Chapter 45
ake up to fod myself in the room. What the hell came over me last night? I thought we hate Deckand
As the thought in
right crosses my mind. Ezra’s voice ainers, satisfied and cabs “The hate is all you”
“Pain it.” 1 maater, getting off the bed and taking in my viruslings, well This is my new life now. I am the Lana of the Bloodbane pack.
Even though I never wanted this, Evandt deny it feels like a better place than the last pack I belonggeilta,
Even Dane couldn’t deny it. He made it so obvious in the way he spoke to me and in the conversations he had with his Beta
The Apex Chicle Festival is tomorris.
in tomorrow. It’s the ceremony Bane has shamed about his entire life–the sour suffered for because he coullect get in
Now I will be attending as the Lana of the Bloodbane pack. I will be introdusled to the civele.
So i cant runs alivitove. I’m here to stay. Everyone here will have to respect nie, including mary and i will not let her words get to me anymore.
Ive owed to be smarter in my dealings and to become the best Lima I can be. Even if Deckard hates me, no one will ever speak to me like I’m less. The way I was treated at the frons law pack will not be repeated here.
Im not running anymore. Fins here to stay. Everyone here will fure to respect me, including mury and i will not let her words get to me anymore.
thead straight to the shower and once I step out of the room, two new servants are already waiting for me, greeting me with polite bows. They escort me to the dining hall without a wond
As I sat and my food is being served. Bria enters inmorately as my food is being served.
“Lunal Good morning,” she greets nie with a satisfied look on her face. “I hope your night was splendid”
“Very well, Bria” I reply, keeping my
“Tomorrow is the Apex Circle Festival. You’ll be attending a brief training session this afternoon on how to behave and accommodate all the guests who will be welcoming you. All eyes will be on you, Luna. You must take this seriously,” she says.
“It’s alright.” I reply dismissively, watching her how her head and turn to leave.
“Bira“I call out just as she’s about fivexit,
She turns back, her Lace attentive. “Yes, Lana!”
“There were three servants who attended to me on the day of my bonding ceremony.” I begin. “Que brought the drink, while the other two got the ready. Can I see them?”
“Oh. Luna Amica, the Alpha fired them the next day because he believed they were compromised. New ones have been hired,” Bria says, her fou casual yet fan
I can hardly believe it. I almost smile at her words but manage to keep my composure. Deckard did that? Wow. Maybe he cares–a little. Or maybe he just did at to save the reputation of his pack. The contradicting thoughts swirl in my mind so I quickly dismiss the idea of him actually caring
Later in the afternoon, I attend the training session, and that’s where I learn something unexpected–Iluve automatically become the No. 2 member of the Apes Circle. Dane would lose his mud if he found out about this.
The training is meticulous. I’m taught how to be receptive to the guests who will come bearing gifts and warm greetings.
As I move through the castle after training. I notice something strange–the way people look at me has changed. Servants and pack members stop
to greet me at every turn, their voices filled with respect. It’s only been a day, but the sudden shift is unbelivable.
I found it strange that I hadn’t seen Deckard all day. How does a man leave a woman to her own devices alter spending the night with hert He gives off the attributes of a scum, but why do I care? He can do whatever he likes–we share no deep connection, after all.
At dinner, Deckard was already seated at the table when I arrived. Ezra’s mood brightened immediately as she caught his scent, practically purning in my mind
1 froze for a moment, unsure of how to greet him. Should I call him Deckard! Alpha! Or. Mate!
Chapter 45
“Lost evening. Amua” he greeted casually before I could decide
“Goost evening,” I replied, my voice steady as I take the seat beside him
Ac Llif my spoon to take my first late, a voice echoed from the entrance of the dining hall.
Good evening. Deckard Oh, I am starving!”
Mary aisle forward confidently She leaned in, körd Deckard on the chain, and sat herself on
other side of him like she owned the place.
my appetite evaporated as my grip on the spoon tightened. Ezra grow acily in the back of my mind
My blood boiled with rage
I watched her. Who the hell does she think she is? The audacity of her presence made my skin prickle
I want to grab herby y the hair and shove her song face in the steaming bowl of musled putaturs sitting before hier. But the sane, composed part
of me held me back
My eye twitched just bearing her voice but I reminded myself of the vow I’d made–1 workin’t let her provoke me like she had before. She nearly won when I ran off the last time. Not again.
Though I have lowl
my appeine, 1 force myself to eat, each lite tastes sour in my mouth.
Halfway through the meal, Bria entered
“Alpha” she began, her four steady as she addressed Deckard, “the updated list of the chosen members for the Apex Circle has been released. The council inisists you review it to ensure it meets your satisfaction lielone tomorrow’s main ceremony”
Once I heard “Apex Candle,” my mind clicked–dis was it. This list held Dune’s destiny, and 1 prayed his name doesn’t make it onto it.
Deckard rose from the table immediately, the list in Isand, and left with Urla, leaving me alone with Mary
I waste no time. I stood and strode over to her, hoping i am intimidating enough
“What are you doing here, Mary!” I demanil.
She tied her head slightly, a sly simick creeping onto her face. “Wow! You’ve never called me by my name before. What’s changed? Could it be because of the bonding that happened yestenlay? Or is it because my Alpha finally fucked you last night?”
Her words hat me like a bullet. Did Deckard tell her about last night? is it already common knowledget
I crossed my arms and narrowed my eyes at her. “I think it’s because I’m now your Luna. That delimarly has something to do with the bonding ceremony. I say
Mary laughed, the sound grating and cold. “Oh, darling” she said mockingly, “heing Taina isa’t just about a title. It’s about respect. And I don’t see you commanding much of it”
I will not to give her the satisfaction of seeing ine lose control. This isn’t the Ironclaw pack. I am not the same woman as i used to hel
Try one cutting.
“I think it’s because I am now your Lana! li dehnitely had something to do with the bonding ceremony!” I reply sarcastically, my
“Oh no,” Mary counten, her smirk, widening. “I think it’s because you got fucked real good last night. You’re glowing differently.” She leans forward, “Well let me tell you something, Amira. Deskand is mine, and I know you know that. You’re only with him for ceremonial reasons, but Town his heart. So don’t get tou confident, because our little pillow talks can make or borak your life,”
I chuckle coldly, refusing to let her words rattle ane. “Oli, Mary, you can have his kidney for all I care! I am the Luna now, and you will address me as such I don’t want you coming here for breakfast or dinner–this is not your house!“
Mary’s eyes narrow, and she lets out a short laugh. “Well, that’s not for you to decide,” she sneers. Looking around, she calls out to the servants, “Grace Ruth! Please get me a bottle of wine, this bitch just made me thirsty. Grace!”
Larch an eyebrow and smirk. “Oh, are you calling the servants? The ones you conspired wilt How sad. The Alpha fired them for me. My smile widens as her expression falters slightly. “You have no minions in conspire with anymore” I giggle and Wabout waiting for her response, I turn on my heel and walk away.
But even as 1 leave her behind, I feel the anger simmering beiscali. This isn’t enough. Mary won’t maly respect me as long as slie keeps sleeping with Deckard