He isn’t fit for a pack. We will cast him out!
I think you’re right. He will not be welcome in any pack. We will mark him as an enemy.Hunter replied. He looked at Kristy and felt a bit sorry for her. Still, she'd made her choice. She'd chosen to betray him, to plot against him.She was willing to deceive us for power,Blaze reminded him with a haughty shake.Why is she bothering us now?
Kristy gulped and looked down. "I know I don't deserve anything from you. What I did was unforgivable. I got caught up in Will's promises, and I was stupid enough to think ..." She trailed off, shaking her head. "I just wanted to apologize. You deserved better than what I did to you."
Hunter studied her for a moment. He could see genuine remorse in her eyes, though it didn't change the past. "You madeyour choice, Kristy. We both have to live with the consequences of that."
"I know." She wiped at her eyes. "I heard you found your true mate. That you're the Werewolf King now. I'm genuinely happy for you, Hunter. You deserve someone who won't betray you."
Before Hunter could respond, he felt an arm snake around him from behind. He looked at the green eyes beside him and smiled, reaching out to pull Freja lovingly to him. Tiny sparks tingled through his body as she connected against him.
"I would like to introduce you to your queen, my mate, Luna Freja." Hunter was proud of his woman. She was precious to him, everything Kristy had pretended to be.
Kristy lowered her head in reverence to Freja, her shoulders hunching. "Luna."
Freja looked at her with those piercing emerald eyes. She had excellent hearing and had been aware of Hunter's presence the moment he drifted away, listening to every word. "What you did to my mate was calculated and cruel. But I can see you're paying for it now." Her voice wasn't unkind, just honest. "I hope you find a path forward, one built on honesty this time."
Kristy nodded, tears streaming down her face. "Thank you. I don't deserve your kindness." She took a shaky breath. "I should go. I just ... I needed to apologize. To tell you I'm sorry for everything."
Hunter watched as she walked away, her head down, shoulders slumped. Whatever feelings he'd once had through the mate bond were long gone. She was just another wolf now, no more important to him than anyone else. The chapter of his life with her had closed, and he'd found something infinitely better.
He turned to Freja and pulled her close, breathing in her scent. "I couldn’t have asked for a better mate. I got the best."
"Don’t you forget it," she whispered, rising on her toes to kiss his jaw.
“So, did you win?” Hunter asked.
Freja giggled as she interlocked her fingers with his. “Not a chance. She isn’t a wind demon. She’s a sugar demon. No one can beat her in her natural element.”
“Oh? I think that sounds like a challenge.” Hunter smirked, looking down at her. Yes, he was incredibly lucky. He turned her into him and lowered his head down to hers. “You are everything I’ve ever wanted and more.”
“Same, Hunter. You are more than I deserve.”
Hunter shook his head. “No, Freja. We deserve each other. We were meant for each other.” He pushed his lips against hers, soaking in the rich feeling created between them. When he was betrayed, he thought it was the end of the world. Now he realized it was the beacon that guided him to an even better world. He slowly pulled away and looked at Freja as she smiled up at him.
“Let’s see how formidable this sugar demon is,” Hunter said with a wink.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
Hunter, Chasen, and Freja sat there, staring across the table, each with three unfinished cups in front of them. Across the table were three empty glasses and a very perky Jin. Their faces drooped in defeat.
“That was fun, guys. Want to have another round? Maybe you can beat me this time.” Jin giggled.
Chasen chuckled and reached under the table, grabbing the lip of her chair and scooting it into him. He pulled Jin into his chest, pressing his lips onto the side of her head. “This victory is all yours, my dear. We will never question your strength again.”
Freja looked at Hunter. “I told you we were no match for her.”
“No kidding.” Hunter chuckled as he scooted his chair back. “Alright guys. Let’s head home. I have a luna to introduce to the pack.” Hunter pulled Freja up to his side. “As long as you’re still okay with being introduced today.” He held her hands up to his face and brushed over her fingers with his lips.
She smiled and nodded. “I’m ready.”
The whole pack had gathered in front of the pack house. It was evening now, and they were all waiting on their alpha’s announcement. They knew it had to do with the new luna, since most of them felt the connection to her already. Freja peeked out the window, feeling a bit anxious. The crowd had gathered to see her.
Hunter’s strong arms spun her around and away from the window. He leaned his head down and nuzzled his mark on her neck.
“They are going to love you,” he whispered into her sensitive skin, making her shudder.
“I’ll do my best, Hunter. To be who I should be,” Freja whispered.
