Chapter 3

Freya

I stepped out of my car at the venue for the Alpha Ball, my dark blue gown flowing around my legs. Every year, the werewolf council threw this extravagant party for all the Alphas across the territories. It was meant to be a night of networking, strengthening pack alliances, and—most importantly—showing off.

Every Alpha would attend tonight’s Alpha Ball, which meant Kael would be there as well. The thought made me uncomfortable, but I hoped no one could tell.

I also hoped no one could tell that I’d spent nearly two hours in front of my mirror earlier, carefully applying concealer to hide the marks from Ezren’s kisses last night. The purplish bruises along my collarbone and just below my ear were particularly stubborn, requiring several layers of makeup.

I’d also made sure to hide Kael’s mating mark with a thick layer of concealer and setting powder, just like I always did in public. The last thing I needed was for someone to notice and start asking questions.

The ballroom was already packed when I arrived. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, women in colorful gowns twirled around the dance floor with their mates or potential suitors, and men in expensive suits clustered in groups, discussing pack politics.

I kept my chin high as I descended the stairs. A few heads turned in my direction, and I caught several whispers. Two years ago, I would have been one of the most respected Alphas here. Now, I was the subject of gossip and pity—the Alpha who lost everything.

“Freya!” A familiar voice called from across the room.

I spotted Grace weaving through the crowd toward me, her red hair bouncing around her shoulders. Her emerald green dress suited her complexion perfectly, and her smile was infectious. We’d been friends for years, and seeing her always made me feel just a little bit better.

“You look stunning,” she said, embracing me tightly.

I smiled and returned her hug. “Thanks. You’re not looking too bad yourself.”

Grace linked her arm through mine and led me toward the bar. “I’ve been dying to tell you—I think I’m making progress with Ezren.”

“Ezren? Alpha Ezren?”

“Yes!” Grace’s eyes sparkled. “I ran into him last week and he actually remembered my name. He even complimented my hair!”

I forced a smile as I accepted a glass of champagne from the bartender. “That’s… great.”

“I know he has a reputation, but I think there’s more to him than meets the eye,” Grace continued. “And I’m determined to find out what it is.”

I took a large sip of my champagne, trying to ignore the guilt that was churning in my gut. I couldn’t tell Grace about my arrangement with Ezren. She’d been obsessing over him for months now, and finding out that her best friend was secretly married to her crush—and sleeping with him in a twisted partnership—would devastate her.

“Just be careful,” I said evenly. “Men like that don’t change easily.”

Grace’s reply was cut off by a sudden commotion near the entrance. Several women screamed in unison, cheering for Alpha Ezren. His arrival nearly drove them crazy. He was surrounded by supermodels and daughters of nobles, as if he were a king who had everything.

It wasn’t just because Ezren was a handsome playboy, but also because he was the wealthiest Alpha in the room. The money slipping through his fingers was enough to support a small pack. Any woman who could get even a little close to him would gain countless benefits.

Every woman wanted to be his Luna—except for me. I didn’t want to associate with Ezren in public; it only meant trouble. It was bad enough that I was his secret wife and sexual partner.

“Oh my Goddess, he’s here,” Grace whispered, straightening her posture and smoothing down her dress. “How do I look?”

“Beautiful,” I said, even though it pained me to see my friend turn into one of his fangirls.

I watched as Ezren made his entrance, looking irritatingly perfect in an all-black suit similar to the one he’d worn in my home the night before. Unlike last night, though, he wore a cocky smile as he basked in the attention of his admirers.

“I’m going to go say hello,” Grace said, already stepping away.

“Wait—” I reached for her arm, but she was already gone, swallowed by the crowd of women scrambling toward Ezren.

I sighed and turned my back to the spectacle, focusing instead on the real reason I was here. I needed to find investors, potential business partners—anyone who might be willing to help me pay off my debts to Kael.

If I could secure enough funding, I might be able to hire a better lawyer and find evidence that Kael had forged my parents’ will. With new evidence, I could apply for a retrial and finally get back what was rightfully mine.

After scanning the crowd for a moment, I spotted one older businessman who had always been friendly with my parents, standing near the buffet table. Perfect. He owned several successful businesses and might be willing to invest in what remained of Silvermoon’s assets.

I was halfway across the room when a hand wrapped around my wrist, stopping me in my tracks. I turned, ready to tell off whoever had grabbed me, only to find myself face to face with Ezren.

“Dear Alpha Freya,” Ezren deliberately greeted me, loud enough for those nearby to hear. “You look as beautiful as ever today.”

The women’s unfriendly gazes immediately turned to me. I felt their stares burning into my skin like hot pokers. Among them, I spotted Grace, her expression shifting from excitement to confusion.

I coldly reminded Ezren, “Behave yourself.”

Ezren’s eyes sparkled with mischief, and for a moment, I feared he might say something to expose our secret. Instead, he simply bowed his head slightly and released my wrist.

“As always, your wish is my command,” he said with a smirk before returning to his crowd of admirers.

I stopped paying attention to him and instead focused on finding collaborators at the Alpha Ball. I made my way to the businessman I’d spotted before and engaged him in conversation about potential investment opportunities. He seemed interested, especially when I mentioned the untapped timber resources at the northern edge of Silvermoon territory.

But while we were discussing potential terms, the mark on my neck suddenly sent a sharp pain through me. It was like being stabbed with a thousand tiny knives. I gasped, nearly dropping my champagne glass.

“Are you alright?” the business man asked, tilting his head.

“Fine,” I managed, forcing a smile. “Just a momentary headache. Would you excuse me for a minute?”

I didn’t wait for his response before hurrying toward the restroom, my hand pressed against my neck. The pain intensified with each step, spreading down my shoulder and across my chest. By the time I reached the restroom, I was trembling and holding back tears.

I locked myself in a stall and leaned against the wall, breathing heavily. Through the bond, I could feel Kael’s emotions—anger, jealousy, and something darker, more possessive. He was here at the ball, watching me.

He wasn’t just watching me, but rather deliberately torturing me in an attempt to remind me that I could never escape him. He was using our lingering bond to assert his control over me.

After what felt like an eternity, the pain finally began to subside, replaced by a dull throb. I washed my face carefully, making sure not to smudge my makeup, then reapplied my lipstick with shaking hands.

As I left the restroom, I ran into Kael in the hallway—he was wearing the same suit he used to wear on our dates, as if nothing had changed. The charcoal gray fabric hugged his broad shoulders, and his light brown hair was styled just the way I used to love.

For a split second, I was transported back to a time when seeing him dressed like this would have made my heart race with excitement rather than dread.

He stepped forward, reaching for me. “Stop pretending, Freya.”