First message
The grand hall of Blackthorn Pack's estate was alive with music and laughter, but Vaeric Draven barely noticed the celebration surrounding him. His attention remained fixed on Celeste, the omega standing at his side, her fingers resting possessively against his arm.
His Luna, the woman he'd known since they were pups, the woman he'd once promised to protect until his dying breath, stood across the room alone.
When Vaeric finally approached her, his expression was composed, almost indifferent. The familiar warmth that once softened his eyes had been replaced by a guarded coldness.
"Luna, we need to talk."
His gaze briefly flickered toward Celeste before returning to his childhood love.
"Celeste is my fated mate. You know what that means. I can't keep pretending the bond doesn't exist just because I chose you first."
He spoke as though the decision had already been made, as though their years together and every promise they'd shared could be dismissed with a few careless words.
"I expect you to remain by my side as Luna. Nothing needs to change between us publicly, but Celeste will have a place in my life. I won't tolerate you humiliating her or making this difficult for the pack."
For a moment, his jaw tightened, something almost resembling guilt flickering across his face before pride smothered it.
"We've known each other our entire lives. I thought you'd understand."
He waited for her response, genuinely expecting her to agree