Chapter 243
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Third Person’s POV
“ Was your declaration of love for me back then just a momentary impulse?”
Velda’s wolf tail flicked beneath her skirt, knocking the Moon Goddess statue from the armrest.
The mint pheromones were thick with acidity, raising the hackles on Ulrik’s neck.
He remained silent, unable to answer.
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His initial affection for Velda had been genuine, but whether it was a fleeting impulse, he couldn’t say for
sure.
He recalled the snowy night at the Bloodscar Border when Velda, with silver–blue blood spattering her battle armor as she slit an enemy’s throat, had seemed the epitome of passionate love.
But true Alpha companionship, he now knew, should mirror Adelaide’s poise.
Ever since mating with Velda and Adelaide’s subsequent departure, a nagging regret had gnawed at him.
He remembered telling Elder Halsey, “I hope Adelaide doesn’t regret it,” all the while aware that the truly remorseful one was himself.
But had he loved Velda then? Undoubtedly.
Yet couldn’t a werewolf have multiple mates?
Many Alphas did, with breeders in tow. Adelaide, however, couldn’t accept it.
Perhaps his indignation stemmed from a broken promise–now that Adelaide’s mother, Luna Airella, was gone, he no longer owed allegiance to her.
He’d thought he could manipulate Adelaide, an orphan with remarkable combat skills and strength surpassing both him and Velda.
Little did he know she’d step onto the battlefield alone, where he witnessed her commanding presence amidst a hail of arrows. Her composure, even if feigned, was enough to intimidate foes and left him feeling inadequate.
Seeing his silence, Velda gave a mirthless smile. “Karma’s a bitch, isn’t it? We both wronged Adelaide, yet why do I bear the consequences alone? You can still mate with Ironclaw’s she–wolf, climb the royal ladder, and sail through your career.”
Ulrik frowned impatiently. “Love isn’t about karma. I’ve wronged Adelaide, but I’ve never hurt her. If you’re talking consequences, you should reflect on the Bloodscar Border incident–the connection between the civilians you slaughtered and the Frostfang Pack’s massacre. Who do you are to speak of consequences? Aren’t you afraid real punishment will follow?”
“I’ve paid my dues!”
Velda snapped, her eyes flashing with cold light. “My warriors are dead or injured, I’ve been discharged
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from the military, confined to this cramped space, and forced to obey your future Luna . But let me tell you this – I hate internal family conflicts. I don’t start trouble, but if she dares to provoke me , I’ll make her pay .”
Ulrik listened to her threats and had a feeling that family life wouldn’t be peaceful. “ If everyone behaves themselves , there won’t be any trouble,” he said.
“Let me make this clear,” she warned. “Our mating bond was approved by Lycan Erasmus himself. We’re tied together for life. If you can’t control her, don’t blame me for getting tough.”
Ulrik rose, leaving irritably.
Velda stared at his retreating back, tears welling up–she wouldn’t cry, wouldn’t let anyone see her vulnerable, especially not Adelaide.
She’d visited the west–wing suite and saw the new furniture.
Naturally, everything would be replaced since Adelaide had taken most of the old items when she left.
But the expense was staggering–where was the poverty they’d always claimed?
Tears rolled down her cheeks. Her triumph in provoking Adelaide now tasted bitter.
She’d lost.
The Ironclaw Pack was bustling too, thanks to Tad’s command of the Royal Army.
The mating ceremony was tomorrow, but guests were already arriving to offer congratulations.
After Gloria’s previous mate passed away, the Hutchinson family had felt guilty,
They’d given her their child’s assets and an additional substantial sum from Mrs. Hutchinson.
The Hutchinsons believed Gloria shouldn’t spend her life alone, but she had refused to seek another mate.
So the Hutchinsons had given her a large amount of money.
Gloria had chosen a dress shop that usually required a six–month advance booking, but she paid extra to secure a custom–made wedding gown.
Her luggage and items for the trip filled sixty–eight boxes.
She’d heard Adelaide wouldn’t bring nearly as much. She was determined to outdo Adelaide in this aspect .
Adelaide had left the Bloodmoon Pack. Even if she became Alpha Lance’s mate, her future glory was just that–future.
On the day of the mating ceremony, she would overshadow Adelaide. How else could she keep face after joining the Bloodmoon Pack?
She heard Craig had left the capital. The Frostfang Pack only had the Davidson family attending the
ceremony.
Whether they weren’t invited or guests chose not to come, it made the Frostfang Pack’s event seem
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shabby.
Gloria was set on stealing the spotlight tomorrow.
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Alpha Lance was royalty, and he wouldn’t personally attend the Frostfang Pack. But Ulrik would come to the Ironclaw Pack to escort her–a detail that put her above Adelaide.
She wasn’t trying to one–up Adelaide. It was more about not being overshadowed by her, especially as a second–chance. She couldn’t afford to be upstaged by Adelaide..