Luna's Deadly Deception: How She Made Her Alpha Pay novel Chapter 4

Half an hour later, Thea watched from a distance as Aurora's rose-gold Lunar Runner rocked beneath the moonlight. The vehicle's moonroof was open, letting the night air carry their scents across the lake.

Nearby wolves whispered and stared. "Rich pack wolves really know how to live – lakeside trysts in luxury vehicles..."

With trembling hands, Thea recorded five minutes of video evidence, sending it to her pack secretary: "Play this at the mating ceremony."

She then called her mother in Norvaria. "Mom, I'm coming home in seven days."

Her mother caught the tremor in Thea's voice. "Is Kieran coming?"

"I'm coming alone."

"Don't grieve, sweetie. I'll meet you at the airport."

When Kieran returned in the dead of night, he was drunk on blood wine. He kept cupping Thea's face, kissing her desperately.

"My honey, I love you so much," he mumbled. "Be angry with me, punish me, but never leave me. Please?" His neck still bore Aurora's crimson lipstick marks, yet the love in his eyes seemed heartbreakingly genuine.

The next morning, Kieran tended to her as usual – preparing her morning rituals, selecting her clothes. At breakfast, his phone buzzed. "Love, I have a pack gathering tonight. I won't be home."

Thea knew he meant to spend it with Aurora. She simply nodded.

After he left, she tracked him to an upscale territory complex. Aurora, dressed in white moonsilk, practically bounced into his vehicle. They emerged later at Wolf's Heart Photography Studio.

"Wait. I need to see what happens next."

They followed the pair to the lake. The photography area had been secured against prying eyes. The photographer fawned over them: "Such a striking pair – the most beautiful mates I've ever photographed."

"I have excellent taste in males," Aurora preened, clutching Kieran's arm. "My Alpha is gorgeous."

They posed in three different ceremonial outfits. When Aurora shivered, Kieran wrapped her in his ceremonial cloak. When she struggled with poses, he encouraged her gently.

Then, before the sacred lake, Kieran knelt on one knee. He presented Aurora with blood roses and a moonstone ring.

"You wanted ceremony photos, but insisted we skip the proper mating proposal. I can't shortchange you, my love. Aurora Wintercrest, will you be my mate?"