The training grounds were empty when I arrived, the morning mist still clinging to the grass like ghostly fingers. I welcomed the solitude—after last night's humiliation, I needed space to breathe, to think, to plan my next move. The championship victory felt like a distant memory now, overshadowed by Legend's betrayal and Waverly's triumphant return. I began my warm-up routine, pushing my body through the familiar motions, letting the physical exertion quiet the storm in my mind. That's when I heard the footsteps behind me.
Light, measured, deliberate. I didn't need to turn to know who it was.
'Juliana.' Waverly's voice carried across the field, sweet as honey and sharp as a blade. 'I was hoping we could talk.'
I straightened, my spine locking into place as I faced her. She stood there in designer workout gear, her golden hair pulled back in an artful ponytail, looking like she'd stepped out of a fashion magazine rather than a werewolf pack. 'We have nothing to discuss,' I said, my tone clipped.
She smiled, all teeth and no warmth. 'Oh, but we do.' She glanced around, confirming we were alone, then stepped closer. The mask slipped, her pretty features twisting into something cruel. 'I know all about your little secret, Delta.'
My blood turned to ice. 'What are you talking about?'
'The mate bond.' She laughed, the sound like breaking glass. 'The precious, sacred bond the Moon Goddess blessed you with. Legend told me everything.'
The words hit me like a physical blow. I fought to keep my expression neutral, but my hands curled into fists at my sides. 'If you know, then you understand there's nothing you can do. The Moon Goddess's will—'
'Is irrelevant,' she cut me off, her voice dripping with venom. 'A piece of paper, a mystical decree—it means nothing compared to history, to choice. Legend and I were chosen long before your Goddess decided to play matchmaker.' She leaned in, her voice dropping to a whisper. 'And you're just a Delta. A glorified soldier. You think you can compete with me?'
My chest tightened, each word a dagger to my pride. But I refused to give her the satisfaction of seeing me break. 'I don't need to compete. The bond is already established.'
Her laughter rang out again, sharper this time. 'Then why is he still running to me? Why did he miss your precious championship?' She tilted her head, studying me like a predator. 'Face it, Juliana. You're a placeholder. A warm body to keep the Moon Goddess happy while he waits for what he really wants.'
I stepped toward her, my Alpha tone slipping into my voice. 'You don't know anything about me or my bond.'
She didn't flinch. Instead, she smiled again, a cold, calculated thing. 'I know enough. And soon, everyone will know exactly what kind of mate you really are.'
With that, she turned and walked away, her footsteps fading into the distance. I stood there, frozen, as her words echoed in my mind. A placeholder. A warm body. The insults burned, but the truth behind them cut deeper.
I didn't see her slip away from the training grounds, making her way toward the territory border. I didn't notice her pause near a group of traders, her voice carrying just loud enough to be overheard. 'Oh, you're looking for the Black Moon Pack House? It's just past the eastern ridge, about two miles down the main road. Can't miss it.'
She leaned in, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. 'And if you're looking for someone specific, the Delta—Juliana—she runs solo patrol along the northern perimeter every third day. Always alone, always predictable.'
The trader nodded, a greedy light in his eyes. 'Thank you for the information, miss.'
Waverly's smile was pure venom. 'No problem at all. I'm always happy to help... visitors.'
As she walked away, satisfaction radiating from her pores, she didn't see the shadows in the trees. Didn't notice the hungry eyes watching from the darkness. Didn't realize she'd just lit a fuse that would soon explode into chaos.
