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Victoria
I felt a mix of nervousness and excitement as I prepared for my first day at the Luna preparation
course.
*We’ve got this,* Ava encouraged as I carefully selected an outfit that balanced professionalism with confidence. *Just remember, you’re the mate of one of the most powerful Alphas in the territory.*
“That’s exactly what makes me nervous,” I muttered, smoothing down the tailored navy dress I’d finally chosen. “Everyone will be expecting… something.”
*They’ll be expecting us to fail,* Ava replied with a hint of growl. *Let’s prove them wrong.* When I stepped into the living room, Tiny was already waiting, his massive frame somehow making the spacious penthouse feel smaller. The Beta’s expression remained impassive as always, but I detected a subtle nod of approval at my punctuality.
“Good morning, Tiny,” I greeted, trying to sound more confident than I felt.
“Luna Victoria,” he acknowledged with a respectful inclination of his head. The title still felt foreign to me, like borrowed clothing that hadn’t been broken in. “The car is ready whenever you are.”
The drive to Port Willows took almost an hour, winding through increasingly picturesque coastal landscapes. I used the time to pepper Tiny with questions about what I should expect. “Madam Hannah is… traditional,” Tiny explained, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. “She’s trained Lunas for over forty years and has very specific ideas about proper pack hierarchy.”
“Will she hold my mixed blood against me?” I asked bluntly.
Tiny’s hands tightened imperceptibly on the steering wheel. “Madam Hannah respects Alpha Moretti too much to openly disparage his mate,” he said carefully. “But yourself for… high expectations.”
you should prepare
*Translation: she’ll judge you twice as harshly and make you work twice as hard because of your bloodline,* Ava grumbled.
“I understand,” I said aloud, though my stomach knotted with anxiety. “What else should I know?”
“The course typically hosts potential Lunas from multiple packs. Some may already hold the title, while others are being groomed for future positions.” Tiny glanced at me briefly. “Alpha has arranged for you to return home each evening rather than boarding at the facility like the others.”
I nodded gratefully. The thought of sleeping away from Leo so soon after finding Ava was unsettling.
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“One more thing,” Tiny added as we turned onto a winding private road bordered by ancient oaks. “Alpha Moretti’s reputation provides both protection and challenge. Some may seek your friendship for political advantage. Others may see undermining you as a way to strike at him.”
“I’ll be careful,” I promised as the car rolled to a stop before an impressive colonial–style mansion overlooking a sheltered cove.
Tiny nodded. “I’ll return at four o’clock. If you need anything before then-”
“I have the emergency phone Leo gave me,” I assured him, patting my purse.
As I stepped out of the vehicle, the coastal breeze carried an array of unfamiliar scents–salt water, pine, and most prominently, wolves. Many wolves. My newly enhanced senses detected at least a dozen distinct individuals nearby.
*Deep breath,* Ava coached. *Stand tall. We belong here as much as anyone.*
squared my shoulders and walked toward the grand entrance. Before I could reach for the ornate brass knocker, the door swung open, revealing a stern–faced older woman in a perfectly pressed pantsuit.
“You must be Victoria Howlthorne,” she said, her tone neither warm nor cold–simply assessing. “You’re three minutes early. Good. Punctuality matters.” She stepped aside to let me enter.
The foyer was elegant, with polished hardwood floors and tasteful artwork depicting wolf packs in various natural settings. Through an archway, I could see other young women gathered in what appeared to be a sunlit drawing room.
“The others have arrived,” the woman informed me. “I’m Ms. Winters, Madam Hannah’s assistant. You’ll wait in the solar until she’s ready to begin.”
I followed Ms. Winters into the drawing room, immediately feeling the weight of multiple gazes turning my way. Six young women occupied various seats, their conversations halting at my entrance. The scent of curiosity mingled with something less pleasant–judgment.
*Don’t show weakness,* Ava warned as I surveyed the room, searching for an unoccupied chair. That’s when I saw her–Lilith, Enzo’s mate. Her platinum blonde hair was twisted into an elegant updo, her designer outfit screaming old money and privilege. Our eyes locked, and her perfectly painted lips curved into a smile that never reached her eyes.
“Well, well,” she drawled loud enough for everyone to hear. “If it isn’t the half–blood charity case. I didn’t realize they were letting just anyone into Luna training these days.”
The room fell silent, all eyes bouncing between us like spectators at a tennis match. I felt heat rise to my cheeks but fought to keep my expression neutral.
“Lilith,” I acknowledged with a slight nod. “What a surprise. I thought this course was for future Lunas, not aging trophy wives.”
*Ooh, nice one!* Ava cheered inside my head.
Two of the women seated near Lilith–a redhead with sharp features and a brunette with an
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equally haughty expression–exchanged glances before the redhead spoke.
“Lilith, darling, aren’t you going to introduce us to your… family connection?” Her emphasis on the last words dripped with insinuation.
Lilith’s perfectly manicured hand waved dismissively in my direction. “This is Victoria, my husband’s half–sister. The product of his father’s… indiscretion with a human woman.” Her voice dropped to a stage whisper. “Poor thing has somehow convinced Leonard Moretti to make her his mate. Though I can’t imagine it’s official yet.”
“It’s very official,” I corrected, refusing to be cowed. “The mating ceremony was witnessed by representatives from three allied packs!”
*And our wolf is finally awake,* Ava added privately. *Tell them that part!*
“In fact,” I continued with growing confidence, “my wolf awakened just yesterday. Her name is Ava.”
This announcement caused a ripple of surprised murmurs. I took advantage of their momentary silence to claim an empty armchair near the window, positioning myself with a clear view of both the door and Lilith’s group.
The brunette leaned forward, her curiosity evidently overcoming her disdain. “I heard Alpha Moretti is…” she lowered her voice to a whisper, “absolutely savage in business and… other matters. Is that true?”
Before I could respond, Lilith interjected. “Don’t bother asking her, Vanessa. She’s only been with him for what a few weeks? And half of that time, she wasn’t even wolf enough to properly bond.”
“At least my Alpha chose me,” I replied smoothly. “Whereas all you inherited after choosing my stepbrother is his gambling debts.”
Lilith’s face flushed crimson. “You little bitch,” she hissed, rising from her seat. “You think because you’ve spread your legs for a powerful Alpha, you belong here? You’re nothing but a human with delusions of grandeur. Your own father couldn’t even stand the sight of you!”
Her words struck deeper than I wanted to admit, but Ava’s growl rumbled through my consciousness, lending me strength.
“My father loved me enough to leave me his fortune,” I replied evenly, maintaining my seated position to demonstrate I didn’t consider her a threat. “Which is why Enzo was so desperate to control me. Tell me, how does it feel being mated to an Alpha who can’t pay his own debts?”
Lilith’s control snapped. She lunged toward me, manicured nails curved like claws. “You worthless little-”
“Enough!”
The sharp command froze everyone in place. Lilith halted mid–step as a regal woman stood in the doorway, her expression one of cold displeasure. Even without an introduction, I knew immediately this must be Madam Hannah.
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She was tall and statuesque, her silver–streaked black hair pulled into an immaculate chignon that emphasized her aristocratic features. Her dove–gray suit was impeccably tailored, complemented by a single strand of pearls. Power and authority radiated from her like heat from a flame.
“Disgraceful,” Madam Hannah pronounced, her gaze sweeping the room before settling on Lilith and me. “Is this the behavior of future Lunas? Squabbling like common street dogs?”
Lilith immediately straightened, dropping her aggressive stance. “Madam Hannah, I apologize for my behavior. I was provoked by-”
“Silence.” The word wasn’t shouted, yet it cut through the room like a blade. “I did not ask for excuses, Mrs. Howlthorne.”
I couldn’t help feeling a small surge of satisfaction at seeing Lilith chastised. That satisfaction was short–lived.
“And you.” Madam Hannah’s piercing gaze shifted to me. “Victoria Howlthorne. Mate to Alpha Leonard Moretti of the Shadow Pack.” She pronounced each word deliberately, as if testing their validity.
I rose to my feet, trying to project the dignity expected of an Alpha’s mate. “Yes, Madam.”
“I expected better, she continued, her voice cutting. “For a female of… mixed lineage… to engage so readily in conflict with a purebred wolf shows a fundamental lack of understanding of your place in the hierarchy.”
My momentary triumph evaporated, replaced by a hollow feeling in my stomach. So much for hoping my bloodline wouldn’t matter.
“With respect, Madam,” I began, “I was defending myself.”
Madam Hannah’s eyebrow arched. “A Luna does not ‘defend herself‘ through petty verbal sparring. She maintains her dignity through composure and strategic silence. Something you would know if you had been properly raised in pack tradition.”
*Don’t let her see she’s getting to you,* Ava urged. *She’s testing our resolve.*
“Now,” Madam Hannah continued, addressing the entire room, “if you’ve finished this unseemly display, we shall proceed to the formal introduction of the course.” Her gaze lingered on me. “Though I must say, I question whether some participants are truly prepared for the rigors ahead. Alpha Moretti’s mate or not, weakness of blood cannot be overcome by mere association.”
The words stung, but I refused to show it. Instead, I straightened my spine and met her gaze steadily.
“I look forward to proving my worth through my actions rather than my bloodline,” I replied, keeping my voice respectful but firm.
Something flickered in Madam Hannah’s eyes–not approval, exactly, but perhaps a grudging acknowledgment of my backbone.
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“We shall see,” she said simply, before gesturing toward the door. “Ladies, follow me to the classroom. Your real education begins now.”
As we filed out of the room, Lilith brushed past me, her shoulder deliberately bumping mine. “This isn’t over,” she whispered.
*No,* Ava agreed silently. *It’s just beginning. But we’re stronger than she knows.*
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