Chapter 3

"Will my mighty Alpha grant me a grand gift today?" I teased, letting my voice dip into a playful lilt.

Kael’s lips curved into that easy, practiced smile—one that once made my heart flutter, but now only felt rehearsed.

"Of course," he assured me, his tone dripping with confidence. "I'll make sure it’s worth the wait. See you at the Pack House." He didn’t linger, didn’t kiss my forehead the way he used to. Instead, he turned on his heel, his stride purposeful as he disappeared down the corridor. A few moments later, a Pack Omega arrived, balancing a silver tray draped in fine linen, a lavishly plated breakfast arranged with meticulous care. Five years ago, my heart would have swelled at the gesture. Kael had religiously ordered my favorite meal from the same high-end kitchen, ensuring it arrived without fail each morning.

Back then, I had foolishly convinced myself it was a display of devotion. Now, I saw it for what it was—habit. A duty, devoid of sentiment. A wolf as powerful as he was, capable of leading an entire Pack, yet he had never once lifted a hand to prepare a meal for me himself. If he had ever cared, he would have at least tried.

Instead, he had spent years ensuring I never clashed with Nyra, his precious Beta. I didn't hesitate. Without a second glance, I picked up the tray and dumped the meal straight into the trash. Grabbing my coat, I stepped out into the brisk morning air, my decision set in stone. This five-year farce was ending today. The Pack Council’s law office was dimly lit, the scent of aged parchment and ink filling the room as I sat across from the Pack’s legal advisor.

"The longer the mate bond, the more tangled the resource entanglements," the advisor explained, adjusting his spectacles as he sifted through the thick stack of documents before him. "It'll take a few days to finalize everything."

I nodded, sliding across the ledger filled with evidence—the financial records of Kael’s generosity toward Nyra, disguised as Pack expenses.

"We’ll meet again in three days to review the final agreement."

Without looking back, I left. As I made my way home, my phone buzzed with a notification. A new announcement had been posted by Bloodfang Enterprises. The screen illuminated with a video—champagne spraying through the air, the raucous cheers of Pack members filling the Alpha’s grand hall. At the center of it all stood Kael, his dark hair damp from the celebration, golden eyes gleaming with unrestrained triumph. And then I saw it. The cloak draped over his broad shoulders. The ceremonial anniversary cloak I had gifted him last year—the one he had once sworn was irreplaceable, steeped in meaning.

This year’s gift? He had sent it back to me without a word. I arrived at the Pack’s business estate just as the revelry reached its peak. Standing before the assembled wolves, Kael raised his glass high.

"I am officially transferring half of my Pack assets to Beta Nyra," he declared, his voice smooth, commanding, victorious. "Additionally, there will be a bonus of fourteen thousand gold marks."

Gasps rippled through the hall. Whispers and murmurs slithered through the crowd.

"Half the assets? Nyra might as well be the Luna now."

"Careful. The real Luna is still around. If she hears this, you’ll regret it."

"Oh, please. She’s like a ghost—never seen, never involved. Nyra is young, stunning. No Alpha could resist that. Poor Kael."

"Wouldn’t be shocked if the Pack name changes to Raventhorn soon."

Their laughter rang out like a chorus of knives. I clapped my hands together once—sharp, deliberate. The room fell into dead silence. Kael’s golden eyes locked onto mine across the hall, the blood draining from his face.

"Selene..." He stepped forward, his voice faltering. "Why are you here?" I raised a brow, watching the panic flicker in his gaze as he struggled to recover.

"It’s not what it looks like. I was just distributing rewards—nothing more." Nyra stepped in then, her lips curling into a saccharine smile, lifting the territory transfer decree in her manicured fingers.

"Alpha Kael is truly a generous leader," she purred, her voice dipped in false modesty. "Thanks to his unwavering support, I can finally afford a beautiful den overlooking the Silver River."

A few wolves chuckled, anticipation crackling in the air like a brewing storm. I met Kael’s panicked stare with a serene, unreadable expression.

"Bonuses are a standard Pack practice," I said lightly. "Every Pack member should receive what they’re owed. Make sure they do."

His brows furrowed. "You’re not upset?" I tilted my head, offering him a slow, indifferent shrug. "Why would I be?"

"I just stopped by to take a look. You’re busy—carry on."

His relief was palpable. I turned, stepping past him toward the doors, but I didn’t make it far before he hurried after me, lowering his voice.

"Selene, it’s not what you think," he insisted. "I was only rewarding my warriors. Don’t misinterpret this."

I almost laughed. The irony of it all was suffocating. The same wolf who had sacrificed three unborn pups for Nyra's sake was now scrambling to convince me his actions were honorable. Now that he had everything he wanted, who exactly was he trying to convince? I kept my expression carefully neutral. "Don’t worry, Kael. I’m not unreasonable."

"I don’t claim to understand Pack politics. Just do whatever you think is right."

He exhaled, his relief evident. As if my approval still mattered. Before I could leave, he caught my hand, his grip gentler than it had been in years.

"There’s a Full Moon Banquet coming up," he murmured, his voice thick with something unreadable. "Come with me. I have a surprise for you."

I nodded, expression unreadable. Then I turned and walked away. But deep inside, I laughed bitterly. He had already given me more surprises than I could ever stomach.