Varianth’s POV
“I should’ve walked away.”
That was the first thought in my head the moment I saw her standing at the edge of her pack’s territory, clutching her coat like it was the only thing holding her together.
But I didn’t.
I stopped. I watched her. And then I got out of the carriage. I didn’t know what I was doing—only that I had to do it.
I’d come to the Crescent Moon Pack on business. A formal visit. A courtesy. But as soon as I passed the gates and caught sight of her—hair tangled in the wind, cheeks flushed from cold or shame or both—I knew something was wrong.
And I couldn’t explain it.
I had seen desperation before. Seen women beg, scream, weep. But not like that. Not silent. Not dignified. Not proud in the face of ruin.
She didn’t say a word. She just looked at me with those stormy eyes like she’d already accepted that no one was coming for her.
And something in me broke.
So I brought her back.
To my palace.
I didn’t even understand why.
Maybe it was because she was pregnant. Her scent—though faint—clung to something ancient inside me. I knew the truth. It wasn’t logic. It was instinct. A pull I couldn’t resist. Now she was here, in the guest wing.
Her room had everything she could ever want—warmth, food, comfort. But not a single person welcomed her.
Not the guards. Not the staff. Not even Emily.
And honestly? I didn’t expect them to.
I didn’t even know what I expected.
I stood in the training yard that evening, sword in hand, but my focus was gone. Every swing, every movement felt off. I couldn’t get her out of my mind.
Athena.
She had said something strange when we first spoke.
“You really don’t remember me?”
She had looked so sure. So full of pain. But I didn’t recognize her. I was certain I’d never seen her face before.
And yet…
There was something familiar about her.
Not her voice. Not her scent. But something deeper. An ache. A pull.
When I met her eyes, something stirred inside me. Something I didn’t understand.
And then, that comment—
“Yeah, I know. I’m ugly.”
I remember how my chest tightened when she said that.
Ugly?
She was the furthest thing from it.
Her face was striking. Beautiful in a way that made the world quiet when she walked into a room. The birthmark on her face didn’t make her less—it made her unforgettable.
I would have remembered her.
Wouldn’t I?
But I didn’t.
And yet… I couldn’t stop thinking about her. I didn’t even know her story. Didn’t know how she ended up cast out, pregnant, discarded like she was nothing.
And yet, here she was—occupying my thoughts like she belonged there.
What is this?
I tossed my sword down and ran a hand through my hair.
This didn’t make sense. I already had a mate in mind. I have found her. I have mated with her that night at the Silver Fang club.
Emily.
The match was approved by the Elders. Politically perfect. She was well-bred, elegant, respected. And she…she’s carrying my child.
And yet, I couldn’t look at her the same way I looked at Athena.
And she noticed.
Emily stormed into my office that night, her heels clacking against the marble like gunshots.
“She doesn’t belong here!” she snapped.
I didn’t look up from my desk. “You don’t decide who stays in my palace.”
Emily leaned over the desk, her voice sharp. “You brought a rejected, pregnant stray into our home. What do you think the Elders will say? The 12 freaking packs?”
I stood slowly. “They’ll say nothing.”
Emily’s eyes flared. “She’s manipulating you!”
“Don’t tell me what to do.”
Emily stepped back, pacing now. “She’s not one of us. She carries a bastard child, and you’re risking everything for—what? Pity?”
I met her glare. “Watch your tone.”
Emily froze.
For a moment, the room was silent. Then she whispered, “You’re mine. I am your chosen mate. You already chose me! Or have you forgotten that?”
My jaw clenched. “I haven’t forgotten.”
But the problem was…I didn’t feel it.
Not with her. Not like I did with Athena. That was what scared me the most.
Emily’s eyes narrowed. “You’re slipping, Varianth. Don’t forget—all twelve packs are watching. Show them weakness, and you’ll watch your kingdom fall apart.”