Katie POV

Two days earlier, my mother had called with news that shattered the fragile peace I’d only just begun to rebuild in my life.

"The Alpha of the Ludwig Pack has approached us. They want you to mate with their second son, Griffin Ludwig."

I froze. The Ludwig Pack was legendary—one of the most powerful and ancient werewolf packs in the entire realm. And Griffin Ludwig? His name was whispered like a ghost story among both wolves and humans. A ruthless Alpha-in-training, he ruled his pack with cold efficiency, leaving no room for dissent. His reputation for being indifferent to women was just as infamous as his knack for power plays.

The idea of being bound to someone so distant unsettled me deeply. But after everything that had happened in my life—Jason’s betrayal, the pain I’d endured—it felt like fate was forcing me to take a leap into the unknown.

Without telling my family, I decided to return to the pack early. I wanted to surprise them, to show them I was ready for this, whatever it might mean.

Three hours later, I arrived at London’s main train station. The air smelled of human exhaust and faint traces of lingering wolves who had passed through the city’s crowded streets. As I dragged my suitcase through the terminal, I was caught off guard by a commotion ahead.

A well built man with sharp, predatory eyes snatched my bag and darted toward the exit. Instinct took over. My wolf stirred within me, growling for justice. Without thinking, I bolted after him.

Despite my speed, I couldn’t stop him. Just as he disappeared into an alley, the bag fell from his hands. I grabbed it, relieved—until I looked inside. It was empty. How did he switch my bag with the exact same type? It didn't make any sense.

Still trying to understand what was going on, an old woman was pushed to the floor by another man.

My chest tightened. Something felt off. As I turned back toward my luggage, my wolf snarled a warning in my mind. The old woman was no victim. Another man was dragging my suitcase toward the station doors, and her accomplice—the strange man—was waiting for her on an electric scooter.

"Hey!" I shouted, sprinting toward them.

Before I could reach her, a tall figure emerged from the crowd. With a fluidity that could only belong to a trained warrior, he launched a kick that sent both thieves sprawling. The scooter crashed onto its side, and the crowd gasped.

The man crouched, lifting my suitcase with ease, and handed it back to me without a word.

"Thank you," I stammered, breathless and overwhelmed.

He nodded slightly, his voice low and commanding. "Be more careful next time."

I barely managed to mumble another thank-you before he turned and walked away. He was taller than any wolf I’d seen, his presence radiating raw power. Though his physique was striking, his expression was so cold that it discouraged further conversation.

I watched his broad shoulders disappear into the crowd just as the local enforcers arrived to apprehend the thieves. My wolf stirred, curious, but I brushed the feeling aside.

When I finally arrived home, I was greeted by the familiar scents of my family—the comforting blend of pine and lavender that I’d missed so much during my time away.

Grandma fussed over me as though I were still a pup, her frail hands patting my cheeks. My parents’ warm smiles eased the tension I’d carried for years.

For the past seven years, I had stayed in Edinburgh for Jason, neglecting the family that had always stood by me. Now, surrounded by their care, I felt my walls crumbling.

Tears spilled down my cheeks, unbidden.

My mother mistook my tears for heartbreak.

"If you can’t let go of Jason, we won’t force you," she said gently, stroking my hair.

I shook my head, wiping my face. "I’m willing to mate into the Ludwig Pack."

My parents exchanged worried glances. Even in the world of wolves, arranged matings weren’t uncommon, especially among powerful packs. But the Ludwig Pack was a league of its own.

The next morning, the Ludwigs sent a formal envoy to arrange the mating bond ceremony. My mother explained that Old Alpha Ludwig had spent years searching for the perfect match for his second son. Dozens of prominent she-wolves had been rejected by Griffin himself.

I couldn’t help but wonder why he’d agreed to mate with me.

Although our pack was respected, we were nowhere near the Ludwigs’ level of influence. My family didn’t have the kind of strategic alliances that might explain this union.

My mother seemed just as worried. As she helped me choose a gown for the ceremony, she took my hands in hers, her usual confidence replaced with vulnerability.

"If you don’t like him when you meet, we won’t go through with it," she said softly.

I tried to smile, though my stomach churned with uncertainty. "Honestly, Mom, I’m more worried he won’t like me."

Her laughter filled the room, lightening the moment. "If Griffin Ludwig doesn’t see your worth, then he’s a fool."

The next morning, as I prepared for the ceremony, I couldn’t shake the feeling that my life was about to change forever.

The venue was held deep in the Ludwig Pack’s territory, an ancient forest that buzzed with the energy of hundreds of wolves. The ceremony itself was simple—just the exchange of vows and the marking of the bond.

As I waited in the ceremonial hall, the heavy oak doors creaked open. My wolf stilled, every sense sharpening as Griffin stepped inside.

It was him.

The man who had saved me at the station.

Our eyes met, and for a brief moment, the air seemed to still. His expression remained unreadable, his gaze piercing through me as though he could see every secret I’d ever kept.

He walked toward me, his movements fluid yet restrained, like a trapped man.

Kathie POV

Griffin stopped a few feet away, his piercing silver eyes locked onto mine. In his gaze, I saw the weight of duty, the steel of a man who bore countless responsibilities, and a hint of something I couldn’t quite decipher. He was intimidating, yes, but there was a magnetic pull to him that my wolf recognized immediately.

The elder overseeing the ceremony cleared his throat, bringing me back to the present. The room was silent save for the rustling of leaves outside. The Ludwig Pack’s ceremonial hall was simple yet grand, its stone walls etched with the stories of their lineage. The scent of incense filled the air, mingling with the energy of the gathered pack members watching from the shadows.

Griffin extended his hand toward me, his movements deliberate. I hesitated only for a fraction of a second before placing my hand in his. His palm was warm, his grip firm but not crushing.

“Are you ready?” His voice was low and steady, a question that seemed to carry more weight than the ceremony itself.

“Yes,” I replied, meeting his gaze with as much courage as I could muster. My wolf stirred, an odd sense of calm washing over me.

The elder stepped forward, holding a ceremonial blade. The blade’s edge glinted in the dim light, etched with runes that carried the power of ancient oaths.

“In the eyes of the Moon Goddess,” the elder began, his voice deep and resonant, “we gather to unite two souls, two wolves, into a bond that transcends time. This union is sacred, forged in trust, loyalty, and the blood of your lineage.”

Griffin never took his eyes off me, his gaze unrelenting. It was as if he were silently assessing whether I truly belonged in his world.

The elder turned to me first, offering the blade. “Do you, daughter of the Silverlake Pack, swear to uphold the bond, to stand beside your mate as his equal, and to honor the traditions of the Ludwig Pack?”

My hands trembled as I took the blade, its weight heavier than I expected. The words felt monumental, but deep down, I knew this was a leap I had to take.

“I swear,” I said, my voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions inside me.

With a deep breath, I pressed the blade lightly to my palm, the sharp edge biting into my skin just enough to draw a thin line of blood. The crimson drops glistened before they fell onto a small ceremonial bowl below, symbolizing my commitment to the bond.

The elder then turned to Griffin. His expression remained unreadable as he took the blade, his movements fluid and practiced.

“Do you, Griffin of the Ludwig Pack, swear to protect your mate, to stand beside her as her equal, and to honor the traditions of your ancestors?”

Griffin’s voice was calm, but there was an intensity behind it that sent a shiver down my spine. “I swear.”

He watched my actions, drawing blood with the same precision and letting it drip into the bowl.

The elder placed the blade aside and held the bowl high. “The Moon Goddess bears witness to your oaths. May your bond be blessed and your union be eternal.”

Then came the final step: the marking. My pulse quickened as Griffin stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. This part of the ceremony was intimate, a declaration to the pack and the world that we belonged to one another.

“May I?” he asked softly, his voice dropping to a tone meant only for me.

I nodded, my throat dry. I tilted my head, exposing the curve of my neck. My wolf stirred with anticipation, a mix of nervousness and excitement coursing through me.

Griffin’s hand brushed my shoulder, firm yet gentle, as he lowered his head. His breath was warm against my skin, and then I felt the sharp, precise sting of his fangs. My body tensed for a brief moment before warmth spread through me, an unfamiliar but not unpleasant sensation.

My wolf howled within, the bond forming as his mark sealed the union. It wasn’t just a mark on my skin—it was a connection, a tether that hummed with power.

When he pulled back, his eyes met mine again. For the first time, I thought I saw a flicker of something softer other than his cold exterior.

The elder spoke again, addressing the pack. “The bond is sealed. From this day forward, you are mates, bound by the will of the Moon Goddess.”

The pack howled in unison, their voices echoing through the hall and into the forest beyond. I felt the weight of their approval, their acceptance, even if I was still an outsider to them.

Griffin extended his hand again, and this time, I took it without hesitation. Together, we turned to face the gathered wolves.

“Welcome, daughter of Silverlake, to the Ludwig Pack,” the elder said, his tone formal but warm.

Griffin’s grip on my hand tightened slightly, a silent reassurance. As we walked out of the hall, the cool night air greeted us. The forest seemed alive, the rustle of leaves and the distant howl of wolves creating a symphony that felt like it was just for us.

He led me to a clearing just beyond the hall, where a sleek black car waited. I hesitated, unsure of what to say or do now that the ceremony was over.

“Do you regret it?” he asked suddenly, his voice breaking the silence.

I looked up at him, surprised by the question. “No,” I said honestly, though I wasn’t sure if I was convincing myself or him.

He nodded, his gaze shifting toward the distant trees. “Good.”

We stood there for a moment, the silence between us heavy but not uncomfortable. I realized then that this wasn’t just about a bond or an alliance. This was a new beginning—for both of us.

As we got into the car, my wolf stirred again, a quiet but firm reminder that whatever lay ahead, we were in this together.

Kathie POV

After the mating rite, my mum and everyone else insisted I leave with Griffin and spend a few days. Usethe opportunity to get to know each other.

The car ride was quiet, except for the soft hum of the engine and the faint rustle of trees outside. Griffin sat beside me, his posture relaxed yet commanding. The air between us felt charged, though neither of us spoke. My neck still tingled where he had marked me, a reminder of the bond we had just sealed.

I tried not to fidget, clasping my hands tightly in my lap. The silence was growing heavier, so I finally decided to break it.

“Where are we going?” I asked, my voice soft but curious.

Griffin glanced at me briefly, his silver eyes unreadable. “You need a dress,” he said simply, his tone matter-of-fact.

“A dress?”

“For tonight’s banquet,” he elaborated. “It’s tradition for the newly bonded to present themselves formally to the pack.”

Of course. A public display to affirm my place within the Ludwig Pack. My wolf stirred uneasily, the prospect of being under scrutiny daunting. Still, I nodded.

The car pulled to a smooth stop in front of an upscale boutique nestled between towering glass buildings. The shop’s display windows showcased elegant gowns that practically radiated sophistication and wealth.

Griffin exited the car first, moving with a grace that made it impossible not to watch him. He walked around to open my door, a gesture that seemed out of character given his reserved aura.

“Thank you,” I murmured, stepping out.

Inside the boutique, the air was perfumed with the scent of fresh flowers and expensive fabric. A tall, impeccably dressed woman greeted us with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

“Mr. Ludwig,” she said, her tone deferential. “What an honor. How can we assist you today?”

Griffin gestured toward me. “She needs a dress for tonight.”

The woman’s sharp eyes turned to me, assessing me in a way that made me feel both self-conscious and defiant. “Of course,” she said smoothly. “Right this way, madam.”

I followed her into the main showroom, where racks of gowns in every imaginable shade and style awaited. The woman began pulling dresses that she deemed “appropriate,” each one more extravagant than the last.

Griffin remained near the entrance, his arms crossed as he observed silently. His presence was a constant weight, a reminder that this wasn’t just shopping—it was preparation for stepping into a role I hadn’t asked for but had chosen nonetheless.

I tried on dress after dress, each one more ornate than the last. The boutique staff flitted around me like bees, adjusting hems and draping fabric over my shoulders. But no matter what they brought, nothing felt quite right.

When the woman held up a midnight blue gown with intricate silver embroidery, I hesitated. The color reminded me of Griffin’s eyes, deep and piercing.

“This one,” I said, surprising myself.

The moment I stepped out of the fitting room, Griffin’s gaze flickered to me. His expression didn’t change, but there was a subtle shift in the air around him, as if he’d momentarily forgotten to keep his mask in place.

“That’ll do,” he said after a pause, his voice steady but quieter than before.

The staff quickly packed the gown, and soon we were back in the car. I leaned my head against the cool glass of the window, my thoughts swirling.

Just as I began to relax, Griffin’s voice cut through the quiet.

“Do you still feel uneasy about the bond?” he asked, his tone unexpectedly gentle.

I turned to look at him, startled by the question. “It’s… a lot to process,” I admitted. “But I don’t regret it.”

His lips pressed into a faint line, as if he were weighing my words. “Good,” he said simply.

We got back to the car and got in.

The car pulled into a parking lot outside another boutique, this one catering to bridal wear. My brows furrowed in confusion.

“A dress for the banquet wasn’t enough?” I teased, attempting to lighten the mood.

Griffin gave a small, almost imperceptible smile. “You’ll see.”

We stepped into the store, where rows of white gowns shimmered under the soft lighting. Brides-to-be floated around the showroom, their laughter and excited chatter filling the air.

As we walked further in, something caught my eye—or rather, someone.

Across the room, a woman stood on a small pedestal, surrounded by attendants. Her auburn hair was swept into a loose updo, and the lace of the gown she wore glinted under the lights. She radiated confidence, her smile easy and genuine.

It was Emma.

The blood drained from my face, my wolf growling softly in the back of my mind. I hadn’t seen her for a while, not since the fallout with Jason. Yet here she was, trying on wedding dresses.

She hadn’t noticed me yet, too engrossed in whatever her consultant was saying. But as if sensing my presence, her gaze suddenly lifted, her green eyes locking onto mine.

The air shifted, the lively chatter around us fading into the background. For a moment, neither of us moved, caught in the tension of an unspoken history.

Griffin noticed the change in my posture and followed my gaze. His expression hardened slightly, though he said nothing.

I couldn’t tear my eyes away from Emma, memories of betrayal and heartbreak flooding back in an instant. My wolf bristled, protective and wary.

Emma’s smile faltered, her confidence replaced by something else—unease, perhaps? Or maybe guilt.

The weight of her gaze pinned me in place, and I suddenly felt like the air had been sucked out of the room. Whatever came next, I knew it wouldn’t be simple.