I woke up in Kyle's arms. The morning sun came through the window. Warm. Bright. For a moment, I forgot where I was. Then I remembered. Last night. The bonding ceremony. We were mates now. Forever.
Kyle was still sleeping. His face looked peaceful. Young. I watched his chest move up and down with his breathing. In sleep, he looked less like a future Alpha. More like just a man. A good man who chose to love me even when I could not love him back yet.
I touched my chest. The mate bond was there. I could feel it. Like a warm light inside me. Connected to him. I could feel his emotions even now. His contentment. His happiness. His love for me.
It was strange. But also nice. Not being alone anymore. Having someone connected to me. Someone who would always be there.
Kyle's eyes opened. Those gold eyes. They found mine immediately. He smiled. Good morning, my mate.
My face got hot. Good morning. How do you feel? he asked. His hand touched my face gently. Any regrets?
No, I said. And it was true. I did not regret bonding with him. No regrets. You?
Never, Kyle said. His smile got bigger. I have waited my whole life for you, Ariana. I would wait a thousand more lifetimes if I had to.
He leaned down and kissed me. Soft at first. Then deeper. His hand moved to my waist. Pulled me closer. The mate bond flared between us. Hot. Wanting. My wolf purred inside me. She liked this. She liked him.
But then I remembered. My children. Adrian. Bethany's trial. There was too much to do. Too much to worry about.
I pulled back gently. Kyle, we should get up. Today is Bethany's trial. We need to be there.
Kyle sighed. I know. But can we just stay like this for five more minutes? Just five minutes where we pretend the world does not exist?
I looked at him. Saw the want in his eyes. Not just physical want. Emotional want. He wanted me to choose him. To want him. To stay with him not because I had to. But because I wanted to.
Okay, I said softly. Five minutes.
I laid my head on his chest. Listened to his heartbeat. Strong. Steady. Safe. His arms wrapped around me. Held me close. Protected me even from my own thoughts.
For five minutes, I let myself feel safe. Let myself pretend that everything was okay. That my children were with me. That Adrian was gone. That life was simple and good.
But five minutes ended too fast. Reality came back. Hard and cold.
We should go, I said. I sat up. The trial starts soon.
Kyle nodded. He looked disappointed. But he understood. You are right. Let us get ready.
The trial was held in the big meeting tent. Many wolves came to watch. Bethany's betrayal affected everyone. She was the Beta's daughter. A respected pack member. And she tried to poison the future Luna. That was serious. Very serious.
I sat next to Kyle at the front. Luna Elena was on my other side. She held my hand. Gave me strength. Alpha Marcus sat at the head table. Like a judge. Serious. Powerful.
Guards brought Bethany in. She looked terrible. Her red hair was messy. Her makeup was smeared from crying. Her hands were tied with silver chains. Silver burned wolves. Keep them weak. Unable to shift.
She looked at me with hate. Pure hate. Like everything bad in her life was my fault.
Bethany Silverstone, Alpha Marcus said. His voice was loud. Official. You stand accused of attempted poisoning. Of working with our enemies. Of treason against your pack. How do you plead?
Bethany lifted her chin. I tried to look brave. Not guilty.
Whispers went through the crowd. Shocked whispers. Everyone saw what happened. She gave me the poisoned drink. She admitted to working with Adrian. How could she say not guilty?
You deny putting wolfsbane in Ariana's drink? Alpha Marcus asked. His eyes were hard. Cold.
I put it there, Bethany said. But I am not guilty. Because she deserved it.
More gasps. Louder this time. Kyle's hand tightened on mine. I could feel his anger through the bond. Hot. Burning.
Explain yourself, Alpha Marcus said. His voice was dangerous now. Like a knife ready to cut.
She does not belong here! Bethany shouted. She pointed at me with her tied hands. She is a rogue! A nobody! She came from nothing and suddenly she is the future Luna? That should have been me! I am Beta's daughter! I have been in this pack my whole life! But no. You all chose her. The broken wolfless girl who suddenly has a white wolf. It is not fair!
Life is not fair, Luna Elena said coldly. But that does not give you the right to commit treason. To work with a man who steals children. Who hurts innocent she-wolves.
I did not know about the children at first, Bethany said. Her voice got quieter. Less sure. Adrian said he just wanted to meet Ariana. To talk to her. He said she was in danger. That he wanted to protect her.
And you believed him? Kyle asked. His voice was full of disgust. You believed a strange rogue doctor over your own pack?
He was charming, Bethany said. She looked down now. Ashamed. He said nice things to me. Made me feel special. Important. He said that if I helped him, he would bond with me. Make me his mate. His Luna.
So you betrayed your pack for a man? I asked. The words came out before I could stop them. You tried to poison me. You helped someone who wanted to kidnap me. All because a man said pretty words to you?
Bethany's face went red. Angry. You do not understand! You have everything now! Kyle. The pack. Respect. But what do I have? Nothing! My father is disappointed in me. My friends left me. I am alone!
You are alone because of your own choices, Alpha Marcus said. His voice was final. Like a door slamming shut. You chose jealousy over loyalty. You chose a stranger over your pack. You chose wrong, Bethany. And now you will face the consequences.
Wait, Daniel stood up from the crowd. Before you pass judgment, Alpha Marcus, she might have information we need. About Adrian. About his network.
Alpha Marcus looked at Daniel. Then at Bethany. Is this true? Do you know things about Adrian's operation?
Bethany was quiet for a long moment. I could see her mind working. Thinking. Trying to figure out how to save herself.
Yes, she said finally. I know things. Many things. Adrian told me about his business. About the babies. About the she-wolves he keeps prisoner. About the people who work for him.