Elara "Fuck, Elara." "Zack... oh, deeper... harder!" My shrill voice begged between breathy moans. Scorching fluid surged inside me. I loved the feeling of my partner inside me, even after our climaxes had subsided. But then he pushed me away. "I, Zack Blackwood of the Blackwood Pack, reject you, Elara Park, as my fated mate." WHAT THE HELL? My mate said this right after making love to me. His little guy had just finished interacting with me! Getting rejected by your fated mate was the worst pain imaginable. It was not just heartbreak. It felt like someone was tearing your chest open and crushing your heart with their bare hands. My wolf screamed inside me. The sound was so painful I almost lost my mind. She fought and clawed like a trapped animal, desperate to break free. Every part of my body burned. My blood felt like liquid fire in my veins. My heart shattered into a million pieces. This was fate's cruelest joke. You found your other half, then watched them destroy everything between you. My wolf curled up in the corner of my mind, shaking like a hurt puppy. She had been so proud when we found our mate. Now she could only whimper in confusion and pain. Why? Why would he do this to us? But through the pain, one thought burned crystal clear in my mind: You just made the biggest mistake of your life, Zack Blackwood. And I was going to make sure you regretted it. ... I was Elara Park -a hybrid nobody wanted. My mother Nadia was a pureblooded Alpha's daughter, while my father James was human. When my father was alive, our life was perfect. But after Dad died, Mom married Alpha Enzo Vance of The Amber Pack. For the first time, I was thrust into pack life, where I became an instant target. "Look, it's the half-breed." "Her human blood makes her weak." The whispers followed me everywhere. My father's human heritage became a weapon other pack members used against me. At first, Mom tried to protect me. She was struggling too, trying to prove herself as Enzo's new wife. But two years later, she had my half-brother Anthony. Everything changed then. She became obsessed with being the perfect Luna. I became an embarrassing reminder of her past. The protection stopped. I was on my own in a world that would never accept me. I learned the truth early in life. I could attend pack meetings and wear nice clothes to events. But I would never be real family. Because I was a hybrid with weak bloodline. But Zack Blackwood was different. He was the future Alpha of the Blackwood Pack. A born leader who got respect everywhere he went. At every gathering, the most powerful families pushed their daughters at him. BUT, his fated mate was me. The first time we scented each other at a territorial meeting, we both knew instantly. My wolf submitted to his power immediately. His eyes locked on mine across the room and wouldn't look away. We fell into what felt like a perfect relationship. Secret meetings, stolen kisses, passionate nights together. I thought he didn't care about my mixed blood. I threw myself into becoming worthy of him - studied pack politics, learned etiquette, trained harder than any pureblooded she-wolf. The Moon Goddess had given us this bond – surely that meant I was destined to be his Luna. But it didn't matter. My eyes burned as I watched Zack, who was suffering through the mate bond rejection too. I forced the words through gritted teeth: "Why?" "I thought you always understood," Zack looked at me with eyes that had turned cold and distant. "You're a hybrid. Being my girlfriend temporarily was already an honor. How could you possibly think you deserved to be Luna of the Blackwood Pack?" "I've already chosen my Luna candidate. But don't worry – after I marry her, you can still be my mistress." So he'd been cheating. Planning this all along. If I'd had a silver knife right then, I would've stabbed him repeatedly. But I was too weak, too broken. I could only watch him get dressed and walk out of my life. After he left, the television was broadcasting news from the Council Gala. There was Zack at the head table, beside Selina Vance - my stepsister. The Vance family's golden wolf, their most prized bloodline. Elegant, pure, powerful, she seemed custom-made for the title of "future Luna." The headline was beautifully crafted: "Blackwood Pack's Future Alpha Appears With Pureblooded Luna Candidate, Marriage Alliance Imminent." I stared at the photograph, my body turning cold. Everyone was congratulating them. Everyone thought this was right. No one cared that Zack's true fated mate wasn't Selina, but me. Just as I was about to crush my phone, my mom Nadia called. Her voice was ice-cold, "Elara, you're twenty-three now. It's time you contributed to the family." I listened as she declared my fate: "Enzo and I have discussed it and arranged several matchmaking meetings for you. All respectable Alpha families, suitable matches." "If you don't cooperate..." she paused, her voice growing even colder, "you can forget about your father's hotel chain." My blood froze instantly. My birth father, James Park, had owned a boutique hotel chain-the Park Hotel Group. When my father died, I was only five. He'd made careful arrangements for me: He left me 45% of the shares-making me the majority shareholder. My mother received 30% of the shares. Another 15% went to an employee stock ownership plan, distributed among 25 core staff members, with restrictions against external transfers. The final 10% established a charitable trust for public welfare projects. Besides shares, father left me other assets: Park Manor, some investment accounts, and his personal collections. These properties were directly in my name but managed by my mother until I came of age. But there was a crucial condition-I must complete a formal marriage registration before my 23rd birthday, or management rights for all assets, including my shares, would permanently transfer to my mother. Now, I had just one month left until my 23rd birthday. My father had wanted to protect me, never imagining this condition would become my mother's greatest leverage against me. If I didn't marry according to their wishes, they could use various financial maneuvers to dilute my shares' value, reducing me to a shareholder in name only. I finally understood the truth. She never intended to let me truly take over my father's business. Those assets were just another card in her hand, tools to control and manipulate me. "You have 12 hours to decide," she said without any love in her voice. Just cold business. "Elara, don't let me down. You've already caused enough problems for this family. Stop being difficult." I sat alone in my tiny apartment and started laughing. So why should I keep letting everyone walk all over me? If they wanted to treat marriage like some business deal, fine. I'd use marriage to strike back. Hard. "I'll go through with your political marriage arrangement," my voice turned equally cold, "but when it's over, don't forget to return my inheritance to me, Luna Nadia."

Elara The next morning, I went to Moon Harbor. It was the most exclusive private club in town. My mother had set up a meeting with my "marriage prospect" there. My target was clear. Damian Sterling, second son of the Sterling Pack's Alpha. Not the heir, but pure bloodline. Most importantly, rumor said he didn't care about his mate's bloodline purity. In other words, he'd accept a hybrid. Everyone knew the rumors about Damian Sterling. Playboy, trust fund brat, the Sterling family's disgrace. Perfect. I smiled coldly. This kind of waste was exactly what I needed. He wanted a respectable wife for show. I needed a legal husband to get my father's inheritance back. A perfect deal where nobody got hurt. Because nobody would catch real feelings. Compared to those self-righteous Alphas who thought they were "saving" hybrids, I preferred honest garbage. At least he wouldn't pretend to love me. And he wouldn't betray me for bloodline purity when things got tough. The club worker led me to the top floor. "Suite 1012," she said. "Mr. Sterling is waiting." I nodded and memorized the number. The hallway had identical doors with fancy carvings and metal name plates. I walked down searching: 1008, 1009, 1010... My phone buzzed. Text from my mother: "Remember, this match matters for the family. Don't mess it up." I almost laughed. Family. Right. I didn't bother replying and just turned the phone off. If she wanted to use me to climb the social ladder, fine. But I wasn't going to pretend we were some loving family. 1012 should be just ahead... The hallway turned. I saw a door with voices coming from inside. This must be it. I took a deep breath and pushed the door open. The private suite was dimly lit. Smoke, alcohol, and wolf pheromones filled the air. Men and women were scattered around what looked like a private party. Through the smoke and whiskey scent mixed with strong Alpha pheromones, I could see couples flirting in the low light. I stood at the entrance, not sure who to approach. Then a woman's flirty laugh cut through the noise: "D! Pour me another!" I quickly found who I was looking for. He sat in the corner on a black leather sofa, lounging like a king with women around him. He looked tall and lean with broad shoulders and a narrow waist. His black T-shirt showed off defined muscles. Rolled-up sleeves revealed toned forearms with faint scars. His bronze hair looked messy in the amber lighting. Typical European features: high nose, sharp profile, strong jawline. His amber eyes looked drunk and unfocused as he played with a whiskey glass. Found him. Just like the rumors said. Aimless, promiscuous, completely hopeless. Exactly the partner I needed. I took a deep breath and walked toward him. "Damian?" Before he could answer, a female wolf beside him waved me away impatiently. Her tone was nasty: "Where did this little half-breed come from? Can't you see D is busy? Get lost!" I ignored her and looked straight at him. "Hello. I'm Elara Park." He finally looked up. Those seemingly unfocused amber eyes suddenly showed something ancient and dangerous. Like a predator lying in wait that suddenly opened its eyes. When his gaze met mine, I felt a strange flutter in my chest. Not fear, not alarm... what was it? I'd just lost my mate bond. It couldn't possibly be... I shook my head hard, pushing away such crazy thoughts. I must be imagining things. But just as quickly, he went back to looking careless. He waved for everyone else to leave. His lips curved into a lazy smile: "Interesting. Not many people dare interrupt me when I'm 'working.'" He pointed to the seat across from him: "Sit down, Elara Park. Let me see what a hybrid lady who looks like she stepped out of elite private school wants from me in a place like this." When I actually sat in front of him, that uneasy feeling got stronger. I knew it. The rumors were wrong. This wolf was dangerous. He leaned back in his chair, looking lazy and casual, like he couldn't be bothered with anything. But when he looked at me, my wolf tensed instinctively. My breath caught. This wasn't ordinary Alpha pressure. It was something older, more terrifying. Almost like the aura of an apex predator. I steadied myself. I wouldn't back down. "Let's talk business, Damian." I pulled out a contract I'd prepared. "I need marriage registration to inherit my property. Simple contract. Marriage in name only, separate lives, divorce after one year. In exchange, you get a large payment when it's done." He seemed to see through my forced calm. His lips curved slightly with casual malice. "Are you in such a hurry to get married?" I hated how he looked at me, like a predator sizing up prey. I pushed the contract toward him. "Not marriage. A transaction," I said coldly. "I need a legal spouse. I don't care what you need. After marriage, we don't interfere with each other. No emotions, no crossing lines. You sign, I pay. Simple." I spoke fast and cold, trying to boost my own courage. I expected him to mock me or make things difficult. But he just looked down at the contract once, then laughed softly. That laugh gave me chills. The next moment, he picked up a pen and signed without hesitation. I was stunned. Too fast. So fast it seemed like he'd been waiting for this contract forever. I tried to grab the contract from him, but he stood up, holding it out of reach. I stumbled forward into his arms. A captivating scent filled my nose, making me dizzy for a moment. I looked up at him, feeling regret for the first time. But it was too late.He closed the document. His gaze locked onto mine. His voice was deep and sharp like a blade in darkness. "Elara," he said, "I hope you won't regret walking up to me on your own." In that moment, my heart skipped for no reason.

Author's POV Dominic Wolfe had hunted enemies across borders, crushed rebellions before breakfast, and once made three Alpha councils kneel with nothing but a raised eyebrow. Yet the woman sitting beside him in the car had nearly undone him with a contract and a mouth sharp enough to draw blood. Elara Park stared out the window, spine straight, chin high, one hand resting protectively over the document in her bag. She believed she had married Damian Sterling. Dominic should have corrected her. He did not. His wolf paced inside him, furious and delighted. [Mine.] Dominic tightened his grip on the steering wheel. [Not yet.] The wolf snarled. [She is wounded. Another male rejected her. He touched what was ours and threw her away.] Dominic's jaw clenched so hard the muscle jumped. He knew. He had known Elara for three years, though she had not known him at all. The first time he saw her, he had been leaving Alpha Academy after a lecture no one had enjoyed but everyone had pretended to understand. He was already bored, already irritated by elders whispering about heirs and royal bloodlines. Then her scent hit him. Bergamot and rain. Clean. Bright. Defiant. His wolf had gone still for one impossible second, then slammed against his ribs with such force Dominic nearly shifted in public. He turned and saw her near the academy steps, laughing at something Zack Blackwood said. Even then, Dominic had disliked him. The boy smelled like polished ambition and hidden cowardice. Elara had looked at Zack with warmth. Trust. Hope. Dominic had almost crossed the courtyard anyway. But he was the Alpha King, last awakened Lycan royal on the continent. Every move he made carried political consequences. If he openly pursued a young hybrid already bonded to another Alpha heir, the packs would turn her into prey. So he watched. He told himself he was protecting her. His wolf had called him a liar for three years. Now fate had delivered her into his suite with a marriage contract and a bruised heart. Dominic glanced at her. Elara felt his gaze and narrowed her eyes. "Do you always stare at your business partners like you're deciding where to bury them?" His mouth twitched. "Only the interesting ones." A mindlink snapped open. Owen, his Beta. [Alpha, the council discovered the fertility arrangements. They know you lied about the women they sent.] Dominic almost sighed. The council. Of course. Just yesterday, twelve elders had filled the royal hall, faces tight with panic. They had spoken of bloodlines, enemies, continental stability, and the danger of a king without an heir. "You are thirty," the Chief Elder had said, as if Dominic had misplaced the number. "You are the only awakened Lycan royal bloodline in North America. If you die without an heir, the royal line dies with you." Another elder had slammed his fist on the stone table. "Our enemies are watching. Without a royal heir, the European Lycan houses will challenge us within months." Dominic had sat on the throne, bored enough to count the cracks in the marble. His wolf had muttered, [Tell them you found her.] [No.] [Then tell them to choke on their bloodline charts.] [Tempting.] When the elders pushed too hard, Dominic finally stood. His Lycan aura rolled through the hall like a storm. Twelve powerful wolves dropped their eyes within seconds. "My mate," Dominic had said softly, "will not be chosen by committee. My heir will not be bred like livestock. If any elder here finds that difficult to accept, I can arrange retirement. Permanently." No one spoke after that. Now Owen's voice buzzed with alarm. [Alpha, did you hear me? They know.] [I found my Luna,] Dominic replied. Silence. Then Owen choked. [You what?] [There is one complication.] [Please define complication in a way that does not shorten my life.] [She thinks she married Damian Sterling.] Another silence. [Alpha.] [Yes?] [Why?] Dominic glanced at Elara again. She was pretending not to listen, but her eyes had sharpened. Clever little wolf. Even without access to the mindlink, she sensed tension. [Because she came looking for him,] Dominic said. [And because if I introduced myself as Dominic Wolfe, Alpha King, the man who has been watching over her for three years, she would stab me with the contract pen and escape through a window.] Owen sounded pained. [That is... not impossible.] [Keep Damian Sterling away for one week. Quietly. Make sure his family believes he is unavailable.] [Unavailable how?] [Creatively.] [Understood. And the council?] [Tell them I am handling the heir issue.] [That will make them worse.] [Then smile while they suffer.] Dominic ended the link. Elara turned toward him. "Problem?" "Nothing you need to worry about." Dominic laughed before he could stop himself. He couldn't wait to see her face when she found out. First shock. Then confusion. Then recognition. When her wolf finally recognized him. Soon, the whole werewolf world would know who Elara Park belonged to.