walk to the center of the stage. My heart skips a beat as I look at his face from afar. I have missed him so much. 

“Good morning everyone. I called all of you for a special announcement.” Bronze says, his face stoic and his voice cold. “It’s regarding the future Luna of this pack.” 

Sydney gasps and grabs my arm. “He’s talking about you! Oh Goddess! Is he going to propose to you in front of the crowd?” she asks in excitement and I feel my heart thud in my chest. 

“After a long discussion, I have come to this decision. In order to impress the Alpha King and make sure our annual training camp happens, I will be making her my Luna,” He says and I hear Sydney squeal while I hear my heart racing. But he looks to his side. “Mallory.” 

The light in my eyes fades as soon as I realize what he said. Mallory walks up to the stage and stands beside him with a smile on her face. I stand amongst the crowd, hearing their loud cheers, while I feel like my world has ended.