CHAPTER FLEVEN


    +25 Bonus


    CHAPTER ELEVEN


    Talia’s POV


    The ballroom was already full when De and I stepped through the arched doors of the Silverfang pce. Moonlight shimmered through the tall ss windows, casting a soft silver glow over everything.


    Werewolves, both visiting and of our own pack, mingled in clusters beneath cascading chandeliers. Music yed softly in the background.


    De tightened her grip on my arm, her green eyes sweeping across the room like a sentinel on patrol.


    “If Jason so much as breathes near you,” she muttered, “I’ll rip his damn throat out.”


    I chuckled. “Rx. He hates formal Alpha events. He probably won’t evene.’


    Her shoulders rxed, but barely. “Good. The selfish prick wouldn’t be able to stomach the sight of you glowing anyway. Probably burst a blood vessel.”


    We passed a group of Beta-ranked guests bowing politely in our direction. I offered them a courteous nod before leaning toward De.


    “It doesn’t matter how he feels or thinks. The mate bond is broken. He can’t hurt me anymore. I’m free.”


    A proud smile curled her lips. “Then it’s time for you to have some fun, don’t you think? I’m throwing you a pool party next week. I’ve got a list of eligible Alphas that I know are dying to meet you. You can thank meter.”


    Iughed. “You’re impossible.”


    “No, I’m your best friend,” she said with a wink. “And I n to enjoy watching every one of them treat you like the princess that you are.”


    Before I could respond, a server passed by with a tray of crystal sses filled with rose wine. De grabbed one for herself and handed me another.


    “To new beginnings,” she said, clinking our sses.


    “To new beginnings,” I echoed, sipping the chilled wine.


    The party was still warming up, and my father and Solon hadn’t arrived yet. They were likely handlingst- minute formalities with the Elders. De led me toward the lounge area to rx until the official announcements began.


    We barely made it ten steps before we heard raised voices.


    De stopped mid-step. “What is going on at the entrance?”


    My wolf stirred, tense and irritated. ‘Who would dare make a scene on our night?’ she growled.


    De and I turned to look at the growing crowd at the entrance. People were murmuring about poor etiquette and


    shameful behavior.


    “I said I’m going in!” a shrill voice snapped so loud it could be heard over the music.


    “Stay here,” De said.


    But I followed her anyway because I knew that voice.


    CHAPTER LEVEN


    +25 Bonus


    De and I walked to the front foyer. A cluster of guards stood in a tight formation at the doors, facing off with a woman in a gaudy crimson gown so tight it looked painted on. Her makeup was thick, her heels too high for this kind of event, her blonde curls were being sweated out due to her frantically trying to push forward, and her perfume brought a wave of nausea.


    Viki.


    “I’m Alpha Jason’s fiancée!” she barked. “He’ll be here any minute! Let me in!”


    So, it was true. He really intended to make her his Luna. Realizing I had been right the entire time about his intentions made me feel vindicated, but it still hurt.


    It didn’t hurt because I regretted my decision. It hurt because it was another reminder that I wasted years on someone who was unworthy.


    Viki tried to walk forward again, but one of the guards pushed her back.


    “I’m sorry, miss,” one said evenly, “but only officially invited Alphas and Lunas are allowed to enter. And we haven’t received any formal recognition of a new Luna for the Shadoww pack.”


    “I am the Luna!”


    “There’s no official Luna of Shadoww on record at this time.”


    Viki’s eyes red with disbelief. “How dare you speak to me like that? I’ll have Jason…”


    “He’s not here,” the older guard cut in. “And even if he was, this territory belongs to Silverfang. Unless your status is recognized here, you have no right to enter.”


    A dozen emotions twisted through me while I watched Viki have aplete meltdown like a toddler.


    Disgust.


    Pity.


    But mostly disbelief that she was out there screaming like a child in front of the royals. It was poor behavior of someone calling themselves a Luna. The irony of it all.


    I turned to walk away, but De gripped my wrist. I could see the mischief in her eyes and before I could stop her, she was already talking.


    “Is there a reason you’re causing a scene?” she asked sweetly, though her tone was pure ice.


    Viki whirled on her. “Who the hell are you? Mind your business.”


    “Someone who is an adult and acts like one. Someone who belongs here,” De replied coolly. “Unlike you.”


    “How dare you talk to me like that! When my Alpha gets here, he’ll-”


    Viki stopped midsentence. She had finally noticed me watching her while I sipped wine. She looked shocked at first but then unhinged rage took over.


    “What the hell are you doing here?” she spat.


    +25 Bonus