Savvy

The sunlight came through the slit curtains, gracing the spacious bedroom I shared with Phoenix Prince. I sat quietly on the couch, thoughts weighing on my mind.

He hasn't returned after what had happened the previous night. That was unlike him. Anytime we argued, Phoenix usually made sure to clear up the air before the next day, but this time, it was different. I wondered where he had gone and somehow, I forced myself to believe he was occupied by his new task as the Alpha and not by his mistress.

I was lost in thought when I was brought back to the present by the sounds of approaching footsteps. My head turned towards the door, and it opened seconds later. Irene stood in the doorway, her small smile in place as always.

"Ma'am, the breakfast has been served. You are wanted in the dining hall," she said, and I blinked, exhausted.

"I won't be coming down for breakfast."

I expected Irene to walk away, but she didn't. Instead, she said almost sadly,

"Alpha Phoenix is there with another lady. It's so... unbearable to watch."

Immediately after I heard this, my heart sank, and I got up, acting on impulse. I had thought all night Phoenix was attending to his tasks, but I was so wrong.

Hurriedly, I rushed into the dining hall only to get the shock.

Phoenix sat comfortably, Sapphire giggling by his side as they exchanged affectionate glances. The air was thick with their happiness and obvious love for each other.

My mate was so lost in the lady who sat by his side, but his gaze soon shifted towards me, and his smile gradually faded.

"Hey, you are here," Phoenix said, but I kept silent as he got up to guide me toward the chair which he pulled out for me.

I was just settling down when Kathleen, Phoenix's mother, walked in, the wedding invitation card in her hand. I quickly got up to pay my respects, but she ignored me completely and sat down, her gaze on Sapphire.

"Oh, I'm sorry I kept you all waiting. Sapphire dear, how was your night?"

"My first-night reunion with your son was blissful. Phoenix Prince wouldn't let me sleep a wink. He's just so naughty."

Chuckles came from Kathleen, and I felt invisible. Did Sapphire just indicate Phoenix Prince had a night with her while I was waiting for him?

"Well, I can believe you on that. Phoenix has waited so long to have you in his arms in his pack. You should take care of yourself in the process—and our baby."

These words spoken by my mate's mother sank my heart in a way I had never seen coming. I turned to settle my gaze on her. She had known about her son's infidelity all along, and she had supported it.

I nearly went crazy at the humiliation, and I swiftly made to leave when Phoenix's hand caught my wrist. Our eyes locked in a fiery moment as I tried to wriggle free, but he was just too powerful.

"There is a change in the wedding invitation, Savvy. You need to know," he said, compelling me to raise an eyebrow.

I turned to see his mother holding out the wedding invitation card toward me, and I accepted it to read. As my eyes scanned the content, I went pale. Goosebumps overwhelmed my skin, and I nearly fell.

"W-what is this?" I asked Phoenix directly, my tone barely above a whisper, and he sighed.

"It's the new wedding invitation. We only made a slight change."

"Slight changes," I echoed his words, my voice trembling with incredulity. Without another moment's hesitation, I turned and fled the dining room. Tears streamed down my face, blurring my vision as I ran blindly, unsure of where I was going. Just as I was about to round a corner, Phoenix's firm grip closed around my wrist, jerking me to a sudden halt. He pulled me back, my body crashing against his as he spun me around to face him.

We stood still, both of us, silent. He watched as my expression twisted and tears fell in sorrow and cruel betrayal.

"Phoenix... Please tell me all this is a joke. Tell me... You are only testing my patience. Tell me this isn't true, that..."

"It's all true," he cut in softly as his palm tenderly cupped my cheek. "I made a mistake, Savvy, and I have to pay the consequences."

"By paying the consequences, you plan to give my rightful position as a Luna to your mistress? Is that it?!"

"Savvy..."

"Have you even bothered to read the wedding invitation?" I asked, my voice trembling with outrage. "It clearly states that I will be reduced to a concubine—a degrading position that would irreparably tarnish my family's legacy. I'd not only lose my dignity, but my father's honor would be forever sullied. Aside from that... Do you plan on giving Sapphire Lake everything my father worked for? The Winter Tribe's possessions?"

"That won't be a problem, Savvy. You just—"

"I disagree!" I snapped at him. "You know better than anyone else that Luna's position is my right. It is the only way to call back my wolf. Without it, I am as good as dead."

"You will regain your wolf once you become my concubine, Savvy. I will pay back the loan."

I set my jaw as I searched his eyes. I wondered what had come over him. It took an effort before I let out a sigh to calm my nerves and then took a step away from him.

"Three years ago, after the demise of your father, the Alpha's seat was vacant. Do you know why? Because the rightful owner was brutally stabbed—and we both know you did it. I get it. It was an accident, but people outside will never believe you as I did. Covering your despicable actions was one of the most tedious jobs. The whole Winter Tribe stepped in per my command to cover all the traces you left behind. Bribing our way through left us all broke and shattered. In the end, I had to use my werewolf as collateral to finalize the last loan, and a vow was taken from me that I could only take back my wolf when I became the Luna of the Royal Pack. These sacred words were recorded. All the Winter Tribe suffered for this, but I promised them we would get back what we lost when I became the Luna of the Royal Pack. But now, you seem to have forgotten who bled for you on the battlefield. You have lost your reasoning and are blinded by lust. The Winter Tribe was the one who put you on the Alpha's seat, Phoenix Prince, and you have to do right by us."

I had expected empathy, understanding, and perhaps even a heartfelt apology from my mate. But instead, Phoenix Prince bridged the gap between us, his face shrouded in darkness. His eyes, once warm and loving, had transformed into icy orbs that sent shivers down my spine. I swallowed hard, my throat tightening as I struggled to process the cold, unyielding aura that now surrounded him.

“The Winter Tribe had nothing to do with my ascension to the Alpha's seat. I achieved that on my merit. And let's be clear—my brother's death was no accident. I stabbed him, and I'd do it again if it meant claiming the throne. As for you, Savvy, I was never loyal. You were just too naive to realize it until now. The only reason I have kept you around is out of obligation for the sacrifices you made for me. I'm willing to repay the Winter Tribe for their expenses in covering up my actions, but that's where my debt ends. Your role in my life is clear. You will be my concubine—content with the scraps I throw your way, and that of your people—only after you become my concubine. Refusal will only lead to your downfall, and you will be rejected by your true mate. The choice is yours, Savvy."