Being chosen for the mate pairing was the best thing that could have happened!

After leaving the Alpha King’s study, I clutched the decree in my hands, grinning like a fool as I walked. My steps were light, my heart soaring. For once, fate seemed to be on my side.

But then I saw him. Patrick Cook stood in the distance, his expression as cold and unyielding as ever. His dark eyes locked onto mine, and a shiver ran down my spine. I hesitated, then turned to run, but he was faster. In an instant, he closed the gap between us, his claws gripping my wrist like a vise.

"Do you even understand what a mate pairing entails?" he snapped, his voice low and sharp. "No one remembered you existed until now. Why would you volunteer for this? Do you think this is some kind of game?"

He started pulling me back toward the Alpha King’s study, his grip unrelenting. "Come with me. We’ll tell the King you’ve changed your mind."

"No!" I yanked my arm free, glaring at him. "I want this! I don’t want to stay here. I hate it here! I hate you!"

My voice broke, and tears spilled down my cheeks. "You’re going to be mated to Vera Fernandez. Why do you even care what happens to me? No one here cares about Samantha Jacobs. I’m leaving, and I’m never coming back!"

Patrick froze, his jaw tightening. For a moment, he looked like he wanted to say something, but no words came out. Seizing the opportunity, I wrenched my wrist free and bolted, not stopping until I reached the new quarters assigned to me.

The room was nothing like the drafty, neglected space I’d been forced to call home for so long. There were no mice scurrying in the corners, no snakes slithering across the floor. Instead, there was a soft bed, a sturdy desk, and even a plate of freshly baked pastries waiting for me.

I collapsed onto the bed, letting out a sigh of relief. "Being chosen for the mate pairing is the best thing that’s ever happened to me," I whispered to myself, a smile creeping back onto my face. For the first time in years, I felt like I had a chance—a real chance—to escape the life I’d been trapped in. And I wasn’t going to let anyone take that away from me.

My mark ceremony was scheduled earlier than Vera’s, though the preparations were carried out simultaneously.

Rumors spread that Vera had thrown a fit, and King Robert had confined her to her chambers, only to be released on the day of the ceremony. Patrick hadn’t set foot in the central territory since, not even for the pack meetings.

I stayed out of the drama, spending my days lounging in my new quarters, indulging in lavish meals until I’d gained a noticeable roundness.

On the day of the ceremony, I was roused at dawn to be dressed and groomed. Once the ceremonial robe was draped over me and the veil secured, I was ushered into the car adorned with red ribbons.

“Won’t the King and Queen see me off?” I asked.

Wasn’t it customary for parents to bid farewell before a mark ceremony? Had they overslept?

I lifted the veil, peering out into the early morning mist. A light drizzle fell, and the surroundings were eerily empty, not a soul in sight.

“Queen Bristol said she’d come to see me off too. Where is she?”

The matron escorting me yanked the veil back down, chuckling.

“Time is tight, and we can’t delay. The King is occupied with pack affairs, so we must depart now.”

Ah, of course. The ceremony had to be timed perfectly for the Moon Goddess’s blessing. We couldn’t afford to be late.

“The King is busy, and the Queen and Queen Bristol are busy too. I understand, Matron.”

I sat upright, adjusting the veil, my voice now tinged with a hint of a sniffle. “It’s alright. I’ll be good, Matron. Let’s go.”

I had wanted to ask King Robert if he could give me a proper name, something other than just “Hannah,” but it seemed there was no time.

Hidden beneath the veil, my cheeks flushed, and my eyes brimmed with tears.

“I’ll be good, Hannah. I won’t miss home, and I won’t miss my mother.”

I wiped my tears with the edge of the veil, then forced a smile.

Mother, I’m getting marked today, to the most powerful Alpha in the north. I’ve heard he’s incredibly wealthy. Once I’m his Luna, I’ll honor your memory with the finest offerings, so you can rest in peace, and even the Moon Goddess herself will look upon you with favor.