Bringing Down the Bloodhowl Liars: My Mate Is a Badass

At the Werewolf Bonding Hall, the scent of moonstone and nervous pheromones hung thick.

I, Michael Smith, adjusted my silver - threaded tie as Vivian Luis-my intended mate-fluffed her gown.

We stood before the Registrar, ready to seal our bond with a moonstone medallion.

Suddenly a whelp burst through the oak doors, his tiny fangs bared.

"Mother!" he howled, clutching Vivian's leg.

His golden eyes-identical to mine-flashed with wolfish intensity.

I bared my canines, ready to defend my mate.

But Vivian cooed, lifting the pup with a tenderness I'd never seen.

"This is Jack, an... unplanned blessing," she purred, stroking his tufted ears.

"Kevin Davis took him to the Western Packs Six years ago. They've returned."

As if summoned, Kevin sauntered in.

A crescent moon tattoo-mark of the Bloodhowl pack-peeked from his collar.

"Vivian and I must formalize our bond for Jack's sake," he said, lacing his fingers through hers.

"A lone wolf with a pup invites pack scorn."

My hackles rose. "Your bond?"

I growled. "We stand at the bonding altar."

Vivian pressed a moonstone - chilled hand to my chest.

"Just a formality, love."

"Think of the pup's trauma. He needs a mother."

They approached the Registrar, Jack perched on Kevin's shoulder.

The medallion they received glowed red-a sign of impure bonding.

I watched, frozen, as my would - be mate nuzzled her true mate.

Yanking my phone from its silver case, I dialed Selena Charles-my lifelong pursuer from the Silverclaw pack.

"At the Bonding Hall. Need a mate to sign the scrolls," I said, voice steady despite my trembling claws.

"Michael Smith!"

Selena's laughter crackled over the line.

"I'm across the Atlantic, but for a bond? The Blood Moon itself couldn't keep me away."

I'd just stepped into the hall's courtyard when Vivian's snarl cut through the night.

"What are you still doing here?"

she snapped, Jack clinging to her hip.

Kevin hovered behind, his tattoo pulsing.

"Waiting for my true mate," I said.

Vivian's eyes glowed gold.

"You dare mock me? After I explained Kevin's return is a mercy for the pup?"

She shoved me, her nails raking my arm.

"Leave before you embarrass us further."

Kevin offered a blood - red scroll.

"Take a photo with Vivian. No one will know it's not your bonding certificate."

I swatted it away. "I choose honesty over lies."

Jack lunged. "You're the interloper! Mother belongs to us!"

His snarl echoed through the courtyard, drawing stares from onlookers.

"Your mother and I are no longer bound," I said.

"May the Moon Goddess bless your false union."

As they stalked off, Vivian's scent mingled with Kevin's-a sickening blend of triumph and treachery.

I pressed my palm to the Bonding Hall's wall, feeling its pulse match my own.