chapter 16

Lydia stirred as pale light filtered through the tall windows. Her body shifted beneath the sheets, muscles sore in places she hadn’t expected. A sticky sensation clung between her thighs, and as the warmth of last night’s memories surged forward, her eyes snapped open.

Reality hit her like a cold slap.

She sat up slowly, drawing the sheets tighter around her bare chest, as if she could hide from the truth. The echo of Knox’s hands on her skin, his mouth on her throat, the way he murmured her name like it meant something—it all flooded back. Shame coiled in her stomach.

“What did I do…” she whispered.

This wasn’t how things were supposed to happen. She had come here to survive, to keep her head down, to understand the truth behind the twisted mate bonds. Not to sleep with the Alpha Lycan—especially not under these circumstances.

She closed her eyes and pressed her palms to her face. What had she been thinking?

Her thoughts were interrupted by a sudden voice in her mind. Emily.

“Lydia,” Knox’s younger sister called through the pack mind-link, her voice soft and cheerful. “Good morning. I hope you slept well. Come down to the dining room for breakfast. Everyone is waiting.”

Lydia swallowed hard.

Everyone?

She glanced toward the corner of the room. Her dress lay crumpled on the floor where Knox had torn it off. She exhaled shakily, rising from the bed like a ghost. Her legs still trembled as she walked to the bathroom.

There was no sign of Knox.

And for that, she was both relieved.

The shower was hot and bracing. Lydia stood under the spray longer than she needed to, scrubbing away any trace of last night, as if water could rinse off regret. When she stepped out, she wrapped a towel around herself and moved to the wardrobe.

She chose a soft red dress with long sleeves and a hem that brushed just above her knees. It wasn’t overly formal, but it hugged her waist and made her feel… composed. She braided part of her hair back, leaving soft waves to fall over her shoulders. Her eyes looked tired, but there was no hiding that.

She told herself, over and over again, to act like nothing had happened.

He’s your pretend Mate and Alpha. That’s all.

When she descended the grand staircase, the sound of voices drifted from the dining room below. A few heads turned as she entered the wide archway—and every single wolf and Lycan present stood.

Lydia faltered.

There were at least two dozen people seated at the long table—warriors, nobles, pack members. Most of them were significantly taller than she was, many of them Lycans with commanding presences. Their expressions ranged from curious to respectful to unreadable.

Brian was the first to move. The tall Beta crossed the room with an easy stride, a gentle smile on his face.

“Luna Lydia,” he said formally, offering her his arm. “Welcome.”

She hesitated at the title—but said nothing. This was not the time.

Brian guided her to the head table where a few seats were empty. Emily sat to the right, bright-eyed in a pale green dress. Nina was beside her in sharp whites and silver. Her long black hair was coiled into a perfect bun, and her expression was neutral as her gaze met Lydia’s.

They exchanged no words. Only a long, unreadable look.

Lydia seated herself as gracefully as she could manage, smoothing her dress and lifting her chin.

A maid approached with a tray and asked softly, “Would you like a full meal, my Lady?”

Lydia shook her head. “No. Something light, please. Just toast, fruit, and tea.”

The maid bowed and hurried off.

She wasn’t sure she could stomach anything heavier. Her mind still replayed the way Knox had held her against the bed—the growl in his chest, the fire in her own blood. And yet… she told herself again and again, it meant nothing. It couldn’t.

“Where is Knox?” she asked, keeping her tone casual.

Brian glanced at Nina before responding. “He’s in his office. There was a matter that needed immediate attention.”

Emily added quickly, “He’s been up since before dawn.”

Lydia nodded once. “Will he be joining us?”

Before anyone could answer, Nina leaned forward, swirling her spoon through her tea with delicate precision.

“Even his Luna is not permitted to disturb him when he’s working,” she said, voice like glass. “The Alpha is not a man who tolerates interruptions, especially during council preparation.”

Lydia’s grip on her napkin tightened.

“I wasn’t asking if I could barge in on him,” she replied coolly. “I was asking if he planned to eat.”

Nina blinked, but said nothing.

There was a pause. Then footsteps echoed down the corridor.

Everyone turned as Knox entered the dining room.

He looked tired.

Dark circles rimmed his eyes, and his dark hair was slightly damp, as if he had showered in haste. His shirt was black, unbuttoned at the collar, sleeves rolled up to the forearms, revealing the edge of his tattoo. But what struck Lydia most was the man walking beside him.

Taller than average, with silver-streaked hair and a hawk-like stare, the stranger carried himself like someone used to command. His eyes scanned the room, sharp and calculating.

Knox stopped just behind Lydia’s chair.

“Good morning,” he said, voice rough from lack of sleep. “I see you’ve started without me.”

Brian stood. “Alpha.”

The rest of the table followed suit in silent respect.

Knox gestured to the man beside him. “This is my uncle Jack. And Uncle, this is my Luna, Lydia.”

Jack stepped ahead and stretched out his hand. Lydia took it.

“Nice meeting you, Lydia,” he said.

“Well,” Knox continued, “I guess now is the time to announce this. I’ll be leaving the pack for a few days. I trust Beta Brian to oversee all matters, alongside my Luna. Lydia and I hope you all comply with her judgement.”

Lydia’s stomach flipped. “Away?” And her as his step in?.

He turned to her now, meeting her eyes. The connection sparked between them instantly—but his expression was unreadable.

“Yes,” he said. “Come upstairs. I need to speak with you.”

The room fell into a hush. Nina’s spoon clinked softly against her cup. Lydia nodded without hesitation and followed him out of the room, ignoring the looks trailing behind her.

---

The door to his private study closed behind them with a heavy click.

Knox walked toward the massive oak desk, then paused. He didn’t sit. Instead, he reached into a drawer and retrieved a leather-bound book. He held it out to her.

“What’s this?” she asked, taking it slowly.

“History,” he said. “Of the Blue Moon Pack. Of the Lycans. And of course, mates—including scents. I think you might find some answers there. This is all I could do for you before leaving. I hope it’s enough.”

“Thanks,” Lydia said quietly. Knox nodded.

“Look, Lydia… about last night, I—” he started.

“I know. It was just a mistake,” Lydia said quickly. “I’m also sorry.”

Knox looked at her for a moment, then nodded again.

“Yeah. A mistake,” he echoed. “I have to go, Lydia. Just for a few days.”

She swallowed. “And you’re going alone?”

“No. I’m going with my uncle. And my Gamma. I’m leaving Brian in charge. If you need anything, tell him—he’ll handle it.”

“But I don’t think I can. I mean, I’ve never led a pack. I just practiced with my mom…”

“Then you’ll have to now,” Knox said, his voice softening. “Even if you’re not my mate… do it for me. Please.”

Lydia sighed, then nodded. She didn’t have a choice. That was the least she could do for him—at least until she got her scent back.

He stepped back, his expression hardening. “Read the book, Lydia. And please… take care of my sister.”

And with that, he turned away, grabbing a small file from the desk and slipping it into his jacket.

Then he was gone.

She took a breath, eyes on the book clutched in her hands.

Lydia stood alone in the silent office, heart thudding in her chest, the book heavy in her grasp.

She didn’t yet know the secrets it held—but it seemed she was one step closer to getting her scent back.

And maybe Circe.