C1

“Zaria Okoye, listen to me. Until the moon cycles twenty times over your birth, you must mask your radiance and bury your fangs. Stay hidden, stay plain, stay silent.”

“I know, Mother. I haven't forgotten the vow I made while the Okoye Bloodline crumbled around us.”

“The Mensah Clan must never see the Alpha blood in your veins. If they find out who you truly are before your twenty-first year, they will hunt you like a rogue.”

“I’ve played the pathetic orphan for fifteen years. I can handle one more day.”

“Today is that day, Zaria. The shift begins tonight. Are you ready to shed the filth they’ve piled on you?”

“I’m more than ready. I’m going to burn this facade to the ground.”

“Then go. Wash away the grime of the Mensah Moon Estate. Reclaim the Okoye name.”

“I will, Mother. I’ll see you in the stars.”

“Is the water hot enough, Zaria? Or do you need more salts to scrub away that disgusting stench of yours?”

“The temperature is fine, Nia. Why are you lurking outside my Hidden Chamber?”

“Lurking? I’m here to drag you out. Do you think you can hide in here while the rest of the Adebayo Dominion arrives? It’s the union of the century. Selene and Tade won’t have you ruining the Mensah image by being absent.”

“It’s a marriage registration, Nia. Not a pack war. Why does my presence matter to a maid like you?”

“A maid? I am the head of the household staff, and you are a parasite! Miss Amara is about to become the Luna of the most powerful Mafia pack in Valoria Ridge. If people see you sneaking around the Shadow Den like a mangy cur, they’ll start asking questions. Get to the Alpha Hall, now!”

“You’re very loud for someone who has no authority over my bloodline.”

“Your bloodline? You’re a stray! Your mother died a disgraced omega, and you’re nothing but a charity case. Look at you—that hideous makeup, that matted hair. You look like you crawled out of a gutter.”

“Maybe I did. But at least I didn’t crawl out of Tade’s shadow like you.”

“You little brat! Don’t you dare speak his name! Put on your rags and get moving. The Adebayos are already in the hall. Elder Jabari is waiting, and Kael Adebayo doesn’t like to be kept waiting.”

“Kael is here? Already?”

“Of course he is! He’s the heir to the Dominion. He’s the deadliest Alpha to ever walk the Ridge. Do you think he has time for your delays? Move it, before I shift and drag you there by your throat!”

“I’m coming, Nia. Calm your fur. I just need to change.”

“Change into what? Another pair of ripped jeans? You’re a disgrace to the very concept of a she-wolf.”

“Zaria! Finally. I thought perhaps you’d shifted and run away into the woods.”

“I wouldn't dream of missing Amara’s big day, Selene. You’ve worked so hard to secure this alliance, haven't you?”

“Don’t use that tone with me. I’ve provided for you since your mother’s unfortunate passing. The least you can do is show some respect to our guests. This is Elder Jabari Adebayo. Bow.”

“Hello, Elder Jabari. It’s an honour to see the Dominion’s patriarch in such… festive spirits.”

“Ho! So this is the hidden daughter I’ve heard so little about. You have a certain spark, girl. Even under all that… paint.”

“She’s just a bit eccentric, Elder. Please, ignore her. Amara, come say hello to your future grandfather-in-law.”

“Oh, Grandpa Jabari! It’s so wonderful to see you. Doesn’t Kael look absolutely lethal today? I’m the luckiest she-wolf in the Ridge.”

“You are indeed, Amara. My grandson is a force of nature. Kael, stop staring at the security feed and acknowledge your bride-to-be.”

“I’m listening, Grandfather. The registration agents are ready.”

“Kael, darling, look at Zaria. Isn’t she… unique? I tried to give her a gown from the royal silk collection, but she insisted on wearing those rags.”

“She can wear whatever she wants, Amara. She isn’t the one signing the contract.”

“Well, she’s certainly a distraction. Look at her staring at you, Kael. It’s almost like she’s never seen an Alpha before.”

“Maybe she hasn’t seen one that actually carries himself with power. Most of the men in this estate are just Tade’s lapdogs.”

“Zaria! Mind your tongue! You are in the presence of the Adebayo Alpha. One more word and I’ll have you locked in the Shadow Den for a month!”

“Let her speak, Tade. I find her lack of fear… interesting. Most omegas can’t even look me in the eye without whimpering.”

“I’m not an omega, Kael.”

“Is that so? You smell like dust and cheap chemicals. Not exactly the scent of a predator.”

“Scent can be a lie. Just like a marriage contract.”

“What is that supposed to mean? Are you suggesting this union isn’t pure?”

“I’m suggesting that in the werewolf world, nothing is ever what it seems on the surface.”

“Enough of this. Agents, proceed with the verification. We need the scrolls signed and the digital record updated in the Valoria Registry immediately. I want the alliance between the Mensah Clan and the Adebayo Dominion sealed before the moon peaks.”

“Of course, Elder Jabari. We are pulling up the files now. Mr Kael Adebayo, if you could just provide your biometric signature here… and Miss Amara Mensah, yours here.”

“Wait. Stop. There’s a red flag in the system.”

“A red flag? What are you talking about? Our bloodlines are compatible, the dowry is paid, and the territories are mapped.”

“It’s not a bloodline issue, Elder. It’s a legal one. The system is rejecting the registration for Mr Adebayo and Miss Mensah.”

“Rejecting it? On what grounds? Do you know who I am? I can have this entire office dismantled by morning!”

“Please, Mr Adebayo, look at the screen. We can’t register a second marriage when the first one is still active.”

“Active? What first marriage? My grandson has never been mated. He’s spent his entire life training to lead the Mafia packs. He hasn’t had time for a walk in the woods, let alone a wedding.”

“The records don't lie, sir. According to the High Council’s database, Kael Adebayo was wedded six hours ago. The bond was legalised through an ancient Okoye blood-rite proxy.”

“An Okoye rite? That bloodline is extinct! Who is the woman listed?”

“The name on the file… It’s Zaria Okoye.”

“What?!”

“Zaria? You? You’re married to Kael?”

“I… I don’t understand. I’ve been in the Hidden Chamber all morning.”

“You treacherous bitch! You used some kind of dark lunar magic to steal my mate!”

“I didn't steal anything, Amara! I don't even have his scent on me!”

“Kael, explain this! How did this stray get her name on your lineage?”

“I didn't sign anything, Grandfather. I haven't seen her until five minutes ago.”

“The system says otherwise. The biometric match is 100%. Zaria Okoye is the legal Luna of the Adebayo Dominion.”

“This can’t be happening. Zaria, what did you do?”

“I did nothing, Tade! Ask your own agents!”

“Maybe the universe just decided I needed a more interesting bride than a spoiled pup like Amara.”

“You think this is funny, Kael? You’re married to a freak! An ugly, low-class, fatherless rogue!”

“She doesn't look like a rogue to me right now. She looks like the woman who just checkmated the entire Mensah Clan without lifting a finger.”

“I’m going to kill her! I’m going to rip her throat out!”

“Touch her, and you’ll find out why the Adebayo Dominion is feared. If she’s my wife by law, she’s under my protection. Isn’t that right, Zaria?”

“I… I suppose it is. But Kael, I didn't do this. I don't want to be a pawn in your Mafia games.”

“You’re not a pawn, Zaria. You’re the Queen. And it looks like we have a lot to talk about.”

“This isn't over! I’ll find a way to break this! Tade, do something!”

“There’s nothing to be done until the High Council reviews the blood-rite. Until then, Zaria stays with the Adebayos.”

“Pack your bags, Zaria. You’re coming to the Dominion.”

“I haven't even had my birthday soak yet.”

“You can have it at my estate. I have a tub carved from obsidian. I think it’ll suit you much better than this dump.”

“I’m not a prize you can just carry away.”

“You’re my wife. In the werewolf world, that means everything.”