The air grew colder as Alpha Kaelan guided Mira up the wide, winding stone steps that led to his family’s estate. The grand manor loomed ahead, its massive iron doors intricately carved with the sigil of the Black Moon pack. Mira’s chest tightened with every step, the weight of Kaelan’s claim still heavy on her. She felt out of place, wrapped in the simple gown she had changed into, next to Kaelan’s commanding presence.
Kaelan paused at the top of the steps and glanced at her. “Are you ready?” he asked, his voice soft but steady.
Mira hesitated. Was she ready? The truth was, she had no choice. Nodding mutely, she followed him as he pushed open the heavy doors. They entered a grand foyer filled with towering columns and a sprawling staircase. Everything about the space spoke of power and wealth, but it was the two figures at the top of the staircase that captured Mira’s attention.
Kaelan’s parents.
Alpha Veyron and Luna Elira stood side by side, their postures regal and commanding. Veyron’s expression was unreadable, his sharp eyes flicking between his son and the young woman at his side. Elira, however, made no attempt to mask her displeasure. Her lips pressed into a thin line, her piercing gaze narrowing as it landed on Mira.
“Kaelan,” Veyron greeted, his deep voice carrying across the room. “You’re home sooner than expected.” His eyes darted to Mira, his tone cool. “And with… company.”
Kaelan’s jaw tightened, but he nodded respectfully. “Father. Mother. I’d like you to meet Mira. She is my mate.”
The room fell into a thick, suffocating silence. Mira’s pulse quickened, and she fought the urge to shrink back. She could feel Elira’s gaze like a blade, sharp and assessing.
“Your mate?” Elira repeated, her voice sharp. “Surely you’re mistaken, Kaelan. Liana was—”
“I am not mistaken,” Kaelan interrupted, his tone firm. “The bond is clear. Mira is my true mate, chosen by the Moon Goddess herself.”
Elira’s expression darkened, and she let out a derisive laugh. “A true mate? A wolfless and unworthy girl like Mira?” Her voice echoed through the hall, loud enough to make Mira flinch.
Kaelan stepped forward, his protective stance shielding Mira from the brunt of his mother’s words. “Watch your tone,” he warned, his voice dangerously low. “She is your Luna now, and you will show her the respect she deserves.”
Elira’s eyes flashed, and even Veyron’s stoic mask cracked, his brow furrowing. “Kaelan,” his father began, his tone carefully measured, “this is… unexpected. Liana was—”
“I will not hear any more about Liana,” Kaelan cut in. “Mira is my mate. That is the end of it.”
Elira’s lips tightened further, but before she could respond, Kaelan turned to Mira and gently touched her arm. “Let me escort you to your room. We’ll discuss this later.”
Mira nodded, grateful to escape the tension, but her heart sank as she climbed the stairs beside him. Behind her, she could still feel Elira’s burning stare, and the weight of her words lingered in her mind.
Wolfless. Unworthy.
Kaelan led her to a spacious room at the end of a quiet corridor. The heavy door creaked as it opened, revealing a warm and elegantly furnished space. Mira’s breath caught at the sheer luxury, but her nerves wouldn’t allow her to fully take it in.
Kaelan turned to her, his eyes softening. “You’re safe here,” he assured her. “Rest. I’ll handle my parents.”