Four Alphas Took My Moon Crown To My Adopted Sister Chapter 02
Teresa wore the crown that symbolized Silvermoon Pack’s most noble werewolf bloodline. She linked arms with Cedric and wandered through the banquet hall.
The three Alphas who once swore lifelong protection over me now busied themselves introducing Teresa to other high-ranking pack members.
Cedric pushed through the crowd and walked toward me.
He stopped right in front of me, his voice cold and unyielding.
“This crown gives Teresa the confidence to stay in Silvermoon Pack. You are already the true daughter of the Thorne family. You do not need one more piece of jewelry.”
“It is just an old trinket. Be reasonable.”
I stared at him, my heart turning ice cold.
“What if this heirloom fell into the hands of outsiders? What would Grandfather think? If I cannot even protect my mother’s relic, what claim would I have to rule over the pack’s holdings?”
Cedric’s brows knitted together tightly.
“You only ever think about gain. Is there anything in your heart besides power and wealth?”
I stayed silent. His tone dropped even lower. “Stella, you are tough. You could survive easily even outside the Thorne family. Teresa cannot.”
“She is soft and innocent. She is only an adopted daughter. If she loses this crown tonight, the pack elders will look down on her. She might even be driven out of the pack house.”
He had no idea the fight over the pack’s assets had reached its final stage.
My father’s hints could not have been clearer.
Either I passed his test tonight and proved I was fit to manage the assets.
Or he would marry me off to the disgraced second son of the Alpha from Starveil Pack, trading my hand for their alliance.
I had hoped Cedric would stand with me, for the sake of our three years together.
This auction had shattered every last one of my hopes.
Teresa lifted her skirt and ran over, leaning close against Cedric.
“Alpha, may I go greet the pack elders over there?”
She turned to me right after, putting on an innocent look as she asked for a favor.
“Stella, could you lead me there? You have negotiated countless partnerships for Silvermoon Pack. You must know what all the Alphas and elders like.”
She quickly covered her mouth as if she had said something wrong.
“I did not mean to imply you curry favor… I just think you work far too hard.”
Several Lunas nearby frowned at her words.
“No wonder she was raised outside the territory. The Thorne family’s eldest daughter is so opportunistic. The adopted girl is far more sincere.”
Gossip swirled around me like drifting snowflakes.
That list of preferences had been given to me by Grandfather. He told me to memorize the habits of every high-ranking werewolf in Wildmoon Territory, all to secure long-term partnerships for Silvermoon Pack.
Cedric had praised me back then for being thoughtful and respectful toward the pack elders.
Teresa tugged at Cedric’s sleeve. “Did I say something wrong again? I am so clumsy. I could never be as good at winning people over as Stella.”
Cedric stroked her hair gently. “It is fine. Your sister has a generous heart. She will not hold such small mistakes against you.”
With that, he led Teresa toward the center of the crowd.
I stood frozen in place, my mind drifting back three years.
It was the cold winter night when I first returned to Silvermoon Pack.
I was the Thorne family’s sole blood heir, yet I stood alone like a rogue, waiting for the pack house gates to open.
That snowy night was when I met Cedric.
He draped his coat over my shoulders and spoke solemnly. “Stella, I will be your greatest protection from now on.”
Now he had become my adopted sister’s shelter instead.
I set down my glass and pushed open the heavy wooden door leading to the terrace.
Chilly wind rushed over my skin. I drew in a sharp breath.
Grandfather would return from Blackthorn Valley in three days.
Every detail of tonight’s events would surely be twisted and exaggerated before reaching his ears.
I had no way left to retreat.
