MARKED FOR REVENGE

Evelyn POV

With my hands tightly clasped to prevent them from shaking, I stood in the grand hall of the Alpha's mansion. The forest outside filled the air with the scent of pine and polished wood. In my chest, my heart beat like a drum. Alpha Marcus had called me, but why? I was just Evelyn, from an omega family that stayed in the Blackwood Pack's shadows.

A guard nodded at me as the door creaked open. "He is prepared."

I entered the study. There were books on the walls and a big desk in the middle. Alpha Marcus's graying hair caught the light from the window as he looked up from his papers. His kind and piercing eyes met mine.

"Evelyn," he said, his voice deep and steady. He pointed to the chair across from him. "Sit."

With my skirt grazing my knees, I lowered myself onto the seat's edge. "Is something wrong, Alpha?"

He folded his hands and leaned back. "No, kid. There is something wrong. I have observed you. Despite your quiet nature, you lend a helping hand to others without seeking recognition. You possess strength that is concealed beneath the soil like a root.

Heat rose to my cheeks as I blinked. "I just do what I can."

He gave a slight but genuine smile. "That is the reason. Kieran, my son, needs a partner. A Luna who is able to support him rather than merely follow him. The moon goddess points to you with her signs.

I gasped. Me? The future Alpha's mate? Tall, strong, and possessing eyes like storm clouds, Kieran Blackwood was a name that was whispered in awe. He led hunts with ease, and I had seen him from a distance at pack meetings. But me?

"I am honored, Alpha, but why not someone from a higher family?"

Marcus gave a headshake. "If the heart is weak, rank is meaningless. He will be balanced by you. Despite his strength, he is cold. You are warm.

The door flew open before I could reply. With his boots thudding on the floor, Kieran strode in. His dark hair was tousled, and his silver eyes scanned the room as if he owned every inch, and he was taller than I had remembered. which he carried out.

"Father," he said in a flat voice. "You called?"

Marcus got to his feet. "Yes. Introducing Evelyn. Your friend."

Kieran looked at me. There was a brief moment of surprise, but no warmth. Muscles shifted beneath his shirt as he crossed his arms. "Her?"

I pushed my chin up and stood. My inner wolf awoke, a tug tightening like a thread toward him. The bond between mates. My skin tingled as it hummed in my veins.

"Yes, her," Marcus replied. "The indicators are obvious. You are getting married soon."

Towering over me, Kieran took a step closer. I could smell his earthy, stormy scent. "And if I do not want this?"

My stomach turned over. I tasted blood as I bit my lip.

Marcus's eyes grew stony. "You'll. For the group.

Kieran's piercing silver eyes turned to face me. "Do you even speak?"

I looked him in the eye. "I do. And if it is for everyone's benefit, I agree."

He gave a dismissive huff. "All right. Let us finish this up."

Marcus gave a hand clap. "All right. We will make the announcement at the event tonight."

Kieran's shoulder touched mine as he turned to go. Hot and insistent, the bond ignited. After a brief pause, he left without saying anything.

My hands unclenched as I let out a breath. What had I committed to?

The remainder of the day was hazy. I went back to my little cottage on the edge of the pack. My mother pinned my chestnut hair into waves and fussed over me. Her eyes gleamed as she whispered, "You will be Luna." "Consider."

Though doubt gnawed at me, I nodded. Kieran's coldness persisted like frost, even though the bond pulled.

It got dark. Pack members filled the gathering hall. Shadows were cast by fires crackling in pits. I was dressed simply but neatly as I stood on the platform. Marcus held up his hand for quiet.

"Blackwood Pack," he roared. "We are celebrating tonight. Kieran, my son, has found love. Your Luna will be Evelyn.

There were murmurs. While some frowned, others grinned. A tall, blonde woman named Serena glared from the crowd, her blue eyes as sharp as a knife. She was always close to Kieran, laughing beside him, and I had seen her before.

Kieran moved to stand next to me. He took my hand, warm and rough. My heart raced as the bond grew stronger. He breathed on my ear as he leaned in. "This has no effect. You are a responsibility, not a choice.

To cover up the sting, I squeezed his hand. "Then why does it feel like more?"

His eyes narrowed as he withdrew.

"The wedding will take place in a month," Marcus added. Let our pack be strengthened by the bond.

There was a burst of cheers. Kieran dropped my hand as if it were hot. Serena appeared at his elbow, her smile too radiant, and he vanished into the crowd.

With my inner wolf howling, I observed them. Was this the beginning or the end of something?

Later, I paced by myself in my room. The bond pulled me in his direction. Slipping out, I followed it through the shadowy forest. The leaves crunched beneath my feet. Ahead the mansion loomed.

I slipped over to a window and looked in. Head in hands, Kieran sat in the study. Serena spoke softly as she stood in front of him. "This cannot be carried out in a serious manner. She is nothing.

He raised his head. "Orders from the father."

She put her hand on his arm. "But you do not care about her, do you?"

His quiet was long. Then, "The bond... it is there."

My heart skipped a beat. The branch snapped beneath my foot as I leaned closer.

Kieran's head snapped up. "Who is there?"

My pulse thundered as I froze.

The door swung open. With eyes that gleamed silver in the moonlight, Kieran emerged. "Evelyn?"

His hand grabbed my wrist as I turned to flee. Heat shot through me as the bond exploded. "What are you doing here?"

"I... I sensed it. "The pull."

Breathless, he drew me in. "You ought not to have come."

Serena's eyes widened as she emerged in the doorway. "Kieran?"

He stepped back and let me go. "Evelyn, go home."

However, his eyes lingered, conflicted, as I retreated.

The days that followed dragged. I spent all of my time getting ready for the wedding—fittings, pack lore lessons. Marcus led me with a steady presence. One afternoon while we were strolling around the grounds, he said, "Kieran will come around."

I nodded, but my doubts persisted. "He seems... distant."

At that age, he is similar to me. I am proud. However, you will break through that shell.

In order to conceal the pain, I practised smiling in front of the mirror.

Serena then cornered me in the hallway one week before the wedding. The air was choked with her perfume. She hissed, "Enjoy it while it lasts." "He will never love you."

I stood up straight. "The bond says otherwise."

Sharply, she laughed. "Bonds can break."

As I turned to leave, her words reverberated.

I had trouble sleeping the night before the ceremony. I was drawn out once more as the bond hummed stronger. With rippling fur, I transformed into a wolf and dashed in the direction of the mansion.

Kieran stood shirtless in the clearing, his muscles shining in the moonlight. Sensing me, he turned. "Return."

I stood bare-chested and fearless. "Why fight this?"

His eyes were dark as he walked up. "Because I would rather not be shackled."

My cheek was cupped by his hand. Fire was sparked by the touch. We pressed our lips together, hungry and fierce. With my hands on his chest, I melted into him.

Then he withdrew. "This is meaningless."

My wolf whispered, Liar.

Breathless, we parted.

The day of the wedding arrived. The hall was crowded with pack members and flowers. With my heart pounding, I walked down the aisle. With a sharp suit and a blank expression, Kieran waited at the altar.

As we exchanged vows, Marcus smiled. "Kieran, do you consider Evelyn to be your partner?"

"I do."

"And you, Evelyn?"

"I do."

Fingers slid with rings. A surge of power sealed the bond.

However, Serena's face contorted in the rear row as we faced the audience. Most people did not notice her sneaking out.

Kieran was facing me in our chambers that night. "Duty."

I put my hand on his arm. "Is it?"

The bond was so strong that he gave me a forceful kiss at that moment. Clothes dropped off. Our bodies moved in time as we tangled in sheets. Despite what he said, his hands were gentle as they explored.

Then he held me, breathing steadily. "Maybe... more than duty."

In the dark, I grinned.

But morning brought chaos. The door was knocked on. Without a shirt, Kieran replied.

One of the guards panted. "Alpha Marcus has passed out. poisoned.

Kieran's face went white. "What?"

I clutched my sheet and sat up. "How?"

The guard gave me a quick look. "They say... evidence points to you, Luna."

My entire world swayed. Kieran's eyes froze. "Is it true?"

Guards rushed in and grabbed my arms before I could say anything.

"No!" I exclaimed.

Kieran stood frozen in observation. "Take her away."

Serena emerged in the hallway with a smirk concealed in her eyes as they pulled me out.