Chapter Nine
Kyle stayed seated for a long moment after handing her the contract.
She hadn't begged. She hadn't pleaded. She simply took it and examined it. That had been… surprising.
For a moment, he almost thought she might react differently maybe timid, maybe grateful but no. She understood the benefits: wealth, status, safety, freedom. Perfectly aware, perfectly calm.
At least that made things simple.
He pushed the thought aside. There was something he hated even more than her presence. The bond. Strong, suffocating, insistent. He hated that it tugged at him, urged him to check on her, to see if she was okay.
He exhaled sharply.
Through the mindlink, he sent a command.
"Clean my room. Now."
The maid appeared immediately, acknowledging him silently through the link. Kyle didn't wait to watch her work. He left for his office, each step measured, his mind sharp, leaving the pull of the mate bond behind him as much as he could.
Lyon and Dave were waiting when he entered. Their grins immediately grated against him.
"What are you two so happy about?" he asked flatly, taking his seat.
Dave leaned forward. "She woke up. How is she?"
Kyle didn't even glance at him. "She's fine."
"And you gave her the contract?" Lyon asked.
"I did," Kyle replied, voice calm but absolute. "She'll comply. That's all that matters."
"You really think she'll accept it?" Dave pressed.
Kyle leaned back, his gaze cold. "She has no choice in the terms of the pack. She will accept the structure, or she risks chaos. I don't need anyone questioning me."
That ended the conversation.
Minutes later, the formal announcements were drafted and sent across allied packs. Invitations for the mating ceremony, the crowning, everything was in motion. The kingdom would see. Everything would be finalized.
Still, beneath it all, the bond pulsed, subtle but persistent. Kyle ignored it.
Louise, meanwhile, was standing in the hallway outside the Luna suite.
"Excuse me," she asked a passing maid. "Where is my room?"
"The Luna suite," the maid said with a polite bow. "Next to His Majesty's chambers."
Louise followed the directions and stepped inside. The room was elegant, spacious, and prepared carefully as though for royalty. It didn't feel like home but it felt safe.
She asked for a light snack and a small bowl of nuts was brought to her. Sitting at the desk, she opened the contract.
Most of it didn't surprise her. Public appearances, shared meals, ceremonial duties it all made sense.
Then she reached the intimacy clause.
Intercourse on his demand.
Her jaw tightened. Absolutely not.
She drew a neat line through the clause and added a note beneath:
Any intimacy will be mutually agreed upon, except when the time comes to conceive an heir.
Satisfied, she set the contract aside. That part of the day could wait. More pressing was learning her new role. She needed guidance someone she trusted.
She found Tess downstairs near the porch, overseeing preparations. The older wolf's energy practically radiated warmth. Tess's smile was bright, her eyes sparkling with pride and relief.
"Tess, may we walk?" Louise asked.
"Of course!" Tess chirped, looping her arm around Louise as they strolled. "I've been waiting for this moment. Finally, the Luna will take her rightful place!"
Louise blinked. "You sound… happy."
Tess laughed, the sound light and musical. "Happy? Louise, I've been handling the pack duties for years. Keeping the kingdom stable while the Alpha does what he does it's exhausting. And now?" She gestured to Louise. "It's your turn. You'll handle the responsibilities, but I promise it's the right responsibilities. The ones that make a real difference. You'll be amazing at it, I just know it!"
Louise absorbed Tess's enthusiasm, feeling it seep into her bones. Warmth replaced some of the fear that had been clawing at her all day.
"What exactly will I do?" Louise asked cautiously.
Tess's smile softened into a proud, older-sister grin. "Everything a Luna should. Overseeing the pack's welfare, attending councils, hosting visiting leaders, mediating disputes, representing the kingdom when the Alpha cannot. The elders will respect your word. And, Louise…" Tess lowered her voice slightly, teasing affectionately, "you get to enjoy it, too. You'll have wealth, power, freedom… but no one will ever expect you to be anyone's doormat."
Louise blinked. That sounded almost too good to be true.
"And tomorrow?" she asked, her voice quiet.
Tess's eyes sparkled. "The mating ceremony. The marking. It's the official acknowledgment of your bond with the Alpha. Every pack, every elder, every member will witness it. Then, you will be crowned Luna in full view of the kingdom. You'll be honored, respected, and… yes, it will be overwhelming, but I'll be here, guiding you every step of the way."
Louise felt a mix of nerves and reassurance. "I… I see."
Tess squeezed her hand gently. "Get rest tonight. Tomorrow will be long, tiring, and intense. But you're ready. You've got strength I've never seen before. And you'll do just fine."
Louise nodded slowly, feeling a small spark of hope flare inside her. For the first time since this day began, she allowed herself a quiet smile.
If Kyle thought she would be meek and obedient, he was in for a surprise.
Tomorrow, the kingdom would witness their bond. But she would step into it on her own terms, guided by duty, pride, and her own fierce independence.