Joey’s face twisted with disbelief. His hands clenched into fists at his sides, his entire body radiating tension. “You’re lying,” he hissed, his gaze shifting between Cameron and me. “You wouldn’t actually marry him.”
I didn’t know how to respond. The words barely settled in my mind, yet something about Cameron’s unwavering presence strengthened me.
“I’m serious,” Cameron said. “You don’t deserve her, Joey.”
Joey scoffed, shaking his head. “You think she’s just going to leave me? We’re true mates.”
“True mates don’t betray each other,” I snapped. “True mates don’t bind themselves to someone else while their Luna’s mother is dying.”
Joey’s golden eyes darkened with rage. “You don’t understand.”
“I understand more than you think,” Cameron cut in. “You bonded with Jennie behind Kelly’s back, and now you think you can just keep her? You’re pathetic.”
That was all it took.
Joey’s fist swung first, connecting with Cameron’s jaw. The sickening crunch of bone against bone echoed in the room. Cameron stumbled back but recovered quickly, retaliating with a punch to Joey’s ribs. Joey grunted, his breath hitching as he lunged again.
“Stop it!” I shouted, stepping between them as they brawled like feral wolves. “Enough!”
Cameron took a step back, breathing heavily. Joey wiped the blood from his lip, his gaze seething with anger.
“This isn’t over,” Joey growled. “Kelly, you are mine.”
Something inside me snapped.
“No,” I said, voice steady. “I was yours. But you lost me.”
Joey’s face fell, his expression wavering. “We’re meant to be together.”
I shook my head. “Not anymore.”
A heavy silence filled the room before I turned to Cameron. “If I accept your proposal, will you help me get justice for my mother?”
Cameron’s gaze softened. “Yes.”
Joey’s voice cut through the air like a blade. “You’re making a mistake.”
I turned back to him, my eyes burning with tears. “No, Joey. You did.”
His hands clenched into fists. “Jennie was a mistake. She was what I wanted for a good time, but you… you’re my future.”
My breath hitched. “How can you say that?”
“You don’t understand—”
“How can someone have two mates?” I interrupted. “Did you complete the bonding ceremony with Jennie?”
Joey hesitated, and that was all the confirmation I needed. If the pack found out, I wouldn’t just be betrayed. I would be humiliated. My Luna title would be ripped from me, and Joey would still have his power.
I exhaled sharply. “Get out.”
His eyes widened. “What?”
“This is my house,” I said, voice cold. “I don’t want to see you again.”
Joey hesitated, but something in my expression must have told him I wasn’t bluffing. Without another word, he turned and stormed out.
I collapsed onto the couch, my hands shaking as tears spilled down my cheeks. “I thought I could still love him,” I whispered. “But after tonight… it’s just gone.”
Cameron crouched beside me. “Use me, Kelly,” he said, his voice gentle but firm. “Whatever you need. Revenge, power, protection—I’ll give it to you.”
I looked into his eyes and nodded. “Then let’s do this.”
Weeks passed, and what was supposed to be a wedding between Joey and me became a wedding for Cameron and me instead.
The pack elders whispered among themselves, casting doubtful glances in my direction. How could I rule a pack if I couldn’t keep a relationship steady?
Cameron stood tall beside me, his expression unreadable. Then, in front of everyone, he spoke up.
“Your Luna was betrayed,” he said, his voice carrying across the pack. “Joey and Jennie dishonored her and this pack, yet you question her ability to lead? She has every right to choose a new mate, and I will stand beside her.”
The murmurs quieted, but doubt still hung thick in the air.
Cameron turned to the Elders. “I ask for your blessing.”
The Elders hesitated. Cameron was strong, but he wasn’t their first choice. Yet, they had no choice. If they denied him, they would deny me—the heir to the Alpha’s throne.
Finally, one of them spoke. “You have it.”
The others nodded reluctantly in agreement. Cameron and I exchanged glances. We had won this battle.
But Joey and Jennie weren’t done fighting.
“They’re lying to you,” Joey’s voice rang through the crowd.
Cameron and I turned, only to see Joey and Jennie standing at the edge of the gathering.
“Cameron is no true Alpha,” Joey sneered. “He’s a rogue by blood. His mother adopted him into this pack, but he has no right to lead.”
A hush fell over the crowd.
Cameron’s muscles tensed, but his face remained stoic.
Jennie took a step forward, a cruel smile on her lips. “And let’s not forget,” she added sweetly, “Kelly is carrying Joey’s child.”
Gasps erupted from the pack. I felt the blood drain from my face.
Joey took another step forward, his eyes locked on me. “That’s my child,” he said. “And you will give them to me.”
My breath hitched. The weight of the moment settled heavily on my chest.
Cameron’s growl rumbled beside me. “Over my dead body.”
Joey’s smirk widened. “That can be arranged.”
