Chapter 2
I arrived at the Lycan Princess's mansion to attend a performance, but what I encountered was far more intriguing than any scripted drama. From the moment I took my seat, a peculiar woman caught my attention. Her gaze lingered on me, unblinking, as though she were dissecting every inch of my presence. She was strikingly beautiful, her allure undeniable, yet there was something about her that set her apart from the noblewomen surrounding her. Her demeanor carried a hint of mischief, her hair styled in the manner of a mated woman—a subtle detail that didn’t escape my notice.
She sauntered over to my side, exchanging a few words with the lady seated next to me before smoothly taking her place. Midway through the performance, she reached for the pendant hanging at her waist and placed it on the small table between us. With a deliberate movement, she slid it toward me.
“You recognize this, don’t you, Avery?” Her voice was laced with a smug confidence.
I glanced at the pendant. It was unmistakable—a symbol of Nathaniel Parker’s lineage. Nathaniel, the Alpha of the Blue Moon Pack, had inherited his father’s title after the elder Parker’s tragic death during a rogue uprising. He was the youngest Alpha in the region, commanding both respect and fear.
“What’s your name?” I asked, my tone even.
“Call me Skyler,” she replied, her smile coy.
I glanced at the Lycan Princess, who seemed to be avoiding my gaze, then turned back to Skyler. “Since you’ve gone through the trouble of arranging this little meeting, I assume you have something to say. Go ahead.”
She leaned back, her posture relaxed, as though she were the rightful Luna of the Blue Moon Pack. “I thought it would be nice to meet you before we inevitably cross paths at the pack house. Nathaniel has spoken of you, but I must say, you’re not as dull as he made you out to be.”
I smiled faintly, her attempt at provocation almost amusing in its transparency. I chose to ignore her and instead focused on the performance. The Lycan Princess’s troupe was renowned, their artistry unmatched. I couldn’t help but wonder if the Blue Moon Pack’s performances would surpass this.
Skyler’s gaze remained fixed on me, her frustration growing when I didn’t rise to her bait. She took a sip of her tea and said, “This play is rather dull. I have a story that’s far more interesting. Care to listen?”
I didn’t respond, but she pressed on. “My father was a respected scholar, a man of great influence. The Barnes family was once revered in this territory.” She paused, her eyes narrowing.
I picked up a handful of nuts from the table and nodded. “Ah, the Barnes family. Weren’t they exiled for treason? Your father was accused of aiding rogues, wasn’t he? Costing the lives of many warriors. A fitting punishment, I’d say.”
Her face turned ashen, and I tilted my head, feigning innocence. “Did I get something wrong?”
She laughed bitterly, her composure cracking. “Nathaniel and I were childhood sweethearts. We were supposed to be mates. But after my family’s downfall, the arrangement fell apart. His heart has always been mine, though. He never took a mate until you came along.”
“You’re only in this position because you saved his life. A lesser pack’s daughter like you could never have climbed this high otherwise. He feels indebted to you, nothing more.”
“You stole my future.”
Her words were petty, almost laughable. I set the nuts back on the plate, one accidentally bouncing off and hitting her cheek. She glared at me, indignant. “You’ve taken my place, and now you dare to insult me?”
I sighed, my tone calm but firm. “Skyler, even the smallest pack holds more honor than your tainted bloodline. Even if I weren’t the Luna, do you honestly think you’d be fit for the role? Be grateful you’ve been allowed to stay in the pack house. If you behave, you might still have a comfortable life.”
She clenched her fists, her eyes welling with tears. “Marrying a man who doesn’t love you—what gives you the right to act so superior?”
I shook my head. “I’m not here to be his mate out of love. I’m here to be his Luna, his equal. Respect is all I need from him.”
Her lips trembled, and she finally fell silent. She knew the truth—Nathaniel did respect me. He’d hunted the ceremonial stag for our marking ceremony himself, a gesture of honor. He’d always treated my parents with deference, never flaunting his Alpha status.
Mates weren’t always about passion. Mutual respect was more than enough.
Skyler wiped her tears, her voice trembling with anger. “Avery Parker, I won’t forgive you. If it weren’t for you, my servant wouldn’t have died. Whether you admit it or not, you owe me a life.”
I watched her storm away, her pride wounded. Pity flickered in my chest, but it was quickly overshadowed by the knowledge that her own choices had led her here.
As I left the mansion, the Lycan Princess accompanied me, her discomfort evident. I took her hand and smiled gently. “Nathaniel is your cousin. When I become his mate, I’ll be your sister-in-law. Our son will be your nephew. He’ll inherit the Alpha title and will honor you as his aunt. Unlike some, his lineage is untarnished.”
Her face paled, and she quickly apologized. “I was thoughtless today. I’ll make it up to you.”
The next day, Skyler returned to the Lycan Princess’s mansion, only to be turned away by the guards. Her enraged outburst caught Nathaniel’s attention, and he reprimanded her harshly.
I couldn’t help but feel a sense of quiet satisfaction. The pack’s hierarchy was clear, and Skyler’s place in it was not one of power.
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