Sold To The Ruthless Alpha

Delphie POV:

The crystal glass felt cold against my mother's fingers.

I could feel the condensation, the slight tremor running through her hand and into mine.

Around us, the Great Hall of the Orr Pack was a swirl of noise and laughter. Pack members raised their glasses, their voices booming in celebration of the full moon. Luna Rosalind Orr, perched on her raised seat like a vulture on a throne, soaked in their adoration.

My mother, Jacqueline Harrington, and I hid in the most inconspicuous corner of the hall.

She squeezed my hand. Her palm was slick with sweat.

I was thirteen, old enough to understand the looks sent our way. They were like tiny, sharp stones—pity from some, contempt from most. We were a stain on their perfect celebration.

Rosalind's eyes, chips of obsidian, scanned the room. They passed over laughing couples and boisterous warriors, and then they found us. They locked onto my mother.

A slow, cruel smile spread across her painted lips.

She caught the eye of a younger girl, her own blood-cousin, Mina. A flicker of fear crossed Mina's face, but it was quickly replaced by resignation. She nodded.

Mina picked up a glass of dark red juice and started walking.

She was heading for the Luna.

Her path took her right past our corner. Just as she drew level with my mother, Mina's ankle suddenly tilted.

A small gasp escaped her lips, and the glass flew from her hand.

It all happened in slow motion. The arc of the glass, the dark red liquid splashing through the air.

It landed perfectly on the pristine white silk of Rosalind's expensive gown.

A giant, ugly red stain bloomed across the fabric. Like a fresh wound.

The music screeched to a halt.

Silence fell over the hall. Thick and heavy.

A piercing shriek cut through it. Rosalind's.

She suddenly stood up, her fingers trembling as she pointed at my mother.

"Jacqueline Harrington! You! You pushed her!"

My mother's face went white. She dropped my hand and fell to her knees. "Luna, it wasn't me, I swear—I've been standing right here, I never touched her..."