“Alright,” he said quietly. “Alright. Anything you want.”
Then he pulled her onto the bed.
I did not look away. I also did not feel sick. Instead, I felt calm. Cold and satisfied.
I pressed the record button and captured everything. Every word. Every promise. Every betrayal.
I let the recording continue for a full minute so their voices were clear and their faces easy to recognize. Then I stopped. I saved the file to my cloud storage. Then into a protected folder. After that, I sent a copy to my lawyer.
***
The following evening, the Grand Ballroom overflowed with nobles, Alphas, and powerful pack leaders. The hall shimmered with elegant suits and expensive gowns. It was the most important social gathering of the season.
I wore the necklace. The diamonds rested heavily against my throat like a chain I was ready to break.
Jareth stood beside me with his hand resting possessively on my back. He performed perfectly. He smiled for the flashing cameras, laughed at the correct moments, and leaned close to whisper sweet words that meant nothing.
“You look beautiful tonight, Shara,” he said as photographers surrounded us.
“Happy Mating Anniversary,” I replied with a bright smile.
Then we moved through the crowd while people offered congratulations.
Luvena was there too. Of course she was.
She wore a bright red dress that clashed with the elegant decorations. She stood near the tall tower of champagne glasses, watching us with sharp eyes like a hunting wolf.
Soon the music softened. A spotlight lit the stage.
Jareth’s grandfather slowly stepped toward the microcrystal communicator.
The Alpha King looked weak, but his eyes remained sharp.
“Tonight,” he said slowly, his voice echoing across the silent hall, “we celebrate more than a new alliance. We celebrate a legacy.”
“A legacy of family. Stability. Loyalty.”
He raised his glass toward us.
“To my grandson, Jareth Warhowl, and his wonderful Luna, Ashara Bloodwyn. Because of her strength and loyalty, I feel confident giving my empire to the next generation. A man who cannot protect his home cannot rule a pack. But Jareth has chosen wisely.”
The hall erupted in applause. Jareth squeezed my waist proudly. He believed he had won. He believed the Alpha throne already belonged to him.
“I love you,” he whispered.
“I know,” I replied quietly.
The celebration continued. Guests surrounded us.