Chapter 5: The Invitation
Kate
The packhouse felt colder than usual. Once, this had been my sanctuary. Now, everything reminded me of how risky my place here had become.
I went up, feeling a tight knot in my chest. My wolf growled softly, restless and tense. She wanted to fight, to reclaim what was ours, but I couldn’t bring myself to act furious.
When I reached the top, laughter drifted from my quarters. My quarters. My brows furrowed, and I quickened my pace. I froze when I opened the door.
Stella stood before the ornate mirror
draped in my ceremonial Luna gown. The crimson fabric gleamed, clinging to her curves like it belonged to her. She ran her hands along the delicate embroidery, admiring herself and making my stomach
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churn.
The air felt like it had knocked out of my lungs. Seeing Stella in that gown wasn’t just an insult, but a declaration that she was taking my role unapologetically.
“Enjoying yourself?” I asked firmly.
Stella turned slowly; her eyes widened in fake surprise.
“Oh, Luna Kate! I didn’t hear you come. in.‘
I went inside, struggling to control my wolf bristling.
“What are you doing in my gown?”
She blinked, tilting her head innocently.
“This? Oh, I was just trying it on. It’s so beautiful, and I thought…well since Tyson and I are having a baby, it wouldn’t hurt to see how it feels to…”
“Stop!” I interrupted; my voice sharp enough to make her flinch.
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“You thought it wouldn’t hurt to try on something that symbolizes the role you‘ re so eager to take from me?”
Her lips parted, but before she could respond, the door opened, and Tyson walked in. But instead of easing the tension, he made it worse. Tyson looked at Stella first, and admiration and approval. flickered in his eyes. Then he looked at me; his expression shifted to disappointment and disgust. And it cut deeper than hearing. him say I was barren.
“Kate, it’s not what it looks like. Stella was just trying on the gown. It’s nothing to be sensitive about,” he said, but with a little guilt.
“Really? Because it looks like your breeder is prancing around in my ceremonial gown while you stand there doing nothing about it,” I snapped.
“Luna Kate, please don’t be upset. I didn’t mean to overstep. I was just curious. Tyson said I could explore the packhouse, and I
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found this. It’s so beautiful. I couldn’t resist,” Stella said softly, raising her hands. like a martyr.
“You couldn’t resist?” I repeated with a trembling voice filled with restrained fury.
“She didn’t mean any harm. Let’s not make it big, Kate,” Tyson interrupted, stepping between us.
He sounded calm, but there was a hint of warning that if I pressed on, he wouldn’t let it slide.
“This isn‘ t about harming, Tyson. It’s about respect or the complete lack of it.”
Tyson sighed and ran a hand through his hair just to calm himself.
“Kate, I need you to understand something. Everything I’m
doing…everything…is for the pack. Stella is carrying my heir, and that changes things. We need to be united. This is what the
child should be all about.”
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“United?” I laughed bitterly.
“You call this being united? Letting her waltz around in my clothes, inside my quarters, as if she already owns this place? That’s not unity, Tyson. That’s humiliation.”
Stella placed a hand on her stomach, faking sadness, and guilt.
“I never wanted to come between you two,” she said quietly.
“But I can’t change the fact that I’m pregnant. This child… it’s a blessing for the pack. Luna Kate, let’s be best friends. for the baby’s sake.”
My wolf snarled; her rage was about to explode. But I clenched my fists, digging my nails into my palms to ground myself. Losing control now would only give Stella exactly what she wanted.
Tyson tried to touch my arm, but I stepped
back..
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“Kate…” he started, but I cut him off.
“Save it, Tyson. I’ve heard enough.”
There was a heavy silence between us for a moment. Then Stella broke it, her voice. light as if she hadn’t just stomped all over my dignity.
“I actually wanted to talk to you about something, Luna Kate.”
“What could you possibly have to say to me right now?” I asked sharply, glaring at her while she secretly smirked.
“Well, my birthday is tomorrow. Tyson granted me to host a little party here at the packhouse. He said it would be good for the baby. I would love for you to come.”
Of course, Tyson would grant it. But I blinked, stunned by her audacity. My wolf growled, warning me to tread carefully. She was good at sensing a snake when she saw
one.
“Why would you want me there?” I
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asked, narrowing my eyes.
She faked a sweet smile because Tyson was
looking at her.
“Because we’re family, Luna Kate.
Whether you like it or not, we‘ re
connected now. And I think it’s important
for us to move past any… unpleasantness.”
Unpleasantness. That’s what she called this–the systematic dismantling of my role, my place, and my relationship.
“Think of it as a fresh start. A way to show the pack that we‘ re all united,” she continued.
Her eyes didn’t look like it was an
invitation; she looked like she was
challenging me.
“Don’t go. She’s baiting you,” my wolf growled.
But I wasn’t about to back down. If Stella wanted a game, I’d play, but it would be
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on my terms. I straightened my spine and met her gaze.
“Of course. I wouldn’t miss it,” I said with a tight smile.
Her grin widened, satisfaction gleaming like she’d just won a prize. Stella was thinking of what a fool I am.
“Wonderful! I promise it’ll be a night to remember.”
She smiled like a devil who caught her prey. Then, Stella walked past me and clung to Tyson’s arms. Together they walked like a newly mated couple, and I was the out–of–place, disrespectful breeder.