Chapter 1

At the Full Moon Gathering, rumors spread that I was about to become the mate of James, the future Alpha of the Stoneback Pack.

When the rumors reached James's ears, he walked straight up to me. He looked down at me, his eyes cold and filled with utter contempt.

"Your tricks are pathetic, Emily. You only showed up tonight to get my attention, didn't you? Let me make this clear: no matter what you do, I will never be with you."

I didn't argue. I simply requested a three-month leave from the Alpha.

The day I returned, Luna Patricia called me to the Pack House to discuss some matters.

"Emily, James announced he’s holding his mating ceremony next month. You’ve always been so capable. Could you help organize the event?"

I froze in the middle of the living room, the teacup trembling slightly in my hand.

My mother, Sarah, looked at me in surprise. "Are you two finally together? I always thought you two were a perfect match."

The atmosphere instantly turned incredibly tense. James's face darkened to an extreme.

"Emily, is it fun spreading these rumors? Let me tell you, even if you lie and say you’re carrying my pup, I still won’t marry you!"

Both of our mothers gasped.

Luna Patricia quickly apologized, slapping James's arm. "What nonsense are you talking, James? Emily is a good, decent girl. Stop acting like a fool!"

I took a sip of my tea and spoke up calmly. "It’s fine, Patricia. But I'm afraid I can't help with the ceremony. I'm also getting married next month."

I offered them a polite, bright smile. "Don't worry, the groom isn't James."