Chapter 2

Ember's POV

Kieran's armored SUV had been bouncing down this gravel road for three hours, and my ass was completely numb.

After yesterday's drama, the deal was sealed. Mom wanted to murder me, but a contract was a contract—Nightwind daughters marry the designated Alphas. Didn't specify which daughter goes to which Alpha.

Dad accepted reality pretty quickly. Even patted my shoulder when I left, whispering, "Give that bastard hell."

So here I was this morning, stuck in this damn car with my new "husband," heading to Darkmoon territory.

"You'll like Darkmoon," Kieran finally spoke. His second sentence in three hours. The first had been "Buckle up."

"Yeah, sure." I stared out at the increasingly desolate landscape. "Long as nobody pisses me off, I'm a real sweetheart."

He glanced at me in the rearview mirror, mouth twitching.

Darkmoon's central compound looked like a military base. The air reeked of blood and earth, surrounded by solid stone fortresses and watchtowers. Patrol wolves were all muscle and wild eyes. Every inch screamed warrior territory.

The moment we parked, sickeningly sweet perfume hit me.

"KIERAN!"

A petite woman came running down from the main fortress, white dress flowing, playing helpless and innocent. Dark hair, big eyes, the whole victim act.

Raven.

She threw her arms around Kieran's arm the second he stepped out, voice breaking: "Oh thank God you're back! I was worried sick... everything went okay, right?"

Then she glanced at the car, smile turning bitter: "And this must be your new Luna! I specially prepared a welcome feast—I just hope she'll enjoy our traditional dishes."

I rolled my eyes. Oscar-worthy.

"Though, you know," her voice turned careful, "I heard the Nightwind daughters are all very... feisty. I hope she won't find us too rough around here."

"Alright, enough."

I kicked the car door open. Stepped out and shoved between them, pushing Raven aside.

She stumbled into the mud, white dress instantly filthy.

"Oh!" Raven hit the ground, tears streaming. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be in the way!"

She looked up at Kieran pitifully: "So this is your mate?"

"Yep," I smirked, "surprise."

Raven scrambled up, brushing at her dress, then stuck out her hand: "I'm Raven! It's so nice to meet you! We're going to be family now—"

I ignored her completely. "Cut the crap."

Her hand froze, anger flashing before switching back to victim mode: "I... I was just trying to be friendly... I prepared a whole feast for you..."

"Listen here—I don't need your fake-ass friendship, and I sure as hell don't need your feast. We clear?"

Raven went red.

"I mean, how can she treat me like this?" She turned to Kieran, voice breaking. "My father died saving you. I grew up in Darkmoon. Don't I even have the right to welcome the new Luna?"

Kieran stayed silent.

I snorted. "Who the hell said you deserve jack shit from me?"

Raven shook with rage. "You... how can you even say that..."

"Listen up, you little bitch," I looked down at her, "new rules. When I'm pissed off, stay away. When I'm in a good mood... still stay the FUCK away."

She opened her mouth, but I'd already turned.

"Ember."

Kieran's voice. I smirked. Oh, so now he's gonna play knight?

Feeling his hand reach for my shoulder, I threw him over instinctively.

THUD!

Kieran flipped and landed on his feet. Every wolf froze.

"Whoops!" I dusted my hands. "Reflex."

Kieran brushed off his shirt. "Nice moves."

Raven rushed over, voice shrill: "Oh my GOD! How DARE you attack Kieran?! He was just trying to talk to you!"

She spun toward Kieran: "Kieran, you can't let her treat you like this! You're the Alpha! She should respect you! This is completely unacceptable—"

"Enough." Kieran cut her off cold. "Raven, watch your mouth."

He pulled keys from his pocket, handed them to me: "Master bedroom. That's what I was trying to give you."

I stared. "You're putting me in the master bedroom?"

"Of course. It's your room too."

Raven went white. "Kieran, are you sure? I mean, the guest room is all ready—"

Kieran gave her one look. She shut up fast.

I took the keys, studying his face. Man of few words, but at least he had his priorities straight.

"Thanks." I jingled the keys. "I'll go get settled."

Walking away, I heard Raven's sobs behind me.

Cry all you want, bitch. Show's just getting started.