Chapter 8

The pack elders approached Anderson through the crowded hall, relief radiating from their expressions.

But their words struck like pure poison to his heart, burning deeper than any physical wound.

“Now that Rosalie’s gone, you can finally claim Shirley properly,” his mother, Elder Maeve, said, satisfaction dripping from every word. “No need to keep up these tiresome pretenses anymore.”

She adjusted her ceremonial robes with practiced elegance. “That Omega was worthless anyway. An Alpha can’t have a mate without a wolf—it’s unnatural. The pack would never have truly accepted her.”

“Choose a date soon,” his father, Elder Torvin, added eagerly. “Make your mating official. The pack hasn’t had such a cause for celebration in years! After the ceremony, we’ll have Rosalie’s rooms cleared out immediately. Shirley can move in tonight—no point in waiting now.”

Anderson stood frozen, staring at his parents’ jubilant faces. His claws dug into his palms, drawing blood that he barely felt.