"Luna," Austin's voice came sharp and low through the phone. "What plan is that? Remember, if we're caught with whatever scheme you're devising, we're doomed forever."
"There's absolutely nothing to worry about. Just trust me. All I need right now is your cooperation."
Austin Hudson. My father's former Beta, whom Brown had demoted to Omega the moment he promoted Mia's parents to Beta positions.
"The plan is for you to leave visible hickeys on me. That would drive Brown insane and force him to reject me. Don't you think it would work?"
"Luna, if anyone stands to lose from this plan, it would be you," Austin warned gravely. "Remember, Alphas can manipulate their way out of scandals, but their Lunas cannot. You would indeed be rejected, but cast out with nothing like an outcast. He'll surely reject you, but you might never get another chance to rule us again."
I dropped the phone from my ear at his words, clutching the balcony rail as doubt crept in. Suddenly, laughter erupted from my former room as the door opened slightly.
I turned to find Mia holding my husband's arm tightly, smiling at me with false sweetness.
"Browny, I think Olivia is still angry with me for breaking the photograph and taking her room. Maybe I should just leave tonight. I don't want her feeling uncomfortable on her anniversary," Mia said with practiced innocence.
Brown dotingly tapped her nose and replied gently, "You worry too much, Mia. She can't still be angry over such trivial things. Am I right, Olivia?"
"It's just a photograph anyway. You don't need to disturb yourself. You might be the one in the next one," I replied coldly.
Brown didn't pursue the conversation further. It might have looked petty.
At our anniversary dinner table, I stared at the dishes prepared by the omegas. Every single item was Mia's favorite. Not one was meant for me. Most I was allergic to, and the rest I despised, which Brown knew perfectly well.
It felt as though I was merely a guest at my own anniversary celebration while Mia, my sister, was the one being honored.
Now it made sense why Brown would request mushroom soup whenever he left for long meetings, despite hating mushrooms himself.
I looked up at my husband, who was completely focused on Mia, giggling like a schoolboy. This man I had been married to for four years apparently didn't know I couldn't eat any of the food on the table.
The meal was half-finished before Brown noticed my empty plate.
"These are your favorites. Why aren't you eating?" he asked with feigned concern.
I stared at the plates before me. Seafood pasta in cream sauce, mushroom soup. My throat began to constrict just looking at them.
I raised my eyebrows at my supposed mate. "I'm allerg..."
Mia smoothly stole the remaining words from my mouth, throwing a pitiful look my way. "I don't know if this is the right time to ask, but I've already discussed this with Alpha Brown," she said, rubbing his palm gently.
Mia expertly redirected his attention to herself, and his concern about why I hadn't eaten vanished instantly.
My anxiety spiked as I waited to hear what this was about.
Brown then informed me, "My uncle, the Alpha King, is holding a council meeting among the Alphas of the Northern region."
"You and Mia will be accompanying me. Unfortunately, Mia's luggage was lost at the airport. Everything she brought for the meeting is gone."
I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, feeling as though I were sitting on fire. So this was the real reason he had brought Mia back. Not for our anniversary, but for this important meeting.
Who would have thought I'd been believing his lies until now?
I had been aware of this meeting all along and had even prepared for it, while I was deliberately kept in the dark about Mia's involvement.
With mucus forming in my throat, I asked, "When is this meeting?"
"Tonight at nightfall. You have enough time to make arrangements. As I mentioned, she lost everything at the airport. She's the same size as you, and the family's traditional Luna dress is the only piece that would work right now. Let her wear it for the meeting."
"I even had to persuade her to wear it, considering she doesn't usually share belongings with others. You've only worn the Luna dress once, so she should take it."
I immediately shot Brown a look of mixed surprise and disappointment.
