The Betrayed Luna's Three Alpha Mates

7. HIDDEN TREASURE

THIRD-PERSON POV

Denise had never seen anything like it.

She couldn't help but gape in awe at the mansion that was in front of her as Brandon's car glided through the massive wrought-iron gates and into the impeccably landscaped grounds.

It was unlike anything she had ever seen back home in her small pack, and even the pack she had almost married into was nothing compared to this.

The pack mansion was a grand structure made of dark stone with large windows that glittered under the moonlight.

The well-maintained gardens around it were a lush sea of green, decorated with fountains and statues that echoed ancient authority and prestige.

Brandon parked the car in the circular driveway, and before Denise could gather her wits, he opened her door, offering a hand to help her out.

She took it, grateful that, at the very least, her mate seemed to be a gentleman. Her heart was still racing in anticipation as she wondered what the people of the Silvermoon Pack would think of her.

She already knew that Brandon was a man of authority, and she couldn’t help but feel nervous as she thought of how she was going to have to act around his people.

Would they like her, or would they dismiss her for being a banished princess?

"Wow," Denise breathed, her voice filled with amazement as she stared at the mansion. "Your pack's mansion is incredible, Brandon."

He smirked at her reaction, not very surprised by it. "I'm glad you like it, sweetheart. This is going to be your new home," he replied, almost authoritatively.

Denise nodded, unable to tear her gaze away from the place. She tried not to overthink his people’s reaction to her, but she couldn’t help it. She didn’t know if she could fit into such a prestigious pack, and she wondered if they would have high expectations of her since she was Brandon’s mate.

Brandon leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "But before we head inside, there's a place I want to take you. It's important."

Curiosity piqued, and Denise tilted her head, her eyes searching for his. "Where are we going?"

"Be patient, sweetheart," Brandon replied, his eyes gleaming with a mischievous spark. "You'll find out soon enough."

Denise reluctantly followed him away from the mansion, her mind buzzing with questions. As they walked, she couldn't help but steal glances at the man by her side. He was tall, his shoulders broad, and his stride powerful and intimidating.

She didn’t want to, but she couldn’t help but compare him to Simon, and when she did, she realized that Simon didn’t have half the authoritative aura Brandon carried.

After a short walk, they arrived at an old-looking house located amidst the trees. Denise couldn't contain her curiosity any longer, as the sight was making her nervous. "Where are we, Brandon?" she asked again.

He simply grinned, guiding her towards the front door. "You'll find out in a moment."

With a deep breath, Denise followed him inside, her senses instantly overwhelmed by the rich scent of aged wood and creepiness.

In the dimly lit living room, an elderly woman sat on an old sofa, her silvery hair cascading down her back. Her eyes sparkled with wisdom and curiosity as she looked up.

"Prince Brandon!" she exclaimed, visibly surprised to see him and even more surprised when she sensed who was by his side.

As Brandon entered, the elderly woman bowed her head in respect, and he responded with a brief, formal nod. Denise couldn't help but feel the tension in the air as Brandon introduced her.

"Mother Moria, this is Denise, my mate," he said, his voice filled with pride.

Denise offered a polite smile and a respectful nod to the elderly woman. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mother Moria," she greeted, sensing that the woman in front of her was no ordinary person.

Moria's eyes crinkled with warmth as she returned Denise's smile. "The pleasure is mine, dear."

Brandon gestured for Denise to sit, and then he followed Moria into another room, leaving Denise in the company of her thoughts.

Inside, Moria fixed her gaze on Brandon, her piercing eyes studying him intently. "Why have you brought your mate to me, Prince Brandon? What can I do for you?" She inquired, her voice laced with curiosity.

Brandon's expression turned serious as he spoke. "I need your help, Mother Moria," he said, his voice low and determined. "I need you to hide her scent from my pack and from my brothers. They cannot know she's my mate."

He didn’t want to sound desperate, but knowing that he would have to share her with his brothers should they find out she was their mate made him determined to keep her hidden forever, if possible.

Due to their family curse, he knew Denise would also be mated to his brothers, and he could not imagine watching them have her in his stead. The mere thought of it alone made his blood boil with rage.

Moria's eyebrows furrowed in thought as she considered his request. "I can weave spells to mask her scent, but I cannot guarantee how long it will last," she cautioned, her tone measured.

"My spells can only hold for so long, but eventually, the bond will reveal itself," she added.

"I don’t care, Moria. Just do everything possible to hide her scent. My brothers must never find out she’s here," he instructed sternly.

"And how do you intend on explaining this to her, Prince Brandon? I can’t hide the procedure from her," she mentioned, and Brandon threw her a disapproving glare.

"Let that be my problem, Moria," he responded before barging out of the room and walking back to where Denise was seated.

As Brandon left the room, there was a momentary pause before his eyes met Denise's, causing a strange tension. Denise was compelled to ask the question that had been weighing heavily on her mind, her brows furrowed in intrigue.

"May I ask what you were talking about with Mother Moira?" Her voice was laced with a mix of confusion and concern, her eyes searching Brandon's for answers.

Brandon hesitated for a second before he spoke, his voice steady but tinged with a bit of unease. "Moira is going to perform a spell on you," he explained, his gaze unwavering.

Denise frowned. "A spell? What for?" she asked, visibly confused.

"It'll help hide your scent, sweetheart." He paused as if gauging Denise's reaction.

Denise blinked, trying to make sense of his words. "Hide my scent? Why?" Her confusion deepened, and she tilted her head slightly to the side, studying Brandon's face intently.

Brandon's lips twitched as he thought of the best excuse to come up with. "My pack… they're not too friendly with outsiders," he lied, his voice low and hesitant.

"And I don't want you to experience what it's like to be ostracized just because you're from a different pack." He met her eyes, his expression laced with false concern.

Denise's brow creased further, his words not quite adding up in her mind. She couldn't shake off the feeling that something was adding up. "But I thought… I mean, we are mates," she said softly, her voice tinged with hurt and confusion. "Wouldn't they come to understand eventually? Do I need to go this far?" she asked.

Brandon's gaze wavered for a moment before he quickly averted his eyes, his jaw clenched. "Denise, I just want to protect you," he said, his voice tight. "I don't want you to overthink it. It's for the best," he said, leaving no room for further questions.

Even though his words were meant to reassure her, they only seemed to deepen Denise's sense of unease. She couldn't shake off the feeling that he was keeping something from her, something important. But she didn't want to appear ungrateful for his attempts to protect her.

Pushing aside her doubts, she nodded, forcing a small smile. "I trust you, Brandon. If you think it's for the best, then I'll go along with it."

With that, Brandon seemed to visibly relax, the tension in his shoulders easing. He reached out, his fingers gently brushing against her cheek.. "Thank you," he murmured, his eyes searching hers as if he were trying to find something there.

Moira, who had been observing the exchange quietly, stepped forward, her presence commanding attention. "Are you ready, Denise?" she asked, her tone gentle yet firm.

Denise nodded, her resolve hardening. "I'm ready."

Moira's eyes began to change as she began to chant in a language that seemed ancient and mysterious. The room seemed to vibrate with energy, and Denise felt a tingling sensation enveloping her as if a soft breeze of magic caressed her skin.

Her senses heightened, and for a moment, she felt slightly disoriented.

As Moira completed the spell, the sensation faded, leaving Denise feeling different, though she couldn't quite put her finger on how. She glanced at Brandon, who was watching her intently, his eyes flickering with a mix of relief and concern. "Is it done?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

Brandon nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah, it's done. Your scent is hidden now."

Satisfied, he turned to Moira, gratitude shining in his eyes. "Thank you, Moira."

Moira inclined her head, her expression serious. "My pleasure, Prince Brandon," she responded, her tone firm.

Taking Denise's hand, Brandon led her out of the room and towards the door. As they stepped out into the night, the cool breeze ruffled their hair, carrying the scent of the forest with it. Brandon squeezed Denise's hand reassuringly, his gaze fixed on hers.

"Now it’s time to bring you into my world, sweetheart," he said, confidently leading her back to the pack house.