The reason Liam is in this area is because his older brother, the Crown Prince Alpha—Alpha Lenny—framed him seven years ago.
Lenny set a trap for Liam, leading their father, in a fit of rage, to brutally exile him without allowing him to explain himself. Back then, Liam was still an Alpha Prince, excelling in his role, but Lenny had always envied him.
Even their beloved grandmother, Matriarch Deborah, tried to intervene in the Alpha King's decision, but her pleas fell on deaf ears. In the end, she severed ties with her son, the King.
Since then, Alpha Liam has built his own kingdom, where his warrior wolf pack consists of other exiles. He has worked tirelessly, earning the respect and admiration of his people.
Seven years have passed, and Liam has transformed from an ignorant eighteen-year-old prince into a Rogue Alpha King at twenty-five, seasoned with a wealth of experience. No one truly knows what he has endured.
"Liam, change direction. Head west immediately," his inner wolf, Federi, suddenly commanded.
"I'm not turning back. Western territory isn’t suitable for my warriors to stage an ambush."
"Something is happening. Listen, Liam, go back there!"
"Don't distract me, Federi. There's a better spot for my people in the further east."
"Damn it! You're so stubborn for someone so young! Turn back! She—our mate—is in the west! She needs our help! Hurry!"
Alpha Liam reluctantly headed west, obeying his inner wolf. This was different from his original plan—he had intended to take advantage of today's solstice, when the moon was at its smallest. This was also the time when all wolves were at their weakest, which meant he couldn't afford to lower his guard.
Slowly, he noticed the scent around him changing. The aroma of verbena, lemon, and cinnamon gradually reached his nose. His wolf, Federi, hadn't lied. He felt his heartbeat quicken and his body temperature rise. His mate was waiting for him.
But then, the rising cries of a pup echoed through the western grasslands, forcing him to stay alert. Liam had fallen into an enemy trap before, and if his weakness was exploited again… No! He had already paid the price for his recklessness seven years ago. Now that he was the King of the Rogues, he couldn't afford to take those risks.
He did his best to suppress Federi’s instincts in his heart and remained on guard. The child's cries grew closer and closer, and yet, he couldn't stop himself from remembering his own birth. His mother, who had not been his father’s Luna, died giving birth to him. It was his grandmother, Deborah, who had held him in her arms. Regardless of his father’s status, he was an illegitimate son—but his grandmother had given him everything a prince should have.
"Help! Please, help us!"
A weak, feminine voice called out to his wolf, Federi.
When Alpha Liam pushed aside the bushes, he saw a woman lying in the grass, her golden hair spread around her. Her pale face was filled with determination, but her emerald eyes seemed to shine, as if some unseen force were guiding Liam to touch her.
"She’s so beautiful… Touch her! She is our Luna!"
A powerful urge surged through him, pushing Liam to bond with the stunning young woman before him, both mentally and physically. He wanted her as his queen, his Luna—the woman he would place by his side once his empire was built. The mother of his future children. Even though he didn't know her name yet, Liam Blackmoon understood that his inner wolf had been right to lead him here. This was the she-wolf destined for him. A deep excitement flooded his body, unlike anything he had ever felt before.
"My son… David… I'm sorry… You would have been like your brother… You will be a prince… You must survive… You will…"
Mia thought she was dying, whispering her final words to her son. But something strange was happening.
A warm energy suddenly awakened inside her, and she thought she saw a pink wolf entering her body.
At that moment, the bushes rustled, sending her heart racing. She wanted to run, but her body was too weak.
"Who… Who’s there?" she asked in a trembling voice, clutching her child tighter.