CHAPTER 3

Lisa's POV

"Take her to the pack house."

The head warrior's command rang through the air.

Before I could react, two warriors seized my arms and dragged me forward.

I didn't struggle.

What was the point? This was Silver Moon Pack; a rival territory. I had trespassed onto their land, death was the only punishment I could imagine.

Lucien… I'm sorry. I couldn't keep my promise.

A faint smile tugged at my lips despite the ache spreading through my chest.

When you hear about my death... don't blame yourself. Please don't cry.

Minutes later, the towering pack house finally came into view.

My heartbeat quickened.

The massive silver gates swung open, revealing dozens of warriors standing in formation. Then my eyes landed on the man standing at the top of the stone steps.

I froze.

Cassian Vance? The future Alpha of Silver Moon Pack.

He looked nothing like the boy I remembered from the academy.

He was taller now and broader. His black hair shifted gently beneath the breeze, while his cold silver eyes carried the same intimidating gaze I remembered.

Back then, everyone feared him. They called him arrogant and cold. Some believed it was because Silver Moon owned the strongest academy among all the packs.

Others simply said… Cassian had never smiled a day in his life.

The warriors shoved me forward until I landed on my knees before him.

"Future Alpha," the head warrior said with a respectful bow. "We caught this woman stealing the Moon Orchid."

"I wasn't stealing it," I blurted out before I could stop myself.

The warrior shot me a warning glare.

I swallowed.

Cassian remained silent as his piercing gaze settled on me. For reasons I couldn't explain, it felt as though he wasn't looking at the flower… he was studying me.

Then, without a word, he motioned for the head warrior to follow him.

The two walked a short distance away as they spoke in hushed voices.

My stomach twisted into knots.

They're deciding how to execute me… Moon Goddess... please help me.

A moment later, Cassian turned and disappeared into the pack house without sparing me another glance.

The head warrior returned.

"Bring her."

The warriors dragged me after him.

Confusion slowly replaced my fear.

Weren't they supposed to execute me at the pack house? Why were we leaving?

After several minutes, we stopped before the Moon Orchid tree.

The head warrior stepped forward and carefully plucked another blossom, he turned and placed it inside my bag.

I blinked.

What… what was happening?

Before I could ask, another warrior approached carrying a black cloak.

Unlike mine… this one bore the silver crescent emblem of Silver Moon Pack stitched across the shoulder.

The head warrior gestured, and the warriors immediately released me.

My knees buckled, and I collapsed onto the ground.

The head warrior tossed the cloak toward me. "Wear it."

I stared at him in confusion.

"You have one hour." His voice was cold. "Leave Silver Moon territory before then. If you're found here after that..."

His eyes hardened. "You won't leave alive."

My lips parted.

Were they letting me go?

Relief hit me so suddenly my eyes nearly filled with tears. "T-Thank you..."

No one answered.

I quickly pulled the cloak over my shoulders before grabbing my bag.

The emblem embroidered onto the fabric immediately caught my attention.

I frowned.

Back when I attended the academy here, everyone wore plain black cloaks.

When had they started marking them with the pack's crest?

Then it struck me how the warrior had ripped my cloak off the moment they arrested me.

Was that how they knew...? Because my cloak didn't carry Silver Moon's symbol?

No… now wasn't the time to think.

Without looking back, I hurried toward the border. Only after crossing into Bloodfang territory did I finally stop.

The breath I'd been holding escaped in one long exhale. "I'm alive..."

Removing the cloak, I opened my bag as my eyes widened.

Inside were two Moon Orchids; one was bruised and crushed from being kicked around the streets.

The other was fresh, flawless, and more beautiful than the first.

I smiled.

At least… Lucien would still get the flower.

By the time I reached Bloodfang Pack, the sun was already beginning to set.

From a distance, I spotted Lucien standing beside his car. He looked ready to leave.

"Lucien!"

I waved excitedly.

His head snapped toward me and the moment he noticed the bag in my hand, his face lit up. 

He hurried over.

"You got it?" he asked eagerly.

I couldn't help giggling. "I did."

I handed him the bag and he opened it.

His eyebrows shot upward. "There are two?"

"Yes. I was caught, but somehow they…"

"Take this one."

He interrupted before I could finish. He picked up the damaged flower and placed it back into my hands, keeping the perfect one for himself.

I blinked.

Why give me the damaged one? Maybe… maybe he planned to give me the fresh one tomorrow. After all… tomorrow was his mating ceremony.

Moon Goddess… you saved my life. Please... answer one more prayer: let me be his mate.

I lifted the damaged orchid and breathed in its delicate fragrance.

"It still smells wonderful."

Lucien smiled. "Thank you, Lisa. I'll make it up to you."

Before I could respond, he wrapped me in another grateful hug. Then he hurried back to his car and drove away.

I watched until the vehicle disappeared from sight. He didn't notice the black cloak hanging over my arm.

Back home, I collapsed onto my bed.

I never even got the chance to tell Lucien… I'd seen Cassian.

A small laugh escaped me. "His biggest rival..."

Closing my eyes, I hugged the damaged Moon Orchid against my chest.

Tomorrow… everything would change. If the Moon Goddess truly destined Lucien for another woman… maybe he would reject her for me.

The thought made my heart flutter as I fell asleep smiling.

*The next morning*

Before sunrise, I carefully dressed for the mating ceremony.

I wore a flowing lavender gown that hugged my soft curves before cascading to my ankles. The sweetheart neckline revealed just enough of my collarbone to make me feel feminine without being overly revealing, while sheer sleeves embroidered with tiny silver flowers shimmered whenever they caught the light.

After brushing my long dark hair until it flowed in soft waves down my back, I tucked the damaged Moon Orchid carefully into my hands.

Taking a deep breath, I stepped into the living room. Father and Elara were about to step out.

Elara looked me up and down in surprise. "You're actually coming?"

"She should," Father answered before I could speak. "Who knows? Maybe she'll even find a mate."

He laughed. "Even if it's just one of the servants."

Elara covered her mouth to hide a chuckle.

I simply smiled. "Let's go."

Together, we headed toward the ceremony grounds.

The entire pack buzzed as laughter echoed everywhere and music filled the air.

Then… I stopped walking as a strange warmth spread through my chest.

My heartbeat quickened.

A completely intoxicating scent wrapped around me like an invisible embrace as my knees weakened.

‘Mate’ A strange voice echoed inside my mind.

I gasped.

My wolf? She was awake.

‘Mate’ She repeated more urgently.

‘Mate’

The scent grew stronger and every instinct inside me screamed to find him.

"Where are you?" I whispered, turning frantically through the crowd.

My wolf suddenly released a loud, instinctive howl.

Just then… another howl answered.

My breath caught.

The scent was right behind me. I spun around and my eyes widened.

"Lucien…”