Victoria

I tried to act casual as I set my backpack down. "I don't know what you mean."

"Bullshit," Emma said, wiping her hands on her apron and rushing around the counter. "That was an Alpha's car if I've ever seen one. One of the major five packs for sure. What the hell are you doing with him?"

I sighed, sinking into a chair at one of the small tables. "It's not what you think. He just... offered me a ride."

Emma raised an eyebrow. "Random Alphas don't offer rides to half-breed pack members for no reason, sweetie. Especially not Alphas with cars that cost more than this entire building."

"Can we talk about something else?" I pleaded. "How's Uncle Alessio doing? I just came from the Omega House."

Emma's expression softened. "He's hanging in there. His arthritis is getting worse, but you know him-too stubborn to complain." She studied my face. "You look tired, hon. Everything okay at home?"

I forced a smile. "Fine. Just the usual."

"Enzo being an ass again?" When I didn't answer, she sighed. "You know you can always stay with me if things get bad."

If only it were that simple. But Emma didn't know about Enzo's plans for me, about the debt he owed to some mysterious Alpha named Moretti. She didn't know I was supposed to be handed over like property, or that I'd nearly prostituted myself to escape that fate.

"So..." Emma leaned in conspiratorially. "Are you going to tell me which pack he's from? That guy who dropped you off? Had to be one of the five major Alphas in Northern Territory. Was it Blackwood? Martinez? Monroe?"

I shrugged uncomfortably. "I don't know. We didn't exactly discuss pack politics."

"Whoever he is, he's clearly powerful," Emma said, glancing out the window as if she might still catch a glimpse of his car. "The energy coming off him... I could feel it from behind the counter."

"It doesn't matter," I said firmly. "He's not part of my life. And after tonight, none of this will be."

Emma's eyes widened. "Victoria, what are you planning?"

I looked away, unable to meet her gaze. I couldn't tell her I was leaving-she'd try to stop me, or worse, she might tell Uncle Alessio. It was better this way. A clean break.

"Nothing," I lied. "Just thinking out loud."

As I stepped out of Emma's bakery, I was startled to find Leo's black SUV still parked out front. He hadn't left.

Worse, he tailed me at a painfully slow pace down the block until I finally gave in and slid into the passenger seat.

"Don't you have better things to do as an Alpha of a major pack?" I snapped, my patience thinning.

He chuckled, low and smooth, like velvet dragging across bare skin. "Watching over you is the most important thing on my schedule today." His hazel eyes glittered as he added, "Is our final destination Alpha Howlthorne's house?"

I felt the exhaustion hit me like a wave.

Of course he knew where I lived-he was an Alpha. He probably knew about Enzo and the deal with Moretti. But why was he so insistent on being near me?

I turned my head away, refusing to meet his gaze, and sure enough, the SUV stopped precisely in front of my house.

"Thanks," I said quietly, reaching for the door handle. Just before I stepped out, I added, "But we shouldn't see each other again. It's better for both of us."

I didn't expect him to laugh.

It wasn't the kind of laugh that softened tension-it was dark, amused, and just a little unhinged. The scar along his cheek twisted with the movement, making his handsome face look almost menacing. A flicker of fear curled in my stomach.

Before I could react, Leo grabbed the collar of my shirt and yanked me toward him.

His mouth crashed onto mine in a kiss that burned. His tongue invaded my mouth without permission, dominating, claiming. I gasped against him, breath stolen, mind reeling, body betraying me with a shameful shiver.

When he finally let me go, I was breathless, stunned.

He stared into my eyes, his own unreadable, but burning with something wild and dangerous.

"You're mine now, little wolf," he murmured, lips curling into a slow, knowing smile. "You just don't know it yet."

Once safely in my room-if any place under Enzo's roof could be called "safe"-I pulled out my old suitcase from beneath the bed. My fingers trembled with anticipation as I began packing my meager belongings. Each folded shirt, each pair of jeans represented another step toward freedom.

The two thousand dollars felt like a protective talisman in my pocket. Combined with the five thousand I'd earned helping at Emma's boutique, I finally had enough for a fresh start. Seven thousand dollars wasn't much, but it was enough to disappear until I turned twenty-one and could access my father's trust fund.

"Just three hours," I whispered to myself as I carefully rolled my few precious dresses to prevent wrinkles. " Enzo can't touch me anymore."

I pressed down hard on the overstuffed suitcase, trying to force the zipper closed. The latch was just about to catch when my bedroom door crashed open.

Enzo stood in the doorway, his eyes narrowing as they took in the scene-me, kneeling on a packed suitcase, desperation etched across my face. For a heartbeat, neither of us moved.

Then his face contorted with rage. "You ungrateful little bitch!"

He crossed the room in two strides, kicking the suitcase off the bed. My clothes exploded across the floor like shrapnel, scattering under the bed and dresser.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" he roared, grabbing my arm and yanking me to my feet.

"Let go!" I struggled against his grip, but it was useless. Even as a failed Alpha, he was still stronger than my half-human body.

Enzo shoved me hard, sending me sprawling onto the floor. I hit the ground with a painful thud, my hip-still bruised from yesterday's beating-screaming in protest.

"Did you really think you could just run away?" He loomed over me, his shadow swallowing me whole. "After everything I've done for you?"

I pushed myself up on my elbows, laughing bitterly despite my fear. "Everything you've done for me? You mean beating me? Starving me? Treating me like a servant in my own father's house?"

His face darkened, and I saw his hand curl into a fist. I closed my eyes, bracing for the blow that would surely follow.

But nothing happened.

I opened one eye cautiously. Enzo stood frozen above me, his fist raised but trembling in midair. His breathing was ragged, his face flushed with rage-but he didn't strike.

"You're lucky," he spat, lowering his arm slowly. "You're worth more to me undamaged right now."

Relief washed through me, followed immediately by suspicion. Enzo never held back before. Why start now?

He crouched down beside me, grabbing my chin and forcing me to meet his gaze. "Tomorrow, you're going to the Shadow Pack territory. You're going to meet Alpha Moretti properly, and you're going to become his Luna."

Victoria

The words hit me like a bucket of ice water. "L-Luna?" I stuttered, my mind reeling. "No... that can't be right. He just wants me as... as..."

I couldn't finish the sentence. The implications were too horrifying to voice aloud.

"As what, Victoria?" Enzo's lips curled into a cruel smile. "His whore? His plaything? Is that what you thought?"

When I didn't answer, he laughed, the sound scraping against my nerves like nails on a chalkboard.

"Oh, this is rich. You thought he just wanted to fuck you?" He stood up, pacing the room. "Alpha Moretti doesn't need to make deals for that. Women throw themselves at him. No, little sister, he wants you as his Luna."

"No!" The word tore from my throat. "I won't do it! You can't make me!"

Being claimed as a Luna wasn't just about marriage-it meant surrendering everything I owned. My father's trust fund would become pack property, controlled by the Alpha.

"I'd rather die than become his Luna!" I scrambled to my feet, backing away until I hit the wall.

Enzo's eyes narrowed dangerously. "What did you do?"

"What?"

"What did you DO?" he repeated, stalking toward me. "Alpha Moretti has never shown interest in taking a Luna, especially not a half-breed nobody like you. Then suddenly he comes to me demanding YOU specifically."

He grabbed my shoulders, slamming me back against the wall. "Who did you fuck that night you snuck out? What did you do to catch his attention?"

My heart stopped. *Leo*. Could it be possible? The man from the club... was he actually Alpha Moretti? The thought was so absurd I almost laughed. But then memories flooded back-his commanding presence, the way other wolves deferred to him, how he'd just appeared in that SUV today...

"Answer me!" Enzo shook me hard, my head banging against the wall.

"N-nobody," I lied, my voice barely a whisper. "I don't know why he's interested in me."

Enzo studied my face for a long moment, his eyes cold and calculating. Then he released me with a disgusted shove.

"It doesn't matter. Alpha Moretti wants you, and you're going. Do you have any idea how much debt you'll be clearing by becoming his Luna? My gambling debts will be wiped clean, and the pack will gain a powerful alliance."

I slid down the wall until I was sitting on the floor, hugging my knees to my chest. "I won't do it. You can't force me."

"Can't I?" Enzo's voice was dangerously soft. He knelt down, reaching into my pocket before I could stop him, and pulled out the wad of cash I'd been saving.

"Hey! That's mine!" I lunged for it, but he easily held it out of my reach.

"Nothing in this house is yours," he sneered, counting the bills. "Two thousand... not bad. Consider this payment for all the money you've stolen from me over the years." He pocketed the money and moved to the dresser, pulling open the bottom drawer where I'd hidden the rest of my savings. "And what's this? Five thousand more? You've been busy, little thief."

Hot tears burned my eyes. "Please, Enzo. That's all I have."

"And now it's all I have." He stuffed the money into his pocket. "Maybe this will teach you that there's no escaping your fate."

I reached for the silver wolf pendant hanging around my neck-my mother's last gift to me. It was the only thing of value I had left, both sentimentally and financially.

Enzo's eyes followed the movement. "Don't worry, I'm not taking that worthless trinket. Not yet, anyway."

He walked to the door, pausing to survey the mess he'd made of my packed belongings. "Clean this up. You'll want to look your best tomorrow when I deliver you to Alpha Moretti. After all..." His lips curved into a cruel smile. "A Luna should be presentable for her Alpha."

The door slammed behind him, leaving me alone with my scattered clothes and shattered dreams. I clutched my pendant tighter, hot tears streaming down my face.

"Mom,Dad," I whispered, "I need you. I don't know what to do."

But my parents were long gone, and tomorrow I would be handed over to a man who had claimed me as his own-a man who might very well be the same one who had awakened both terror and desire in me that night at the club.

--

The next morning came too soon. I hadn't slept, my eyes red-rimmed and swollen from crying. Enzo didn't bother knocking-he simply burst into my room at dawn, two female Omega servants trailing behind him.

"Get up," he barked, yanking the covers off me. "It's your big day, little sister."

I clutched my nightgown around me, glaring at him with all the hatred I could muster. "I won't go."

Enzo's smile didn't reach his eyes. "Yes, you will. Even if I have to drag you there myself."

He nodded to the Omegas. "Make her presentable. I want her looking like an Alpha's mate, not the pathetic half-breed she is."

The women descended on me like well-trained soldiers, ignoring my protests. One steered me toward the bathroom while the other began laying out cosmetics and hair tools. Enzo watched from the doorway, arms crossed, making sure I didn't try to escape.

"I'll be downstairs," he said finally. "You have two hours. Don't disappoint me."

Once he was gone, the Omegas-Marta and Lucia, I learned-became gentler. They worked in silence at first, filling the tub with scented oils and hot water.

"Please," I whispered to Lucia as she helped me undress. "Help me get away."

Her eyes-kind but resigned-met mine briefly before dropping again. "I can't, Miss Victoria. The Alpha would kill my family."

The resignation in her voice mirrored the hopelessness settling in my chest. These women understood my plight but were as powerless as I was against the will of an Alpha.

They bathed me like I was a child, washing my hair with expensive shampoo that smelled of lavender and jasmine.

"You're lucky, you know," Marta said as she painted my nails a delicate pink. "Alpha Moretti is... well, he's powerful. Handsome too."

"And if I don't want him?" I asked bitterly.

Lucia exchanged a glance with Marta. "What we want doesn't matter in the world of Alphas, Miss Victoria. You'll learn that soon enough."

After the bath came the makeup-subtle but enhancing, making my eyes look bigger, my lips fuller. They styled my hair in loose waves cascading down my back, weaving tiny white flowers into the strands.

When they finally helped me into the dress Enzo had selected, I hardly recognized myself in the mirror. The gown was ivory satin that flowed like water around my body, clinging to curves I usually tried to hide. It was modest yet sensual, with delicate lace at the neckline and a slit that revealed just enough leg to be enticing.

"This was my mother's wedding dress," I whispered, recognizing it from old photographs. The realization made tears spring to my eyes again.

"Don't cry," Lucia admonished gently, dabbing beneath my eyes with a tissue. "You'll ruin your makeup."

"Does it matter?" I asked hollowly. "I'm just merchandise being delivered to the highest bidder."

Neither woman contradicted me.

Enzo's approving whistle when I descended the stairs made my skin crawl. "Well, well. Who knew my little half-breed sister could clean up so nicely?"

"Don't call me that," I said through clenched teeth.

He ignored me, circling like a predator assessing prey. "Perfect. Alpha Moretti will be pleased."

The drive to Shadow Pack territory passed in blur. I sat rigid in the back seat of Enzo's Mercedes, staring out the window as familiar streets gave way to the exclusive neighborhood where the most powerful wolf packs made their homes. My fingers kept touching the silver pendant at my throat.

"Remember," Enzo said as we approached massive iron gates emblazoned with a stylized wolf's head-the symbol of the Shadow Pack. "Be respectful. Submissive. Don't embarrass me."

"Would that even be possible?" I muttered. "You do such a good job of embarrassing yourself."

His hand shot out, gripping my wrist painfully. "One more word and I'll make you regret it, ceremony or no ceremony."

The gates swung open as our car approached, and we drove up a long, winding driveway lined with ancient oak trees. At the end stood a sprawling mansion that looked more like a fortress than a home-all stone and dark wood, imposing and intimidating.

Pack members were gathered on the lawn, all turned to watch our arrival. My stomach clenched with anxiety as I recognized faces among them.The massive man I now knew as Tiny, standing at attention near the front steps.

He was Leo's Beta, which could only mean one thing-Leo, or rather, Alpha Moretti himself, was inside this fortress right now, waiting for me.

Victoria

As Enzo helped me from the car-his grip bruisingly tight on my elbow-despair washed over me in waves. There would be no escape, no last-minute reprieve. This was happening.

"Enzo Howlthorne and Victoria Howlthorne," Beta Tiny announced formally. "Alpha Moretti welcomes you to Shadow Pack territory."

His eyes met mine briefly, and I thought I detected a flicker of something-pity perhaps?-before his professional mask fell back into place.

"Victoria will now enter the ceremonial circle to be claimed by our Alpha," Tiny continued. "As is tradition, her family will remain outside the circle during the binding."

Enzo released my arm with obvious reluctance. "Remember what I said," he hissed in my ear before stepping back.

Pack members formed a path before me, leading to a stone circle set in the center of the lawn. My legs felt like lead as Tiny escorted me forward, each step bringing me closer to a fate I hadn't chosen.

The gathered wolves fell silent as I entered the circle. I could feel their curiosity, their judgment-some looking at me with disdain, others with curiosity, a few with something like pity.

And then he appeared.

Leo stepped into the opposite side of the circle, and my breath caught in my throat. He wore a black suit that emphasized the breadth of his shoulders and the lean strength of his body. His dark eyes found mine immediately, intense and unreadable.

Tiny stepped to the center of the circle. "We gather today to witness the claiming of a Luna for the Shadow Pack. Alpha Leonard Moretti has chosen Victoria Howlthorne as his mate, to stand by his side and bear his children, to strengthen our pack and ensure our future."

The formal words washed over me as Leo approached, his gaze never leaving mine. Leo stopped before me, towering over my smaller frame. His scent enveloped me.

"Victoria Howlthorne," Tiny intoned. "Do you accept the claiming of Alpha Leonard Moretti? Do you consent to become Luna of the Shadow Pack, to bind your life and fate to his?"

Before I could answer-before I could find my voice to protest or agree-Leo spoke, his deep voice carrying across the hushed gathering.

"I, Leonard Moretti, claim Victoria Howlthorne as my mate, my Luna, my equal in all things. I pledge to protect her, provide for her, and honor her as the mother of my children and the heart of my pack."

My heart thundered in my chest as realization crashed over me. This wasn't just some business arrangement or debt settlement-Leo was claiming me as his true mate, his Luna. The same man who had touched me so intimately at the club, who had made me feel things I'd never experienced before, was now binding himself to me before his entire pack.

"This isn't right," I whispered, my voice trembling. "You don't even know me."

Leo's eyes darkened, a muscle ticking in his jaw. "I know enough," he replied, his voice low enough that only I could hear. "I know what you taste like. What you feel like. How you sound when you come apart in my hands."

Heat flooded my cheeks as memories of our night together rushed back. "That was before I knew who you were," I hissed. "Before I knew you had arranged this with my brother."

"Arranged?" Leo's brow furrowed slightly, confusion flickering across his features before his expression hardened once more. "Your consent is required, Victoria. Say the words."

I looked around desperately, seeking any ally, any escape. The pack members watched with eager anticipation, Enzo stood at the edge with barely concealed triumph on his face, and Leo-Leo waited with the confidence of a predator who knew his prey was cornered.

"And if I refuse?" I challenged, lifting my chin despite my terror.

A dangerous smile curved Leo's lips. "Then I'll convince you. Here. Now. In front of everyone."

I terrified and strangely drawn to his dominance. "You wouldn't dare."

"Try me, little half-wolf." His voice dropped even lower, a seductive growl that sent shivers down my spine. "I've claimed you already in every way but this formal declaration. Your body knows who you belong to, even if your mind is still fighting it."

Tears of frustration and fear burned behind my eyes. "This is about my trust fund, isn't it? The money my father left me. Once we're bound, you control everything."

Something flashed in Leo's eyes-surprise, perhaps, or anger. "You think this is about money?" He stepped closer, his massive frame blocking out the rest of the world. "I could buy and sell your family's assets a hundred times over without blinking. This isn't about your trust fund, Victoria."

"Then what?" I demanded, my voice cracking. "Why me? Why force this?"

His hand came up to cup my cheek, the gesture surprisingly gentle despite the steel in his eyes. "Because from the moment I saw you, I knew. And that night at the club only confirmed it." His thumb brushed away a tear I hadn't realized had fallen. "You're mine, Victoria. You have been from the start. The sooner you accept that, the easier this will be for both of us."

Tiny cleared his throat discreetly. "Alpha, the Luna must consent."

Leo's eyes never left mine as he spoke. "She will."

I felt trapped in his gaze, my options dwindling with each passing second. If I refused, what then? Enzo would make my life hell, and Leo... Leo clearly wasn't a man accustomed to being denied. But if I agreed, I would be signing away my freedom, my future, my very self.

"Victoria," Leo murmured, his voice softening just for me. "I won't hurt you. I'll protect you-even from your own family. But you have to choose. Now."

"I..." My voice faltered as I looked into his hazel eyes. In them, I saw desire, determination, and something else-something that looked almost like... hope? "I, Victoria Howlthorne..." I swallowed hard, my throat dry with fear and anticipation. "I accept the claiming of Alpha Leonard Moretti. I consent to become Luna of the Shadow Pack."

The words left my lips, and immediately I felt something shift in the air around us, as though the very elements acknowledged our binding.

Leo's expression transformed, fierce triumph lighting his features as he pulled me against him. "Mine," he growled, before capturing my lips in a searing kiss that sent fire racing through my veins.

The pack erupted in cheers and howls as Leo's arms encircled me, his scent and heat surrounding me completely. Through the haze of sensation, one thought burned clear in my mind:

I had just tied my fate to a man I barely knew, a dangerous Alpha with secrets I couldn't begin to understand. A man who had somehow known me, wanted me, claimed me from the moment we met.

And as his kiss deepened, my wolf howled in recognition, in submission, in a primitive joy I couldn't comprehend.

I was now Luna of the Shadow Pack. Leo Moretti's mate.

And Moon help me, I had no idea what that truly meant.