Not What It Seems

Passing by the beautiful gardens, Darina heard a girl’s cry. Moving closer, she saw a girl with long auburn hair, no older than sixteen, crying in the canopy near the fountain. Darina left Reed and Will behind and approached the girl.

“Hello, I’m Darina. Are you okay?”

The girl lifted her head. She had a lovely face, though red and swollen from crying. “I’m Kelly. Nothing unusual—just being pathetic, chubby me.”

“You are a beautiful girl. Not chubby, not pathetic.”

“You know nothing. You look perfect. You've never been laughed at or humiliated,” said Kelly, wiping away tears.

“Perfect?” Chuckled Darina. “In my teen years, I was too tall and too flat. My classmates often joked about me until I learned to love myself and see things differently. Being tall has advantages—models are tall, too. And if I’m not very feminine, that’s just who I am—and I love it. You’re not chubby. You're curvy. I'm sure your mate will appreciate your body. You need to hold your head high and stand up to bullies.”

Kelly’s eyes lit up. “If you want to talk more and get some tips on handling bullies, let’s meet tomorrow before breakfast. I can help.”

“Thank you. I’ll come,” said Kelly, smiling.

“True Luna,” Reed whispered to Will as they overheard the girls.

“You’re completely different from what people say about you,” said Kelly, then covered her mouth.

“And what are they saying?” asked Darina. “Nothing,” said Kelly, lowering her eyes.

“It would help to know,” said Darina.

Kelly flushed and spoke in a rush: “Everyone in the pack says you’re arrogant and spoiled, that you only spend time with guys, and even your mate rejected you. They say nobody wants to marry you, and your father used threats and money to arrange your marriage.”

Darina was shocked. “Thank you, Kelly. See you tomorrow.”

Reed and Will looked stunned at what they’d heard.

“It’s lunchtime. Let’s eat in the pack’s cafeteria,” said Darina, and she followed Reed there.

The cafeteria was massive—seating for a thousand wolves—and it was full.

“Perfect,” thought Darina. She tapped a fork on her glass, climbed onto a chair so everyone could see her, and spoke loudly and clearly for all to hear:

“Hello, I’m Darina, daughter of the Red Full Moon Alpha. I’ve heard many rumours about me and want to clear the air. If you want to know anything, ask me—I don’t lie or hide. Yes, I did find a mate who rejected me because he already chose someone else. In my pack, I’ve been busy with warrior training and healing duties, so I’ve had no boyfriends or flings. I’m here not because I’m unwanted but because I see an opportunity to make a difference in the werewolf community. If you want to know more, feel free to approach me. Enjoy your meal!”

At first, the crowd was stunned—but then they cheered, appreciating her honesty and straightforwardness. Many approached her afterwards to greet her and chat. The atmosphere shifted from hostile to friendly and joyful. Darina enjoyed lunch in the pack house far more than her royal breakfast had been.

Meanwhile, Darina, Will, and Reed’s absence from the royal dining room were noticed. “Unbelievable—this girl is already trying her charm on my brother,” Jackie said innocently to Kai.

“She’s my son’s fiancée. No one should speak disrespectfully of her,” the king replied. “And you, son, should spend more time with your betrothed—not just sending your beta to entertain Darina.” “Yes, Father,” Kai said, displeased at being scolded.

Jackie looked to the queen for support, but the queen offered only a reassuring glance and remained silent. Jackie leaned in and whispered in Kai’s ear, her hand slipping under the table from his knee upward in slow, playful motion. “Why didn’t you come last night? I missed you badly.”

“I wanted to sleep early,” Kai replied, moving her hand away.

Jackie’s eyes flicked angrily, but she continued her seduction. “Will you come tonight? I’m excited and ready for anything—anything you want,” she whispered.

“I’ll see,” Kai answered, without interest.

Jackie exhaled. She was losing the game she’d been playing for four years—playing the obedient, submissive girl, hiding her temper and true colours, trying to win him over, and becoming Luna. She’d even closed her eyes to him having fun elsewhere. For God’s sake, she’d accepted the fact that he liked her only because she faintly resembled Julie—and she’d tried hard to copy Julie’s mannerisms and looks. And now, the well-deserved prize was slipping through her fingers. She needed to act fast to secure her position.

Suddenly, her phone rang. She stepped out of the dining hall to take the call when she saw it was her cousin, the Luna of the Silverstone Pack.

“Hi, Silvia. How are you?” she asked warmly.

“Great as always! I miss you and wanted to come see you. How are things? Did your prince charming finally propose?”

“Oh, I wish he would. But there’s a thorn in my path—his father brought an arranged bride to the palace. This Darina is such a bitch.”

“Wait. Darina Kovac?”

“You know her?”

“She was John’s fated mate. He rejected her, of course.”

Jackie smiled wickedly. What could shake Darina’s confidence more than seeing her ex-mate? Perfect.

“Silvia, could you bring John with you when you visit? I’ll arrange an official invitation for you both and convince my dad to propose an alliance with your pack to the King.”

“Sounds great. I think we can be there in two days. See you very soon, dear.”

“Can’t wait to see you, my love,” Jackie said sweetly before ending the call.

Yes, she was excited to see her cousin—but even more thrilled to witness the look on Darina’s face when she came face-to-face with her fated mate again.