Chapter 3
The exhaustion from overexerting my strength left me unconscious.
When I woke again, Kameron was nowhere to be seen. Instead, there was a folded note resting on the bedside table. It bore no name, but only someone with Kameron's permission could have entered the heavily guarded pack territory. It seemed Stephanie wasn’t as innocent as he believed.
I made my way to the pack’s gathering hall, and there she was—Stephanie, surrounded by members of the Silver Moon Pack. The air was thick with admiration and sycophancy.
“Stephanie’s strength is remarkable,” someone praised. “Even her wolf form is larger and more powerful than most in the pack.”
Stephanie beamed, her arm linked with Kameron’s. He stood beside her, his expression unreadable, yet his posture was protective. The same man who had whispered sweet promises to me just days ago.
Soon, someone noticed my presence. Unlike Stephanie, the reaction to my arrival was venomous.
“Look who’s here,” a Delta sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. “The rejected Luna.”
Kameron stiffened at my name, his head snapping toward me. For a moment, his usual composure faltered. He quickly disentangled himself from Stephanie and strode over.
“Emma,” he said, his voice unsteady. “What… what are you doing here? How did you—”
I held up the note, Stephanie’s faint scent still clinging to it. Kameron froze, his gaze darting to Stephanie, who was now watching us with a sly smile. She stepped forward, her movements graceful and deliberate.
“Emma,” she cooed, linking her arm with mine as if we were the closest of friends. “I’ve always admired you. I’m so glad we finally get to meet properly.”
I didn’t respond, but Stephanie continued, her tone dripping with false sweetness. “Thanks to you, I’ve been accepted into the pack’s inner circle. I wanted to invite you to my mark ceremony.”
Before I could speak, the pack members around us erupted in jeers.
“She’s a disgrace!” a warrior shouted. “She doesn’t belong here.”
“Look at her,” another spat. “Her wolf is broken and weak.”
The words cut deep, but I held my ground, my gaze fixed on Kameron. His face was a mask of guilt and conflict, yet he said nothing to defend me. Stephanie’s grip on my arm tightened, her smile never wavering.
“Ignore them, Emma,” she said, her voice sickeningly sweet. “You’re always welcome here. After all, without you, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
The implication was clear. She had taken everything—my mate, my status, even my pride. And now, she wanted me to witness her triumph.
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