Mated to the Pack's Biggest Liar

Four

ZACK'S POV

Morgana fled the moment Mark disappeared from sight. One second she stood beside me smiling politely like the perfect noble lady. The next, she vanished into the gardens like a startled wildcat.

I watched her retreating figure for several silent moments.

Moonlight filtered through the willow branches above, silver light dancing across the stone pathways while distant laughter echoed from deeper within the palace gardens.

Yet somehow...All I could focus on was her.

Morgana Anderson. The Beta's forgotten daughter. The girl who spent two years pretending to be harmless.

A slow smile curved onto my lips.

Others probably believed her act completely. But unfortunately for her, I remembered the little monster from Namalia. The sharp-tongued girl who once bit my wrist because I teased her too much. The girl who climbed trees faster than boys and cursed like a rogue warrior whenever she lost her temper. The girl who looked at people with untamed silver eyes instead of lowered lashes and obedient smiles.

That Morgana had claws.

This current version? Merely a wolf hiding beneath sheep's clothing.

“Little brother.” A familiar voice interrupted my thoughts.

I turned slightly.

My seventh brother, David, approached through the garden pathway dressed in dark royal robes embroidered with silver wolves. Unlike Mark, whose ambition was obvious, David carried himself with terrifying calmness. He resembled a wolf waiting patiently in snow-covered shadows.

“What are you thinking about?” David asked casually.

I smiled lazily.

“Brother David.” I glanced toward the gardens. “I was admiring Crestwood's scenery. The gardens truly resemble a heavenly landscape.” I folded my hands behind my back.

David snorted faintly.

“Looks more like mortal scenery to me.”

I merely smiled.

Arguing with David was pointless. He distrusted every beautiful thing in existence. Especially beautiful things he could not control.

His gaze shifted toward Morgana's disappearing figure in the distance.

“Little brother,” he said calmly, “are you aware of Mark's relationship with the younger Lady Anderson?”

So that was his true purpose. I pretended ignorance smoothly.

“I only recently returned from Namalia,” I replied. “What exactly has happened in Crestwood while I was away?”

David clasped his hands behind his back.

“By next year, you'll likely be drinking celebratory wine at their mating ceremony.”

I widened my eyes slightly.

“Really?” I smiled. “Then that is wonderful news.”

The moment the words left my mouth, I noticed irritation flicker through David's expression.

Interesting.

“Wonderful indeed,” he said coolly. “Once Mark gains Beta Nelson's full support, his position within the royal family will become much more stable.”

Ah. There it was. The real conversation.

In the werewolf kingdom, mating was never simply about affection. It was politics. Power.

Bloodlines. Alliances. And Beta Nelson Anderson controlled one of the strongest military factions within Crestwood. Whoever gained his loyalty would strengthen their claim toward the Alpha throne immensely.

“Beta Nelson is known throughout the kingdom as both diligent and resourceful. Naturally, the prince he supports would become more influential.” I said thoughtfully.

David's eyes darkened slightly.

I almost laughed.

My seventh brother hated conversations where he could not read the other person's intentions.

And unfortunately for him… I had spent my entire life becoming unreadable.

David wanted my support in the battle for succession. Everyone knew that. Even Father knew.

But two years ago, when David subtly tried pulling me into royal politics, I volunteered to leave for Namalia under the excuse of suppressing rebel wolves near the border territories. That alone should have told him enough. I had no interest in fighting for the throne.

At least…Not openly.

For a while, silence settled between us. Then David suddenly spoke again while staring toward the western garden.

“Morgana Anderson has become quite the problem for the Beta household.”

I followed his gaze.

Not far away, Morgana sat surrounded by several young wolf children near the moon fountain. She smiled softly while helping one little girl braid flower crowns beneath the lantern light.

To outsiders, she looked gentle. Peaceful.

Motherly. But I noticed the subtle boredom hidden behind her eyes. Like a wolf pretending to enjoy playing house pets.

“If Eve wishes to complete her mating ceremony, then Morgana must marry first.” David added.

Ah. Now I understood completely.

My instincts sharpened immediately. David was interested in Morgana. Not emotionally, of course. David didn't possess emotions deep enough for love. He wanted usefulness. And Morgana's connection to Beta Nelson made her politically valuable. David had married many wives from influential families, just to gain power in the Pack house.

My smile widened slowly.

“Is that so?” I asked casually.

Then deliberately, I added,

“I've spoken with Lady Morgana tonight.”

David glanced at me.

“She is rather interesting.”

I tilted my head thoughtfully.

“What do you think about me taking her as my mate?”

For the first time since arriving, David's expression genuinely changed. Only slightly. But enough.

Bingo.

So my instincts had been correct. David wanted Morgana for himself. Of course he did.

Mark would soon gain Eve and Beta Nelson's support. If David married Morgana instead, then at least part of the Anderson influence would remain within his reach. Typical political calculation.

Unfortunately for him…I disliked sharing my toys.

David studied me carefully. Trying to determine whether I was serious.

Truthfully?

Even I wasn't completely certain yet. I only knew one thing–The thought of Morgana becoming one of David's wives irritated me far more than it should.

“She is known for being obedient and gentle. You both would be compatible.” David finally said

What a lie.

Morgana and gentle belonged in entirely different worlds.

David eventually looked away.

“It isn't worth fighting family over a woman,” he said calmly.

Then his gaze returned to me.

“But ninth brother... if I concede her to you, remember that you owe me a favor.”

I smiled pleasantly.

David brushed invisible dust from his sleeve before walking away through the gardens.

Only after he disappeared did my polite smile finally sharpen into something more genuine.

A favor? Interesting.

He truly believed Morgana was insignificant enough to bargain away.

My gaze drifted back toward the moon fountain.

Morgana now sat cross-legged beside the children while secretly stealing pastries from a silver tray whenever the servants weren't looking.

A small wolf pup caught her. But Instead of apologizing, she bribed him with another pastry.

I nearly laughed aloud.

“Little kitten,” I murmured softly beneath my breath, “I've just saved you from a catastrophe. How exactly do you intend to thank me?”

—-----------

That same evening, after the banquet ended and the palace quieted beneath moonlight, I visited Father's private chambers.

The Alpha King sat beside the enormous obsidian fireplace reading military reports while two elite wolf guards stood silently outside the doors.

Even at his age, Father's aura remained oppressive. Power rolled off him naturally like a predator dominating weaker wolves. Most people feared entering his chambers. I never did.

Father rarely showed affection toward any of his sons equally. But toward me? He was especially indifferent. Perhaps because I refused to compete for the throne. Or perhaps because he could never fully understand me.

“What is it?” Father asked without looking up.

I poured myself wine leisurely.

“I wish to take a mate.”

That gained his attention instantly.

Father slowly lowered the document in his hands.

For several seconds, silence filled the room.

“Who?” he asked.

“Morgana Anderson.”

One of Father's brows lifted slightly.

“The Beta's elder daughter?”

“Yes.”

Father studied me carefully. Likely searching for hidden motives. Unfortunately for him, I wore masks better than anyone.

Finally, he leaned back against his chair.

“It isn't an unreasonable request. You have my approval.”

That was all. No questions about affection. No concern about compatibility. Among royal wolves, mating was rarely romantic.

I smiled faintly.

“Thank you, Father.”

—------------

The next morning, the Beta estate nearly exploded into chaos upon my arrival. Servants hurried nervously through the mansion halls while whispers spread like wildfire.

The Ninth Prince had personally come to visit.

Beta Nelson himself practically rushed to receive me. Yesterday, he had returned from the banquet deeply troubled after Morgana failed to attract any suitable suitors.

Today?

A royal prince stood at his doorstep requesting her hand. The difference nearly overwhelmed him.

“Your Highness,” Nelson said warmly while leading me into the receiving hall, “this visit is truly unexpected.”

I smiled with perfect sincerity.

“I came because there is someone I admire greatly.”

Those words alone sweetened the atmosphere instantly.

Beta Nelson looked both surprised and pleased.

Even Princess Diana, seated elegantly nearby, could not completely hide the flicker of jealousy crossing her face. For one brief moment, she clearly thought I had mistaken Eve for Morgana.

Honestly? That amused me greatly.

Still, judging from Princess Diana’s expression, she believed Mark remained the superior choice regardless. Which was fair. Mark was ambitious.

“I've admired Lady Morgana for quite some time,” I continued smoothly. “Her grace and temperament are rare among noble ladies.”

Somewhere in this mansion, Morgana was probably choking on air hearing those lies. The thought nearly ruined my composure.

Beta Nelson looked stunned. Then relieved. Then emotional. The poor man genuinely believed fate had suddenly shown mercy toward his neglected daughter. And perhaps… For the first time in years…Someone had finally chosen Morgana willingly.