The Alpha Bled Me Dry for His White Moonlight

The silver moon hung low over the Wisteria's territory, its cold light slicing through the chapel's stained glass as Alpha Liam Blackthorn pressed the ceremonial dagger to my chest.

"Forgive me, Alice,"

"You swore nine times!" I choked out, the metallic tang of blood already flooding my throat.

My clawed fingers scrabbled at the obsidian altar beneath me, ancient runes carving fresh welts into my back. "Each vial you took left me weaker than a newborn pup. Look!"

I tore open my bridal silks, exposing the latticework of scars pulsing faintly with golden light

"Forgive me, my moon," he whispered

"When she breathes again, I'll carve my heart from my chest and lay it at your feet."

He'd mistaken the Wisteria pack's curse for a blessing. Our heartblood could resurrect the dead, yes-but only nine times. The tenth drop? Not life's nectar, but death's sacrament.

I clawed at the hem of his cloak, my trembling fingers leaving crimson streaks on the embroidered fabric.

He didn't even glance back.

He never knew this was the final drop.

On our wedding night, I eagerly drank the unity wine with Alpha Liam, my cheeks flushed with joy. But the moment the liquid touched my tongue, my strength dissolved. I collapsed onto the crimson bedsheets, limbs heavy as stone.

Liam set down his goblet without a flicker of emotion. His cold fingers trembled slightly as he undid the ties of my bridal robes. A shiver raced through me.

"We're finally wed," I teased weakly, mistaking his intent. "Must you rush the consummation?"

He refused to meet my gaze, roughly tearing open my bodice. Cool air kissed my exposed skin, but before embarrassment could bloom, I saw it-the silver dagger glinting in his hand.

My breath hitched.

I knew that blade. It had carved into my chest nine times before, stealing the shimmering heartblood that sustained my Wisteria Clan lineage.

"Liam-what are you doing?" I gripped his wrist, but the drugged wine left me powerless.

His jaw tightened. "Phiona's ill again. I need your heartblood to save her."

"Nine times I've given it!" I hissed. "What sickness demands this endless sacrifice? Why must my life force sustain hers?"

He shook off my feeble hold, voice hardening. "I'll explain after she's stable. This is the last time, Alice. When I return, we'll have a true mating ceremony."

Panic clawed up my throat. "You don't understand-we only have ten heartblood drops! Take this last one, and I'll-"

"Enough." His thumb brushed my cheekbone, the gesture almost tender. "Your clan's blood is potent, but not that fragile. Trust me."

His lips brushed my forehead. When he pulled back, his gaze caught on my ravaged chest-the lattice of scars, the half-healed wound from his last harvest. A choked sound escaped him as he traced the mangled flesh.

"I've made you suffer," he whispered, eyes glistening. "But this debt to her. I must settle it before I can fully be yours."

"Liam, please-" I begged as cold steel pressed between