Selena’s POV
“Zane!” Linda cried the moment Zane picked up the call. He tensed immediately, his entire body coiled with alarm.
“What’s going on, Lin? Are you okay?” he asked, his voice sharp with worry.
Linda sobbed harder, refusing to respond, and Zane’s panic deepened.
“Tell me, Lin! What’s happening? Is it the baby?” he demanded, his concern mounting.
“I don’t know,” she sniffled. “But I feel so dizzy, and my head hurts so much. Zane, I’m scared.”
“Hold on, I’m coming to get you.” He grabbed one of his jackets in haste.
“But you can’t leave!” I interjected, my voice rising in frustration. “Tonight is the Lunar Bonding Night—the one night where mates strengthen their connection and renew their vows under the full moon. It’s sacred, Zane!”
Zane snorted, his tone dripping with dismissal. “Oh please, Selena. That’s just a tradition. It’s not like it’ll magically fix anything between us.” His words cut deeper than he realized. “Linda’s pregnant and needs me. That’s all that matters right now.”
When the call ended, Zane turned to me, his expression cold and accusing. “Can’t you see how selfless Linda is? She was willing to risk her health just to care for you. Yet here you are, being petty and insecure again.”
I clenched my fists, biting back the venom that threatened to spill.
“I’m going to make sure she’s fine,” he announced, walking toward the door. “If necessary, I’ll take her to the pack healer.”
“Zane, wait,” I called, exhaling slowly to steady my voice.
He spun around, his stormy gaze flashing with irritation. “What now, Selena? I don’t have time for this!”
Ignoring his anger, I pointed to the jacket hanging on the rack. “Your car key is in that one,” I informed him, my tone even.
Zane blinked, surprised by my composure. He walked over, retrieved the key, and turned to me with a softer expression. “Thank you, Selena,” he said quietly, his voice almost apologetic.
I didn’t respond.
“I love you,” he added, leaning down to press a brief kiss to my forehead. “I won’t be long. I promise.”
As the door clicked shut behind him, the silence of the room seemed louder than ever.
My chest ached with the weight of his betrayal, but I was done being the obedient Luna, waiting for scraps of affection. This wasn’t just about Linda anymore—it was about reclaiming my dignity and ensuring the life growing within me had a future.
I picked up my phone and made the first of several calls.
“Jason,” I greeted when my old friend answered.
“Selena! What a surprise,” he said warmly.
After exchanging pleasantries, I cut to the chase. “I’ve made my decision. I’ll join the Healer’s Circle.”
There was a sharp intake of breath on the other end. The Healer’s Circle was the most revered institution of supernatural healers, and they’d pursued me for years due to my unparalleled skill in herbal medicine. But Zane had refused to let me join, claiming it would distract from my “true purpose” of bearing his child.
“Well, it’s about time,” Jason said, his smile evident in his tone.
By the time I hung up, I had set several plans into motion. This was just the first step, but it felt like the beginning of freedom.
Hours passed, and midnight came and went. Still, Zane hadn’t returned. A flicker of curiosity made me check Linda’s social media status.
My breath caught at the image she had posted—a shirtless Zane asleep on her bed, his face relaxed in peaceful slumber. The caption read: “Have you ever seen an Alpha this perfect? And he’s all mine.”
Rage and disgust churned in my stomach. Without hesitation, I replied to her status with a simple thumbs-up emoji. Moments later, the post vanished.
Seconds ticked by before Linda began typing a reply. Likely another venomous jab.
Not this time.
I blocked her, shutting down any avenue for her to invade my thoughts again.
