Betrayed by the Wolf Who Swore to Protect Me

The clink of chains echoed softly in the grand hall.

Beneath a tangle of unkempt hair, a pair of sharp, cold eyes met mine. Paul Shaw stood before me, his gaze piercing, as he extended a glass of wine toward me. The room was watching, and the weight of their stares pressed heavily on my shoulders. To accept or refuse—that was the question.

"Adele?" Weston’s voice cut through the tension, laced with confusion.

I snapped out of my thoughts, realizing I’d hesitated too long. Eyes from every corner of the room were now fixed on me. I opened my mouth to decline, citing my inability to handle alcohol, but Paul didn’t wait. He stepped forward, his broad sleeve brushing against my hand as he pressed the glass into my palm. A cold, quick touch.

My brow furrowed, and then I froze.

A small pill had been slipped into my hand.

Paul withdrew as if nothing had happened, turning away without a word. He knew. The fact that I couldn’t drink wine without a reaction was something only those from my past—and him—were aware of. My heart pounded as I raised the glass to my lips, pretending to sip while discreetly swallowing the familiar red pill. Gradually, the heat creeping over my skin subsided, and the faint rash on my hand faded.

The hall remained alive with music and laughter, the chatter of the pack filling the air. Paul’s thin figure disappeared into the dimming light at the edge of the room, unnoticed by anyone else. I stared after him, my thoughts a tangled mess, before forcing my attention back to the golden cup in my hand.

"Adele, it’s time." Weston’s voice broke through my reverie. "Alpha Archer and Luna Luciana are about to announce our mate bond."

I nodded, swallowing the storm of emotions rising in my chest. Together, we stepped forward and knelt before the Alpha and Luna.

Archer Medina’s voice carried across the room, smooth and commanding, as he declared our mate bond. He spoke as if it were a trivial matter, his tone softened by the wine he’d been drinking. His gaze flicked to the other members of the pack, a lazy smile playing on his lips. "Anyone else here who’s found their mate? I’ll pair you off while I’m at it."

The room erupted in polite laughter, but Makai’s eyes narrowed as he looked at Weston. "Not all of us are as fortunate as Weston. He’s got everything handed to him—even his mate. Must be nice to have your life all figured out."

Weston’s reply was calm, his tone steady. "I’m grateful for Alpha Archer’s generosity. My life is in his hands."

Makai’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. "Still, it’s strange. You’ve always been so loyal, but for something as important as your mark ceremony, you’re insisting on holding it in the southern territory. That’s not your homeland, and it’s not Adele’s either. What’s so special about that place that you’d risk disrespecting our Alpha and Luna?"

The room fell silent, and Luciana Ellis, the former Luna, spoke up. "The southern territory is beautiful, but a mark ceremony is a sacred event. It’s only fitting to hold it here, where the pack can witness it properly."

Weston hesitated, then nodded reluctantly. "Of course, Luna. We’ll hold it here."

My stomach sank, but I kept my expression neutral, bowing my head in submission. Inside, I couldn’t help but feel irritated at Makai. Why did he have to stir up trouble?

Luciana continued, her voice warm as she praised me. "I’ve always felt a connection with Adele. It’s like she’s the daughter I never had. I’d love for her to stay with me for a while before the ceremony."

Archer chuckled, his voice low and amused. "Is she really that special, Mother? Let me take a closer look."

He leaned forward, his presence overwhelming as he gestured for me to approach. The sound of his voice sent a shiver down my spine, and I stepped forward, my heart racing as I prepared to face his scrutiny.