Chapter 2

The Alpha of Moonshore Pack, Lucian Parker, was shocked when he learned I wanted to hold a marking ceremony with Cillian. Nonetheless, considering Cillian was confined to a wheelchair for years, he figured this might be his only chance, and no other girl would likely be willing to mate with him after this.

So, Lucian agreed to my request and even prepared generous gifts to make up for it.

While our families were discussing the arrangements for the marking ceremony, I happened to glance out the window and spotted Cillian in his wheelchair. He was admiring the flowers in the garden.

Though I could only see his profile, I could tell he was strikingly handsome, especially with those pale blue eyes that were as deep as the ocean. I found myself staring, slightly mesmerized.

Suddenly, a kitten jumped down from a tree, and I watched as Cillian actually stood up to catch it.

My heart lurched in shock. I thought, 'Aren't his legs injured? How could he?'

I blinked in disbelief. Yet, by the time I looked again, he was sitting quietly in his wheelchair, as if nothing had happened. I began to wonder if I imagined the whole thing.

The marking ceremony was soon finalized. Later, I returned to the house I shared with Leon to pack my things.

When I opened the door, I found Susie sitting on the living room couch wearing my pajamas.

Susie glanced at me and smirked. "Oh, Madison, you're back. Leon told me your cooking is amazing, so I came by to try it. Go on and make something. I'm starving."

I pretended not to hear her and walked straight toward my bedroom.

Just then, Leon suddenly appeared, clearly displeased that I was ignoring Susie.

"Madison, Susie just wants to taste your cooking. She didn't mean anything by it. You're supposed to become Luna, yet you're still this petty? How can I trust you to help me run the pack?"

Susie quickly grabbed Leon's sleeve with a pitiful expression. "Leon, don't talk to Madison like that. It's all my fault; I should have called first. Since Madison doesn't like me, I'll just leave."

She started walking toward the door, but Leon grabbed her arm to stop her. "How could anyone dislike you? You're so sweet and gentle. Look, I even got you a gift."

Then, he pulled out an elaborate gown and handed it to Susie. "I had the best designer in the entire pack make this for you. You can wear it to my marking ceremony. You'll be absolutely stunning."

Susie took the dress with delight. "This must have been really expensive."

Leon stroked her hair affectionately. "Not at all. It only costs 500 thousand dollars. For you, any amount is worth it."

I ignored them both and headed to the kitchen, my heart aching.

Last time, Susie complained that her bridesmaid dress was not as grand as my wedding gown, so Leon made me wear a simple dress instead.

He told me then, "Madison, Susie has always felt insecure about coming from a poor family. Your wedding gown is too extravagant and will make her uncomfortable. Besides, you're beautiful no matter what you wear."

I believed him and took off the wedding gown I spent so long choosing. I never expected that he secretly commissioned a designer to make Susie a luxury gown behind my back.

During dinner, Leon asked casually, "Did you check everything for the marking ceremony?"

I nodded.

A flash of displeasure crossed his face. He reminded me again, "Did you check our names under the Moonlight Tree? After all, it's a werewolf tradition, and we can't be careless about it."

I pretended not to understand his hint. "I've already checked everything. It's all fine."

Leon wanted to say something more, but Susie interrupted him. She pointed at the necklace around my neck. "Leon, Madison's necklace is so beautiful. If my dress had that necklace with it, it would look even more stunning."

Leon hesitated, his expression conflicted. That necklace was his family's heirloom, the symbol of Luna herself.

He knew exactly what it meant.