Chapter one

Diana

The night air was crisp, the silver glow of the full moon bathing the pack's gathering grounds in a soft, magical light. Everyone was laughing, dancing, celebrating—everyone except me. I lingered near the edge of the crowd, clutching the hem of my plain dress, trying not to feel the weight of their stares.

I wasn’t supposed to be here. Bastards like me didn’t belong in celebrations meant for wolves of honor. But my stepmother had insisted I attend, claiming it would reflect poorly on the family if I didn’t.

Everyone knew Wilson Russell, the Beta of Crescent park, had two daughters. One, a full wolf and legitimate daughter, the other, a bastard and a weak Omega.

And so, here I was, enduring the whispers and side-eyes, pretending not to notice the way their words cut deeper than any blade.

And despite being hated, I only wished for one thing.. Find my mates and live happily ever after with him.

“Do you think she’s hoping to snag a mate tonight?” a girl’s voice sneered, just loud enough for me to hear.

“Who’d want her?” another replied with a laugh. “She’s just a lowly omega. No status. No worth.”

My fingers dug into the fabric of my dress, my chest tightening. It wasn’t as if they were saying anything new. I’d grown used to the insults, the reminders of my place in the world. But tonight, their words felt heavier, sharper—because tonight, I was hoping for something more.

A mate. My mate.

“Diana.”

I turned to see my stepsister, Jane, gliding toward me in a gown that sparkled like the stars. Her golden hair was perfectly styled, her lips painted a vibrant red. She looked every bit the princess she believed herself to be.

Step mother had made sure I styled her to perfection while I snuggled on an old dress Paris, the house Chief Maid lent me.

“You’re embarrassing yourself,” she hissed, her smile never wavering. “Go stand somewhere no one would notice. You're definitely an eyesore here.”

“Jane please.” I replied quietly, refusing to meet her eyes.

Not because I was afraid of her, but because I don't want more attention than I already had. “I'm not embarrassing anyone.”

She leaned in closer, her voice a venomous whisper. “Don’t ruin this for me. Tonight is important.”

I bit back the retort on the tip of my tongue, choosing silence instead. Arguing with Jane never ended well for me. She always won, always walked away unscathed while I was left nursing the wounds.

I just don't understand how tonight is all about her. It's for the crescent unmated individuals to find themselves Mates. And so I rolled my eyes instead, choosing not to give her the satisfaction of a reply.

Her gaze lingered on me, and I knew trouble was looming. I then decided it's best to leave the spot for her.

Before I could retreat any further out of the large hall, the crowd suddenly fell silent. A hush rippled through the pack, and all eyes turned toward the center of the clearing. My heart stuttered as the crown prince stepped into view.

Evan.

He was tall, handsome, and carried himself with the confidence of someone who knew the world belonged to him. His dark hair gleamed under the moonlight, his piercing amber eyes scanning the crowd with an intensity that made my breath catch.

And then it happened.

Our eyes met.

The world seemed to tilt, the noise around me fading into nothingness. My wolf stirred, a soft whisper in my mind.

Mate.

Shock and disbelief warred within me. Him? Of all people, the Moon Goddess had chosen him? I wanted to rejoice, to laugh, to cry—but mostly, I just wanted to run.

I bowed my head, not understanding why the goddess had done that. Had she seen my pain and decided to reward me? Everyone loved the prince, but I had made it my duty to detach my heart from him, believing two people of separate status can't be. But now, my nose is filled with the smell of him.. my Mate.

I then did what I eventually regretted doing, raising my head up to meet his glares.

Evan’s expression darkened, his jaw tightening as he strode toward me. My heart pounded, my body frozen in place as he stopped mere inches away.

I didn't see that look of excitement in his gaze.

“You,” he said, his voice low and sharp. “You’re my mate?”

The whole hall bursted into a fit of murmurs, and Jane gasped loudly right beside me.

I swallowed hard, unable to speak, unable to move. His words weren’t a question; they were an accusation.

And then he laughed.

The sound was cold and cruel, echoing through the silence. “The Moon Goddess must be playing a joke on me,” he said, his voice dripping with disdain. “Why would she pair me with someone like you?”

The crowd erupted in whispers, the weight of their judgment hitting me repeatedly. My cheeks burned, tears stinging my eyes as I fought to keep my composure.

“Aren't you Beta Russell illegitimate daughter?” He asked, then snuged closer. My heart propelled that I run and avoid further humiliation, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it.

He stared at me, then scoffed. “Not even a wolf yet. A lowly Omega, is the goddess fucking kidding?”

As if that wasn't enough, his mocking face was immediately replaced with seriousness as the dreaded words, one I had prayed all my life not to witness came out.

“I, Evan, Alpha prince of Crescent Park reject you..” He paused, His face darted towards Jane who was both astonished and happy. “What's her name?”

“Diana,” Jane replied hastily.

He turned back at me and continued, “..Diana Russell, as my mate,” he declared, his voice carrying over the crowd.

I flinched, the words hitting me hard as something fierce and painful snapped inside of me it forced me to yell in pain as I clinched on my chest.

I have been rejected. Publicly. Humiliated in front of everyone.

Evan turned away without another word, his focus shifting to Jane. He stretched his hand towards her and she stepped forward, her smile radiant as she slipped her hand into his.

“I hereby declare Jane Russell my second chance Mate and future Luna of crescent Park.”

Pain lanced through me, my wolf howling in anguish. I wanted to scream, to cry, but my voice was gone, stolen by the weight of my heartbreak.

Like I hadn't just being humiliated, the crowd geared in a taunting applause as both walked hand in hand to the high ranked table set for people of great status.

I watched, pushing myself backwards while murmurs echoed behind me.

“Poor thing,” someone whispered behind me.

“She never stood a chance,” another said.

I couldn’t stay there, couldn’t endure their pity and mockery. Turning on my heel, I fled the hall, the sound of their laughter chasing me into the night.

I didn’t stop running until I reached the small cottage I shared with my mother. My chest heaved, tears streaming down my face as I leaned against the door, struggling to catch my breath.

“Diana?” My mother’s voice was soft, weak, concerned. She appeared in the doorway, her frail frame wrapped in a shawl. “What's wrong?”

I quickly wiped my tears, forcing a smile. “It’s nothing, Mama. Just… tired.”

Her eyes, so much like my own, searched my face, but she didn’t press me. “Come inside. You’ll catch a chill.”

I followed her into the house, the warmth of the fire doing little to thaw the icy ache in my chest. I wanted to hug her, cry loud and asked her so many questions, but that would only worry her.

I'll have to let it go. Painful as it may, my mother needed me to survive. To heal.

The pack is big, I could get more jobs to support us since Father won't.

Few minutes later, Mum was already sleeping soundly in the room as I excused her to stroll out of the Cottage. I need to think.

Just as I settled beside the tree, still in my dress, I heard the sounds of carriage and then a halt.

Footsteps, familiar onces echoed behind me and instantly, I knew who it was.

My father stood before me, his expression was hard, his gaze cutting as he looked at me as I wondered if he had came by to punish me for humiliating him.

“Diana,”

I stiffened, already bracing myself for whatever command he was about to issue. My father never spoke to me unless he needed something, or I needed to be punished.

But what he said next shocked me.

“Your mother’s treatment,” he said, his tone brisk. “I’ve arranged for it to begin immediately.”

I blinked, hope sparking in my chest. “You… you did?”

“Yes.” He replied briskly, his face held no warmth.

Knowing him well enough that there's more to this, I took the initiative.

“Why?” I asked, my gaze hardened. “On what condition?”

His lips twitched as he watched me. “Smart of you to make this much quicker. You will be getting married to the Alpha Prince of the Dynamic Pack. You will be there, not as Diana Russell, but as the legitimate daughter, Jane Russell.”