Fenrir wants her

The night air was crisp as they arrived at the palace, its towering walls casting long shadows beneath the glow of ornate lanterns. Red silk banners embroidered with golden wolves hung along the corridors, swaying gently in the breeze. Intricate wooden carvings decorated the eaves, depicting ancient battles and legends of the Nightshade Pack. The main entrance led to a vast courtyard paved with polished stone, where several chambers stood in neat rows, each adorned with a nameplate inscribed in elegant calligraphy.

Kieran dismounted his horse with ease, turning to help Evelyn down. His strong hands gripped her waist, and for a moment, their gazes locked. She quickly looked away as her feet touched the ground. A guard stepped forward, taking the reins of the horse before disappearing into the stables. Evelyn, distracted by the grandeur around her, almost bumped into a figure standing near the entrance.

"Oh! I'm so sorry!" she said hastily, stepping back.

The man before her gave a small smile before bowing deeply, surprising her. "There is no need to apologize, my Lady."

She blinked in shock. "Why are you bowing?"

"I am Garrick Hargraves, Gamma of the Nightshade Pack and third in command," he introduced himself, his voice calm and respectful.

Evelyn studied him, noticing something familiar in his features—his striking green eyes, the same shade as hers. She smiled brightly. "You have green eyes like me!" Then, without hesitation, she added, "Be my friend."

Kieran and Lucas, who had been silently observing, exchanged stunned glances. Before Kieran could react, his wolf, Fenrir, let out a low growl in his mind.

Stay away from her, Fenrir snarled, his possessiveness laced with fury.

Kieran clenched his jaw." She's not even our mate."

Then find the fated mate and reject her properly. Then she can be ours.

Kieran inhaled sharply, feeling Fenrir's rage boiling beneath the surface. Before it could escalate, he stepped forward and pulled Evelyn gently but firmly toward him.

"Don't say such things so casually," he told her, his voice sharp but controlled.

Evelyn frowned. "I was just trying to make friends." She fluttered her lashes, her green eyes shimmering under the lantern's glow. Then she pouted, her pink lips forming a soft curve. "What's wrong with that?"

Kieran felt a strange stirring in his chest but maintained his cold demeanor.

"You're being ridiculous," he muttered.

Evelyn huffed, crossing her arms. "You're an old, wicked Alpha," she grumbled under her breath.

Lucas and Garrick barely contained their laughter, their shoulders shaking slightly. Kieran's gaze darkened as he shot them both a warning glare.

Evelyn then placed a hand on her stomach and sighed dramatically. "I'm hungry."

Garrick immediately straightened. "Your chambers are ready, my Lady. I will have a maid escort you."

Kieran exhaled through his nose, resisting the urge to respond to her earlier insult. "You will be appearing in court tomorrow morning as my Luna," he informed her. "And the mating ceremony will be held soon after."

Evelyn stiffened but nodded. Without another word, she turned and followed the maids inside.

Her thoughts were a whirlwind as she walked through the long corridors. She had lost her memory, yet here she was, engaged to an Alpha with a ruthless reputation. Agnes had told her that no one had reported her missing. If she was truly human, then why did she feel like she belonged here? The truth felt just beyond her grasp.

"Luna," one of the maids said, breaking her thoughts. "We have arrived at your chambers."

Evelyn looked up and gasped softly. The room was breathtaking. Deep red silk drapes framed a massive wooden bed adorned with intricate carvings of wolves and moons. The bedding was softer than anything she had ever felt, a stark contrast to the modest bed she had at Agnes's place. The scent of fresh jasmine filled the air.

She turned to the maid. "What's your name?"

The young woman bowed slightly. "My name is Mei, my Lady. Gamma Garrick has assigned me as your personal maid."

Evelyn nodded. "Alright, Mei."

Mei smiled. "Shall I prepare a bath for you?"

"Later," Evelyn said. "I'm starving."

Mei nodded and stepped out, instructing another maid to fetch food. When she returned, she approached Evelyn gently. "Your food is coming, my Lady. But in the meantime, you should bathe after the long journey."

Evelyn sighed but relented, waving her off.

A few moments later, just as she was stepping out of the bathroom, a firm knock echoed through the chamber doors. Mei hurried to open it, revealing a guard standing stiffly outside.

He bowed slightly. "Luna, Alpha Kieran has instructed that you read this before tomorrow." He handed her a thick, leather-bound book.

Evelyn took it hesitantly and nodded before shutting the door. When she opened the book, her eyes widened in disbelief.

"A family tree?" she muttered, flipping through the dense pages. "How am I supposed to read all of this before morning?"

Mei chuckled. "It's not so complicated. The Blackthorn family consists of Alpha Kieran Blackthorn, his younger brother Lyle Blackthorn—who currently holds no rank—his mother, Elara Blackthorn, and his father, Old Alpha Cedric Blackthorn."

Evelyn exhaled heavily. "That's it?"

Mei smiled. "Unless he included uncles and distant relatives, then yes."

Evelyn groaned and let her head fall back against the plush cushions. "I just regained consciousness today, and now they expect me to memorize an entire family tree? This is ridiculous."

Mei tilted her head. "Would you like me to help you study after you eat?"

Evelyn sat up. "You'd do that?"

"Of course, my Lady."

Evelyn sighed. "Fine. But I'm only reading the immediate family. The uncles and aunts can wait."

Mei laughed. "That is fair."

Evelyn stood and stretched before heading toward the bathroom again. As she walked, she grumbled under her breath. "Stupid Kieran… always making my life difficult…"

Mei, overhearing her, tried to suppress a giggle as Evelyn disappeared into the bath, still mumbling about her misfortunes.