Chapter 1

I retreated to the lounge and sent Killian one message: The ceremony is canceled.

Less than ten seconds later, his call came through.

"Freya, are you done throwing your tantrum? I thought you were more understanding than this."

He suppressed his low Alpha growl, his voice hoarse.

"Daisy's wolfsbane poisoning acted up again. The Healer said she can't handle any stress. Are you really going to hold a grudge against your dying sister over a ceremony?"

The ring box sat open on the vanity. Inside were the moonstone matching rings I had polished myself, engraved with both of our names on the inner bands.

"Killian, today marks exactly seven years of us being together. It is also the bonding ceremony we spent six whole months preparing for."

"I know." He paused. "But this is a matter of life and death for your sister. You've always been the sensible one, the one who sees the bigger picture. Help her wolf survive this."

I bit my lip hard and said nothing.

"Her wolf has been severely weakened by the poison. Her only dying wish is to wear a beautiful gown and have a bonding ceremony with me."

"It's not a real mating bond. The Pack's blood pact hasn't been altered, and we haven't marked each other. You are still my rightful mate."

On paper and by the strictest rules, perhaps that was true.

But in the werewolf world, whoever stood on that altar with the Alpha was the rightful Luna in the eyes of the Pack.

Seeing my prolonged silence, his voice suddenly softened.

"Once the poison is out of her system, I'll complete the ceremony with you tomorrow."

I heard myself ask, "Then where does that leave me today?"

There was a dead silence on the other end of the line. Then, after a long moment, Killian's voice came through, cold and clear. "Today, her wolf needs to feel safe."

My mother's sharp voice came from the background on his end.

"Killian, stop wasting your breath on her."

"Freya has been jealous of Daisy since they were little. Daisy's wolf is not as strong as hers, nor is she as healthy. Now Daisy just wants to live her final days with dignity, and Freya insists on playing the victim?"

"If she dares show her face here and cause a scene, I'll disown her. I'll tell everyone I never gave birth to such a selfish daughter."

"Mother, today was supposed to be my ceremony." I raised my voice at the receiver.

"You and Killian have been together for seven years. What difference does one day make?"

Her voice suddenly turned harsh, leaving me absolutely no room for argument.

"But this one day could cost Daisy her life. She was just pulled back from death's door."

Killian spoke up again.

"Freya, do not make this any more embarrassing. The elders of the entire Pack are outside. You know exactly what this ceremony means."

Of course I knew, and that was exactly why I had tailored this gown myself.

The neckline was beaded with the finest moonstones, the hem embroidered with the totem of his Alpha bloodline.

For three whole months, I drafted patterns and sewed day and night. My fingers were pricked by silver needles countless times, all just to look absolutely perfect for him.

Killian had once pressed his lips to the back of my neck, his touch like fire, promising that every wolf would smell my scent on him and know I was his one and only mate.

But now he said, "There is one more thing."

"Daisy saw your gown. She loves it."

"Take it off and have someone bring it to her. It will make her feel better."

I looked at the gorgeous gown hugging my curves in the mirror, feeling a suffocating weight in my chest.

"Do you know how much blood and sweat I poured into this dress?"

"I know, Freya. It's just a dress. I promise I'll have the best tailor in the city make you an even more beautiful one."

I let out a cold laugh and shook my head. "No need. I will deliver it myself."

Killian clearly breathed a sigh of relief on the other end of the phone. "Good girl. Don't overthink it. Once Daisy is better, I'll make it up to you."

I hung up the phone and tilted my head back, trying my best not to let the tears fall.

At that moment, my best friend and bridesmaid Cici opened the door and walked in. "Freya, the guests are all asking where the Alpha went."

"He is not coming."

Hearing my blunt answer, she froze in place.

"He is in the banquet hall next door, completing the bonding with Daisy."

I wiped the lipstick off my lips, took off the gown, and changed into a long black trench coat.

When I folded the gown and slipped it into the dust bag, the silk still held my burning body heat and my unique fir scent.

There were no guards outside to stop me.

The corridor between the two banquet halls was lined with white lilies of the valley and crowded with Killian's trusted subordinates.

It was the same floral scent I loved the most, the same drumbeats, the same sacred process. Only the she-wolf standing beside him had changed.

As I neared the hall, the roar of voices from within was loud enough to drown out the ceremonial bells.

The strong warriors of the Pack stood leaning against the walls. Relatives surrounded Daisy, laughing and chatting as they congratulated her one after another.

She had a white shawl draped over her shoulders, and her left wrist was wrapped in a bandage covering a wound. Killian stood beside her, cradling her injured wrist and gently wiping her tears away.

My mother tightly held Daisy's right hand. "Our Daisy looks absolutely stunning tonight."

My father nodded approvingly.

"The Alpha is a natural leader. Leaving you under his protection puts our minds completely at ease."

An aunt nearby raised her glass. "Daisy is truly blessed by the Moon Goddess. Freya is too wild. No Alpha wants a mate he can't control."

Someone beside her chimed in, "She always tries to overshadow Daisy. But an Alpha should love and cherish someone who awakens his protective instincts."

Killian saw me and walked over quickly, blocking my view of Daisy.

"Why did you come down here yourself?"

Then he lowered his voice. "Her wolf just settled. Don't agitate her."

I tossed the bag into his arms. "The dress."

He took it.

"Freya, I know you were hurt today."

"Once Daisy recovers, I will throw you an even grander ceremony. Territory, status, gowns, whatever you want, I will lay it all at your feet."

I looked at him coldly and did not answer.

With the hollow promises out of the way, he turned to leave, but paused.

"Since you're here, go take your seat at the head table."

"Do not let Daisy think you brought this dress over unwillingly."