Chapter 3

SERIS’S POV

My stomach dropped. Me?

Cassian stepped forward immediately, his face twisted with shock and anger. His eyes darted between me and Kaelan like he couldn’t believe what was happening. “Her? Seris Varyes? You can’t be serious. She’s weak.She doesn’t even have a wolf. I just rejected her myself tonight. She’s not fit to be anyone’s Luna, let alone yours.”

The words stung all over again, sharper now that they were said publicly in front of the entire hall. Whispers erupted around us. Faces I had known for years turned toward me with pity and shock. Willow stood beside him, looking down with that same fake sympathy on her face, her eyes avoiding mine. She clutched Cassian’s arm tighter, like she was afraid I might snatch him back.

Vyctor looked embarrassed but nodded along quickly. “My son is right, Alpha Kaelan. We have better options for you. Stronger wolves who would bring honor to Moonsfang Pack—”

Kaelan’s eyes glowed brighter, his wolf clearly close to the surface. The temperature in the room seemed to drop, making everyone shift uncomfortably. No one dared speak over him. “The matter is settled. She comes with me to Moonsfang.”

No one argued. Not even Vyctor. The Alpha of Silvermare just swallowed and stepped back, his eyes calculating the benefits of this unexpected alliance. I stood there, frozen, as reality crashed over me. Cassian had thrown me away like trash only hours ago, and now this ruthless, powerful Alpha wanted me?

Part of me wanted to run away. Back to the only life I knew, even if it was painful and broken. But another part. The angry, humiliated part that still burned from Cassian’s disgust  wanted him to see this. To watch me leave with someone far more powerful. Let him burn with jealousy.

I lifted my chin, meeting Kaelan’s intense golden-amber gaze. “I’ll go.”

Cassian’s face darkened, his body tensing. “Seris, you can’t—”

“Too late,” I said, my voice steadier than I felt. Inside, my heart raced. I could sense Kaelan’s approval.

Kaelan finished discussing the alliance details with Vyctor in a low voice, their words barely registering in my ears. My mind was spinning. Everything was happening too fast. One moment I was planning a future with Cassian, dreaming of being his Luna. The next, I was being claimed by the Alpha of the richest pack in Furcity.

A tall, muscular man  approached me quietly. “I’m Ryke Haren, Beta of Moonsfang Pack,” he said, his voice respectful but firm. “Alpha Kaelan asked me to escort you out. The car is waiting.”

I nodded numbly and followed him out of the hall, feeling the eyes of the entire pack on my back. Cassian called my name once more, but I didn’t turn around. The cool evening air hit my face as we stepped outside. A sleek black car waited, far more luxurious than anything I had ever seen. It gleamed under the lights, with tinted windows and leather seats visible through the open door.

Ryke opened the door for me, and I slid inside, my hands trembling slightly. The interior smelled of clean leather and that same pine-and-power scent that clung to Kaelan. Soon after, Kaelan approached and sat beside me, his large frame filling the space. His presence made the car feel smaller.

“I have to see my father first,” I said quietly, breaking the silence.

He nodded once, his sharp jawline set. I gave the driver the address to our small house. We drove in silence at first, the city lights blurring past the windows. I stared outside, trying to process everything. My life had flipped upside down in one night.

“Why me?” I suddenly asked, turning to look at him. My voice came out softer than I intended.

Kaelan looked over at me, and a roughish smile tugged at his lips for the first time. It made his golden eyes soften just a fraction. “You really don’t know why?”

Before I could respond, Ryke called out from the front seat. “We’re here.”

Kaelan got out first and then helped me out of the car, his large hand warm and steady on mine. That jolt from earlier returned, stronger now.

I entered the house, my heart heavy. My father was still in the same spot I had left him, slumped on the couch with the old TV flickering. Empty bottles and chip crumbs littered the table around him.

“Dad?” I said tentatively.

He took a deep breath, not looking up at first. “Yes, Seris?”

“Urm… Alpha Kaelan is here to see you. He’s chosen me as his mate.”

My father turned in his chair suddenly, his eyes widening. “Kaelan Virex?” He stood up quickly, trying to dust the chip crumbs off his chest. He shook Kaelan’s hand with a surprised smile. “It’s an honor, Alpha. Please, sit. What brings you to our humble home?”

They talked for a while in the living room. Kaelan was polite, explaining the alliance and how I would be moving to Moonsfang territory immediately. My father nodded along, regret flickering in his eyes for a moment. He had been neglectful for so long after my mother’s death. He was drunk and agitated most days. Part of me wondered if he was relieved to have one less burden.

While they spoke, I went to my small room and packed some stuff. I grabbed a bag and threw in a few clothes, my favorite books, a small pottery piece I had made last month, and the little necklace my mother had left me. My hands moved quickly, but my mind raced. Was I really doing this? Leaving everything behind for a stranger who made my body react in ways I didn’t understand?

Soon after, we were on our way to the Moonsfang territory. The car pulled away from the house, leaving my father standing at the door with a strange mix of emotions on his face. Kaelan sat close beside me again

“You really don’t know why?” Kaelan said suddenly, repeating his earlier words. He looked at me, his eyes glowing in the dim light of the car. He moved closer, crowding my space . His gaze dropped to my lips, lingering as if he was fighting the urge to close the distance.

My heart pounded inside my chest and then I closed my eyes.