Alpha's Hidden Precious Luna-Chapter 98

Lucas POV

Since our mating ceremony, I didn’t only gain Vanessa’s trust but also the pack’s respect.

The grand hall of the Golden Moon Pack shimmered with opulence, with crystal chandeliers casting soft, golden light across the gathering. Tonight, it was a celebration of the annual Moonlight Gala, the most prestigious event in our social calendar every year.

I stood beside Vanessa, my arm loosely draped around her waist. She looked stunning in a deep emerald gown that clung to her curves, her radiant smile drawing attention from everyone in the hall. This would be our first appearance as mates since our ceremony.

The gala celebrated the pack’s achievements for the year. Speeches were made, and awards were distributed. Aside from that, this would be a perfect opportunity to begin my plan. I wanted the pack for myself.

I was tired of waiting for Alpha Gregory Stone—Vanessa’s father- to die or willingly retire before he handed over the reins of the pack to me entirely. I wanted to be in charge. My eyes followed Vanessa as she spoke with a group of elder she-wolves.

My mind was elsewhere. Vanessa’s confession about what she and her father did at Royal Hunter’s pack has consumed my thoughts of Lily. No matter how hard I tried to focus on my new role as Vanessa’s mate and assistant to Alpha Stone, the questions about Lily gnawed at me.

Wasn’t Alpha Stone her father? Why would he be so cruel as to ask another alpha to punish his daughter? Fine, parents may have a favourite, but asking that your child be harmed because you do not like them is suspicious.

But then again, something about Lily’s background had never quite added up. The way certain pack elders looked at her and treated her differently. The subtle whispers... maybe there was more to it than the front presented.

Later that evening, after the festivities had wound down and the guests had left, Vanessa and I returned to our bedroom. She was in high spirits, recounting funny stories she had heard at the gala, filling the room as she told me about them.

“Did you see Gamma Grey trying to dance?” Vanessa giggled, slipping out of her heels. “It was like watching a newborn deer trying to walk.”

I barely acknowledged her words, pouring myself a glass of whiskey from the decanter on the table. I downed it in one gulp, the burning sensation doing little to calm my nerves.

“Vanessa,” I said icily, cutting through her laughter.

Her smile never wavered, but a slight tremor ran through her body as if she knew what was coming. It was the same one I used during pack negotiations the last time I made her confess.

She tilted her head. “What is it, dear?”

I set the glass down with a thud, turning to face her. “I need you to tell me the truth. About Lily.”

She stiffened, her smile fading. “Not this again, Lucas. I am not in the mood to talk about your ex-girlfriend. The gala was stressful, and I only want to rest.”

“Vanessa,” I called her again, making my tone even more complicated. “I am not bluffing. I need to know the entire truth about her. Nothing makes sense... like why do you and your father treat her differently when she’s your sister? I need an explanation for that.”

She rolled her eyes, picking up a wipe from the vanity table. “What do you mean?”

“You know fucking what I mean!” I growled, my eyes boring into hers through the mirror. “There’s something you’re not telling me. I’ve asked you before, and you’ve always dodged the question. But not tonight.”

She frowned, crossing her arms defensively as she looked away from the mirror, turning to me. “Why are you always obsessed with her? I’m your mate now, Lucas. Why can’t you just let her go?” 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

“This isn’t about us,” I snapped. “This is about her. About what you and your father know. I need to know everything, too.”

She hesitated, glancing away as she murmured. “I’d hoped that your devotion to her would fade after our mating ceremony, but clearly, it hasn’t. If anything, it seems stronger now. Do you know how much that offends me? You said you wanted to be with me, but you can’t seem to get her out of your system.”

I crossed the room to where she was in two long strides. Seizing her arm, my fingers dug slightly into it. Not enough to bruise, but enough to communicate. “Don’t make me force it out of you. I need to know everything about her. I want the truth.”

“And if I say no?” she challenged. “What will you do?”

“Vanessa!” I hummed my warning, but she wriggled her arm out of my hold, turning to grab another wipe as she started cleaning her face.

“I don’t know what you take me for or who you think I am Lucas, but I am not someone you’ll trample on because you’re so fixated on another woman. Fulfil your duties to me, who’s your mate, and to me alone, and forget about Lily. She’s the past.”

“She’s present until I say so.” I turned the chair around, swivelling it so hard that she let out a fearful yelp before I pinned her in between the table and myself.

“I ask you again, tell me why you and your father treat Lily like an outcast. Now!”

She flinched as fear flickered in her eyes. After a moment’s hesitation, she sighed. “Fine,” her voice trembled slightly. “But you won’t like what you hear.”

My jaw tightened, but I nodded for her to continue.

Her fingers fidgeted with the hem of her dress for a few seconds before she looked up at me. Her eyes were filled with resignation.

“Lilly... she’s not who you think she is. She’s not my father’s daughter.”

I froze, staring at her strangely. “What are you talking about? What do you mean?”

“I said, Lily is not my sister; neither is she my father’s daughter.”