Catherine POV:
"Seventy-two hours," Kaden had said.
I was staying in a flea-bag motel on the edge of the territory. I was staring at the water stains on the ceiling when the door rattled.
Derek filled the frame. He smelled of rain and pine, but underneath, there was a sour note. Like he hadn't slept in a week.
He brought a briefcase.
"I didn't think you'd end up here," he said, grimacing.
"It's all a 'Rogue' can afford," I said. "Why are you here, Derek?"
He flinched. "The Council... they need this finalized. A pack needs a Luna who can shift. Who can produce strong heirs. You... you are broken."
"I broke myself saving your life," I said quietly.
He looked away, a muscle feathering in his jaw. He looked like a man trying to remember a nightmare. "I know. That is why I brought this."
He opened the briefcase. Cash. And a velvet box containing a diamond the size of a quail egg.
"It's a settlement," he said. "And this ring. To show that I will still provide for you."
I took the ring. I tried to slide it onto my ring finger. It slid right off.
"It doesn't fit," I said.
Derek frowned. "I had it sized..."
"You had it sized for Anjelica," I dropped the ring onto the table. It clattered like loose change. "You didn't buy this for me. You bought this for her, felt guilty, and decided to regift it."
His face flushed. "Anjelica has stepped up! She has been a mother to Errol! She organizes the patrols, she manages the finances!"
"Does she manage my husband, too?"
"We are not married anymore!" Derek shouted. "The Council annulled it three years ago on grounds of incapacity!"
The words hit like a slap.
"And the Bond?" I stepped closer. "Can the Council annul the Moon Goddess? Do you not feel it, Derek? Or has her fake perfume burned out your nose?"
Derek growled. His eyes flashed gold.
"Stop it," he commanded. "Sit down, Catherine. Alpha Command."
The power rolled over me. But without a wolf to submit, it felt like a stiff breeze against a brick wall. I didn't move.
Derek's eyes widened. He was staring at a woman he couldn't control.
"You can't order me anymore," I said softly.
I picked up the diamond ring and dropped it into the trash can. Clunk.
"Take your money," I pointed to the door. "And get out."
Derek stared at the trash can, clutching his chest. He looked like he was in physical pain, his hand clawing at his shirt.
His phone buzzed. Mind-Link. His eyes glazed over. The pain in his face smoothed out into a weird, blank obedience.
"I have to go," he said abruptly. "Keep the money."
He stormed out.
I sank onto the floor. He wasn't just acting like a jerk. He was acting like a junkie.
