After My Mate Took My Stepsister as His Luna

The Silverfang pack house was loud. Too loud. Crystal chandeliers threw harsh light over the crowded banquet hall. Laughter and music mixed with the clinking of champagne glasses. It was a celebration of new alliances. But to me, it felt like walking into a cage.

It had been exactly three years since I ran away. Three years since I shattered my own soul to save a boy who had nothing. Now, I was back.

I smoothed the skirt of my dark green dress and kept my chin high. People were staring. I could feel their eyes on my back. I heard the whispered gossip. I ignored them all and walked toward the quiet corner where the older wolves stood.

Elder Maren was there. She was a loyal friend to my late mother, the true Luna of this pack. I needed her on my side.

"Elder Maren," I said softly, offering a polite smile. "It is good to see you."

She looked at me in surprise, then gave a careful nod. "Ariya. It has been a long time."

We made small talk. We talked about the harsh winter and the recent harvest. Safe things. But under the table, I pressed my right thumb hard into the inside of my left wrist. It was a grounding trick. I had learned it years ago to keep my hands from shaking. I needed it tonight.

The crowd suddenly parted. The temperature in the room seemed to drop.

My father, Alpha Richard, was walking toward us. He wore a perfectly tailored suit. He looked every bit the strong, stable leader. But I knew the monster hiding inside that suit. He was the man who threatened to kill my mate. The man who forced me to break my own heart.

"Ariya," he said. His voice was smooth and pleasant. But his Alpha tone hummed right under the word.

It hit my chest like a heavy weight. My wolf whimpered, wanting to submit to the Alpha command. I forced her down.

"What an unexpected return," Richard said, stopping in front of me. His cold eyes scanned my face.

"Hello, Father," I said. My voice was flat. Emotionless. "I didn't want to miss the alliance celebration. It is an important night for the pack."

He smiled thinly. "You always were full of surprises. Just remember your place tonight, Ariya. Do not cause trouble."

He didn't yell. He didn't have to. The heavy vibration of his tone made Elder Maren drop her gaze to the floor. But I kept my eyes locked on his. I pressed my thumb harder into my wrist until the skin ached.

"I know exactly where I stand," I replied quietly.

He studied me for a long second. He was looking for weakness. When he didn't find any, he gave a curt nod and walked away to greet a visiting Alpha.

I took a shaky breath. Step one was over. I had survived him.

But then, the air changed.

A new scent drifted through the