18
Jester’s POV
For the first time in weeks, it felt like the Moon Goddess was smiling on me. Maybe my luck was finally turning.
Across from me, Director Smith sipped his wine. He was older, sharp–eyed, and clearly a man accustomed to getting what he wanted. This was no ordinary dinner–it was an opportunity. And I never wasted those.
I cleared my throat, letting my voice carry a hint of vulnerability. “Director Smith, thank you for this meal. For your kindness. You’ve given me more than I deserve.”
He studied me carefully before chuckling. “Nonsense. You saved my life, Jester. A debt like that isn’t repaid with just food and shelter. But first, tell me about your life. A man like you doesn’t end up wandering aimlessly without a story to tell.”
My jaw tightened as I prepared my answer. Lies came easily to me now, but this one needed to be perfect. “I was betrayed,” I said, letting the words fall heavily “By someone I trusted more than anyone else in this world.”
Smith’s brow furrowed. “Go on.”
I drew in a deep breath, my voice faltering just enough to seem sincere. “I was Alpha of a strong pack. We had everything–land, alliances, a thriving community. But my beta wanted more. He challenged me for my position, accusing me of weakness. I fought him, but he had already turned most of my pack against me. The duel was a farce. I lost everything–my pack, my lands, even my Luna.”
Smith’s gaze sharpened. “Your Luna, Where is she now?”
I clenched my fists, nails digging into my palms. “She couldn’t bear the shame of what happened and left me.” The lie was smooth, practiced, but inside, my wolf growled. Mauve’s face flashed in my mind.
Smith nodded slowly. “Betrayal leaves scars that never truly heal. It shapes a man, for better or worse.”
I tilted my head, watching him carefully. “You speak from experience.”
His shoulders sagged, and for the first time, he looked vulnerable. “I do. I was married once. My mate was chosen by the Moon Goddess herself. But I let ambition blind me. I betrayed her trust.”
“What happened?” I asked, leaning forward.
“She found out that I had a mistress, but she forgave me. Regardless, it broke something inside her. Not long after, she fell ill. The healers claimed it was her heart, but I knew better. My betrayal killed her.” His eyes grew distant. “After her death, I prospered materially but suffered spiritually. The Moon Goddess cursed me. I’ve walked this th
alone ever since. No mate. No heir. Only wealth to remind me of what I’ve lost.”
His words hit harder than I expected. They were eerily familiar, as though he was talking about my own life.
But I pushed the thought aside, focusing on the opportunity before me. “I’m sorry to hear that. But maybe your curse can be broken. Perhaps the Moon Goddess hasn’t abandoned you.”
Smith arched a brow. “And why would she grant mercy to a man like me?”
I leaned closer. “Because salvation is always possible. You’ve shown me kindness when you didn’t have to.
Maybe this is her way of giving you another chance.”
He considered my words, then asked. “And what about you. Jester? What do you want from life now?”
1:39 AM
I knew my answer had to be perfect. “I want to rebuild what I lost. To reclaim my place, my honor. But more than that, I want to be part of something greater. Director Smith, you’ve built an empire. Let me help you preserve it. Let me be the son you never had!”
Smith’s eyes bore into mine, searching for deceit. I held his gaze, letting him see the conviction in my
expression. Finally, he smiled faintly
“A bold request. But perhaps boldness is exactly what I need. Very well, Jester. If you’re willing to bear the responsibility, I’ll name you my heir.”
Triumph surged through me, but I kept my face composed. “I’ll do whatever it takes to earn your trust.
Smith rose from his chair and retrieved a ceremonial dagger from a nearby cabinet. Returning to the table, he held the blade between us. “Then let us make it official. A blood compact, so there’s no doubt among my subordinates. From this moment on, you will be my son.”
Without hesitation, I offered my hand. Smith made a small cut in both of our palms and squeezed them together.
As our blood mixed, a flow of power rushed through me, and I gasped as the bond between us solidified.
