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The full moon hung high in the night sky like a glowing eye watching the tragedy unfold below. The wind howled through the dense pine forest surrounding the Shadowfang Pack’s estate, but inside the Alpha’s mansion, the silence was deafening.

Alpha Kael Blackthorn stood in the great hall, his towering frame stiff, his midnight-black hair disheveled, and his golden eyes dull. He had just returned from securing a trade alliance with the Crimson Moon Pack—an effort months in the making—only to find betrayal waiting for him like a dagger in the dark.

He never imagined she would do this to him.

Standing in front of him, her arms wrapped around another man, was Selena—his mate. Or rather, the woman the Moon Goddess had chosen to be his first.

“You’re lying,” Kael said, voice low, dangerously calm. His wolf stirred beneath his skin, snarling, pacing, on the verge of breaking free.

Selena flinched at the sound of his voice but didn’t let go of the male behind her. That man was Tobias, Kael’s own Beta. His second-in-command. His childhood friend.

“I’m not lying,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “I never wanted this bond, Kael. I accepted it out of duty, but I never loved you.”

A sharp, invisible blade carved through Kael’s chest. The bond between them, once a golden thread of warmth and connection, began to burn and twist, unraveling with every word.

“I found what I wanted in Tobias. He treats me like a partner, not a possession,” she continued.

Possession?

Kael took a slow step forward. “I gave you everything. The title of Luna, my protection, my trust—”

“But never your heart,” she snapped. “You were cold, even before me. You live in a world of strategies and dominance. I needed affection, not a general barking orders.”

Kael’s fists clenched. His wolf howled in his mind, pain turning into rage. The betrayal was too deep. His mate and his Beta… together?

Tobias looked away in shame, but not regret.

“You knew what this would do to me,” Kael growled. “To the bond.”

“I don’t care,” Selena whispered. “I want to be free.”

Then she said the words no wolf ever wants to hear:

“I, Selena, reject you, Kael Blackthorn, as my mate.”

The bond shattered.

Pain unlike anything Kael had ever known tore through his body. It felt as if his soul had been cleaved in half. His wolf let out a mournful roar, rattling the walls. His knees nearly buckled, but he stayed standing—barely.

Selena recoiled from the intensity of it, and for a moment, even Tobias faltered.

Kael stared at her with eyes that burned gold with rage and sorrow.

“So be it,” he rasped, voice like broken glass. “I accept your rejection.”

With those words, the bond snapped completely.

A silence heavier than death settled in the room.

Selena’s eyes shimmered with tears, but Kael saw no remorse in them. Only relief.

Without another word, she turned and walked away, fingers entwined with Tobias’s.

Kael didn’t follow. Didn’t speak. Didn’t breathe.

He stood there, broken, staring at the place where his world used to be.

---

Two Years Later

The office at the top of Blackthorn Enterprises’ skyscraper overlooked the entire city—glass walls, sleek furniture, and a dominant, cold presence that reflected the man who owned it.

Kael Blackthorn had become a ghost in a tailored suit.

To the human world, he was a self-made billionaire, CEO of one of the most powerful multinational conglomerates, with investments in tech, pharmaceuticals, and global logistics. To the supernatural world, he was still the feared Alpha of the Shadowfang Pack.

But to himself, he was just a man who had once believed in love.

He hadn’t taken another mate. He’d refused every proposal, every alliance, every offer. Selena had ripped out the last pieces of warmth from him.

He no longer smiled. No longer spoke unless it was necessary.

His employees feared him. His enemies hated him. And the few who once knew him? They mourned him in silence.

Kael stood at his office window, sipping black coffee, watching the city move like ants far below. The buzz of his phone interrupted his silence.

His assistant’s voice came through the speaker.

“Alpha—uh, Mr. Blackthorn. Your new secretary is here.”

He turned away from the window. “Send her in.”

There was a soft knock.

Then the door opened.

And the scent hit him.

Warm vanilla and lavender.

Sunlight after a storm.

Home.

Kael froze. His heart slammed against his ribs like it was trying to break free. His wolf stirred with such force he nearly dropped his coffee.

She walked in, completely unaware of the storm she’d just ignited.

She was beautiful—not in a polished, magazine-cover way—but in a real, honest, breathtaking way. Her auburn hair was tied in a loose ponytail, and her hazel eyes scanned the office with cautious curiosity. She wore a navy-blue blouse tucked into a pencil skirt, modest but elegant.

Then her eyes landed on him.

And for a moment, the world paused.

“Good morning,” she said. “I’m Aria Lane. I’m here for the secretary position.”

Her voice was soft but steady. She extended a hand.

Kael stared at her hand, then back at her eyes. His wolf howled in joy, claws scraping at his insides.

Mate.

The word slammed into him like a tidal wave.

Kael didn’t move. Didn’t speak. He could barely breathe.

Aria shifted uncomfortably. “Is… something wrong?”

Everything was wrong. This wasn’t possible.

The Moon Goddess never gave a second chance.

And yet—here she was.

Human.

His mate.

A human.

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