Chapter 3
1021 Words
Luken Marlowe froze, stunned to see Kaelyn standing there in the heart of Duskridge Pack's territory, alive and radiant.
For all the months he had hunted for her, searched relentlessly with no sign, the last place he'd ever expect to find her was here, looking completely unharmed.
Had she known he was trying to find her all this while?
Why hadn’t she reached out? Why had she remained silent?
Rhea, too, stood speechless, her mouth agape.
Kaelyn... alive? That couldn't be. Three months ago, the rogues should've ended her.
She should be buried beneath dirt and rot by now, nothing more than a memory.
And yet, here she stood, not only alive but exuding an air of grace and authority Rhea had never seen in her before.
Rhea's eyes narrowed, venomous with jealousy. How dare she look so composed? So noble?
"Why didn't you tell me you were alive?" Luken suddenly demanded, his boots clicking sharply as he approached, his eyes burning into Kaelyn.
"Where the hell have you been hiding all this time?"
Kaelyn met his gaze, eyes cold and detached.
"And why do you care? You knew what those rogues planned for me, and you still walked away. Why pretend to care now?"
His brows furrowed, confusion flashing in his features.
"What are you talking about? I paid the ransom for—"
Panic shot through Rhea. She leapt between them, pasting a forced smile on her face.
"Kaelyn, my dearest sister... it's truly a miracle to see you alive. Mother and Father were nearly sick with worry. Even our brothers... they've all missed you."
Kaelyn smirked, amusement laced with disdain. Sick with worry?
That was far from the truth.
If her family had their way, she would've been handed over to those rogues and forgotten.
Their tone during negotiations had made that painfully clear.
Ignoring Rhea's crocodile tears, Kaelyn said nothing. But Rhea pressed on, slipping her hand into Kaelyn's.
"Let me get a car to take you home. This gathering is for the Alphas and their officials. You shouldn’t be here—"
"I shouldn't be here?" Kaelyn let out a sharp laugh, cold and cutting.
She pulled her hand away and turned to the usher standing by the entrance. "Did you verify her invitation?"
The usher bowed. "I checked Alpha Luken Marlowe's credentials. This woman’s name was not listed."
Kaelyn lifted her hand, summoning two security guards.
"Then she has no right to be here. Escort her out."
"At once, Miss."
Rhea gawked as the guards stepped forward.
What kind of authority did Kaelyn have to order Duskridge Pack’s guards? Her confusion deepened into panic.
"Wait!" Luken intervened, voice firm. "Rhea is with me. She belongs here."
Kaelyn turned to him, her eyes gleaming with a challenge. "Are guests allowed at Alpha meetings now? Did the rules change while I was gone?"
The usher quickly responded, "No, Miss Kaelyn. The rules clearly prohibit unauthorized attendees. She must leave."
He gave the guards a nod. They moved with swift precision.
Rhea shrieked, attempting to back away, but the guards were quick. She was seized and held in place.
Luken turned his attention back to Kaelyn, studying her anew. She had changed.
She was no longer the timid woman he remembered. Confidence radiated from her now, fierce and captivating.
What had happened in the past three months?
"If I can't be here," Rhea cried, struggling in vain, "then what gives her the right to stay? She isn't on the invitation either!"
Kaelyn opened her mouth to respond, but a low, commanding voice cut through the room.
"She absolutely is."
All eyes turned to the staircase.
Descending with slow, calculated steps was Alpha Ronan Manning, the leader of the powerful Silverpine Pack.
He fixed his piercing eyes on Luken as he reached the floor.
"This year's summit is hosted by Duskridge Pack. Every invitation went through me," Ronan said, his tone casual, though there was an edge to it. He draped an arm around Kaelyn's waist.
"And Kaelyn’s name is on that list."
Rhea blanched, her face turning ghostly pale.
Luken's eyes narrowed at the sight of Ronan’s arm around Kaelyn.
What was this?
How did she become close to such a powerful Alpha?
Was this why she'd ignored his calls? Why she stayed hidden?
"Alpha Luken," Ronan continued, his gaze hardening, "You don’t dispute my authority on this, do you?"
Grinding down the discomfort rising within him, Luken replied coolly, "Not at all."
"Alpha!" Rhea gasped, horrified.
"I told you before we came," Luken said curtly.
"This meeting is for Alphas and their key officers. You are neither, and you are not my Luna. I suggest you return home."
Kaelyn raised a brow, surprised by Luken's blunt dismissal.
Was he actually siding with her now?
Rhea clutched her chest dramatically and gasped.
"But Alpha, I traveled so far just to be by your side. You know my health can't take another journey so soon... I’m feeling faint..."
She staggered as though the floor might swallow her whole.
Kaelyn scoffed, not buying the act for a second.
"Fine. Stay then," she said with mock generosity.
"But keep your drama far from this room. Today’s about Ronan and his pack. I won’t have his moment ruined by your theatrics."
Without sparing Rhea another glance, Kaelyn turned and entered the double doors leading into the inner chamber.
Ronan followed, but not before telling the guards, "This lounge is reserved for Silverpine Pack's Alpha and his guest. Show the others to a different room."
The doors shut behind him.
Luken stood frozen, still staring at where Kaelyn had disappeared. She was clearly close with Ronan. Intimate even.
Had she truly moved on?
Found someone new the moment their mate bond was broken?
"Alpha..." Rhea tugged on his sleeve, voice trembling.
"How can she treat her sister like this? And you, her former mate? It’s so heartless."
Luken massaged his temples. His thoughts were a whirlwind.
"What is it?" Rhea asked gently.
His eyes darkened. "I paid both of your ransoms. All 320 million. Why would she still accuse me of abandoning her?"
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