Chapter 7 Counterfeit

Kayla I could feel Nicholas’s body stiffen for a moment. His amber eyes flickered with golden flames, and an intense Alpha aura began to radiate from him. The air around us grew heavy, charged with his power. He was furious. I had to admit that the pressure was unsettling. My fingers involuntarily trembled, but I kept my voice steady and spoke calmly. “I refuse,” I repeated, meeting his gaze unflinchingly. “Because this jewelry is fake. I’ve seen my mother’s real Moonstone Necklace and Moon Ring, and I’m certain that these are not the genuine ones.” A ripple of shock passed through the crowd. Murmurs and whispers spread like wildfire. Nicholas’s eyes narrowed, and he glared at the werewolf holding the tray. The young woman’s hands shook as she clutched the silver platter. “I—I didn’t know, Alpha,” she said, her voice trembling. “It was given to me by the old Luna.” I raised a hand to dismiss her, offering a small nod. “It’s alright. You’re not to blame.” Nicholas’s sharp gaze shifted to his stepmother, Isabella. His expression was filled with cold fury. “Care to explain, Mother?” he hissed, chewing on that last word like a poison apple. Isabella lifted her chin defiantly, her eyes darting between us. “I have no idea what you’re insinuating,” she replied coolly. “Are you accusing me of tampering with the Luna’s heirlooms?” I arched an eyebrow. “You are the last person to own these items. You can’t blame us for looking at you when obvious counterfeits are presented.” Gasps echoed through the hall. Isabella’s facade faltered for just a moment before she composed herself. “Don’t be so quick to dismiss that girl,” she suggested, casting a scornful glance at the trembling attendant. “Maybe she did it on purpose to cause a scene. Or stole the jewelry herself.” Nicholas took a step forward, shielding the terrified attendant from view. “No. I believe that the culprit is another,” he called out. “Whoever it is, step forward now and perhaps your criminal sentence will be lessened.” Silence hung heavy in the air. No one responded. Nicholas’s eyes flared with fury. His Alpha aura intensified as if a thick mist had settled over the room. The temperature in the room seemed to drop, and a palpable tension gripped everyone who was present. Some shifted uncomfortably, others bowed their heads. Even I felt my heart thunder a little harder in my chest despite the fact that his ire wasn’t aimed at me. “Who took my Luna’s Moonstone Necklace and Moon Ring?” Nicholas commanded, his voice resonating with the unmistakable power of the Alpha Voice. The crowd lowered their gazes further, his command falling over the crowd like a bomb. Even those who tried to resist, like Liam, couldn’t help but submit. Isabella stood rigid, of course—being the former Luna, she was able to resist the Alpha Voice to a degree—but as the seconds ticked by, the woman beside her began to tremble. I recognized her as Isabella’s handmaid. Unable to withstand the Alpha Voice, she stepped forward, her face pale and drawn. “I did it,” the handmaid confessed, her voice barely audible. “I hid them because Isabella forced me to.” A chorus of shocked exclamations erupted. “Too shameful!” someone muttered. “I knew that Luna was up to no good,” another whispered. It seemed that Isabella’s true colors, finally, were exposed to the public. Nicholas’s gaze remained fixed on his stepmother. “Well, Mother? Anything to say?” Isabella’s composure cracked. “This is absurd! She must be lying to protect someone else!” The handmaid shook her head vehemently. “No, I’m telling the truth. Isabella instructed me to replace the heirlooms.” Isabella’s face blanched as she whirled to face the handmaid. “You deceitful wench! How dare you slander me?” She raised her hand to strike her, but I stepped in the way, gripping Isabella’s wrist before she could. Isabella’s mouth fell open. “You—” She struggled against my grip, but I held fast, simply looking at Nicholas with raised eyebrows. Nicholas, ignoring his stepmother’s fury, turned to the handmaid. “You will bring the genuine items here within ten minutes and present them to my Luna. Do this, and your crime will be forgiven.” The handmaid bowed her head. “Yes, Alpha.” As the handmaid hurried away, I released Isabella—feeling her fury radiating off of her—and joined Nicholas’s side once more. He snapped his fingers at two nearby guards, who whisked a screeching Isabella away. The crowd parted for them, making way like the sea. Liam followed, throwing both of us an evil glare on his way out. Once it was over, Isabella’s shrieks muffled by the door closing behind them, Nicholas placed his arm around my shoulders and faced the crowd. “Let this serve as a reminder that deception and treachery have no place in Nightshade Pack.” A murmur of agreement rippled through the hall. Nicholas turned back to me, a hint of admiration in his eyes. He lifted my hand gently and pressed his lips to my knuckles. “I’m honored to have you as my Luna,” he said softly. “You’ve helped me expose Isabella’s false image in front of everyone. Thank you.” A current of electricity surged through my body at his touch. My cheeks warmed, but I quickly pulled my hand back, offering a faint smile. “I’m not some fool who can be easily deceived, no matter what she thinks.” He chuckled softly. “Well I, for one, never thought you were.” My face heated a little more. But thankfully, before I had to say anything else, the crowd began to cheer. They seemed to revel in the sight of the Alpha and his Luna standing united. The Elder cleared his throat, attempting to regain control of the ceremony. “As soon as the maid returns with the heirlooms, we shall proceed.” The handmaid returned promptly, carrying the authentic Moonstone Necklace and Moon Ring. The jewels sparkled brilliantly, their ethereal glow unmistakable. I knew immediately that these were the true heirlooms, and confirmed it to Nicholas with a subtle nod. “Please, esteemed Kayla Sterling, accept these symbols of your new role,” the Elder repeated. I hesitated for a moment but then nodded. Nicholas took the necklace from the tray and stepped behind me, his fingers brushing against my skin as he fastened it around my neck. I suppressed a shiver at his touch. He then slipped the ring onto my finger. It fit perfectly, like it was made for me. I couldn’t help but gawk at it a little, admiring the way the moonstone absorbed the light. “By the power vested in me, I declare Nicholas and Kayla the Alpha and Luna of Nightshade Pack,” the Elder proclaimed. A thunderous applause erupted. The ceremony continued with the traditional rites, but everything passed in a blur. My mind was racing, and I was left wondering if I had made a mistake, if I had perhaps taken a step into something that I wasn’t fully prepared for. After what felt like both an eternity and a mere second, the ceremony concluded. Nicholas and I stepped down from the platform. “I need some air,” I whispered to him. He nodded. “Take your time. We’ll talk later.” I made my way backstage, finding a quiet corner away from the prying eyes. Leaning against the wall, I took a deep breath, trying to process everything. “Kayla!” Ava’s voice broke through my thoughts. She hurried over, her dark curls falling into her eyes. “Why didn’t you tell me that you were engaged to Alpha Nicholas? This is wonderful news!” “I didn’t have much time to process it myself,” I said, which was technically true. She tilted her head, concern flickering across her face. Finally, with a sigh, I explained the truth to her. When I was finished, her face was pale. “Are you alright with this?” she whispered. I sighed. “Honestly, I’m not sure. But I think he can help me keep Bluemoon from being taken from me.” Ava’s eyes widened. “But marriage is a big commitment, Kayla. Are you certain?” “I don’t see any other options,” I confessed. “The Elders are pressuring me, the guild is closing in, and Liam...” She squeezed my hands gently. “You don’t have to explain. I trust your judgment. Just be careful.” “I will,” I assured her, although my voice was small. Ava’s smile wavered a little, and she pulled me into a hug. I slumped against her, burying my face in her shoulder. She always knew when I was lying, when I was just putting on a brave face for the sake of the pack. And right now was one of those times. “I’m here if you need me,” she whispered, stroking my auburn locks. “Henry is, too. Don’t forget that.” I nodded, taking comfort in her support. But as we parted, a knock sounded at the door. Nicholas stepped inside, pausing in the doorway. “Am I interrupting?” I straightened and pulled away from Ava. Instantly, I put my mask of brave indifference on again. “Not at all.” Ava glanced between us. “I’ll give you two some privacy.” She gave my hand one last squeeze before slipping out of the room. An awkward silence settled between us once Ava was gone. I met Nicholas’s gaze, steeling myself. “It’s time to settle our scores,” I declared, folding my arms. “How dare you make all these decisions without my consent?”