The Chosen One •

27

🐺 Kun 🐺

I was standing in the main hall of the packhouse, reviewing the training schedule for the day, when the scent of jasmine and frost drifted into the room. My jaw clenched instinctively. Ming.

She walked in alongside Lily, her sharp eyes scanning the room before they landed on me. I immediately straightened, my senses on high alert. Why is she here?

I mind-linked Lily. Did you tell her about Isabel or her secret?

Lily stiffened but quickly replied, No, I haven't. I don't agree with Isabel being Luna, but I respect you as our future alpha and the pack's decision. Her tone was defensive but truthful. Ming asked where you were. That's all.

Ming's gaze flicked between us, clearly noticing the silent exchange. "Why don't you just speak out loud?" she said, crossing her arms.

I dismissed Lily with a curt nod before turning my attention fully to Ming. "What are you doing here?" My voice was sharp, but I kept it steady. Then it hit me—Ming was from Steelclaw Pack. She was Alpha Jace's cousin, sharing alpha blood, though she wasn't directly in line for leadership. That explained her presence, but not her timing.

Ming tilted her head, a faint smirk playing on her lips. "Why are you being so weird, Kun? And why do you smell... different?"

I exhaled slowly, reigning in my growing irritation. "We can't do this anymore, Ming."

Her smirk faltered. "What do you mean, 'this'? Are you serious?"

"I am. I've found my mate." The words came easily, and to my surprise, they carried no hesitation. "I want her."

Ming stilled, her expression turning cold. "You could just reject her," she said, her voice low and bitter.

Gray surged forward inside me, a low growl vibrating from my chest. Ming's eyes widened slightly, and she took a half-step back. "You know I won't do that," I said firmly.

She hesitated before scoffing, folding her arms tightly across her chest. "Think about it," she pressed, her tone softening. "We've always been good together."

"No." My voice was absolute. "Leave me alone, Ming."

Her expression darkened. "Not until you tell me who she is. If she thinks she can just take what's mine, I'll challenge her for the Luna title."

A flash of anger shot through me. "That's not going to happen," I growled. "You won't lay a hand on her. We have bigger things to focus on right now—like the training."

But Ming wasn't backing down. Instead, she stepped closer, raising her hands to my face. I swatted them away, but she was quick, brushing her fingers along my jaw before I could stop her.

"You're making a mistake," she murmured, her eyes searching mine.

I opened my mouth to respond when I caught Isabel's scent approaching. My stomach tightened. Ming didn't care. I tried to push her away but she held on strongly, she leaned in and pressed her lips to mine.

I pushed her back immediately, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand. "What the hell was that?" I snapped. "I just told you it's over, and this is how you respond?"

Ming stumbled but recovered quickly, her lips curling into a mocking smile. "I—"

"Kun." Isabel's voice, low and cold, cut through the moment.

I spun toward her, my chest tightening at the hurt in her eyes. She was frozen in place, glaring at Ming with a fury I hadn't seen before. My heart sank. "Isabel, let me explain—"