9. "Only the Beginning"

Etizia’s POV

I took a deep breath and stood confidently in front of Timothy, with Nox by my side. It had taken a great deal of bravery for me to finally look up and meet his gaze.

As I did, I noticed that Timothy's face mirrored my own expression; a strained attempt to remain composed.

"Hello, Alpha King," Timothy's wife, a stunning woman, greeted us.

Her words prompted Timothy and me to avoid each other's eyes.

"It's been quite a while since I last visited," she said, her eyes locked onto mine. Her smile appeared pleasant, but it made me feel uneasy. "And now, I see the Luna. It brings me joy to return, doesn't it, Timothy?"

Timothy remained silent, his gaze shifting downwards as he let out a sigh.

To my surprise, it was my husband, Nox, who spoke up instead. "It's been quite a while, hasn't it? We just reunited after marrying our respective mates."

Observing the two of them, I couldn't help but notice that their smiles didn't quite reach their eyes. They appeared far from happy.

It was evident that their relationship wasn't in a good place either.

"Well then, allow me to show my respect to the Alpha King. I, Solenn from the Diamond Pack, have come here after tying the knot with Timothy from the Renoir Pack." Solenn turned to Timothy and prompted him, "You should show your respect too, honey."

Timothy raised his head and spoke without making eye contact, "I, Timothy from Renoir Pack, returned here after marrying the Alpha of Diamond Pack."

I discreetly placed my other hand behind me and clenched it tightly, maintaining a nonchalant expression.

"Timothy's mate is an Alpha of Diamond Pack?" I was genuinely taken aback by this revelation.

"Congratulations on your wedding. As the Alpha King, I have bestowed my blessings upon your union," Nox replied. "Now, it's time for me to introduce my Luna." Nox turned his head towards me.

As everyone's attention shifted towards me, I couldn't help but feel tense.

I glanced at the newlyweds with a sour taste in my mouth.

Solenn was the first to approach me, "Hello, Luna. It's a pleasure to meet you. You're as beautiful as the rumors say. We couldn't make it to the wedding, but those who did attend told me all about you."

I was just about to thank her when she added, "You look quite nice for someone with Omega blood," in a hushed tone.

Her words stung, and I felt my anger rising at the insult coming from the woman who had married my ex-boyfriend.

'I need to keep my cool. I have the advantage here,' I reminded myself.

I put on a fake smile and said, "Thanks. But did you really have to mention my blood?"

Solenn responded, "Why? Did I upset you? Oops, my bad. I guess you despise your humble blood. I made a mistake, didn't I?"

"Nah, I was just a little confused. I thought you were being sarcastic when you referred to me like that. But hey, who cares about my blood. I'm the Luna and you're here to show me respect," I replied.

There was silence afterwards. Solenn simply grinned at me and sealed her lips. That's when I heard my husband burst into laughter.

"Sorry, Solenn," he chuckled. "But my wife takes after me."

I tilted my head, unsure of what he meant by that. I take after him? In what way?

“Right. You’re a match, Alpha Nox,” Solenn answered.

While I was wondering what they were talking about, Timothy’s voice resurfaced.

“It’s a pleasure to meet my brother’s wife.”

The three of us turned our attention to Timothy. My body tensed up as I locked eyes with him.

"I'm Timothy, your brother-in-law," he introduced himself.

Out of nowhere, Timothy grabbed my left hand.

Upon contact, I froze in place.

My eyes widened as I looked at Austin, who slightly bowed his head.

"No way! Is he actually going to...!"

Before I could finish my thought, Austin confirmed my wildest assumption.

In front of my husband and Timothy's wife, Timothy planted a kiss on the back of my hand! I stood frozen in place, unsure of how to react. Timothy slowly withdrew his lips and stared at me with a look of betrayal.

"What's his problem?" I wondered to myself. After all, he was the one who left me. Why was he acting as if he was the one who had been betrayed and was now jealous?

As tensions rose between us, a curse slipped out.

"Damn it."

Suddenly, another hand yanked me away from Timothy's grasp.

"What the hell, Timothy?" Nox exclaimed, a smirk playing on his lips. "Did you seriously just kiss my Luna's hand right in front of me?"

I held my breath, terrified of being exposed.

"I was merely showing respect and courtesy to the Luna," Timothy defended himself. "If you're feeling jealous, then I apologize."

To others, it might seem like a romantic notion. But for me, it was far from it. In the eyes of the Alpha King, I was nothing more than a possession.

Nox held me tightly and whispered, "You should also think about how Solenn feels. She's probably just as furious."

I glanced over at Solenn and saw the intense glare she directed towards Timothy.

As Timothy and Solenn locked eyes, I couldn't help but narrow my own. There was definitely some sort of animosity between them.

Why do they seem like they're about to rip each other apart? It's like they can't even stand being near each other.

"I'm not jealous," Solenn told Nox with a smile. "My husband is just a gentleman. No need to be upset. The Alpha King wouldn't get it because you're always so rough."

"Being rough is just who I am," Nox replied.

The tension in the air is all thanks to Timothy. I feel like I've aged a hundred years.

"I'm sorry once again," Timothy apologized. "But are we going to stand here forever? Should we head inside?"

"I'll let it slide this time," Nox responded. "Just don't let it happen again, brother."

Timothy glanced at me, but I avoided his eyes.

Nox then gestured with his hand, and his Beta, Dominic, approached.

"Dominic, get the dining room ready. My Luna and I will have lunch with our dear guests," Nox commanded.

I was shocked to realize that this was only the beginning.