Chapter 1
On my thirtieth birthday, Mathias Thomas, the Alpha of the Silver Moon Pack, dropped a new track on the pack’s communication channel. The announcement called it “Rachel,” a dedication to Rachel Griffin, a rising Beta from the neighboring pack. Almost immediately, Rachel posted her thanks:
“Thank you, Alpha Mathias, for the debut gift. I absolutely love it. @MathiasThomas.”
The photo she uploaded captured her in her den, surrounded by pack members, her voice exuding the commanding presence of a Beta. Mathias retweeted it, adding, “Fate brought us together; may your rise to Alpha be triumphant.”
Silently, I hit like on both posts, then shot a message to Connor Wheeler, a Delta from the neighboring pack who was overseas on a hunt:
“Connor, I’m eager to join your crew and head abroad for the mission.”
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Mathias stumbled back into our den that night, his Alpha aura heavy with the stench of booze. He called my name as he lurched through the doorway, his imposing frame throwing shadows across the room. Spotting me sprawled in bed, he halted, his dark eyes narrowing.
“Why didn’t you whip up something for my hangover?” he barked, his Alpha tone cutting and authoritative.
I kept my eyes shut, refusing to engage.
Mathias jabbed my arm, his touch rough but familiar. “Leanna, I need that hangover tonic.”
I cracked open my eyes reluctantly, my voice steady despite the tempest raging inside me. “The recipe’s in the kitchen cabinet.”
“Aren’t you going to make it for me?” he scowled, his irritation clear in the way his jaw clenched. “I was only a bit late. Why didn’t you wait up?”
Blank-faced, I stared at him, the Alpha who had once been my world. “I’m exhausted. I need to sleep. If you don’t feel like making the tonic, grab some hangover herbs from the storage.”
Since Mathias ascended to Alpha, he’s been drowning in pack events almost daily. To help him recover, I delved into various remedies, testing them on myself before settling on the most potent tonic. For five years, I’d have it ready whenever he stumbled in, accompanied by a soothing massage to ease his Alpha weariness.
But now, I’m drained, unwilling to cater to him like this anymore.
Mathias was blindsided by my indifference, just as I was stunned by the blow he dealt me today.
Our mate bond has always been shrouded in secrecy. Mathias vowed we’d unveil it once he cemented his position as Alpha. And I’ve waited—eight long years.
By his third year as Alpha, Mathias started gaining clout among the packs. Yet he kept insisting it wasn’t the right moment, that he needed to reach the summit, urging me to be patient. Last year, he forged alliances with several powerhouse packs, truly becoming a dominant figure.
While Mathias was crafting this song, I overheard him discussing its production and title with his Beta during pack meetings. Several times, I distinctly caught the name “Leanna.”
During that time, I genuinely believed he was penning the song for us.