(Amelia's POV) "Amelia, I want to end our mate bond," my fated mate, Damien, said solemnly over the phone. "What the hell? What are you talking about?" my wolf Ava stirring restlessly within me. "I've discovered something important about myself. I'm not just some warrior from Meadow Brook Pack. I'm actually the son of the Alpha of Blackwood Pack in Northgate City. I've taken my rightful name - Damien Blackwood." I gripped the phone tighter. "That's... unexpected. Congratulations, I guess." "As the future Alpha of Blackwood Pack, I need to reconsider certain... arrangements. Our mate bond isn't suitable anymore." "You're just a healer from a small, remote pack. You don't have the status required to be an Alpha's mate. I need to mark someone more appropriate - perhaps an Alpha's daughter from another powerful pack." My blood boiled as Ava growled furiously within me. "So you're breaking our bond because I'm suddenly not good enough for you?" "Don't be dramatic. I'm being practical." His tone was dismissive. "I could still keep you as my lover, of course. You'd have certain privileges-" "You disgusting piece of trash!" I spat into the phone. "You still want me to be your mistress? Are you worthy of that? Listen well, I, Amelia, hereby declare my rejection of you, Damien Blackwood, as my mate." As a sharp tearing pain ripped through my chest and Ava's anguished wail, I felt our mate bond shatter and then fall silent. Ava's voice roared in my mind: We should have gotten rid of that coward long ago! He was never worthy of us! I hung up without waiting for his response, my hands shaking with rage. "I take it that was an unpleasant conversation." The handsome man in a wheelchair sitting across from me raised an eyebrow at me. Five minutes before answering the phone, he appeared before me, introducing himself as Theodore Crimson, heir to the Alpha King of the Northern Territories and future Alpha of the Crimson Moon Pack in Northgate City. He also told me that I was the long-lost daughter of the Stone River Pack's Alpha. I smiled at him, "Is this a coincidence? You, the heir to the Alpha King, just appeared before me, and my ex-mate also discovered that she is a long-lost Alpha heir. Is today April Fools' Day or something?" "I assure you, everything I just told you is true," he said, his expression still grave. "You really are the daughter of Adrian and Livia Stone,rulers of one of the most powerful packs in Northgate City." I laughed bitterly. "First my mate dumps me for not being high-status enough, and now a stranger claims I'm some lost princess? This day keeps getting better." I slowly organized the medicinal herbs, my mind racing. "Even so, why did you come to find me? What about my biological parents?" "Because I'll be your fiancé." "You? My fiancé?" I found it hard to believe. Theodore's expression softened slightly. "I understand your skepticism. Let me explain further." He shifted in his wheelchair, a flash of pain crossing his face. "Last month, I was attacked by rogue wolves. My wolf form's hind legs were severely damaged. I can barely shift now, and my wolf Logan spends most days sleeping." I noticed how his hands gripped the armrests when he mentioned his wolf. "I was engaged to Celine Stone, the girl who replaced you. When she learned of my... condition, she rejected the match. Called me damaged goods." His matter-of-fact tone couldn't quite hide the bitterness underneath. "Stone River Pack doesn't want to lose their alliance with the Crimson Moon Pack. So they've suddenly remembered they had a true daughter somewhere and decided to bring me back to replace Celine in the marriage." I processed his words, the pieces falling into place. "So they knew about me all along? They only want me now because I'm useful as a replacement bride?" Theodore nodded. "Your assessment is accurate." "Why are you telling me this? Why come in person?" I asked, studying his face. "I'll be honest with you." His golden eyes met mine directly. "I've investigated you. You're a renowned healer among wandering wolves and small packs. You've cured conditions others deemed hopeless." Understanding dawned on me. "You want me to heal your legs." "I've consulted countless healers. None could help." He leaned forward. "I came to assess whether marrying you would be beneficial to me. Blunt, perhaps, but true." I appreciated his honesty. "Show me your legs." Theodore hesitated only briefly before rolling up his pant legs. Jagged scars crisscrossed his skin, the muscle beneath clearly damaged. I examined them carefully, noting the unusual pattern of the wounds. "These weren't made by ordinary claws." "No," he confirmed. "The rogues used some kind of cursed weapon." I completed my examination, my mind already cataloging herbs and treatments. "I can heal this." Hope flared in his eyes. "Really?" "Yes. It will take time, but I can restore both your human legs and your wolf power." Theodore's entire demeanor changed, a new energy radiating from him. Thinking about how my biological parents ignored my existence, I decided I had to return to Northgate City and become the true Alpha's daughter of Stone River Pack. Meet the parents who never searched for me. "I'll go back with you," I decided. "I want to meet these people who suddenly remembered my existence. I can mate with you." A smile tugged at Theodore's lips. "So what do I need to pay?" I smiled slightly, "There's nothing you need to give. Marrying a handsome man like you-if I can heal your wounds, I think I'm the one who wins in this deal." Of course, the most important reason is because you are my fated mate. I said in my heart.

(Amelia's POV) I watched Theodore's sleek black car disappear down the dirt road, the dust settling in its wake. Without wasting a second, I pulled out my phone and dialed a number. "Silas," I said when the line connected. "I need everything you can find on Stone River Pack in Northgate City." "What specifically?" His voice was cautious, professional. "Everything. Every member, every secret, every dirty little scandal they've tried to hide." My voice hardened. "Focus especially on someone named Celine Stone." "That's a powerful pack," came the cautious reply. "This will take time." "I need it tonight." My tone left no room for negotiation. "Tonight?" He sounded genuinely shocked. "What's happened, Amelia?" "Let's just say I've discovered some long-lost relatives who suddenly remember I exist when it's convenient for them." I gripped the phone tighter. "And I want to know exactly what I'm walking into." "I'll call in every favor I have." Silas sighed. "But this won't be cheap." "Money isn't an issue. Just get me what I need." I ended the call and stared at the horizon. The afternoon sun cast long shadows across my small herb garden as I sat on the porch steps. Memories I'd tried to bury for years came flooding back, sharp and painful. My adoptive father Robert had told me the story so many times. Twenty years ago, during the harshest winter, Robert had been gathering firewood deep in the forest when he heard a faint cry. Following the sound through the snow, he discovered a newborn baby girl-me-abandoned in the freezing underbrush, my tiny body nearly frozen solid. Robert named me Amelia Cole and raised me as his own daughter. Until his dying day, he searched for clues about my birth parents, convinced there must have been some desperate circumstance that forced them to abandon me. I'd clung to that hope too-that somewhere, my real parents were searching for me, prevented from finding me by some tragic situation. But Theodore's revelation shattered that illusion. They knew they had lost me, but they never thought to look for me. And now they only wanted me back because their precious adopted daughter had rejected her arranged marriage. If not for their carefully groomed replacement daughter, I might have spent my entire life as a lone wolf, never knowing my pack or my heritage. But it doesn't matter anyway. I've stopped caring about those things as much. I only experience the life I want to experience. "Who was that handsome fellow in the fancy car?" I turned around and saw my neighbor Uncle Rowan walking over, his face wearing an expression of curiosity. "My fiancé, apparently," I replied with a smile. His eyebrows shot up so high they nearly disappeared into his hairline. "Fiancé? When did this happen? Last I checked, you were with that Damien boy." "About an hour ago." I couldn't help but laugh at his shocked expression. "And Damien is history." "Well, he's certainly a good-looking one," Rowan said, leaning on his walking stick. "And that car! Must be from one of those big city packs." "The biggest, actually. Crimson Moon Pack." I enjoyed watching his jaw drop. "Bring him over for dinner next time," Rowan insisted, his eyes wide with excitement. "I'd like to meet the man who's captured your heart so quickly. And who's apparently rich enough to buy half this village!" "I will," I promised, watching as he hoisted his tools and headed toward the mountain path, muttering excitedly to himself. (Theodore's POV) "With all due respect, Alpha," Marcus said as our car sped toward Northgate City, "I must question your decision to marry this woman." I turned from the window to face my Beta. "Oh?" "She's a nobody-an orphan whose own parents didn't want her. She sells herbs and healing services to survive." Marcus's face was tight with concern. "How will this help secure your position in the Crimson Moon Pack?" "Is that so?" I asked quietly. "Your position is already precarious after your injury," Marcus continued, "If you choose a weak mate, it might further undermine your status in the pack. I'm concerned about the Alpha King-" I held up my hand, stopping him mid-sentence. "Do you remember six months ago when my grandfather fell ill?" Marcus nodded, "Of course. We nearly lost him. The old king was at death's door for weeks." "And do you recall the rare herb that finally cured him? " "The Midnight Bloom. We paid ten million for a single ounce." "I just saw herbs worth twice that amount hanging casually from the rafters of Amelia's cottage." I watched realization spread across Marcus's face. "She had them drying like common kitchen herbs." "You mean she's-" "She's not just some village healer, Marcus." I leaned forward. "Think about what that means." Marcus's eyes widened. "You believe she can heal your legs? Truly heal them?" "I know she can." I fingered the small purple flower I'd discreetly taken from her garden, carefully pressing it between the pages of my book. "Someone with her knowledge and skill deserves to be my Luna." "You could simply pay her for treatment," Marcus pointed out. I laughed softly. "Perhaps I fell in love at first sight."

(Amelia's POV) At eight o'clock sharp, my phone rang. I'd just finished harvesting the last of my evening primrose and was washing dirt from my hands in the basin outside my cottage. "It's done," Silas said without preamble when I answered. "Celine Stone, daughter of Adrian and Livia Stone, same age as you. The pack princess, adored by everyone." I dried my hands on a towel, my heart beating faster. "Continue" "She's been raised as their precious daughter since infancy. Top education, private tutors, the works." His voice was clinical, detached. "She's considered quite beautiful - dark hair, blue eyes, always impeccably dressed. Her talent was widely acclaimed throughout the territory, though my sources suggest they're more show than substance." "What about the engagement to Theodore?" I pressed. "She was originally engaged to Theodore Crimson, heir to the Alpha King. A political match arranged years ago to strengthen ties between the packs." Silas paused. "When Theodore was injured last month and his succession was put on hold, she wanted out. Called him damaged goods behind closed doors." My grip on the phone tightened. "But her parents stopped her." "Yes. The alliance with Crimson Moon Pack is too valuable to lose.They have not yet agreed to her request." "Her reputation in Northgate City is impeccable-beautiful, accomplished, desired by many Alphas," he continued. "But there are whispers about her true nature. She's known to be vindictive to those who cross her." "Is she truly Adrian and Livia's daughter?" I asked, the question that had been burning in my mind. "On paper, yes. " "You need dig deeper. I need to know if there's any chance she's not their biological child." I paced across my small yard. "May I ask why you're suddenly interested in Stone River Pack?" Silas asked carefully. "This is a dangerous game you're playing, Amelia." "Because I'm going home, apparently." I laughed bitterly. "I've just discovered I'm their long-lost daughter. And I want to experience what it's like to be an Alpha's daughter in a powerful pack. It seems quite... interesting." Few people knew the full extent of my activities. To most, I was simply a skilled healer who sold herbs and remedies. In reality, I'd spent years cultivating rare medicinal plants, creating twenty new hybrid species that could fetch millions at auction. I'd treated countless pack Alphas, charging exorbitant fees that they gladly paid for my unique skills. Damian's claim that I wasn't worthy of being his Luna was laughable. If I'd wanted to, I could have formed my own pack from the hundreds of rogue wolves whose lives I'd saved over the years. But I found pack politics troublesome. I preferred my freedom, wandering between territories, living by my own rules. Yet now, I was tired of living in shadows. Perhaps it was time to experience life as an Alpha's daughter in a powerful pack. And Theodore-there was something compelling about him. Despite his injury, he carried himself with dignity and strength. His mind was sharp, his spirit unbroken. He would make a formidable Alpha King someday. I would heal him. Not because of our arrangement, but because it would be such a waste if an Alpha King as handsome and capable as him were to remain crippled. "I understand," Silas said finally. "I'll investigate further immediately." "Good. I want to know everything - who helped with the switch, who knew about it, everything." "And Silas? Be careful." After finishing my evening routine, I went to bed at my usual time. Just as I was drifting into sleep, Ava's voice jolted me awake. Someone's outside, my wolf whispered urgently. Not a villager. Smells like a rogue. I listened carefully, catching the soft crunch of footsteps approaching my cottage. At this hour, if it were a villager needing a healer, they would be calling my name or knocking. This was an intruder. I silently slipped from my bed and positioned myself behind the bedroom door, a silver needle ready in my hand. My heartbeat was steady, controlled. Seconds later, the door crashed open, splintering at the hinges. A large man lunged inside, his movements were wild, his scent saturated with bloodlust and desire. He lunged instinctively toward my empty bed. Before he could register his mistake, I slipped behind him and drove a silver needle deep into the back of his neck. The special compound coating the needle worked instantly-his eyes rolled back, and he collapsed to the floor with a heavy thud. I worked quickly, binding him tightly with silver-infused rope, then administered another needle to wake him. I needed answers. "Who sent you?" I demanded when his eyes fluttered open, glazed with pain from the silver burning through his system. "No one," he gasped, trying to struggle against his bonds. "Just looking for valuables. This was random." I inserted a thicker silver needle deeper into his shoulder, twisting it slightly. "Try again. The truth this time." "Really, I'm not lying to you." He was still lying. I lost my patience and inserted all five remaining thick silver needles into his body. "Stop!" he cried out, his body convulsing. "Someone paid me! Said if I r***d you, I'd get good money. They said you were just some worthless girl no one would miss!" "Who hired you?" I pressed the needle deeper. "I don't know! I swear!" Tears streamed down his face. "It was all arranged through a third party. I never saw their faces. Please, I've told you everything!" I studied him carefully, listening to his heartbeat, smelling his fear. He was telling the truth-he was just a pawn. "I'm going to let you go," I lied, loosening his bonds slightly. "You'll leave this territory and never return." Relief flooded his face, quickly replaced by cunning. The moment his hands were free, he lunged for my throat, transforming partially into his wolf form, claws extended. A black streak shot from the shadows-my pet snake, Black, sinking its venomous fangs into the intruder's neck. The rogue wolf's eyes widened in shock as the powerful toxin entered his system. He convulsed once, then went still. "This coward deserved to die," Ava whispered in my mind. "Our enemies have already made their move." I dragged the body outside, loaded it into a wheelbarrow, and buried it deep near my herb garden. Good fertilizer shouldn't go to waste, after all. Standing under the moonlight, I wiped dirt from my hands and smiled coldly. Someone had sent me an early welcome gift. How thoughtful.