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It was a world without Lilith and where Noah was free to run around and play like kids his age without needing constant supervision. It was a world where he could have a proper relationship with his father.

“And now, before we join this beautiful couple by blood and oath, if there’s anyone here who has something to say, they should speak up now or forever hold their peace.”

“I object.”

The crowd gasped, and my heart dropped to my stomach as Griffin stepped into the aisle, working his way toward the altar.

He looked disheveled with a poorly buttoned shirt and wild eyes. Every step he took was heavy with determination and motive. He wasn’t going to back down. I couldn’t tell if I was scared or excited.

“Griffin put an end to this madness and stop embarrassing me. We are married,” Lilith stepped out of the crowd and blocked Griffin from reaching the altar.

“Not anymore,” he replied, his eyes not leaving me as he pulled out an envelope from his pocket and tossed it at her, effectively removing her from his way.

“I, Griffin Thorne, accept you, Mira Raven, as my mate,” he announced the moment he got to the altar, and a feeling like nothingI’ve felt slammed into me. My body was lit from within, excitement coursing through my veins while my wolf surged inside me, pushing me toward him, but I was too shocked to move.

The audience was staring at us with wide eyes and open mouths while Lilith looked like she could kill someone.

“Mates?”

“The crown prince and the future princess are mates?”

“How is that possible?”

“When did this happen? I thought he was mated to Princess Lilith?”

“What happens now?”

Questions after questions rippled through the pack while I stood like a statue, still trying to soak in all that was happening around me.

“Uncle Griffin,” Noah yelled, effectively breaking the ice and also alerting Lilith of his presence.

She wasted no time grabbing him. The nanny fought to release Noah from her hold, but Lilith slashed her claws through her neck, leaving her to bleed out and returning Noah to her hold.

The atmosphere quickly went from surprise to fear and panic, and some of the audience escaped, leaving us, the guards and members of the royal court.

She turned to me, eyes blazing with so much hate and fury, “You will reject him else, it’ll be his blood painting the ground.”

“Let him go, Lilith, and I’ll do whatever you want. Just don’t hurt him,” I pleaded, my life flashing before my eyes.

“Then make your rejection quick so we can get on with our lives.”

My eyes darted to a sobbing Noah, and my chest squeezed. If anything happened to him, I’d never forgive myself. I swore to protect him with my life. One of the reasons I was in this fight was to make sure hehad a life free from threats and people trying to harm him. He deserved that much.

“Lilith, you don’t want to do this,” Griffin said, carefully taking a step in her direction.

“You don’t know how much I want to do this. I’ve been dreaming of the day I could sink my claws into his little heart and crush the life out of it.”

“Mom,” Noah whimpered as Lilith’s hold tightened around his throat.

“Aw, look at you. A cry-baby just like your daddy,” Lilith taunted, her eyes pinned on Griffin.

The statement froze me. This was effortlessly the worst day of my life. Surely, she wouldn’t risk exposing Noah’s paternity. If she does, she’ll be losing her place, and there’ll be nothing preventing Griffin from becoming king. If only I knew how mad she had become.

“Look at him, Griffin. Is this what you wanted? Some little kid to continue your legacy? I would’ve given him to you, you know. I even faked a pregnancy to show how serious I was about making sure you secure your place, but you wouldn’t touch me. You refused to make it real, and now I have to make sure you never get a taste of it.”

She did what?

Everyone went cold with Lilith’s admission. From the corner of my eyes, I could see Lady Sheila cover her mouth in surprise. Every limitation I placed on Lilith was shattered, and a new fear was born in its place. My son was in danger, and I now knew the woman would do anything, but at the same time, I was grateful the revelation kept everyone from paying attention to her insinuations about Noah’s paternity.