Adrian Valois. The Alpha of the Blackridge Clan. The most powerful bloodline in the world. Their influence stretched across industries, politics, and even the Lunar Council itself. They didn't just rule the economy. They ruled the world.
And I… I had marked him.
But he wanted nothing to do with me. A flimsy bond bound us together.
Why was he even here? At Lyra's engagement party?
My heart pounded. The Crescent Fang Clan wasn't anywhere near their level. For him to be here, something bigger must've been at play.
But none of that mattered right now.
All I could think about was the card lying between us, a cold, impersonal token that said this is all you're worth.
I clenched the sheets tighter around me, staring at the man who'd changed everything without even meaning to.
Fight Serena. Fight for your life.
"I marked you," I said quietly, the words trembling at first but firm enough to cut through the heavy air.
Adrian froze. For a heartbeat, his expression didn't change, then his jaw tightened, sharp and deliberate.
"I see," he said finally, voice low. "We'll have to get rid of this bond."
The words hit me harder than they should have.
Of course, I expected it — what Alpha in his position would want a bond with me of all people? Still, the sound of it made my stomach twist. I looked away, gripping the sheets tightly enough for my knuckles to ache.
"I agree," I managed, my voice rougher than I intended. "But… we can't. Not yet. At least for a year."
The Moon Goddess will not allow any mates to separate and break their bond for a year. This rule was placed to prevent wolves from mating and breaking bonds willy-nilly.
His eyes flickered toward me, assessing, detached. "A year, then," he said simply, like he was setting a reminder in his calendar. "And after that, we end this."
I didn't trust myself to speak, so I nodded.
He turned away, already gathering his things. There was no hesitation.
I sat there in silence for a long moment before dragging myself into the bathroom. The mirror was fogged over, and for that I was grateful, I didn't want to see my face. I turned on the shower and stepped under the cold stream, letting the water wash away everything his scent, his warmth, the traces of a night I hadn't even meant to repeat.
I pressed my palm against my abdomen. "No matter what, you will have me. And this time I will not break my promise. I will protect you."
This was all that mattered to me.
When I came out, a dress was laid neatly across the bed, elegant, expensive, nothing like the simple gowns I usually wore. Definitely better than the one he tore up. And he was gone, just like that.
But the card remained.
I stared at it for a long time. Then my hand curled into a fist.
He treated me like I was some escort he'd picked up by accident. Like this was a transaction. A mistake he could pay to make disappear.
My chest ached with a mix of humiliation and fury.
"I don't need your money," I whispered, though no one could hear me.
I slid the card into my pocket anyway. Not to keep, but to return. One day, I would throw it right back at his face.
After dressing, I composed myself and stepped out of the room. My heartbeat steadied as I made my way to the busy Lobby.
All of the guests were checking out, ready to leave. The engagement celebration came to an end.
I felt different.
My aura was different.
And apparently, Lyra sensed it too.
The moment she saw me, her smile froze, eyes narrowing ever so slightly. Then she plastered on her sweet, trembling expression — the perfect little sister act.
"There you are!" she exclaimed, hurrying over to me. "We were looking for you. I couldn't even enjoy my own party because I was so worried something had happened to you!"
Her tone was sweet, but venomous. She was blaming me and disguised it as care.
The moment I opened my mouth, I knew she'd twist every word I said into proof that I'd done something shameful.
Before I could reply, my father's voice cut through the air.
"Serena."
His tone carried that low, simmering disappointment that once used to make me shrink in on myself. "Do you have any idea what you've done? This is your sister's engagement, and yet you somehow managed to make the day about you."
A few of the guests who hadn't left yet turned their heads toward us, curious wolves pretending not to eavesdrop. My father didn't lower his voice. He wanted them to hear.
"You've always been irresponsible, selfish," he continued, each word like a hammer blow. "Can't you think of anyone but yourself for once?"
I stood there quietly, hands clasped in front of me, my expression calm.
The old Serena would have apologised, maybe even cried.
But not this one.
My mother joined in, ever the perfect picture of elegance and venom. "Callen," she said, turning to the Alpha beside Lyra with a graceful bow of her head. "We're terribly sorry. We failed to raise her properly. A disappointment always… Disappoints."
My breath hitched.
Deep breaths, Serena. I will not get hurt by their words or their actions. I will not allow it. From now on, I am in control.
For a second, I thought the familiar ache in my chest would return. That sting of being unwanted, of being the family's shame. But instead… I felt nothing.
Not pain. Not sadness.
"Where did you go last night? I heard that some unknown man escorted you into a room. Is that why you are wearing a different dress?" Lyra asked like she was curious and concerned, but her intentions were clear.