From His Shadow to an Alpha's Throne

I shook off the thoughts. Arguing with these idiots was a waste of breath.

I turned to Julian, deliberately playing along. "Aren't you here to pick someone up? Then let's go."

The air froze for a second before the entire hall burst into harsh, mocking laughter.

Brooke let out a piercing scoff and said coldly, "Pick you up? In your dreams."

She pointed at the sign. "Look closely. We're here for a very important guest. Do you have any idea who that is?"

My mate is the Supreme Alpha. Did she really think I wouldn't know who they were waiting for? Please.

"We're waiting for the Supreme Alpha's mate, Mrs. Devereaux. Alpha Ronan is famously ruthless, but he’s utterly devoted to his Luna. It's said he remained celibate for years just to win her heart."

"Everyone knows the fastest way to gain Alpha Ronan's favor is through his Luna. She's his only weakness, the center of his world."

Listening to their chatter, a soft, contented smile touched my lips.

In the five years since our bonding ceremony, Ronan had led the Obsidian Crown pack to unprecedented power, and his fierce devotion to me had never wavered.

Brooke was always desperate to one-up me.

Thus, she never missed a chance to show off. "I heard that Alpha Ronan once paid an astronomical price at an auction for a masterpiece by a legendary artisan, just to make his mate smile."

"It was a 'Moon Soul Bracelet,' a symbol of eternal love and loyalty. That gift made his mate the envy of females in every pack."

She stopped mid-sentence. Then her voice rose sharply as she pointed at my wrist. "Wait. That's it!"

Everyone fell silent. They held their breath, their gazes fixed on me.

Julian suddenly grabbed my hand, examining the bracelet rudely. He sneered, "Not a bad imitation. Which wannabe rich boy gave you this?"

I pulled my hand back, a faint smile on my lips as I stroked the bracelet. It was a gift from Ronan on our first anniversary; though it wasn't the most expensive piece he owned, it was incredibly meaningful.

To me, it meant love.

In their eyes, however, I was completely unworthy of owning the real thing.

Seeing my lack of panic, Julian's pupils constricted. Without warning, he lunged forward and roughly ripped the bracelet from my wrist.

The delicate chain bit into my skin, leaving a burning red mark.

Brooke stepped forward, taking the bracelet from Julian and turning it over in her fingers. "This is much more refined than the fakes I've seen online."

"But I know my place. I wouldn't dare parade around in a knockoff and let people laugh at me."

"Or... are you trying to say you're the important guest, Ava? The Supreme Alpha's legendary mate?"

Instantly, the others burst into even louder laughter. To them, the idea was absurd.

Ronan was a legend. A ruthless leader.

And I was the pathetic ex-girlfriend Julian had dumped five years ago—the fool who had once begged him for a scrap of affection.

In their view, there was no way I could ever be worthy of Ronan.

Brooke twirled the bracelet on her finger, a triumphant smile on her face. "You know, Ava, I actually quite like this. Sell it to me. I'll pay you double."

I lunged, my voice tight with panic. "Give it back. Ronan gave me that..."

Before I could finish, Julian slapped me hard across the face. My head snapped to the side, and the taste of blood immediately filled my mouth.