A tall, strikingly beautiful redhead stood glaring at me, her green eyes flashing with hatred. I recognized her immediately—Ignacia Blackwell, the Luna-in-training from River Valley Pack. She’d been sitting silently at the back during classes, never participating but always watching.
"You little deceiver," she hissed, her voice trembling with rage. "What kind of magic did you use on him?"
I stepped back, maintaining distance while Ava rose defensively within me. "I don’t know what you’re talking about."
"Don’t play innocent," Ignacia snarled, stalking closer. "Leonard Moretti. The most powerful unmated Alpha in three territories. Every eligible she-wolf has been trying to catch his attention for years, and suddenly he takes a half-breed nobody as his mate?"
The contempt in her voice made Ava growl, the sound vibrating in my chest. "I’m his true mate. His wolf recognized mine."
Ignacia’s laugh was brittle. "Please. Your pathetic little wolf probably just went into heat and tricked his into responding. There’s no way a pureblooded Alpha of his lineage would naturally bond with someone like you."
"Whatever you believe, Ignacia, the fact remains that Leo chose me. I’m his Luna now."
"For now," she spat, her eyes gleaming with malice. "But everyone knows a hybrid makes unstable mates. When your bond inevitably fails, he’ll need a proper Luna to take your place." She smoothed her hand down her obviously expensive dress. "Someone from a lineage worthy of the Shadow Pack’s power."
Ava was pushing against my control now, eager to defend our mate bond. I felt my eyes flash gold as she peered through them.
"You know nothing about my bond with Leo," I said, my voice taking on the dual-toned quality that indicated my wolf’s presence. "And you’re making a dangerous mistake challenging his mate."
Ignacia stepped closer, unintimidated. "I’ve known Leonard for years. Our packs have allied countless times. My father expected our mating would solidify the alliance permanently." Her voice dropped to a venomous whisper. "I’ve warmed his bed before, you know. I know exactly what he likes, what makes him growl with pleasure."
The image her words evoked sent a spike of jealous rage through me. Ava surged forward, nearly taking control before I wrestled her back.
"If he wanted you," I replied, fighting to keep my voice steady, "you’d be wearing his mark right now instead of me."
Her hand shot out, aiming for my face, but I caught her wrist mid-air—my reflexes quicker than even I expected. Ava’s strength flowed through my muscles.
"Don’t," I warned, tightening my grip slightly. "My mate wouldn’t appreciate you attacking his Luna."
Ignacia yanked her arm free, fury contorting her features. "This isn’t over, hybrid. Not by a long shot. When your novelty wears off and he realizes he needs a real wolf as his Luna, I’ll be waiting."
"You’ll be waiting a very long time," came a deep, familiar voice from behind me.
My heart leapt as Leo materialized beside me, his tall frame radiating barely contained aggression. His hand settled possessively at the small of my back, his touch sending warmth cascading through me.
Ignacia’s expression transformed instantly, her rage giving way to simpering charm. "Leonard! What a lovely surprise. I was just getting acquainted with your... companion."
Leo’s eyes were cold as winter frost. "My mate," he corrected, the two words carrying unmistakable warning. "And as I said, you’ve been misinformed if you believe there’s anything temporary about our bond."
She flushed, her confidence visibly wavering. "Of course, I just meant—our families have always been close, and your mother often spoke of—"
"My mother doesn’t choose my mate," Leo interrupted, his voice deceptively calm. "My wolf does. And he chose Victoria." His arm tightened around my waist. "I suggest you remember that before approaching my Luna again."
The dismissal was unmistakable. Ignacia’s face flushed with humiliation, but she managed a tight smile. "Of course. No offense intended. I’ll... see you both at the regional gathering."
We watched in silence as she stalked away, her rigid posture betraying her rage.
Once she was out of earshot, I turned to Leo. "What are you doing here? I thought you were in meetings all day."
His expression softened as he looked down at me. "I was, until I felt your distress through our bond." His hand came up to cup my face. "I’ve never left a meeting so quickly in my life."
The realization that he’d sensed my emotions from miles away, that he’d dropped everything to come to me, made my heart swell. "Our bond did that? Let you feel me?"
Leo nodded, his thumb brushing my cheekbone. "It’s getting stronger every day. I felt your confidence this morning, your satisfaction during your lessons, and then suddenly—anger and insecurity." His eyes darkened. "No one gets to make my mate feel that way."
"She said she’s been with you before," I couldn’t help saying, hating the vulnerability in my voice.
Leo’s jaw tightened. "Once, years ago, at an inter-pack celebration. A meaningless night that meant nothing to either of us." His eyes held mine, intense and sincere. "Nothing compared to what we have, Victoria. Nothing."
Ava purred with satisfaction inside me. *Ours,* she asserted possessively. *Only ours now.*
"I believe you," I said softly, and realized I truly did.
Leo pressed his forehead to mine, a wolf’s gesture of affection. "Good. Now, I believe you were heading to Omega House?"
I pulled back in surprise. "You’re letting me go?"
A smile tugged at his lips. "Did you think I wouldn’t?"
"I... wasn’t sure," I admitted. "You’re very protective."
"I am," he agreed. "Which is why Tiny will drive you, wait outside, and bring you home by dinner." His expression grew serious. "I trust you, Victoria. I don’t trust the world with you yet, but I trust you."
The distinction meant more than he could know. After years under Enzo’s controlling thumb, having Leo acknowledge my independence while still offering protection felt like the perfect balance.
"Thank you," I said, rising on tiptoes to press a soft kiss to his lips. "I won’t be long."
Leo deepened the kiss briefly, his hands spanning my waist. When he pulled back, his eyes had darkened with desire. "Take your time. But remember—"
"The bonding moon tradition," I finished for him, a blush heating my cheeks. "I haven’t forgotten."
His slow, predatory smile sent a shiver of anticipation down my spine. "Neither have I, little wolf. Neither have I."
As Tiny’s car appeared at the academy gates, Leo reluctantly released me. "Go. Your friends are waiting. I’ll see you at home."
The word "home" spoken in his deep voice filled me with warmth. For the first time in years, I truly had one—not just a place to stay, but a home with a mate who respected me enough to let me maintain my connections while still keeping me safe.
As Tiny drove me toward Omega House, I couldn’t help smiling. ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ ⓝovelFire.net