Chapter 9
Apr 18, 2025
FIVE YEARS LATER
The night air was thick with excitement as the Full Moon Festival approached. Lanterns swayed gently in the wind, casting flickers of light over the pack’s gathering grounds.
Felicia moved between the tables, making sure everything was in place—decorations, food, and drink. The festival was a time for celebration, and she wanted it to be perfect for everyone.
Her brother, Alpha Orion, appeared at her side, a proud smile on his face as he surveyed the preparations.
“You’ve outdone yourself, Felicia,” Orion said, his deep voice filled with admiration. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and yet there was a softness to his demeanor when he looked at her. “Everything looks incredible.”
Felicia grinned and shrugged, her fingers brushing over the cloth of the table in front of her. “I’m just trying to make sure you have a nice time tonight. You’ve been busy brooding all week.”
She winked.
Orion shifted uncomfortably, a slight flush creeping onto his face. “Don’t start,” he muttered, glancing away. “I’m not interested in the mate bond right now.”
Felicia raised an eyebrow and gave him a teasing smile. “Sure, sure. But tonight’s the night, right? You never know, maybe your mate will be here.”
His expression hardened, his eyes distant. “Don’t joke about that, Felicia.”
She sobered, sensing the sadness that lingered beneath his tough exterior. She knew the story of his first mate—the one who had died tragically. It had been a loss that had changed him. But Felicia still hoped for him to find happiness again, to have the love he deserved.
“Look, I’m just saying, you’ve been through enough,” she said softly. “You deserve another chance at love.”
Orion met her gaze, but his response was cut off by the arrival of one of the pack’s messengers. The young wolf was panting, clearly having rushed to deliver the news.
“Alpha Orion,” the messenger said, bowing his head. “A letter has arrived. The Alpha of the Crescent Moon Pack, Damien, has sent his acceptance for the festival invitation on behalf of Alpha Magnus.”
Felicia’s heart dropped to her stomach as soon as she heard the name.
Damien.
The name she had tried so hard to avoid, the name that still haunted her dreams. Her mind raced, and before she could stop herself, she turned on her heel and fled the scene, panic surging through her veins.
“Felicia!” Orion called after her, but she was already running toward the children’s quarters.
Her feet were a blur beneath her, her breath ragged, as she pushed open the door to her children’s room. Her heart ached as she saw them playing with their toys, blissfully unaware of the storm that was about to hit.
Felicia forced a smile, trying to hide the fear in her chest.
Her sons were the exact replica of their father. She was sure Orion didn’t know Damien, he would have known at first glance that their father was Damien, Alpha Magnus’ son.
Just as she was about to leave the children’s, she heard footsteps behind her. Orion stood in the doorway, his eyes filled with confusion and concern.
“Felicia, what’s going on? Why are you so upset?”
She wiped her tears away quickly, but they kept falling. She shook her head, unable to put her feelings into words. “Please, Orion,” she whispered, her voice barely above a plea. “Don’t let Damien see me. Don’t let him see the children. Please, promise me.”
Orion’s expression shifted from confusion to realization. His eyes widened as the pieces fell into place. “Damien… of Crescent Moon Pack… he’s the father, isn’t he?”
Felicia nodded, her sobs choking her.
