Chapter 40
My smirk doesn’t budge, not even as the sting of dirt clings to my skin and humillation pulses beneath it like a fresh burn.
Celestia turns back to the crowd, chin held high, basking in their attention like it’s sunlight. She looks utterly pleased with herself, but that’s where she
messed up.
Because she gave me the spotlight.
And now… I’m taking it.
Slowly, deliberately, I rise from the ground. Graceful. Poised.
1 act as though I don’t care that every eye is on me. My heart pounds like a war drum, but I force my spine to stay straight.
This isn’t how I imagined being introduced to the pack… but fine.
If they want a show–I’ll give them one.
Confidence. Control. No fear.
What a Luna should have.
And I will be Luna, for now.
Without giving myself time to second–guess it, I stride straight toward the crowd – toward her.
Celestia’s smirk falters for the briefest second as I approach, but she schools her face quickly, pretending not to flinch.
I stop in front of her close enough to catch her sickly sweet scent again. It’s cloying. Overbearing. Then I lift my foot and slam it down–right on hers.
Her smile freezes.
Her pupils dilate.
But she neither screams nor jerks away.
She endures.
Good.
1 lean in, my lips brushing her ear as I whisper–just loud enough for a few nearby to catch it.
“Game on.”
Then I flash her the sweetest smile I can muster as I lift my foot off hers.
She doesn’t move. But her eyes?
Oh, they scream.
The crowd parts for me like water as I walk through them, even though I can feel their stares sticking to my skin.
I keep my face blank–calm, composed – but inside I’m still burning.
Then come the whispers.
“She’s really Alpha Jack’s mate?”
1/4
Chapter 20
she’s not as ugly as I thought shell be,”
She’s beautiful, yeah, but she looks strong too athletic.”
“She’s pretty but no one compares to Lady Celestia. She’s soft. More feminine.”
I pretend I don’t hear them. I focus on my breathing. On my steps. On keeping my chin high and my eyes forward.
Then right on cue
Celestia clears her throat, loud
Desperate little princess. Trying to snatch the spotlight back before it slips from her manicured claws.
“My father will be most pleased to hear that you all welcomed me so warmly,” she says. Her tone is sugary–sweet, but there’s unmistakable venom beneath it.
She’s pissed.
The crowd lights up again, falling all over themselves to praise her.
“The Alpha King’s daughter deserves only the best and nothing less!”
“You’re royalty, your highness! It’s an honor to have you here!”
“In fact,” someone shouts, “that’s why we’re gathered! We want to persuade Alpha Jack to throw you a proper introduction ceremony!”
More cheers More applause.
And still, I keep walking, my smirk slowly stretches into a full–blown grin..
A ceremony for her? Over my dead, freshly humiliated body.
There is no damn way Celestia is getting introduced before me.
As I near the pack building, I pause. It’s heavily guarded.
70%
That’s new.
Four warriors stand like statues, and two of them wear royal uniforms–black coats embroidered with gold thread, swords strapped to their sides like they actually know how to use them.
Royal guards. Celestia’s loyal little watchdogs.
As I get closer, the two royal guards step into my path like I’m some uninvited pest.
One holds out a hand. “This area is restricted. You may not ”
I arch a brow and turn to the third warrior – not a royal dog, but one of jack’s. He wears Jack’s colors. I recognize him.
I meet his eyes and say, calmly but with enough steel in my voice to make him blink, “Are you seriously going to let them block my path? I’m your Alpha’s mate. You know that already.”
His jaw tenses for a moment – but then, like a switch flipping, he shoves the royal guard aside with one firm hand. “She’s allowed in.”
I flash him a small, knowing smile.
“Good choice.”
13:27 Sat, 21 Jun G AGR
Inside, the scent hits me immediately.
Shit.
“I didn’t expect you,” he says with a tilt of his head. “Not that I’m complaining. You’re free to come in anytime.”
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