Cestia's POV

“JACK? WHERE ARE YOU?”

The hallway was dark and I am already upstairs, away from the loud noise of the banquet. Jacques suddenly disappeared in the midst of the party.

I was about to go back to the party when I saw a door that was a litle opened. When I went near to the door, I heard my mate's voice.

“I don't love her, Fayre. You are the one that I love,” he said with passion.

I felt like I was stabbed when I heard those words. When I peek to them, I saw Fayre kissing my mate. They are passionately kissing each other.

That moment, I wiped my tears and decided. It was a mistake staying here. It was a mistake agreeing in making a pact to him. I sighed and said to myself important words before I left.

“This is over now.”

•••

A month ago...

“WHAT? YOU ARE LETTING ME GO?”

I'm so done! It's interesting how life can kick you when you're feeling down. The last straw for me was losing my job at the coffee shop.

My boss had avoided looking at me when he remarked, "We're cutting back staff." My ticket to extra income vanished in an instant.

I couldn't bring myself to approach Lucas, my adopted father, for further assistance since I was already walking a wire financially while attending college. He has taken care of Melanie and me sufficiently.

“You need a break,” Melanie had said, tossing her auburn hair over her shoulder. “We’ll go to Mt. Calestina for the weekend. It’s supposed to be amazing this time of year.”

I didn't believe it. Melanie often defined "amazing" as flaunting her most recent attire and telling everyone how much better she looked in it.

But I was swayed by the prospect of a change of scenery and fresh air. Perhaps, just perhaps, I might feel a little less lost.

“Sure,” I replied.

She clapped her hands. “Perfect!”

As described in the advertisements, Mt. Calestina was indeed magnificent. The highest mountain in the area, it towered magnificently, a curtain of mist concealing its top. The cries that reverberated across the woodland during full moons were a whisper among the locals. The mountain was known for its folklore of werewolves, creatures who alternated between human and animal forms. I dismissed the stories, saying, "Nonsense."

Werewolves and humans couldn't possible live together.

Could they?

The hike started off uneventfully. The forest was alive with the sounds of birds and rustling leaves, the air crisp and cool.

The tour guide shouted while we are walking, “Don't go to the off limits zone. Remember, this mountain is full of wolves and other dangerous species.”

Melanie led the way, her pace brisk, as if she had something to prove. I trailed behind, lost in thought, until I felt the empty space around my neck.

My necklace was gone.

“N-No... It can't be.”

Panic surged through me. It wasn’t just any necklace—it was a silver pendant Lucas had given me when I was a child. “A reminder of how much you’re loved,” he’d said. It was my tether to the family I sometimes felt I didn’t quite belong to.

“I’ll catch up,” I called to Melanie, who didn’t bother to stop.

I went back and looked for the slight shimmer of silver on the forest floor. Here, the light looked dimmer and the trees denser. The sounds of nature dwindled as I continued on, giving way to an uncomfortable quiet.

Then came the first howl.

It was distant but haunting, reverberating through the trees. My pulse quickened as I realized just how alone I was. “Hello?” I called, my voice trembling. “Is anyone there?”

Another howl answered, closer this time.

Fear began to creep in and around me like the forest's shadows. With the weight of the stories I had previously discounted bearing down on me, I quickened my pace.

The growl was barely audible at first, but it got louder with each stride. As two black wolves with strangely bright eyes sprang out of the darkness, my breath caught in my throat.

Their fur blended in with the darkness, and they were big. Their growls chilled me to the bone. My head whirling, I froze.

“Stay back,” I whispered, knowing they wouldn’t understand.

One of them lunged. I stumbled back, tripping over a root and landing hard on the ground. My chest heaved as they closed in, their teeth bared.

Suddenly, a thunderous growl echoed through the forest.

The strong figure of a golden-brown wolf was a whirl of action as it sprang into the conflict. It slammed into the black wolves and drove them furiously away. With its deliberate and accurate movements, the golden wolf's presence was overwhelming.

“W-What's happening?”

The black wolves snarled, but they were hesitant to confront it more. Their brilliant eyes vanished into the darkness as they withdrew into the shadows with a last roar.

The golden wolf turned to face me, and I sat still, my heart racing. With such intensity that I forgot to breathe, its crimson-glowed eyes locked upon mine.

And then, impossibly, the wolf began to change.

Its fur receded, muscles rippling as its form shifted. In moments, a man stood where the wolf had been.

Werewolves...

They are true! I can't believe that they are real and I am seeing one right in front of me. I could believe it. This is crazy!

He was tall, with a powerful build and tousled dark hair. His tan skin gleamed in the faint light, and his eyes—still tinged with that eerie red—bore into mine.

“You…” he said, his voice deep and gravelly, as though unused to speech.

I couldn’t move. My instincts screamed at me to run, but something about him held me in place.

“You’re human,” he murmured, as though confirming a suspicion. Then his expression softened, though his crimson eyes never left mine.

“Who… who are you?” I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper.

His lips curved into a faint smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “You don't know me...” he said, his voice steady now. “But I can smell you...”

“W-What do you want?”

His gaze softened further, his tone almost reverent as he spoke the next words. The next words came out to his mouth made my whole body frozen.

“You are my mate.”

Cestia’s POV

“YOU ARE MY MATE...”

Those red eyes penetrating the darkness and the words that sent my life into a tailspin were the last things I remembered: You are my mate. After then, everything was a haze. My knees had given way, and I was completely engulfed in darkness.

Now, I am awake.

“G-Goodness! W-Where am I?”

Blinking against the warm light coming through the wide windows, I sat up gradually. My body fell into the comfortable mattress of a large bed, the silky sheets cooling on my skin.

The space surrounding me was gorgeous, with ornate sculptures and rich tapestries on the walls. A large chandelier hung from the ceiling, providing a golden glow that accentuated the opulent furniture.

For a second, I wondered if I was dreaming.

Then, I saw him.

“Y-You...”

So, that's not a dream.

He stood by the window, his tall frame silhouetted against the light. His dark hair was tousled, and his broad shoulders seemed to carry the weight of the world. Those same crimson eyes from before met mine, though now they seemed softer, less intense.

“You’re awake,” he said, his voice deep and smooth.

I scrambled to the far side of the bed, pulling the sheets up as if they could shield me from him. “Who are you? Where am I?”

“You fainted,” he said, ignoring my panic. “I brought you here for your safety. Welcome to my palace.”

“That doesn’t answer my question!” I snapped, my voice shaking.

He sighed, stepping closer, and I noticed the tension in his jaw. “My name is Jacques Caldwell, though most know me as Jack. I am the King Alpha, ruler of all werewolves.”

The words hung in the air, heavy with meaning. I stared at him, my mind racing. “King Alpha?” I echoed. “You mean… you’re the leader of werewolves?”

“Yes,” he said simply, as if that explained everything.

I shook my head, my disbelief bubbling to the surface. “This isn’t possible. Werewolves aren’t real. This has to be a dream.”

“It’s not a dream.” His voice was firm but not unkind. “You’ve already seen the truth.”

I paused for a moment and then I introduce myself to him. “I am Cestia Storm. I am a human. This can't be... This is not possible!”

He scoffed. “But look, here we are already. So yes, this is possible. That my mate is a human.”

I opened my mouth to argue, but immediately closed it. I had a distinct and unmistakable recall of his transitioning from wolf to man. “Why did you say that I am your mate?”

He approached, his presence authoritative yet somehow reassuring. “Because you are. I can smell it,” he said, his eyes unflinching. “Werewolves view the tie between mates as holy. It's a fate-forged bond that is stronger than anything else in the world.”

My pulse quickened, and my thoughts became disorganised. “But I am not a werewolf! I am just... human.”

“That doesn’t matter,” he said, his tone resolute. “Fate doesn’t make mistakes. You’re meant to be mine, Cestia. My mate, my Luna.”

“Luna?”

“My queen,” he clarified, his voice softening. “You would rule beside me, guiding our kind.”

I stared at him, stunned by the weight of his words. None of this made sense. Less than a day ago, I was worrying about my next paycheck, and now I was being told I was destined to be the queen of werewolves?

“You can’t just decide that for me,” I said, my voice shaking. “I didn’t ask for this.”

“I’m not asking, Cestia,” he said, his eyes narrowing slightly. “This is bigger than either of us. The bond between mates is not something that can be ignored.”

I felt a cold knot of fear twist in my stomach. “What happens if I say no?”

His jaw tightened, and for a moment, his expression was unreadable. “If you refuse, it will weaken me as King Alpha. The pack needs a Luna to maintain balance and order. Without you, my leadership will be challenged.”

“And if I refuse anyway?” I pressed, my voice barely above a whisper.

He met my gaze, his crimson eyes darkening. “Disobeying the King Alpha is not an option, Cestia. For your sake, I advise against it.”

The unspoken threat sent a chill down my spine. I was trapped, caught in a web I didn’t understand.

He must have sensed my fear because his tone softened. “I don’t wish to force this on you,” he said. “But it must be done. For both of us.”

“What must be done?” I asked hesitantly.

He stepped back, folding his arms across his chest. “A pact. It’s the ceremony that binds mates together. Think of it as a wedding, but for werewolves. Once the pact is made, you’ll officially be my Luna.”

I stared at him in disbelief. “You expect me to marry you? I don’t even know you!”

He nodded, as if my outburst was expected. “I understand this is sudden, but there’s no time to waste. My enemies are already circling, looking for any sign of weakness. The bond will solidify my position as King Alpha and protect you from those who might harm you.”

I swallowed hard, my mind reeling. It was all too much, too fast. Yet the fear of defying him loomed large.

“What happens during this… pact?” I asked reluctantly.

“The ceremony is simple,” he explained. “It involves an exchange of vows and a symbolic marking to signify the bond.”

“Marking?” I repeated, alarmed.

He nodded. “It’s painless, I assure you. The mark will protect you, letting all wolves know that you are my mate and under my protection.”

I felt trapped, my choices slipping away with every word he spoke. Refusing him wasn’t an option, not if it meant putting my life—and possibly his—at risk.

“When would this… ceremony happen?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

“Tonight,” he said, his tone final.

My heart sank, the weight of his words crashing down on me. I was about to be bound to a stranger, a man who was more beast than human.

And yet, deep down, a part of me wondered if this was truly fate—or a nightmare I couldn’t wake from.

“Alright, I will be your mate. Your Luna.”

Cestia’s POV

IT'S ALMOST ONE MONTH.

It had been about a month since the deal that transformed my life. I'd gone from being a regular college student to Luna of King Alpha, Jacques Caldwell.

My days on the werewolf king's huge estate were weird, filled with luxury I had never imagined, as well as a peculiar sense of belonging I didn't fully comprehend.

My days in the sprawling estate of the werewolf king were surreal, filled with luxury I never imagined but also with a strange sense of belonging I didn’t quite understand.

Despite being human, Jacques and his pack treated me with the utmost respect. His Beta, Hale Roberts, was the first to bow to me as their Luna, and the others quickly followed suit.

They deferred to me in ways that were overwhelming at first, calling me “Luna Cestia” as though it were a title I’d always carried. Jacques himself treated me like a queen, his actions and words always protective, though he remained an enigma.

That day, Elder James came on the estate. Jacques had told me very little about the council of elders, save that they were ancient and knowledgeable wolves who advised King Alpha.

“Greetings to the King and the Luna,” he said.

Elder James was the leader of the pack's elders and consutants, a man with silver hair and piercing blue eyes that seemed to look right through me.

When he entered the big hall, Jacques and Hale lowered their heads in reverence, and I did the same. To my astonishment, Elder James smiled warmly at me and said, "Rise, my child," in a calm but gentle voice.

I stood hesitantly, unsure of what to expect. “It’s an honor to meet you, Elder James,” I said, my voice soft.

“The honor is mine, Luna Cestia,” he replied, his gaze gentle but probing. “You remind me of someone very dear to this pack.”

I tilted my head curiously. “R-Really? Who is it?”

“The previous Luna,” he said, a hint of sadness in his tone. “She had a kindness about her, a strength that came not from power but from her heart. You carry that same spirit.”

I wasn't sure what to say. I had never met the prior Luna, but the way Elder James described her made me feel the weight of her heritage.

Elder James turned to Jacques and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Take care of her, Jacques," he said firmly. "The link between partners is a gift. Protect it and cherish your Luna.”

Jacques nodded, his expression unreadable. “I will, Elder.”

The elder then turned to me, his smile returning. “There will be a banquet soon, Luna, in your honor. It is time for the pack and its allies to see their queen.”

“A banquet?” I echoed, my heart racing.

“Yes,” Jacques said, stepping closer to me. “You will be introduced to the pack formally as my Luna. It’s an important tradition.”

I nodded slowly, unsure if I was ready for such a spotlight.

However, Jacques made every attempt to prepare me for the occasion. Dresses of the finest silks and jewellery that glittered like stars were delivered to my chambers.

“I am not used to big events,” I said.

Jacques smiled a bit. “You'll be fine, Cestia.”

Hale and the rest of the pack ensured that every element of the feast was excellent. By the evening, I could scarcely recognise myself in the mirror.

The dinner hall was stunning. Chandeliers cast golden light over the area, and the air was alive with excitement.

“For the main event! The King and Queen of the pack!”

The wolves, clad in fine clothes, moved with elegance that appeared almost unearthly. Jacques stood at my side, dominant as ever, his crimson eyes scanning the room keenly.

When he introduced me, his voice carried across the hall like a king addressing his kingdom. “This is my mate,” he announced, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. “Your Luna.”

Applause erupted, and for the first time, I felt accepted by these otherworldly beings. They smiled and bowed, demonstrating true respect.

The night was a flurry of congratulations and warm welcomes. Jacques was never far from my side, his protective aura a continuous reminder of my new life. I began to relax, enjoying the music and the talks.

But then, the atmosphere shifted.

The doors to the banquet hall opened, and all eyes turned to the figure that entered. A woman, tall and strikingly beautiful, strode in with an air of confidence. Her long, jet-black hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her piercing green eyes scanned the room with a familiarity that sent murmurs rippling through the crowd.

“Fayre,” Jacques said, his voice low and tense.

I froze. Fayre. Jacques had never mentioned her, but the way his posture stiffened told me everything I needed to know.

Then, I heard the chatters and whispers of other wolves. I couldn't help but listen to them.

One woman said, “She came back already?”

The other woman nodded and said. “The alpha's ex-lover... His first love!”

What?!

She stopped a few feet from us, her lips curving into a faint smile. “Jacques,” she said smoothly. “It’s been a while.”

The way she said his name, the way her eyes lingered on him—it was clear they shared a history. My chest tightened, and I instinctively took a step closer to Jacques.

“This is a private banquet,” Jacques said, his tone cold.

“And yet I’m here,” Fayre replied, unbothered by his hostility. Her gaze shifted to me, and her smile grew. “So, this is the new Luna. I’ve heard… interesting things.”

I felt her eyes sweep over me, assessing, judging. She was flawless, exuding a confidence I couldn’t hope to match.

“Yes, Fayre,” Jacques said, his voice a low growl.

“I came to talk,” she said, her tone softening. “Surely you can spare a moment for an old… friend.”

“I’ll handle this,” he said to me, his voice firm. “Stay here.”

I wanted to argue, to demand answers, but the tension in the air was suffocating. Instead, I nodded, watching as he led Fayre away from the crowd.

Is she really his ex-lover?