บททั้งหมดของ The Lycan King's Second Chance Mate : บทที่ 11 - บทที่ 20

Marina's PovDamon carried me back to my room after the fight.Every part of me hurt, ribs bruised, face swollen, shoulder screaming in pain, but pride bloomed in my chest despite it all. I'd survived. More than survived, I'd fought back.Sage arrived within minutes, her hands gentle as she examined my injuries."Cracked rib," she muttered, "Severe bruising, possible concussion. You're lucky nothing broke completely.""Did I win?" I asked, my voice rough.Sage smiled slightly, "You earned something more valuable than a win, Luna. You earned respect."Over the next few days, I saw proof of her words.Warriors who'd ignored me before started nodding as I passed. Some of the females brought me food, homemade soups and breads, telling me I'd fought well. Children stared at me with open curiosity instead of dismissive glances.I hadn't won but I'd earned their respect by refusing to stay down.Elena disappeared completely after the fight."She's dealing with injured pride," Beta Marcus sai

Marina's PovWe returned to Damon's territory in silence.One week until the trial by combat, seven days until everything would be decided in blood and violence. The pack felt it the moment we arrived, the tension crackling in the air like lightning before a storm.Everyone knew what was coming.I tried to stay calm, and focus on daily routines and training schedules and anything other than the gnawing fear in my gut. But it ate at me constantly, every waking moment consumed by the same terrifying thought.What if I lost him?What if Derek killed him and I had to watch Damon die?The thought terrified me more than anything I'd faced, more than Alpha Marcus's coldness or Alia's cruelty or Derek's rejection. Losing Damon felt like losing the only good thing I'd ever had.Damon trained every day from dawn to dusk.I watched him spar with his best warriors in the training yard, his movements brutal and efficient, every strike calculated for maximum damage. He moved like death itself, fast

Marina's PovThe entire pack was waiting at the border when we returned.Hundreds of wolves lined the road leading into the territory, cheering and celebrating, their voices rising in a victorious roar that echoed through the forest. Their Alpha had won, Derek was dead, the threat that had loomed over us was gone.Warriors bowed as Damon passed, pressing their fists to their chests in the traditional gesture of respect. Children ran alongside the carriage, laughing and shouting, their excitement contagious.I walked beside Damon, my hand in his, and felt the weight of hundreds of eyes on me. But this time it wasn't judgment or doubt I saw in their faces, it was acceptance.I was their Luna now, proven in front of the Council, confirmed by ancient law and Damon's victory.That night, the pack held a feast in the main hall.Tables groaned under the weight of food, roasted meats and fresh bread and vegetables and fruits, more than I'd ever seen in one place. Barrels of ale and wine were

Marina's PovMorning brought visitors.Three Alphas from neighboring packs arrived at the border requesting an audience with their warriors following at a respectful distance. They'd heard about Damon's victory over Derek, about his expanded territory and growing power, and they wanted alliances.They wanted to be on his good side before he decided they were enemies.Damon held court in the great hall, sitting in the massive carved chair that served as his throne. I sat beside him in a smaller but equally ornate chair, my first time in an official political meeting as Luna.I stayed quiet, watching and learning as the Alphas filed in one by one.They were careful with their words, polite and measured and each one brought gifts of gold or weapons or rare furs. They offered trade agreements, promised loyalty, spoke of mutual benefit and cooperation.But I saw through it immediately.They were scared.They were terrified that Damon would come for their packs next, that they'd wake up on

Marina's PovI woke early after barely sleeping, the warriors' words from last night replaying endlessly in my head.*Marina is too conflicted about Shadowmoon. She can't lead if she's questioning the attack.**Maybe Damon should take Elena instead. More useful.*I needed to prove myself but I didn't know how, didn't know what would finally be enough to earn their unwavering respect. The uncertainty gnawed at me as I dressed and made my way to Damon's office.He was already there with Beta Marcus, both of them leaning over the massive desk covered in maps and fresh reports. Intelligence from their spies embedded in Shadowmoon territory.They looked up when I entered."Marina," Damon said, gesturing me closer, "Good timing. We just received new intelligence. You need to hear this."I moved to stand beside them, looking down at the documents spread across the desk. Financial records, patrol schedules, detailed reports written in coded language.Beta Marcus began his briefing, with a gri