Chapter Two

First Person's Perspective

Belle

The minute my heels hit the airport floor, I was already over it. Jet lag? Check. Sweaty pits? Double check. Hair? Oh let's not even talk about those

My mother had paid the fine and my bail fee which made me a free woman, and because of that, I had no choice but to follow her instructions and come back to Valencia, the city of werewolves... home - felt weird calling it that

Anyway, I barely made it past the sliding doors when a tall, too polished for my liking man stepped in front of me like a well dressed parking cone

"Good evening, ma'am. My name's Seaman and I'll be your chauffeur for the evening," he said with a bow so low I thought he'd tumble off the ground

I blinked "I'm sorry, your name is what?" and followed the question with a not so polite snicker

He straightened, expression blank "Seaman, ma'am"

I squinted in suspicion "You're kidding...right?" He said nothing

"Is this like a prank?... wait, Am I on TV? Who the hell are you even?"

Unbothered, he replied in the same robotic tone, "I was sent by Madam Lorraine, Your mother."

Oh!

Well,

I crossed my arms. "Right. Should've known this had Mom's meddling fingerprints all over it." Then I shrugged, tossing my bag into the trunk he opened without a word.

We hit the road in silence for a minute before I leaned over from the back seat.

"Just so you know," I said, deadpan. "If you're a serial killer, I'm haunting you"

He didn't even flinch. "Noted, ma'am. I assure you I am thoroughly vetted, certified, and have no record of homicide."

I raised a brow. "Mm-hmm. That's exactly what a killer would say."

He adjusted the rearview mirror, his eyes still forward. "Understood, ma'am. Shall I put on calming music?"

"Only if it's Cardi B" I muttered, already slouching back.

"Cardi B doesn't have..." seeing as I was uninterested, he swallowed the rest of his words

-----

The gates creaked open like we were entering some royal estate and not just someone's "holiday home." As the mansion came into view, my jaw dropped– literally

The building was massive, glassy, and unnecessarily dramatic

I scoffed

Of course. This was exactly the kind of place Mom would end up. Grand, guarded, and dripping with money and control.

Of course she'd find someone like this to sink her claws into.

The car barely stopped before I was out, hands on hip as I took in the palace before me. Giant stone wolves flanked the doorway. Dramatic much?

Before I could take a step forward,

The huge gold plated double doors swung open, and there stood Madam Lorraine, in all her regal glory.

The woman knew how to make an entrance. silk dress, flawless hair, and that signature perfume that always made me scrunch up my nose and sneeze.

"Darling!" she beamed, arms open like we hadn't just spoken three times on the phone this week with her screaming in my ears, talking about my bad behaviour and shits. "You're finally here."

"Yep, survived the flight and no one arrested me. Success." I said it dryly but stepped into her hug anyway. Her arms were warm and familiar. I didn't pull away right away.

"You've gotten taller," she smiled.

"And You've gotten shinier," I shot back, eyeing her diamonds.

She laughed. "Come in, come in."

As I stepped into the grand hallway, my gaze landed on a guy leaning casually near the staircase. Maybe 22, dark curls, lean muscle, confidence for days. His eyes lit up with curiosity the second he saw me.

He gave a nod and an easy smile. Like he was used to being noticed.

I gave a polite once over, unimpressed.

"Belle," my mom gestured, "that's Wilde. He's the Alpha's nephew."

"Right," I muttered. No wonder he's got that blood-deep energy.

He smiled, like he heard the thought.

"Nice to finally meet you Belle, we've heard a lot"

I raised an eyebrow, already over it. Whatever charm he thought he had, it wasn't working on me.

I turned back to my mom. "Where's my room? I need a nap before someone tries to emotionally bond with me." Mom and Wilde gave a short laugh

"Not a single change in behaviour, I see" choosing to ignore that, I followed the maid who had bowed and gestured that I followed her.

~~~~

The room was... excessive.

Floor to ceiling windows overlooking what looked like an endless forestland, honestly not surprising

A bed big enough to fit five people. Marble bathroom visible through open double doors and then there was fresh flowers on every surface *scoffs*

I dropped my bag and stood there for a second, taking it all in

"Of course she'd put me in a room that screams 'we have money and we want you to know it,'" I muttered to myself

But honestly? After sleeping on a prison cot for a few days , this felt like a cloud

I walked to the window, pressing my palm against the cool glass. The pack lands stretched out below-wolves moving in small groups, some in human form, others shifted. There was a training ground to the left where several wolves were sparring

I almost drooled at the sight, they will know me here very soon

My wolf stirred inside me, restless, she wanted out

I think she wanted to run. Wanted to be free after being caged for so long

"Yeah, yeah, I know," I whispered to her "Soon, let's nap first" and I dropped to the bed, yet I got everything else but sleep

My mind kept drifting

I couldn't just stay cooped up in here, how the hell will I carry out my princess duties, if I don't explore huh?

I needed to move, to see, to feel...

Screw the nap

I turned on my heel and headed back downstairs, ignoring the maid who tried to offer me refreshments. I pushed through a side door that led to the back of the estate, following the sound of voices and laughter

The pack grounds were alive with energy. Wolves everywhere-training, talking, and simply living. It was so different from the human world I'd been stuck in. Here, there was a rawness, a sense of belonging I hadn't felt in years

I walked along the stone path, hands shoved in my pockets, just observing. A few wolves glanced my way, curiosity shining in their eyes, but no one approached. Good, I wasn't in the mood for small talk

Suddenly, I felt a strong sharp and sudden pull, like a hook lodged in my chest, yanking me forward

My wolf perked up immediately, alert and... excited?

I frowned, my steps slowing as I scanned the area

That's when I saw the most beautiful thing ever

Standing near the training grounds, arms crossed, watching two wolves spar with an intensity that made the air around him hum with authority. He was tall-taller than anyone else around him-with broad shoulders that filled out his black shirt like it was tailored to him. Dark hair, sharp jawline, and a presence that made everyone else fade into the background

He turned his head slightly, as if sensing something

And then his eyes locked onto mine

Time stopped....literally

Everything-the noise, the movement, the world-it all disappeared

And now all I could see was him

All I could feel was this overwhelming, earth shattering pull that made my knees weak and my heart race like I'd just run a marathon

My wolf howled inside me, very loud and desperate

MATE

No

No, no, no, no...

This wasn't happening, I'd just gone through a bad heart break for fuck's sake, I didn't have the emotional ability to bond with a stranger, oh God

But my body didn't care what my brain was screaming. My feet moved forward on their own, drawn to him like gravity itself had shifted in his direction

His expression shifted too, his eyes widening just a fraction, his jaw tightening, he must feel it too

I was halfway across the grounds before I even realized I'd moved

Before I could take another step

"Honey, I see you've met my daughter, Belle"

I froze

My mother's voice shattered the moment like stone hitting glass

She appeared beside him, all smiles and grace, slipping her arm around his waist like it was the most natural thing in the world

Then she leaned up

And kissed him

On. The. Fucking. Lips.

My stomach dropped

She pulled back, still smiling, still oblivious, and turned to me with that same bright, proud expression

"Belle," she said warmly, "this is my husband, Alpha Reign"

Chapter Three

First Person's Perspective

Belle

I couldn't breathe

No, scratch that, I forgot how to breathe

My mother's words echoed in my head like a broken record, each repetition louder than the last

This is my husband

My husband

Husband

The world tilted sideways, and for a second, I thought I might actually pass out right there on the perfectly manicured pack grounds

My wolf was losing her goddamn mind, clawing at my insides, howling and thrashing like she wanted to rip her way out of my ski

MATE. MATE. OURS. CLAIM HIM.

"Belle? Sweetheart, are you alright? You look pale"

My mother's voice cut through the chaos in my head, concern creasing on her perfectly made up face

I forced my eyes away from him, from them actually and tried to form words. Any words at all

"I'm... fine. Just tired.... Jet lag"

Smooth, Belle. Real smooth *rolls eye internally*

But I couldn't look at him. If I looked at him, I'd either combust or shift right there and tear into something or maybe both

"Oh, of course! You must be exhausted from the flight" Mom turned back to him, her hand still resting possessively on his arm "Darling, this is Belle. My daughter, the one I've been telling you about"

There was a pause. A heavy, suffocating pause, before...

"It's... a pleasure to meet you, Belle"

His voice

Oh God his voice

So deep and rough Like gravel and whiskey and every bad decision I'd ever want to make

It rolled over me like a physical touch, and I had to clench my fists to keep from shaking

I finally-finally-dragged my eyes up to meet his

Big mistake

Because he was staring at me with the same intensity, the same shock, the same hunger that I was desperately trying to hide

His jaw was locked tight, a muscle ticking in his cheek. His hands were clenched at his sides like he was holding himself back from something

And he looked just as wrecked about it as I felt....thank God I wasnt the only crazy one around here

"Belle?" My mother was watching me now, her smile faltering slightly "Aren't you going to say hello?"

I swallowed hard, my throat dry as sandpaper

"Oh! Um...Hello," I managed, my voice barely above a whisper

His eyes darkened immediately

"Your mother speaks very highly of you," he said, his tone carefully controlled

"Does she now?" I shot back, sharper than I intended

Mom laughed, oblivious "Oh, don't mind her. She's always been a bit prickly, takes after me, I suppose"

No. I absolutely did not take after her

Especially not in the "sleeping with my fated mate" department

"I should go," I blurted out, taking a step back "Unpack...Settle in....You know..."

"Oh, but we were just about to give you a tour of the grounds!" Mom protested "Weren't we, honey?"

"Actually," his voice cut in, "I have a meeting I need to attend" Mom creased her brows at him and he shrugged "Uh...Council business"

Thank the goddesssss!

"Oh!" Mom looked disappointed "Well, alright then. Belle and I can explore on our own"

He nodded curtly, his eyes flicking to me one last time before he turned and walked away

But not before I caught the way his hands were shaking

Haha

At least the feeling is mutual

~~~~

I barely heard a word my mother said during the "tour"

She talked on about the pack house, the training facilities, the gardens, the history of the estate-but all I could think about was him

The Alpha, whose my mother's husband and supposedly my mate too, gah! That's too much

And it wasn't just bad...it was catastrophic

"...and of course, there's the Luna ceremony next month. It's going to be quite the event!"

I stopped walking

"Luna ceremony?"

Mom beamed, happy that she's finally gotten my full attention "Yes! A formal celebration to honor my position as Luna of the Valencian Pack. Everyone will be there. The council, neighboring packs, even some of the elders from the old territories"

Of course. Because this situation wasn't complicated enough already

"That's... great, Mom. Really"

She studied me for a moment, her expression softening "I know this is all very new for you, Belle. And I know we haven't always seen eye to eye. But this-" she gestured around us, "-this is a fresh start. For both of us."

A fresh start

Right

If only she knew that her "fresh start" was currently my worst nightmare

By the time I made it back to my room, I was ready to scream

I slammed the door shut behind me and leaned against it, sliding down to the floor

My wolf, Isla, was still going ballistic, whining and pacing and demanding I go find him

"Absolutely not," I hissed at he. "He's married. To our mother. This is not happening"

But even as I said it, I knew it was a lie

Because the bond didn't care about logistics. It didn't care about morality or family drama or the fact that this was the single worst possible match in the history of terrible matches

The bond just was

And it was pulling at me, very relentlessly

I pressed my palms against my eyes, trying to think

Options, I needed options, they weren't many but i cohld come up with a few

Option one was to leave. Just pack my shit and get the hell out of Valencia before this got any messier

Or Tell my mother. Watch her world implode and probably get banished from the pack, that would be both hilarious and not

Or, I reject the bond, which would definitely kill both of us slowly and painfully....I shohld cross that out of the list

Or Do nothing and hope it went away

All terrible options

I hit my head on the door "I am so screwed"

Just then, my phone buzzed in my pocket, and I pulled it out absently, expecting some spam notification or a message from one of my old friends

Instead, my screen lit up with a news alert

BREAKING: Westwood Woman Arrested for Domestic Abuse - Drug Addiction Suspected

Now, I wouldn't care, If my name wasnt Westwood

, instantly, blood turned to ice

I clicked on the article, my hands already shaking

And there it was. My face

Plastered across the screen like I was some kind of criminal

Belle Westwood, 23, was arrested last week following a violent altercation with her long term boyfriend, Rowan Mitchell. According to sources close to the couple, Westwood has a history of aggressive behavior, often escalating when under the influence of drugs and alcohol

"What the fuck?" I breathed

"She would get high and just lose it," one anonymous source stated "Rowan tried to help her, but she was out of control. He's lucky to be alive, to be honest "

My vision blurred with rage

The incident, which left Mitchell hospitalized with multiple injuries, has sparked conversations about domestic violence and substance abuse in relationships. Mitchell's lawyer has stated that his client is "traumatized but hopeful that Belle gets the help she needs."

I threw my phone across the room

It hit the wall with a satisfying crack, but it didn't make me feel any better

That lying, manipulative, backstabbing piece of shit

He didn't just take me to court, he didn't just humiliate me

He destroyed my reputation. Made me out to be some unhinged addict who beat him for fun

And people would believe it. Because why wouldn't they? The article was everywhere. My name, my face, my life-reduced to a lie

I paced the room, Isla snarling and snapping, feeding off my fury

"I'm going to kill him," I muttered "I'm going to find him and rip his throat out with my bare hands"

You can't, Isla said, her voice surprisingly calm Not like this

"Watch me"

We're smarter than this, Belle, we're stronger than this

I stopped pacing, my chest heaving

We have something he doesn't, think about it she continued and I paused to do so, but nothing came

We have power now

I frowned "What are you talking about?"

Our mate, she said simply The Alpha who just happens to be the most powerful man in the werewolf world

My breath caught

She was right

I was mated to the most powerful Alpha in existence. Someone with influence, resources, connections that stretched across every pack, every territory

A slow, dangerous smile crept across my face

What if I used that?

What if I used him to destroy Rowan?

Without using violen or blood shed, but wkth sheer power and influence

With the kind of systematic, calculated revenge that would leave Rowan with nothing

Isla purred in agreement

It was risky....heck, It was insane

But it was perfect

I picked up my cracked phone from the floor, staring at the article one last time

"You want to play dirty, Rowan?" I whispered "Fine then, let's play"