Beta Eric appears from nowhere, positioning himself on my left side while Alpha Dane continued to hold my right hand. His fingers laced with mine as he stood slightly in front

Alpha Dane formally introduces me as his mate, declaring that he has marked me. There was an eruption of cheers and applause and I just knew it was going to be short lived. The moment they found out what I was, they would turn on me and their Alpha.

“Relax.” Beta Eric leans in close, whispering to me. “You will be surprised by their reactions.”

“As you are all aware, we have had problems with the Moonshine pack. They have not withheld their side of the contract. In fact, it was a plot to try and tear apart Black Shadow.”

Alpha Dane’s voice is almost deafening and I was so grateful that he suggested putting the ear plugs back in “We kill them!” Someone shouts out.

“In time, yes.” Alpha Dane tells them, “Right now it is important for you to learn some information about my mate. My heart was pounding and I was certain there were black spots forming on my eyes.

‘Is it true?

I recognised Raven’s voice.

“That Moonshine are not like us?”

“Yes itis true.” Alpha Dane responds and I notice the small curve to his lips. “They are something known as a Lycan, part Wolf. part human, like the one that was killed attacking our pack. He had belonged to Moonshine”

There is a collective gasp.

“What about the new Luna?” Someone calls out and I could feel loads of eyes on me.

“She isn’t a Luna.” Alpha Dane grins, “She is an Alpha.”

There are whispers. They move around, talking to each other. After a few minutes, Alpha Dane silences them.

“Yes, she is a Lycan. One that was torn from her position in the family. Forced to be a slave. Beaten daily until her body was barely hanging on to life. A Lycan who was bound from her abilities, not once, not twice, but four times.”

Tears quickly fill my eyes, I wanted him to stop.

Klaus steps forward from the crowd. “Four times?” He sounded genuinely shocked> His green eyes find mine. I couldyrt tell if he was disappointed thatthadn’ t told him after h@had revealed his past to me. Content bélongs to ~

“Are you certain, Alpha Dane?” He asks

The rest of the Wolves are silent, waiting for Alpha Dane’s response “What do you know, Klaus?”

“Stories.” He mutters back. His deep green eyes remain on me.

“There is nothing recorded about Lycans.

‘I can’t remember off the top of my head, butFhave books. Story tellings based ofr myths and legends of wolves: “and other cretaures. ~ Fspevially those that had beén bound.” ” <

“Go look.” Beta Eric snaps and Klaus quickly disappears between the trees.

There are still mutterings in the crowd of Wolves. I feel their eyes on me and the questions start.

‘Is she a threat?”

“Is she going to shift and kill us?”

“Is she going to pass information back to Moonshine?

“Is she going to turn against us?”

The questions seem to be never ending. Like Alpha Dane was purposely letting them get everything out before deciding to answer. “Any more?” He finally snaps when the questions are growing further and further apart.

I shouldn’t be here. I should be far away, hiding

There’s complete silence as Alpha Dane waits for someone to say something. But they don’t, they remain quiet, waiting. They probably knew better than to speak..

“Do you really-think I’m going to bring ina mate that will attack our pack? Others have tried and they > have all keen dealt with. Neah isn’t like theyothers. And if anyone ig¢-> questioning my decision, just~ remaember I won’t be kind and wén’t hesitate.”