Chapter Two
Freya’s POV
The turning point came with a photo. My phone chimed, and I swiped it open, only to find an image that sent ice through my veins. Kade Stone, Alpha of the Stone Fang Pack and my mate, lay asleep in his bed. His face was peaceful, almost angelic–but there was something far more telling. A strand of silver hair, not my own, rested across his cheek.
My stomach churned as the truth hit me like a rogue wolf in a full moon frenzy. Kade wasn’t just mine. There was another she–wolf in his life, hidden behind the veil of power and loyalty he so often displayed. Suddenly, all the lavish gifts–the rare moonstone necklace, the ornate dresses stitched by the finest pack seamstresses, the exotic forest retreats–became crystal clear. They were not signs of love; they were testaments of guilt.
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As I looked at the photo, my phone rang in
my
hand. His name flashed on the screen:
Kade Stone.
“Luna,” he greeted, his voice deep, commanding, yet laced with a warmth that had once melted my heart. “I‘ ve
prepared something special for you. Meet me at the ceremonial grounds tonight.
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His voice was honeyed, a tone he reserved for persuasion. My fingers curled tightly around the phone, but I managed to keep my voice steady. “Thank you, Kade,” I replied smoothly. “I’ve prepared something for you too.”
A pause. “You have?” His surprise felt like a challenge.
“Yes,” I murmured, my lips curving into a cold smile. “It’s something you‘ 11 never forget.”
That evening, he summoned the pack to the ceremonial clearing. The moon hung low in the sky, its silvery glow casting
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shadows over the ancient stones that marked the heart of our pack. Kade stood at the center, a picture of dominance and allure.
In his hands was a pendant, carved from a rare meteorite shard said to enhance a werewolf‘ s connection to the moon. He held it up before the crowd. “For my Luna,” he declared, his voice carrying over the gathered wolves. “To honor five years of her unwavering support and strength.”
The pack howled their approval, their admiration washing over us like a tidal wave. He fastened the pendant around my neck, his touch lingering on my skin.
“I’m sorry for my recent absence,” he whispered. “The patrol issues demanded my attention.”
I nodded, playing the part of the devoted Luna. But as the pack‘ s cheers erupted around us, a scent wafted from his shirt- faint but unmistakable. A perfume that
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didn’t belong to me.
I didn’t flinch. My smile stayed intact as I reached into the folds of my cloak and handed him a small black envelope. “I have something for you too,” I said softly.
Kade‘ s brow lifted in curiosity. He took the envelope, holding it as if it were a treasure. “Open it in fifteen days,” I added, keeping my tone light. “It’s a surprise.”
He smiled, oblivious to the storm brewing beneath my calm exterior. “You always think of everything, Luna. I‘ m the luckiest wolf alive.”
The pack cooed and teased, their voices
filled with playful envy.
“Alpha Kade and Luna Freya are the
perfect pair!” someone called.
“We’re blessed to have them lead us,
another chimed in, their words echoed by the pack‘ s agreement.
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I caught a flicker of movement in the crowd. It was Lila Vayne, Kade‘ s silver- haired beta and closest confidante. Her sharp eyes locked onto the envelope in his hand, her lips thinning into a grim line.
As the ceremony concluded, Kade leaned down, his breath warm against my ear.
“Come, Luna. Let’s celebrate in private.”
I nodded, excusing myself briefly. In the shadows of the forest, I overheard two pack members chatting near the bonfire.
“Did you see that meteorite pendant? The Alpha really goes all out for his Luna!”
“Ugh, I’m so jealous. Where’s my mate who’ll treat me like a queen?”
Their laughter was interrupted by a low,
sarcastic scoff.
a
“That pendant is just a distraction,” voice growled. It was Lila. “If only they knew what’s really happening behind
closed doors.”
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Her words sank into my skin like claws. A fire ignited in me–a fire fueled by betrayal, rage, and a growing resolve.
That envelope? It wasn‘ t a gift of love. It was my freedom, wrapped in words that would sever the bond that had held me captive for far too long.
