Chapter 40

AurenPOV

The Shaman handed me the bowl of water and 1 looked at it with uncertainty.

“Kneel,” he instructed, and I obeyed.

He placed a silver pendant in my palm which was the shape of a crescent moon. “Offer your prayer,” he said,

I took a slow breath and closed my eyes. As I offered my prayers, the entire pack watched me. There was a hush over the gathering.

My mind scrambled for the right words. “Moon Goddess,” 1 began, my voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t know if I am the right soul to break this curse, but if I am, grant me your strength” Something pulsed around me, but I think it wasatrick of my imagination.

The Shaman took the bowl and poured the water over my hands. It dripped onto the ceremonial stones beneath me.

“Rise,” the Shaman ordered. When 1 rose,myeyes glanced at the cround and I saw Lucien standing at the edge of the crowd withhisarms crossed. his intense gaze lorked on me.

The rinual ended, and I felt astrangesensation working its way up me. Like I was exposed to the moon goddess in more than one way, Lucien came jo me and guided me out of the place with possessiveness.

The entiredaypassed by doing one thing or the ather. I was taken to several plices where I had to offer my pledges. Orphanages, hospitals,nurseries, series of charities and much more. I was constantly changingclothesand wearing matching jewelry Lucien was extremely busy with the weddingpreparations, but I don’t know how he managed to come and see me at these events. And every time I saw him watching me with the same intense gaze. It was overwhelming, but I liked the way he looked at me possessively. Like I belonged to him. Even if thatwastemporary.

At the end of it. 1 was very tired but there was the pre–wedding party I had to attend,

As I stood in front of the mirror in my room, adjusting the ruby necklace around my neck. I felt Lucien’s presence before I saw him.

frewearing it wrong.” he murmured behind me.

“You’re

My breath lodged in my throatashis fingers brushed against my skin. He corrected the way the necklace sat on my collarbone, his touch lingering longer than necessary. My pulse stuttered.

For

a moment, I thought he might say something, but he only met my gaze through the mirror and stepped away. The tension between us hadn’t eased. If anything, it had grown heavier–thick, and filled with words neither of us dared to say. And with the wedding drawing closer, I wasn’t sure how much longer we could keep pretending

He drank me in, and then offered his arm. As we walked down the stairs, he said, “Many wolves from neighboring packs have arrived. They will try to contact you, but don’t meet them”

“Why?” I asked, furrowing my eyebrows,

A muscle feathered inhisjaw. “Because some of them are unmated.”

So I’ve already told everyuar that you won’t meet anyone. That’s it?”

I blinked my eyes at him, unable to understand the reason for his orders, but I didn’t argue,

When we reached thevenue, a horrible surprise waswaitingfor me. I saw that Lucien had invited the Elders, council members and a few Alphas and Lunas. And amongst themwasAlpha Bram and Maris. Myheartrate spiked and I clutched Lucien’s arm rather tightly. He turned his head and narrowed hiseyes.“Icansense your spiked heartbeat, What’s wrong?”

“It’s nothing” I muttered, feeling the weight ofBram’seyeson me. Dams it. Why was it that the mate bond still lingered inside me? It felt so rotten. so horriblethatI wantedtoget rid of it.Mariswasstanding beside him. While he wore a navy suit, she wasinanazure silk off–shoulders dress. Maris looked at me with so much haired in hereyesthat it pulsed in the air. My eyes went to her neck and I realized that she wasn’t markedasyet. Strange. Didn’t they marry

“it you’rethinkingabout Bram and Maris,” Lucien said in a low voice. Then remember that I called them just to show who you belong to, and that if they dare mess with you, they mess with me.”

His wordssenta wave of warmth in my heart. I chuckled. “Thank you.” I lifted my chin up and walked to the place where Tarian was waiting forus. He smiled and gave me a tight nod. Then he began introducing us to all theAlphasand Lunas,

1 could sense how everyone looked at me with curiosity, wonder, pity and some with jealousy. When we reached Bran andMaris,both Lucien and I quickly said hello and moved on. However, bad things had to happen.

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1221 PM d

Chapter 10

While Lucien was talking to a bunch of Alphas a few feet away, I was sitting at the table designated for us and talking to two Luras from ally packs about the various events 1 attended From the periphery of my vision, I saw Maris walking toward my table. She ut three seats away and gave meamocking smile

“Well, well it seems our line omega has spun quite the web around the Alphs of the North,” shesaid, plucking a grape from the fruit bowl and slipping it between her lips. “I mean a formal mamuge?”

The two Lunas froze and became quiet. Feeling embarrassed, I bit my lip, heat rising on my checks.

Maris continued, “You’re doing a good jobs, breeder” She leaned in and growled, “Just make sure you get pregnant as soon as possible–after all, that’s your real purpose here. Don’t forget your place. Other than that, all this?” Shewavedatthe hall and its opulence, “It’s meaningless. Alpha Lucien is only trying to make you feel better before you die.” She scoffed. “Orr because you’ll die soon, he’s making the best use of you. Why not take advantage of a doomed bride! No one in their right mind would willingly marry him anyway. And you- she smirked, tilting her head. “you’re the perfect scapegoat.”

Tears welled in my eyes. Maris knew how to insuh you. Other Lanas were stealing glances at me. I took a ragged breath and was about to excuse myself when I felt a familiar presence behind me.

“I see you’ve already talked to my Luna” Lucien said as he placed his handonmy

y shoulder.

“Al–Alpha Lucien, Maris got up, fastered as hell, her chair falling behind her.

He leaned in slightly and his voice dropped in a dangerous low. “If I’mtakingadvantageof the situation, then Auren is quite an opportunity for me. because she’ll be the one wearing my mark, and not you. If I remember correctly, your father offered your hand in marriage to me a few months ago, and I rejected aff

Maris gasped, flushing deeply. “1- s–sorry. I was just—” She got up and scurried away.

Istifled

my laughasIwatched her running back to Bram

WaitMariswasoffered to Alpha Lucien?

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