His expression grew increasingly troubled.
“This is exceptional craftsmanship,” he murmured. “Very old. The moonstone itself was… how should I put this? It wasn’t just valuable – it was sacred. You can tell by the color, the way it’s been shaped. This wasn’t a decorative piece.”
“Can you fix it?” I asked, hearing the desperation in my own voice.
Edmund set down the pieces and met my eyes, his expression grave. “Alpha Cross, I’m afraid I can’t.”
My heart sank. “Why not? Name your price – whatever it takes – “
“It’s not about price,” he interrupted gently. “The design itself… this pendant was created as a bonding gift. See these symbols etched into the silver?” He pointed to tiny markings I’d never noticed before. “These are ancient pack marks, specifically from the Shadowmere region. This type of jewelry was only given between mates – couples who were sworn to love each other for life.”
I stared at the fragments, seeing them differently now. This hadn’t just been a pretty necklace. It had been a sacred object, a symbol of eternal love.
And I’d given it away like it was nothing. Like Aria’s heritage, her parents’ love story, meant nothing.
“There’s more,” Edmund continued, his voice soft. “There’s an old folklore about these bonding pendants. They say that if one shatters – truly shatters like this, beyond repair – it means the bond has been betrayed. That one of the people who wore it, or who held it, was unfaithful to their vows.”
The words hit me like a physical blow.
Betrayed. Unfaithful.
The pendant had shattered in Sera’s hands. Sera, who I’d chosen over Aria. Sera, who wore my mating mark while Aria waited in a cabin on the outskirts, alone and unwanted.
“But it’s just folklore,” Edmund added quickly, seeing my expression. “Superstition. The pendant probably just hit the floor at the wrong angle, weakened by age – “
“Where can I get another one?” I interrupted, my mind racing. “If I can’t repair this one, I need to replace it. Where would I find a pendant like this?”
Edmund hesitated. “These are unique to the Shadowmere pack region. There’s a merchant there – an old wolf named Thomas who deals in traditional bonding jewelry. He might have something similar, or could create a replica if you brought him these pieces. But Alpha Cross, you should know that replicas don’t carry the same meaning. If this omega knows her heritage, she’ll know the difference.”
Shadowmere pack.
The name stirred something in my memory. That was near the Eastern forests, close to where Aria had supposedly gone to gather herbs.
My wolf perked up for the first time in days, interested.
But going there now, while Aria was in the area… I couldn’t risk running into her. Not yet. Not when I didn’t have her mother’s pendant to return, when I had no way to make this right.
“I’ll go in a few days,” I said, carefully gathering the broken pieces back into the pouch. “After… after some pack business is settled.”
After Aria came home, I didn’t say. After I could explain everything, apologize properly, maybe convince her that this had all been a terrible mistake.
Edmund nodded sympathetically. “I hope you can make things right, Alpha. That omega must mean a great deal to you, to go to such lengths for a broken pendant.”
She did. Moon help me, she did.
I’d been so blind, so stupid. Chasing after a childhood fantasy with Sera while pushing away the one wolf who’d actually proven her devotion time and time again.
I left Edmund’s shop and visited three more craftsmen, hoping someone would tell me different. But they all said the same thing – the pendant was beyond repair, the damage too severe. One of them even mentioned the same folklore about betrayed bonds, which made my wolf howl with guilt.
DAMON
By the time I returned to pack lands, the sun was high in the sky and my phone was buzzing with missed calls. Pack business that couldn’t wait, disputes that needed my attention.
But first, I needed to contact the Shadowmere pack.
I’d done some research last night about their merchant district, about how to arrange a visit. Shadowmere was notoriously protective of their territory – they didn’t welcome outsiders easily. Especially not since their Alpha had been cursed three years ago.
Their leadership structure had become unclear after that. Some reports said the Beta was running things. Others mentioned a council of elders. Nobody seemed to know for certain what was happening behind Shadowmere’s closed borders.
But if I wanted access to their merchant, I’d need permission from whoever was in charge.
I settled into my office – which Sera had organized with ruthless efficiency in my absence – and pulled up the contact information for Shadowmere pack. The main line went to their administrative office.
The phone rang four times before someone picked up.
“Shadowmere pack, Beta Nina speaking. How can I help you?”
“Beta Nina, this is Alpha Damon Cross of the Blackwood pack. I’m calling to request permission for a visit to your territory. I need to meet with one of your merchants about commissioning some jewelry work.”
There was a pause on the other end. When Nina spoke again, her voice was carefully neutral. “Alpha Cross. What an… interesting time to call.”
Something about her tone made my hackles rise. “Is there a problem? I understand Shadowmere has been closed to outsiders, but this is important pack business – “
“I’m sure it is,” Nina interrupted smoothly. “However, I’m afraid we can’t accommodate visitors at this time. Our pack is in the middle of preparations for a significant event. Perhaps you could try again in three days?”
Three days. That would be right around when Aria was supposed to return.
“What kind of event?” I asked, though I wasn’t sure why it mattered.
Another pause. “We’re crowning our new Luna. It’s been three years since our pack had proper leadership, and we’re finally rectifying that. The ceremony is quite elaborate – we can’t afford distractions.”
A new Luna. That made sense, given their Alpha’s condition. Someone needed to lead the pack.
But something about Nina’s voice when she said “Luna” set my teeth on edge. There was pride there. Possessiveness. Like she was talking about someone she cared about deeply.
“I understand,” I said, trying to keep my frustration in check. “And after the ceremony?
Would I be able to visit then?”
“After the ceremony, our Luna will be in charge of approving all territorial visits. You’ll need to go through her for permission. I’m sure she’ll be reasonable about trade requests.”
“Your Luna will be in charge?” I couldn’t keep the surprise from my voice. “Not your Beta or Alpha?”
“Our Alpha is… compromised,” Nina said carefully. “The curse hasn’t broken yet, though we’re hopeful. In the meantime, yes, our Luna will assume full leadership of the pack. She’s more than capable – she’s been training with me for the past week, learning pack management and diplomatic protocols.”
Past week?
A chill ran down my spine. Aria had left about a week ago. But that was just coincidence. The Eastern forests were vast – there were dozens of packs in that region.
“This Luna,” I said slowly. “Is she from your pack originally, or…?”
“That’s internal pack business, Alpha Cross.”
Nina’s voice had turned cool, professional. “I can tell you that a formal announcement will be made after the mating ceremony is complete. All neighboring packs will be notified of our new leadership structure.”
More Kickass Werewolf Reads
Dive into our collection of free werewolf romance novels—where fierce Alphas, daring heroines, and heart-stopping twists await. Every story burns with forbidden desire, loyalty, and destiny. Don’t wait—here’s a world where love bites hard and nothing is stronger than the call of the mate.
Leave a Reply