Even with the sedating drugs, I had not slept. Not really. I'd spent the night lying on my side, hugging a pillow to my chest as if it would protect me from the pain. My wolf howled mournfully in my consciousness, and her sound merged with my sobs till I couldn't tell the difference.
I couldn't help but recall Mother's words when she was still alive. "Fated mates aren’t always the ones who’ll bring you happiness, Fiona. Sometimes, the Goddess’s will isn’t what you’d choose for yourself."
At the time, I had dismissed her advice. I was too young, too caught up in the fairy tales spun by the elders and books. The stories of perfect love and eternal devotion had been a dream I clung to desperately, even when the reality was far more bitter.
And now I understood what she had meant.
I wasn’t in love with Marco—I never had been. I had fallen in love with the idea of Marco. The fantasy of the perfect mate, the alpha who would protect and adore me, who would make me feel whole. But it had all been a lie.
My phone vibrated on the bedside table, and I gasped, snatching it up with trembling fingers. My heart leaped, hoping it was the National Pack Registry with news of my new record's release. But the screen displayed a different name: Marco.
For a moment, I stared at it, my chest tightening as I debated whether to answer. Finally, I swiped to accept the call.
“Hello,” I croaked.
“Fiona, I’m so sorry I didn’t come home last night. My father needed me as my brother and the warriors are on a five-day hunt. Someone had to manage things in their absence.”
My wolf growled low in my mind. The audacity of him fabricating a perfect lie to cover up his mess, namely a mistress with a baby on the way!
“I understand," I said, shutting my eyes.
There was a pause on the other end, and I could almost hear the relief in his exhale. “Thank you, Fiona. I’ll make it up to you today, I promise. I’m all yours for the rest of the day. What do you want to do? We could go shopping in the city or spend a relaxing day at the beach. Just say the word.”
Shopping. The beach. All distractions, all meaningless compared to the ones I deserved the most—love and loyalty.
“I’ll think about it."
“Perfect,” he replied. “I’ll head back now to pick you up. Take your time, love.”
By the time Marco arrived, I had transformed myself into the perfect picture of a Luna. My hair was neatly styled, my makeup was flawless despite my sleepless night. I wore a sleek, fashionable dress, the emerald pendant glinting at my throat.
When he stepped inside, his eyes lit up at the sight of me, though the stiffness in his posture didn’t escape my notice.
“Have you decided?” he asked eagerly.
