LUISA

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After pulling me out of my hotel, the car came to a halt in an opening clearing, and the air fled out of my lungs as I caught sight of it—a black helicopter.

I forced my legs to move, each step feeling like I was walking towards my execution.

“Where are we going?” My voice trembled, barely audible above the roaring blades that sliced at the air.

“You’ll find out soon.” He didn’t even spare me a glance. He just headed towards the helicopter, his long coat flaring slightly in the breeze.

Swallowing hard, my insides twisted harder. “Are you going to kill me?” I squeezed out the words.

Trystan’s eyes sliced to me, his gaze still cold. “That depends on your choice.”

My breath hitched so hard my stomach hurt.

The rotor’s growl grew deafening, and the helicopter's door slid open. As I stared at the cabin, my body stiffened.

“Scared of flying?” His lips twitched at the corner.

“No.” The lie snapped out.

“Then get in.”

I stayed frozen, my legs feeling too heavy to lift.

Trystan pressed his hand against my back, gentle but firm enough to send a shiver sprinting up my spine.

“Luisa.” His voice dipped lower as he leaned in. “Don’t make me carry you.”

My cheeks flared red, burning through the coldness in me. Ignoring the flutter in my chest, I scrambled into the cabin, clutching the edge of the leather seat like I could fall off.

Trystan followed, shutting the door with a click. The air thickened and the space shrank with him as he felt too close.

He leaned over me, his scent—musky, intoxicating—flooded into my lungs. Tara stirred, pressing forward like she wanted more of it. Forgetting this man could have us killed any moment from now.

I stiffened as his fingers grazed my arm, fastening the harness.

“Breathe,” he said without looking up.

“I am.” But my breath clung to the back of my throat.

His eyes met mine, and for a moment, my vision narrowed and all I could see was those hazel eyes.

“You’re turning red,” he murmured, “I’d hate it if you died of oxygen deprivation before we got to the point.”

It wasn’t just fear. It was him—his nearness, his touch, his indifference to the bond snapping fiercely between us.

It was how his face and name felt familiar, but his presence wasn’t. How it stirred a warmth that felt so right yet wrong.

The helicopter lifted off the floor.

“Where are we going?” I asked again, my voice feeble.

“My territory,” he said, “you’re going to fix what you did to me.”

I blinked. “Fix?”

Trystan placed his arm on his knee. “Luisa Beckham. Graduated Top of your class in medicine.”

My throat tightened. “Why are you bringing this up?”

“I’m dying.”

His words hung in the air—heavy.

“The doctor gave me a year to live,” He said plainly, like he couldn’t register the meaning of his words. “Now I have six months, all thanks to your little stunt. The bullet wasn’t just silver, it was laced with poison.”

A lump lodged in my throat, and my shoulder dropped, my chin sinking to my chest.

I wanted to. To undo my stupid mistake. But I couldn’t. I wasn’t the healer he thought I was. At least, not anymore.

“I don’t practice anymore,” I stuttered, clawing at my fingers. “You can hire the best pack healers—”

“Yeah, we should spread the news of my sickness." His chuckle was low, dry. “I’m sure the humans who want to snatch my company will be very glad. And the Rogues, they might throw a feast. Your boyfriend…” His voice sharpened. “Should I say ex-boyfriend, he would be the happiest prick in the world.” A muscle flexed as his jaw ticked.

A thick silence stretched between us until the roars of the rotors were all I could hear. My stomach knotted so tight I felt nauseous

The helicopter rocked suddenly. My heart leapt to my throat, and my hands shot out, reaching for the nearest solid thing—his hand.

His hand was warm. Strong.

“Easy.” His lips curved into almost a smile. “We aren't falling out of the sky.”

A strange flutter revved up in my chest, and Tara melted, curling beneath his warmth.

Quickly, I withdrew my hands like I had been burned.

But Trystan continued, talking like the air between wasn’t heavier than before.

“You’re not going as my healer though. That would expose my sickness,” he said, “you’re going as my mistress.”

His words slammed into me, tearing a chill down my spine. “You can’t be serious.”

Trystan’s eyes held mine. “The contract is ready. You just need to sign it, and I’ll spare you.”

I hated how I was reduced to a mistress. I hated how Tara stirred anyway, not caring, as long as she was by his side. I hated how it was my punishment so I had to accept it.

The helicopter steadied, but my pulse didn’t.

“For the mate bond,” he added.

My skin prickled.

“We will reject each other.” His voice lowered, and his gaze dropped.

It hit me. First, like a chill to my core. And then an ache in my chest. Tara curled into herself.

I wanted to ask for a reason. Was it because he already had a Luna he loved?

My lips parted but no words came out. It didn’t matter. That’s how it's always been. I’ve never been anything more than a pawn—to my father, to Trevor, and now to him.

I wasn’t even enough for myself.

And even if I got greedy and wanted more, I could never love a man who had Trevor’s face.

******

The helicopter dipped and the ground drew closer. Through the window, I caught the first glimpse of the SilverFang Estate. It wasn’t just large, it sprawled across acres of land.

The door opened, and Trystan stepped out first. He turned back to me and stretched out a hand.

I stared at it for a while. I already knew my place. I won’t be greedy and ask for more.

Ignoring it, I hopped down and tucked my hair behind my ears.

Trystan didn’t comment. Just followed me with that still calmness.

A tall man, golden hair, brown eyes, approached us. He dipped his head slightly.

“Report,” Trystan said, his tone curt.

“The elders are unhappy,” The man said, his tone measured. “They’re calling it a disgrace that you’ve chosen an omega as your Lunar Consort.”

I froze.

Omega.

Tara curled inside me. Severed from the Moon goddess, Tara was weaker now. It wasn’t surprising that Trystan would think I was an omega.

I didn’t correct them. It was better they think I was a low ranking wolf, than one the moon goddess had abandoned.

“Take her to my study,” Trystan ordered, before disappearing into the massive building ahead.

The man and I strode into the building, and we took a sharp turn. I stopped dead, as I saw his figure approaching us.

The man lowered his head. “Beta Trevor.”

“I’ll escort her from here,” Trevor said.

I whipped my head to the man, willing him not to leave. But he only gave a slight bow and left.

Trevor’s eyes found mine like he had been waiting for this moment.

My breath quickened, my heart slamming against my rib as I was left alone with him.