When I returned to the pack house, Freya was sitting on the swing in the garden, and I was gently pushing her from behind.

It was a serene scene, honestly. She looked beautiful under the soft sunlight, her laughter light and carefree.

Kaizen Hall. That was me. Once Eloise Montgomery’s childhood companion, her protector, and her betrothed. But things had changed.

Eloise was the daughter of the Lycan King, though she was the least favored in her family. She had chosen me as her companion years ago, and for a time, I had been honored. But now, I stood here with Freya, my mate—or so I thought.

I didn’t plan to linger. I was about to head straight to my room when Eloise walked past us. Her presence was as commanding as ever, her scent—a mix of lavender and something uniquely hers—filling the air. It was a scent I had once found intoxicating, but now it only stirred conflict within me.

“Eloise,” I called out, my voice steady but tinged with something I couldn’t quite name. She stopped but didn’t turn to face me fully.

“What is it, Kaizen?” she asked, her tone cool and distant.

I hesitated for a moment, then spoke. “Freya’s been through enough. The rumors about her... they’ve been dealt with, but they’ve left a mark. I think it’s time we make things official. I want to take her as my mate—officially. It’s the only way to put this behind us.”

Eloise’s eyes narrowed, and I could feel the weight of her gaze, even though she barely looked at me. “Are you suggesting I share my position as your mate with her?”

I shrugged, trying to sound casual, though my wolf stirred uneasily. “It’s the best solution. Freya deserves to be recognized. She’s been through enough because of... everything.”

Eloise laughed, a bitter, humorless sound. “Kaizen, do you even hear yourself? You’re talking about taking a second mate—something that’s unheard of in our world. And you think I’ll just stand by and let it happen?”

Before I could respond, Freya gasped, clutching her knee as she slipped off the swing. I was at her side in an instant, scooping her up into my arms. Her scent—vanilla and something sweet—was comforting, grounding.

“Kaizen, it’s okay,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “I don’t want to cause any trouble. I know I’m not... I’m not worthy of being your mate. Not compared to her.”

Her words cut deep, and I tightened my hold on her. “Don’t say that, Freya. You’re my mate. I’ll make this right.”

Eloise stood there, watching us with an expression I couldn’t quite read. Her scent was sharp now, almost acidic, and I could feel the tension radiating off her.

“Fine,” she said finally, her voice cold and detached. “Tear up the mate bond. Consider it undone. I’ll allow her to stay in the pack—as your chosen mate, if that’s what you want.”

I hesitated for a moment, then reached into my pocket and pulled out the mate bond parchment—a symbol of the vow we had made. Without a second thought, I tore it in half, the sound of the paper ripping echoing in the silence.

“I’ll hold you to that, Eloise,” I said, my voice firm.

She didn’t respond. Instead, she turned and walked away, her shoulders stiff and her head held high. I watched her go, a strange ache settling in my chest.

The next day, I went to see my parents at the Hall Pack estate. I wanted to tell them about my decision—about Freya and the future we were building together. But as I approached the house, I heard laughter drifting from the garden.

Peering around the corner, I saw my parents sitting with Freya, their faces lit up with joy. My mother was holding Freya’s hand, sliding a silver necklace—a family heirloom—around her neck.

“Freya, my dear,” my mother said, her voice warm and affectionate. “This necklace has been passed down through generations of the Hall family. I want you to have it. When you give us our first grandpup, we’ll make sure you’re recognized as Kaizen’s mate in every way.”

Freya’s eyes filled with tears, and she smiled shyly. “Thank you, Luna Edith. I’ll do my best to make you proud.”

My father chuckled, patting Freya’s shoulder. “You already have, my girl. You’ve given us hope for the future of this pack.”

I stood there, hidden in the shadows, my fists clenched so tightly that my nails dug into my palms. The warmth of their laughter, the way they embraced Freya—it was everything I had wanted for her. But at the same time, it felt like a betrayal.

I had always thought my parents cared for Eloise, that they saw her as part of our family. But now, it was clear that they had only tolerated her because of her status.

Freya’s scent—vanilla and sweetness—filled the air, and I took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm raging inside me. My wolf growled low in my chest, restless and uneasy.

“She’s carrying our future,” my mother said softly, her hand resting on Freya’s still-flat stomach. “Our first grandpup. The next generation of the Hall Pack.”

I closed my eyes, letting the words sink in. Freya was pregnant. With my pup.

The realization should have brought me joy, but instead, it only deepened the ache in my chest.

I turned and walked away, leaving the laughter behind me. My steps were heavy, my mind racing.

What had I done?

And more importantly, what was I going to do now?

The day the alliance delegation arrived, the pack grounds were buzzing with activity. The Lycan King, Maverick Graham, had organized a grand mark ceremony to welcome them, and the place was packed.

As I entered the hall, I ran into Eloise Montgomery, accompanied by Freya Wells.

I glanced at Freya, her swollen belly unmistakable even under her loose clothing.

When Eloise saw me, she paused, and her brow furrowed almost instinctively.

“A disgraced Lycan Princess like you, showing up here to humiliate yourself?” she said, her voice sharp.

Freya clung to my arm, leaning into me as if to claim her territory.

She smirked, her tone dripping with mockery. “Indeed, Your Highness. Everyone knows your reputation is ruined. Aren’t you just here to embarrass yourself and disgrace the pack?”

She covered her mouth with her hand, laughing, her eyes filled with malice.

I stood silently, my lips pressed together, not saying a word.

I shot her a cold glare and slashed her cheek with my claws.

Freya let out a startled cry, clutching her face.

Eloise finally snapped to life, stepping in front of Freya.

“What the hell, Eloise?” she growled, her eyes wide with anger.

I retracted my claws, giving the two of them a dismissive look.

“It seems I’ve been too lenient with you both. Have you forgotten who I am?”

“Disrespecting a Lycan Princess—how many heads do you think you have to spare?”

Eloise seemed momentarily stunned, clearly not used to seeing me so harsh.

Ignoring Freya’s murderous glare, I turned and walked to another part of the hall.

I took the stage amidst the music and dancing.

Dressed in a vibrant red gown, I moved with grace, my hips swaying to the rhythm. The Lycan Prince from the Ryan Pack, my intended mate, was visibly entranced.

Eloise had only just rushed in with Freya when I began my performance.

But when she noticed me on stage, she froze, completely captivated, ignoring Freya’s attempts to get her attention.

As the dance ended, I took my seat with elegance.

Two pairs of intense eyes locked onto me.

One belonged to the Lycan Prince from the Ryan Pack, my betrothed, and the other to Eloise.

But I only met the Lycan Prince’s gaze.

Maverick Graham, the Lycan King, seemed to notice the exchange and chuckled heartily.

“Prince Jase, are you pleased with the performance?” he asked.

The Lycan Prince smiled. “Very much so. But more than the dance, I admire the dancer.”

He continued, “I have a bold request, Your Majesty. Would you consider granting me this woman’s hand?”

Before the Lycan King could respond, a voice cut in sharply, “No.”