MasukIris’s POVJade stared at her uncle as though she had misunderstood. Red wine covered her face and dress, but he showed no concern for her humiliation. He placed the proposal folder down and walked toward Kristian.I thought he intended to confront him. Instead, the older man lowered himself onto one knee before the entire hall and bowed his head.Jade’s uncle addressed him respectfully. “Supreme Alpha, forgive my niece’s ignorance. She did not understand whose protection governed this banquet.”I knew Kristian was powerful, but I had never watched anyone kneel before. The room did not merely respect him; it answered to him. For the first time, I understood why Benjamin’s insults never unsettled Kristian. Benjamin had challenged someon
Iris’s POVMy fingers remained locked around Jade’s wrist. Nancy’s strength made holding her effortless, but I used only enough pressure to stop her. Kristian remained ready to shield me, yet I no longer needed anyone to take the blow.Jade tried to pull free and shouted, “Let go of me!” Her face reddened under everyone’s attention. I changed to a backhand grip and said, “You tried to hit me because you embarrassed yourself. Shouting will not make you look better.”I turned her wrist outward and released her. Jade pulled away too quickly, caught her heel against her dress, and nearly fell. Benjamin caught her around the waist. She clung to his jacket while several guests hid their smiles.Benjamin helped Jade stand and said
Iris’s POVWe should let her leave before she humiliates herself in front of the council.” Jade then turned to me and added, “Go home, Iris. These people are not impressed by an Omega wearing an expensive dress. Once Kristian becomes tired of showing you off, you will be alone again.”Nancy stirred inside me, but the anger I felt belonged to both of us. Since the lake, our connection had become clearer. I could feel her strength without losing control, and her steady presence stopped the old shame from returning. For the first time, I did not need anyone to speak for me or defend my place here tonight.I looked at Jade’s hand on Benjamin’s arm and said, “You seem very concerned about the men standing beside me. Perhaps you should pay more attention to the one you are holding.” Jade’s fingers tightened around Benjamin’s sleeve as she replied, “At least Benjamin is standing with a woman who understands his position. You threw away the chance to remain beside him, and now you are doing
Iris’s POVKristian kept his promise. He stayed beside me through every introduction, explained unfamiliar names, and never made me feel slow. Whenever the attention became too much, his hand covered mine and reminded me that I was not alone.Suddenly Jade blocked our path, she looked over my dress and said, “I almost did not recognize you, Iris. The organizers must have relaxed their standards if Omegas are now invited.” Her smile appeared friendly, but the disgust in her eyes made her intention clear. Kristian started to answer, but I touched his arm before replying, “You should speak to the organizers if their guest list concerns you. I did not invite myself.”Benjamin gave a quiet laugh and said, “You did not need to invite yourself. You only needed to arrive on the right man’s arm.” He looked at Kristian as he added, “I must admit that you chose more carefully this time.”The insult hurt less than Benjamin expected. Months earlier, I might have wondered what I had done to deserv
Benjamin’s POVShe looked elegant and completely different from the woman who had once waited quietly in Red Crescent.The guests began whispering immediately. One executive said, “Alpha Kristian has not attended with a woman in years.” Another guest replied, “That is Dr. Iris. Pillar Holdings hired her after she left Red Crescent.” A council member added, “If she arrived on the Alpha King’s arm, she is not merely an employee.”Their words irritated me. Kristian had ended our alliance shortly after Iris joined his company. Now he had brought her here as though he wanted everyone to connect his actions to her.Iris’s fingers tightened around his arm when she noticed how many people were staring. Kristian lowered his head toward her and said, “You do not need to be nervous. I am here, and I will support you through every step tonight.” Iris looked up at him and answered, “Everyone is watching us.” Kristian did not look away as he replied, “Then let them watch.”His words travelled far e
Benjamin’s POVThe council banquet should have displayed Red Crescent’s strength, but too much depended on the evening. Pillar Holdings was gone, suppliers were cautious, and our allies had started asking questions. If I failed to secure a new partner, tonight’s smiles would become mockery.Jade remained close as we moved through the hall. When she noticed an older man speaking with council members, she said, “My uncle is free now. This is our best opportunity.”Her uncle served on the corporation’s executive board and had enough influence to approve negotiations. That was why I had agreed to attend with Jade. Her proposal had given Red Crescent a way forward, and her connection could secure the agreement.Jade led me toward him and said, “Uncle, this is Alpha Benjamin of Red Crescent Pack. He prepared the proposal I sent you.” Her uncle shook my hand and replied, “I have been looking forward to meeting you. Your proposal was impressive.”I accepted the praise and said, “Red Crescent
Rue’s POVThe lecture hall was still buzzing with conversations when I slipped my books into my bag. Life at Golden League University was everything I had once dreamed of: the challenge, the high standard of education. It has only been a month and we were already preparing for an exam.As I steppe
Aiden’s POVThe sound of her voice, detached, calm and out of emotion replayed in my mind like a song stuck on repeat.Stay away from me. Focus on Haven. She’s the one you chose. Live with that.In a way, her words hurt me more than they ever could. I had stood there, staring at her retreating figu
Rue’s POVThe hall held its breath. Every gaze was pinned on the elder clutching Marcus’s decision, the parchment trembling in his hands.“After due consideration…” his voice rang out, weighted and deliberate, “…Alpha Marcus has chosen to award the partnership to Percy’s company.”For a moment, a h
Rue’s POVBy the time I found Bella and Iris waiting near the exit, the blaring alarms had died off. Bella was nervously tapping her feet, hands akimbo, while Iris had her eyes trained on the main exit.“Finally!” Bella exclaimed, walking forward towards me. “What on earth took you so long? Do you







