Chapter 2

I had just settled into the car for the ride home. Before the driver could even start the engine, my mental defenses were forcibly torn open.

An image exploded in my mind.

The scene was dim and suggestive, filled with sickening gasps and moans.

Cassia was draped over Aiden's lap like a she-cat in heat, wearing my torn, burgundy silk nightgown she had stolen from my closet.

Her eyes were hazy as she stared provocatively at the "camera," as if taunting me through the mental connection.

[If your Alpha can get here in twenty minutes, I'll show him what true ecstasy is.]

Immediately after, Aiden's icon, a stern black wolf's head, flashed. His reply was two short, urgent words:

[Wait for me.]

I severed the mental link and closed my eyes, trying to suppress the churning nausea in my chest.

I thought I would be numb to it by now, after seeing so much.

But the Mate Bond was a two-way street.

The fervent excitement and arousal pulsing from his end of the bond, meant for another she-wolf, felt like a dull knife sawing at my soul.

That night, I curled up at the foot of the bed, my eyes red.

The communication crystal on my nightstand vibrated all night.

Cassia was a relentless lunatic.

From dusk till dawn, she sent a magical snapshot every hour.

Aiden's private study was a disaster.

Torn documents were scattered across the floor, the expensive mahogany desk was stained with some viscous fluid, and the air was thick with the cloying scent of dark magic and lust.

[He couldn't get enough of me all night. An Alpha's stamina is really something else... Is he ever that insatiable with you? Or does that prim, deadpan face of yours mean he can't even get it up?]

I stared at the images.

My wolf roared with fury in the depths of my consciousness, yet it was too weak to even shift, tainted by the corruption of our bond.

Aiden didn't stumble in until the first light of dawn.

He pushed the door open to find me lying on the bed, tear tracks on my face, my knuckles white as I clutched the crystal.

The mate bond instantly alerted him to my sorrow.

He rushed over, pulling me into a tight embrace, his voice trembling. "Elara, why are you crying? Who hurt you?"

I slowly lifted my head and touched my cheek. It was cold and wet.

After a long moment, I managed a broken smile that was worse than any sob.

"It's nothing. I just had a nightmare. I dreamed my Alpha was torn to shreds by a rogue wolf."

Aiden's body stiffened. Then he gently kissed my tears away, his voice thick with an intoxicating affection. "Silly girl, what rogue could ever touch your Alpha? Don't cry, baby. It breaks my heart to see you like this."

I was about to speak when the butler knocked respectfully on the door. "Alpha, the gowns have been delivered. The 'Moonlit Banquet' is about to begin tonight."

Aiden acknowledged him, then turned to kiss the corner of my mouth, his eyes full of guilt.

"Elara, I was wrong yesterday, leaving you at the atelier all alone. To make it up to you, I'm taking you to the Moonlit Banquet tonight. It's hosted by the major packs, the biggest social event of the season, and I want everyone to see that you are my one and only Luna."

I didn't refuse.

Thinking I had forgiven him, he excitedly scooped me into his arms and carried me into the dressing room, personally selecting my jewelry as if I were his most precious treasure.

The Moonlit Banquet was the pinnacle of luxury.

Beneath enormous crystal chandeliers, werewolves raised their glasses, the air thick with the scent of money and power.

To please me, Aiden was particularly high-profile tonight.

He publicly announced a major alliance between the Black Moon Pack and the Northern Wolf Clan, attributing the achievement to my "counsel."

Several Alphas from other packs gathered around, teasing him.

"Aiden, you spoil Elara rotten."

"I heard you even gave her your family's ancestral Moon Spring to win your future Luna's favor?"

"A devoted, top-tier Alpha like you really puts the rest of us to shame."

Aiden wrapped his arm around my waist, his amber eyes filled with possessiveness as he scanned the crowd, his tone deeply affectionate. "Of course. My Elara deserves the best of everything this world has to offer."

A wave of envious gasps swept through the crowd.

Aiden leaned down, thoughtfully fetching me a glass of expensive elven wine, his gaze hazy as he looked at me. "Have a little. This fruit-flavored one is your favorite."

I took the glass but didn't drink.

Because in the instant he drew near, I caught a pungent, aggressive musk beneath his expensive cologne.

It was Cassia's scent.

It was a silent slap, striking me hard across the face.

"I don't have an appetite." I turned my head away coldly.

Just then, the grand doors of the banquet hall were suddenly pushed open.

The same scent I had just smelled flooded the room.

Beside me, Aiden's entire body went rigid. Even the hand on my waist trembled uncontrollably.

It was a primal reaction, a war between craving and control.

I followed his gaze.

At the entrance of the hall, Cassia strode in on stilettos, poured into a deep-V red dress that left little to the imagination.

It was as if she were the main character of this banquet.

She ignored everyone's shocked stares, her bewitching eyes fixed solely on my Alpha.