Estelle’s POV

I stared at the man in the expensive suit, forcing myself to stay calm.

“Who are you?” I asked warily.

“Mason Kennedy,” he said with a slight bow. “Beta to His Majesty, Zayne Silvius.”

My grip tightened on the garment bag. “Correct me if I’m wrong, but the meeting isn’t until next week.”

“His Majesty has been wanting to meet you for some time now. He would prefer to meet ahead of schedule, if you’re available.” Mason’s tone was respectful but firm. “He sent me to escort you.”

I glanced around the busy street. People walked past without paying us any attention, but I felt exposed.

“And if I’m not available?”

Mason’s expression didn’t change. “Then I’ll inform His Majesty, and we’ll reschedule for next week as planned.”

He wasn’t pressuring me. That surprised me. I’d expected lycans to be more demanding.

“Fine,” I said finally. “I’ll come.”

Mason opened the limousine door for me. The interior was luxurious beyond anything I’d ever seen. Leather seats, a mini bar, and complete privacy from the outside world.

As we drove, I couldn’t help my curiosity. “What’s he like? The Lycan King?”

Mason glanced at me through the rearview mirror. “I’m in no position to comment about His Majesty. I think he’d prefer you form your own opinions.”

Great. That probably meant Zayne was either completely horrible or impossibly arrogant. Maybe both.

I found myself touching my inactive mark again, rubbing it uncomfortably.

The drive took us deeper into lycan territory. The landscape gradually changed from typical pack lands to something far more impressive. The buildings were taller, more modern. Everything looked expensive and well-maintained.

“This is quite different from other territories,” I observed.

“Lycans have always valued progress and prosperity,” Mason replied. “His Majesty has accelerated that growth significantly since taking the throne.”

We pulled up to an elegant restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows. Mason parked and came around to open my door.

“The entire restaurant has been reserved for today,” he explained as we walked toward the entrance. “You won’t need to worry about privacy.”

Inside, soft classical music played in the background. The décor was sophisticated without being flashy. A single table had been set near the windows, with candles and fresh flowers.

A tall figure stood with his back to us. Silver hair caught the light from the chandelier above.

My heart started racing. Please don’t be some creepy old man, I prayed silently.

“Your Majesty?” I called softly.

He turned around, and my breath caught in my throat.

This man was absolutely stunning. Not just handsome—devastatingly gorgeous in a way that made my brain temporarily stop working. Silver hair framed a face that looked carved by the Moon Goddess herself. Electric blue eyes met mine, and I felt something stir deep in my chest.

He was tall, broad-shouldered, and perfectly built. Everything about him screamed power and confidence. Even the air around him smelled different.

I stood there staring like an idiot until he moved toward me and pulled out my chair.

“Please, sit,” he said. His voice was deep and smooth.

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” I managed, surprised by his chivalry.

“There’s no need for formality,” he said, settling into his own chair. “Zayne is fine.”

The waiter appeared with our first course. I tried to focus on the food, but I kept stealing glances at the man across from me.

“I assume you know why we’re meeting,” Zayne said after a few minutes.

I set down my fork. “I heard you’re looking for a mate.”

“That’s correct.” He didn’t try to dance around the topic. “I’m interested in taking you as my mate.”

His directness caught me off guard. “May I ask why?”

“You’re suitable,” he said simply. “The council has been pressuring me to marry. Your status as heir to the Blackmoon Pack makes you an appropriate choice.”

“Is that all? My pack status?” 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

Something flickered in his eyes. “You have other qualities as well. You’re intelligent, composed, and capable of managing household affairs. These are traits I value in a potential mate.”

His words reminded me painfully of Asher. All the things Asher had claimed to love about me—my obedience, my willingness to please, my ability to stay quiet and manageable.

I pushed down the bitter feelings rising in my throat.

“This arrangement would be beneficial for both of us,” Zayne continued. “I understand the previous Luna of the Blackmoon Pack and her adopted son have been causing problems for you. As my mate, you’d have the backing to handle such issues. And you would help me satisfy the council’s demands.”

It sounded like a business transaction. Which, I supposed, it was.

“What about the Blackmoon Pack?” I asked. “If I become your mate, would I have to give up my inheritance?”

“You can do with the pack however you see fit,” he said. “I have no interest in absorbing it into lycan territory. Your affairs are your own.”

That was more generous than I’d expected. Most powerful males wanted to control everything their mates brought to the marriage.

“And if I agreed to this arrangement?”

“We’d proceed with a formal engagement. The wedding would follow traditional lycan customs.” His tone remained businesslike. “I travel frequently for royal duties, so you’d have considerable freedom to manage your own affairs.”

It sounded almost too good to be true. A marriage that would give me protection and status without requiring me to give up my independence.

“I’d like some time to consider—”

“Your Majesty,” Mason appeared at our table, looking apologetic. “Forgive the interruption, but you have the Alpha Summit conference call in thirty minutes.”

Zayne checked his watch and nodded. “Of course.” He turned back to me. “I apologize for cutting this short. Thank you for meeting with me today.”

He stood, and I quickly followed suit.

“I understand that you’re currently residing in Moonveil?”

I nodded.

“Since the drive back to Moonveil territory is quite long, I’ve arranged for you to stay at a hotel tonight,” he said. “Any expenses will be covered.”

“Thank you. That’s very thoughtful.”

He inclined his head slightly. “I hope to hear your answer soon, Estelle.”

The way he said my name sent an unexpected shiver down my spine.

***

The hotel room was a presidential suite with an incredible view of the lycan territory. After a long, hot shower, I stood by the window in a bathrobe, watching the lights twinkle below.

My phone rang. Asher’s name flashed on the screen.

“Hello?”

“Estelle, where are you? Why aren’t you home?” His voice carried that edge of possessiveness I’d grown to hate.

“I’m handling some pack business,” I said carefully. “Remember that deal with the Howlingstorm Pack you wanted me to finalize?”

“Oh, right.” The tension in his voice eased. “That’s quite far from home. Do you want me to come get you?”

“It’s late, and you need to watch Finn. I’ll be fine here.”

“Alright. Just... be careful. Get some rest.”

I was about to hang up when he spoke again.

“Estelle? Do you miss me?”

The question caught me off guard. “What?”

“Do you miss me?” he repeated, his voice softer now.

I made a noncommittal sound. “Mm.”

“I’m sorry about yesterday. About taking Hazel and Finn out without you. I should have asked if you wanted to come.”

I listened to his apology without responding. What was the point? We both knew exactly why he hadn’t invited me.

“Estelle? Are you there?”

“Sorry,” I mumbled. “I’m falling asleep. Too tired to talk.”

“Oh. Well, get some rest then. Good night.”

“Good night.”

I ended the call and tossed the phone aside.

***

Third POV

Asher stared at his phone as the call disconnected. Something felt different about Estelle lately. Colder. More distant.

The bathroom door opened, and Hazel emerged, toweling her damp hair. She wore nothing but a silk robe that barely covered her thighs.

“You look troubled,” she said, moving to sit beside him on the bed.

Asher didn’t respond when she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and pressed kisses to his neck. He remained tense, lost in thought.

“What’s wrong?” Hazel asked, pulling back to study his face.

Estelle had never been this indifferent before. Even during their worst fights, she’d always been eager to make peace. She’d cling to him, apologize, try to fix whatever was wrong.

But lately, she seemed almost... uninterested. Like she didn’t care whether he was there or not.

The thought bothered him more than it should have. He’d never loved Estelle, had never even been particularly attracted to her. She was useful, compliant, and convenient. That was all.

So why did her growing distance feel like losing something important?

“Nothing’s wrong,” he finally answered.

Hazel studied his expression. Her green eyes narrowed slightly.

“Is this about Estelle?”