Mated to My Intended's Enemy novel Chapter 25

Chapter 25: Chapter 25 Argue

Victoria

I felt a mix of nervousness and excitement as I prepared for my first day at the Luna preparation course.

*We’ve got this,* Ava encouraged as I carefully selected an outfit that balanced professionalism with confidence. *Just remember, you’re the mate of one of the most powerful Alphas in the territory.*

"That’s exactly what makes me nervous," I muttered, smoothing down the tailored navy dress I’d finally chosen. "Everyone will be expecting... something."

*They’ll be expecting us to fail,* Ava replied with a hint of growl. *Let’s prove them wrong.*

When I stepped into the living room, Tiny was already waiting, his massive frame somehow making the spacious penthouse feel smaller. The Beta’s expression remained impassive as always, but I detected a subtle nod of approval at my punctuality.

"Good morning, Tiny," I greeted, trying to sound more confident than I felt.

"Luna Victoria," he acknowledged with a respectful inclination of his head. The title still felt foreign to me, like borrowed clothing that hadn’t been broken in. "The car is ready whenever you are."

The drive to Port Willows took almost an hour, winding through increasingly picturesque coastal landscapes. I used the time to pepper Tiny with questions about what I should expect.

"Madam Hannah is... traditional," Tiny explained, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. "She’s trained Lunas for over forty years and has very specific ideas about proper pack hierarchy."

"Will she hold my mixed blood against me?" I asked bluntly.

Tiny’s hands tightened imperceptibly on the steering wheel. "Madam Hannah respects Alpha Moretti too much to openly disparage his mate," he said carefully. "But you should prepare yourself for... high expectations."

*Translation: she’ll judge you twice as harshly and make you work twice as hard because of your bloodline,* Ava grumbled.

"I understand," I said aloud, though my stomach knotted with anxiety. "What else should I know?"

"The course typically hosts potential Lunas from multiple packs. Some may already hold the title, while others are being groomed for future positions." Tiny glanced at me briefly. "Alpha has arranged for you to return home each evening rather than boarding at the facility like the others."

I nodded gratefully. The thought of sleeping away from Leo so soon after finding Ava was unsettling.

"One more thing," Tiny added as we turned onto a winding private road bordered by ancient oaks. "Alpha Moretti’s reputation provides both protection and challenge. Some may seek your friendship for political advantage. Others may see undermining you as a way to strike at him."

"I’ll be careful," I promised as the car rolled to a stop before an impressive colonial-style mansion overlooking a sheltered cove.

Tiny nodded. "I’ll return at four o’clock. If you need anything before then—"

"I have the emergency phone Leo gave me," I assured him, patting my purse.

As I stepped out of the vehicle, the coastal breeze carried an array of unfamiliar scents—salt water, pine, and most prominently, wolves. Many wolves. My newly enhanced senses detected at least a dozen distinct individuals nearby.

*Deep breath,* Ava coached. *Stand tall. We belong here as much as anyone.*

I squared my shoulders and walked toward the grand entrance. Before I could reach for the ornate brass knocker, the door swung open, revealing a stern-faced older woman in a perfectly pressed pantsuit.

"You must be Victoria Howlthorne," she said, her tone neither warm nor cold—simply assessing. "You’re three minutes early. Good. Punctuality matters." She stepped aside to let me enter.

The foyer was elegant, with polished hardwood floors and tasteful artwork depicting wolf packs in various natural settings. Through an archway, I could see other young women gathered in what appeared to be a sunlit drawing room.

"The others have arrived," the woman informed me. "I’m Ms. Winters, Madam Hannah’s assistant. You’ll wait in the solar until she’s ready to begin."

I followed Ms. Winters into the drawing room, immediately feeling the weight of multiple gazes turning my way. Six young women occupied various seats, their conversations halting at my entrance. The scent of curiosity mingled with something less pleasant—judgment.

*Don’t show weakness,* Ava warned as I surveyed the room, searching for an unoccupied chair.

That’s when I saw her—Lilith, Enzo’s mate. Her platinum blonde hair was twisted into an elegant updo, her designer outfit screaming old money and privilege. Our eyes locked, and her perfectly painted lips curved into a smile that never reached her eyes.

"Well, well," she drawled loud enough for everyone to hear. "If it isn’t the half-blood charity case. I didn’t realize they were letting just anyone into Luna training these days."

The room fell silent, all eyes bouncing between us like spectators at a tennis match. I felt heat rise to my cheeks but fought to keep my expression neutral.

"Lilith," I acknowledged with a slight nod. "What a surprise. I thought this course was for future Lunas, not aging trophy wives."

*Ooh, nice one!* Ava cheered inside my head.

Two of the women seated near Lilith—a redhead with sharp features and a brunette with an equally haughty expression—exchanged glances before the redhead spoke.

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