My suitcase from Zurich was still there, so I grabbed it and threwin whatever I could reach—my mother’s photo, the diploma I’d once been proud of, a handful of clothes.
I couldn’t stay here. Couldn’t survive another second in this place that had never been home.
As I ran, I could still hear the celebration—Dimitri’s voice through the microphone, calm and steady as though he hadn’t ruined me.
But it was my own fault. I’d let myself foolishly believe even when I knew the truth.
And now I was shattered—and the worst part was, a traitorous corner of my heart still whispered his name as I fled.
Chapter Five
Dimitri’s POV
The Alpha’s crest was heavier than I’d imagined, a wolf carved from pure silver, its eyes set with genuine diamonds that caught the light. My father had worn this crest. His father before him. It was one of Garnia’s most precious possessions, passed down through generations of Alphas.
It was supposed to make me feel powerful. In control. Triumphant.
Instead, it felt like a weight pressing down on my chest, making it harder to breathe.
My wolf, now fully aligned with the mantle of Alpha, prowled restlessly beneath my skin, its rage simmering, barely restrained, demanding I let him loose, let him take charge and undo the choice I had just made.
I turned to look at Selene Ashworth standing beside me. She looked perfectly polished, flawlessly presented. Her blonde hair cascaded down her shoulders in deliberate waves that had probably taken hours to achieve. Her dress was an expensive ivory silk. She looked every inch the Luna. Poised, regal, like she was born for the role.
Just like my mother had always been. Maia Ravencrest, with herperfect posture and cutting elegance, her ability to command a room with a single glance. Selene had that same quality—that innate understanding of power and how to wield it.
She was everything an Alpha’s Mate should be.
And I felt absolutely nothing when I looked at her.
Selene leaned forward, placing a kiss on my jaw. Her perfume was so strong it nearly choked me. I forced myself not to pull away, not to show the revulsion crawling under my skin.
Around me stood the other leaders—CEOs and pack Alphas alike—men whose influence and connections could elevate Ravencrest Global to unprecedented heights. Faces blurred together, all here to witness Dimitri Ravencrest claim his birthright.
This ceremony, these connections, these alliances, they would put Garnia back on the pedestal where it belonged. Would erase the shame my father had brought upon us when he’d abandoned his pack for a woman. Would prove that I was nothing like him.
This was the culmination of everything I’d worked for since I was thirteen years old. Since the day my father left and I’d had to grow up overnight. Since I’d taken on the mantle of Alpha heir at eighteen and spent every day since proving I was worthy of it.
I should have felt euphoric. Vindicated. Powerful.
But all I felt was empty.
Because when I looked ahead, past the congratulating crowds and the raised champagne glasses, I could still see the spot where she’d stood, where Isabella had looked up at me with desperate hope in her green eyes. Where her hope had died as I’d spoken the words that destroyed us both.
The image was seared into my brain, trumping every other emotion I was supposed to be feeling.
I’d felt it too. The excruciating pain of severing the one thing that had made me feel different. That had made me feel alive instead of like a boy playing at being a man, weighed down by impossible expectations and the constant pressure to be better than his father.
My wolf had howled inside me when I’d spoken thosewords. Had recoiled like I’d betrayed not just Isabella, but him. Us. Everything we were supposed to be.
He was still snarling now, pacing restlessly, demanding I go after her. Demanding I fix what I’d broken.
But I couldn’t leave my own Alpha ceremony. Not with every major Alpha in the state watching. Not with business deals worth hundreds of millions hanging in the balance. Not when I’d just spent the last hour proving I could be the Alpha Garnia needed.
Leaving now would show weakness. Would make them question my commitment. Would undo everything I’d just accomplished.
This was the right choice. This was the only way to protect her.
“Congratulations, Dimitri.”
