Chapter 3

Three days later, the bonding ceremony arrived.

Torches blazed across the main altar of Bloodmoon's great hall. Most of the Alphas from allied packs had already gathered. Their eyes kept drifting to the empty chair beside the throne—the seat meant for Titus. Everyone knew he had been gone for three years. No one really expected him to show.

I stood in the side chamber, my white ceremonial gown embroidered with silver thread, palms slightly damp. My mother adjusted the shawl over my shoulders, her lips parting and closing like she wanted to say something but couldn't find the words.

The attendant pushed through the curtain. "Alpha Damian has arrived."

Damian strolled through the main doors, Allison draped around his waist, moving like he was showing up for a drinking party.

Allison's lips still glistened with honey residue, and two fresh red marks crawled across her collarbone. She hung off him, her steps unsteady.

Every wolf in the room caught the sight. Eyes darted away, exchanged knowing glances.

Everyone knew what they'd been doing.

Damian waited, but I didn't react. He scoffed. "What's wrong? Lost your voice?"

He shoved Allison into a seat beside him, then strode over and looked down at my gown.

"Nice dress. But let me make this clear one more time—today is just for show. Don't expect me to touch you. Allison is carrying my pup. She gets the Luna throne, and her pup gets my crown. You play your part quietly, and I won't make your life hell."

I let him finish. Then I slowly lifted my gaze.

"Who said I'm bonding with you today?"

The hall went dead. The crackling of torches filled the silence like thunder. Damian's smirk froze mid-curl, his eyes turning to ice. Allison's smile hung frozen, her wine glass hovering at her lips.

I turned to face Luna Queen and Alpha King on the dais, my voice steady and clear.

"Your Majesties, I am bonding with Alpha Titus today. I made that clear three days ago."

Damian lunged forward, his knuckles cracking as he clenched his fists. His voice barely squeezed through his teeth. "What did you just say?"

"I said," I met his eyes, "I chose your brother. Alpha Titus."

Chaos erupted through the hall. Wolves whipped their heads around, exchanging stunned looks. No one saw this coming—not after the spectacle three days ago.

Damian's face went from pale to purple, rage spilling from his eyes. He opened his mouth to speak—

A cold, sharp voice cut through from the entrance.

"Who's messing with my mate at our bonding ceremony?"

Every head snapped toward the door.

The shock was even sharper than before.

But when they saw who it was—everyone went silent.

It was Alpha Titus.