Chapter 11

Isabella's POV

The air seemed to freeze instantly. I unconsciously clutched the hem of my shirt, my heartbeat accelerating. Had the werewolf council already learned about my existence? Only now did I truly comprehend how real and heavy the political environment Gabriel had described earlier was.

Gabriel clearly sensed my unease. He reached for my hand under the table, giving it a gentle squeeze of reassurance.

"Don't worry," his voice was deep and firm. "You just need to adapt to this role quickly." He turned to address whoever was at the door before looking back at me. "There's a campaign gala in a few days. We need to prepare in advance, as this will be your first appearance as my future mate in public."

After dismissing his subordinate, Gabriel explained that we would first purchase appropriate clothing for me—formal dresses suitable for public appearances.

The idea of being presented in front of a group of werewolves made my stomach twist with anxiety, but I reminded myself this was part of our agreement, part of the deal!

Hours later, I gazed at my reflection in the tri-fold mirror, barely recognizing the woman looking back at me. The emerald green evening gown hugged my body perfectly, the fabric feeling like water against my skin.

"Wouldn't it be better to donate this money to charity instead of buying such expensive dresses?" I asked tentatively, feeling the shopping seemed too extravagant when I thought about all the orphans in the city.

Gabriel's lips curved slightly, with a hint of amusement. "Didn't you research me? You know I donate millions of dollars annually."

"You could always donate more," I replied, meeting his gaze in the mirror.

His expression softened, and I noticed how differently he treated me since the investigator confirmed my story. He actually seemed to be considering my words, taking my opinion seriously.

I realized how stark the contrast was between Gabriel and Brian—Brian's promises and claims now seemed so utterly hollow.

"So, is this the dress we're choosing?" I turned around, noticing how the color matched Gabriel's eyes.

"It suits you," his gaze lingered on me. "And it covers your shoulders."

"What does covering my shoulders have to do with anything?" I asked, puzzled.

"Because I haven't marked you yet," he stated frankly.

"Marked me?" The term sounded both primitive and intimate.

"It's how werewolves claim their mates," Gabriel rose and approached me. "There are different types of marking. For now, I'll only scent-mark you—leaving my scent on you to warn others that you're under my protection. The other form of marking is more... permanent. It's a bite, usually on the shoulder or neck."

He reached out, his fingertips lightly touching my shoulder, causing me to shiver involuntarily.

"We'll discuss that when the time is right," his voice was deeper than before. "You still don't understand werewolf society well enough."

With that, he walked away to retrieve another dress. I realized I had been holding my breath. Gabriel's presence was impossible to ignore; when he was near, I found it difficult to focus on anything else.

While waiting for Gabriel to return, three beautiful women approached me. Through their conversation, I realized they were werewolves, and my heart rate quickened.

"So you're the Alpha's new woman." The tallest one with blonde hair smirked, her ice-blue eyes devoid of any warmth.

"How interesting," another one assessed me up and down, making no attempt to hide her contempt. "Already pregnant, too."

The third woman circled me like a predator. "You really think you can become Luna? Darling, you don't even understand our pack."

"Once the novelty wears off, the Alpha will tire of you," the blonde woman stepped closer.

She suddenly pushed me, with enough force to make me lose my balance. I gasped, falling backward, only to be caught by a strong arm.

Gabriel's growl was deep and primal, making my chest tighten. The women's expressions instantly changed from smugness to fear.

"You dare touch my mate?" The gold in Gabriel's eyes had completely consumed the green.

The women quickly backed away, lowering their heads.

"Alpha, we didn't mean to—" the blonde woman stammered.

"Leave. Now." Gabriel's voice was unyielding.

They fled in a hurry, apologizing profusely.

Gabriel's hand remained on my waist, providing protective warmth. "Are you alright?"

I nodded, momentarily speechless. What I had just witnessed made me both frightened and strangely comforted.

After selecting several outfits, we returned to the mansion. I was led to a sunlit sitting room where a woman with auburn hair and warm brown eyes awaited us.

"Isabella, this is Rebecca Schmidt, my Beta Jason's wife," Gabriel introduced. "She will teach you everything you need to know about being a Luna."

Rebecca's smile was warm and genuine, completely different from the mockery I experienced at the mall. "I'm delighted to meet you, Isabella. I've heard so much about you."

After Gabriel left, Rebecca immediately began explaining the basics of werewolf society.

"Alpha, Beta, and Omega—these aren't just titles; they are innate to us," she explained. "Alphas like Gabriel are natural leaders, strong in both body and mind. Betas like Jason are second-in-command, more gentle and calm. Omegas are more submissive by nature, and weaker."

Over the next several hours, Rebecca taught me everything from werewolf social etiquette to the responsibilities of a Luna.

"As Luna, you are more than just the Alpha's mate," she said. "You share his leadership, acting as an advisor, mediator, and when necessary, an enforcer of pack law."

"Why is the Alpha King position so important?" I felt overwhelmed by all this information.

"We need a leader who is both powerful and empathetic, not just someone who solves problems with brute force," Rebecca explained. "The Alpha King doesn't just settle disputes; they set the direction for our entire species in this country.

They decide how we interact with humans, how we manage our territories, how we prepare for the future."

My head was filled with new knowledge—packs, rituals, crisis management, and more. Gabriel's requirements of me went far beyond appearing on his arm at galas. He needed me to convince the entire pack that I was worthy of being their Luna.

As Rebecca continued explaining the duties of a Luna, I couldn't help but wonder: Could I really play this role convincingly? Or would I eventually be exposed, ruining Gabriel's chance at the throne?