Chapter 3
The Beta of the Silver Moon Pack led me straight to Valentina Patterson’s residence. As we approached, I could smell the faint floral scent of jasmine that always lingered around the former Luna. It was a mark of her status, one that reminded everyone of her once unshakable position.
“You’ve arrived at the perfect time, Elaine,” the Beta said, his voice respectful but distant. “Valentina has been in good spirits recently. She’s just invited the Alpha King for a private meeting.”
I nodded in gratitude and stepped inside. The moment I entered, Valentina’s eyes lit up, and she reached out to take my hand. Her touch was warm, but it carried the weight of her authority.
“Elaine, my dear,” she began, her voice smooth and measured. “I was just telling Lucca how admirable it is that you’ve been so understanding about Boden. To raise him as your own shows true strength and loyalty to the pack. Seth is fortunate to have a mate like you.”
I took a step back and bowed my head slightly, showing the respect her rank demanded. “Thank you, Valentina. I’m here today to discuss this very matter.”
I turned to the Alpha King, who stood with his arms crossed, his expression unreadable. His aura, as always, was commanding, and I could feel the subtle pressure it exerted on the room.
“Your Majesty,” I began, my voice steady despite the tension in the air. “I’ve come to ask for your permission to allow Seth to take Giuliana as his chosen mate. Her family has served the Alpha Kingdom with honor, and this would provide Boden with the stability he deserves. It’s a solution that benefits everyone.”
Before the Alpha King could respond, Valentina interjected, her voice filled with approval. “Three cheers for Elaine’s generosity! This is exactly the kind of selflessness that strengthens our packs.”
But I noticed the way Lucca’s brow furrowed, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied me. His voice, when he spoke, was cold and sharp. “Seth once vowed to have no other mate but you. Has he forgotten that so quickly?”
I lowered my gaze, my heart pounding in my chest. “Your Majesty, please don’t blame him. After losing so many pups, my body and spirit have grown weak. I can no longer bear children, but the pack needs an heir. I beg you, consider this request not just for Seth’s sake, but for the future of the Silver Moon Pack.”
When I left Valentina’s residence, I carried the Alpha King’s decree with me. I knew exactly where to find Seth—Giuliana’s quarters. As I approached, the faint sound of a crashing glass echoed from within, followed by Seth’s voice, low and furious.
“I’ve made it clear—no one will ever replace Elaine as my Luna!”
“Alpha,” Giuliana’s voice was soft, almost pleading. “I’m not asking to take her place. I only wish to be your chosen mate. And… I’m carrying your pup. I’m already a month along.”
“Get rid of it!” Seth’s voice was harsh, unyielding. “From now on, nothing will hurt Elaine. Do you understand?”
My hand froze on the door handle, my vision blurring with unshed tears. His words should have brought me comfort, but they only deepened the ache in my chest. If he truly loved me, why had he taken Giuliana to his bed when I was grieving the loss of our pup? If he loved me, why had he hidden Boden from me for so long?
I pushed the door open, my voice steady despite the storm inside me. “Alpha,” I said, holding up the decree. “The Alpha King has spoken. Giuliana will be your chosen mate in ten days.”
The room fell silent, and Seth’s eyes met mine. For a moment, I thought I saw something—regret, perhaps, or guilt. But it was gone as quickly as it appeared, replaced by the mask of the Alpha he had become.
You may also like
