The city pulsed around me, neon lights flickering like false promises in the darkness. The skyscrapers stood tall and indifferent, their steel-and-glass faces reflecting a world that had shattered before my eyes. I moved through the crowded streets, my heels clicking against the pavement with a rhythm that matched the racing beat of my heart.

This was my city. My father’s city. He had ruled in this place, not just as a business mogul but as the Alpha of the most powerful werewolf pack—The Mooncrest Pack—to walk these streets. And William had stolen it all by fooling me.

I tightened my grip on the bag at my side. Fury burned through me, igniting every nerve in my body. William would pay. But I couldn’t do it alone. I needed help from one of his enemies.

Yes, I was about to meet the one who would help me bring William down.

I made my way to the nightclub, slipping past the bouncer with a nod. Inside, the air was thick with smoke and whiskey, the thudding bass vibrating through the floor. Werewolves mingled among humans, their scents masked but unmistakable to me. Predators hiding in plain sight. Just like William.

My nails dug into my palms as I scanned the room, my eyes locked on the man I’d come to find. He sat at the back, lounging in a leather booth like he owned the place. And in a way, he did. His presence dominated the room, his aura crackling with power and authority.

Mason Holloway. The true Alpha of the Northern Pack. William’s uncle. The one William had tried to kill to secure his claim. But I learned from some investigator I hired to find William’s weaknesses that Mason was very much alive, and from the way his emerald eyes gleamed as they met mine, he’d been expecting me.

The world shifted. My heart stopped, then slammed back to life as it thundered in my chest. A shock of electricity raced through me, awakening every nerve, every cell, every part of me. Lorraine stirred, howling in recognition.

“Mate!”

The realization crashed over me, dizzying and absolute. Mason was my mate. Not William. Not the man I had promised myself to. But his uncle. The man whose mere presence commanded the room, whose power hummed in the air like a living thing.

His gaze didn’t waver, his eyes cold and calculating, as if he hadn’t felt the earth-shattering pull that had just ripped through me. But his jaw tightened, a flicker of something raw flashing in his eyes before his expression hardened.

“Did he feel it too?” I asked Lorraine.

My heart raced with Lorraine’s reaction. She’s clawing beneath my skin, desperate to get closer to him. A part of me wanted to say it, to scream it, to throw the truth in his face.

‘You’re my mate.’

‘We’re meant to be.’

‘Help me. Protect me. Fight with me.’

But the words died on my lips as his expression grew colder, his eyes hardening to steel.

He leaned back, his arm draping over the back of the booth with lazy confidence, every inch the king in his den. “Lana Harrison. Didn’t think you had it in you to come here.” His voice was low, a velvet rasp that sent a shiver down my spine.

I steadied myself by keeping my chin high and hiding the surprise that he knows my name. “I need your help.”

He arched a brow, amusement flickering across his face. “My help? You’re marrying William. Shouldn’t he be the one handling your problems?”

The words were like a slap, but I refused to flinch. “William is the problem. He killed my father. He fooled me. And he’s using me to—”

“And you think I care because…?” Mason’s expression didn’t change, his eyes cold and detached.

I took a shaky breath with the truth burning in my throat.

‘Because you’re my mate. Because you’re supposed to protect me.’

But his gaze was so distant, so uncaring. I felt that the words would be foolish and childish if I told him now.

Would he laugh? Would he push me away?

No. I couldn’t risk it. I couldn’t bear the thought of my mate rejecting me. And the pain.

Not now. Not when I needed him the most.

Frustration boiled up inside me. “He tried to kill you, too. He betrayed you, took your pack, and exiled you. Aren’t you angry?”

“Angry?” He laughed, a dark, mocking sound. “I was impressed. Didn’t think the pup had it in him. But that’s old news, love. I’ve moved on.”

I blinked, disbelief tightening my chest. “You don’t care that he stole everything from you?”

Mason leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with something sharp, dangerous. “The pack? The title? All that responsibility? I’d rather burn it all down than be chained to it. William did me a favor.”

I stared at him, stunned. He meant it. Every word. He didn’t want revenge. He didn’t want justice. He wanted nothing to do with any of it.

And… he didn’t want me.

The realization shattered something inside me, a cold ache spreading through my chest. I wanted to scream, to shake him, to make him feel what I felt. To make him understand that he’s my only ace to win. Because our mate bond was real. That we were meant to be together. And that we should give ourselves a chance to be one as we are fated to be.

But his eyes were cold and his face a mask of indifference.

He leaned back, his lips curving into a lazy, arrogant smirk. “I like the shadows, sweetheart. They keep me free. And freedom is the only thing I care about.” His eyes darkened, his voice lowering to a dangerous whisper.

I tightened my fists. “I thought you were the rightful Alpha of Northern Pack.”

“Rightful Alpha?” He laughed again, his shoulders shaking with amusement. “Let William have it. Let him rot with responsibility.” He stood, his gaze piercing, unwavering. “I’m done playing hero. Find someone else to fight your battles.”

I watched him walk away, my heart breaking, my wolf howling in pain.

‘Why won’t you… fight for me?’

Three months passed, and I stood before the gilded mirror, staring at the white silk of the wedding dress shimmering under the soft lights. It clung to me perfectly, every stitch designed to mold me into the image of a perfect bride.

My fingers traced the delicate lace along my collarbone, but the fabric felt heavy, suffocating like chains masquerading as satin. I wanted to rip it off, to scream, to let my wolf shred this lie apart. But I couldn’t. Instead, I forced myself to smile at my reflection, practicing the same expression I’d perfected these past few months. Happy. In love. Oblivious.

My father would have been disgusted to see me like this, pretending to love the man who murdered him. The man who orchestrated his death and made it look like a rogue ambush. The man who would pay for his betrayal.

My father’s face flashed in my mind—his gentle smile, the pride in his eyes whenever he looked at me. A knot tightened in my chest, my vision blurring. I swallowed the tears before they could fall. I wouldn’t cry. Not today. Not when I was so close to making William pay.

A knock on the door shattered the silence. I turned to see Emma step inside, her red hair tumbling over her shoulders, her brown eyes wide with worry. My best friend. The only person who knew the truth of my plans.

“Lana… you don’t have to do this,” she said, her voice trembling. “We can run. We can go somewhere he’ll never find us.”

I let out a hollow laugh, shaking my head. “Running won’t bring my father back. It won’t give me justice. It won’t destroy him.” I met her gaze, my eyes hardening. “I have to do this, Em. I have to make him pay.”

Emma’s shoulders sagged, her expression pained. “But marrying him? That’s madness.”

“Exactly,” I said, a wicked smile curling on my lips. “He thinks he’s won. That he’s broken me, but he’s marrying his worst nightmare.” I turned back to the mirror, my reflection cold and unrecognizable. “Once he thinks he owns me, I’ll tear his world apart from the inside. He’ll never see it coming.”

Emma’s eyes widened. “Lana… that’s dangerous. He’s ruthless. If he finds out what you’re planning—”

“He won’t,” I cut her off, my voice icy. “I’ve played my part perfectly. He thinks I’m his pretty little prize. A naive girl blinded by love.” I met her gaze in the mirror, my eyes darkening. “But by the time he realizes the truth, it’ll be too late for him to find his way out of my wrath.”

“I’m worried, Lana…” Emma sighed. “You became colder after you learned about their cheating. You keep talking about revenge.”

I swallowed, the ache in my chest growing. “I have to be.” My fingers tightened around the lace as my knuckles turned white. “I need to be colder… tougher. I need justice for Papa.”

“Anyway, what happened to the alliance you were seeking with the one you told me about?” Emma curiously asked. “You said you would look for him because he is your best chance to win this fight. Did you find him?”

“I did.” My jaw clenched. “I found him. I talked to Mason, but he won’t help.”

Emma’s mouth fell open. “Mason? Who’s this Mason, Lana?

“Mason Holloway,” I replied. “William’s uncle.”

Emma gaped. “The Alpha who turned rogue?”

“Yep.” I nodded, my gaze hardening. “And he’s alive. Funny thing is… I found out that he’s my true mate.” I chuckled bitterly.

Her eyes widened in shock. “Your mate? But… how?”

I shrugged. “I went to find him, Em. It was to seek help through an alliance… I thought he would help me since William ruined him. Then, I sensed him as my mate…” I shook my head, my eyes narrowing. “He said my problem wasn’t his problem. He loves his freedom, that’s it.”

Emma’s face fell, sympathy flooding her eyes. “Oh, Lana… But he’s your mate! He should feel something stronger than his refusal to help! It should be like that, right?”

I set my jaw, forcing my shoulders back. “I thought mates were supposed to feel the bond, too. To be drawn to each other. I thought he’d feel it too… and that it would be enough for him to help me. I was hoping for the last three months for him to find me, but… today’s my wedding, he truly didn’t want me.”

Emma’s brows knitted together. “Did he reject you?”

I shook my head, my fingers curling into fists. “He looked me in the eyes and walked away. Said he didn’t want the responsibility. He wanted freedom more than anything else. And those were only his parting words.”

Emma’s eyes flashed with anger. “What kind of mate abandons his bond? I thought those connections were unbreakable. He should reject you if he doesn’t want you. Not like that!”

My chest tightened, but I wouldn’t let myself break. “I don’t know what’s on his mind. I don’t know why he didn’t reject me.” I took a deep breath, determination flooding through me. “Maybe he was confused. Maybe he was planning to claim me when the right time comes. Maybe he’s a masochist and wanted to feel the pain once William claims and marks me.”

Emma’s expression softened. “I’ll go with he’s just confused.”

“I’m hoping he’ll realize what he’s running from.” I lifted my chin, defiant. “That he’ll feel the pull as I do. That the bond will make him see the truth.” My eyes darkened. “But I won’t wait around for him. I’ll fight my battles with or without him. In case he finds me to help, then good. If not… I’ll survive.”

Emma hesitated before stepping closer. “Just promise me you won’t lose yourself, Lana. I don’t want you to fail.”

I looked back at the mirror, at the woman staring back at me—cold, focused, unyielding. “I’ll figure that out when the time comes,” I whispered. “For now, I have a role to play.”

Emma moved to adjust my veil, her fingers trembling as she smoothed the delicate fabric. I looked at my reflection one last time, seeing the innocent bride, the perfect pawn. But beneath the lace and silk, beneath the false smile, was a wolf with blood on her mind.

William thought he was marrying his queen. But tonight, he’d learn that his queen was his executioner.

Yes, I would return all that he did to my father tonight in our matrimonial bed. I would end him.

Tonight.

A masterpiece of luxury.

That's all I could say as my eyes roamed around. The gold chandeliers glittering above, white roses cascading down every column, and rows of guests dressed in the finest silk and tailored suits. William had spared no expense, eager to flaunt his victory before the werewolf elite. To them, today was the union of power. To me, it was the start of seeking justice in the style of white laces.

I took my first step down the aisle. All eyes were on me, their admiration and envy palpable. I could feel the weight of their gazes and admiration for me as the ‘perfect bride.’

Indeed, my face was a picture of serenity with a soft smile on my lips. But beneath the veil, my mind was a battlefield. Fury churned within me, tempered only by cold and calculated resolve. This wasn’t just a wedding. It was a reckoning.

At the end of the aisle, William waited with a smug smile. He looked so satisfied. He looked every bit the prince charming in his tailored suit, his blond hair perfectly styled, his posture oozing confidence.

Oh… I hated him!

My fingers tightened around the bouquet as I approached, imagining his throat beneath my grip instead. How dare he stand there? Looking at me with such possession. Such arrogance, when he was the reason my father lay six feet under.

I forced my lips to widen, a vision of love-struck devotion. He had no idea that every step I took was one step closer to his ruin. He extended his hand, and I reached him.

William’s eyes were gleaming with victory. “You look breathtaking, Lana.” His voice was warm, affectionate—a perfect lie.

I placed my hand in his, the contact sending a chill down my spine. “And you look handsome, as always.” I made sure my smile never faltered.

He squeezed my hand, his grip possessive. “After today, you’ll be mine forever.”

I swallowed the bile rising in my throat and tilted my head in feigned adoration. “As you’ll be mine.”

The ceremony began, the priest—one of William’s loyalists—reciting the ancient vows. William’s chest puffed with pride as he made his promises, his voice steady and sincere. Promises of love, loyalty, and protection.

Lies. Every word was a lie.

William’s thumb stroked my palm, drawing my attention back to him. His eyes were soft, filled with a tenderness that made my stomach churn. “Your turn, love.”

The priest looked at me expectantly. “Do you, Lana Harrison, take William Holloway to be your lawfully wedded husband? To love, honor, and obey, until death do you part?”

The words echoed in my head, mocking me. Obey? He wanted a puppet, a queen to strengthen his throne. My gaze locked onto his, and for a fleeting moment, I let him see it. My fury. My hatred. My promise of vengeance.

William’s brow furrowed, confusion in his eyes.

I smiled sweetly. “I do.”

William’s shoulders relaxed as he slipped the ring onto my finger as a symbol of ownership. I stared at the band. It was just a prop. A chain that would shatter the moment his empire crumbled.

I caught the smirk on Charlotte’s lips. I smiled at her sweetly. She thought I was dumb without realizing she was dumber.

The priest opened his mouth to pronounce us husband and—

A loud crash shattered the air, followed by a chorus of screams. The glass windows above exploded inward, shards raining down as shadows poured into the hall. Figures cloaked in black, their faces masked, moved fast with their lethal and commanding presence.

Chaos erupted. Guests scrambled, toppling chairs and tearing at their expensive gowns as they fled for the exits. Guards shouted orders, weapons drawn, but the assailants were faster, more coordinated, overpowering them with ease.

William’s body went rigid beside me, his hand tightening around mine. “What the hell is happening?!” he shouted at his people.

I widened my eyes as panic seeped into my voice.

William’s grip was bruising, his eyes darting around, desperate for control. “Stay close to me, Lana.”

A masked figure lunged, his movements a blur. William shoved me behind him, his body coiled with tension as he fought them off, his wolf strength on full display.

I stumbled. Fear and confusion all over me. This wasn’t part of my plan. This wasn’t supposed to happen.

Who are they? What do they want?

More shadows descended, surrounding me, their eyes cold and unyielding behind their masks. One stepped forward, he reached for me, his gloved hand wrapping around my arm.

I struggled, my fingers clawing at his hold. “No! Let me go!”

William’s roar echoed through the hall, feral and unhinged.

“LANA!” He fought to reach me, his power surging, but the assailants blocked his path, their numbers overwhelming.

The leader pulled me close, his voice low and firm. “We only want the bride.”

I thrashed in his grip, my movements wild and desperate. I looked at William, and he couldn’t lie that he was in shock too. It means… this wasn’t William doing. Or was he just good at pretending?

But William’s face contorted with rage, and his power crackled through the room. “No! Let go of my wife! I’ll kill you! I’ll—”

A sharp blow to his head sent him sprawling, his body hitting the marble floor with a sickening thud. Charlotte ran to him, checking immediately if he was okay.

The leader’s arm tightened around me, dragging me toward the shattered window. I screamed, my voice echoing through the hall. “HELP! DON’T LET THEM TAKE ME!”

We moved swiftly, the air cold against my skin as we disappeared into the darkness. I fought and kicked, but his hold was gripping me. We reached an abandoned manor on the outskirts of the city. I was tossed into a room, the door slamming shut behind me. I rushed to the window, only to find it barred. Panic enveloped me.

The door opened. A figure stepped inside, carrying his overwhelming presence. The air felt like it was growing heavy. My heart raced. My wolf was stirring inside me. The scent was unmistakable—earthy, electric, and dangerously familiar.

His emerald eyes gleamed in the dim light, locking onto mine. A shiver ran down my spine.

Mate.

I could feel the bond thrumming between us, alive and potent. My breath hitched as recognition dawned.

“Mason?!”