I adjusted my blazer one final time before knocking on Raymond's office door. The leather portfolio in my hands contained weeks of preliminary work for the Mating Gala—venue options, catering proposals, entertainment suggestions, and a detailed budget breakdown. As the new Luna, organizing this traditional event was my first major responsibility to the pack.

"Enter," Raymond called.

I pushed open the heavy wooden door to find Raymond and Kane hunched over maps spread across the massive desk. Both looked up as I entered, Raymond's expression immediately shifting from engagement to mild annoyance.

"What is it, Aurora?" he asked, already turning back to the maps. "We're in the middle of discussing territory matters."

I stepped forward, undeterred. "The Mating Gala planning needs your approval. I've prepared all the options and budget considerations."

Raymond sighed heavily. "Can't this wait? Kane and I are working on something important."

The dismissal stung, but I persisted. "The vendors need answers by tomorrow to secure our dates. It's a major pack event, and as Alpha—"

"As Alpha, I have actual responsibilities that go beyond party planning," Raymond cut in sharply. "Border security, alliance negotiations, resource management—these are priorities. Not centerpieces and drink selections."

I tightened my grip on the portfolio. "The Mating Gala isn't just a party. It's a centuries-old tradition that strengthens our pack bonds and helps unmated wolves find potential mates. Your father always considered it essential to pack unity."

At the mention of his father, Raymond's expression darkened. "Don't lecture me about what my father would want."

"I'm not trying to lecture you," I said, struggling to keep my voice even. "I'm trying to do my job as Luna."

Raymond leaned back in his chair with a humorless laugh. "Your job as Luna? Let's be clear, Aurora. This marriage is for show. Don't expect real involvement from me in your ceremonial duties."

The cruelty of his words left me momentarily speechless. From the corner of my eye, I saw Kane watching our exchange, his expression unreadable.

"If Aurora needs assistance with the Gala," Kane said suddenly, "I'd be happy to help."

Raymond and I both turned to him in surprise.

"You?" Raymond asked incredulously.

Kane shrugged with practiced casualness. "Why not? I haven't found my mate yet, so I have a vested interest in the event's success. Besides, I've attended enough of these functions to know what works."

Raymond considered this for a moment, then nodded. "Perfect solution. Kane will help you, Aurora." He was already turning back to his maps. "Now, if you'll excuse us, we need to finish this."

"I didn't ask for help," I said, my voice sharper than intended.

"And yet you're getting it," Raymond replied without looking up. "Consider yourself lucky."

The dismissal was clear. I stood there for a moment longer, the portfolio suddenly heavy in my hands, before turning to leave. Kane's eyes followed me to the door, something like satisfaction flickering in their depths.

I waited in the corridor outside, knowing Kane would follow. Sure enough, barely three minutes later, the door opened and he emerged.

"Walk with me," I ordered, not waiting for his response before heading toward the gardens where we could speak privately.

Once we were safely away from curious ears, I rounded on him.

"What are you doing?" I demanded.

Kane raised an eyebrow. "Offering my assistance, clearly."

"I don't want your assistance," I said flatly. "I've been preparing for this role my entire life. I don't need you inserting yourself into my responsibilities."

"Your responsibilities?" Kane chuckled. "Didn't you hear Raymond? He doesn't consider any of this real."

The reminder hit like a physical blow. "That's between Raymond and me. It doesn't explain why you're suddenly interested in event planning."

Kane stepped closer, his height forcing me to tilt my head back to maintain eye contact. "Perhaps I'm genuinely looking for a mate. The Gala planning gives me first pick of the candidates."

Something cold settled in my stomach at his words. "You're not serious."

"Why not? I'm at that age where settling down seems increasingly appealing." His smile turned teasing. "Why, Aurora? Jealous already?"

"Don't be ridiculous," I snapped, taking a step back. "Our arrangement is strictly physical, remember? You can pursue whoever you want."

"How generous of you," Kane murmured, his eyes never leaving mine.

I clutched the portfolio tighter against my chest, like a shield. "I mean it, Kane. Whatever game you're playing, leave me out of it. I'm not a toy for your amusement."

"Is that what you think this is?" His voice softened unexpectedly. "A game?"

"What else would it be?" I challenged. "You've made your stance on relationships perfectly clear. Everything's just fun and pleasure for you."

Kane moved to respond, then paused, his gaze shifting to my cheek. He reached out slowly, his fingertips hovering near the spot my father had struck earlier that day. Though I'd applied more makeup, his eyes saw through the disguise.

"Who did this to you?" he asked, his voice suddenly hard.

I stepped back, avoiding his touch. "No one."

"Aurora—"

"It's nothing," I cut him off. "And none of your concern."

Kane's expression shifted, something I couldn't quite identify flickering behind his eyes. "If someone is hurting you—"

"The only person who can hurt me is me," I said firmly. "I've allowed myself to be put in this position. All of this—my marriage, our arrangement—they're my choices. My consequences to bear."

He studied me for a long moment. "You don't have to bear them alone."

The unexpected gentleness in his voice nearly undid me. I turned away, unable to maintain my composure under his scrutiny.

"I have work to do," I said stiffly. "If you're truly set on helping with the Gala, I'll send you the relevant documents."

I walked away quickly, not trusting myself to say more. Kane didn't follow, but I could feel his eyes on me until I rounded the corner and disappeared from view.

Back in my office, I sank into my chair, emotions warring within me. Kane's offer of help felt like intrusion, yet his concern about the mark on my face had seemed genuine. What was his real intention in inserting himself into my Luna duties?

I opened the portfolio and stared blankly at my carefully prepared plans. Deep down, I knew the truth—no matter how much work I put into this event, Raymond would credit the success to Giana. And now Kane, with his infuriating smile and confusing signals, would be watching my every move.

I reached for one of the venue proposals, but my hands trembled slightly. I set it down and closed my eyes, trying to regain my composure. Kane's words echoed in my mind: "Perhaps I'm genuinely looking for a mate." The thought of him pursuing someone at the Gala—someone he might actually court seriously—created an unexpected hollow feeling in my chest.

"It shouldn't matter," I whispered to myself. "None of it matters."

But it did. The Mating Gala had suddenly become much more complicated than selecting proper floral arrangements. Now it was a battlefield, and I wasn't entirely sure who my allies were—or if I had any at all.