The Betrayed Bond.

Chapter 1 Pack Festival. Maurice's POV “Father, do you really need more?” I asked, holding the crystal decanter carefully as I poured the deep red wine into his glass. He smiled at me, it was a tired but proud smile that made me feel like a little girl again. “It is a celebration, Maurice one more glass would not hurt me.” I gave it to him, my fingers brushing him briefly. His skin was warm every year during the festival, I watched him like this in a proud, strong, and commanding charisma. But tonight, something just different there was a tension in his shoulders, a tightness around his jaw I had not noticed before. “Slow down, okay?” I said quietly. “We still have a ceremony to finish dad.” “I am fine.” He said, keeping his voice steady. “You worry too much.” He added. I glanced across the hall and I saw Jasper, he was talking with the pack elders, three men that were older than my Father, they were all in dark suits. He gestured as he was talking in a calm and composed manner. One of the elders nodded, then smiled. Jasper returned it politely, standing straight, carrying confidence without arrogance. My chest tightened, and I could not look away. I loved him, I had loved him for years, quietly, deeply. The way he held himself, the way he looked at me sometimes made my heart race in a way that I could not control. “You are staring again.” Father said, as he looked towards the direction that I was staring at. “I wasn’t…” I said quickly, turning my head away. He raised an eyebrow. “Sure you weren't, he is a good man, Maurice. I can see why you are attached.” I looked down, as I felt my cheeks heat up. “He is.” I admitted softly. “I… I trust him with everything.” Father smiled. “Then you will make a fine Luna together, you and Jasper will guide this pack.” I forced a small smile, but my chest felt tight. Tonight was supposed to be perfect. The hall was alive with energy wolves dressed in elegant clothes, the scent of roasted meat and fresh bread, golden chandeliers casting light across the polished floor. I noticed every detail, every movement, every murmuring but all of it disappeared the moment I looked at Jasper. Suddenly the double doors at the far end of the hall burst open. “I am so sorry we are late!” Selena came rushing in, holding Evan, her three-year-old son. Her blonde curls bounced as she hurried toward us, she was tired but full of energy. “Selena, you made it.” I sighed in relief. “I barely did.” She said as she was setting Evan down. “He refused to wear his shoes, and I thought we would never get him out the house.” Father smiled, crouching slightly to pat Evan’s head. “You are just in time Evan, come and say hello to your grandfather.” The little boy grinned and ran forward. “Hi, Grandpa!” Father chuckled and patted his shoulder. “You have grown up, you will be taller than me.” Selena laughed and straightened her dress. “I hope not that soon he is still my baby.” I smiled at both of them. Their presence eased some of the tension in my chest. For a moment, everything felt calm and normal. “You look beautiful tonight, Maurice.” Selena said softly. “Jasper is going to lose his mind.” She said, I rolled my eyes, trying to hide my excitement. “Stop it.” “Not possible.” She said, grinning. “You two are perfect together.” I looked toward Jasper again and he had started walking toward us. His dark eyes locked on mine. My stomach fluttered. He gave a faint smile, and I felt a warmth spread through me. “Everything is ready.” He said as he reached Father. “The elders are in their seats, and the guests are waiting for your speech.” Father nodded. “Good let us begin.” Jasper’s eyes found mine; he smiled softly. “You look amazing.” “Thank you.” I whispered. He reached for my hand, it was just a light touch, and it made my heart ache. I squeezed back briefly. I loved him so much, I trusted him with my life at that moment, with everyone watching, I knew he was my anchor. The orchestra started playing a softer tune, signaling the start of the ceremony the guests slowly made their way toward the center of the hall where the podium was. Servants moved quietly, adjusting decorations, lighting candles, and ensuring everything was perfect. Father adjusted his jacket and climbed the podium. He looked at me with pride, and I gave him a reassuring nod before turning my attention to the crowd. My hands felt wet, but I squared my shoulders. This night mattered to so many people, to the pack, to Jasper, to Father, and to me. “My fellow pack members.” Father began, his voice strong. “Tonight, we celebrate not only our unity but the future of our pack.” Applause followed, echoing through the hall. I forced myself to smile, even as my eyes darted to Jasper. He was standing straight, calm, but I could see the tension in his jaw. The weight of the night rested on both of our shoulders. “As Alpha.” Father continued. “I have led this pack with pride but tonight is different. Tonight, my daughter, Maurice, will take her place as Luna beside her chosen mate, Jasper Greyson.” Applause filled the room again and I glanced at Jasper. He gave a small nod, a tight smile, and my chest swelled. I loved him, I loved him with every part of me. I wanted to reach him, touch him, let him know I was his, completely. Father raised his hand for silence. “Together, they will lead this pack with honor and strength. I could not be prouder of Maurice. And I trust Jasper with-” He stopped talking and my heart skipped a beat when his face changed. There was confusion on his face, his hand went to his chest, pressing it hard he swayed. “Father?” I whispered, my voice cracked. The hall went silent, every eye turned toward him. His eyes widened, it was full of panic, and he opened his mouth but no words came out. Only a wet, choking sound as blood began to flow from his lips. “Dad!” I screamed. He stumbled back from the podium, clutching the edge for support, I ran to him. “Someone help him!” I shouted, my voice trembling violently. Gasps spread through the hall, the guests were frozen, shocked panic spread across the crowd.