~ ROSELLE ~

We arrive at the pack grounds where the event is being hosted, and I can’t help but take in the scenery around me.

It’s beautiful. Magnificent. The entire area has been transformed for the Blood Moon Ceremony. Thousands of golden fairy lights are strung between towering trees. Crimson banners embroidered with pack crests sway gently in the evening breeze, while elegant lanterns line the stone pathways leading toward the grand ceremonial hall.

The hall itself is breathtaking. Bright chandeliers hang from the ceiling, making everything sparkle. Long tables are covered with flowers, candles, and fancy decorations. Soft music fills the air, and people chat and laugh all around us.

The place is crowded.

Alphas, Lunas, Betas, and important pack members from different packs are everywhere. Women wear beautiful gowns in different colors, while the men are dressed in elegant formal outfits.

Servants move through the crowd carrying trays of food and drinks. The delicious smell of roasted meat, pastries, and flowers fills the air.

For a moment, I can only stare.

Ronan’s hand remains wrapped around mine as he leads us deeper into the hall.

A woman approaches us. She’s beautiful, with a flowing gown sweeping across the floor and an elegant crown resting atop her head. Everything about her screams grace and authority. She carries herself like royalty, and the powerful aura surrounding her makes it clear she’s someone important.

"Well..." she drawls, a teasing smile tugging at her lips. "So you finally decided to show her off."

Her eyes rake over me, studying me from head to toe as though I were some cheap treasure she doesn’t approves of.

For a second, I fight the urge to hide behind Ronan. Instead, I straighten my shoulders and meet her gaze.

"Roselle, meet my mom, the former Luna of this pack. Mom, meet Roselle."

Ronan’s introduction nearly makes me freeze. Mom? Hell, I didn’t even know he had a—

Oh. Right. Not everyone is an orphan like I am.

He never told me, and I never thought to ask. Why would I? Most of my life has been spent trying to survive, not learning about people’s families.

I quickly give a small bow as a sign to say It’s nice to meet you. The woman hums as she looks me over. "She’s not what I expected."

"Mom, be nice," Ronan warns, shooting her a glare.

She immediately lifts her hands in surrender. I glance between them, suddenly feeling very out of place.

"I’ve got to leave you both to enjoy the Blood Moon Ceremony. It only comes once a year, and I like to relish every moment of it," she says sternly. With that, she brushes past us and walks away.

"She’s friendly," Ronan says, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze. "And she’s still trying to process us. Give her time. She’ll get used to everything and welcome you with open arms."

I nod awkwardly. Honestly, I’m fine as long as she’s not dragging me around by my hair or locking me in a dark cell. I’ve seen worse.

Before the conversation can continue, another Alpha approaches us.

"Alpha Ronan." He inclines his head respectfully. "It’s a pleasure to be invited once again."

Ronan returns the greeting with a polite nod. The Alpha’s gaze then darts to me, and stays there.

His eyes widen slightly, appreciation flashing openly across his features as he takes me in.

"Well," he says with a smile, "aren’t you going to introduce me to the beautiful woman at your side?"

Is it just me or did the atmosphere suddenly becomes tense? I hear a low growl from Ronan, his arm slides around my waist, pulling me closer against his side.

I turn to look at him. Gone is the smile that had been on his face moments ago.

His jaw is pulled into a tight clench, and I can see a muscle ticking beneath his skin. His grey eyes remain fixed on the Alpha. 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

"I’d appreciate it," he says smoothly, "if you would take your eyes off my Luna and speak to me instead."

The Alpha blinks. Ronan’s grip on my waist tightens possessively.

The Alpha raises both hands in surrender, a sheepish laugh escaping him.

"My apologies, Alpha. I meant no disrespect."

Ronan leads me to the table, muttering something that sounds suspiciously like a curse under his breath as he pulls out a chair for me.

It’s a long table, with important guests already seated around it. I settle into my seat right beside him, while Nikolai takes the chair on my other side.

Ronan leans in close enough for only me to hear.

"I need to address the crowd," he whispers. "I’ll be back."

I nod, and his gaze lingers on me for a moment before he straightens and makes his way toward the front of the hall.

My gaze trails over the people seated around the table. They’re all unfamiliar faces. Some Alphas sit beside their Lunas, while others are accompanied by Betas and their wives. The room is filled with conversations, laughter, and the occasional clink of glasses.

Then my eyes land on the sixth and seventh people seated opposite me, and my stomach drops. It’s Warren, beside him, his little shadow, Nova.

Instantly, fury begins to boil beneath my skin.

His eyes are already on me, bot in the usual scornful disgusting looks he gives me like I’m nothing but a trash, the look in his eyes reminds me of someone staring at something they once owned and suddenly realized they no longer have. It makes my skin crawl.

I thought I could do this. I thought I could pull this off. But seeing him again reminds me of everything. The hell I went through. The trauma. The countless nights spent wondering what was wrong with me.

My chest tightens. I rise to my feet and turn to Nikolai. A feeling of nausea creeps through me, and suddenly, it’s harder to breathe.

"Where’s the restroom?" I sign.

He immediately stands, giving me directions to where it’s located.

"I can accompany you if you’d like."

I shake my head so quickly it’s almost embarrassing.

"I’m not running away, Nikolai," I sign back. "Besides, it’s the ladies’ restroom."

A faint smile tugs at his lips. "Fair point."

"If you need anything, send someone for me."

I nod gratefully before turning and making my way through the crowd.

Taking the turn Nikolai had instructed, I walk through the building, trying to locate the women’s restroom, when suddenly someone slams me against the wall.

A hand clamps over my mouth before I can scream. Panic explodes through me as they drag me toward a quiet corner, away from the crowd and the music.

My breath picks up frantically. My heart pounds so hard it feels like it’s about to burst from my chest.

Then, suddenly, they let me go.

I stumble forward, struggling to catch my breath as I spin around to see who grabbed me.

Fucking Warren.

"What the fuck do you want, you creep?" I sign furiously.

A cruel smirk spreads across his face.

"Still mute, huh?" he says, looking me over. "I mean, you can take the girl out of the village, but you can’t take the village out of the girl."

His gaze drags slowly over me, making my skin crawl.

"With how pretty you look now, most people would think you’ve learned how to talk." He lets out a mocking laugh. "What a disappointment. You still can’t."

My hands clench into fists.

"You’re still that mute little girl who followed me around, signing and begging for my love."

My hand shoots up, and I give him a middle finger. His expression darkens instantly as he grabs my wrist and twists it.

Pain shoots through my arm, forcing a yelp from my throat.

"Now listen to me, you pathetic little wench." His grip tightens. "I don’t give two fucks about whatever story you’ve been feeding Ronan, but one thing I know is that you’re never going to get a single dime of the money I worked hard for."

My stomach churns. "The pack was handed over to me. I made it what it is today, and if you think you can turn Ronan against me with your little sob story and take what’s mine, then you’ve fucking failed."

His eyes flash with hatred. "I should have killed you when I had the chance."

A chill runs through me.

"And another thing..." He leans closer. "Does your prince in shining armor know you’re a murderer?"

My breath catches. "I bet he doesn’t." A cruel smile spreads across his face. "Because the moment he does, you can forget about all this soft treatment."

He lets go of my wrist with a shove.

"I already told him, but he’s finding it difficult to believe. It’s only a matter of time before I hand over the evidence to prove it."

His smile widens. "If I were you, I’d do everything I could to stop that from happening. And while you’re at it, tell him to stop chasing after my wealth."

He takes a step back, looking me over with disgust.

"Do that, and maybe I’ll let it go."