Sylvia's POV

The next morning, I woke to an exquisite ache radiating through my entire body. Every muscle felt deliciously sore, a physical reminder of the night's passionate encounter.

Memories rushed back as I opened my eyes, causing me to momentarily stiffen beneath the sheets. Had I really slept with Caesar Conrad-the Supreme Alpha of all American wolf packs?

The thought sent a flutter of conflicting emotions through my chest. Even wolves knew better than to hunt too close to their own dens.

As my thoughts raced, the sound of running water in the bathroom abruptly stopped. Moments later, Caesar emerged, a hotel towel wrapped low around his hips. Water droplets traced tempting paths down his muscled chest and taut abdomen. The sight of him-tall, lean, powerful-sent an involuntary heat rushing to my face.

"You're awake," he observed, his voice as rich and dark as I remembered from the night before.

"I'm sorry about last night," I blurted out reflexively. "I had too much to drink."

Caesar paused, his penetrating eyes narrowing slightly. His expression cooled noticeably. "And?" The chill in his voice could have frozen fire.

I gathered my clothes from the floor, all too aware of the marks that covered my skin-evidence of his passionate possession. I didn't shy away from his gaze as I met those predatory eyes, forcing my lips into a casual smile.

"Morgana and I are still friends, so about last night... you don't mind keeping this between us, Alpha Caesar?" I deliberately made my tone languid, dismissive.

Perhaps I was being overly sensitive, but I could swear his expression grew even colder after I spoke.

He lit a cigarette, dark eyes lingering on me as smoke curled between us. Then, with deliberate casualness that didn't match the intensity in his gaze, he asked: "Do you treat all Alphas this way? Like that Zane, perhaps?"

His knowledge of Zane caught me off guard. How did he know about my history with the Stoneclaw Alpha? The question flashed through my mind, but outwardly I maintained my nonchalant smile.

"No, Alpha Caesar. It's just that... well, you had your fun too. Let's call it even, shall we?"

I winked playfully, though internally my wolf was whining with unease. Caesar Conrad was unlike any other Alpha I'd encountered-brilliant, accomplished, and famously untouchable. Like the cold moon hanging distant in the night sky, beautiful but impossible to reach.

What a mess I'd created.

Caesar tapped his cigarette, letting ash fall. He neither agreed nor disagreed with my suggestion. I noticed only the dangerous darkening of his eyes, the tightening of his jaw.

"Whatever," he replied coldly.

I exhaled in relief, quickly dressing myself before leaving the hotel. Once outside, I caught a taxi back to Frostfang Pack territory.

Zane's POV

I was halfway into the car when Chloe's fingers suddenly tightened on my sleeve, her knuckles whitening. I glanced down, annoyed-her nervous fidgeting was starting to grate.

"Zane," she murmured, biting her lip hard enough to redden it, "I think. I think I just saw Ms. Sylvia, over there."

My brow shot up. Sylvia? Here? The thought was absurd enough to make me scoff. "Sylvia? What in the hell would she be doing here?" This five-star hotel wasn't just expensive-it was exclusive. The kind of place where even mid-tier pack members needed an invitation. A rejected omega fresh out of college, with no family name or money to her name? She couldn't even afford the cheapest drink at the bar, let alone step foot through the lobby doors.

Chloe's voice softened."Maybe she still can't let you go. You know how she was-clingy, even after you ended things. Perhaps she heard you were meeting Alpha Caesar and. came to beg?"

Clingy. That was putting it mildly. I rolled my eyes, jaw tightening. Sylvia had always been too much-too eager, too hungry for a place in my life that she'd never earned. The scene she'd made at my birthday party still burned in my memory: her tear-streaked face, the way she'd shouted accusations like a common street brawler, embarrassing me in front of the entire pack. Now she was stalking me? Pathetic.

"Ignore her," I snapped, yanking my sleeve free. Let her linger in the shadows if she wanted-she'd get the message soon enough. I'd been more than generous with her, anyway. A nobody like Sylvia? She'd never have breathed the same air as me if I hadn't deigned to date her. A year of my time, gifts that cost more than her rent-she should be grateful, not chasing me like a lost puppy.

The irritation faded as quickly as it came, replaced by the cold focus Grandfather had drilled into me. I adjusted my tie, smoothing the fabric with precise fingers. "We've got more important things to worry about. The Vertex partnership."

Chloe nodded, her expression earnest. "Of course, Zane. You're right."

Good. At least someone knew how to prioritize. The Thorn Pack's decline was no secret-two years of shrinking profits, dwindling territory, whispers behind our backs that we were weakening. Without Vertex's backing, we'd be nothing. Less than nothing. And Alpha Caesar Conrad? Securing his favor could pull us from the grave. Grandfather had made that clear: Do whatever it takes.

But when we reached the conference floor, my gut twisted. The receptionist's smile was tight, rehearsed. "I'm sorry, Mr. Thorn. Alpha Caesar left ten minutes ago. His Beta is already en route to the airport."

Left? Just like that? I ground my teeth, forcing a calm I didn't feel. "No message? No rescheduled meeting?"

"Nothing, sir. He seemed. in a hurry."

I turned on my heel, fists clenched at my sides. Of course. Of course the most powerful Alpha in the country wouldn't wait around for me.

Chloe's hand slipped into mine, her touch soft. "Don't worry, Zane. Vertex is hosting that gala next week, remember? You'll have plenty of time to talk to him there. He'll see how valuable we are."

Her faith was almost sweet, if naive. I squeezed her hand, but my mind was already racing-what angle to take, what leverage to use. The gala wouldn't be easy. Every ambitious pack in the region would be there, all vying for Caesar's attention.

But I didn't have a choice.

I met her gaze, my voice sharp with resolve. "One way or another," I said, "I will get that partnership. Thorn Pack doesn't fall without a fight."

And if Sylvia thought she could waltz in here and distract me? She was sorely mistaken. Some people just didn't know when to stay in their lane.

Sylvia's POV

I had returned to Frostfang Pack territory where both Selene and my mother awaited.

Alpha Astra's expression remained impassive as she regarded me. "I warned you from the beginning that Alpha Zane was not to be trusted. The Thorn Pack has always been our adversary." Her voice was cool and matter-of-fact. "According to our agreement, you lost the bet. Tomorrow you'll begin work at Frostline Enterprises. After you're married and familiar with operations, I'll bring you to work directly under me. Your sister's health is fragile, so you'll need to shoulder more responsibility at Frostline."

I knew better than to argue with my mother's unwavering decisions. The only time in her life she'd ever compromised was when we made our wager three years ago.

I remained silent, but Selene suddenly laughed softly from beside my mother, her tone deliberately provocative. "Mother, Sylvia has just returned home, and Hugo is now my fiancé... who exactly do you plan for her to marry?"

Alpha Hugo Gray, the Alpha my mother had originally selected as my husband, had fallen for Selene at first sight and broken our engagement years ago.

Selene and I had never gotten along. As my mother's adopted daughter with chronic health issues, she'd always received the tenderness and indulgence that Astra never showed me. Selene's question was clearly intended to embarrass me.

Astra glanced at me, her tone dispassionate. "I'll arrange some suitable candidates for you to meet in the next few days."

Selene's lips curved upward in satisfaction.

My mother had always been calculatingly pragmatic. Any husband she selected for me would primarily serve our pack's interests, with little regard for my own preferences or happiness.

Still, I kept my expression neutral. "Mother, you promised that I could choose my own husband, even if the marriage itself wasn't negotiable."

My mother's brows furrowed in disapproval.

Sylvia's POV

I maintained my composure as I faced my mother's penetrating stare. The tension in the room was palpable, but I refused to show weakness.

"You needn't worry," I said coolly. "Zane and I are done. But since I'll be taking over Frostfang Pack eventually, I'd prefer a stable marriage with someone I don't actively despise."

My mother had never approved of my connection with Alpha Zane. Partly because she saw my feelings for him as a weakness clouding my judgment, but primarily because Thorn Pack and Frostfang Pack were business rivals. Though Thorn Pack wasn't quite at our level, they were still enemies in her eyes.

Truth be told,my mother's controlling nature rarely extended to my marriage prospects. Her attention had always been more focused on Selene than on me anyway.

My mother's sharp eyes assessed me for a long moment, searching for any hint of deception.

"Very well," she finally conceded. "Choose your own mate, but remember you agreed to the terms of our bet, Sylvia. Don't disappoint me."

I nodded silently.

After My mother disappeared upstairs to attend to other matters, I was left alone with Selene in the living room. Despite being sisters in name, our relationship had always been strained at best.

Selene deliberately toyed with the expensive jewelry my mother had purchased for her, a smirk playing on her lips. "Sylvia, you don't actually believe you'll find anyone better than Alpha Hugo, do you?" She laughed mockingly. "Everyone in our circles knows how you debased yourself for Alpha Zane. Who would want to claim you as their Luna now?"

Though the Thorn Pack's territory was in Alderwood, rumors of my relationship with Zane had spread throughout Howling Peaks like wildfire, each telling more salacious than the last.

I merely glanced at Selene, feeling nothing but indifference toward my adoptive sister. In truth, I had felt relief when Hugo broke our engagement, though Selene had always harbored resentment toward me for reasons I couldn't fully comprehend.

"Hugo Gray?" I raised an eyebrow, a sardonic smile forming. "Keep him if you want. Though I've heard he plays quite... liberally on the side. Perhaps regular health screenings would be wise, sis."

"You-!" Selene's chest heaved with indignation.

I knew the difference in how my mother treated us. Astra was harsh with me because her expectations were higher. But why should that bother Selene? Why the endless animosity?

As I walked away, I could feel her gaze burning into my back, dark with unspoken resentment. She was Alpha Astra's adopted daughter, yet that never seemed enough for her. At least I hadn't been foolish enough to mask my Alpha scent just to please a man.

I had more pressing matters than Selene's jealousy. Word of my newly single status spread quickly, and friends eagerly arranged introductions to potential mates. For three straight days, I met with various suitors, none of whom sparked the slightest interest in my wolf.

I was just leaving my latest disappointing meeting when a familiar voice called out.

"Sylvia? What a coincidence."

Chloe stood nearby, arm linked possessively through Zane's, dressed in expensive designer clothes that screamed new money. Her expression remained as sweetly docile as ever, though her eyes told a different story.

Beside her, Zane frowned as he took in my appearance. I knew I looked different-bold red lips, styled hair, confidence radiating from every pore. Nothing like the meek omega I'd pretended to be.

"What are you doing here?" he demanded, his voice cold.

This restaurant operated on an exclusive membership basis. In his mind, someone of my supposed status shouldn't have access to such places.

I quirked my lips into a playful smirk. "Why shouldn't I be here?"

"Is Ms. Sylvia here to work?" Chloe's gentle laugh carried a note of false sympathy. "The pay is good, I suppose, but surely a university graduate like yourself could find better than waiting tables."

"What's wrong with being a server?" I let my gaze drift lazily over her thousand-dollar outfit. "Money earned through honest work beats relying on a man's wallet any day."

Chloe paled slightly, biting her lower lip in that perfectly practiced damsel-in-distress manner that made my wolf want to growl.

Zane's face darkened with disgust. "There's nothing wrong with providing for my mate. When we broke up, I offered you a hundred thousand dollars as compensation, which you stubbornly refused. With that attitude, Sylvia, you're hardly qualified to work in an establishment like this."

He turned to summon the manager while Chloe watched me with quiet satisfaction gleaming in her eyes.

Looking at them together, I suddenly found the situation laughably absurd. If I truly had been a struggling graduate with no pack or resources-the omega I'd pretended to be-Zane's actions would have devastated my life, pushing me further into hardship.

And Chloe, who should understand such vulnerability better than anyone, simply stood by watching him try to ruin me. Some "true mate" she was.

The manager hurried over, concern etched on his face.

"That server's got a real chip on her shoulder-seriously, you let people with that attitude work here?" Zane's tone could've iced over a hot tub.

The manager's eyes widened in alarm. "Whoa, hold on-misunderstanding, Mr. Thorne. That's Ms. Sylvia, one of our black card members. Not staff."

"Say what?" Zane's eyebrows shot up like he'd just heard a dog recite Shakespeare.

His expression soured, nose wrinkling as though he'd caught a foul scent. "Sylvia. Spare me the theatrics. You really think this little show's gonna make me crawl back? Please."

I flicked a bored glance his way, my lips twitching with amusement. "Wow. You're dumber than a box of hair."

Zane's POV

I couldn't believe my eyes. Sylvia-standing there like she owned the place, dripping in confidence I'd never seen before. The manager's words echoed in my ears: black card member.

Something wasn't adding up.

For three years, she'd been the picture of humility-wearing the same rotation of modest clothes, accepting the cheapest menu items when we dined out, never once hinting at hidden wealth. Now suddenly she was flashing black cards at one of the most exclusive establishments in the city?

"Your table is ready, Ms. Sylvia," the manager announced with a deference that made my skin crawl. "The private dining room, as requested."

"Thank you," she replied smoothly, her voice carrying an authority that seemed to come from nowhere.

Beside me, Chloe shifted uncomfortably. "Zane, darling, perhaps we should go? Our reservation-"

But I couldn't move. Something fundamental had shifted, like the ground beneath my feet had suddenly tilted. The Sylvia I knew-the quiet omega who'd worshipped the ground I walked on-was nowhere in this woman's confident posture.

Zane's POV

I never thought the night would end like this. One moment I was confidently escorting my true mate through one of the most exclusive restaurants in the territory, and the next, I was being asked to leave like some rogues.

"Apologies, Mr. Thorne," the manager said with smooth, rehearsed courtesy. "Your membership has been revoked at the owner's discretion. I'm afraid we must ask you to leave."

Revoked? The word slammed into me like a physical blow. This wasn't just a place to eat-it was a symbol. A hub of elite power among the werewolf community. Being a member meant something. Being expelled... meant even more.

"May I ask what prompted this decision?" I managed to ask, keeping my voice level despite the rage building inside me. The manager merely extended his hand toward the exit, his expression revealing nothing.

And then I saw her. Sylvia. She was seated, relaxed, with that infuriating little smirk curling her lips. The expression of a woman who had just knocked a king off his throne.

Chloe's hand trembled in mine. I could feel her unease in the rigid way she clung to me, her scent sour with distress. I turned and led her out, my jaw clenched so hard my temples throbbed.The sting of humiliation was sharp-and made worse by Sylvia's calm, knowing gaze.

Once outside, Chloe's eyes welled with tears, her soft voice breaking the tense silence between us.

Outside, Chloe's voice broke the silence, soft and uncertain. "Zane. do you think Sylvia had something to do with this?"

I responded too fast, too sharp. "Impossible." My wolf howled in disagreement, but I buried it. "She doesn't have that kind of pull."

Chloe leaned in closer, whispering, "But the owner is supposed to be powerful, right? What if she's. offering herself to him? She's changed. Maybe she's doing this out of spite."

"Let her dream." My voice came out cold, clipped. "Men like that wouldn't waste time on someone like her. She's not worth it."

Sylvia's POV

The date had ended hours ago-another disappointing meeting with a potential mate who couldn't stir even the slightest interest in my wolf. Three years of suppressing my true Alpha nature had dulled my senses, making it nearly impossible to feel that spark everyone talked about.

After my satisfying encounter with Zane and his so-called True Mate, I lingered in the restaurant, sipping wine and basking in the quiet aftermath of poetic justice. Just as I stood to leave, a familiar figure emerged from across the room.

Caesar Conrad.

My wolf immediately perked up at his presence-something that hadn't happened with any of my arranged dates. Tall, powerful, with midnight-dark hair and eyes that seemed to hold ancient secrets, he moved with the lethal grace of a predator. As the Alpha of the Blood Moon Pack and the rumored Wolf King who held authority over all North American packs, Caesar's presence always commanded attention.

"Fancy seeing you here, Alpha Caesar," I greeted, careful to maintain my composure even as heat flared across my skin from his proximity. I refused to acknowledge the night we'd once shared-the night that haunted my dreams more than I cared to admit.

His gaze roamed over me, slow and deliberate. "On another date?" he asked, voice low and gravel-smooth.

I nodded, trying to maintain my composure. It wasn't surprising he knew about my dating efforts-news traveled fast in our circles, especially concerning an unmated female Alpha heir.

"Your mother's idea?" he asked, his expression unreadable, eyes reflecting nothing yet seeing everything.

Before I could formulate a response, he continued with unexpected directness: "What a coincidence. My family is also pressuring me about marriage." His eyes locked with mine, intensity burning behind his calm exterior. "So, Sylvia, why don't we bond? Solve both our problems at once."

My heart skipped several beats, oh shit,this wasn't just any offer-this was Caesar Conrad.

"May I ask why?" I finally managed, swallowing hard as memories of our night together flooded back. "If this is about what happened between us... that's unnecessary. You were... skilled. I enjoyed myself."

"If I need a reason..." Caesar idly toyed with the wolf's fang on his wrist, his voice deceptively casual. "Let's call it mutual benefit. You're Morgana's friend, and I trust her judgment."

I raised an eyebrow, taking a slow sip of my wine. "Mutual benefit? I'm curious what benefit the mighty Wolf King would get from bonding with me."

Caesar's lips curved into a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. He leaned closer, his scent enveloping me-sandalwood, pine, and something wild that made my inner Alpha respond instinctively.

"For starters," he murmured, his voice dropping to a low, intimate pitch, "I'd get another night with you. No rushing. No alcohol. Just you, fully present."

His fingers brushed mine across the table, sending electricity through my veins. My wolf pushed against my skin, desperate to be closer to him.

"I've had plenty of time to think about that night," he continued, his voice dropping lower. "How you felt beneath me. The sounds you made. How perfectly your body responded to mine."

I fought to control my breathing, memories of his hands on my skin, his mouth marking every inch of me, threatening to overwhelm my senses.

"And there's the small matter of politics," he added, pulling back slightly, his professional tone at odds with the heat in his eyes. "An alliance between Blood Moon and Frostfang would create the most powerful coalition the werewolf world has seen in generations."

I studied him carefully, trying to read beyond his perfect mask. "And you think I'd agree to a political match? After what happened with Zane?"

His expression cooled at the name. "This isn't like that. I don't play games, Sylvia." His fingers traced circles on my hand. "What I offer is power, protection-and a hell of a lot of pleasure."

He hadn't noticed our bond-or maybe he had and chose not to mention it. I was still hiding the instability in my scent, the cracks in my wolf's essence. Alone, it was a risk. But with him. it could become a weapon.

My wolf purred, but I'd learned not to leap at the first sign of affection. "I'll need time to consider."

"Of course." He stood, towering over me, his presence making the air around us feel charged with electricity. "But don't take too long. I'm not known for my patience."

As he turned to leave, he paused. "By the way, I hope you enjoyed the little show earlier. Consider it a gift-the first of many if you accept my offer."

My eyes widened with realization. "The membership revocation? That was you?"

Caesar's smile was predatory, sending thrills down my spine. "I own this restaurant, Sylvia. Among other things."

I never thought one casual dinner would change my life so drastically. As I contemplated Caesar's unexpected proposal, my wolf paced restlessly beneath my skin, more alert and alive than she'd been in years.

When he mentioned Morgana earlier, I couldn't help but smirk slightly. I wondered what my friend would think about me marrying her cousin. But then again, with that face of his... it was hard not to be tempted.

If I needed to find someone I didn't despise, someone with integrity and power to marry, Caesar truly was the best option available.

I curved my ruby-red lips into a smile, batting my eyelashes playfully. "Caesar, darling, I don't think I have any reason to refuse."

His eyes darkened with satisfaction. "Tomorrow then. Ten in the morning at the registry office."

He turned to leave, apparently having other business to attend to, when he suddenly stopped. His dark eyebrows furrowed slightly as he asked with clear intention: "What about Zane...?"

"It's over," I said, lowering my gaze as I remembered Zane's expression earlier that evening. "Don't worry. I'm not the type to go back for seconds."

Only then did he finally turn and walk away. I watched his retreating figure, struck by a strange sense of unreality.

I was actually going to marry Caesar Conrad.