Chapter 2

Just then, Luna Queen arrived.

She swept into the hall without a word—and before anyone could blink, she raised her hand and slapped the Omega standing behind Damian, hard.

"Shameless little wretch. Causing a scene at a mating ceremony, corrupting my son?"

"Guards! Drag this harlot out and execute her—now!"

Allison crumpled to the floor, clutching her cheek and sobbing.

Damian's face twisted. He threw himself in front of her, eyes blazing as he scanned the advancing guards.

"Allison is under my protection. Touch her, and I'll kill every single one of you."

Luna Queen stared at her son like she didn't recognize him. Disgust and disappointment carved deep into her face.

"Damian, do you have any idea how many Alphas begged to marry Tiffany? How hard did I fight to secure this match for you?"

"She's a white wolf. Her bloodline is worth more than your entire life. And you're humiliating her like this—at her own Choosing Ceremony?"

Damian tried to reason with her.

"Mother, I'll accept Tiffany as my mate. But Allison is carrying my pup. I'd sooner die than abandon her."

Then he turned to me, his tone shifting to ice.

"You can be my mate in name only. Treat Allison well. Put her first in everything."

"She's three months pregnant. That pup is yours now—you raise it like your own. Got it? Only her blood will inherit my throne."

Luna Queen was furious, but she couldn't lose her composure as Luna Queen. She took my hand, squeezing gently.

"Sweetheart, this is my fault. I failed to raise him properly. You've been wronged."

"But today is the Choosing Ceremony. The pact stands. Please, just go through with the ritual. I swear, I'll have that Omega sent away immediately—"

I slipped my hand out of hers, gentle but firm. A small smile tugged at my lips.

"You promised my mother that your son would have no mate but me. That there would never be another."

"And yet here we are—the ceremony's not even over, and he's already stirring up drama."

"Looks like I might need to reconsider my choice."

Damian's eyes flared with rage. He scooped Allison into his arms, then paused, shooting me a look sharp enough to draw blood.

"Reconsider? Don't make me laugh. You think my brother wants you? That monster?" He let out a cold scoff. "I said I'd accept you as my mate. Three days—the bonding ceremony will happen. Play nice. Accept Allison, and we'll all get along fine. Otherwise—I can make history repeat itself."

My heart seized.

My hand drifted to my belly without thinking.

So he remembered too.

Damian was also reborn.

Luna Queen tried to stop him, but he walked out without a backward glance.

Abandoned at my own Choosing Ceremony. The pity in everyone's eyes was suffocating.

But I didn't rage. I smiled.

Then I turned to Luna Queen.

"Luna Queen, the pact was simple. I had to choose between your two sons. I never said I had to pick Damian."

Luna Queen's brows furrowed. She considered my words.

"You're saying... you want Titus?"

I nodded. "I choose Alpha Titus as my mate."

Then I faced the gathered Alphas, my smile widening.

"The bonding ceremony will proceed as scheduled in three days. You're all welcome to attend."