Chapter 2

CHRIS’S OFFICE

Five years Later

I glanced at Lucy sitting across from me in my office, flipping through a wedding magazine, her smile radiant. It’s a smile that would’ve warmed my heart a few years ago, but now...I’m not sure I feel anything.

“You know,” she giggles looking up at me. “We could have the ceremony in the gardens. The flowers will be in full bloom and it’ll be like stepping into a fairytale.”

“Sure,” I murmured, not listening to her. My mind is elsewhere, as it often is these days.

Lucy slapped the magazine on the table in front of her, tilting her head at me. “Chris, are you even listening?”

“Yeah, I am. The gardens. Sounds perfect,” I say, with a tight smile.

Her eyes soften and she reaches across the table to touch my hand. “I know all this planning is stressing you. But it would be all worth it.”

My chest tightened at her words, but I ignored them, stuffed everything else I was feeling.

I couldn't help as my mind drifted to my first marriage with Emily. She left me and she never came back.

When she asked for a divorce, I never knew she was serious. I expected that she wouldn't be able to survive by herself and she would return.

But she never did. It has been five years of silence. Five years of waiting for something—anything—to remind me of why I fell in love with her in the first place.

A knock at the door breaks my concentration and I look over to see my Beta, Thomas, entering with a deadly serious expression on his face.

“Chris there’s someone to see you. It’s Delta from the Black Stone Pack. She says it’s life or death.”

Lucy stiffened beside me, as she looked up. That was her pack. The Black Stone Pack? Why would they be looking for me?

“Send her in,” I say, sitting up straighter.

Thomas nods, and a second later, a young woman comes in.

“Alpha Christian,” she greets, her voice calm and authoritative. “I’m Delta from the Black Stone Pack. I’m here on behalf of our late Alpha.”

Late? My heart stops. Emily’s father is dead?

“I’m sorry for your loss,” I say, with empathy “What do you need me to do?”

“The Alpha wrote a will before he died and on the terms of his will his daughter Emily became the next leader of the Black Stone Pack.”

Lucy perked up beside me as she heard Emily's name, her expression turning sour.

“Why would Emily become the pack leader?” She questioned.

“Those are the terms of the will, Miss Lucy, we can't change it.” she replied.

“Emily is missing,” Lucy continues. “And since she’s not around to claim the title, then we should follow the next line of succession. My mother has every right to that throne, and the will should be annulled.” She commanded.

The Delta frowned “That’s not your decision to make Miss Lucy. We would seek Emily out for the position. Alpha Christian, you are invited to the succession ceremony. It will take place in three days.”

Lucy’s lips curled with distaste. ”You fool, didn't you hear what I said? Emily is as good as dead and my mother should be crowned the Alpha.” She snapped at her

I glance at Lucy, surprised by the intensity in her voice.

Delta was insulted by her words but she turned away from me, completely disregarding her.

“I would leave now, the elders would seek Emily out for the title and if she isn't found in time, it would go to the next person, the current Luna. You are both invited to the ceremony at the Black Stone pack grand hall”

“We will be there,” Lucy responded with a shrewd smile.

I nodded at her, but my mind was in turmoil. Where was Emily?

Three days pass in a blur as Lucy is busy, organising our trip to Black Stone and celebrating her mother's success.

We arrived at the Black Stone mansion a day early because Lucy wanted to prepare for the ceremony.

The day of the ceremony arrives, and the Black Stone pack members all gather in the great hall.

Lucy’s mother, Regina was dressed in a black regal gown with the insignia of the Black Stone pack on her chest.

Lucy was bursting with excitement beside me as her mother ascended the grand stairs towards the stage.

The Delta and Council members' faces were full of distaste as they watched her ascend the stage. It was obvious they were against naming her the leader of the pack and would have preferred Emily just as the late Alpha's will states.

The council elder steps forward, holding up the pack staff, ready to announce the new leader. Lucy squeezes my hand, her eyes shining with joy.

The ceremony wore on as they read the Alpha's will and the constitution of the pack. Lucy watched intently, waiting impatiently for the final blood ritual to seal the ceremony.

But just as the elder was about to end the ceremony and perform the final blood ritual, the grand doors of the hall flung open. The crowd exploded as a petite woman walked through the door.

The hall froze as my heart pounded in my ears, and there she was. My ex-wife.

Emily.

Blood drained from Lucy's face as she watched with, her eyes blazing with anger.

She strode through the middle of the hall, her head held high but she was not alone. Behind her were six children, boys and six girls- bearing a stark resemblance with Emily. Beside the children was a tall, imposing man.

Deep green jealousy swarmed through me as I watched them. Was that her husband? Where is her new family?

“This sham ceremony should end. I am Emily Blackstone and according to my father's will, I am the rightful Alpha of the Black Stone Pack, and I am here to claim my throne.”

The whole hall gasped in shock.