Chapter 1

On the day I am supposed to become Damon's mate, he walks into the mating ceremony with his pregnant fated mate.

The entire hall falls silent.

Everyone who has come today knows that Damon, future Alpha of Blackthorn, is supposed to meet me at the altar.

He is supposed to take my hand before the Blackthorn and the allied packs, and claim me as his chosen mate—his future Luna.

Instead, Lila is tucked against his side. Her pale gold dress clings to a softly rounded belly.

The pup inside her already carries Damon's scent.

My chosen mate is having a pup with another she-wolf.

Every wolf turns and looks at me.

I feel their shock first. Then their pity and the cruel little flashes of interest they do not hide fast enough.

Lila keeps one hand on her stomach. Her other hand rests on Damon's arm, delicate and trembling, like she is the one being dragged through this humiliation.

Then I see what hangs at her throat.

My whole body goes cold.

A wolf fang pendant lies against her skin.

Damon's first adult fang.

In the Blackthorn Pack, a wolf's first shed fang is not a trinket. It is a vow—a promise of loyalty, protection, and choice.

Three years ago, a few highborn wolves had laughed at me during a feast.

They said a White Wolf like me, without my own pack's protection, was merely a tool and a toy— kept alive just because my blood was useful.

They would never accept me as a pack member, let alone as their Luna.

Damon broke one wolf's wrist for repeating their words.

That night, he fastened the fang around my neck and said, "Selene, as long as I breathe, no one in this pack will ever hurt you."

Seven days ago, Lila came to my room. She told me Damon wanted the pendant cleaned and blessed for our ceremony.

Lila has lived beside me for years.

She knows where I hide when I cry, how long I have loved Damon.

I trusted her.

Now she stands in front of me, carrying my mate's pup and wearing my pendant.

Lila touches the fang with her fingertips. "Damon asked me to wear it," she says softly.

Tears gather in her eyes, perfect and bright. "Selene, you don't mind, do you?"

My nails bite into my palms.

I look at Damon.

I wait for him to show shame or regret, anything that proves the man I loved is still in there.

He gives me nothing.

He wears the black ceremonial coat, gold stitching sharp across his shoulders.

He looks strong, calm, untouchable. But also unfamiliar, cold and distant.

His hand stays on Lila's waist.

"Give it back," I say.

Lila flinches and hides half a step behind him.

Damon frowns. "Don't make this ugly."

"That fang is mine."

"It was mine first."

The words strike harder than a slap.