: T

echoing in my ears. Every single person in the grand hall stared at me with their mouths

" someone whisper

be Luna?" anoth

he pack's leadership so boldly. In their world, you didn't say no to becoming Luna. You didn't reject the Alpha's chosen mate.

re. I was someone who had died once because of the

plode. His hands were clenched so tightly at his sides that I could see his knuckles turning white. But he was the Alpha, the pack le

ven managed to produce what might have passed for a concerned smile if you didn't know

helma, too fragile to handle the pressure of becoming their Luna. How perfectly convenient for

a is enormous," he continued, gesturing toward Neon. "It's natural

ing across the silent hall. "And I'm not overwhelmed.

were leaning forward in their seats, whispering to each other behind their hands

not to recoil at the fake concern dripping from his voice. "You're not

his beloved was acting so strangely. But I could see the flash of anger in his dark eyes, the way his jaw tightened when

, letting a bitter laugh e

They weren't used to hearing anyone speak

features before he composed himself again. "I don't know what's gotten into you,

Neon. I've realized this is

ect picture of sisterly concern, her blue eyes wide with what looked like genuine worry. She was such a good a

important!" she continued, reaching for my hands. "Th

her touch before she could ma

everal people in the crowd exchange worried glances. Yvonne'

embling slightly. "You're not acting like yourself a

ion. She was probably wondering how much I knew, how much I ha

elf," I said coldly. "Maybe f

more strained by the second. I could practically hear the wheels turn

d, his voice carrying all the authority of an Alpha. "I'm

tion was crucial. "My daughter has been under tremendous stress lately with all the preparations for to

him, respected him. They had no idea what kind of mo

union is so important for all of us," he continued smoothly. "Perhap

with startled expressions. "You're not listening to me. I'

ple looked confused, others scandalized. A few of the older pack m

ed from somewhere in the crowd. "Come down from t

o you can tell me what's best for me again? So you can convince me to go along

f concern was beginning to crack, and I could see the real him starting to show through. Hi