Chapter 1: Return

Eden’s POV

This is the seventh time I’ve called Alpha Caleb tonight, and as usual, he hasn’t answered.

It’s our two-year anniversary, and I didn’t have a wolf, that’s why I had to call my husband on the phone like a human. Then I could only try shooting him text: [Caleb. I know you’re busy. Just wanted to confirm when you’d be home tonight? I’m making your favorite steaks ^^]

“Stop wasting your time on stupid phone calls,” The omega maids leader, Alice, said, rolling her eyes, dumping a basket of clothes at my feet. “Make yourself useful. You’re the Luna and you have nothing to give to this pack. No wolf. No kids. The least you could do is help with the laundry.” 

No wolf. No kids.

The words stung. I bit my lip. She was right, I was wolfless. But I didn’t want to be! I wanted more than anything to be a good Luna for Caleb, for our pack.

“If I catch you slacking off, I’ll report to the Alpha and have you locked up in the dungeon.” Alice added, her gaze turned malicious. “You know how tough it is in the dungeon,” She brushed past me then, deliberately bumping into my shoulder.

I shivered with dread. I knew all too well how terrifying the dungeon was. Alice had falsely accused me of theft, and Caleb locked me up there. Alice would whip me and hurl insults at me every day, not allowing me to eat or sleep. To survive, I had to admit guilt and apologize to Alice. 

Since then, the pack members had grown more disdainful toward me. Caleb became even more distant. I absolutely did not want to be locked up there again.

I quickly checked my phone. Still no response from Caleb, so I started sorting his laundry. But as I picked up his dress jacket, I felt something inside the pocket. I reached in and saw a beautiful invitation. It was addressed to Alpha Caleb and myself. 

It was an invitation to a banquet! To honor the return of the Lycan King!

The Lycan King? He had returned? He’d been gone for almost 100 years! This was a serious event! I scanned the invitation for more details. My eyes flew open in shock when I read the date. 7pm. November 1(st). That was tonight! 

But how could that be? Caleb hadn’t mentioned anything about a banquet, which was odd, since this was the first formal invitation he’d received since taking over the pack. How could he forget to tell me? 

He couldn’t attend the banquet without me! That was against our rules: Alphas must attend all events with their Lunas. If an Alpha went to an event without a Luna, it could be seen as a sign of internal pack issues. That was the last thing I wanted for Caleb! I had to get ready fast and meet him there! 

I glanced at the clock. It was ten past six! Maybe that’s why he wasn’t answering his phone – he was busy preparing for the big event. I’m sure he meant to tell me. It probably just slipped his mind.

I ran upstairs, pulled on a blue silk dress and piled my brown, curly hair on top of my head. I quickly put on some pink lipstick and mascara. 

The Lycan King was back! This was going to be a very exciting night! Caleb and I could celebrate our anniversary tomorrow. This was his first official event as the new Alpha of our pack. And I would be right there with him, on his arm, as his loving Luna.

I arrived at the venue. There was a gorgeous outdoor area set up decorated with string lights that shone under the moon’s soft glow. Besides, this area was a massive tent, heavily guarded by two strong warriors. The banquet was inside the tent. 

People were already gathered, and I recognized several Lunas and Alphas from other packs in the area. The air buzzed with excitement, as people discussed, in hushed reverence, the return of Zane, the Lycan King.

I scanned the crowd, looking for Caleb but I couldn’t find him. Strange, I thought to myself. Maybe he’s just not here yet. 

Soon, my breath caught in my throat. I noticed that to my left, there was a throng of people. A tall, imposing figure standing in the center, with his back turned. He was dressed in an elegant fur robe, flanked by two warriors. Despite the distance, I could feel his powerful presence. I immediately knew it was him — the guest of honor, the revered Lycan King.

He was rumored to be one of the strongest, the most intelligent, most handsome Kings of all time. I stood, fixed in my spot, admiring him from a distance. And he was just about to turn around so I could see his face when something caught my eye.

Someone’s necklace flashed in the light. I turned and saw Caleb. My Caleb! There he was. He was smartly dressed in one of my favorite suits, navy with a matching silk navy tie. I lifted my hand to wave to him, but I stopped it in mid-air.

There was another woman on his arm. She was elegantly dressed, in a long, flowing gown. Her necklace flashed in the light again. She was gorgeous. And she was laughing happily with Caleb. If I didn’t know better, I’d say they looked like a couple...

Next second, the woman turned around, and I saw her face—

Scarlett.

My half-sister.

And Caleb’s first love.