Shifter's Bargain A Dance With Destiny: Read Chapters 1-5

Savvy

The ballroom was filled. Each and every one who attended held a high-ranking position in the werewolf world.

They had all arrived to congratulate the new Alpha of the Royal pack for his ascension—Phoenix Prince, who is my mate. He stood there with the other Alphas, with a smile on his gorgeous face, his gaze on me, and I melted.

He has been my everything since childhood and to say I love him more than life itself would be an understatement. Five years of being his mate have paid off. Our fathers were best friends. They shared a relationship of an Alpha and a Beta. Their reign was the best. The sky isn't even their limit.

Together, they expanded the Royal pack and the Winter Tribe, making it one of the most formidable territories in the werewolf world. We would have been at the top if the Silver Moon pack didn't exist.

The music from the background stopped when Phoenix took his stand, preparing to give his speech of gratitude. Every corner of the room grew silent to hear the words of the new Alpha, and I did too, with my heart racing with love.

"Thank you all for gathering here today. Your presence honors me. First and foremost, I offer my gratitude to the Moon Goddess for her blessings upon me. As your new Alpha, I vow to uphold my duties with integrity and strength. The Royal Pack will prosper under my leadership."

The crowd erupted into applause, and I joined in, tears of joy welling up in my eyes. We had waited so long for this moment.

As Phoenix Prince spoke, his gaze shifted from the crowd and locked onto mine. His eyes burned with emotion as he continued.

"I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the one woman, aside from my mother, who holds a special place in my heart. Savvy Winter, your selfless sacrifices have made this moment possible. You are my mate, my partner, and my everything. I love you, Savvy. I love you more than words can express."

Phoenix's words hung in the air as he confessed his love and appreciation for me before the entire gathering. The room erupted in a roar of excitement, with all eyes on me as I basked in the adoration. I was the center of attention, the star of the ceremony.

But just as the moment reached its peak, the door burst open and a woman walked in, commanding everyone's attention.

The room gradually fell silent again—this time, because of the newcomer. Sapphire Lake stood at the entrance, her gorgeous, unexpected presence sending a chill down my spine.

She was the only daughter of Elder Lake who was also an Alpha. He controls the third biggest pack in the Werewolf world. Sapphire had been Phoenix's first love. His first choice. His first desire, but luck wasn't by his side when he aimed to take her as his chosen mate.

By that time, we had already been fated for one another. Phoenix knew his father would never accept him breaking my heart, so without a choice, he had to say goodbye to Sapphire and focus on me—but all that was years ago, when his father was still alive

Now, Phoenix Prince is an Alpha and he could do anything he wanted. This fact was the actual reason why my heart skipped a beat. Under my watchful gaze, I saw Sapphire make her way before the new Alpha, and they shared a hug.

"My Dad can't make it. He wanted me to come represent him," she said to Phoenix, who couldn't take his eyes off her now. Those blue eyes of his could never lie. They told a secret, a surprise that made me feel antsy.

"To Elder lake." Phoenix made a toast to Sapphire's father who couldn't make it and everyone cheered.

The party resumed soon, the music blasting once more and the room erupting in joyful chaos. But I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. Something felt off, and I couldn't quite put my finger on it.

"You didn't tell me you would show up today, Sapphire." I heard Phoenix whisper to her, and she smiled.

"I can't wait for your right moment, Phoenix. I need answers."

Immediately after I heard this, a frown creased my eyebrows, and I started to approach my mate, but he had already circled his fingers around Sapphire's arm and gently pulled her into the silent hallway.

In no time, I tagged along, smiling as I went in order not to alert anyone. I grabbed a drink from the counter as I marched on.

"The moment is tonight, Sapphire. You should have been patient. It's no child's play."

"No child's play? For goodness’ sake, Phoenix. I am pregnant with your baby, and you say breaking the news to your mate is no child's play? She will understand."

Sapphire’s words hung in the air, and the glass cup I held slipped from my hand, shattering at my feet. I could hardly believe my ears.

Slowly, I stepped out from the corner where I had been hiding to stare at Phoenix Prince—a man I had known all my life. My heart began to race at the news, but I suppressed my heartache as I asked him to be sure.

"What is going on, Phoenix? What... What is she talking about?"

"You heard right, Savvy," Sapphire replied instead. "I am carrying the first child of Alpha Phoenix."

"I wasn't speaking to you!" I snapped, my eyes blazing. "I am only talking to my mate here. Phoenix, tell me. What exactly is going on?"

The man stared at me for a long time. His eyes spoke of his emotions. He was sorry—but he never regretted his actions. Slowly, he walked up to me, and his thumb reached out to dab the tears trailing down my cheek. He was gentle, as always, and loving.

"We can talk in the room, Savvy. We can..."

"Tell me exactly what is going on!" I spat, brushing his hand away from my face. "What is this lady talking about?"

"You heard her right. She is... carrying my baby."

My heart sank at his words, and I felt the whole world spinning. It was unbelievable. I was so sure he was joking.

"Our wedding day is only eleven nights away. This… is an expensive joke, Phoenix Prince."

"The wedding will go on, Savvy," he said, his voice firm but devoid of remorse. "I will keep you by my side, no matter what. I will never let you go. But you have to understand me... what happened with Sapphire was a mistake. A momentary lapse. You know it's you I love, Savvy. Only you."

As he spoke, Sapphire, who stood behind him, had a triumphant smile spreading across her face. Her eyes gleamed with victory, and she seemed to be savoring the moment. My anger and hurt boiled over at the sight.

"You call it a mistake?" I whispered, my voice cracking with heartache. "You slept with another woman... got her pregnant... and you reduce it to a mere mistake? Tell me how long you have been with her, Phoenix? Why did you have to do this to me? To us?"

Tears streamed down my face as I gazed at him, my eyes pleading for answers. But I knew I wouldn't get any. The truth was already etched on his face. He had always loved her, not me.

My heart shattered into a million pieces.

"I am so disappointed in you," I whispered, the words barely audible over the sound of my own heart breaking as I walked away into the night.

Savvy

The sunlight came through the slit curtains, gracing the spacious bedroom I shared with Phoenix Prince. I sat quietly on the couch, thoughts weighing on my mind.

He hasn't returned after what had happened the previous night. That was unlike him. Anytime we argued, Phoenix usually made sure to clear up the air before the next day, but this time, it was different. I wondered where he had gone and somehow, I forced myself to believe he was occupied by his new task as the Alpha and not by his mistress.

I was lost in thought when I was brought back to the present by the sounds of approaching footsteps. My head turned towards the door, and it opened seconds later. Irene stood in the doorway, her small smile in place as always.

"Ma'am, the breakfast has been served. You are wanted in the dining hall," she said, and I blinked, exhausted.

"I won't be coming down for breakfast."

I expected Irene to walk away, but she didn't. Instead, she said almost sadly,

"Alpha Phoenix is there with another lady. It's so... unbearable to watch."

Immediately after I heard this, my heart sank, and I got up, acting on impulse. I had thought all night Phoenix was attending to his tasks, but I was so wrong.

Hurriedly, I rushed into the dining hall only to get the shock.

Phoenix sat comfortably, Sapphire giggling by his side as they exchanged affectionate glances. The air was thick with their happiness and obvious love for each other.

My mate was so lost in the lady who sat by his side, but his gaze soon shifted towards me, and his smile gradually faded.

"Hey, you are here," Phoenix said, but I kept silent as he got up to guide me toward the chair which he pulled out for me.

I was just settling down when Kathleen, Phoenix's mother, walked in, the wedding invitation card in her hand. I quickly got up to pay my respects, but she ignored me completely and sat down, her gaze on Sapphire.

"Oh, I'm sorry I kept you all waiting. Sapphire dear, how was your night?"

"My first-night reunion with your son was blissful. Phoenix Prince wouldn't let me sleep a wink. He's just so naughty."

Chuckles came from Kathleen, and I felt invisible. Did Sapphire just indicate Phoenix Prince had a night with her while I was waiting for him?

"Well, I can believe you on that. Phoenix has waited so long to have you in his arms in his pack. You should take care of yourself in the process—and our baby."

These words spoken by my mate's mother sank my heart in a way I had never seen coming. I turned to settle my gaze on her. She had known about her son's infidelity all along, and she had supported it.

I nearly went crazy at the humiliation, and I swiftly made to leave when Phoenix's hand caught my wrist. Our eyes locked in a fiery moment as I tried to wriggle free, but he was just too powerful.

"There is a change in the wedding invitation, Savvy. You need to know," he said, compelling me to raise an eyebrow.

I turned to see his mother holding out the wedding invitation card toward me, and I accepted it to read. As my eyes scanned the content, I went pale. Goosebumps overwhelmed my skin, and I nearly fell.

"W-what is this?" I asked Phoenix directly, my tone barely above a whisper, and he sighed.

"It's the new wedding invitation. We only made a slight change."

"Slight changes," I echoed his words, my voice trembling with incredulity. Without another moment's hesitation, I turned and fled the dining room. Tears streamed down my face, blurring my vision as I ran blindly, unsure of where I was going. Just as I was about to round a corner, Phoenix's firm grip closed around my wrist, jerking me to a sudden halt. He pulled me back, my body crashing against his as he spun me around to face him.

We stood still, both of us, silent. He watched as my expression twisted and tears fell in sorrow and cruel betrayal.

"Phoenix... Please tell me all this is a joke. Tell me... You are only testing my patience. Tell me this isn't true, that..."

"It's all true," he cut in softly as his palm tenderly cupped my cheek. "I made a mistake, Savvy, and I have to pay the consequences."

"By paying the consequences, you plan to give my rightful position as a Luna to your mistress? Is that it?!"

"Savvy..."

"Have you even bothered to read the wedding invitation?" I asked, my voice trembling with outrage. "It clearly states that I will be reduced to a concubine—a degrading position that would irreparably tarnish my family's legacy. I'd not only lose my dignity, but my father's honor would be forever sullied. Aside from that... Do you plan on giving Sapphire Lake everything my father worked for? The Winter Tribe's possessions?"

"That won't be a problem, Savvy. You just—"

"I disagree!" I snapped at him. "You know better than anyone else that Luna's position is my right. It is the only way to call back my wolf. Without it, I am as good as dead."

"You will regain your wolf once you become my concubine, Savvy. I will pay back the loan."

I set my jaw as I searched his eyes. I wondered what had come over him. It took an effort before I let out a sigh to calm my nerves and then took a step away from him.

"Three years ago, after the demise of your father, the Alpha's seat was vacant. Do you know why? Because the rightful owner was brutally stabbed—and we both know you did it. I get it. It was an accident, but people outside will never believe you as I did. Covering your despicable actions was one of the most tedious jobs. The whole Winter Tribe stepped in per my command to cover all the traces you left behind. Bribing our way through left us all broke and shattered. In the end, I had to use my werewolf as collateral to finalize the last loan, and a vow was taken from me that I could only take back my wolf when I became the Luna of the Royal Pack. These sacred words were recorded. All the Winter Tribe suffered for this, but I promised them we would get back what we lost when I became the Luna of the Royal Pack. But now, you seem to have forgotten who bled for you on the battlefield. You have lost your reasoning and are blinded by lust. The Winter Tribe was the one who put you on the Alpha's seat, Phoenix Prince, and you have to do right by us."

I had expected empathy, understanding, and perhaps even a heartfelt apology from my mate. But instead, Phoenix Prince bridged the gap between us, his face shrouded in darkness. His eyes, once warm and loving, had transformed into icy orbs that sent shivers down my spine. I swallowed hard, my throat tightening as I struggled to process the cold, unyielding aura that now surrounded him.

“The Winter Tribe had nothing to do with my ascension to the Alpha's seat. I achieved that on my merit. And let's be clear—my brother's death was no accident. I stabbed him, and I'd do it again if it meant claiming the throne. As for you, Savvy, I was never loyal. You were just too naive to realize it until now. The only reason I have kept you around is out of obligation for the sacrifices you made for me. I'm willing to repay the Winter Tribe for their expenses in covering up my actions, but that's where my debt ends. Your role in my life is clear. You will be my concubine—content with the scraps I throw your way, and that of your people—only after you become my concubine. Refusal will only lead to your downfall, and you will be rejected by your true mate. The choice is yours, Savvy."

Savvy

Utter humiliation washed over me, a cruel betrayal that cut deeper than any knife. Standing frozen in the empty hallway, I watched in despair as my mate, Phoenix Prince, disappeared from view. My entire world flashed before my eyes, a lifetime of memories reduced to ashes. I had never seen it coming—never expected him to cast me aside with such callous disregard.

A cold chill ran down my spine at the thought of word going out about the new arrangement, and with this, I staggered backward, almost losing my footing, but in the nick of time, Irene came to hold me close.

"Let's go back to the bedroom," she said softly, and I followed her lead. Without words, I allowed her to lead me into the spacious room, hoping I would regain my breath, but I didn't.

It was my cellphone ringing on the dresser that I noticed. I walked to it quickly, and upon setting eyes on the screen, my heart skipped a beat. I picked it up.

"Pedro..."

"Tell me it is false, Savvy. Tell me what I read in the news—wedding invitation—is bullshit. Tell me, now!"

My skin crawled at the mere thought of responding, and I bit down hard on my lower lip, regret washing over me.

Pedro is my cousin. The same cousin who had been handpicked by Phoenix Prince to serve as his Beta, a position that is now out of reach due to the Alpha's betrayal.

"Pedro... I..."

"Do you know what will happen if you go back on your promise, Savvy?" he asked through the mobile, his angry voice evident. "If you don't become the Luna of the Royal Pack as you have said in those documents, your werewolf is gone forever. And by any chance, if you agree to become Alpha Phoenix's concubine, our entire Tribe's business will be in the Luna's possession. What the hell is going on?"

I couldn't reply. I couldn't find the right words. I could only stare at the blank space, the cellphone plastered against my ear.

"Savvy, you have to save us. This is on you. We waited long years for us to get back on our feet. We sacrificed everything because you put our minds at rest. If anything happens, it's on you. On you, Savvy."

Pedro didn't give me a chance to explain before abruptly ending the call. My hand fell limp, and I stood frozen, my mind reeling with thoughts of how to fix the mess. How to make things right again. If only I could turn back time.

Just then, Irene approached me, a cup of water in her hand, her eyes filled with concern.

"You look pale, ma'am. Please, drink this," she urged. My gaze drifted from her worried face to the cup, and suddenly, tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, blurring my vision.

Tears of anguish and despair. Without a word, I turned and walked back to the couch, sinking down onto the cushions with a shaky sigh.

"It's a huge debt," I whispered, almost to myself. "It can only be cleared if I pay it back or become the Luna of the Royal Pack. And if I don't... my werewolf won't be returned."

Irene stared at me from where she stood, pity etching her features, and she almost shed tears herself. Gently, she walked up to me and said, her voice dropping to a whisper,

"Ma'am... I have a suggestion. I might happen to know someone who is wealthy enough to pay off the debt on your behalf."

Upon hearing her words, I shook my head in the negative.

"No one will. It's huge and very complicated. Whoever steps in to save me will have to be someone who does not play by the rules."

"The last Silver Wolf didn't play by the rules, ma'am—and he is the wealthiest Alpha you can ever come across."

Immediately after I heard this, a cold chill ran down my spine.

"Terona Silver?"

"The very one. My mother was a maid in his pack till she died. Alpha Terona does right by all his werewolves, and word says he is generous."

"The facts also make it known that he is a very cold man who killed his own mate."

"That was after she cheated on him. I believe Alpha Terona would be able to relate to how you feel because you were also cheated on."

"Irene..."

"Putting a call to the Alpha will take years to process, but my brother works as a guard in the Silver Moon Pack. If you write a letter today, my brother will help you deliver it personally to him."

Irene's words hung in the air, and I hesitated, weighing her suggestion. It was a double-edged proposition, one that seemed equally alluring and ominous.

Terona Silver is a man who snapped the neck of his mate when he caught her right in bed with his Beta. He is a possessive man who has an insatiable lust for bloodshed and women. Tangling with the last Silver Wolf, who has a reputation like that, would make quite a headline.

I knew Phoenix Prince stood no chance against Terona Silver. Not when the latter controlled the largest pack, but...

I was still thinking hard when the sounds of approaching footsteps caught my attention. Quietly, I turned my head when the door opened, only to get the shock.

"You should be gentle with those bags. Now come on. We have a lot to do." Sapphire appeared with some maids who had her luggage. "You should start setting things up and..."

In confusion about all the commotion, I got up from where I sat.

"What is going on?"

"Oh, here you are." Sapphire cast a glance at me and then grinned. "Sorry, I was just moving into the right room that suits me. Please pretend we are not here. The maids will move your luggage to another room. I will make sure of that."

Her response almost made me scoff. I marched forward to her, unable to believe this was even happening.

"This is my room. Why will you take it?"

"For starters, because I am going to be the Luna of this pack. I will be Phoenix Prince's wife while you will only be his concubine."

Her words and sarcasm sank in, and I decided I had had just enough. Angrily, I rushed out of the room, heading toward the balcony, where I screamed out his name.

"Phoenix! Phoenix Prince!!"

Enough is enough. I wouldn't stand by and allow someone who knew nothing about me to insult me in my pack. I headed down the stairs, but unexpectedly, my wrist was caught by Sapphire.

Her grip was firm, and I understood. Without my wolf, I was just another weak human, and it made me feel pathetic that I couldn't wiggle free from her clutch.

"Why are you calling out for Phoenix? To save you? Why do you think he owes you the world just because you sacrificed your wolf to secure a loan?" Sapphire's words cut deep, her tone dripping with venom. Her harsh words left me reeling, and I felt the blood drain from my face as I turned a sickly shade of pale.

"He... he told you this?"

She stared at me with a stunned expression and then chuckled as though taking delight in my sorrow.

"Oh, come on. He told me how pathetic you are. How you think he loves you. Tell me, Savvy. Giving up your wolf and having it stripped out of you must have hurt like hell, right?"

My vision blurred as bitter tears streamed down my face. I was stunned, frozen in place, but nothing could have prepared me for the events that unfolded next. I attempted to wrestle free from Sapphire's grasp, but she held tight, her face twisted in a taunting smirk.

Just then, the main door swung open and Phoenix Prince stepped inside, accompanied by several associates. It was the perfect moment for Sapphire to unleash her theatrics.

"Let me go, Savvy. Please, let me go!" she begged, her voice trembling as fake tears welled up in her eyes. The audacity was staggering. She was the one holding me captive, yet she had the nerve to pretend otherwise, manipulating the situation to her advantage.

What happened next was both shocking and calculated. Sapphire released her grip on my wrist, only to deliberately tumble down the stairs, her body rolling and twisting in a seemingly helpless manner.

The scene was nothing short of surreal. When she finally reached the bottom, a pool of blood had spread out from her thighs, staining the floor. A chill ran down my spine as I grasped the true extent of her manipulation.

I turned to face Phoenix Prince, and the cold, unbelievable stare he gave me spoke volumes. It was a look that told me everything was lost, and our relationship was irreparably broken. At that moment, I knew it was completely over.

Savvy

The living room was silent while we all waited for the doctor's response. I leaned on the couch while I watched Phoenix Prince pace about. His silence spoke volumes, and it terrified me more than anything.

The guards and maids were also there, waiting to know what would become of me and Sapphire. I still couldn't believe what had happened. It was a perfect plan. Flawless. And she played it well. She screwed me up—completely.

All of a sudden, Phoenix stopped pacing, and I watched him turn toward the entrance. He heard something. I couldn't, because without my wolf I was nothing more than a human.

Seconds later, Sapphire appeared, wobbling, with the doctor behind her, saying,

"You can't be walking around, miss. You need to stay in bed."

"Bed?" Sapphire asked in awe. "In bed so she can stab me? No. I am leaving this pack."

Everyone was surprised at her declaration, and Phoenix quickly rushed toward her, but Sapphire rejected his advances.

"I won't be staying in this place for another moment, Phoenix. Not when your mate..." Another tear blurred her vision as she looked my way. "I won't stay here. Never."

"Sapphire... for goodness’ sake, you are pregnant."

"And she wants the baby gone." She wept after her lies. "She wants me gone and... I begged her. I pleaded with her, but she wouldn't listen, Phoenix. What am I supposed to do? It wasn't my fault you didn't love her. It wasn't my..."

Sapphire staggered in exhaustion, but Phoenix was quick to hold her waist and made her lean against him.

"What's going on with her?" he asked the doctor, who shook her head in fear.

"She almost lost her baby. It's a wicked shove, Alpha Phoenix. She needs rest."

After he heard these words, my mate turned his head toward me to glare. Then he gave his order without taking his eyes off me.

"Take her back in and let her rest."

The guards obeyed his order at once, and the doctor followed suit. After their departure, I knew he would be coming for me—and he did.

"Why did you do it?" That was his question, cold as ice. "Do you hate me that much that you're willing to murder an unborn child?"

Phoenix's words sent a shiver coursing down my spine, and I shook my head vehemently, unable to comprehend the accusation.

"Despite your betrayal, Prince... I never once hated you," I protested, my voice trembling. "I didn't do it. Sapphire... she's behind it all. She's been manipulating everything, telling lies..."

But before I could finish, Phoenix closed the distance between us in an instant, his grip on my arm like a vice, forcing me to swallow the rest of my words.

"What did you just say? She lied? I saw everything that happened with my own two eyes, and you dare try to give lame excuses?"

"I am your mate, Phoenix Prince," I replied helplessly. "I would never hurt one of your offspring. Never."

"Really?" Phoenix sneered, his eyes blazing with contempt. "You think a simple denial will suffice to escape punishment? Guards!" he bellowed, and the guards rushed in, their footsteps echoing through the hall. My heart catapulted into my throat as Phoenix's voice dripped with malice.

"Arrest every member of the Winter Tribe present in this pack and throw them into the dungeon!"

"Phoenix!" I suddenly felt a surge of desperation as I cried out.

"And as for you..." Phoenix's grip on my arm tightened, his fingers digging deep into my skin, silencing me. "Savvy, you would do well to tread carefully. You're walking on thin ice, and any misstep will be met with severe consequences. You will be confined to your quarters, with no visitors to keep you company. You will wait in solitude for the day when you will become my concubine. Fail to comply with these rules, and I swear on my father's grave that I will reject you—casting you aside like the insignificant thing you are."

The guards grabbed my arms and pulled me into my new quarters immediately after Phoenix finished his speech, and I followed, numb with pain and shock. They pushed me with no respect and no regard and locked the door immediately.

For many seconds, I stood in the middle of the dusty room, which had been abandoned for years, too. Then I marched carefully toward the window, drawn by the helpless cries of the Winter Tribe who were being dragged away. From the window of the room I was in, I watched as the guards hit them, forced them to the ground, and arrested them like thieves.

The people who had bled for Phoenix Prince. Who had sacrificed their shares, their companies, and their homes to cover up his crimes. These are the people who made it possible for him to be who he is, and yet he decided to screw us all up.

I pulled away from the window to let out a sigh. I never hated him. I never planned on attacking back. I was ready to accept the crumbs he threw my way as long as he gave me the respect I deserved—but no.

He had threatened me with rejection, and he did it before every person who was below my status. He had told his mistress about my sacrifices and belittled them.

The fact that they mocked it secretly tore at my heart, and I swallowed hard, arriving at a decision. I had been pushed against the wall, and now I had to fight back.

At that moment, the door opened, and Irene walked in with some of my luggage—the necessary ones—her face pale and worried. She looked around the new quarters and then made to start cleaning up, but I spoke out.

"Do you think your brother will be able to get the letter to Alpha Terona personally?"

Upon hearing my question, Irene stiffened and looked up at me, and we shared a knowing look. Tears rolled from her eyes, and she nodded.

"I swear with my life."

"Then we should send a letter to the most powerful Alpha before sunset," I declared, a sense of determination washing over me. "We shouldn't expect a response, lest we invite further heartache—but at least we can hold onto hope."

"Yes, ma'am," came the prompt reply.

"Irene, please bring me my writing materials," I instructed, my mind racing with the importance of this task. "Terona Silver is a man of great esteem, and our letter must reflect the utmost respect and sincerity."

Savvy

It was the darkest day of my entire life. The eve of my wedding. A day that was supposed to be the most memorable, happiest day of my lifetime.

Nine days had passed without a response from Terona Silver, and I could already guess why. He wouldn’t be helping me.

My interaction with the outside world had been severely limited. My cellphone was taken away, and I had been under surveillance. Irene had been a great help—a young lady I could never repay for her kindness.

The Winter Tribe had been locked up for days, and Phoenix had given his word that he would only release them after the wedding ceremony was completed. His mother, whom I tried to plead with, merely shrugged and told me to obey the Alpha.

That night, I sat on the bed, staring blankly into space, when the door opened gently. Irene walked in with the food basket I had her secretly bring to the dungeon.

“They won’t accept it, Ma’am. Everyone in your tribe... they rejected the meal you sent,” Irene said softly, trying to comfort me. I nodded.

It was expected of them to hate me already. I put them in this loophole. I should be the one to pull them out.

“You should get some rest, Ma’am. I’ll try to make your dinner and—” Irene was still speaking when the knock came.

She quickly got up to answer the door, but before she reached it, it swung open. Sapphire appeared, her presence suffocating. She wore a big, taunting smile, and I felt my hands clench into fists.

“Hi, Concubine. Sorry I couldn’t visit you these past days. You know, accompanying the Alpha on his business trip can be tiring—and carrying his unborn child is something else entirely...”

“What do you want?” I cut her off. I wasn’t in the mood for her games. I knew Phoenix wasn’t bluffing when he said he’d reject me if I ever hurt Sapphire again.

“You’ll be coming down to the living room with me.”

“Why?”

“Our wedding dresses have arrived, and you, as the concubine, should choose the dress you’ll wear. The designer said since your status is lower, we should just shove whatever your way, but I said no. I told them, ‘Oh my goodness, she’s the only daughter of Beta Winter! Her dad was a very important person in the werewolf world. He was best friends with Alpha Royal!’ So come on out. Let’s do this.”

It took everything in me to suppress my anger. Slowly, I looked up at Sapphire and shook my head.

“No. Tell the designer to keep any one for me.”

“That’s not gonna do. I insist you come now. What if Phoenix hears you won’t accept my kind gesture? He might think you’re plotting to murder his unborn child again.”

A cold chill ran down my spine, and I saw Irene flinch in fear. We all knew the gravity of such an accusation.

Helplessly, with no other choice, I got up from the bed and followed Sapphire. It was a humiliating reversal of roles. She wielded unsettling control over me, while I felt reduced to a mere puppet.

We arrived in the living room quickly, where I saw the dresses hanging on display. The wedding gown I had personally chosen was set aside, and Sapphire walked over to point at it.

Kathleen, Phoenix’s mother, sat nearby, watching with what felt like mockery in her eyes.

“Phoenix told me you picked this for your wedding. It’s a pity you can’t wear it anymore, since you’ll just be a concubine. But here—some simpler dresses suit your new status. How about this one?”

From the corner of my eye, I saw Sapphire pick up another dress—less fancy, less beautiful. But my gaze was fixed on Phoenix Prince all along.

He hadn’t shown his face since the incident nine nights ago, and seeing him now made me realize where I stood in his life. I had said I didn’t dislike him the other night, but now? I despised him. And the Moon Goddess bears me witness—killing him wouldn’t be enough to satisfy the hatred burning inside me.

I was lost in that hatred when a guard rushed forward and whispered into Phoenix’s ear.

Immediately, his expression shifted. He stood up in disbelief.

“What happened?” his mother asked, clearly curious, and Phoenix simply nodded.

Footsteps sounded down the hall, and gasps filled the air. From where I stood, frozen, I felt the atmosphere shift—the wind swirled, cold and otherworldly.

I had only heard rumors: the last Silver Wolf never appeared without reason, and his presence was always marked by a divine wind that set him apart from all others.

I turned slowly toward the entrance. And that’s when I saw him.

The guards of the Silver Moon pack entered first, standing at attention. And then, he emerged. My heart skipped a beat as I laid eyes on the infamous Terona Silver, the last of his line.

He was the epitome of male perfection, radiating an aura of confidence and raw charm. Dressed in tailored trousers and a long-sleeved shirt, he exuded understated elegance.

His long, dark hair framed his chiseled features. Intricate tattoos adorned his hands. A sleek silver bracelet wrapped around his wrist—an unmistakable mark of his status.

I had never imagined he would come. Yet here he was.

He strode toward Phoenix with effortless grace, every step commanding attention.

“Terona Silver. I can’t believe you’re here,” Phoenix muttered.

Sapphire quickly jumped in. “Oh, please—meet Sapphire Lake. She’s going to be my Luna tomorrow.”

“Hello,” Sapphire greeted.

But Terona only had eyes for Phoenix. His expression unreadable, he finally spoke—his voice low and husky.

“I didn’t come here for pleasantries, Phoenix Prince. But I should congratulate you on your ascension. You did well.”

Phoenix nodded. “Have you come for business, then? We can talk in my office and—”

He stopped when he noticed Terona wasn’t listening. His gaze was fixed on me.

Phoenix cleared his throat. “Please, Terona. This is Savvy Winter. My mate. Now, if you will—”

“She’s even more breathtaking than I imagined,” Terona murmured.

He strode toward me.

Each deliberate step sent my heart racing. When he finally stood before me, the intoxicating blend of his cologne and natural scent made my knees weak.

How could one man embody such perfection? It was as if the gods had conspired to create him.

“Hello,” he said, his deep voice smooth as silk. He extended his hand, and when I placed mine in his, he gently kissed the back of it, his eyes never leaving mine.

“I received your letter,” he said, a note of amusement in his voice. “And I must admit, I was taken aback by your audacity. But I’m intrigued. I had intended to respond immediately, but I received word that you were being held captive. Knowing you would never get my letter, I decided to deliver my answer in person.”

Goosebumps broke across my skin. He took the letter from his attendant and extended it to me.

His piercing gray eyes met mine. With a nod, he urged me to take it. I did, hands trembling, and opened the seal.

The message was brief:

‘Be my Luna for half a year, and I will grant you your deepest desire.’

I looked up at him. My throat tightened.

“Forgive me,” Terona said firmly, “but I won’t be granting you more than a minute to decide. Your time starts now.”

I gulped, overwhelmed. The air thickened with tension. I looked between him and Phoenix. A sob welled up inside me. Phoenix took a step forward.

“Savvy, what’s wrong? Are you—”

“Shhh...” Terona silenced him, his voice commanding. “She’s making a choice.”

It was clear. I had no life left with Phoenix Prince. Everything between us had been a lie. The faster I got out of this pack, the better.

I turned to Terona, my voice barely a whisper. “How can I trust you? How will I know you’ll keep your word?”

His expression remained unreadable. But then he smiled slightly.

“Because we’ll sign a contract,” he said, stepping closer. “A contract that states no one touches you, no one even looks at you, without my permission for six months. You will be mine. My Luna.”

His eyes burned with intensity as he continued.

“If you agree to this, I vow to worship you. To treat you with the reverence and adoration you deserve. And your tribe—the Winter—will never want for anything.”