There are no secrets that time does not reveal.
The next day, the events of my mark ceremony with Ezra James spread like wildfire across the pack, turning me from the admired daughter of Alpha Wes Greene into the laughingstock of the Northern Pack. The Lycan King and Queen, Robin Peterson, learned of the incident and summoned Ezra to the royal palace, reprimanding him harshly. Robin, along with her most trusted healer, Indy Bryant, sent over a generous gift to console me, subtly reminding the mistress, Indy, of her place.
After the visit, I went to see her with my loyal healer, Anais. After all, this mistress, known for her delicate health, was Ezra’s precious treasure. She was fragile, prone to illness at the slightest breeze—clearly, someone I couldn’t afford to offend. A bitter smirk tugged at my lips as I approached her quarters. Just as I reached the door, I saw her nestled in Ezra’s arms, tears streaming down her face as she sobbed.
She looked up at him with watery eyes, her voice trembling. “Ezra, you have to believe me. I never meant to disrupt your mark ceremony. It’s just my weak constitution. My healer, she was only worried about me, and that’s why she…” She broke into a coughing fit, and Ezra gently patted her back, his movements tender and familiar.
Her health was no secret in the pack. It was said she had sacrificed her well-being to save Ezra during a rogue attack years ago, though the details were murky. Regardless, it had earned her his unwavering affection. A bond forged in life and death—how could I ever compete? Not that I wanted to.
Anais, standing behind me, coughed softly to announce our presence. Only then did the two of them notice me.
The mistress, Indy, looked up and offered a frail, apologetic smile. “Luna,” she said weakly, attempting to rise from the bed to greet me. But halfway up, she collapsed back into Ezra’s arms.
I plastered on a gracious smile, not bothering to question whether her weakness was genuine or performative. “Sister, you’re unwell. Rest is what you need. There’s no need for formalities.”
“It’s my fault,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “I should have been the one to serve you tea this morning, yet here you are, coming to see me. And yesterday… I caused so much trouble for you and Ezra. I’m truly sorry.”
“Don’t speak like that,” I replied, my tone smooth and forgiving. “It was the thoughtless actions of the healers and attendants. Don’t trouble yourself over them. You mustn’t let it affect your health. What did the healer say when they examined you?”
“It’s just my old heart condition,” she said softly. “I can’t handle stress or cold. Thanks to Ezra’s care over the years, I’ve managed to survive. Please, Luna, don’t worry about me. Rest is all I need.”
Her words were gentle but laced with meaning. Her delicate health, Ezra’s favor—it was all a not-so-subtle reminder that I shouldn’t try to assert my authority as Luna. According to pack tradition, she should have been attending to me daily as a mistress. But with her health so fragile, any mishap would fall on me.
I smiled, my expression serene. “Sister, your words break my heart. If your health is this precarious, there’s no need for you to trouble yourself with formalities. Focus on recuperating.”
Ezra seemed pleased with my magnanimity. After a brief exchange, a healer arrived with a steaming bowl of medicine, and we left her to rest.
As we walked away from her quarters, Ezra suddenly spoke. “Her health is fragile. I’m afraid you’ll have to take on the responsibility of caring for her.”
I paused, my mind reeling. Was he really shifting the burden of her care onto me? After everything I’d just said to avoid this very situation? Did he think my kindness was an invitation to take advantage?
I clenched my fists, struggling to keep my anger in check. “Alpha, what trouble could there be? The healers and attendants have been managing her care perfectly fine before my arrival. They’ll continue as they always have. I’m not in the best of health myself, you know. If you’re concerned, perhaps you could consult my mother when we visit her.”
My mother had been devastated by my mating to Ezra, and after yesterday’s events, she had taken to her bed in distress. I was worried for her but could only send word through messengers.
At the mention of my mother, Ezra faltered, clearly aware of his misstep. “That’s not what I meant. It’s just that, as Luna, the affairs of the pack now fall under your responsibility. Her health is precarious, and there may be times when she’ll need your attention. I’m afraid it will be a burden for you. As for your mother, I’ll personally apologize when we visit her. Yesterday… I truly wronged you.”
“There’s no need for such trouble,” I said coldly. “The healers and attendants will continue to care for her as they always have. Rest assured, I’m not the jealous type. Her treatment will remain unchanged.”
He must have sensed the iciness in my tone because he looked at me intently. “I know your generosity. I’ll leave the rest to you.” With that, he placed a fist over his chest and bowed deeply, a gesture of respect and deference.
My heart clenched. Here was Ezra, the Alpha of the Northern Pack, a man who commanded respect and fear, bowing to me. For a moment, I didn’t know whether to admire his devotion or envy the mistress for the depth of his love.
One thing was certain: I was the only casualty in this arrangement. I must have been a terrible person in my past life to end up in this position.
I swallowed the lump in my throat, turning away so he wouldn’t see the tears in my eyes. “Alpha, there’s no need for such formalities. It’s getting late, and I have pack matters to attend to. I won’t see you out.” Without waiting for his response, I walked away with Anais by my side.
Anais held my arm, her voice filled with concern. “Gabriella…”
I wiped away a tear and forced a smile. “I’m fine. At least Ezra is reasonable. Life won’t be unbearable.”
---
Three days later, we returned to my parents’ territory for the traditional visit. My mother hugged me tightly, her eyes brimming with tears. True to his word, Ezra apologized to my parents, giving me face. Though my parents were displeased, they knew my future was tied to him and dared not make things difficult.
The meal was tense but manageable. Before we left, my mother pulled me aside to ask if Ezra and I had completed the mark. Seeing the hope in her eyes, I nodded, unable to disappoint her. The relief on her face was heartbreaking.
As we prepared to leave, I overheard my father speaking to Ezra. “Gabriella has always been strong-willed. If she ever causes trouble, I hope you’ll be patient with her. I entrust her to your care.” With that, my father bowed deeply, a gesture that tore at my heart.
My father, the Alpha of the Eastern Pack, a man who had stood firm in the face of countless challenges, was bowing to Ezra for my sake. I choked back tears, my heart aching.
Ezra, visibly moved, quickly stepped forward to lift my father. “You have my word. I’ll treat her well.”
My father smiled, a rare, genuine expression. I hid in the shadows, crying silently, before finally composing myself and joining them.
As the car pulled away, I looked back to see my father standing at the gate, watching us until we were out of sight. I couldn’t hold back the tears any longer. I turned away from Ezra and wept openly, my heart heavy with sorrow.
Ezra reached out as if to comfort me but withdrew his hand. Anger bubbled up inside me, and I glared at him. “If you don’t love me, why did you mark me?” I demanded, my voice shaking.
He closed his eyes and whispered, “I’m sorry.”
There was nothing more to say. The car arrived at the Northern Pack’s territory, and as we entered, I saw Indy waiting at the door, her eyes fixed on Ezra.
“Alpha, Luna,” she greeted softly.
Ezra immediately went to her side, concern etched on his face. “You’re still recovering. Why are you out here?”
I was in no mood to deal with her subtle displays of affection. “I have pack matters to attend to. Excuse me,” I said curtly, turning away with Anais.
Behind me, I heard Indy’s soft voice. “Is everything alright with the Luna?”
“She’s just homesick,” Ezra replied.
I clenched my fists, my heart heavy with resentment.
