Over the next few days, Kael became exceptionally attentive.
He drew hot baths for me, cooked my favorite mushroom soup, and constantly asked how I was feeling.
“Did that old shaman scare you the other day? She’s reckless.”
He sat beside me, his arm wrapped tightly around me. “From now on, just tell me if something’s wrong. Don’t go to outsiders again.”
“Okay.” I leaned against him, feeling the superficial warmth of his embrace.
Suddenly, a thought brushed against Kael’s mind through a link—one that wasn’t mine. It was a private mind-link from another wolf.
And it was a woman’s voice, alluring and seductive.
Kael’s body went rigid. His wolf gave off a scent of longing.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
“My Beta has an urgent matter to discuss.” He stood up quickly. “I’m just going to the study.”
“But it’s late…”
“It’ll only be a moment.” He kissed my forehead, but the gesture was rushed and perfunctory.
After he left the living room, I used my sharp wolf hearing to track his footsteps.
He didn’t go to the study.
He went to the back garden.
Ten minutes later, my phone buzzed with an anonymous message.
A video file.
I opened it. By the moonlit lake, Kael and Selene were locked in a tight embrace.
He was gently placing a wolf-fang necklace around her neck.
The same one I’d seen in his safe.
Then they kissed.
A deep, lingering kiss.
My weak wolf let out an enraged howl that only I could hear.
The mate mark on my chest burned—the tell-tale sign of betrayal.
The video’s timestamp showed: one month ago.
The message vanished a moment later, but the image was seared into my mind.
I knew it was Selene.
She was declaring war.
Three days later was the alliance ceremony for the five great North American packs.
I dressed meticulously in a deep blue evening gown.
It was my first time appearing at such an event as a Luna.
But Kael’s attention wasn’t on me at all.
His nostrils flared, searching for a specific scent.
Until Selene appeared.
She wore a silver gown, her wolf giving off a pure, intoxicating scent.
Every Alpha in the room instinctively turned to her.
Kael immediately left my side and strode toward her.
“Selene, you look beautiful tonight.”
He took her hand and gently kissed the back of it.
I stood frozen, watching my mate openly display affection for another she-wolf.
“Everyone,” Kael raised his glass to all the Alphas present, “I have an important announcement. The Silver Moon pack and the Red Fang pack will form the deepest of strategic alliances.”
Thunderous applause.
“Alpha Selene is not only beautiful, but a symbol of wisdom and strength. She will be the most outstanding heir for the Red Fang pack.”
Kael’s gaze rested on Selene, full of affection. “I am confident that under her leadership, our cooperation will usher in a new era for our packs.”
Selene blushed, lowering her head shyly.
“Thank you, Alpha Kael, for your trust and… support.”
Just then, an Alpha from a northern pack stood up.
“Alpha Kael, I have a question.”
“Please.”
The Alpha brought the microphone to Kael. “Alpha Kael… you have yet to complete the final bonding ceremony with your Luna. Is it because you’re waiting to mate with the Alpha heir of the Red Fang pack instead?”
The room fell silent.
All eyes were on Kael.
