the council's verdict

“Alpha, have you really thought this through?” my Beta asked, his brows knit in concern. “Is she truly your mate, or are you just caught up in the heat of the moment? I heard she has an uncontrollable heat—enough to agitate any unmated werewolf.”

I didn’t even look up as I adjusted the collar of my coat. “My wolf is not weak, and neither am I. He knows his mate by scent and soul. Prepare my travel garments, and let Lady Selene know we depart for the Council headquarters tomorrow morning.”

He bowed and left, but his words lingered like smoke in my mind.

Was I sure? Yes. But still… what if the Werewolf Council also objected like my advisors? Would they see Selene as a threat? A mistake?

And worse—would they see her as a weakness?

The thought clenched around my chest, but I shoved it aside. I had searched for my mate for more years than most wolves had lived. Now that I had found her, I wasn’t about to let anyone—even a council of ancient wolves—dictate my heart.

The next morning, I woke to find Selene already dressed, standing near the window with the morning sun wrapping around her. Her gown—rose-patterned silk that clung delicately to her figure—brushed her ankles as the breeze toyed with the ends of her hair, grazing the soft skin of her exposed shoulders.

The primal urge to mark her then and there nearly unhinged me.

Let me speak to her, Alouis, my wolf, practically begged, his voice grumbling with longing. She likes me more anyway.

No. Last time, you were all sweet and soft. I’m the one who has to deal with her silence after you charm her into trusting you. Besides, you’re just my subconscious. You don’t get to play hero all the time.

Subconscious, huh? he snapped. You’re the one who screwed things up. You couldn’t keep it in your pants with Elisa, and now look—our mate barely wants to speak to you. You better fix this before it’s too late.

I sighed.

"Good morning," I greeted her.

She turned, offering a soft smile. “Good morning, Alpha. Morning, Alouis.”

There it was again—that light in her eyes whenever she spoke to my wolf. That warm, binding affection. It made me feel... invisible.

“Selene,” I began, stepping closer. Her gaze lifted to mine, cautious but attentive.

“Yes, Your Highness?” she replied formally. Too formally.

“Can you just... call me Kieran?”

She shook her head gently. “I’m sorry, but you’re the Lycan King. I can’t just toss titles aside.”

A wall. Subtle but steady. She was building distance.

“You have to. Because you’re my mate,” I said quietly, and for a moment, I saw uncertainty flicker in her eyes.

“I thought Elisa was,” she answered, cool and composed. The jab landed exactly where she wanted it to.

Let me take over, Alouis pushed forward before I could respond. You’re hopeless, man.

And just like that, I was a passenger in my own body, watching as he greeted her in that gentlemanly way that always made her smile. I watched her laugh. Talk. Relax.

She was more at ease with him. More open. And damn it, I couldn’t blame her.

When we arrived at the base of Mount Rogers, Selene blinked up at the steep, towering trail ahead. “Wait—we’re climbing all the way up?”

Not exactly, Alouis said, already shifting. I’m giving you a ride, milady.

Alouis! You can’t shift here! You’re still wearing—

Relax. Unlike you, I have a sense of modesty.

I watched as he smoothly handed her his folded clothes. Selene just... stared. Her mouth opened, then shut, and I could practically feel her heartbeat skipping.

At least she liked what she saw.

Alouis transformed with a powerful, fluid motion, midnight fur gleaming. He nudged Selene gently, and she climbed on without hesitation, her hands tangling into his thick coat as they raced upward.

I hadn’t let Alouis out like this in a long time. He was radiant. Proud. And—for once—I let myself be happy too. This was our first real moment with her.

At the summit, he shifted back, and I took over again.

Selene was flushed, trying very hard not to look at me. I smirked.

“Help me with my cufflinks?” I asked, pushing my luck.

She approached, fingers brushing my wrists lightly as she fastened the metal clasps. Her eyes lingered—just for a second—on my bare chest. I didn’t miss it.

She looked... interested. Flustered.

Maybe I still had a chance.

We approached the grand Council building, crowned by the statue of a werewolf clutching a glowing moon. Inside, the atmosphere thickened with tension.

As we entered the chamber, every council member rose.

I pulled out the Luna’s chair—vacant for a century—and placed Selene firmly beside me.

The silence was deafening.

“The Alpha King has arrived. Let the meeting begin,” the spokesperson said.

“Welcome, Alpha Kieran. And your... mate,” Albert, the Council Leader, greeted stiffly.

I nodded once, curt.

Albert continued, his voice dripping with condescension. “We’ve received disturbing information. It appears Miss Selene is not of Moonrose descent. She was found on the roadside and adopted by their former Alpha and Luna.”

I felt Selene tense beside me.

“She also suffers from an uncontrollable heat that unsettles mated males,” he added, shooting her a look of disgust.

“I’m aware of that. Got anything new for me?” I said, letting a sliver of my aura ripple out. Several elders shifted uncomfortably.

Albert cleared his throat. “We sought divine guidance from the Priestess. She confirmed Selene is cursed. She carries the remnants of the Elemental Pack—the very bloodline prophesied to disrupt the world’s balance. The law is clear. She must be executed.”

Selene flinched beside me. I reached for her hand, covering it with mine.

“She’s my mate,” I said, voice low and dangerous. “And if anyone wants to harm her, they’ll have to go through me first.”

“My King,” Albert pressed, “this could cause unrest. You must publicly reject her. We’ll take her to the Priestess, and the sacrifice will be made. It’s the only way to ensure peace.”

“Silence,” I commanded, my voice deepening as I unleashed my full aura.

They crumbled beneath it, faces pale, hands trembling. Even the maids outside the chamber flinched.

“If the Moon Goddess wants her sacrificed,” I growled, “then she can descend from the heavens herself and ask me. Until then, not a single soul lays a hand on my mate.”

Selene’s hand gripped mine, grounding me.

The room trembled with the weight of my fury.

“If you claim the cursed one,” Albert gasped, “you’re dooming us all…”