“Ardyn, you really need to relax. They’re probably gonna take some blood for the mating ritual, and I know how much you hate needles. Don’t worry. I’ll be with you the whole time,” Easton said, wrapping an arm around my shoulders.
I looked up at him, trying to decipher what was going on behind those eyes. For just a moment, I thought maybe the strong Alpha-to-be wasn’t just all tough exteriors. Maybe there was still a bit of Easton that cared. But then, Elena slipped into my mind.
As the healer ready the needle, I turned my head away. Easton held my hand tightly, his thumb making little comforting circles on my skin.
“You’re doing great,” he said softly, his voice almost tender.
I could see his brow furrowed, and for just a moment, it seemed like he was genuinely worried.
“Does it hurt? Ardyn, if it’s too much, just let me know.”
I almost laughed, but it was bitter. His phone rang, breaking the moment.
“I have to take this,” he said, already stepping back.
“Elena? What’s up? I’ll be there soon.”
Those words hit like a punch. He didn’t even look back as he walked out the door.
“I’ll just be a minute,” Easton said, almost dismissively.
I stared at the spot he had just vacated, feeling this numbness creep in.
Then, the healer cleared her throat, bringing me back to reality. I let her finish the blood draw in silence. The prick of the needle was almost a relief—physical pain was easier to deal with than the mess swirling in my mind.
Easton didn't return that day, even the following day. Elena posted in the pack's group chat another picture that hit me like a slap. She was sitting in a restaurant, behind her was Easton, and she captioned it, "With the ones who truly matter.”
I slammed my phone down. But I forced myself not to shed a tear.
And then the messages started flooding in.
“Can’t wait for your mating ritual ceremony tomorrow!”
“Ardyn, you and Easton are just perfect together!”
“Luna Ardyn does have a nice ring to it.”
Perfect? They had no idea. There was nothing perfect about being second place to the one person Easton couldn't let go of.
By noon, the operator of the cruise ship messaged me.
"The cruise ship would be ready by dawn. Will you board before sunrise?”
I quickly typed back, “Yes.”
This was it. My chance to break free. To leave behind a connection that felt more like a prison. Let Easton and Elena have their messed-up relationship; I was done being the patient, compliant Luna-in-waiting.
Then, I heard the door creak open behind me.
“Ardyn,” Easton said, his voice soft and almost desperate.
“Would you like to eat outside?”
Once upon a time, that might’ve melted my heart. But now, it felt empty.
“No, thanks,” I replied, keeping my voice steady.
Easton frowned, clearly confused.
“You’re upset. I understand, but tomorrow’s the mating ritual ceremony. It’s all going to be perfect; I promise. I’ll be right by your side. Work can wait.”
I wanted to scream at him. To let him know how absurd that promise sounded when he couldn’t even stay with me for a simple blood draw. But instead, all I could manage was a cold, distant smile that didn’t reach my eyes.
“Sure, Easton. Tomorrow,” I murmured, turning away from him.
By the time dawn came, I’d be long gone. Tomorrow might be the big day for the mating ritual ceremony, but it wouldn’t be my day. It never was.
And when Easton finally figured that out, well, it’d be way too late. And I would leave a surprise for him and Elena.
