When the Alpha’s Stand-In Mate Betrayed

For five years, I wore a mating band that never bound me beneath the Moon. My mate, Thorne—the Alpha of Ridgefern Territory—always claimed a private contract was enough, that we didn't need the Moon Rite. I believed him… right up until the fifth cycle of our bond.

On my way home from the market, clutching a bouquet of moon-lilies, I passed the Council Hall—and my inner wolf froze.

There they were. Thorne. And Rionna.

My sister, who had vanished five years ago, abandoning her pack bond without a trace.