Waylen POV
I knew, deep down, that I was making a very big mistake,but I could not stop myself.
The urge inside me to protect Riley was far stronger than any pride I had ever carried. Stronger than my desire to become the most powerful Alpha the Midnight Pack had ever known.
Stronger than the dreams my parents had carefully shaped for me since the day I was born. The image they had always painted for my future was clear: a powerful mate from an influential bloodline, a Luna who would strengthen alliances and elevate the pack’s status.
But none of that mattered anymore.
Because none of those women were Riley.
As I stood there, holding her hand, I could feel every stare burning into my back. My friends watched me as if I were a stranger, their expressions filled with confusion and di
