Chapter 1 * Luna , as you requested , we have prepared substitute blood and a staged death scene . Your ' death ' will be unveiled ten days from now , during your mate ceremony . " Hearing the assurance from the other end of the phone , Aria felt a flicker of relief amidst her long - suppressed anger . " Good , " she replied , her voice low , laced with a restrained , feral edge . ' Please rest assured , no one will suspect this faux death . We'll simulate a fatal silver injury - no werewolf can survive such damage ." With their promise , Aria exhaled deeply . After confirming the details , she ended the call and pushed open the door to the private room . The lively chatter inside came to an abrupt halt the moment she entered . Every werewolf in the room could sense the faint scent of pine on her -a possessive mark left by Alpha Kane . Seated at the center , Kane immediately stood up , his long , slender fingers clasping hers . His eyes brimmed with worry as his deep voice carried the weight of alpha authority . " My little wolf , where have you been ? I could smell fear on you . " Kane moved to lead her away . She looked into his eyes , seeing the deep possessiveness within them . Swallowing the bitterness rising in her chest , she shook her head . " I'm fine . " Kane held her hand as they returned to their seats . The room's atmosphere lightened once more , the conversations resuming until someone spoke up . " Kane , your mate bond ceremony with the little wildcat is just around the corner . What do you plan to do about your beta pet ? " At those words , Aria's nails dug into her palms . As a wolf unable to shift , she had long grown accustomed to such remarks . Yet , she could still clearly detect the lingering scent of another woman on Kane . The person next to the speaker nudged him with their elbow . " Hey , she's right here . " The man shrugged , his tone careless . " So what ? The useless one can't understand our wolf tongue anyway . I'm just curious how Kane plans to deal with his little bitch . " All eyes turned to Kane . A flicker of disdain crossed his face before he spoke . " I'll keep her . " He peeled a shrimp and placed it on Aria's plate before continuing , " She's just a pet I'm raising . My mate is Aria , and only Aria . " " But if Aria ever found out the truth , she'd bolt . That's why I've kept it from her . Even after the mate bond ceremony , I won't let her discover anything . " Kane's sharp gaze swept across the room , his alpha pressure making the air heavy . " Mind your tongues . If anyone dares to slip up in front of her , don't blame me for tearing you apart . " The alphas in the room , all accustomed to such dominance , merely smirked at his warning . Kane's response even drew amused whistles . " Kane , you're really something . You're even hiding a toy from your mate . " " Well , she is a useless wolf . Her mental resilience must be pretty weak . " Someone's eyes lit up with a spark of gossip . " Kane , since Aria doesn't understand anything, have you and your beta pet ever ... you know ... at home ? " Kane chuckled lightly , spinning the ring on his finger . His reply was deliberate , nonchalant . " Of course . Very ... wild . " The room erupted into primal howls of laughter , with many giving him approving nods . " Kane really knows how to play ! " " A useless one like Aria is easy to fool . " " I'd love to see this little wildcat's face when she finds out the truth ! " The vile laughter continued to echo in the room . No one noticed the way Aria's hand , clutching her knife and fork , had turned white at the knuckles . No one knew that three days ago , she had awakened . And no one knew she had already decided to leave . There would be no mate bond ceremony with Kane . On the day of the ceremony , all Kane . would find was a blood - soaked corpse - a fake one . Kane's gaze flickered toward her as he noticed the untouched shrimp on her plate . He turned to her , concern etched on his face . " My little wolf , why aren't you eating ? " Aria looked at the man whose eyes were filled with false tenderness , forcing a weak smile . " What were you all talking about just now ? You seemed so excited . " Kane smiled , pressing a gentle kiss to the back of her hand . " They were admiring our bond , saying we'll surely be the most devoted pair . " Around the room , the others exchanged knowing glances . Aria caught the mockery and malice in their eyes . It felt as though her heart was soaking in silver poison , the pain sharp and unbearable . They had been talking about his affair , yet he twisted it into admiration for their relationship . " Kane , I never realized you could lie so effortlessly , " she hissed inwardly .