《The sickened luna’s last chance》


 The Perfect 1

    E POV


    ¡°Luna, you¡­only have one year to live.¡± The doctor slowly took her sses off and stared at the floor. ¡°Your wolf has entered a dormant state.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t believe Dr. Evelyn¡¯s words.


    ¡°My wolf¡­ is dormant?¡± I breathed. ¡°Surely there must be a mistake¡ª¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Luna, but we double-checked the test results. This disease can be caused by long-term stress and¡­¡± She paused, giving me an uncertain look. ¡°¡­ Lack of intimacy with one¡¯s found but unmarked fated mate.¡±


    I swallowed hard. Stress and ack of intimacy with my mate¡­


    That did sound like my life.


    ¡°Based on the few rare cases I could find, I am supposed to suggest you to mark your fated mate or reject each otherpletely. But you are my Luna, and your fated mate is our Alpha¡­¡± Dr. Evelyn sounded uncertain.


    ¡°I¡¯m not even marked yet,¡± I whispered, trying not to confuse this kind young woman anymore than I already had.


    Dr. Evelyn looked up at me in surprise. ¡°You and Alpha Alexander aren¡¯t marked? But you¡¯re married.¡±


    I bit my lip, my face flushing hot with embarrassment. It was true; I was married to my fated mate, Alpha Alexander Sce of Ashw pack. We had been man and wife for five years, and should have been marked by now.


    But we weren¡¯t.


    From the moment I recognized him as my fated mate on the annual Alpha ball, I was captivated by him-his handsome yet stubborn jaw, the shock of red hair atop his head, his sage green eyes. He was a remarkable leader, too, intelligent and headstrong and everything an Alpha should be.


    However, on our mating day, Alexander had handed me a contract and told me to sign it.


    ¡°Our rtionship will be purely contractual,¡± he had said. ¡°For my Alpha reputation, I can¡¯t reject my fated mate. But I won¡¯t mark you, and there will be no intimacy. End of story.¡±


    I did think about taking all the me and rejecting Alexander after finding out that he was just a jerk, but my father, Alpha Richard Eden of Stormhollow pack, had insisted that I ept in order to gain Ashw¡¯s support.


    My father had said he was too old to continue managing Stormhollow, and my younger half- brother, Brian, was too young and naive to handle it on his own. We desperately needed Ashw¡¯s


    Chapter


    help.


    After all, Alexander was a formidable Alpha; he had taken over Ashw at a young age following his parents¡¯ untimely death. Ashw didn¡¯t just survive under a teenager¡¯s rule-it thrived.


    And besides, my father had raised me to be the perfect Luna-the gentle and obedient woman who would stand alongside an Alpha. It was what I was meant to do, and so, when my father pleaded with me to put my feelings aside and marry Alexander, I had obeyed. As always.


    Like a good little girl, I married him. I signed the contract.


    I became his Luna in title and responsibility, but behind closed doors, we were nothing to each other. I moved into the west wing of his mansion, all the way on the opposite side of the house from his quarters.


    And intimacy? That was entirely out of the question. Even when I initially tried to garner his affection by preparing meals, setting up dates, even just trying to bump into him in the hallway, he didn¡¯t reciprocate.


    Eventually, I gave up. I remained obedient and quiet and hardworking and bottled it all up, even if it broke my heart to think that my husband would never love me.


    Somehow, I had a feeling that even if I told Alexander about my death sentence now, he still wouldn¡¯t love me.


    ¡°One year, Luna,¡± Dr. Evelyn said gently as I gathered my things. ¡°If you want to live, you must make a decision: mark Alpha Alexander or¡­ reject him.¡±


    Lilith, my Gamma maid, was waiting for me in the lobby. She wore a simple gray cardigan and a skirt today, her silver hair pulled back into its usual neat bun. She rose quickly from her seat when she saw meing.


    ¡°Well? How did it go?¡±


    I took her hand and pulled her out of the hospital, into the cool spring air. The breeze cooled my flushed cheeks, and the scent of blooming flowers soothed me somewhat. I always loved spring the most, and the thought of never experiencing another one again was almost too much to bear.


    ¡°I¡¯m dying,¡± I said simply.


    Lilith stopped short. ¡°You¡­ what?¡± The words came out choked, and when I looked at her, there were already tears welling up in her weathered hazel eyes.


    The sight of her made tears well up in my own, too. Lilith was old enough to be my mother, but she felt more like a sister to me. The thought of leaving her felt even worse than the thought of never seeing spring again.


    I took her hand and squeezed it.


    ¡°My wolf is dormant after all,¡± I said calmly, evenly, as if we were discussing the weather-partially


    Chapter


    because I feared that if anyone else saw me crying or trembling, they might talk, im that the lovelorn Luna of Ashw was finally crumbling. ¡°I have a year to live.¡±


    Lilith sniffled. ¡°I told you to go to the doctor sooner, you silly girl. You should have gone a long time ago, the very moment you started noticing your wolf fading. They could have caught it, treated it before-¡±


    ¡°There is a way to fix this.¡± I pulled my shoulders back and leveled my friend with an even stare. ¡°Alexander needs to mark me or reject me-one or the other. If he chooses one of those options, then I will live.¡±


    Relief washed over the Gamma¡¯s features, but it was short-lived. ¡°Which do you think he would choose?¡± she whispered, low enough so only I could hear. ¡°Do you think you can handle it if he breaks up with you?¡±


    I hated to admit it, but the very thought of our marriage ending made my heart stutter painfully in my chest. We didn¡¯t have a rtionship, not in the ways that mattered, but¡­ a small part of me wanted him to mark me and not reject me.


    Finally, I managed, ¡°We¡¯ll have to find out.¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯re going to make him choose,¡± she said.


    I nodded. Lilith¡¯s eyes widened as I turned abruptly and made my way to the car.


    Her shock wasn¡¯t misced, however; I had always pushed down my own wants and needs for the sake of being apetent Luna for the pack and Alexander, and it wasn¡¯t like me to suddenly advocate for myself.


    But what else could I do? I had to save myself. I could no longer be E, the selfless Luna who would push through heartbreak and loneliness and sickness without aint.


    For once, I had to stand up for myself.


    It was either that¡­ or lose my life at just twenty-two years old.


    When we returned to the mansion, I was unsurprised to find that Alexander was holed up in his study. He always was-rather than wandering the vast halls of the ancient manor or enjoying the many sunrooms and sitting rooms the space had to offer, he was always locked up in that stuffy office, poring over paperwork.


    I strode up to therge wooden double doors, hearing Alexander¡¯s deep voice rumbling from within. His Beta, Gabriel, was standing sentry outside-and stepped in my way just as I reached for the handle.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have an appointment,¡± Gabriel grunted.


    ¡°I need to speak to my husband.¡±


    ¡°Well, then you should have made an appointment sooner. The Alpha is indisposed at the moment


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    -he¡¯s in the middle of a meeting. One that you are not invited to.¡±


    I bristled at the Beta¡¯s insubordination. Gabriel had always looked down on me, had always disrespected me. And I had let him.


    But no more. When you only have a year left to live, you suddenly don¡¯t have time anymore to maintain the image of a gentle wolfling who rolls over at the slightest provocation. Especially not with subordinates.


    ¡°Move,¡± Imanded.


    Gabriel stiffened, his brown eyes taking on that ethereal golden glow that I had only seen before when Alexander used his Alpha voice.


    I had never used my Luna voice before. But I had to admit¡­ It felt good to finally use it now.


    Gabriel¡¯s jaw clenched, and I knew he didn¡¯t want to move. But he had no choice. His muscles moved of their own ord, neck tilting slightly as if to bare his throat to me. I lifted my chin and waited, willing my face into a mask of authoritative calm.


    Finally, he stepped aside. ¡°As you wish, Luna.¡±


    I gritted my teeth and flung the door open, storming inside.


    Chapter

 The Perfect 2

    E POV


    I burst into the spacious office, the scent of old books, mahogany, and leather immediately washing over me. But there were two other scents there, too: bourbon and woodfire smoke, the scent of Alexander, my mate and husband-for now. And something sweeter, floral.


    Sophia.


    I saw the whip of brte hair first before I saw her pretty, foxen face. Sophia Oxford, daughter of the Alpha to Moonshine pack, which sat right above Stormhollow and Ashw.


    Ironic that the three packs formed a triangle, because Sophia was always the other woman throughout my marriage that I couldn¡¯t shake. Or was it the other way around?


    She and Alexander had been friends long before I ever came into the picture; being from neighboring packs, they had gone to the same school together, and Sophia and Alexander had apparently been close friends for longer than anyone could remember.


    There was even a moment in time when it was spected that Sophia might be Alexander¡¯s fated


    mate.


    Until I came into the picture and ruined everyone¡¯s dreams. Including Sophia¡¯s.


    Even though Alexander and I got married, he always treated Sophia well-inviting her for banquets and balls, buying her birthday gifts, even sharing meals together when he couldn¡¯t be bothered to do the same for me.


    For a long time, I put up with his gentleness toward her; I told myself that they were childhood friends, that he had every right to be kind toward her even when she didn¡¯t deserve it. Maybe a small part of myself even believed that if I didn¡¯tin about it, Alexander might finally soften toward me.


    But he never did. Even when I was the perfect, obedient Luna every Alpha would dream of, even when she acted cruelly and unforgivably, he always chose her.


    Sophia slowly turned to look at me from the plush armchair where she was perched. She had a tiny teacup and saucer delicately bnced in her manicured hands, and wore what looked like a brand- new dress in the prettiest pink I had ever seen.


    I looked past her and at Alexander, who was sitting behind his desk, red hair haloed by the sun behind him. He stared nkly at me as I stopped abruptly in the center of the room, green eyes flicking over me like I was a stray cat that had just wandered in.


    ¡°E,¡± he said slowly, not bothering to hide the hint of disdain in his voice. ¡°What are you doing here? I¡¯m in the middle of a meeting.¡±


    The irritation in his tone wasn¡¯t lost on me. Once, it might have made me cower and scurry away with my proverbial tail between my legs. But not anymore. Not now that I was dying and had little


    Chapter


    time left for such things.


    ¡°I have something urgent I need to discuss with you.¡±


    ¡°It will have to wait. I¡¯m busy.¡±


    I scoffed and gestured toward Sophia. ¡°She practically lives here. I¡¯m sure you two can save your tea party forter.¡±


    Sophia gasped. Alexander¡¯s brows shot up. Clearly, neither of them expected me to speak so bluntly -frankly, I hadn¡¯t been expecting it, either. I¡¯d only just discovered I was terminally ill a couple of hours ago and already I was acting like apletely different person.


    Sophia said in a light voice, ¡°E, darling, what do you need to say that you can¡¯t say in front of me? We¡¯re all friends, after all.¡±


    Friends? Friends? This was the same woman who turned her nose up at me every time I attempted to be friendly toward her. We couldn¡¯t have been further from friends-more like strangers.


    I slowly turned my head to look at her. My upper lip curled, although no fangs extended-not without my wolf. But I tried to pour every ounce of distaste I could into that stare.


    ¡°Some things, darling, are better discussed between husband and wife. Unless you¡¯re implying that you are a third party in our rtionship?¡±


    Sophia gasped again, one delicate hand-she¡¯d always been so fair-skinned and slender and fucking perfect, like a little doveing up to clutch at the pearls around her throat. Tears instantly welled up in those big blue eyes of hers, although I was certain they were fake. ¡°Why, I never-¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s gone crazy, Sir,¡± Beta Gabriel suddenly said from behind me. He¡¯d apparently been standing in the doorway this whole time, although I hadn¡¯t noticed. ¡°Should I escort Luna E out?¡±


    I clenched my jaw, refusing to look at anyone but Alexander. He was sitting stock-still, just blinking at me as if in surprise.


    Then, those green eyes flicked over me again-but in a different way this time. There was something¡­ assessing about his gaze, as if he were seeing me for the first time.


    I wasn¡¯t sure if he had ever looked at me in that way


    Finally, he said, ¡°Gabriel, please see Sophia out.¡±


    before.


    I couldn¡¯t hide my surprise at that. Even Gabriel muttered, ¡°Sir?¡±


    Sophia shot to her feet. ¡°Alex-¡±


    ¡°My¡­ wife needs to speak with me,¡± Alexander said as his Beta moved toward Sophia. ¡°We¡¯ll resume our discussionter, Sophia.¡±


    Sophia looked displeased, but didn¡¯t argue further as Gabriel gently took her by the elbow. ¡°Right this way, Miss,¡± he said in a kind voice that he¡¯d never used on me. He led her out, and once the


    Chapter


    door was close behind them, I let out a breath I hadn¡¯t realized I¡¯d been holding.


    But my reprieve was short-lived, because Alexander barked, ¡°No longer pretending to be the gentle Luna today, are you? You know Sophia is like a little sister to me, and I won¡¯t stand for you to speak so harshly to her. Nor will I allow you to make ims about infidelity.¡±


    His tone made me bristle internally, but I kept my expression neutral. I had no intention of exining my reasons behind the words I¡¯d said to Sophia, and I had no intention of apologizing for them, either. I was tired of apologies, tired of being quiet and sweet and never standing up for myself.


    ¡°My wolf has entered dormancy,¡± I said bluntly, sping my hands behind my back. ¡°You need to mark me in order for it to return. If you don¡¯t, I will die within a year.¡±


    Alexander scoffed.


    ¡°Ah. Another one of your tricks, just like the ¡®sweet, gentle Luna¡¯ act. Let me guess-you want to secure your position as my Luna, give birth to my heir, by fabricating some made-up illness that forces me to mark you and be intimate with you.¡±


    Of course. After all my years of hard work, diligence, and perfection, he was so suspicious of me as to use me of faking my illness in order to baby-trap him. I hadn¡¯t expected any different.


    ¡°There is another way,¡± I said, lifting my chin. ¡°Divorce me, reject me, and my wolf will return


    then.¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    Now that took me by surprise. Alexander hated me-there was no doubt about it. I expected him to jump at the chance to divorce me for any reason. But he had refused immediately.


    It had to be because an Alpha couldn¡¯t reject his mate for no reason. It could harm his reputation as an Alpha, make him appear overly emotional and disloyal.


    And I hadn¡¯t technically given him a reason to divorce me¡ªI hadn¡¯t cheated or fought with him or done anything other than be ill and mildly infuriating.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be the one to publicly announce it,¡± I said. ¡°I¡¯ll take the me. It won¡¯t hurt your reputation.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± he repeated, rising from his chair.


    At his full height, he practically towered over me, broad shoulders blocking out the sun streaming through the window behind him. He smoothed down the front of his dark vest, subtly brocaded with gossamer ck threads, and narrowed his eyes dangerously.


    ¡°We are not getting a divorce.¡±

 The Perfect 3

    E POV


    His reaction, the anger in his voice, surprised me even more. He wasn¡¯tughing or mocking me, nor did he seem upset. Just¡­ mad. Frustrated.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand,¡± I blurted out. ¡°You hate me, Alexander. If I¡¯m the one to take the me, thus protecting your reputation from harm, then why wouldn¡¯t you jump at the opportunity?¡±


    There was a long moment of silence. Alexander stared at me, green eyes unreadable. I held his gaze, even though it wasn¡¯t something I was used to.


    Then, finally: ¡°Our contract clearly states that only I can initiate a mutual rejection.¡± He pulled a drawer open from his desk and reached in, pulling out a leather bound folder that I knew all too well. He flipped to a certain page and extended it to me. ¡°Page three, use B.¡±


    I sighed exasperatedly but took the contract. Indeed, the use he¡¯d pointed to stated that only Alexander could end our ¡°rtionship¡±. I faintly recalled reading it at the time of signing, but had been under so much pressure and the naive hope that Alexander might eventually grow to love me that I hadn¡¯t paid much attention.


    ¡°The only reason I married you,¡± he went on, rounding his desk and crossing over to the small bar in the corner, ¡°was to give the public a good impression¡ªan Alpha who marries his fated mate is a better candidate for Alpha King, after all. And now, with the electioning up, I can¡¯t risk losing favor.¡±


    Right. So this was all about the uing Alpha King election. Alexander had always wanted the position, and now that the current Alpha King¡¯s ten-year term wasing to its end, new candidates would be campaigning soon.


    Alexander was one of them.


    ¡°Furthermore,¡± Alexander turned his back to me and poured himself a ss of bourbon, ¡°your father is still benefiting from Ashw¡¯s support. Unless you¡¯re nning to leave him high and dry with a debt he can¡¯t repay.¡±


    I bit the inside of my cheek. He was pouring himself a fucking drink, his back turned to me, and speaking in a tone as if we were simply discussing business.


    And I supposed, in a way, this was business. Maybe it hadn¡¯t always been that way for me, because I had once stupidly held onto the hope that my fated mate would fall for me, but it had always been


    a transaction to him.


    ¡°I¡¯ll speak to my father. We¡¯ll pay you back the money you gave him and we¡¯ll be even.¡±


    ¡°Go ahead. You¡¯ve wasted enough of my time today. But don¡¯te crying to me and pretending to be all innocent again when he turns you down.¡±


    I rolled my eyes and abruptly left without another word.


    Chapter


    A few minutester, I found myself in one of the sprawling gardens out behind the mansion. This particr garden, with a gnarled old flowering cherry tree in the center and high hedges, was one of the few ces in the mansion where I truly felt at peace.


    Here, surrounded by the sickly sweet scent of fallen cherry blossoms, I felt like I could breathe. Hardly anyone but me ever came here-the gardeners rarely tended to it, allowing little flowers and shoots of grass toe up between the pebbled walkways.


    It was the one ce here that felt like mine.


    Not for long, though. Because soon, I would be leaving.


    I dialed my father¡¯s number and sat on the stone bench beneath the cherry tree.


    ¡°E,¡± my father¡¯s voice answered after the third ring. ¡°I was wondering when you might call. With the uing election, I was considering offering Alexander my public endorsement in exchange for more-¡±


    ¡°Dad, I want to divorce Alexander.¡±


    ¡°What? Why?¡±


    ¡°Because my wolf has gone dormant, and I¡¯ll die in a year if he doesn¡¯t mark me or reject me.¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about? I¡¯ve never heard of an illness like that before.¡±


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s true. If you want your daughter to live, you have to help me get out of this marriage. Because Alexander is definitely not going to mark me.¡±


    My father sighed. ¡°E¡­ You know how important this union is. Whatever is going on between you two, you need to take the high road and remain diligent. I understand marriage is not easy sometimes-¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re not just fighting, Dad. He hates me.¡±


    ¡°I know it feels that way sometimes, but you have to push through. Stormhollow needs Ashw¡¯s support. Don¡¯t cause any trouble that could impact our pack. Think of your mother¡¯s legacy.¡±


    My throat tightened at the mention of myte mother. She had died when I was just a baby, so I had never met her-but Stormhollow had been her pack. She was the only heir to Stormhollow, but when she had married my father, he had taken on the title of Alpha.


    Such was the way of things in our world. Men were Alphas. Women were Lunas, props to hold up their male counterparts.


    And right now¡­ my life was less important than what two men wanted.


    ¡°Besides,¡± my father went on, ¡°I just purchased a new diamond ring for Margaret for our wedding anniversary. I can¡¯t lose our biggest stream of ie now. Surely you understand¡­¡±


    I almostughed out loud at that. Margaret, my stepmother and mother to my half-brother, Brian¡­


    Chapter


    She always lovedvish things. My father would dly spend all of our family¡¯s savings on gifts for


    her.


    Not me. Never me.


    I was just the daughter to be used up, even if it killed me.


    When it killed me.


    ¡°You really don¡¯t care about me, do you?¡± I bit out, hurt and angry. ¡°I¡¯m telling you that I¡¯m going to die, and you just care about the money.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not going to die, sweetheart. You¡¯re just being dramatic-¡±


    Too frustrated to hear more, I abruptly hung up before he could finish. I hung my head in my hands and breathed deeply through my nose, trying not to cry.


    There had to be something I could do. Anything.


    Suddenly, I felt a warm hand touch my shoulder. I didn¡¯t need to look up to know it was Lilith, and I leaned into her, letting her wrap her arms around me.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to die,¡± I whispered, my voice strained from the effort of holding back tears. ¡°I want to live.¡±


    Lilith sniffled, and when I looked up, her eyes were red and puffy. The sight made me want to cry even more. ¡°Is there anything I can do?¡± she asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Alexander won¡¯t mark me or divorce me, and I was stupid enough to sign a contract that disallows me from rejecting him myself. And my father just cares about the money. So right now, I¡¯m royally screwed.¡±


    Lilith made a little sound of distress.


    ¡°All I¡¯ve ever done is give,¡± I whispered. ¡°I give and give and give and never ask for anything in return. And now, the one time I don¡¯t just want help but need it¡­ I just get med, rejected, and pushed away by my own father and mate-the two people who should have my back no matter what.¡±


    And now I was supposed to die for them, when they would never sacrifice a single thing for me.


    Iughed bitterly. ¡°I¡¯ve been so perfect, and yet neither of them will help me.¡±


    ¡°So stop being perfect.¡±


    I looked up at Lilith, finding her staring down at me with a new intensity in her gaze. It took me by surprise. ¡°What?¡± I asked, sitting up straighter.


    Lilith shrugged. ¡°Do something crazy, something that will push Alexander away,¡± she mused. ¡°If all you¡¯ve ever done is be perfect, then no wonder he doesn¡¯t want to reject you. So¡­ make him want it.¡±


    (+13)


    Chapter3


    I blinked as Lilith¡¯s words sank in. It had never crossed my mind to be the exact opposite of what Alexander wanted-rather than being the sweet, gentle Luna who got walked all over and used, I could be a constant thorn in his side, make his life so miserable he would have no choice but to


    divorce me.


    ¡°I¡¯d be¡­ free,¡± I whispered, standing. ¡°And my wolf would return¡­¡±


    Lilith nodded and rose alongside me, taking my hands into hers. ¡°I¡¯ll help in any way I can. I won¡¯t


    watch.¡± let you die, E. Not on my


    At that, a tear finally slipped out-but it was a happy one. Iughed thickly and pulled Lilith into my embrace. ¡°Thank you, Lilith. Thank you.¡±


    Lilith leaned into me and held me tight, tighter than anyone had before.


    ¡°Sorry to interrupt this little moment, but you¡¯ve got work to do, E.¡±


    The sound of Gabriel¡¯s voice instantly made me bristle. I pulled away from Lilith and turned to see both the Beta and Sophia walking toward us. Sophia wrinkled her nose and covered it delicately with a little white handkerchief as if the scent of cherry blossoms sickened her.


    ¡°Have you forgotten the banquet is tonight?¡± Gabriel tilted his head. ¡°There will be plenty of high- profile guests in attendance. You have a lot of work to do if it¡¯s going to impress them.¡±


    I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. Right. The banquet-more like an excuse for Sophia to get drunk and hang off Alexander¡¯s arm like his desperate mistress.


    ¡°I wrote a list of some foods I¡¯d like prepared,¡± Sophia said, handing me a slip of paper with increasingly-decadent meals written down: fresh ms with butter, quail eggs, some kind of pastry I¡¯d never even heard of before. ¡°And you know my stomach is sensitive, so see to it that everything is prepared just right.¡±


    I clenched my jaw. Lilith subtly nudged me with her elbow.


    ¡°You do it,¡± I said, looking into Gabriel¡¯s eyes. ¡°I¡¯m going to take a nap.¡±


    Chapter

 The Perfect 4

    E POV


    I left Gabriel and Sophia standing in the garden. I didn¡¯t turn back to look at them, although I could sense their expressions of shock.


    The thought of two of the biggest pains in my ass being dumbfounded by my actions brought a smile to my face.


    Now, I just had one more person to throw off: Alexander.


    I made my way inside, deciding that a nap really did sound lovely after the morning I¡¯d had so far. My suite was all the way on the west wing of the mansion, a good five minutes¡¯ walk through thebyrinthine halls.


    When I finally reached my suite and stepped inside, I hesitated, ncing at the small bed pushed into the corner. I couldn¡¯t help but wrinkle my nose at the sight.


    My room was small and insignificant-basically a glorified guest suite. It was well-appointed and cozy-a small bed with a handmade quiltid on top, a little en suite bathroom, and a writing desk under the window-but hardly fit for a Luna.


    I should have been dignified enough to share a room with Alexander all these years, but when he had shoved me as far away from his quarters as he possibly could, I hadn¡¯t argued.


    I had taken the assignment with a smile and had even thanked him, as if being treated like a guest in my own home was work thanking him over.


    And what was even worse was that my sleeping arrangement hadn¡¯t gone unnoticed. The


    household staff may not have realized that Alexander and I were never intimate, but they certainly knew that he didn¡¯t like me.


    I would often hear them gossipping about it, whispering and giggling over my humiliation. They said that I was no better than a mistress, that I didn¡¯t even have my husband¡¯s respect.


    They were right.


    The thought now made my stomach twist with difort. Now that death was so close I could taste it, it broke my heart to think I had spent so many years limiting myself.


    Lilith was right; if I wanted to live, then I needed to change.


    And even if I survived this, then I needed to be true to myself afterwards. I couldn¡¯t bear to waste any more time letting myself get used and abused.


    I made a decision then; I wouldn¡¯t be napping in this room. No, I would go where I should have gone a long time ago.


    Without hesitating, I turned on my heel and strode out of my room and down the hall. The closer I


    Chapter


    came to Alexander¡¯s quarters, the more heads I turned. But I kept my head held high and moved with purpose, not letting anyone stop me.


    Goddess, even the lighting and decor was better in the east wing. Ornate skylights above cast intricate swirling patterns across the marble floors, and portraits depicting Alphas and Lunas from days long gone lined the walls.


    To think that I had spent so many years avoiding this side of the mansion¡­


    ¡°L-Luna?¡± A young servant girl emerged from Alexander¡¯s room with a pile of sheets in her arms. She curtsied when she saw me, although the confusion on her face was evident. ¡°Alpha Alexander is not in his room, if you¡¯re looking for him.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not looking for him.¡± I simply gestured for her to move out of the way, and after hesitating for a moment, she did.


    I knew she thought it was strange for me to enter Alexander¡¯s room, as I had never done before, especially without him in it. But I was the Luna for now, whether anyone liked it or not. I could go where I pleased.


    Taking a deep breath, I turned the knob and opened the door. Alexander¡¯s scent washed over me as I stepped into the dimly lit room.


    The curtains were shut, casting the room into semi-darkness, so it took my eyes a moment to adjust. But as they did, I became aware of the room¡¯s grand space-tall ceilings, arge main chamber with a smaller antechamber and an enormous en suite bathroom.


    Arge four-poster canopy bed dominated the main space, freshly made with clean sheets and plush pillows. In the antechamber was afortable sitting area with a firece, a loveseat, and two armchairs.


    Alexander had no need for a desk here, seeing as how he had his own study-another luxury I wasn¡¯t afforded even though there were plenty of spare rooms in the mansion-but there was room


    for it.


    And the bathroom¡­ It was like something out of a dream. An in-floor bathtub the size of a small swimming pool. A walk-in shower with crystal doors that caught the light. And all of the toiletries any person could possibly want.


    Feeling vindictive, I decided to take full advantage of the space.


    I began with a luxurious bath, where I used all of the toiletries I wanted, even emptying some of the bottles of lotions and soaps. Ivished myself for a good while, taking care to scrub every inch and even use Alexander¡¯s expensive skincare to do a face mask.


    Afterwards, once I was dried off, I padded into hisrge walk-in closet and began rifling through his clothes. He mostly just owned suits, some of which I pulled off the rack and tossed onto the floor just for good measure, but I found a plush robe that was luxurious under my fingers and slipped it <ol><li></li></ol>


    Chapter


    The soft fabric felt like I was wrapped in a sheep¡¯s thick coat.


    Grinning like an idiot, I scurried over to the bed and threw the covers back. I climbed in and nuzzled down into the nkets, letting out a little gasp of pleasure at the plush pillows and silky


    sheets.


    This¡­ this was how a Luna should be living.


    Alexander would no doubt be furious when he found out I¡¯d been in his room-and I did intend for him to find out-but that was the whole point. And if I could also have the time of my life, for once, while working to make him divorce me¡­ Then that was even better.


    Soon enough, my eyelids began to grow heavy, and sleep pulled me under.


    I woke to a familiar scent: bourbon and woodfire smoke.


    Alexander.


    Holding my breath, I cracked my eyes open just enough to see him standing in front of the full- length mirror with his back turned to me. My eyes widened slightly as I adjusted to the dim light and realized that he was shirtless, in the midst of dressing himself.


    For a moment, I allowed myself to just watch him. I had never seen Alexander shirtless before, and while I knew he was muscr and well-built, this¡­


    This was something else.


    The physical attraction I felt upon seeing his broad shoulders and muscr back was immediate and intense.


    Despite mypromising position, I found my gaze wandering over his form, savoring the way his waist narrowed until it disappeared into his sleek ck trousers. And his ass¡­


    Was this the specimen that could have been mine if only he hadn¡¯t been so cruel?


    Was this the man that I could have been sharing a bed with all these years?


    ¡°I¡¯m going to assume you slept enough if you¡¯re so wide awake now, staring at my body.¡±


    The sound of his voice snapped me out of my reverie, and my face instantly reddened. I shot upright, suddenly feeling more bashful than I should have-I had chosen toe here and use his room to anger him, after all, and yet now that he was here, I felt awkward and silly.


    Alexander turned around, frowning. Goddess, the front of him was even more impressive than the


    back.


    ¡°Why are you so eager to be intimate with me?¡± he asked.


    As he spoke, his gaze dipped, and I realized with a start that the robe had fallen open, revealing one


    bare


    had seen everything.


    My face reddened even further, and I shifted, preparing to get up.


    But Alex swiftly moved toward me.


    Before I could react, he was pushing me back down onto the bed by my wrists. One knee hooked over and pushed my left thigh to the side so he could kneel between my legs.


    I felt more exposed than ever before as he held me there, staring down at me.


    I couldn¡¯t shift beneath Alexander¡¯s weight. He held my wrists fast, pressing them against the bed, and stared down at me.


    But he wasn¡¯t looking at me the way a normal husband would look at his wife. There was hate in those green eyes.


    ¡°Being sweet and innocent didn¡¯t work, so now you¡¯re trying out some new tactics to seduce me, eh?¡± His gaze flicked distastefully across my corbone. ¡°Even climbing into my bed and wearing my robe without permission. Like a whore.¡±


    Anger overwhelmed me, so hot and sudden it almost made me burst outughing.


    ¡°You got me,¡± I cooed, calming myself somewhat. ¡°How do you like my new style? It seems to have caught your attention, so I must be doing something right.¡±


    A low growl rumbled in his chest, and I couldn¡¯t help but smile knowing that my words had hit


    their mark.


    ¡°If this is who you really are,¡± he said, ¡°then you should know that that¡¯s the exact kind of person I


    hate.¡±


    Good, I thought bitterly. I knew Alexander always hated women like that, and I hoped it made him hate me even more. The sooner I could get this over with, the better. It wasn¡¯t as if I had much time


    left.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m exactly that kind of person.¡± I lifted my head just enough so that my breath fanned across his neck as I whispered in his ear, ¡°But if you reject me now, you won¡¯t have to deal with me anymore.¡±


    Alexander stiffened. I almost hoped he would just do it now, say the words and end all of this. It was probably too hopeful of me to think this would be over so quickly, but I was desperate.


    But he didn¡¯t say the words, nor did he release me.


    And then I felt something shift between us.


    The mate bond.


    It was hardly more than a flicker, like a few sparks at the end of a live wire, but I could feel it¡ªthe


    Chapter


    faint ripple of mutual attraction, the speeding of our pulses, the way his body subtly shifted toward


    mine.


    His groin slightly pressed against my leg, and I felt something thick and warm twitch in his


    trousers.


    Chapter

 The Perfect 5

    E POV


    I couldn¡¯t help it. That damn bond, that fucking perfect form of his-it made my body react in ways I didn¡¯t want, made a throb form between my legs that I couldn¡¯t tamp down because of the way he had my thighs spread.


    All it would take was for him to move aside the robe, unzip his trousers¡­


    Suddenly, the door swung open.


    ¡°Alpha, the first guests are arriving for the banquet-¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s voice cut off abruptly as he saw ourpromising position. I jerked my head up just in time to see the Beta¡¯s face turn beet red, and he quickly whirled around to avoid looking.


    ¡°I apologize for interrupting, but the first guests are arriving. They¡¯ll be expecting you soon.¡±


    The moment had passed, and Alexander coolly sat up, then slid off the bed and tugged his button-down on. ¡°Tell our guests we¡¯ll be down shortly.¡±


    We. As if we were a real couple who had been really about to make love.


    As if any of this wasn¡¯t a fucking joke.


    Gabrial nodded and quickly left. I sat up, pulling the robe tighter around myself, and tried to keep my expression as neutral as possible. I couldn¡¯t tell if Alexander had felt the same physical reaction I had to our closeness or if he was just manipting me, and I decided it was better if I didn¡¯t try to find out.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go get ready,¡± I said, standing.


    ¡°No need.¡± Alexander finished buttoning his shirt and strode over to the door, grabbing his suit jacket on the way out. ¡°I¡¯ll send someone to bring you a dress. Since you enjoyed using my suite so much to get ready earlier.¡±


    I blinked, but nodded tightly.


    He then grabbed the doorknob, but hesitated, ncing over his shoulder.


    ¡°For what it¡¯s worth, I know you¡¯re full of shit,¡± he said. ¡°Try all the tactics you want, but I won¡¯t divorce you.¡±


    And just like that, he was gone.


    I sat on the edge of his bed for a few minutes, feeling both satisfied that I¡¯d sessfully frustrated him for a few minutes but also a little disappointed. This was going to be harder than I thought.


    A momentter, there was a soft knock on the door. I opened it to find the same servant girl from earlier holding a silky red gown in her arms.


    ¡°The Alpha asked me to bring you a dress, Luna,¡± she said, curtsying and holding it out to me.


    I took the dress and held it up, studying it. It was nothing short of dramatic, the silky red fabric flowing down and nipping in at the waist. It had a plunging neckline and low back, and the thin straps were practically nonexistent.


    I recalled purchasing this dress when I first married Alexander, thinking that he would want me to dress sexy-before I realized that I was expected to dress more modestly as the decent Luna of the strongest pack. I had put it in the back of my closet without wearing it even once and hadpletely forgotten about it.


    It was the exact opposite to the sort of thing I normally wore¡­


    Chapter


    But since I was dying anyway, why not just wear the damn dress?


    Alexander POV


    My parents had been killed six years ago, leaving Ashw to me-their seventeen-year-old son.


    And I knew their death wasn¡¯t just an ident.


    Over the years, I had managed to narrow it down to three packs who may have been involved-one of which being Stormhollow. E¡¯s pack. I still hadn¡¯t gathered enough evidence to be certain, but I was actively searching for the truth.


    That was why it came as such a hindrance when I found out E was my fated mate, and why I had worked so hard to avoid developing any real love for her, even going so far as to ce her bedroom as far away from mine as possible.


    I needed to marry my fated mate for the sake of my pack. But if it came down to discovering that Stormhollow was responsible for my parents¡¯ death, then I couldn¡¯t risk being held back by love for her. Whether she was directly involved,pletely innocent, or a spy for Stormhollow was irrelevant.


    All that mattered was that I couldn¡¯t let a woman stop me from persecuting those who had taken my parents from me.


    So, for five years, I maintained careful distance, adhered to a strict no-intimacy contract, avoided her at all costs, and was even outright cruel to her just to keep her away.


    But today, when she had suggested a divorce, I had snapped. I was more upset by the thought than I wanted to be.


    Someone nudged my arm, and I looked up to see Gabriel staring at me. I¡¯d gotten so lost in my thoughts that I had forgotten where I was standing-outside the banquet hall, waiting to make my entrance.


    ¡°I still think you should just ept her offer,¡± Gabriel said quietly. ¡°If she takes the me, it won¡¯t hurt your image. You¡¯ll still be able to win the election-it might even help you in the long run. Create a narrative about a lovesick Alpha who continues to serve his people despite his heartbreak.¡±


    My jaw ticked.


    ¡°I¡¯m considering it,¡± I said slowly, deliberately. ¡°I don¡¯t know about this mysterious illness she imed to have, though.¡±


    My Beta tilted his head. ¡°Illness or no, I¡¯m still of the belief that she¡¯s a Stormhollow spy, and you¡¯re far better off without her. It will only bring trouble.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve been saying that for five years, but admittedly we¡¯ve found nothing pointing in that direction.¡±


    Gabriel scoffed. ¡°That¡¯s because she acts so damn perfect all the time. But today¡­¡± He shrugged one shoulder. ¡°Maybe her mask is slipping.¡±


    ¡°Maybe. I don¡¯t know. Let¡¯s not make any assumptions.¡±


    ¡°Ah.¡± Gabriel sighed. ¡°You¡¯ve begun to develop some real feelings for her after all, haven¡¯t you? Well, I suppose we should have expected this, her being your fated mate at all, not to mention her beauty and prowess as Luna. But you have to let go


    unless-¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t fallen for her.¡± My words came out harsh, short. Gabriel stiffened, realizing he¡¯d overstepped. He may have been my friend, but at the end of the day, he was also my Beta.


    ¡°Besides,¡± I went on, perhaps trying to convince myself just as much as him, ¡°I can¡¯t fall in love with her. I think her innocence is all just an act, and now she¡¯s being insufferable, and¡­¡±


    My voice trailed off as I heard heels clicking against the marble floors. I looked down the hall to see a head of silky blonde


    Chapter


    hair moving toward me, blue eyes fixed on me. She wore a red gown that hugged her curves, the crimson silk pooling around her feet like a river of blood as she moved.


    My wolf instantly stirred, ever so strong, and I couldn¡¯t push him down this time.


    ¡°GO KISS OUR MATE AND MARK HER NOW, you moron,¡± he shouted in my mind. ¡°How many times do I have to tell you


    that?¡±


    I swallowed hard and looked away. ¡°Shut up.¡±

 The Perfect 6

    E POV


    ¡°Shut up,¡± Alexander whispered.


    I halted my steps abruptly, furrowing my brow. ¡°What?¡±


    Alexander shook his head, almost as if he hadn¡¯t intended to say the words out loud. ¡°Nothing,¡± he said. Beside him, Gabriel¡¯s face reddened again. Alexander frowned. ¡°Why did you pick that dress? You should change.¡±


    I bristled involuntarily at his words. Maybe the old version of me would have scurried away and changed into something more suitable-who was I kidding, I would have never worn this to begin with-but not anymore.


    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t be a prude,¡± I bit out. ¡°I can wear what I want and you have no right to control me.¡±


    With that, I brushed past him, moving to enter the banquet hall.


    Alexander¡¯s hand shot out, grabbing my arm. He pulled me back before I could reach the grand double doors.


    I whirled on him, prepared to tell him where he could shove hisments about my outfit, but found myself surprised when he simply looped my arm through his elbow.


    ¡°You can¡¯t go alone. We¡¯re supposed to walk in together.¡±


    Right. We did enter these sorts of events arm-in-arm every time.


    But I knew that the moment we entered the banquet hall, Sophia would show up and cling to Alexander. And I knew he would keep his distance from me for the entire party, just like he always did, leaving me to mingle on my own and be a wallflower while all the other couples danced.


    He wasn¡¯t insisting on going in together because he actually cared about being by my side. This was just for appearances, like it always was, and I would be cast aside the moment I had served my purpose.


    I abruptly pulled my arm away. ¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯s necessary. Everyone knows you hate me, anyway. What does it matter if we¡¯re holding hands when we enter?¡±


    Alexander¡¯s green eyes shifted, a look of something that almost looked like pain flickering through them for the briefest of moments. It was gone so quickly I wasn¡¯t sure if I had actually seen it, but it did leave me wondering¡­


    Could it be that he was actually being insincere earlier and actually preferred when I was being more flirtatious?


    ¡°There will be guests from the Alpha Council Supervisory Board in attendance,¡± he said firmly, taking my hand and cing it on his arm again. I tried not to think about the sight of his bare muscles from earlier as I felt his bicep shift under my palm. ¡°They¡¯ll be inspecting the pack for at least a month for all Alpha King candidates. We have to give them a good impression.¡±


    ¡°Unless you¡¯re trying to spread negative rumors about your rtionship,¡± Gabriel, who had regained some of hisposure, chimed in from behind Alexander. ¡°Trying to ruin your Alpha¡¯s chances at bing the next Alpha King.¡±


    I snorted, making both Alexander and Gabriel nce at each other in surprise.


    ¡°Of course not,¡± I said smoothly. ¡°I think Alexander would make an excellent Alpha King if he controls his subjects half as


    well as he controls me.¡±


    Despite my obvious jab, I did oblige and tighten my grip around Alexander¡¯s arm. Gabriel opened the doors and we strode inside, where the party was already in full swing.


    Well-dressed guests from all over milled around with drinks in hand, some already twirling on the dance floor as a pianist yed a lively tune. Candles flickered on every table, casting the room in a golden glow, and the air smelled like alcohol, cigar smoke, and decadent food.


    The party seemed a bit chaotic without my guidance-I would have put smaller centerpieces on the tables so guests could see each other better during conversation and I would have ced the dance floor closer to the center of the room, facilitating more dancing and socializing, but it was surprisingly nice.


    And at least I didn¡¯t have to deal with Sophia¡¯s nitpicking this time. Gabriel could deal with her instead.


    As Alexander and I began making our way through the sea of guests, I gestured to a nearby waiter, who hurried over. His eyes briefly flicked over my dress, a look of surprise crossing his face, but he bowed and said respectfully, ¡°What can I get for


    you, Luna?¡±


    Normally, I would have opted for sparkling juice¡ªa drink to hold so as not to make the guests feel ufortable, but nothing alcoholic.


    But tonight, I wanted something stronger.


    ¡°I¡¯d like a dry martini, please.¡±


    The waiter nodded and left to prepare my drink. When I nced at Alexander, I noticed him looking at me.


    ¡°What?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Nothing. Just don¡¯t get drunk tonight.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll see about that.¡± I took the drink from the waiter when he returned and immediately took a long sip, never looking away from Alexander. Frustrated, he shook his head and looked away.


    Just then, a familiar form emerged from the crowd-not much taller than me, slender, and sporting an expensive suit that was likely purchased using the money he¡¯d earned from selling me to a man who hated me.


    My father.


    I hadn¡¯t seen him in person for months, but he didn¡¯t hug me or smile like a normal father might do. Rather, he took my wrist and pulled me slightly off to the side. ¡°What are you wearing, E?¡± he hissed. ¡°This sort of dress is hardly befitting a Luna.¡±


    When he began to remove his jacket to cover me up, I held my hand up to stop him. ¡°I¡¯m fine. I can wear whatever I want.¡±


    My father¡¯s blue eyes shed. ¡°What hase over you?¡± He then gestured to the drink in my hand. ¡°And you should know better than to drink alcohol when you¡¯re actively trying to get pregnant.¡±


    I almostughed at that. Sure, I used to do everything in my power to make Alexander love me and want to have a family with me, but now I just wanted to live.


    ¡°And such a strong drink, too,¡± an all-too-familiar voice chimed in. Sophia. She was wearing a feminine white gown that was perfectly tasteful with just a touch of sexiness, her brte hair pulled back into an intricate updo. ¡°Well, I suppose Luna E will finally be joining the adults tonight.¡±


    I held back the urge to say something nasty in front of my father. But when Gabriel stepped forward and reached for my drink, saying, ¡°The Luna must have made a mistake when she ordered. I¡¯ll go get her something more appropriate,¡± I snapped.


    I yanked my drink away, a little liquid sloshing out over the rim. ¡°I¡¯m not a child,¡± I hissed. ¡°And I¡¯m not a broodmare. If I want a drink, then I¡¯ll have a damn drink.¡±


    My father, Gabriel, and Sophia went silent.


    (+13)


    None of us had expected me to snap like that-not even me. It was so far afield from my usual self that it had felt like someone else was speaking the words. And yet it felt so¡­ Right.


    For so long, I had watched everything that went into my body for the sake of not only having a perfect figure, but also being a perfect incubator for a child that would likely nevere.


    I ate light. I exercised. I avoided alcohol. I had weekly facials, spent thousands on personal trainers, tried every diet n in the book, had even considered surgical options for a better face or body a few times despite never having the guts to go through with it-and for what?


    All I got in return was a death sentence and a husband who didn¡¯t even care when his Beta and childhood friend were infantilizing me in my own home.


    By now, several people had stopped talking and were watching the confrontation with wide eyes. My father¡¯s jaw worked. Gabriel just stared at me. Sophia looked like she had sucked on a lemon.


    For a moment I considered running away and hiding in shame, but I knew if I did that, then I would be doing the opposite of what Lilith told me to do, and I would be no closer to Alexander divorcing me.


    I had to save my wolf. I had to save myself.


    I had to live.


    Calmly, I said, loud enough for the nearby onlookers to hear, ¡°Are you three done tormenting me, or do I need to throw a fit like the child you think I am?¡±


    My father nced nervously at Alexander and leaned in, dropping his voice to a whisper. ¡°Be careful, E.¡±


    ¡°Or what?¡± I kept my voice even and clear. I wanted people to hear me. ¡°Alexander will divorce me? Good; I hope he does.¡±


    Gasps rippled around me. My father looked like he¡¯d been shot in the chest, and physically reached up, sping his hand over his heart. ¡°E, watch what you say in public!¡±


    I suppressed a little smile of satisfaction. Suddenly, Sophia said, ¡°Alexander, see how she humiliates you? And you really want this woman to be your wife? If she wants you to reject her so badly, then why not do it?¡±


    Only then did I look at Alexander, and I was surprised by what I found. He looked furious, yes, but there was more to it than


    that.


    There was that look of pain again. As if my words had struck him where it hurt the most.


    I braced myself, waiting for him to finally reject me. I had finally given him a proper reason, what with all these eyes on us- I had publicly humiliated him, aired our dirtyundry for everyone to see. He could easily do it and no one would think worse of him for it.


    Maybe I had seeded. Maybe I would be okay after all.


    But then, to my surprise, Alexander rushed forward and closed the distance between us in two long strides. Before I could


    +13)


    Chapter

 The Perfect 7

    E POV


    The sudden touch of Alexander¡¯s hands on my back, exposed from the courageous dip of my dressline, made my skin feel


    like it was on fire.


    ¡°Why would I do that, darling?¡± heughed. ¡°She keeps making these jokestely, all because I forgot to rub her feetst night.¡±


    Rub my feet?


    I couldn¡¯t decide if theugh or the embrace or the imaginary foot-rubbing was more unsettling. All three of those things. were so out of character for him that it briefly made me wonder if he had been reced with a lookalike in the past thirty seconds.


    ¡°You never rub my feet,¡± I hissed, pushing my palms into his chest. ¡°You¡¯re a liar.¡±


    Alexander held fast and chuckled. ¡°Women,¡± he joked, eliciting someughs from the people around us. The only people who weren¡¯tughing were Sophia and Gabriel. My father, for appearances, managed a faint chuckle.


    ¡°Alexander, what are you talking about?¡± I whispered, suddenly turning angry. ¡°And let me go-¡±


    But then I saw the faint glimmer in his green eyes and movement over his shoulder, and I understood.


    The Alpha Council Supervisory Board had arrived-six Alphas in expensive suits were moving through the crowd, which was parting around them like the sea. And they were headed straight for us.


    Now I understood why Alexander was suddenly acting as if we were just a yful couple having a good-natured spat. Why he was lying about our intimate life like that.


    He was ying up our ¡°rtionship¡± because the Board had just walked in.


    The whole reason why Alexander had thrown this banquet tonight was to curry their favor for the uing election. And he couldn¡¯t aplish that if his perfect little wife was misbehaving, could he?


    I opened my mouth to say something, not really caring what the Board thought of him at this point, but my father quickly stepped in.


    ¡°Alphas,¡± he said, bowing his head slightly out of respect. Meanwhile, Sophia and Gabriel had lowered their gazespletely. ¡°It¡¯s an honor to see you all tonight.¡±


    The Alphas all nodded in response, but they were looking at us. I felt my face heat slightly under their scrutinizing gazes. These Alphas were some of the best of the best-elected for the Board based on their hard work and merits. Doctors, phnthropists,wyers.


    But one man in particr, who stood at the front, caught my eye the most.


    He was staring excruciatingly at me and Alexander. His brown eyes kept flitting down to where my palms were pressed into Alexander¡¯s chest, then to where Alexander¡¯s arms were tightly wrapped around me, and something strange kept crossing


    his face.


    There was something almost familiar about him, but I couldn¡¯t quite ce my finger on it.


    He was certainly handsome, though-tall and slender but in a masculine way, with his dirty blond hair neatlybed back. He wore a midnight blue suit with a matching tie and a pocket square with a paisley pattern tucked into his jacket pocket.


    ¡°Alphas,¡± Alexander finally said, turning toward them but keeping one arm firmly wrapped around my waist. I touched his hand, testing it to see if I could pry his fingers away, but he just dug them deeper into my skin as if to silently warn me not to


    Chapter


    try anything. ¡°I¡¯m so d you were able to make it.¡±


    ¡°Alpha Alexander.¡± The handsome man at the front extended his hand, and Alexander shook it. He then turned to me. ¡°You


    must be Luna E.¡±


    I nodded, and the man took my hand and kissed it. I felt Alexander¡¯s arm tighten even further around me, but he said nothing.


    When the man pulled back, he gestured around us. ¡°This is a lovely party. Did you n it yourself, Luna?¡±


    I shook my head and nodded toward Gabriel. ¡°Not this banquet, no. Beta Gabriel nned it himself. I¡¯m taking on less of a party-nning role these days.¡±


    Partially, it was true. But I also said it because I knew the Board might look down upon a pack in which the Luna didn¡¯t n such things herself.


    My entire goal right now was to make Alexander look bad, force his hand into divorcing me.


    But I didn¡¯t get the reaction I¡¯d expected from my words.


    The man looked a little surprised, but smiled. ¡°It¡¯s nice to see a pack with more progressive views. More Lunas these days are taking on administrative roles rather than party nning, which we believe to be a good thing.¡± He looked around at hisrades, who all nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Yes, a Luna should be an equal to her Alpha,¡± one Alpha chimed in. ¡°Truly, it¡¯s the women in our society who hold us all together.¡±


    I bristled a little at the praise. Alexander, who had stiffened, rxed somewhat as well, although I doubted it had so much to do with the progressivements about women as it was relief that he wasn¡¯t immediately on the chopping block.


    Alexander and the six Alphas went on to talk for a while. Once all six Alphas had drinks and hors d¡¯oeuvres in their hands, Alexander led them around the banquet hall, showing off the various portraits, artworks, and sculptures on disy.


    All the while, he kept his arm firmly around me, so tight I could hardly breathe-let alone slip away. Every time I opened my mouth to say something that might harm him, he would smoothly talk over me as if he hadn¡¯t noticed.


    And all the while, that strangely familiar young Alpha kept staring at me.


    I couldn¡¯t imagine why he seemed so taken with me-was it the dress? Was there something on my face? Or did they overhear the earlier conversation and were onto us?


    I hoped it was thetter, because if it was, then that would make my work a lot easier. If I ruined Alexander¡¯s chances of being nominated for the election by the Board, then he would have no choice but to divorce me. The thought sent a little thrill through me.


    Eventually, the Alphas dispersed to enjoy the party with Alexander¡¯s blessing. But the handsome Alpha lingered behind, once more giving me that strange, almost knowing stare.


    I was just about to ask if there was indeed something on my face when he suddenly approached.


    ¡°E,¡± he said in a familiar voice, dropping the honorifics, ¡°don¡¯t you remember me?¡±


    I blinked, staring at him for a long moment. He had just spoken to me as if we were friends, and his face did look familiar¡­


    And then it hit me.


    His dirty blond hair, now neatly styled back but once a mop of golden curls. His soft blue eyes, always too deep and knowing for his own good. The cupids bow in the center of his upper lip. The tiny mole on the right side of his chin.


    The young boy who had been taken from me.


    I gasped, my hand pping over my mouth as I realized that I knew this man, but hadn¡¯t seen him since he was a boy.


    ¡°Liam!¡± I practically shouted, yanking myself away from Alexander¡¯s iron grip. I surged forward and threw my arms around him. ¡°I can¡¯t believe it¡¯s you! It¡¯s been so long, I didn¡¯t recognize you-And you changed so much¡ª¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± heughed, hugging me back. ¡°It¡¯s been over a decade. I heard a person with your name was living here now and I wasn¡¯t certain myself until I saw you earlier.¡±


    1 giggled, momentarily forgetting about everything-my wolf, my illness, Alexander, my father, all of it. Suddenly, I was just a ten-year-old girl again, happy to see her dear friend after too many years apart.


    That was, until Alexander¡¯s hand gently but firmly wrapped around my wrist and pulled me away.


    Chapter

 The Perfect 8

    E POV


    The new boy in ss was strange, or so the other kids said.


    They said that he was too quiet, that he stared for too long, that his interest in paper airnes was too obsessive. They said that he didn¡¯t y with them on the yground because he would always ruin their games with his weirdness.


    And then the teacher seated him next to me, and I saw those big blue eyes and the way his face lit up when he saw me folding a paper airne underneath my desk, and I knew we were supposed to be good friends.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. They think I¡¯m weird, too,¡± I said as we sat together in the big flower field out behind the school, making daisy crowns. ¡°The other kids don¡¯t like me because of what happened to my mom. They think I¡¯m bad luck.¡±


    Liam tilted his head, a few soft golden curls falling into his eyes. ¡°What happened to your mom?¡±


    I shrugged. ¡°I dunno. She died when I was a baby. But that was a long time ago, and I¡¯m a lot bigger now, so it doesn¡¯t bother me.¡±


    He reached out and took my hand. ¡°It¡¯s okay if it does bother you.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because we¡¯re best friends now, and friends are supposed to be there for each other when they¡¯re feeling sad. That way, you can still feel sad but it¡¯s not so lonely because we¡¯ve got each other.¡±


    Liam was right-we were best friends. Inseparable, even. We were practically attached at the hip all through second, third, and fourth grade.


    Until his father, the Head Alpha of the Alpha Council Supervisory Board, sent him away.


    I didn¡¯t even get to say goodbye; Liam just stopped showing up to school, and when I asked our teacher where he went, she said he went off to some kind of special camp for ¡®kids like him. And he wasn¡¯ting back.


    I didn¡¯t know what that meant until yearster, when it finally hit me: his father, ashamed of Liam¡¯s shy nature and too- inquisitive mind, sent him to the type of ce where they hammer special kids into an ordinary mold.


    His father wanted him to be the Head Alpha of the Board.


    And now he was.


    Liam looked nothing like the young boy who had been taken from me all those years ago; he was charming and outgoing, he smiled wide and initiated conversations and no longer wore the little paper ne charm ne I gave him when we were young.


    But he was still Liam. My Liam.


    And somehow, seeing him again made everything that was bad in my life slip away. Even when Alexander suddenly pulled me back to his side, his grip possessive around my waist, I couldn¡¯t help but smile.


    ¡°So now you¡¯re the Head of the Board,¡± I said. ¡°How does it feel?¡±


    Liam¡¯s smile widened slightly. Maybe just a little too much. ¡°My father is very proud.¡±


    I blinked at that, wondering exactly what went on at that camp. But before I could ask, my father cut in, ¡°Is that little Liam?¡±


    ¡°In the flesh,¡± Liam replied, holding out his hand. ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure to see you again, Richard.¡±


    ¡°Why, I never¡­¡± My father shook his hand, tactfully leaving out the fact that thest time he had seen Liam, Liam had hardly been able to say hello to him. He then gestured to Alexander. ¡°You know, Liam, given your history with E, we¡¯d be very grateful if you gave Alpha Alexander a good review for the uing election.¡±


    My throat bobbed. Of course my father would try to use my reunion with an old friend I thought I¡¯d never see again to get what he wanted. And of course Alexander wouldn¡¯t stop him, because he was just as selfish.


    I nced at Liam, hoping my father hadn¡¯t just ruined everything. To my relief, Liam simply nodded. ¡°I assure you, I¡¯ll give Alpha Alexander an honest evaluation.¡±


    Alexander tensed slightly. My father could only give a dryugh as a response.


    ¡°E,¡± Liam suddenly said, turning to me once more, ¡°how have you been all these years? I¡¯d like to catch up.¡±


    I opened my mouth to respond, but no words coulde. What was I supposed to tell him? ¡°Nice to see you again, but I¡¯m dying¡±? Or perhaps ¡°The very man you¡¯re evaluating to run for Alpha King is refusing to mark or divorce me, even if it kills


    me¡±?


    When I remained silent, just staring at Liam, I could see his eyes briefly shift from the new perfect mask he wore back to the young, intuitive boy I had once known. Even after all these years, he could read me like a book.


    Alexander tightened his grip on me. ¡°We¡¯re doing well,¡± he cut in. Again with the we. Like it fucking meant anything. ¡°E is just under a lot of stress because we¡¯re under a lot of pressure to have an heir.¡±


    I felt my pulse spike, heat crawling up my neck.


    My father leaned in and pped Alexander on the shoulder. ¡°And that¡¯s exactly why you¡¯re perfect for my daughter,¡± he said. ¡°Despite the stress, you remain by her side and offer her all the support she could possibly need.¡±


    I wanted tough. Or cry. I couldn¡¯t decide which.


    Liam tilted his head in that familiar way. ¡°Do you want to talk about it?¡± His voice was soft, and he wasn¡¯t looking at my father or my husband. He was looking at me.


    A long moment passed, and the tension was palpable. I thought, for a moment, that I could ruin Alexander right here and now-and potentially resolve my issue immediately.


    But that was too simple, wasn¡¯t it? Alexander might be even less inclined to listen to my wishes if I blurted everything out and caused his downfall.


    No, it was better to not make so much of a scene. Only little frustrations for now, just enough to piss him off but not enough to make himsh out in the opposite way I was hoping for.


    ¡°Alexander is right,¡± I said, quickly recovering. ¡°But we¡¯re fine. Aren¡¯t we, darling?¡± I turned to him and gave him what I hoped was a loving look, even if it felt like I was wearing the same mask Liam had been wearing all night.


    Alexander stared at me for a moment as if trying to sense an ulterior motive, but when he found none for now, he nodded


    and rxed somewhat.


    Liam, however, didn¡¯t seem particrly convinced. But he didn¡¯t press the matter any further.


    Thankfully, the rest of the banquet went by without a hitch. Since the Board was here, Alexander kept me by his side all night, his arm never leaving my waist. His possessiveness made me feel uneasy.


    Everywhere he touched me, my skin felt hot and tingling.


    And all the while, Sophia pouted in the corner with her arms folded. She never got her opportunity to hang off of him.


    By the time the banquet came to an end and the guests had left, it was only the Board left. Alexander apparently arranged


    Chapter


    for them all to stay in the mansion for a while, and had set them up with their own individual rooms in the west wing.


    Not far from my room, actually.


    As they were leaving, Liam stopped and offered me a small smile-that knowing look still in his eyes.


    ¡°Since I¡¯m staying here for a while, we should catch up,¡± he said.


    I nodded. ¡°I¡¯d like that.¡± And I meant it.


    But when Liam left and I turned to look at Alexander, his face had darkened.


    ¡°Alex!¡± Sophia suddenly came scurrying over and grabbed his arm, grinning like a fool. Now that everyone was gone, he was no longer attached to me, so she had her chance. ¡°The night is still young. Let¡¯s go have a drink and chat!¡±


    I rolled my eyes and turned to leave, genuinely not caring if they stayed up all night together. I just wanted to take a hot shower and go to bed.


    However, I froze when I heard Alexander¡¯s dismissive tone.


    ¡°No, Sophia. Not tonight.¡± I turned to see him staring directly at me. ¡°E and I need to talk.¡±


    Chapter

 The Perfect 9

    E POV


    )


    Sophia looked at me like I¡¯d just pissed all over her expensive shoes, even though it wasn¡¯t my fault that Alexander had cut their night short. After the day I¡¯d just had, I didn¡¯t want to look at him anymore.


    ¡°But-¡± Sophia began in a whining voice, only to be cut off by Alexander.


    ¡°There will be other nights, Sophia.¡± Alexander pushed away from the wall where he was leaning and guided her to the door. ¡°Go to bed. Or don¡¯t. You¡¯re an adult. Just leave me so I can speak to my wife.¡±


    Sophia made a little sound of displeasure, but left anyway. She gave me onest malicious nce before she slipped out of the banquet hall and disappeared with a whiff of floral perfume.


    Once Sophia was gone, Alexander took me by the arm and led me away from the prying ears of the staff who were currently cleaning up the banquet. We received a few sidelong nces, and I knew there would be a bit of gossip tonight about our odd behavior at the banquet, but right now I didn¡¯t care.


    We made our way down the hall and to a small sitting room with a few chairs and a chess table. It had to have been used by some guests for smoking cigars during the banquet, because the air smelled like smoke. Alexander gestured for me to enter and I stepped inside, but I didn¡¯t sit down.


    Finally, once the door was shut and we were truly alone, he turned to look at me. ¡°Do you really want to go through with the divorce?¡±


    I bristled a little, trying not to show my excitement. Had Alexander decided to help me after all? I had hardly dared to hope that my efforts might pay off in the span of a single day, but I couldn¡¯t help but feel relieved.


    ¡°Yes,¡± I said, folding my hands in front of me. ¡°I want a divorce.¡±


    Alexander looked at me for a moment, and my hope began to gutter out. I tried to keep my expression calm, but it wasn¡¯t easy when he was staring at me like that.


    ¡°And did your father say he would pay up what is owed when you spoke to him?¡±


    There was no hiding my reaction to that; my conversation with my father had been nothing short of devastating, and I should have known that Alexander wasn¡¯t a charitable man. If there was no money, then there was no divorce.


    I dropped my gaze, and that seemed to be all the answer Alexander needed. He huffed.


    ¡°I see. Well, it¡¯s no wonder you started deliberately trying to make me dislike you. Your old lover is back, and since daddy dearest doesn¡¯t want to pay your way out of our marriage, you think you can manipte me into ending our contract without repercussions.¡±


    I jerked my gaze up, incredulous. ¡°You think Liam and I¡ª¡±


    ¡°Ah, but I didn¡¯t even mention his name. Now I know the truth: you and Liam are having an affair, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    For a long moment, I just stared at him in shock. I couldn¡¯t believe what Alexander was saying; he actually thought that I was in love with Liam, the boy I hadn¡¯t seen since grade school?


    ¡°Just say it, E.¡± Alexander¡¯s voice carried a strangely bitter edge as he leaned against the back of a nearby loveseat, folding his arms across his chest. ¡°Tell me you¡¯re sleeping with him. I won¡¯t be mad-just disappointed.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t help butugh. Not a chuckle, not a snort, but a full-belliedugh with my head thrown back. But there was no humor in the sound.


    Was he jealous, or just being sarcastic? Either way, it didn¡¯t matter; his words stung deep, like tiny needles piercing my heart.


    After five years of marriage, five years of trying to be everything he wanted, all he could do was just look at me like I was some kind of scheming witch set out to hurt him.


    All I wanted was to not fucking die, and yet he was making up imaginary betrayals-using me of having sex with a childhood friend who I hadn¡¯t seen in over a decade. He would rather do that than just listen to me and help me cure my dormant wolf.


    But no. It was somehow easier for him to assume I was a lying, conniving, phndering piece of shit rather than a woman who didn¡¯t want to die at twenty-fucking-two.


    My heart ckened and curled in on itself at that moment. Suddenly, what little emotion I had left for Alexander was nothing but ash.


    When I had first noticed Alexander¡¯s possessiveness over Liam, a small part of me had wanted to exin myself to him, to make him feel better and not jealous. As if I were still the good wife I had spent five years trying to be: the type of wife who would never intentionally make her husband feel insecure.


    But now¡­


    Now, I didn¡¯t care if he thought I was having an affair. If it would sooner lead to our divorce, then all the better.


    So I just shrugged and crossed my arms. I didn¡¯t confirm it, but I also didn¡¯t deny it. Let him think what he wanted to think. The fantasies he made up in his own head were on him, not me.


    Alexander¡¯s green eyes shed, and for a moment, I thought he might blow his lid. But surprisingly, his voice was steady and calm when he spoke again.


    ¡°Well, we¡¯re stuck together now, whether we like it or not. We can¡¯t go having a divorce scandal during my election campaign. So I¡¯ll make you an offer.¡±


    I tilted my head, intrigued. ¡°What are you offering?¡±


    ¡°Remain by my side for the six months of my election campaign, then three more after that¡ªto create an image of stability. Then I¡¯ll divorce you and reject you, just like you want me to.¡±


    I stared at him, almost wondering if he was the one who was bluffing now, but I saw no lie in his eyes. Just frustration and maybe even a hint of resignation.


    Nine months¡­ I had enough time. I would still have three months to spare before my death. I¡¯d just have to spend another nine months with Alexander, and then I would be free-and I would live.


    ¡°Very well,¡± I said, drawing myself up to my full height. ¡°Draw up the contract and I¡¯ll sign it.¡±


    Alexander¡¯s face ckened for a moment as if he hadn¡¯t been expecting me to ept so easily, but I didn¡¯t care. I was exhausted and emotionally drained and just wanted to go to my room. It had been a long day, and I had another long nine months ahead of me, and I just needed to rest.


    But as I turned to leave, once again, Alexander stopped me with a hand around my wrist.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    ¡°To my room.¡±


    He snorted. ¡°Down the hall from your old lover? Eager to get back to him, I see.¡±


    I sighed and turned to him, exasperated. Alexander pulled me closer, his voice dropping to a husky whisper.


    ¡°But maybe, since you seemed to like my room so much earlier today, then you should stay there tonight.¡±

 The Perfect 10

    E POV


    This close, with the scent of Alexander¡¯s cologne washing over me and the possessive fire in his eyes as he looked down at me, I felt something cold and hard begin to soften ever so slightly inside of me, like the morning sun melting the frost on the grass.


    It should have been a nice feeling, to warm up slightly toward my mate and husband, but all it did was make me feel uneasy.


    Right now, I hated him-hated what he was putting me through, hated the fact that he wouldn¡¯t help me with my wolf, hated that we had even gotten to this point to begin with simply because he couldn¡¯t bear to love me despite how hard I had tried for five years.


    And yet, I couldn¡¯t help but feel the pull of our fated mate bond in my chest. Even with my wolf dormant, it was still there- a faint tug of an invisible string tied around my heart, constantly pulling, constantly urging me closer to him.


    For a brief, heart-stopping moment, I nearly gave in and closed the remaining distance between us.


    Maybe, if this had happened yesterday, I would have even hoped to kiss him.


    But now¡­ Now, I just wanted him to get away.


    Biting the inside of my cheek, I shoved hard against his chest. It wasn¡¯t enough to make him stumble back, but it did seem to take him by surprise, and he released his grip on my arm.


    ¡°If you want me to sign your contract, you also have to promise to stop touching me like that.¡± I smoothed down the front of my dress and lifted my chin. ¡°And I¡¯m not spending the night with you. Whatever sexual favors you think you¡¯ll get from me on the side, it¡¯s not happening.¡±


    Alexander blinked. ¡°Sexual favors? Don¡¯t overthink things, E. The only reason why I think you should stay in my room is because the Board is here. I can¡¯t have them thinking we¡¯re actually having marital problems.¡±


    His exnation infuriated me in ways I didn¡¯t want to admit-because of course he had only invited me to fulfill his agenda. and for no other reasons-but it was also logical.


    We slept on opposite sides of the house. My bedroom was just down the hall from where the Board was staying. Of course it would raise eyebrows if we slept like that with such important guests around.


    ¡°Fine,¡± I sighed, throwing my hands up in the air. ¡°I¡¯ll sleep in your room for now. But only until the Board is gone.¡±


    I didn¡¯t wait for a response before I turned and left.


    As I made my way toward Alexander¡¯s room instead of mine, I couldn¡¯t help butugh wryly under my breath.


    Who would have thought that, after five years of marriage, this would be our first time ever sharing a bed?


    Strangely, when I reached Alexander¡¯s room and prepared to shower, I felt more ufortable with his permission to be here than I had felt when sneaking around earlier that day. Somehow, being invited into his space felt more unnatural than simply doing it to anger him.


    Before today, I had never even set foot in this room. On our wedding night, just as I was about to enter, he had coldly told me to leave¡ªthat I wasn¡¯t allowed inside because he wasn¡¯t going to have children with me, and thus there was no need for a


    shared bed.


    And then he took me to my sad little room all the way on the other end of the house, and that was the end of that.


    But now, he was the one who wanted me to sleep in his room. How ironic.


    Thankfully, Alexander didn¡¯te upstairs right away, so I had time to shower and prepare for bed on my own.


    After washing off the day in his luxurious walk-in shower, I brushed my teeth, dried my hair, and even did another face mask for good measure. A servant had brought me some pajamas, so I slipped into the silky blue sleep set before stepping


    out of the bathroom.


    Alexander was waiting for me, already shirtless with nothing but a pair of nnel pants slung low around his chiseled waist, when I emerged. He was holding a bundle of papers in his hand, which he tossed toward me as I approached.


    I tried not to gawk at the delicious V-line of his hips, reminding myself that as attractive as he was, I still hated him.


    ¡°The new contract,¡± he said, holding out a pen. ¡°All you have to do is sign.¡±


    I picked the contract up off the coffee table and flipped through it, ensuring everything was in order and that I couldn¡¯t get tricked. Indeed, Alexander had stayed true to his word.


    The contract was simple: I just needed to stay in the house as his wife for the six-month duration of his election campaign, during which time I would be expected to perform my usual Luna duties, attend any public events or the like with him, and then remain doing so for three months after the campaign whether he won or lost.


    Then he would divorce me, reject me, and I would be free. My father wouldn¡¯t owe any money and there would be no repercussions.


    I took the pen from his hand, my fingers briefly brushing his as I did, and signed my name at the bottom with a flourish. ¡°Your turn,¡± I said, holding the contract and pen back out to him.¡±


    A muscle in Alexander¡¯s jaw ticked, but he signed his name next to mine.


    ¡°There. I¡¯ll have it notarized in the morning.¡±


    I nodded and abruptly turned toward the bed, but then hesitated. My eyes shifted toward the couch in the small sitting room, and I said, ¡°Am I sleeping on the sofa, or are you?¡±


    Alexander looked at me like I¡¯d just sprouted a second head. ¡°Why should either of us take the couch? The bed is plenty big.¡±


    Before I could respond, he pulled the covers back and climbed into the right side of the bed. I hesitated, clenching my jaw, but climbed into the other side. To be fair, it was a veryrge bed, and the two of us couldy on our backs and even sprawl out a little without touching.


    ¡°Fine. But if youy a hand on me, I¡¯ll bite it off.¡±


    ¡°Trust me, I¡¯m not in the habit of assaulting women.¡±


    With that, Alexander flicked off the light, casting the room into darkness. Despite the soft sheets and luxurious pillows, I shifted ufortably as my eyes adjusted; I always left the curtains open at night in my room, preferring to have a bit of light shed by the moon rather thanplete darkness. It made me feel less cooped up.


    But somehow, I had a feeling that if I asked him to open the curtains, he would decline just to spite me.


    ¡°E.¡± Alexander suddenly spoke. ¡°How did you meet Liam?¡±


    The question took me by surprise. Why did he suddenly care about my past with Liam-was he really that jealous over the thought of me having an affair, or was he just prying for information?


    Not wanting to talk, I pretended to be asleep instead. I evened out my breathing and didn¡¯t answer.


    ¡°I know you¡¯re pretending to sleep.¡± I heard Alexander roll toward me so he was closer now, and it sounded like he propped himself up on one elbow. ¡°I¡¯m not an idiot, E.¡± His voice was right above me.


    I jutted my chin out, but begrudgingly opened my eyes. Alexander was hovering over me, his face just six inches away in the dim light.


    My breath caught. Maybe it was just the darkness ying tricks on me, but for a moment, I thought I almost saw him¡­ smirking.


    I stared up at him, not sure how to react. And like clockwork, that damn mate bond tugged at me again. Even the dormant wolf inside me wanted to close the remaining distance and finally do what normal couples do in bed.


    Goddess damn this man.


    ¡°Why do you want to know about Liam?¡± I blurted out.


    Alexander leaned a little closer, and his scent overwhelmed me. ¡°I¡¯m still your mate for the next nine months. You should be honest with me.¡±


    apte

 The Perfect 11

    E POV


    Alexander¡¯s scent made my head spin this close, and for a brief second, I almost considered telling him whatever he wanted to know. Even with a dormant wolf, the mate bond urged me to reassure him that I wasn¡¯t cheating on him. I had never even slept with a man before I met Alexander.


    But I couldn¡¯t tell him that. What if it would change his mind about the contract? What if he would decide not to divorce me in the end after all? I had to y my cards right.


    ¡°I met Liam in grade school,¡± I answered coolly, flipping over so my back was facing him. ¡°We hit it off immediately.¡±


    Technically, it was true. Liam and I had be friends quickly as children, like two old souls connecting with just one look.


    Alexander just didn¡¯t know that there was nothing more to it than friendship.


    I heard him huff softly as he flopped back down onto his back on the other side of the bed.


    ¡°How long have you two been seeing each other?¡± he asked after another moment.


    I bit my lip, hesitating, then gave him another half-truth: ¡°We didn¡¯t see each other for more than a decade. He went away when he was ten.¡±


    ¡°So it¡¯s a recent thing, then. Your rtionship.¡±


    ¡°I guess so.¡± I replied vaguely.


    Alexander grunted, and I thought the probing questions would finally stop. But then he asked, ¡°And what do you intend to do when our contract is up? Marry him?¡±


    ¡°Does that matter?¡± I blurted out. ¡°You and I were never in love. In nine months, we¡¯ll go our separate ways.¡±


    ¡°Just tell me.¡±


    I sighed. ¡°I don¡¯t know. I guess we¡¯ll run off into the sunset together.¡±


    My vague answers didn¡¯t seem to please Alexander. Over the next fifteen minutes, he asked more and more questions, all of which I answered as sparingly as I could.


    Eventually, I grew too tired to keep answering. Thest thing I heard before I finally drifted off to sleep was Alexander¡¯s deep voice.


    ¡°E, is Liam nning on making you Luna of his pack?¡±


    Someone pulled me into his arms, his touch gentle as he held me close. His lips were soft as they brushed across the shell of


    my ear.


    His lips met mine then, soft and sweet and tasting faintly of bourbon and peppermint. My body instantly melted into his, and I clutched at his shirt, eager to taste more.


    Tender warmth surrounded me as I slowly woke, like the sun kissing my skin. A gentle, familiar rhythm pounded against my


    ear: one-two, one-two, one-two.


    It was not my own pulse, not even one I had physically felt before, and yet it was so natural and familiar to me that I instantly knew it belonged to my mate.


    I instinctually nuzzled down into the warmth of Alexander¡¯s bare chest. His arms tightened almost imperceptibly around me, and everything felt peaceful and right.


    Until the door swung open, and someone padded across the room, flinging the heavy curtains open. Sunlight bathed the room, blinding me.


    ¡°Wakey wakey,¡± a female voice cooed. ¡°Alex, it¡¯s time for bre-¡±


    Sophia halted abruptly when she saw Alexander and I tangled together in bed. I gasped, partially from surprise that she was here so early but also from the realization that we had moved closer together during the night.


    Sophia, clearly not wanting to see more, instantly fled from the room and mmed the door behind her. I didn¡¯t have a chance to pull away before Alexander was practically shoving me off of him and getting up.


    ¡°We should attend breakfast together,¡± he said curtly as he crossed to the bathroom. ¡°Wear something nice.¡±


    And just like that, he was gone. I heard the shower turn on, and for a moment I justid there, staring at the ceiling, my face hot with shame and something else I hardly dared to name.


    Waking up cuddling with my mate felt so right, like a key sliding perfectly into a lock.


    But Alexander, as always, had been cold and distant. It was a bitter reminder that divorce was the only option to save my life. He would never fall in love with me and mark me.


    A little whileter, we headed down to the dining room together. I had picked out a sweet lc cardigan over a simple white cotton dress, perfect for today¡¯s balmy spring weather. Liam and the rest of the Board were already sitting at the table, sipping coffee and eating tes of fruit and omelets.


    Sophia¡¯s face turned an rming shade of red the moment Alexander and I entered the room together, and she quickly looked away.


    ¡°Good morning,¡± Alexander said smoothly, pulling my chair out for me-something he had never done before. ¡°I hope you all slept well.¡±


    Liam nodded and shed me a warm smile as I took my seat. ¡°We wanted to thank you both for the amodations. Personally, I slept like a king.¡±


    Alexander looked pleased. I avoided everyone¡¯s gazes, busying myself instead with pouring a cup of coffee. I picked out some ripe strawberries and fresh melon slices, then reached for the te of toast and butter in the center of the table.


    The te was a little far, and Liam, who was closer, handed it to me. Our fingers brushed as I took it, and I smiled up at my friend. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Beside me, I heard a bang. I jumped and looked over to see that Alexander had hit his knee on the underside of the table, causing some of his coffee to slosh out over the rim of his mug.


    ¡°Ouch. Are you alright, Alpha?¡± Liam asked.


    Alexander merely grunted in response. I noticed that the rest of the Board was staring at us now-Liam and I still holding the same te, Alexander morosely sipping his coffee, and Sophia blushing furiously at the other end of the table.


    Not wanting to raise any eyebrows, I took the te, giggled, and said airily, ¡°My husband didn¡¯t sleep wellst night. He gets so clumsy when he¡¯s tired, don¡¯t you, dear?¡±


    Alexander straightened somewhat and shot me a sidelong nce. I was d that my tease had annoyed him just the right amount while also seeming to ease the tension at the table. Liam and the rest of the board chuckled, although Sophia just shook her head and began angrily cutting her omelet.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Alexander went on, reaching over to grasp my free hand, ¡°well, my wife keeps me upte running her mouth.¡±


    I resisted the urge to point out that it was actually quite the opposite, if only because our little show of marital bliss seemed to have pleased the Board¡ªand if I wanted to gain my freedom sooner, I couldn¡¯t risk upsetting them.


    So instead, I said warmly, addressing the Board now, ¡°We were actually upte discussing pack affairs. Recently, Ashw has been gifted a parcel ofnd from Stormhollow that has the perfect soil for growing wheat. This will allow us to grow more grain. Within six months, we¡¯re hoping to roll out a program providing free bread to every pack member-ensuring everyone, regardless of financial status, gets to eat.¡±


    Alexander stiffened, likely surprised that I even knew about that. Despite what he thought of me, I was a diligent Luna who paid attention to everything that went on. During the meetings he invited me to just for appearances, I was always taking


    notes.


    ¡°How would that work?¡± one of the Board members asked.


    ¡°Every bakery in Ashw would receive a certain amount of flour from the grain each month,¡± I replied. ¡°The bakeries would then give out free loaves made from the flour, and if they met their quota, they would receive a small stipend topensate.¡±


    The Alphas all looked at each other, nodding and murmuring their praise. Liam grinned. ¡°That¡¯s the E I remember! This is an excellent idea, and I¡¯m sure it will help your people immensely.¡±


    I smiled, looking at Alexander. He still looked a little shocked, as if he hadn¡¯t expected me to know so much about the program, but nodded encouragingly. Something about the gesture made my chest warm.


    Just then, Sophia cleared her throat.


    ¡°Well, I hate to cut this short, but the Spring Market Celebration is today,¡± she said, pushing her chair back and standing. ¡°Alex and I usually go together-are you ready to go?¡±


    I¡¯d almost forgotten that every year, Sophia and Alexander went to the Spring Market Celebration together-the annual celebration of the arrival of spring, held in the neutral forest territory between packs.


    Many packs would set up stalls, selling everything from fresh fruit to handmade wares. At night, there would be a bonfire and dancing on the sacred ground as a show of camaraderie between packs.


    Sophia and Alexander never invited me.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Alexander said. ¡°We¡¯ll go soon.¡±


    Liam, always sharp, snapped his gaze to me. ¡°You¡¯re not going, E?¡±


    I quickly replied, ¡°Oh, I¡¯m not really interested in it. I don¡¯t usually go.¡±


    Liam blinked. ¡°Well, you shoulde with me. I¡¯ve never been, but it sounds fun.¡±


    I was just about to reply when Alexander¡¯s hand suddenly shot out, wrapping around mine with such force I almost winced. ¡°I¡¯ll take you, E.¡± He nced at Liam. ¡°We can meet Liam there.¡±


    For a moment, Alexander and Liam just stared at each other. Liam seemed to be scrutinizing Alexander, but Alexander just held his gaze calmly, seemingly unbothered despite the tension in the air.


    Just then, the dining room doors opened, and Gabriel entered, looking slightly out of breath as if he had run here.


    ¡°Alpha Alexander,¡± he said quickly, ¡°a pack of rogues has been spotted at the border.¡±

 The Perfect 12

    E POV


    ¡°I should go.¡± Alexander said, standing abruptly. ¡°Apologies, Alphas, but duty calls.¡±


    The Alphas looked around at each other. ¡°I¡¯ll give them a tour of the pack grounds while you¡¯re gone,¡± I said quickly, not wanting them to sit around while we waited for Alexander to return.


    The Board murmured in agreement. Liam especially looked pleased, and said, pping his hands together, ¡°That sounds wonderful! We were hoping to have a chance to see the pack grounds today.¡±


    I stood and looked at Alexander, who hesitated for a moment but finally nodded. Smiling. I walked over to him and ced my hands on his shoulders. Before he could react, I swallowed my pride and leaned up on my tiptoes, nting a kiss on his


    cheek.


    ¡°I want to see you off,¡± I said gently, just loud enough for the others to hear.


    Alexander stared at me for a moment, clearly surprised by my efforts. Neither of us seemed to expect me to go so far as to kiss him, but it seemed to hit its mark-because I heard the Board murmuring amongst themselves in the background, a few words of praise going around.


    Finally, Alexander nodded and looped his arm through mine. ¡°Very well.¡± He turned to look at the Board. ¡°Let¡¯s all head to the barracks. You can start your tour there once I leave.¡±


    As the Board stood and followed us out of the dining room. I caught Sophia¡¯s gaze onest time. She still stood at the far end of the table, her fingers curled so tightly around the edge that I could see her nails digging into the wood.


    The hateful look in her eyes was almost startling in its intensity.


    A few minutester, we all stood in the center of the pack barracks.


    It was a small but impressive fortress at the very end of the cast wing of the mansion. All of Ashw¡¯s guards and warriors trained and lived here. The air smelled like leather and sweat, and as the Board looked around at the various racks of weapons and armor, I followed Alexander to the corner, where he was preparing to leave.


    The leather armor squeaked as it stretched across his broad shoulders. Each joint and rivet seemed to only emphasize his perfect physique, right down to his impressive leg muscles. Various straps and holsters adorned his chest, arms, and legs, housing differently shaped knives.


    One knife in particr caught my eye as he slipped it into a holster on his chest. It had an ornate silver handle iid with a dark ruby the color of fresh blood, and when Alexander moved, it caught the light.


    ¡°Are you certain you can handle giving them a tour?¡± Alexander suddenly asked, low enough so only I could hear. ¡°We can save it for when I return instead.¡±


    I snapped out of my reverie and shook my head. ¡°I¡¯m not an invalid, you know. I can handle giving the Board a simple tour.¡±


    Alexander grunted, but didn¡¯t argue. ¡°That was impressive earlier at breakfast. You speak well.¡±


    I didn¡¯t bother to hide the way I rolled my eyes. ¡°You have so much faith in me.¡±


    For the briefest moment, I thought I saw a look of shame cross Alexander¡¯s green eyes, but it was quickly masked with his usual coldness once more. He turned back toward the full-length mirror he was standing in front of and adjusted his leathers onest time.


    Without thinking. I moved forward to fix a loose strap along his shoulder. He didn¡¯t pull away as I tightened it, but I could feel his muscles tense beneath my fingers.


    Briefly, I recalled ourpromising position from this morning-the warmth of his arms around me, the steady thrum of his heartbeat beneath my ear, the way his red hair briefly caught the morning sunlight like a me when Sophia had thrown. open the curtains.


    Five years. Five years we had been married, and we had only woken up together once. Five years, and this morning was the very first time I had ever had the chance to have my husband¡¯s face be the first thing I saw when I woke.


    I hated to think about all of the missed moments, all of the wasted nights we could have spent together like a normal couple. Or all of the days just like this one, when I could have seen him off to battle with a kiss.


    When I could have waited for him until he returned, and we could have greeted each other with our arms thrown around one another.


    How sweet those moments could have been, if only he hadn¡¯t been so bitter toward me. Everything could have been so much¡­ simpler. Happier.


    My hands lingered on his arm for a moment longer than necessary as I considered all of this.


    I looked up at Alexander, meeting his gaze in the mirror. I couldn¡¯t stop myself from murmuring, ¡°Be safe out there, okay?¡±


    Alexander huffed and turned around. ¡°I¡¯ll be fine,¡± he said gruffly.


    He brushed past me, lightly bumping my shoulder, and stormed off. I stood there for a long moment, my brief moment of tenderness immediately reced with frustration and resentment. What else did I expect?


    ¡°Prick,¡± I whispered..


    Sophia POV


    Sophia watched with a bitter feeling in her heart as E adjusted Alex¡¯s armor. The way her fingers lingered on his arm, the way she looked at him¡­ The way she had found them this morning, tangled together in bed in a way they had never done before¡­


    It frustrated Sophia beyond all belief.


    For a long time, Sophia could handle the political marriage between E and Alex. She knew Alex didn¡¯t love E, that they were never intimate and were only married because they had to be, and it wasforting for Sophia. It made her believe she had a chance.


    But things seemed¡­ different between themtely.


    Sophia noticed the stolen nces, the way Alex was so possessive of E, the sudden affection between the two.


    And after this morning, Sophia began to wonder: were they sleeping together now? How long would it be before Alex gave in to the mate bond and fell for E? How long until they had an heir?


    Sophia had to do something about it. She couldn¡¯t bear to watch her one true love fall for this imposter. Alex was meant to be with her, not E.


    When Alex would return today, he would take E to the Spring Market Celebration-but it was their tradition. He always went with Sophia. Always.


    She couldn¡¯t give that up. She had to find a way to keep E from going.


    As E and the Board gathered outside the barracks, Sophia followed. ¡°Can Ie on the tour?¡± she asked sweetly, managing a smile.


    E nced at her for a few moments, but Sophia maintained her smile. Finally, E nodded. ¡°Of course. We¡¯ll start in the packhouse.¡± She gestured around as she began the tour. ¡°Our packhouse is where many of our pack members live. Each apartmentes with at least one bedroom depending on family size, and there¡¯s amunal kitchen and bathroom¡­¡±


    Sophia trailed behind the group as the tour continued, not really listening while E spoke to the Board. She was too busy thinking about how to keep her from going to the Spring Market Celebration.


    Suddenly, as they left the long and narrow building out behind the mansion that housed the majority of the pack members Sophia noticed something she rarely paid attention to the barn behind the packhouse where the livestock was kept.


    There was a second floor to the barn with arge door on the side where hay would be dropped into the pasture. There was no railing or ledge. It likely wasn¡¯t high enough to kill anyone, but Sophia wasn¡¯t trying to kill E.


    She just wanted to incapacitate her.

 The Perfect 13

    Alexander POV


    Last night, out of some strange impulse, I had asked E about Liam¡¯s pack-Nightshade.


    They were one of Ashw¡¯srgest rivals, and one of the suspected packs in my parents¡¯ death.


    But E had already fallen asleep by the time I asked if Liam came here with the intention of making her his Luna, which was probably for the best. The question had been impulsive, and if E was in cahoots with Liam, I couldn¡¯t risk them finding out about my suspicions.


    I hadn¡¯t been able to sleep well after that, though. The closeness of our bodies, the scent of her filling the room-she smelled like cherry blossoms and vani-was just too much.


    And to make matters worse, I had woken up with her in my arms, her slender body pressed firmly against mine, her hair brushing my cheek, her heart beating in tandem with mine.


    It felt so perfect.


    Too perfect.


    It was a good thing Sophia had entered at that moment before anything regrettable could happen. Her entrance had been a reminder of just how d I was that I had purposely ced E¡¯s bedroom on the opposite side of the mansion, as far away as I possibly could.


    Because if my mate had been closer to me all these years¡­ I would have fallen for her and it would have ruined everything.


    Still, I couldn¡¯t help but be impressed by E¡¯s diligence at breakfast. She not only seemed to be taking our new contract seriously, trying to help me rather than frustrate me, but also genuinely seemed knowledgeable about the pack.


    Maybe I had underestimated her all these years.


    But then again, if Gabriel was right and she was a spy, and I let her sit in on more meetings¡­ who knew what she would do with our private pack information? Pass it on to Liam, perhaps?


    No, I couldn¡¯t fall for it. It was too risky to start trusting her now. If anything, I needed to be more guarded.


    Suddenly, a snarl erupted from nearby, pulling me from my thoughts. Before I had a chance to react, something mmed into my side. I felt a ripping, searing pain as a w sliced across my thigh, tearing straight through the leather. The coppery tang of blood filled the air, and for a moment, my ears rang from the force of my head hitting the ground.


    The rogue leaped over me and skidded to a halt in the dirt, saliva dripping from its jaws.


    I quickly recovered just before it leapt again. I pulled the ruby knife from the sheath on my chest and stabbed upward as the rogue flew over me.


    My knife hit its mark. There was a sickening crunch, a whimper, and then I felt warm crimson liquid spill down onto my


    face.


    The rogue flopped off to the side, gushing blood into the dirt. It shrieked, twitched, then went still.


    I was catching my breath, on my knees, when Gabriel burst out of the nearby underbrush.


    ¡°Alpha!¡± he gasped, rushing forward and helping me up. ¡°Your leg-¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± I said, which was true. The rogue had gouged my leg pretty good, but with my Alpha healing, I¡¯d be right as rain by tomorrow. And the adrenaline helped with the pain for now.


    Gabriel pursed his lips. ¡°You were thinking about her again, weren¡¯t you? You shouldn¡¯t be distracted during a time like this.¡±


    My jaw ticked. ¡°Trust me, I know.¡±


    With thest of the rogues handled-most of them killed, the rest sent running with their tails between their legs-we headed back to the pack grounds. Gabriel scolded me the entire way.


    ¡°It¡¯s because of that Liam guy,¡± Gabriel sighed, shaking his head. ¡°You¡¯re more jealous about their rtionship than you should be, and it¡¯s getting into your head.¡±


    The mention of Liam made my face heat with anger. ¡°I don¡¯t care about them,¡± I said, but we both knew it was a lie.


    And when we returned and I saw E in Liam¡¯s arms, my lie became even more apparent.


    E POV


    About halfway through the tour, we stopped by the smallke on the southern side of the pack grounds. The sun had begun to rise high in the sky, and the cool spring morning had turned surprisingly warm.


    The Board seemed pleased with my tour. Currently, they were mingling over by a table where Lilith had set up some refreshments.


    ¡°I still don¡¯t get why he has such little faith in me,¡± I grumbled as I sipped the coolvender lemonade Lilith had brought me. ¡°It¡¯s like he thinks I just sat around doing nothing for five years.¡±


    Lilith nced at me. ¡°Men like him often don¡¯t notice the effort women put in until it¡¯s toote. Give him a few months of you not managing every party and household task, and he¡¯ll realize what he threw away.¡±


    ¡°Well. At least he agreed to divorce me.¡±


    ¡°And you¡¯re sure you¡¯ll feelfortable cutting it that close? What if things don¡¯t go perfectly his way and he pulls out of the contract or betrays you at the very end, leaving you with only three months to figure something else out?¡±


    ¡°Alexander, for all his ws, takes a contract very seriously,¡± I replied. ¡°He spent five years following our marriage contract to a fault. He won¡¯t pull out of this one.¡±


    Lilith didn¡¯t seem convinced, but she didn¡¯t have a chance to say anything else, because a sudden gust of wind knocked over arge pitcher of iced tea, soaking the tablecloth and the nearby finger sandwiches.


    ¡°Oh, confound it!¡± she muttered, hurrying away to clean up the mess.


    I was just about to follow her and help when Liam approached. ¡°Mind if I join you?¡± he asked, gesturing to the tree I was sitting under.


    I nodded and moved aside so he could sit down beside me. The grass was cool and soft beneath us, and Liam tilted his head back against the tree, shutting his eyes for a moment and just enjoying the breeze.


    For a few minutes, we just sat like that, neither of us speaking. I felt like we were kids again, just enjoying each other¡¯spany without the need for words. It was nice.


    Suddenly, I asked, ¡°Do you still have it?¡±


    Liam cracked one blue eye open. ¡°Have what?¡±


    ¡°The ne I gave you. The one with the paper airne charm.¡±


    I half expected him not to even remember, but when he grinned conspiratorially and reached into his shirt, pulling out a familiar silver charm, I almost cried out with glee. ¡°You did keep it,¡± I breathed, reaching out to touch the little pendant. It


    still looked brand new, not even a little tarnished.


    ¡°How could I not?¡± he asked, slipping it back into his shirt before the others could see. ¡°It¡¯s the one thing I hold dear.¡±


    My heart softened at his words. I desperately wanted to know what happened at that camp. ¡°Liam, what-¡±


    ¡°Tell me what¡¯s going on between you and Alexander.¡±


    I blinked, surprised. Liam steadily held my stare, that knowing gaze in his eyes. My throat bobbed. ¡°Nothing. I don¡¯t know


    ¡°E. I spent every day for the past twelve years thinking about your smile. Something is different about it now-you¡¯re not being genuine.¡±


    His observance should haveforted me. But all I felt was overwhelmed; if I told him the truth, would he give Ashw a bad review? Would Alexander not be able to campaign? Would he find a way to pull out of the contract if that happened, just like Lilith said?


    ¡°Everything is fine, Liam. Really.¡±


    ¡°You have to tell me, E. If you need help-¡±


    ¡°I said I¡¯m fine.¡± I stood abruptly, surprising both of us. I felt like I couldn¡¯t breathe. Liam was always sharp, but this¡­ it felt different.


    ¡°E-¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be right back,¡± I said, already moving away. ¡°Wait here.¡±


    Liam stood, calling after me, but I hurried away without looking back. I wasn¡¯t sure where I was going-I just needed to get


    away.


    Suddenly, Sophia unexpectedly appeared at my side. ¡°Need some air?¡±


    ¡°Something like that.¡±


    ¡°How about the barn? I could use a moment to myself, too.¡±


    I hesitated, wanting to tell her to leave me alone. But the barn was nearby, and it wasn¡¯t a bad idea; the smell of the hay always soothed me, and I enjoyed hearing the rhythmic munching of the cows as they chewed on their grain.


    With a nod, I allowed Sophia to lead me to the barn. The light dimmed significantly as we stepped inside, and without my wolf, my eyes had to take a moment to adjust. When they did, I saw Sophia climbing thedder to the hayloft.


    I followed her, finding her standing near the open hay door on the second floor. The breeze was rustling through her brte hair as she stood there, eyes closed. I joined her and did the same.


    ¡°This does feel nice,¡± I muttered, and I meant it.


    ¡°Yeah. It sure does.¡±


    Suddenly, I felt something shove against my lower back. I screamed, and before I had the chance to catch myself, I was falling out of the barn. The ground rushed toward me, and I braced myself for impact.


    But the impact never came. A pair of warm arms caught me just moments before I hit the ground, and we fell backwards into a pile of hay, golden needles flying up around us.


    Gasping, I looked up to see a pair of blue eyes staring down at me in shock.


    ¡°Liam,¡± I whispered, ¡°you caught me-¡±


    Suddenly, another pair of hands grabbed me and pulled me out of Liam¡¯s grip. Someone lifted me off the ground, and the smell of sweat, blood, leather, bourbon, and woodfire smoke filled my nostrils.


    Alexander.

 The Perfect 14

    E


    I couldn¡¯t speak as I looked up into those familiar green eyes. Alexander smelled like his usual scentbined with fresh sweat and earth, but there was something else there, too-the coppery scent of dried blood.


    Was he injured? Was I injured?


    I didn¡¯t have time to dwell on it before Liam, standing behind me and dusting the hay off his shirt, said, ¡°What the hell happened?¡±


    Alexander¡¯s face, which had momentarily been a mask of shock and maybe even a hint of relief, hardened. He set me down. I was d to find that my legs were indeed not broken; there wasn¡¯t even a scratch on me.


    ¡°I was just wondering the same thing,¡± he said, ncing first at me, then at Liam, then up-toward the open hay door I had just fallen out of.


    Liam opened his mouth to say something, but was quickly cut off by a shrill scream.


    ¡°E! Oh, Goddess, E! Are you alright?¡±


    We all turned to see Sophia running around the corner of the barn, her hair disheveled and her eyes wide. She¡¯d gone pale and was out of breath from having climbed down the barndder and run over in a rush.


    ¡°Did she push you, E?¡± Liam pointed at Sophia. His eyes were practically red with rage.


    I turned to her, looking her up and down. She certainly seemed surprised-and although we never got along, she had never done anything so heinous as to try to injure me before.


    But my suspicions remained.


    ¡°I felt something shove my back,¡± I said slowly, deliberately. ¡°Sophia was the only other one up there with me, and I doubt the cows know how to climb adder.¡±


    Sophia¡¯s eyes began to water as she clutched at her pearl ne. ¡°I would never do such a thing!¡± she cried out. She whirled toward Alexander. ¡°Alex, you have to tell them! You know me! I wouldn¡¯t-¡±


    ¡°Enough.¡± Alexander held up his hand, and it was then that I noticed he was indeed covered in blood-most of it not his own. It was caked in his hair, his eyebrows, trailing down his neck as if it had sprayed down on top of his head.


    It must have been an intense battle, and a small part of me couldn¡¯t help but feel relieved that he had walked out of it alive.


    Sophia made a little sound of worry and began wringing her hands.


    Alexander then said in a surprisingly calm and even voice, ¡°Sophia, did you push E?¡±


    Sophia sputtered. ¡°No! Absolutely not. It was an ident. The wind caught her dress-I saw it.¡±


    I narrowed my eyes. The wind¡­ It had felt like two warm hands shoving against my lower back. Unless the wind could suddenly grow hands¡­


    ¡°She¡¯s lying,¡± Liam said, his voice taking on a dark edge as he turned to Alexander. ¡°She pushed your mate, Alpha. With intention to harm, if not kill. What are you going to do about it?¡±


    Alexander nced at Liam, and I could practically hear the gears whirring in his head.


    Obviously, he had to act appropriately in front of the Board. They were all watching now-a small crowd had gathered


    around us.


    But Alexander would never suspect his darling Sophia of such a crime.


    In his eyes, she was as innocent as amb. And those crocodile tears she was crying only further served to exonerate her.


    It was moments like this that had sent my wolf into her sorrowful slumber.


    My fated mate wouldn¡¯t stand by me. He would always trust others more than he trusted me, especially when it came to Sophia.


    The very thought made my heart turn bitter and ck. Maybe once, I would have stepped down and let Sophia get away with something like this. But not now. Not when my very life was on the line in more ways than one.


    ¡°She did push me,¡± I said firmly. I turned to Alexander and looked at him. Only him. ¡°I felt her hands on my back. She was the one who suggested we go into the hayloft, and she pushed me.¡±


    Green eyes blinked at me from behind a blood-spattered face. For a moment, there was no sound save for Sophia¡¯s soft whimpers and the gentle breeze blowing through the treetops. Enough to knock over a pitcher of iced tea, perhaps, but an entire person?


    Highly unlikely.


    And Alexander knew it.


    After a long moment, Alexander turned to Sophia. I half expected him to set her free, but surprisingly, he gestured for one of the pack guards toe over.


    ¡°Please escort Sophia back to her house,¡± he said calmly.


    Sophia¡¯s mouth dropped open. ¡°But¡ª¡±


    ¡°Go,¡± Alexander cut her off.


    Of course he would only send her home, I thought bitterly; her father spoiled her. This wasn¡¯t a real punishment. But I kept that to myself.


    As the guard escorted a whining Sophia away, Liam took a step closer. His eyes shed, his face still dark with anger. I¡¯d never seen a look like that on him before. Never.


    ¡°If you want the Board¡¯s approval, I¡¯d rmend you start trusting your Luna more,¡± he growled before brushing past Alexander and returning to the pic.


    Alexander stared after him, jaw ticking. It was then that I noticed his leg¡ªhe had arge gash across his thigh, his leathers torn straight through around that area. It wasn¡¯t too deep, but it was enough to make me wince just looking at it.


    ¡°You¡¯re wounded,¡± I said, taking Alexander¡¯s arm. ¡°Let¡¯s get you cleaned up.¡±


    Alexander huffed but didn¡¯t argue as I led him back to the house. In the barracks, he sat down on a chair by the firece while I gathered some warm water, antiseptic, and bandages. I perched on a footstool in front of him and carefully dabbed at his wound with the water, cleaning away some of the dried blood.


    ¡°You¡¯re dragging the cloth through the wound,¡± Alexander grunted.


    ¡°You¡¯ll live,¡± I said coolly. Once I was finished, I poured some of the alcohol on a gauze pad and began to dab gently at the gash. Thankfully, it didn¡¯t seem deep enough to need stitches, and Alexander¡¯s Alpha healing had already begun to mend the damaged flesh around the edges.


    ¡°You should stay off of this leg for the rest of the day,¡± I chided gently as I worked. ¡°Give it time to¡ª¡±


    ¡°I know how to handle my own wounds.¡±


    Alexander¡¯s jab made my teeth clench, but I continued working. I couldn¡¯t tell if he was jealous or bitter or just being surly for the sake of it, but I refused to indulge him.


    ¡°Being passive aggressive will get you nowhere,¡± I said without looking at him. ¡°Whatever you have to say, just say it directly.¡±


    ¡°Fine. Your affair with Liam is too obvious. It¡¯s going to negatively affect my reputation and the election.¡±


    My hands stilled as I wrapped Alexander¡¯s leg. His reputation? That was all he cared about, wasn¡¯t it? Not the fact that his precious childhood friend had likely pushed me out of a hayloft.


    ¡°Nothing has happened between me and Liam,¡± I said, tying off the bandage with a jerking motion. ¡°Ever since he got here, I have been respectful and nothing more than friends.¡± I stood so I was now towering over Alexander. ¡°It¡¯s you who has had another woman in the picture since the beginning of our marriage.¡±


    Alexander blinked up at me. ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t y dumb. Sophia,¡± I said, tossing the leftover bandages into the first aid kit. ¡°You take her to the Spring Market every year. You¡¯ve never invited me. Not even once. Not even in front of the Board you care about so much. Not until Liam, out of pity, offered to take me instead.¡±


    I shook my head and forcefully grabbed the bowl of bloody water, causing some to slosh out onto the stone floor. ¡°For years, you have always chosen her over me. You allow her to walk all over me, to boss me around for banquets, to treat me like a servant in the home that I should be in charge of. I am your Luna, Alexander. But not to her. To her, and maybe even to you, I¡¯m just the ceholder.¡±


    By the time I finished my speech, I was breathless. Alexander stared at me, and for a long moment, he didn¡¯t move or speak.


    Then, slowly, he pushed himself to his feet and walked over to me. His scent wrapped around me-bourbon and woodfire smoke. Sweat, earth, and blood.


    I gritted my teeth as I looked up at him, preparing myself for another insult. Perhaps he would tell me I was being foolish. Perhaps he would even tell me that I was right-that Sophia was the real Luna in his eyes.


    But I was surprised to see that his face had softened somewhat, and those green eyes flicked down to my cheeks.


    And it was then that I realized my face was wet from tears.

 The Perfect 15

    E, Alexander, & Sophia


    E


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, E.¡±


    I blinked, stunned by Alexander¡¯s sudden apology. He had never apologized before. Not for anything.


    Something about the words softened something deep inside of me-or maybe it was just my exhaustion that led me to confess. I suddenly felt guilty for lying to him, or at least for bending the truth to suit my needs.


    ¡°Liam and I haven¡¯t been having an affair,¡± I finally said, wiping my tears away with the back of my hand. ¡°I made that up just to spite you.¡±


    Alexander¡¯s jaw clenched. ¡°So you just let me believe that you were sleeping with another man.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± I admitted, lowering my gaze. ¡°And I¡¯m sorry for not being honest.¡±


    ¡°So the divorce-¡±


    ¡°I still want a divorce,¡± I said firmly. ¡°That was never a lie. I still intend to go through with our contract just the way it¡¯s written.¡±


    Alexander didn¡¯t reply to that. Instead, he simply asked, ¡°Do you still want to go to the Spring Market with me?¡±


    Alexander


    My wolf became restless. Seeing our fated mate cry¡­ It didn¡¯t sit well with him. Or with me, for that matter. Even if E looked surprisingly beautiful when she cried, her blue eyes big and misty with tears, her lips just puffy enough to be kissable¡­


    No, I thought, inwardly chiding my wolf. I was just feeling the pull of our mate bond because of her anguish, nothing more. I certainly didn¡¯t want to kiss her. Or anything else, for that matter. I just wanted to make her feel better.


    I didn¡¯t know how to even begin to say the right words to E, but the guilt was starting to gnaw at me. She looked broken, tired. Like a puppet with its strings cut.


    Had I really treated her as badly as she said? Did I truly always choose Sophia over her? Did I make her feel like a servant in her own home-a ceholder while I waited for my ¡°real¡± Luna?


    I hadn¡¯t realized that I had made her feel this way, but it was clear now. Seeing the tears stream down her pale cheeks was like a p to the face, and it suddenly made me realize that perhaps this was why she had suddenly been acting out.


    She¡¯d been bottling it up for so long, and now she thought she wanted a divorce.


    ¡°Do you still want to go to the Spring Market with me?¡±


    I blurted the question out of instinct, as if a tiny shred of me thought it might make it up to her, even if only a little. I didn¡¯t expect her to say yes. Hell, I might not have even med her if she had told me to shove it.


    But she nodded. ¡°Yes. I want to go,¡± she said, staring at her feet.


    My wolf rxed at that.


    ¡°Very well. And if there¡¯s anything else you would like to talk about,¡± I said, ¡°you can alwayse and find me. After all, we are married-you are my Luna until the divorce is finalized. Whether you believe it or not, you are the person who is supposed to run the pack beside me.¡±


    E jerked her head up, staring up at me with such surprise on her face that it momentarily knocked the breath from my lungs.


    Goddess, I really had made her feel like shit throughout our marriage, hadn¡¯t I?


    Finally, she nodded. I nodded as well and turned, honestly looking forward to a hot bath after the day I¡¯d had. That rogue¡¯s blood was still all over me, caked into my hair and staining my leathers. And my leg was throbbing and itching from the healing process.


    But I couldn¡¯t get far before E called out, ¡°Actually, there is one thing I wanted to ask you.¡±


    I paused, ncing at her over my shoulder without turning fully. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°How much money have you been giving my father?¡±


    Well, that certainly wasn¡¯t the type of question I had been expecting. I hesitated for a moment, mostly just surprised that she suddenly wanted to know. She had never asked in all the years we had been married. And shouldn¡¯t she know already from her discussions with her father?


    But there was no reason for me to say no, so I gestured for her to follow me, and she did. I led her down the hall and into my office, where I pulled open the top drawer in my desk and found a receipt. I held it out to her, and she took it, studying it for a long moment.


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­ so much,¡± she whispered, ncing back up at me.


    The stunned look on her face took me by surprise. She didn¡¯t know how much money I had given her father? All this time, I assumed she knew at least the general amount. I wondered for a moment if she was pretending not to know for some reason, but why?


    Either way, I didn¡¯t feel like thinking too much about it. I was exhausted and my leg was throbbing and the scent of dried blood was nauseating me. It was just a number.


    I shrugged. ¡°That¡¯s the correct amount,¡± I said simply.


    There was a long silence. ¡°Well, I¡¯ll pay you back after the divorce,¡± she finally said, handing the receipt back to me. ¡°If I¡¯m still alive, that is.¡±


    With that, E turned on her heel and left. I stared after her, confused on numerous levels. What did she mean by ¡°still alive?¡± Was she still going along with her ¡°rare illness¡± story or was this some kind of hint that she intended to kill herself by the time the divorce came around?


    Divorce.


    I looked down at the receipt in my hands, confused and perturbed. So she did intend to divorce me-to reject our fated mate bond-after all.


    The very thought of the word ¡°divorce¡± made me ufortable. It sent a pang shooting through my chest, like an arrow slicing directly into my heart. My mate wanted a divorce. A rejection.


    But I shook my head, slipping the receipt back into my desk, and shoved aside the notion.


    Our rtionship was just business. It always had been.


    I didn¡¯t need to feel bothered by the thought of a divorce.


    Sophia


    Therge suite suddenly felt too small, too stuffy. Sophia paced her bedroom floor, chewing on her nails until they bled. She kept ncing out the window, watching as the sun climbed high into the sky. The celebration should be starting soon.


    Sophia grimaced and turned away from the window, not even sure if she wanted to see the moment E would emerge from the house with Alexander beside her.


    Her n had backfired spectacrly. E should have hit the ground, broken an ankle at the very least, just enough to keep her from going to the Spring Celebration. No one should have suspected Sophia. Not Sophia, never Sophia, the sweet and gentle woman who wouldn¡¯t hurt a fly.


    Sophia felt a fresh wave of anger wash over her. That should be her going to the celebration with Alex, not that woman. Alex never should have trusted E over her.


    She had to do something, anything, to ruin E¡¯s time at the Spring Market. She had to ensure that E never went again.


    She had to teach E a lesson-and keep her in her ce, which was in the tiny guest room all the way on the opposite side of the mansion.


    As far away from Alex as possible.

 The Perfect 16

    E & Liam


    E


    I staggered under the weight of the pile of clothes in my arms, nearly stumbling over my own two feet as I carried it down the corridor. It was a long journey from the west wing to Alexander¡¯s bedroom, but I had refused help from the servants, insisting on doing it myself.


    Truthfully, I just didn¡¯t want to admit that without my wolf, I was far weaker than I once was. My arms were already tired and my legs felt like they might give out just from two trips carrying clothes like this.


    I was just rounding a corner, the pile of clothes blocking my line of sight, when I suddenly bumped into something. My feet stumbled on a trailing scarf, and before I knew it, the clothes were cascading around me as my arms windmilled out to the sides.


    Someone caught me before I could hit the floor.


    ¡°You keep falling today, don¡¯t you?¡±


    I looked up to see Liam staring down at me. He gently set me upright, his hands lingering on my shoulders for a moment.


    ¡°Are you alright, E?¡± he asked, his eyes searching my face.


    My cheeks reddened, but I quickly nodded and began gathering the clothes. ¡°I¡¯m fine. Just a bit tired, that¡¯s all.¡±


    Liam stooped and helped me gather the items. His face flushed as he held up a silky negligee, which I quickly snatched away and hid amongst the pile.


    ¡°What is all of this?¡± he asked. ¡°I saw you carrying more clothes earlier. Are you moving rooms or something?¡±


    I hesitated. How could I tell Liam that I was moving things from my real bedroom, which was a mere guest suite located in the west wing, to Alexander¡¯s room-the room I hadn¡¯t set foot in until a few days ago?


    Finally, I managed, ¡°I had some of my clothes stored in a room in the west wing. I¡¯m sorting through stuff.¡±


    Liam, however, looked entirely unconvinced. He stood, holding a bundle of clothes, and leveled me with that knowing gaze of his. ¡°I think it¡¯s time you tell me the truth, E.¡±


    I bit my lip, suppressing a sigh. Damn him and his uncanny ability to see right through me. That camp his father had sent him to as a kid hadn¡¯t erased that part of him, it seemed.


    ¡°Alright,¡± I finally sighed, ncing around. ¡°But not here.¡±


    Liam nodded and followed me into a nearby room. It was a small reading room on the second floor that overlooked the courtyard below. Buttery sunlight spilled across the soft furniture, illuminating dust motes that werezily floating through the air.


    Once the door was shut, I set down the pile of clothes I was holding and gestured for Liam to sit. He hesitated, but eventually obliged.


    ¡°Well?¡± Liam leaned back in the chair and gestured for me to speak. ¡°I¡¯m all ears.¡±


    I paused for a moment, carefully considering my words. Of course I wanted to tell Liam everything; he was my best friend when we were kids, and although we hadn¡¯t seen each other in over a decade, he still meant so much to me. I hated lying to


    him.


    Finally, I settled on a half-truth.


    ¡°Our rtionship isn¡¯t all sunshine and rainbows,¡± I finally said. ¡°Alexander and I¡­ We have been sleeping in separate rooms for a while now. It¡¯s only recently that we started sharing a room.¡±


    Liam blinked. ¡°Is he mistreating you?¡±


    I opened my mouth, but then shut it again, unsure of what to say. Mistreating me? Alexander was certainly cold and distant throughout our entire marriage, but he wasn¡¯t abusive.


    ¡°It¡¯s not like that.¡± I perched on the edge of the armchair across from Liam. From this angle, the sun haloed his golden hair. ¡°It¡¯s just¡­ aplicated situation. It¡¯s hard to love someone who you feel obligated to.¡±


    Liam¡¯s face darkened in the same way it did earlier outside the barn. ¡°So you¡¯re saying you don¡¯t love each other.¡±


    Hearing him say it out loud made my chest hurt. Yes, we didn¡¯t love each other. I hated to admit it, even to myself sometimes.


    Meanwhile, my father had been quietly taking far more money from Alexander than I thought he was. Far more. I had married a man who didn¡¯t love me just so my father could siphon as much money as possible.


    My silence must have been all the confirmation Liam needed, because he suddenly leaned forward and grasped my hands in his. His eyes never left mine as he said, ¡°You need someone better, E. A man who will truly love you.¡±


    At that moment, I felt as though I would prefer no man instead. At least for a good, long while. But I didn¡¯t say that to Liam.


    ¡°Marriage isplicated,¡± I finally said, staring down at our joined hands. ¡°Politics areplicated.¡±


    I could feel Liam¡¯s gaze boring into me, searching for a lie. But this time, I wasn¡¯t lying. Not really. It was an incrediblyplex situation, one that sometimes felt like it had no ¡°right¡± solution.


    ¡°You can leave, you know,¡± he said after a moment. ¡°If he¡¯s cruel to you, or hurting you¡ª¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s not hurting me.¡± I met my friend¡¯s gaze steadily.


    ¡°But you look weak, E. Tired. Something must be going on that you¡¯re not telling me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    Liam sighed softly. ¡°E¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just tired, okay?¡± I let out a bitterugh, because it was true. I was fucking exhausted. ¡°It¡¯s tiring, always bending over backwards for someone who doesn¡¯t love you.¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you leave him, then?¡± Liam asked.


    I didn¡¯t tell him about my wolf or the contracts or any of it. He wouldn¡¯t understand, and besides¡­ With Alexander¡¯s electioning up, I couldn¡¯t risk anything. If Liam knew the truth, he might get mad and refuse to give Ashw a good review.


    And if Alexander didn¡¯t get what he wanted, then maybe he would pull out of the contract and refuse to divorce me.


    I doubted Alexander would go against our contract, but it wasn¡¯t a risk I was willing to take.


    ¡°It¡¯s not that simple,¡± I said. ¡°With his electioning up, I don¡¯t want to cause any trouble.¡±


    Liam¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°So he¡¯s using you to win the election. Meanwhile, you¡¯re miserable.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not like that¡­¡±


    D


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it?¡±


    I hesitated for a long moment before I dared to look at him again. When I did, his face was pale and drawn with worry.


    Without a word, he pulled me into an embrace. ¡°I¡¯ll help you, E,¡± he said gently, his voice muffled by my hair. ¡°We¡¯ll get you out of that marriage, even if we need to resort to dirty tactics-¡±


    ¡°No.¡± I pulled back, wiping at my eyes. ¡°It¡¯s tooplicated, Liam.¡±


    Liam stared at me for a long second, that intense, dark expression crossing his face again. It was almost difficult to recognize the man sitting before me-scheming and determined, not at all like the kind-hearted, simple young boy I had known years ago. The boy who might have told me to keep my chin up and everything would be okay.


    Dirty tactics¡­ That wasn¡¯t like Liam at all.


    But I supposed I had changed, too. We all had. Perhaps for the worse.


    ¡°There must be something I can do,¡± he said firmly.


    ¡°Give Ashw a good review.¡± I stood, ignoring the way my legs shook. ¡°It¡¯s the best thing you can do for me right now.¡±


    Liam


    Liam watched E shakily scoop up the bundles of clothes and stumble out of the room, her legs hardly holding her upright beneath the weight.


    She was bing weak. Fatigued. Had she not been eating?


    The thought turned Liam¡¯s heart to stone. She was clearly trapped like a prisoner, not just in this marriage, but in her own body. Her own husband refused to treat her properly, and she was starving herself.


    Bastard.


    Liam made a decision then: if he could gather enough evidence on his own, then he could get E out of this unhappy marriage.


    She might have said she didn¡¯t want Liam¡¯s help, but he would give it to her anyway. He had to. She was a mental prisoner, clearly. She wouldn¡¯t leave Alexander on her own because deep down, she still loved him even though he didn¡¯t love her.


    But Liam could save her. He would save her.


    Even if he had to drag her kicking and screaming out of that marriage, she was sure to thank him for it in the end.

 The Perfect 17

    E & Sophia


    E


    I had never attended the Spring Celebration before.


    To think that all these years, I had avoided such a beautiful and lively festival¡­ And now, in what could perhaps be myst year alive, I was finally attending for the very first time.


    It broke my heart when I should have felt joyful.


    The celebration was held in the neutral territory between packs. The forest known as Evergreen de was located smack dab in the center of the three main packs in the region-Ashw, Stormhollow, and Moonshine.


    It was a beautiful forest filled with towering firs, cut through by a babbling brook that led to an impressive waterfall at the southern edge of the de. I often enjoyed walking through the forest trails when I had nothing to do, or having pics with Lilith by the brook.


    Back before my wolf went dormant, I even enjoyed racing through the woods in wolf form, feeling the moss beneath my paws and the cool breeze in my fur.


    I tried not to think about those memories, though. It hurt too much.


    In spring, the forest was particrly spectacr; blossoming wild hydrangeas lining the forest clearing, the grass soft and green, the scent of pine and dewy earth mixing with the fresh food being sold by various vendors at the market.


    Tonight, the center of the clearing would hold a bonfire to symbolize the burning away of the cold winter and the first sparks of spring. Therge fire pit was already set up, piled high with kindling, logs, and even scrap wood. People would dance and drink andugh until the sun came up in the morning.


    I inhaled deeply, savoring the smells and sounds, as Alexander and I stepped into the clearing. The soft white skirt I¡¯d picked out tangled around my legs in the cool breeze, and I pulled my light pink shawl-which Lilith had knitted for me for my birthdayst year-a little closer around my shoulders.


    Perfect weather for a final spring. I hoped it wouldn¡¯t be myst, though.


    ¡°We should talk to Alpha Kristoff and Luna Maria,¡± Alexander said, pulling me out of my thoughts. He pointed toward a middle-aged Alpha and Luna standing near one of the concession stands. ¡°They sent us a nice bouquetst month for the full moon, so we should say thank you.¡±


    I nodded and followed Alexander over, stering a smile across my face. Not that I needed to try very hard¡ªI¡¯d always liked Luna Maria. She was a kind and intelligent woman who I had asked for political guidance on a few asions, and her husband was a sweet man who treated everyone well.


    ¡°E!¡± Maria threw her arms wide when she saw me approaching and embraced me tightly. But when she pulled back just enough to look at me, she furrowed her brow. ¡°You look a little unwell, dear. Are you alright?¡±


    I nodded, even though I felt like I¡¯d had the wind taken out of my sailstely. I couldn¡¯t tell whether it was from my dormant wolf or the exhaustion of everything that had happened. Likely both.


    ¡°Allergies,¡± I lied, still smiling. ¡°How are you, Maria? How is little Francis?¡±


    Kristoff puffed his chest out at the mention of their new grandson. He put his arm around his wife¡¯s shoulders, both of them beaming from ear to ear. ¡°He said his first word yesterday,¡± Kristoff said. ¡°Papa.¡¯ I think he was talking about me. His grandpapa.¡±


    Maria rolled her eyes and nudged her husband with her elbow. ¡°He¡¯s not old enough for words yet, darling. Besides, even if


    he did say ¡®papa, don¡¯t you think he would be referring to his father?¡±


    The silver-haired Alpha merely shrugged, still grinning.


    I nced over at Alexander, surprised to see him smiling along with the exchange. The sight made my heart flutter traitorously. He had swapped out his usual neat suit for a simple white fisherman¡¯s sweater and a pair of green cks, and his red hair was tousled slightly from the breeze.


    Just then, I saw movement over his shoulder and noticed two familiar faces working their way through the crowd. My father and my stepmother. Margaret.


    Great. Just who I wanted to see today.


    Normally, I would have hurried right over to them to say hello first-always the doting daughter. But not today. I pretended not to see them, instead asking more questions about Maria and Kristoff¡¯s little grandpup.


    ¡°E.¡± Margaret¡¯s voice cut through our conversation. ¡°I wasn¡¯t expecting to see you here today.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t said out of fondness. Margaret had never liked me, and my presence here at a more casual event likely chagrined her more than she had the guts to admit. She always cared deeply about whether I was being ¡°good enough¡± for Alexander. Like the only thing I could do ¡°right¡± was hide away in my mansion and y the role of a perfect housewife.


    ¡°That actually reminds me,¡± Maria pointed out, ¡°I¡¯m also surprised to see you here, E. We¡¯ve only ever seen you at more formal events.¡±


    ¡°Yes. We assumed you didn¡¯t like these sorts of things,¡± Kristoff added. ¡°Usually Alexander attends with his Beta and Sophia.¡± He grinned impishly. ¡°Or maybe it¡¯s Alexander¡¯spany that you prefer to avoid?¡±


    I couldn¡¯t help but snort softly at that. Alexander shifted slightly beside me, but I could see his mouth twitch a little in response to the joke.


    ¡°Well,¡± Margaret said, cutting me off before I could answer, ¡°it¡¯s simply in E¡¯s sullen nature not to enjoy these types of lighthearted events. Let¡¯s not me poor Alexander, who has done nothing wrong.¡±


    I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. Leave it to Margaret to always do whatever she could to kiss Alexander¡¯s ass. She cared little for my dignity, especially if it meant getting a fatter paycheck from Alexander.


    And after the amount I had seen on that receipt¡­ It must have worked.


    In the past, I might have endured such barbs. But not anymore. When you¡¯ve been given a year to live, you suddenly stop feelingfortable being trod all over.


    I was just about to speak when Alexander suddenly cleared his throat.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s my fault,¡± Alexander said, and his admission took me byplete surprise. ¡°I¡¯ve always kept E busy with her Luna duties. Meanwhile, I would avoid my own ande to the festival to rest.¡±


    My eyebrows shot up at that. I couldn¡¯t tell if Alexander actually meant those words or if he was just saying it to make everyone happy.


    But then a familiar voice cut in, ¡°E has always been perfect. Diligent, beautiful, capable.¡±


    I snapped my head up to see Liam approaching with his hands stuffed into his jacket pockets. He came to stand next to me, on my other side opposite Alexander, and stared sternly at Margaret.


    ¡°She¡¯s ten times the Luna you make her out to be, Margaret,¡± he said coolly. ¡°Maybe you should worry more about your son -who, might I add, is nowhere to be seen.¡±


    Margaret¡¯s spine went rigid. I blinked. Alexander simply stared at Liam, just as surprised as I was.


    ¡°Yes, where is Brian?¡± Kristoff asked, turning to Margaret. ¡°I thought he mighte say hello by now.¡±


    Margaret nched. ¡°He¡¯s, um¡­ Busy buying food at the stalls,¡± she admitted quietly.


    Maria threw her head back andughed.


    Sophia


    From a distance, Sophia watched the entire scene unfold. Her anger had been simmering just beneath the surface all day, but now¡­ Now, it was practically radiating off of her skin.


    When did the obedient E suddenly be the center of attention? Even when she should have been embarrassed into submission, she somehow came out on top like a phoenix rising from the ashes.


    Sophia had been hesitant about her n before, unsure whether it was too risky after this morning¡¯s failed attempt. She didn¡¯t want to anger Alex further or get caught again.


    But now, as she watched Eugh alongside a smiling Alex, she knew she had to do it.


    Tonight, at the bonfire, Sophia would strike.


    E would be the center of attention once more-but not in the way she hoped.

 The Perfect 18

    E


    My father¡¯s and Margaret¡¯s faces both reddened at the same time.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t tell me he was off eating when he should be socializing,¡± he whispered, turning toward my stepmother. Her mouth just worked uselessly. The damage had been done.


    My father took Margaret by the arm, muttering some excuse or another, and the two of them hurried away. I watched them go with a satisfied feeling curling in my chest.


    Socializing at events like this was paramount for people of our status; it was an opportunity towork, to get to know other Alphas and Lunas, and in the case of someone like my younger half-brother, who would one day inherit Stormhollow-it was a chance to him to build his name and maybe even meet his future Luna.


    But Margaret, believing Brian could do no wrong, had let him run around doing whatever he wanted. If she had any real authority over me, she would have forced me to talk to each and every socialite in attendance, remember every name, even prepare greeting cards. But Brian¡­


    ¡°Liam,¡± Kristoff suddenly said, turning, ¡°I didn¡¯t expect to see you here today, either. Have you ever attended the Spring Market Celebration before?¡±


    Liam shook his head. ¡°No, I haven¡¯t.¡±


    Maria giggled. ¡°That¡¯s because your father is quite the workaholic. I assume he rubbed off on you in that regard.¡±


    A muscle in Liam¡¯s jaw jumped at the mention of his father, but he nodded. ¡°It¡¯s true.¡± He gestured to me with a smile. ¡°That¡¯s why I have wonderful friends like E. If it weren¡¯t for her, I wouldn¡¯t be here at all.¡±


    ¡°How did you two meet?¡± Maria asked.


    ¡°In grade school,¡± Liam replied.


    ¡°Aww,¡± Maria cooed, beaming. ¡°Childhood friendships are precious indeed. You two should hold onto each other¡ªalways cherish your connection.¡±


    Alexander, prompted by something that felt an awful lot like jealousy, suddenly moved closer to me and wrapped his arm around my waist, pulling me flush against his side. The gesture was all too simr to the way he¡¯d acted at the banquet, and although I expected it this time, it still took my breath away.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Alexander said, turning his gaze on Liam, ¡°childhood friends. How sweet.¡±


    Liam¡¯s eyes guttered, but only for a moment. The tension was swiftly diffused as another Alpha and Luna duo approached and beganmenting on Alexander¡¯s and my rtionship. To everyone else, we seemed like the sweet, loving couple who could do no wrong.


    And Liam? Liam was just the childhood friend, the adorable third wheel in our rtionship.


    As the others were talking, I suddenly felt the hairs on the back of my neck rise. I flinched slightly, lifting my hand to run it across the nape of my neck, and turned slowly.


    That was when I saw her.


    Sophia.


    ¡°Of course,¡± I muttered, nudging Liam.


    Liam followed my gaze and growled at the sight of her. ¡°I take it Daddy Dearest let her out of her room.¡±


    ¡°Yep. I knew sending her home wasn¡¯t much of a punishment.¡±


    And the way she was looking at me now¡­ That cold re, the way her upper lip curled faintly to reveal partially extended fangs¡­


    It left me unsettled.


    I sighed inwardly, wondering if I should go and talk to her. But just as I was about to, she turned away and swiftly disappeared into the crowd.


    Sparks flew into the air as a log popped from the pressure, red and golden flecks disappearing into the midnight blue night sky. Bodies twirled andughed around the fire, skirts ring and drinks sloshing.


    I stood off to the side, smiling softly as I watched the dancers. The cup of warm wine in my hands was sweet and just a little. bitter, the perfect treat to end a long and tiring day.


    Alexander was standing not far off, hardly looking at me as he talked to his Beta. He didn¡¯t ask me to dance. Not that I expected him to.


    Maybe, if I made it out of this arrangement with my life intact, I would someday be one of the women dancing with a male around the bonfire. I was still young-only twenty-two. If I lived, I would have plenty of time for such things.


    And I would make time for them. I would live life to its fullest, every day, no matter what.


    As the music swelled, I moved closer to the bonfire, savoring its warmth against my cool skin. I swayed slightly to the sounds, shutting my eyes momentarily.


    It was nice. Lively but peaceful. The sort of night where I could be surrounded by life and love and happiness, even if it wasn¡¯t my own.


    And then I heard it.


    A scream.


    ¡°ROGUE!¡±


    Before I could react, the crowd surged. People screamed and ran, wine forgotten on the ground, bodies mming into one another. I was jostled so hard I nearly copsed, each wave of frightened people pushing me closer and closer to the fire.


    Somewhere through the throng, I saw a wolf leap from the treeline. A rogue, its fur matted and patchy, foamy saliva dripping from its jaws.


    As the crowd moved around me, I knew I had to act quickly.


    I caught my footing just before someone jostled me into the fire, the heat from the mes nearly singeing my face, and shoved my way back through the crowd. My heart stuttered as I saw the rogue stalking toward a little girl who was crying, standing frozen, her ice cream cone melting at her feet.


    ¡°Hey!¡± I shouted, waving my arms. ¡°Over here!¡±


    The rogue snapped its head toward me, its gaze locking onto me. It snarled and leapt in my direction.


    I widened my feet, lowering my stance, and waited.


    Sure, I didn¡¯t have my wolf anymore. But I had been trained as a female warrior in Stormhollow long before I ever became


    the docile Luna my dad and stepmother wanted me to be. It was my first passion, the one thing I was good at.


    Training with the other warriors in my pack¡­ it was my pastime. I used to train day in and day out, following them on their missions, learning how to not only fight as a wolf, but also in human form-hand-to-handbat was my favorite, although archery was a close second.


    That had all been taken from me when my father essentially sold me to Alexander. But the instincts still remained.


    Just as the rogue was about to m into me, I sidestepped, making it run straight into a nearby tree instead. While it was momentarily dazed, I grabbed a fistful of its fur and swung myself onto its back, wrestling it to the ground.


    The rogue writhed and snarled beneath me, bucking so hard it nearly sent me flying into the forest. But I held on tight, refusing to let go-I had to keep it distracted long enough for more help toe.


    As the rogue struggled underneath me, I scrabbled at my boot, fumbling around for the small knife I always kept on me. I slipped it out and jammed it with all my might into the wolf¡¯s scruff over and over, piercing the leathery skin, grimacing as blood sttered my dress, face, and hair.


    Finally, the rogue let out a whimper and began to falter, even if only a little.


    Two wolves-one white, the other a deep chestnut-came running then. Liam and Alexander. When they saw me struggling, they pounced, pinning the rogue to the ground as I leapt out of the way.


    There was a crunch and a final howl, and then it was over.


    I gasped, stumbling backwards, as Alexander and Liam shifted back into their human forms and ran over to me.


    ¡°E,¡± Liam gasped, reaching me first. He grabbed my shoulders and turned me this way and that, checking me for injury. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you use your wolf form? You could have gotten killed!¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I didn¡¯t think,¡± I lied, breathless. Even now, in the heat of the moment, I knew I couldn¡¯t tell him the truth about my wolf. ¡°I just acted.¡±


    Before Liam could respond, we heard screaminging from the direction of the bonfire. Wanting to ensure no one had gotten hurt, I stumbled after Alexander, who was running that way.


    As we approached, there was a small crowd standing near the bonfire, forming a circle around a person in the middle.


    The circle parted to reveal who was standing within. Sophia. Her skirt had been burnt by the fire, still smoking, the fabric so badly destroyed that itpletely exposed her legs and part of her panties beneath.


    Alexander swiftly turned away, face reddening. Acting on instinct, I pulled off my shawl-which was covered in the rogue¡¯s blood-and tossed it to her.


    Sophia¡¯s face turned red, but she took it and wrapped it around herself before scurrying away.


    There was a long, tense silence. It seemed no one could figure out what to do, how to react to what had just happened.


    And then: ¡°To Luna E!¡±


    Kristoff and Maria raised their wine, and soon, the entire crowd was toasting my name. I stared at them, not sure how to respond or even how to breathe.


    Suddenly, Alexander appeared at my side. He wrapped his arm around me, but there was something more tender about it this time, less possessive.


    When I looked up at him, his eyes were soft.


    ¡°To Luna E,¡± he said quietly, pushing a cup of wine into my hand and clinking his own cup against it.

 The Perfect 19

    Sophia & Liam


    Sophia


    Sophia stumbled, gasping, into the forest. Hot tears of pure rage streamed down her cheeks as she leaned against a tree, pressing her palms so hard against the trunk that the bark bit into her skin.


    Humiliated. That was what she was now.


    She had spent the better part of the evening scouring the de, searching for a stray rogue. When she finally lured the beast back to the festival, she thought everything would go as nned.


    The rogue had E¡¯s scent-Sophia had made sure of that when she had stolen one of E¡¯s gloves from the house and waved it in the rogue¡¯s face. He should have attacked her, only her, and for a moment, it had seemed like it might work.


    But then E had leapt onto the beast like some kind of warrior princess, distracting it until her two knights in shining armor coulde save her.


    And all Sophia had gotten out of it was a burnt dress-from having been knocked too close to the bonfire by the surging crowd.


    In the distance, Sophia could hear the sounds of the party continuing. People cheered, toasted their beautiful, perfect Luna.


    Sophia clenched her jaw so hard she thought her teeth might crack. She yanked that stupid, bloody shawl from around her waist and stomped it into the ground, savoring the sound of it squelching into the mud.


    Stupid. This was all fucking stupid.


    Just then, Sophia¡¯s wolf perked up. A sound came from the nearby forest-twigs snapping underfoot.


    Sophia quickly hid behind a nearby tree, carefully peering around it to see a male form stride past and stop a few feet away. She recognized him immediately. Liam.


    For a moment she just watched him as he paced the small clearing, dragging his hand through his hair over and over again. He was muttering something under his breath, and when he turned, the moonlight casting a pale silver glow upon his face, Sophia could see his mouth twisted into a grimace.


    He was angry.


    Sophia tilted her head, considering him for a moment. She knew Liam and E had some kind of history together; perhaps one even romantic in nature, although it was probably one-sided.


    Regardless of what had happened in the past, though, one thing was clear: Liam was in love with her now.


    Maybe, Sophia thought, if she struck up a bargain, they could work together. Sophia knew that E and Alex¡¯s marriage was a contract. Perhaps, if Sophia revealed this to Liam, he would expose everything to get what he wanted.


    E.


    And Sophia¡­ She wouldn¡¯t have to do much. She could just watch from the sidelines, waiting for the moment that Alex would finallye to her and seekfort.


    Then, they could finally be together.


    Sophia slowly stepped out from behind the tree and cleared her throat. Liam, not expecting her to be there, whirled around. In the dim light, his blue eyes took on the ethereal glow of his wolf pushing just below the surface.


    ¡°You,¡± he said, taking a step back. ¡°You led that rogue here, didn¡¯t you? Just as you pushed E this morning. Chaos follows you around like the gue.¡±


    Sophia didn¡¯t confirm nor deny it. She just shrugged and said, ¡°We want the same thing: for those two to break up. Maybe


    we shouldbine our efforts.¡±


    Liam scoffed. ¡°You want me to do your dirty work? I¡¯m not an attempted murderer like you.¡±


    ¡°I never tried to kill anyone.¡±


    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t have minded if you did, though.¡± Liam turned on his heel. ¡°I¡¯m leaving.¡±


    Sophia watched Liam begin to stalk away, but she knew she hadn¡¯t sunk her ws in just yet. Her lips curled into a faint


    smile.


    ¡°I know how you can end their marriage. No one needs to get hurt. And we¡¯ll both get what we want-you can have E, and I¡¯ll have Alex.¡±


    Liam¡¯s footsteps faltered. For a moment, he stood there frozen, his shoulders tense and his hands curling and uncurling at his sides.


    But then, slowly, he turned to look at her.


    Liam


    So their marriage was a contract after all.


    Liam had had his suspicions, but Sophia had confirmed themst night. She told him that E and Alexander had signed a contract just before their wedding, stipting that their marriage would be purely business-no intimacy, no children, no love.


    Just monthly payments to Stormhollow and a promise that E couldn¡¯t be the one to end the rtionship.


    No wonder E was so adamant about staying in that loveless marriage. She couldn¡¯t leave. That brute wouldn¡¯t let her.


    The morning after the festival, Liam went straight to Alexander¡¯s office. His Beta, Gabriel, was standing guard outside the door.


    ¡°Do you have an appointment, Alpha?¡± Gabriel asked coolly, stepping in the way just as Liam was reaching for the handle.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Liam lifted his chin. ¡°I spoke to Alpha Alexanderst night. Told him we need to have a discussion. He should be¡ª¡±


    ¡°Let him in, Gabriel,¡± Alexander¡¯s muffled voice came from within the office. The Beta nodded curtly and opened the door, and Liam stepped inside.


    Alexander was standing near the window, poring over a ledger in his hands, when Liam entered. He snapped the book shut and smiled charmingly, gesturing to the chair opposite his desk.


    ¡°Alpha Liam. Please take a seat. What did you want to discuss?¡±


    Liam resisted the urge to show his wolf¡¯s fangs. He¡¯d already had his suspicions that this bastard was abusing E. Now, to find out that he was forcing her to live here under duress¡­ Liam wouldn¡¯t stand for it. But he wouldn¡¯t show his hand just


    yet.


    He took a seat and carefully crossed his legs, one ankle over the other knee.


    ¡°I keep hearing these rumors,¡± Liam said airily, as if it were just gossip, ¡°that your marriage with Luna E is a contract.¡±


    Alexander¡¯s eyebrows shot up. ¡°Oh?¡±


    Liam nodded. ¡°Apparently some people are even of the belief that you¡¯re sending Stormhollow monthly payments. And something about E not being allowed to leave of her own ord?¡± He shook his head and smiled. ¡°Nonsense, I¡¯m sure. No Alpha worth his salt would force a woman to live like that. Especially not one who intends to run for Alpha King¡­ And you


    and E do seem to be in love.¡±


    At first, Alexander¡¯s face betrayed nothing. Liam watched him carefully, waiting.


    Finally, Alexander sighed. ¡°Did E tell you this?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Liam lied immediately. ¡°She told me you¡¯re keeping her here against her will. I¡¯m worried about her, you know. And I worry about the future Alpha King having such low morals. If she were forced to sign such a contract, or if the contract was forged¡­¡±


    Alexander nodded. To Liam¡¯s surprise, he reached into his desk and pulled out a small folder, which he handed to Liam.


    ¡°Everything is in order, I assure you,¡± Alexander said calmly. ¡°E isn¡¯t being held against her will; in fact, she just signed another legal contract stating that she¡¯ll remain my wife for the next nine months. After that, she¡¯s free. She made her decision, and willingly. Twice.¡±


    So there were two contracts?


    Liam couldn¡¯t believe that Alexander had just¡­ handed him the contract like that. Indeed, upon flipping through it, it was a genuine copy. Complete with two signatures; one from the first contract, dated five years ago, and the other signed just two days ago.


    E had certainly signed both of these contracts-that much was clear.


    But Liam didn¡¯t know if she had been forced or coerced. Either way, he needed to act quickly. E might have been Alexander¡¯s prisoner both physically and emotionally, but now Liam held all the cards.


    ¡°Thank you for being so honest,¡± Liam said, standing and tucking the folder under his arm. ¡°I¡¯m sure the press will enjoy hearing about this.¡±


    Before Alexander could react, Liam turned and stormed out, contracts in hand.

 The Perfect 20

    Alexander & E


    Alexander


    This was E¡¯s doing. Liam had said so himself.


    She had told Liam everything, just to spite me, and now he was going to inform the press of our contract, potentially ruining my election before it had even begun.


    I needed to speak with her.


    I found E lounging in the srium at the back of the house, a cup of tea bnced between her fingers and a book sitting open in herp. She was smiling-smiling-as if she hadn¡¯t just betrayed me in the worst way possible.


    ¡°Why did you tell him?¡± I barked. ¡°He¡¯s going to the press now. Are you happy?¡±


    E jumped, tea sloshing out of her cup and onto her book. ¡°What?¡± she breathed, carefully setting aside the soaked book and standing to dust off her dress.


    ¡°Don¡¯t y stupid with me, E,¡± I growled, jabbing my finger toward her. ¡°You told Liam about the contract, and for what? To hasten the end of our marriage? Do you really want a divorce so badly that you¡¯d betray me like that, less than three days. after you just willingly signed a contract?¡±


    E stared mutely, her gaze shifting between me and Gabriel, who was standing beside me.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about,¡± she finally said.


    ¡°Enough.¡± I turned, too angry to even look her in the face when she was lying right in front of me. ¡°I can¡¯t believe you, E. Until you have an apology prepared, I don¡¯t want to hear it.¡±


    And with that, I stormed out, Gabriel on my heels. The door mming shut behind us sounded like a gunshot going off in the quiet house.


    E


    Alexander and Gabriel stormed off, the door mming shut behind them. I just stared for a long moment,pletely confused.


    They thought I told Liam about the contract¡­?


    Curious, I hurried out of the srium and upstairs, toward Liam¡¯s room. The door was cracked open when I approached, and without thinking, I pushed it open.


    Liam was packing his things on the bed.


    ¡°What happened?¡± I asked by way of greeting. ¡°Alexander said I told you about something¡­ personal.¡±


    Liam turned to face me. When he saw me standing there, he dropped the shirt he was folding and rushed over, taking my


    hands in his.


    ¡°E, I¡¯m sorry, but I had to do my own digging,¡± he said. ¡°I heard Alexander forced you to sign a contract¡ª¡±


    I pulled my hands away. ¡°That was private, Liam. And I did it of my own ord.¡±


    ¡°Whatever he said to coerce you¡ª¡±


    ¡°I said, that was my decision.¡± Anger began to simmer beneath the surface of my skin at the vition of trust. ¡°Whatever you heard, you should havee to me first. And now Alexander is saying you¡¯re going to the press with the information when you didn¡¯t even talk to me about it.¡±


    Liam¡¯s face crumpled. ¡°I didn¡¯t know if you would be in your right mind,¡± he insisted. ¡°If he has been ying mind games with you, making you think you want this when you really don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Is that what you think of me? That I¡¯m so easily manipted?¡±


    Liam¡¯s mouth opened, then closed again. That was all the answer I needed.


    I pulled my shoulders back. ¡°Whatever you might think, I made a conscious decision to sign that contract. I made a decision. No one else. And you won¡¯t make this decision for me now.¡±


    ¡°E¡ª¡± Liam reached for me, but I took a step back.


    ¡°No,¡± I said, shaking my head. ¡°Something hase over you, Liam, and I don¡¯t like it. I don¡¯t like this new side of you. What happened to the sweet boy who used to be my best friend? When did you be so stubborn? So controlling?¡±


    ¡°Controlling? E, I¡ª¡±


    ¡°The Liam I knew never would have gone behind my back like that. He never would have been so dismissive of my wishes. This isn¡¯t you, Liam. I don¡¯t know what happened to you at that camp, but I think I can safely say now that I preferred you before.¡±


    Liam stood there, frozen, for a long moment. His eyes shed between hurt, guilt, and finally¡­ realization.


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± he said, slowly sinking onto the bed. He dragged both hands through his hair and hung his head. ¡°This isn¡¯t me. I¡¯m sorry, E. I just¡­ I worry about you, that¡¯s all. I look at you, and I see the pain in your eyes, and all I want to do is protect you. I me myself for not being there to protect you these past ten years.¡±


    Some of the anger began to fade away. ¡°I missed you, Liam. I really did. But I don¡¯t need a protector-I just need a friend.¡±


    Liam sniffled. When he looked up, his eyes were shimmering with unshed tears. The sight broke my heart, but I held my ground.


    Finally, he nodded. ¡°I promise I won¡¯t go to the press. Here. Take this.¡± He pulled out the all-too-familiar folder containing the contract and handed it to me, then extended his left pinky. ¡°Tell Alexander he doesn¡¯t need to worry. Your secret is safe


    with me.¡±


    I took the folder with one shaking hand, then wrapped my other pinky around his. ¡°Thank you,¡± I whispered.


    Leaving Liam in his room, I hurried downstairs to Alexander¡¯s office. I didn¡¯t knock-just burst in, the same way he had burst in on me earlier. I threw the folder on his desk.


    ¡°He¡¯s not going to the press,¡± I ground out. ¡°And for the record, I told you I didn¡¯t tell anyone about the contract and I fucking meant it. If you think so little of me that you¡¯d believe I would betray you like that, then why enter into a contract with me at all?¡±


    Alexander and Gabriel stared at the contract. Slowly, Alexander looked back up at me. Remorse shone in his eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, E.¡± He stood. ¡°I should have listened to you.¡±


    ¡°If you didn¡¯t tell Liam about the contract, then who did?¡± Gabriel suddenly asked.


    I didn¡¯t have an answer to that. In my haste to clear the air with Alexander, I hadn¡¯t thought to ask.


    Just as I was about to speak, the phone rang. Gabriel answered it, his face darkening with each passing second. ¡°Yes¡­ I understand¡­ Thank you for letting us know¡­¡±


    My heart pounded as Alexander and I stared at the Beta. Finally, he hung up the phone with trembling fingers. When he turned to Alexander, his face was grave.


    ¡°The news has been leaked. It¡¯s all over already.¡±


    The room fell silent. Alexander¡¯s body went rigid, his hands curling around the edge of his desk until his knuckles turned white.


    Suddenly, the door burst open again. Liam, breathless, ran into the room with his phone in his hand. I couldn¡¯t quite make out the news headline that was stered across the screen, but I was certain it was about us.


    Alexander¡¯s face ckened. ¡°Liam, you fucking¡ª¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t me,¡± Liam insisted, holding his hands up in surrender. ¡°I didn¡¯t leak it. I swear to you that it wasn¡¯t me.¡±


    Alexander growled low in his chest and took a step toward Liam, but I put myself in his path. ¡°He didn¡¯t do it,¡± I said firmly, lifting my chin.


    There was a long, tense silence as Alexander stared me down, but I held my ground. I knew Liam didn¡¯t do this; he had made a pinky promise. And despite what had happened to my friend over the years, I knew one thing for certain.


    ¡°Best friends keep pinky promises,¡± a nine-year-old Liam had said all those years ago, wrapping his little finger around mine. ¡°No matter what.¡±


    Some things simply couldn¡¯t change.


    Finally, Alexander rxed somewhat.


    ¡°If it wasn¡¯t you,¡± he said, looking at Liam now, ¡°then who leaked the information?¡±

 The Perfect 21

    <b>Chapter 21 </b>


    E


    The room fell silent as Alexander¡¯s words washed over us.


    It wasn¡¯t Liam who had leaked the information. But if it wasn¡¯t him, then who could it be? No one Alexander, Gabriel, and now Liam.


    else should have known about the contract, just mysel


    ¡°Did you leave a copy of the contract


    (sitting


    out


    on


    your desk?¡± I asked. ¡°Maybe a servant saw


    it<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Alexander¡¯s jaw clenched. ¡°No, I¡¯m permission, and I hold the only key.¡±


    y careful with my personal information. No one from the household staff is allowed in this room without <b>explicit </b>


    Suddenly, Liam straightened. ¡°I might know who was involved.¡±


    All eyes turned to him. Liam¡¯s gaze shifted ufortably between Alexander and me before he finally sighed.


    ¡°The night of the bonfire¡­ I went for a walk in the forest to clear my head. Sophia followed me.¡±


    Alexander¡¯s shoulders stiffened at the mention of Sophia¡¯s name.


    ¡°She approached me and suggested we work together to break up your marriage,¡± Liam went on. ¡°She knew about the contract. It was Sophia who <b>gave </b>me the idea to confront you about it.¡±


    My blood ran cold. Sophia knew? How long had she known? I thought back to all the times she had looked down on me and treated me like a servant in my own home. It was no wonder when all the while, she¡¯d known my marriage was nothing but a business arrangement.


    ¡°You told her?¡± I breathed, turning toward Alexander.


    But he shook his head vehemently. ¡°No. Never.¡±


    I folded my arms. ¡°Then she must have broken into your office. How else would she know that information?¡±


    Alexander¡¯s mouth pressed into a thin line. ¡°She would never do something like that.¡±


    Gabriel cleared his throat. ¡°You do frequently have tea in your office with Lady Sophia,¡± he said quietly. ¡°It¡¯s possible you left something out and she saw it.¡±


    Alexander didn¡¯t answer that. I shook my head and looked away. Of course it would be Sophia. Of course she would be the one to reveal everything. She had never been happy about my marriage to Alexander.


    ¡°And I think she¡¯s behind more than just the leak,¡± Liam added quietly. ¡°The rogue attack at the bonfire didn¡¯t seem to be a coincidence. The rogue seemed to hone in on E¡¯s scent right away.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s always hated me,¡± I muttered. ¡°Always wanted me gone. Maybe she even lured that rogue-<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Now hold on,¡± Alexander interjected, raising a hand, ¡°We can¡¯t just assume Sophia is behind all of this without evidence. This is a serious usation.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t help but scoff. Even now, after everything, he was still defending her.


    ¡°She pushed me out of a hayloft,¡± I reminded him. ¡°Or have you conveniently forgotten that already?¡±


    ¡°We still don¡¯t know for certain-¡±


    ¡°She did it!¡± I insisted, mming my hands onto his desk. Liam and Gabriel both flinched, but I kept my gaze fixed on <b>Alexander</b><b>, </b><b>whose </b><b>expression </b><b>was </b>unreadable. ¡°And she probably sent that rogue after me at the bonfire! She¡¯s trying to get rid of me, Alexander. Whether she kills <b>me </b>or breaks <b>up </b><b>our </b>marriage, it doesn¡¯t matter. She just wants me out of the picture.¡±


    0023 Tue


    <b>Chapter </b><b>21 </b>


    <b>¡°</b><b>E</b>, <b>we </b><b>should </b>talk to her before we assume anything bad.¡± Alexandel said calmly<b>, </b><b>coolly, </b>as if we were discussing <b>nothin</b><b>, </b>imen. This <b>unlikely </b>that she would <b>do </b>something like this. She¡¯s not malicious. I¡¯ll look into it myself<b>.</b>¡±


    Liam and I exchanged a look. Of course Alexander was standing <b>up </b>for Sophia¡­ again. After five years, nothing had <b>changed</b>. She <b>would </b>always to first in his eyes, <b>no </b>matter what she did.


    ¡°With all due respect,¡± Liam bit out, ¡°she¡¯s not as innocent as you think.¡±


    Alexander¡¯s eyes shed. ¡°You¡¯ve known her for all of two days.¡±


    ¡°And I¡¯ve seen enough to have made an informed decision,¡± Liam retorted.


    ¡°Let¡¯s not forget that you were allegedly willing to work with her up until five minutes ago.¡±


    The air between the two Alphas seemed to crackle like the moment before lightning strikes. Clearly, neither was willing to back down.


    Before things could escte, Gabriel stepped between them, ¡°Alphas, if I may,¡± he said, ¡°this spection isn¡¯t helping us right now. The media is only going to get worse the longer we wait, and there¡¯s no time to investigate. We need to address this immediately.¡±


    Alexander took a deep breath,posing himself. ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± he agreed, running a hand through his hair and causing a few red locks to stand <b>up </b><b>on </b>end. ¡°We need to get ahead of this story.¡±


    47


    ¡°I suggest holding a press conference,¡± Gabriel said. ¡°You should make a statement before the rumors get out of hand. Be forthright about the arrangement¨Cbut frame it properly so it doesn¡¯t continue to backfire.¡±


    Alexander nodded. ¡°A press conference. Yes, that could work.¡± He nced at me. ¡°Of course, you¡¯ll need to be there, too.¡±


    I nched, feeling the warmth suddenly drain from my face. ¡°Me? At <b>a </b>press conference?¡±


    ¡°Yes, you,¡± he replied curtly, already picking up his phone. ¡°This involves both of us. The public will want to see us together.¡±


    ¡°But I¡¯ve never done anything like that before,¡± I protested weakly. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t know what to say or how to act. I¡¯d just make things worse<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°You¡¯ll be fine. Just follow my lead and smile.¡±


    Alexander and Gabriel left to make the arrangements before I could protest.


    ¡°Smile and follow his lead,¡± I whispered, sinking down into a nearby chair. ¡°As if it¡¯s that simple.¡±


    A few hourster, I found myself standing in the foyer of the house<b>, </b>the pack PR stylist carefully primping my curled hair. They had chosen a no¨Cnonsense look for me that was also attractive and feminine enough to feel approachable: a crisp white button¨Cdown tucked into a pencil skirt, low pumps, <b>a </b>sleek yet bouncy updo with curls framing my face, and a pearl ne around my throat.


    It felt more like a costume than anything. And the pearls felt like they were choking me.


    ¡°I can¡¯t do this,¡± I whispered to Liam as the stylist hurried away to tend to Alexander, who was standing on the other side of the room surrounded by a small entourage of PR staff and, of course, Gabriel. He looked prepared for this. He looked unfazed.


    I thought I was going to throw up.


    Liam reached out to ce a hand on my arm, but seemed to think better of it and quickly pulled away.


    ¡°You¡¯ll be fine. You spoke to the Board so well before¨Cyou¡¯re a good public speaker.¡±


    My throat bobbed. ¡°In front of small groups, yes. But I¡¯ve never done a press conference before.¡± Even now, I could hear the sound of reporters <b>and </b>journalists gathering outside. The conference hadn¡¯t even begun yet and I could see the cameras shing <b>through </b><b>the </b>curtains.


    Liam tilted his head. ¡°Never? But you¡¯re a Luna. Surely you and Alexander have done <b>one </b>or two.¡±


    Chapter <b>21 </b>


    <b>¡°</b><b>I¡¯ve </b><b>stood </b>beside him during <b>press </b>conferences.¡± Back when I was the perfect<b>, </b>obedient little Luna<b>, </b><b>I </b><b>wanted </b><b>to </b><b>add</b>, but I aldark¨Chacap kal <b>anything</b>. And there was never this much scrutiny.


    <b>Liam </b>paused for a moment, considering. I shot another nce at Alexander, who was now whispering to Gabriel in the dining mom doonaan


    I hated how stupidly handsome he looked in his sleek navy blue suit with his hair perfectly swept to one side, like some kind of male fashion <i>magazine </i>


    model.


    But what hurt even more was that he hadn¡¯t even looked in my direction since our discussion earlier, and I knew I would get no help from him now


    Suddenly, Liam suggested, ¡°I can help you prepare.¡±


    I turned back to him. ¡°How? The conference is starting in ten minutes and I have no idea what to do.¡±


    He smiled faintly, but it was more of a grimace than anything. ¡°You said you wanted to know what went on at the camp I attended¨Cso let me <b>show </b><b>you </b>some of the tricks I learned there.¡±


    AD


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    <b>Chapter </b><b>22 </b>


    <b>Chapter </b>21


    <b>Chapter </b><b>21 </b>


    <b>E </b>


    The room fell silent as Alexander¡¯s words washed over us.


    It wasn¡¯t Liam who had leaked the information. But if it wasn¡¯t him, then who could it be? No one Alexander, Gabriel, and now Liam.


    else should have known about the contract; just myself,


    ¡°Did you leave a copy of the contract sitting out on your desk?¡± I asked. ¡°Maybe a servant saw it?¡±


    Alexander¡¯s jaw clenched. ¡°No. I¡¯m very careful with my personal information. No one from the household staff is allowed in this room without explicit permission, and I hold the only key.¡±


    Suddenly, Liam straightened. ¡°I might know who was involved.¡±


    All eyes turned to him. Liam¡¯s gaze shifted ufortably between Alexander and me before he finally sighed.


    ¡°The night of the bonfire¡­ I went for a walk in the forest to clear my head. Sophia followed me.¡±


    Alexander¡¯s shoulders stiffened at the mention of Sophia¡¯s name.


    ¡°She approached me and suggested we work together to break up your marriage,¡± Liam went on. ¡°She knew about the contract. It was Sophia who gave me the idea to confront you about it.¡±


    My blood ran cold. Sophia knew? How long had she known? I thought back to all the times she had looked down on me and treated me like a servant in my own home. It was no wonder when all the while, she¡¯d known my marriage was nothing but a business arrangement.


    ¡°You told her?¡± I breathed, turning toward Alexander.


    But he shook his head vehemently. ¡°No. Never.¡±


    I folded my arms. ¡°Then she must have broken into your office. How else would she know that information?¡±


    Alexander¡¯s mouth pressed into a thin line. ¡°She would never do something like that.¡±


    Gabriel cleared his throat. ¡°You do frequently have tea in your office with Lady Sophia,¡± he said quietly. ¡°It¡¯s possible you left something out and she saw


    it.¡±


    Alexander didn¡¯t answer that. I shook my head and looked away. Of course it would be Sophia. Of course she would be the one to reveal everything. She had never been happy about my marriage to Alexander.


    ¡°And I think she¡¯s behind more than just the leak,¡± Liam added quietly. ¡°The rogue attack at the bonfire didn¡¯t seem to be a coincidence. The rogue


    seemed to hone in on E¡¯s scent right away.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s always hated me,¡± I muttered. ¡°Always wanted me gone. Maybe she even lured that rogue-¡±


    ¡°Now hold on,¡± Alexander interjected, raising a hand, ¡°We can¡¯t just assume Sophia is behind all of this without evidence. This is a serious usation.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t help but scoff. Even now, after everything, he was still defending her.


    ¡°She pushed me out of a hayloft,¡± I reminded him. ¡°Or have you conveniently forgotten that already?¡±


    ¡°We still don¡¯t know for certain-¡±


    ¡°She did it!¡± I insisted, mming my hands onto his desk. Liam and Gabriel both flinched, but I kept my gaze fixed on Alexander, whose expression <b>was </b>unreadable. ¡°And she probably sent that rogue after me at the bonfire! She¡¯s trying to get rid of me, Alexander. Whether she kills me or <b>breaks </b><b>up </b><b>our </b>marriage, it doesn¡¯t matter. She just wants me out of the picture.¡±


    Chapter <b>20 </b>


    <b>Suddenly</b><b>, </b>the <b>door burst </b>open <b>again</b><b>. </b><b>Liam</b>, breathless, ran into the room with his phone in his hand. I <b>couldn¡¯t </b><b>quite </b>make out the <b>new </b>headline in <b>was </b><b>stered </b>across the screen<b>, </b>but I was certain it was about us.


    Alexander¡¯s face ckened, ¡°Liam, you fucking-


    <b>¡°</b><b>It </b>wasn¡¯t me,¡± Liam insisted, holding his hands up in surrender. ¡°I didn¡¯t leak it. I swear to <i>you </i>that it wasn¡¯t me.¡±


    Alexander growled low in his chest and took a step toward Liam, but I put myself in his path. ¡°He didn¡¯t do it,¡± I said firmly, lifting my <b>chin</b>,


    There was <b>a </b>long, tense silence as Alexander stared me down, but I held my ground. I knew Liam didn¡¯t do this; he had made a pinky promise. And despite what had happened to my friend over the years, I knew one thing for certain.


    ¡°Best friends keep pinky promises<b>,</b>¡± a nine¨Cyear¨Cold Liam had said all those years ago, wrapping his little finger around mine. ¡°No matter what<b>.</b>¡±


    Some things simply couldn¡¯t change.


    Finally, Alexander rxed somewhat.


    ¡°If it wasn¡¯t you,¡± he said, looking at Liam now, ¡°then who leaked the information?¡±


    <b>A</b>

 The Perfect 22

    E


    ¡°What?¡± I sniffled, wiping at my nose with the back of my hand much to the chagrin of the nearby stylist, who looked like she was about to have a conniption as she rushed over to dab fresh powder on it.


    ¡°The camp I was sent to had¡­ methods. Harsh methods, but effective.¡± Something dark flickered across Liam¡¯s face, and for a moment, <b>I </b><b>saw </b>a hint of a man who had suffered deeply at the hands of others. ¡°But I did learn a few tricks for speaking under pressure.¡±


    He looked around the room, his gazending on Lilith, who was arranging flowers in a vase nearby.


    ¡°Lilith!¡± he called. ¡°Can you help us for a moment?¡±


    Lilith set down her flowers and hurried over. ¡°What is it, dear?¡±


    ¡°I need your help preparing E for the press conference,¡± Liam exined. ¡°We¡¯re going to simte the chaos she¡¯ll experience out there


    Lilith looked confused but nodded anyway. ¡°Alright. What do you need me to do?¡±


    ¡°I want you to be as distracting as possible,¡± Liam said. ¡°Talk over me, walk around E, touch her shoulder, do whatever you can to throw her off Meanwhile, I¡¯ll be hammering her with questions simr to what the journalists might ask.¡±


    Lilith¡¯s eyes widened slightly, but she nodded again. ¡°I see. Alright, I can do that.¡±


    I swallowed hard. ¡°Liam, I don¡¯t think-¡±


    ¡°Trust me,¡± he said firmly. ¡°This is how they trained me. When I first arrived at camp, I could barely speak to anyone without having a panic attack<b>¨C</b>you know what I was like. The counselors weren¡¯t gentle with me, and I¡¯ll of course be kinder to you. But some of their methods did help. Obviously.¡±


    Liam was right; when I hadst seen him, he was a meek and socially anxious young boy who could hardly string twe words together with anyone except me. He was far different now; charming, outgoing, well¨Cspoken.


    The type of Alpha everyone expected him to be, even if his experiences had added ayer of darkness in between the facade and the boy inside.


    I sighed. ¡°Okay. I don¡¯t think we have enough time to make a difference at this point, but I¡¯ll give it a try.¡±


    ¡°Luna E,¡± Liam began, ¡°can you tell us why you and Alpha Alexander kept your contract a secret from the public?¡±


    I opened my mouth to answer, but then Lilith started humming loudly, circling around me and asionally poking my shoulder or arm. The sudden sensory overload made my mind go nk.


    ¡°I¡­ um¡­¡± My throat closed up. ¡°We didn¡¯t intend to-¡±


    ¡°Is it true that your father received monthly payments as part of this arrangement?¡± Liam interrupted.


    Lilith bumped into me from behind, causing me to stumble forward. ¡°Sorry, dear!¡± she said, momentarily breaking her character.


    ¡°Answer my question, Luna E.¡±


    ¡°Yes, but-¡±


    ¡°And now you¡¯re both suddenly acting as if you love one another?¡± Liam cut me off. ¡°What changed?¡±


    I felt my face growing hot. Lilith was now walking <b>in </b>circles around me, her humming growing louder, asionally brushing against my arms <b>or </b>tugging


    at my clothing. At one point, she even flicked the back of my head. I couldn¡¯t decide if I wanted tough or cry. The whole situation felt ridiculous.


    ¡°Nothing changed, we just-¡± I stopped, shaking my head. ¡°No, that¡¯s not right. We¨C¡±


    <b>1/4 </b>


    Lilith suddenly pped <b>her </b>hands right by my ear and made me jump.


    ¡°Goddess damn it<b>!</b><b>¡± </b><b>I </b>snapped. ¡°How am I supposed to focus with all of this


    ¡°That¡¯s the point,¡± Liam said. ¡°The press conference will be chaotic¨Ccameras shing, people shouting questions over each other, inlcrop¨¦ene i shoved in your face. You need to stay focused through all of it.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t do this. I can¡¯t.¡±


    <b>¡°</b>Try again,¡± Liam insisted. ¡°Deep breaths. Focus on the question, not the distractions.¡±


    We started over. Lilith resumed her harassment, and Liam fired off more questions. But the more we practiced, the worse I felt. Each question seemed to trip me up more, and Lilith¡¯s distractions were driving me to the brink of screaming.


    ¡°Luna E, is it true that you and Alpha Alexander are not in love?¡±


    Lilith poked me in the ribs..


    ¡°1¨Cwe¨Cthat¡¯s not-¡±


    ¡°Is there any truth to the rumors that your marriage is a sham and that you never intend to have children?¡±


    I felt tears welling up in my eyes. This was impossible. I was going to make aplete fool <i>of </i>myself in front of the press. I was going to ruin whatever chance Alexander had of bing Alpha King, and then he¡¯d hate me even more, and-


    A faint cough made me suddenly realize that <i>the </i>room had gone quiet. Looking up, I saw that a small crowd had gathered around us.


    Humiliation burned through me. I couldn¡¯t even handle my own household staff scrutinizing me, let alone hundreds of people.


    ¡°Enough.¡±


    Alexander¡¯s deep voice cut through the room. The crowd parted as he stepped forward.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t helping,¡± he said. A sh of irritation crossed his face as he nced at Liam. ¡°You¡¯re just making her more anxious.¡±


    Liam stiffened. ¡°I¡¯m trying to prepare her for-¡±


    ¡°I know what you¡¯re trying to do<i>,</i><i>¡± </i>Alexander cut him off. ¡°But that¡¯s not what E needs. I know what she needs.¡±


    I blinked. ¡°What do you-¡±


    Before I could finish, Alexander moved beside me and wrapped his arm around my shoulders, pulling me against his side. The sudden contact made my breath catch in my throat. He was warm and solid, smelling like that scent I knew so well, and despite everything, my body instantly responded to his


    touch.


    My heart hammered in my chest, and I couldn¡¯t help but lean into him a little.


    ¡°Try again<i>,¡± </i>Alexander said to Liam, his arm tightening around me. ¡°Ask her another question.¡±


    Liam hesitated for a moment, his eyes flicking to the spot where Alexander¡¯s arm was wrapped around me. Finally, he turned to me. ¡°Luna E, why did you and Alpha Alexander decide to keep your contractual marriage a secret?¡±


    I opened my mouth, expecting <i>to </i>stumble over my words again. But something strange happened. With Alexander¡¯s arm around me, my mind suddenly went quiet. The chaos around me seemed to fade away, and I could focus on the question.


    ¡°Our arrangement was private,¡± I said steadily. ¡°We never intended to deceive the public, but some matters are personal, even for public figures like <b>us</b><b>. </b>


    ¡°And the monthly payments to your father?¡±


    <b>Chapter </b>22


    <b>¡°</b><b>Are </b>part of arger arrangement between Ashw and Starmhollow, I answered <b>smoothly</b><b>: </b><b>¡°</b><b>Our </b><b>packt </b>have always bewn life, at the <b>support </b>was meant <b>to </b>strengthen that alliance.¡±


    Alexander¡¯s hand squeezed my shoulder gently. Was that a silent sign of approval? It was ironic¨Cthe man who had caused me so muste pain wi one helping me through this.


    And all he had done was put his arm around me.


    We continued like that for several more minutes, with Liam firing questions and me answering them Eventually, Gabriel cleared his <b>throat</b><b>. </b>


    <b>¡°</b>It¡¯s time. The press is ready.¡±


    My stomach twisted nervously, but Alexander¡¯s arm remained around me as we made our way toward the exit. Just before we stepped <b>through </b>the doors, he leaned down to whisper in my ear..


    ¡°Just like we practiced. I¡¯ll be right beside you the whole time.¡±


    His breath against my skin sent a shiver down my spine.


    The moment we stepped onto the front steps, camera shes exploded in our faces. The frontwn was packed with journalists, all shouting questions over each other before we even reached the podium.


    If I had been alone, I would have frozen on the spot. But Alexander kept his arm firmly around me, just as he promised. I looked out over the sea of faces and inhaled deeply. His scent washed over me, calming me.


    Gabriel stepped up to the microphone first, introducing us and asking for order. Then it was Alexander¡¯s turn.


    ¡°Thank you all foring,¡± he began. ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve all seen the recent articles about my marriage to Luna E. I¡¯d like to address those reports directly.¡±


    He went on to exin that yes, our marriage had begun as an arrangement between packs; but the alliance had brought to both Ashw <b>and </b>Stormhollow<i>, </i>emphasizing that it wasn¡¯t one¨Csided or inappropriate.


    )


    Of course, he left out the¡­ personal details. Like not sleeping in the same room for years and never acting like man and wife behind closed doors.


    When it was my turn to speak, I stepped up to the microphone, surprised by how calm I felt. Alexander¡¯s hand remained firmly resting on my lower <b>back</b>.


    ¡°When I first married Alpha Alexander, it was out of duty to my pack,¡± I said. ¡°But over time, it became deeper. We were strangers at first, but the years allowed us to get <i>to </i>know each other.¡±


    The lie tasted strange on my tongue, but I continued anyway.


    ¡°We are fated mates<i>. </i><i>And </i>while our rtionship may have had an unconventional beginning, we have grown fonder and closer over time.¡±


    ¡°So the contract was real<b>, </b>but you¡¯ve since fallen in love?¡± one reporter asked.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Alexander replied without hesitation. ¡°Sometimes fate works in mysterious ways.¡±


    I tried not to look surprised at that. Love. It was certainly not a <i>concept </i>that had ever been a part of our marriage, and I knew it was just a lie, but the way he said it felt all too real.


    The lie was so convincing that for a moment, I almost believed it myself. I could almost imagine a world where Alexander and I had truly fallen in love, where our fated mate bond had ovee the barriers between us.


    But it was just a fantasy. In nine months, we would go our separate ways. That was the n. That was what I wanted. It was <b>the </b>only way I <b>would </b>survive this, because there was no way he was ever actually going to love me.


    Just then, Gabriel pointed to a woman in the front row who had her hand raised.


    The journalist wood, <b>her </b>pen fraised <b>over </b>her noterad to write you re o in le she asked <b>any </b>havent pay that de hoy s


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    <b>Chapter </b><b>23 </b>


    E


    Thewn went quiet. Alexander¡¯s hand tightened on my lower back. I felt like I was going to be sick all over again as every onlooker and journalist fell silent, waiting for our answer.


    But how were we supposed to answer that?


    We weren¡¯t actually sleeping together, let alone trying for a baby. We had only just begun to share a bedroom after years of marriage, and that was only out of necessity, not desire. The very thought of sleeping with my husband, an experience that every happy wife should have, just made my heart pound with anxiety and embarrassment.


    But Alexander, always the politician, leaned toward the microphone without missing another beat.


    *If you must know, we are actually trying for a baby,¡± he said confidently. The crowd murmured, ncing at one another.


    ¡°An heir to Ashw,¡± someone in the front row said, ncing over at me. ¡°That would be a miracle at this point.¡±


    I fought to keep my expression neutral even as my stomach turned in on itself. It wasn¡¯t a miracle; it was just another fucking lie. How many more would we have to tell before this damn press conference was over?


    The journalist scribbled something on her notepad, then looked back up at us. ¡°But you¡¯ve been married for five years,¡± she said, tilting her head. ¡°Most fated mates conceive within the first year. Is there perhaps a¡­ fertility issue on either end?¡±


    My cheeks burned. This wasn¡¯t just embarrassing¨Cit was dangerous. In our world, a pack¡¯s Alpha and Luna were expected to be strong, virile, and capable of producing heirs. If the pack thought we couldn¡¯t have children, then they would question Alexander¡¯s ability to lead Ashw.


    And that wasn¡¯t even including how it might impact his election.


    Alexander¡¯s fingers dug into my spine. ¡°Well, these things simply take time, and we¡¯ve only got so much energy,¡± he said with <b>a </b>light chuckle. ¡°But we¡¯re both young, so we¡¯re in no rush.¡±


    ¡°But if you¡¯re truly in love, as you im to be,¡± the journalist prodded, ¡°then why wait so long to start a family? It¡¯s quite unusual, even for people of your


    age.¡±


    Another journalist raised his hand and stood before Gabriel could call on him. ¡°There are rumors that you sleep in separate bedrooms. Is that true? is that why you haven¡¯t been able to conceive?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve also never been seen showing affection in public,¡± a woman near the back called out.


    ¡°Is this just a political arrangement after all? Are you lying to us?¡±


    The questions came faster now, ovepping each other. The crowd, which had been rtively calm before, had begun to stir once more, everyone shouting over <i>one </i>another until it was one big cacophony of voices. My head spun as I tried to keep up with the questions, but it was impossible.


    ¡°How often do you and Luna E actually spend time together?¡±


    ¡°Have you consulted fertility specialists?¡±


    ¡°Is either one of you having an affair? What about Lady Sophia, Alpha Alexander? You two seem close!¡±


    My jaw clenched at the mention of Sophia. I nced at Alexander, whose own face had hardened somewhat. He maintained a mask of calmposure, but up close like this I could see the faint lines that had formed around his eyes, could feel his anger radiating from his skin even through his suit.


    ¡°Our private life is just that¨Cprivate,¡± he replied curtly. ¡°Just because we don¡¯t unt our rtionship doesn¡¯t mean it isn¡¯t real.¡±


    But the journalists weren¡¯t satisfied. They continued firing off questions, one after the other after the other. I felt my hands begin to shake, and for a


    Chapter <b>23 </b>


    <b>moment</b><b>, </b>I wondered if I might faint right there on the steps.


    All the while, the female journalist who had started it all continued to stand, her armis nov¨¦ folder across her chest. Her eyes were bulking into ti va <b>she </b>could see straight through my skull and into my very thoughts.


    ¡°How can you prove that this marriage isn¡¯t just for show?¡± a man near the front suddenly shouted ¡°How can y


    1 you prove that gens truly live with an er


    Prove it? How the hell were we supposed to prove something that didn¡¯t exist?


    I looked up at Alexander, who for once seemed at a loss for words.


    to that moment, I knew what I had to do. It was risky and potentially humiliating and might even backfire spectacrly. But it was the antyw? dot


    them up¨Cfor now.


    Before I could second¨Cguess myself, I reached up and grabbed Alexander¡¯s tie. His eyes widened in surprise as yanked him down toward me


    And then I threw my caution to the wind and kissed him.


    Deeply. Desperately.


    The sort of kiss a woman might give a man she truly loved.


    It was the way I had imagined kissing my fated mate a thousand times before, in the privacy of my lonely bedroom on nights I would rather forget.


    Our first kiss.


    Even on our wedding day¨Cwhich was a small, private affair¨Cwe hadn¡¯t kissed. We had simply signed our contract and slipped on our rings in front of Gabriel, our officiant.


    And then he had taken me to that tiny guest room on the opposite side of the mansion, and that was that.


    But now his lips were on mine, and they were warmer and softer than I ever imagined. And his scent was enveloping me, blotting out everything else like a thick nket shielding us from the rest of the world.


    Even with a dormant wolf, the mate bond between us seemed to hum to life. I swore I could feel his pulse through the kiss, or maybe that was just my own frantic heartbeat hammering beneath my skin.


    I hadn¡¯t expected this. I hadn¡¯t expected the rush of heat that flooded through me, the way my body instantly melted against his, the sudden desperate need for more of this.


    Most of all, I hadn¡¯t expected Alexander to kiss me back.


    But he did. After a moment of stunned frozenness, his hands came up to cup my face. His touch was tentative at first, but then became firmer as he ever so slightly tugged me closer. I stumbled slightly against him, my handsing up to clutch at his chest, but the kiss didn¡¯t break.


    During those moments, I forgot about the journalists. I forgot about the cameras. I forgot about the contract and the divorce and the fact that I was dying, For those few, beautiful seconds, there was only Alexander and me and the electrifying sensation of our first kiss.


    When we finally broke apart, we were both breathing hard. Alexander¡¯s eyes were wide, his pupils dted. He looked as shocked as I felt.


    It was only then that I noticed the chaos around us. Cameras shing. Journalists shouting. Some people were even cheering.


    Alexander blinked, seeming to remember where we were. He cleared his throat and turned back toward the microphone. ¡°Well,¡± he said, ¡°if that won¡¯t prove that my mate loves me, then nothing will.¡±


    The crowd erupted into even more cheers andughter. More camera shes, More questions. But Gabriel was already moving toward us, signaling that the press conference was over.


    Alexander took my hand and led me back inside without another word. I followed, still dazed from the kiss, my lips tingling, my heart hammering <b>so </b><b>hard </b>


    <b>Chapter </b>23


    I was certain <b>the </b>entre trowd could hear it


    <b>But </b>the moment we were inside with the door flimly strut behind us, before ring eyes even had a chance to dapet to the dan light, ka tiimapen res Wit had burned him.


    Before I could react, Gabriel stepped forward and whispered something in Alexanvier¡¯s day, Alevaniter Hodded and walked many wonint a vunm me standing in the hallway, confused.


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    <b>Chapter </b><b>24 </b>


    Alexander


    I followed my Beta into my study, where a man was waiting for us. I recognized the man¡¯immediately as one of the photographers from the press


    conference.


    ¡°Alpha,¡± Gabriel said, gesturing to the man, ¡°this guy says a couple came into his tabloid agency to leak the story. He saw them.¡±


    I narrowed my eyes and folded my arms. ¡°Is that so?¡±


    The man nodded. ¡°I¨CIt¡¯s true, Alpha,¡± he said, wringing his hands. ¡°They came in and spoke to my boss. Well, I didn¡¯t see them, but I did hear them speak.¡±


    ¡°And? Spit it out.¡±


    The photographer fidgeted with his camera strap. ¡°It was an older couple. A man and a woman.¡±


    ¡°An older couple?¡± I asked, straightening a little. ¡°Did they give names?¡±


    ¡°No, sir. They were careful about that. But I remember what they sounded like.¡±


    ¡°Go on.¡±


    The photographer hesitated. ¡°Well, the man had a deep, gravelly voice. Like he used to smoke. And the woman¡¯s voice was high¨Cpitched, but she drew out her ¡®s¡¯s, sort of like a snake.¡±


    I tilted my head slightly, exchanging a nce with Gabriel. The description was vague, but it sounded an awful lot like Sophia¡¯s parents, John and Helen Oxford. Alpha and Luna of Moonshine pack.


    John once had a smoking problem, and Helen did speak like that.


    But it made no sense. The Oxfords and the pack they led, Moonshine, was a close friend of Ashw¡¯s. I¡¯d known John and Helen my entire life. They weren¡¯t the type to do something like this, and even if they were, they had no reason for it in this case. Our packs were allies.


    Unless¡­


    Sophia allegedly wanted to break up my marriage to E. I always knew she had a crush on me, but perhaps it ran deeper than that.


    What if her parents wanted us to get together? Moonshine was a distinguished pack, but they had fallen on hard times over the years. A marriage between our packs would benefit them, just as it had benefited Stormhollow.


    I would have to do some investigating on my own.


    ¡°Anything else?¡± Gabriel asked. ¡°Any identifying features? ents? Mannerisms?¡±


    The photographer shook his head. ¡°No<i>, </i>Sir. I didn¡¯t get a chance to talk to them myself. I just heard them talking to my boss, and when they left, my boss told me to post the story online.¡±


    Well, that didn¡¯t feel like enough to go off of for a definitive answer. But it was enough to warrant bringing it up to the Oxfords. All three of them.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I said. ¡°You can go now.¡±


    The photographer nodded and hurried away.


    ¡°Get the car,¡± I told Gabriel as soon as we were alone. ¡°I want to investigate the site of the bonfire.¡±


    A little whileter, I found myself at the clearing in the forest where the Spring Celebration had been. My lips were still burning, just like the scorched


    00:23 Tue 1.


    <b>Chapter </b>24


    <b>ground </b><b>where </b>the bonfire had sat the other night.


    I couldn¡¯t help but absentmindedly run my tongue over my lips as I surveyed the clearing where the Bynfira had been held fast day ago, i lingered there cherry blossoms and vani, sweet and intoxicating. I couldn¡¯t get it out of my head


    That <b>kiss</b><b>. </b>


    thadn¡¯t expected it. Hadn¡¯t expected her to grab my tie and pull me down to her like that, hadn¡¯t expected the surge of desire that shot though m? sh our lips met. For those few seconds, I¡¯d feltplete for the first time in my entire life.


    My wolf wanted more. Each step I had taken away from E had felt like dragging myself through mud. He was furious with me, em now, begging meth return to our mate¡¯s side and pull her close. He wanted me to love her.


    But I couldn¡¯t fall in love with E. Not when there was still a chance her pack was involved in my parents¡® deaths. Besides, even if i did want to fall for her, she still wanted to divorce me. The kiss was just an act for both of us, and we wouldn¡¯t be repeating it.


    I paused my thoughts, crouching down near the ground to check for clues. The grass was still trampled where the crowd had gathered, and the remnants of the bonfire sat in the center of the clearing, although it was nothing but a circle of charred wood and wet ash by now. It had ramed this morning, so everything had turned soft and soggy.


    But somewhere in this mess had to be evidence¨Cevidence that would either exonerate or condemn Sophia and perhaps even her parents.


    I didn¡¯t want to believe that the Oxfords could be involved in something like this. The girl I grew up with, the one who had been my friend through thick and thin¡­ could Sophia really be capable of doing something like this? Endangering innocent people during her favorite holiday of the year?


    And for what? Jealousy? Revenge? Was she really that angry that I hadn¡¯t attended the celebration with her?


    What about her parents? Why would they intentionally leak the contract to the press<b>? </b>None of it made any sense. Even if they wanted a union between Ashw and Moonshine, they weren¡¯t the type to go about it like this.


    But Liam had been resolute in his ims that she had caused the attack at the bonfire. He also said that she knew about the contract first, <b>had </b>approached him in the hopes of ending my marriage to E, and had even exposed us. And then there was the photographer.


    None of it felt like something they would do, but neither did pushing E out of a hayloft. And as the days went on, I began to wonder more and more if Sophia truly had done it on purpose. Perhaps the apple didn¡¯t fall far from the tree.


    I began circling the bonfire, scanning the ground for anything unusual. Unfortunately, there was nothing around the bonfire. I circled wider and wider until I was walking the entire rim of the clearing.


    And then my eyes caught on something metallic glinting in the sunlight, half¨Cburied in the dirt near where the rogue had first appeared.


    I bent down to examine it. It was a silver chain, partially obscured by leaves and dirt. I brushed the debris away, and my heart sank as I recognized the delicate pearl pendant attached <i>to </i>it.


    Sophia¡¯s ne.


    She never took it off. It had been a gift from her mother on her sixteenth birthday, and she treasured it. For it to be here, at the site where the rogue had emerged¡­


    I picked it up and studied it. There could be innocent exnations. Perhaps she¡¯d lost it while fleeing from the rogue like everyone else.


    But¡­ no. I recalled that night perfectly; she had been standing near the bonfire when the rogue came. This was too far from where I¡¯d seen her to be usible.


    Well, perhaps it had fallen off earlier in the day, before the attack even happened.


    And yet, as I turned the pendant over in my hand, I noticed something else; there was dried blood on the sp. And embedded in the chain were several coarse, dark hairs. Rogue fur.


    240073 TULBIA


    <b>Sophia </b>had been here, close enough <b>to </b>the rogue to get its blood and for <b>on </b><b>her </b><b>ne</b><b>. </b>It did seen to support Lison¡¯s theory that the bat lured the <b>beast </b>to <b>the </b>celebration<b>. </b>


    I pocketed the ne and continued searching the area, but found nothing else of interest. Finally, I decided to <b>call </b>it quits for now and then my <b>toward </b>where my Beta was waiting next to the car.


    ¡°Did you find any evidence?¡± Gabriel asked. ¡°Anything pointing to it being the Oxfords¡® doing?¡±


    <b>¡°</b>The photographer¡¯s description certainly sounds like them,¡± I admitted, holding up the ne. ¡°And I found this. It¡¯s Sophia¡¯s¡°.


    Gabriel¡¯s eyes narrowed as he looked at the ne. ¡°But the Oxfords are a well¨Crespected Alpha and Luna. They wouldn¡¯t do something like this i don¡¯t think Sophia would, either.¡±


    I tilted my head, considering. Gabriel was right; Sophia¡¯s parents were well¨Cknown amongst all of the neighboring packs. They had been <b>a </b>prestigious Alpha and Luna duo for decades and had never gotten involved in drama before.


    Sophia, on the other hand¡­ She was acting differentlytely..


    Or had I just been blind before?


    ¡°Still,¡± I said, ¡°it¡¯s worth looking into.¡±


    Gabriel huffed. ¡°Well, I wouldn¡¯t be so quick to judge. Same with Sophia. How can you be certain that E wasn¡¯t behind all of this?¡±


    My wolf bristled. ¡°What makes you think E would have done this?<b>¡± </b>I blurted out, sharper than I intended.


    ¡°Because she clearly wants to cause trouble,¡± Gabriel said, already turning to leave. ¡°I don¡¯t trust her one bit. I don¡¯t think you should, either.¡±


    I watched my Beta move toward the car, a strange feeling churning in my gut. He didn¡¯t trust E. And for the longest time, I hadn¡¯t trusted her, either.


    Buttely¡­


    I ran my tongue over my lower lip again, tasting the remnants of her lip gloss.


    Lately, I wasn¡¯t sure if she was quite so bad.


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 The Perfect 25

    E


    As I stood in Alexander¡¯s showerter that night, hot water cascading down my back, my fingers kept drifting up to my mouth. I couldn¡¯t stop <b>touchin </b>my lips. The ghost of Alexander¡¯s kiss still lingered there, no matter how hard I scrubbed at the skin.


    I hadn¡¯t meant for it to be so¡­ intense. I¡¯d only wanted to shut the journalists up, to prove our ¡°love¡± was real. But the moment our lips touched, something had ignited between us. I couldn¡¯t deny it.


    I¡¯d never been kissed like that before. Hell, I¡¯d never been kissed by Alexander at all. Five years of marriage, and it took a PR crisis for him to <b>finally </b>kiss <ol><li><b>me</b>. </li></ol>


    Well¡­ I had been the one to kiss him. And the moment we had been out of sight, he had walked away from me like I was nothing.


    The whole situation felt so damn pathetic. And I felt even more pathetic for actually caring.


    I shut off the water and stood dripping in the shower and reached for a towel just as the bathroom door swung open.


    ¡°What the fuck!¡± I screamed, clutching the towel to my chest as Alexander strode in, already unbuttoning his shirt.


    His eyes went wide. ¡°Shit!¡± He whirled around, covering his eyes with one hand. ¡°I didn¡¯t know you were in here.¡±


    ¡°Obviously!¡± My heart was going wild in my chest as I hastily wrapped the towel around myself and stumbled out of the shower. ¡°Haven¡¯t you ever heard of knocking?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not used to sharing a bathroom,¡± Alexander snapped with his back still turned to me.


    I moved to step past him, but as I tried to squeeze by, my damp shoulder brushed against his arm. A jolt of electricity shot through me at the contact.


    Alexander <i>froze</i>, his body suddenly going rigid. Slowly, almost reluctantly, he turned his head toward me.


    We were close. Too close. Close enough that I could see the flecks of gold in his green eyes, could feel the warmth of his breath against my cheek. My gaze dropped to his lips¨Cthose same lips that had been on mine just hours ago.


    The air between us crackled with static electricity as we looked at each other. For a moment, I thought he might kiss me again<b>, </b>right there in that steamy bathroom with nothing but a towel between us.


    Part of me wanted him to.


    Alexander swallowed. ¡°E.¡± The sound of my name on his tongue sounded strained, like he was holding back.


    Did he want me, too, I wondered? Did he secretly spend nights during the past five years wondering what it would be like to finally be together as man


    and wife?


    But then he stepped back and coldly said, ¡°That stunt you pulled today at the press conference can¡¯t happen again.¡±


    I blinked. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°The kiss. It worked this time, but we shouldn¡¯t make a habit of it. Not with a divorceing up so soon<b>.</b>¡±


    The reminder stung more than it should have. Nine months. We had agreed on nine months, and then he would reject me, and my wolf would return, and I would live. That was the n. That was what I wanted.


    So why did his words make my chest hurt like I¡¯d been stabbed?


    I quickly shoved that nasty, traitorous little feeling back down and locked it away.


    fine by <b>me</b>,¡± I said, <b>lining </b><b>my </b><b>chid</b><b>. </b>¡°It¡¯s not like I enjoyed it <b>anyway</b>?


    <b>A </b>muscle in Alexander¡¯s <b>jaw </b>Ucked. ¡°Good. Then we¡¯re on the came pag


    I pushed past him without another word, ignoring the way my skin burned where it had touched his.


    Fiteen minutester, I was sitting up in bed with a book open in myp although I hadn¡¯t read Ia single word.


    I was wearing one of my silk nightgowns, the pale blue one with thece trim that had sat unworn in my drawer for years I¡¯d bought it hack when i¡¯d <b>stit </b>believed Alexander might someday want me¨Cback when i was still naive enough to think fated mates always fell in love.


    Now, I was just wearing it because I needed to doundry.


    At least¡­ that was what I told myself.


    The bathroom door opened, and Alexander emerged in a cloud of steam, wearing nothing but a pair of sweatpants, I forced myself not to look at the defined muscles of his abdomen or the trail of hair that disappeared beneath the waistband.


    He slid into bed beside me, taking care to stay on his side. Neither of us spoke for a long moment.


    Finally, I snapped my book shut. ¡°Just so we¡¯re clear,¡± I said, ¡°Lonly kissed you because you weren¡¯t doing anything to stop those journalists from asking too many questions.¡±


    Alexander scoffed. ¡°Right. And here I thought you just couldn¡¯t resist me.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t tter yourself.¡± I set my book on the nightstand. ¡°I hate kissing you. <b>It </b>was vile.¡±


    ¡°The feeling is mutual.¡±


    ¡°Well, at least we can agree on one thing.¡±


    Alexander grunted and rolled over, turning his back to me. Within minutes, his breathing had evened out, indicating he was asleep or close to it.


    But I couldn¡¯t sleep. Iy there for a long time, just staring up at the ceiling.


    Only once I was certain he was asleep did I touch my lips again.


    What if things had been different? What if Alexander had given us a real chance? What would our marriage have been like if he had actually loved me?


    I couldn¡¯t even begin <i>to </i>imagine it. Couldn¡¯t fathom what it would feel like to have Alexander¡¯s hands on my body, his lips on my skin, our bodies joining in the way nature intended for mates.


    The thought made a warm pool of honey form low in my belly, a feeling that I knew all too well but had only acted on in the darkness of my old bedroom <i>on </i>the other side of the mansion, all by myself.


    I was twenty¨Ctwo years old and still a virgin. That fact was a humiliation that I kept buried deep inside. I¡¯d been married for five years, and my husband had never once touched me¨Chad never even kissed me until today, and that was just for show, and he wouldn¡¯t have done it if I hadn¡¯t done it first.


    Most Lunas my age already had pups<i>, </i>little ones toddling around their feet or nursing at their breasts. They had mates who loved them, who marked them, who imed them as their own.


    I had a dormant wolf and a death sentence because my mate hated me.


    What would I do when this was all over? When was free?


    I¡¯d travel, I decided. I¡¯d go to all the ces I¡¯d always wanted to see but never could because of my Luna duties. I¡¯d wander through ancient streets and eat exotic foods and dance until my feet hurt.


    And I¡¯d date. Goddess, I would date so many people.


    not


    ? ???????? ??


    ??? ????? ? sharHonorary In


    <b>. </b><b>?? </b>? ????? ????


    ???? ????? ?????? ????


    ???


    <b>died </b>


    me ??? ????, do why wah, in ? ? ?????


    someone who <b>desired </b><b>in </b>polis sa the as there ton fist & M


    I¡¯d be free. <b>Free </b>to live, free to reste tres to beming ertur


    Nine months. That was all I had to endurs. Nine more months of this man why dad want


    had to


    Because on the other side of those nine months was life. Real life, on my own terms this time, and no one alka¡¯s fint de father¡¯s my Webroot not Alexander¡¯s, not Sophia¡¯s, not even Liam¡¯s.


    Mine.


    That thought brought a faint smile to my face as my eyelids grew heavy.


    But in thest moments before I slipped off to sleep, my mind drifted back to that kiss, to the feeling of Alexander¡¯s lips on mine, in the army body hade alive in his arms.


    And for ¨¤ moment, just a moment, I couldn¡¯t help but think that i had never felt more alive than in that moment when he had kissed me back.


    AD

 The Perfect 26

    <b>Chapter </b><b>26 </b>


    E


    The following morning, I woke to the sound of water running. I cracked one eye open first, then the other, and realized that Alexander was n? lenger sleeping beside me.


    Yesterday¡¯s memories, still too fresh forfort, washed over me. The kiss, the bitterness, the awful things we¡¯d said to each other before bed. But pushed the negative feelings down and sat up, rubbing sleep from my eyes as the shower shut off in the other rooms.


    A momentter, the bathroom door opened, and Alexander stepped out with nothing but a towel wrapped around his waist. Water droplets clung to his chest, sliding down the nes of his muscles before disappearing beneath the towel.


    I quickly looked away, cursing my body for responding to the sight. For five years I had yearned to share a bed with this man, and now I couldn¡¯t wait for this phase to end if only because it was a constant reminder just how instinctively my body reacted whenever i was close to him.


    ¡°Morning,¡± Alexander said, crossing to his closet. ¡°Sophia and her parents areing by today.¡±


    I stiffened slightly. ¡°What? Why?¡±


    ¡°To discuss the bonfire incident and the contract leak.¡±


    ¡°Oh. When are they getting here?¡±


    ¡°About an hour.¡±


    I was a little chagrined that he hadn¡¯t told me sooner, but nodded and slipped out of bed, hurrying past Alexander while his back was turned.


    By the time I emerged from the shower a little whileter, he was gone. I picked out a simple blouse and a skirt, then made my way downstairs with <b>a </b>little time to spare¡ªjust enough time for a cup of coffee.


    But to my surprise, voices were already drifting from the sitting room.


    I entered to find Sophia perched on the sofa. On either side of her sat her parents, Alpha John and Luna Helen Oxford of Moonshine pack.


    Alpha John was a tall, distinguished man with salt¨Cand¨Cpepper hair and a neatly trimmed mustache that curled up on the ends. Luna Helen was slim and elegant, with the same brte hair as her daughter, although hers was shot through with silver.


    None of them looked at me as I entered.


    Alexander was standing by the firece. Gabriel leaned against the windowsill, his arms folded across his chest.


    I took a seat in an armchair across from them, keeping my expression neutral. I knew exactly how this would go. Sophia was their precious, perfect daughter. They¡¯d spoiled her rotten her entire life, indulging her every whim and excusing her worst behavior.


    They wouldn¡¯t believe she was capable of anything truly malicious.


    ¡°Now that we¡¯re all here, let¡¯s get started<i>,</i><i>¡± </i>Alexander began, reaching into his pocket. He pulled out a delicate ne with a single pearl on it and held


    it up. ¡°This was found at the bonfire site, near where the rogue appeared. There¡¯s rogue blood and fur on it.¡±


    Sophia¡¯s face went white at the sight of the ne. Luna Helen gasped, her hand flying to her own pearl ne that she always wore.


    I would recognize the ne Alexander was holding anywhere.


    It was Sophia¡¯s. She wore it constantly.


    ¡°What are you suggesting?¡± Alpha John asked.


    m <b>suggesting </b><b>that </b><b>Sophia </b>was <b>involved </b>with the rogus attack at the <b>Spring </b>Celebration<b>, </b>


    The room fell silent<b>. </b><b>Sephia¡¯s </b><b>eyes </b>filled with tears, her lower lip trembling. It was a performance I¡¯d seen many <b>times </b>before <b>the </b>innocen


    But to <b>my </b>surprise, her parents didn¡¯t immediately jump to her defense. Alpha John turned to his daughter incredulously, ¡°Sophiat <b>is </b>the <b>Intel? </b>


    Her shoulders slumped. A single tear slid down her cheek. ¡°It was just supposed to be <b>a </b>prank,¡± she whispered. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean for anyone to get <b>hurt</b>.


    I couldn¡¯t help it¨C<b>t </b>scoffed. Loudly.


    All eyes turned to me. Alpha John¡¯s gaze was particrly sharp. ¡°Something to add, Luna E?¡±


    ¡°Yes, actually,¡± I said, folding my hands in myp to keep from strangling Sophia. All I could think about was that little girl who had almost been mauled. The little girl who would have been mauled had I not distracted the rogue. ¡°A prank, Sophia? Really? You expect us to believe that? That rogue nearly attacked a little girl.¡±


    ¡°But nothing happened to her.¡± Sophia sat up straighter. ¡°You saved her, didn¡¯t you? Everyone¡¯s fine, and you even got to be the hero.¡±


    ¡°E is right. That was a very dangerous and stupid prank, Sophia. You¡¯re lucky I even let <i>you </i>set foot in my house after that.¡±


    Sophia¡¯s eyes began to flutter anew. I just whipped my head toward Alexander,pletely taken by surprise. Had he just¡­ agreed with me?


    Had he ever stood on my side against Sophia before?


    ¡°Sophia.¡± John¡¯s voice was low and dangerous again. ¡°Apologize to Luna E. And to Alpha Alexander.¡±


    Sophia¡¯s face twisted briefly before smoothing into a contrite expression. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Alpha Alexander. Luna E. It was foolish and dangerous, <b>and</b><b>! </b>take full responsibility.<i>¡± </i>She bowed her head and wrung her hands in herp.


    There was a moment of silence after that, punctuated only by Sophia¡¯s asional sniffles. Frankly, I thought she was fucking lying. I didn¡¯t think she <b>was </b>sorry at all, nor did I think it was ¡°just a prank¡°.


    I had a feeling she wanted to see someone get hurt. And that ¡°someone¡± was likely me.


    But for now, I held my tongue. It would do me no good to fight it now, not with her parents prepared to jump to her defense. And even if Alexander had taken my side once, it didn¡¯t necessarily mean he would do it again.


    ¡°Well.¡± Alpha John pped his knees and stood. ¡°Now that that¡¯s settled, I suppose we should go-¡±


    ¡°Actually,¡± Alexander said, ¡°we¡¯re not finished.¡±


    John and Helen exchanged nces. Alexander took a deep breath. ¡°As you know, there was a leak regarding <b>a </b>contract between myself and E.¡±


    ¡°Yes, we saw<i>,</i><i>¡± </i>Helen said with a shake of her head. ¡°How awful. A breach of privacy!¡±


    ¡°Indeed,¡± Alexander agreed, eyes darkening. ¡°And ording to a witness, an older couple came to the news agency to leak the information. Oddly enough, the couple allegedly sounded just like you two.¡±


    The temperature in the room seemed to drop ten degrees. Alpha John¡¯s face hardened, while Luna Helen¡¯s hand flew to the pearl ne at her throat.


    ¡°Are you using us of something, Alpha Alexander?¡± Alpha John asked softly. There was something dangerous in that low, gravelly voice.


    ¡°I¡¯m simply stating what was reported to me.¡±


    ¡°Well, the report is wrong,¡± Luna Helen snapped, her high voice rising another octave, ¡°We would never betray you like that. Moonshine has been allied with Ashw for generations. Our families have been friends since before you were born. Why would we jeopardize that rtionship over gossip?¡±


    ¡°And let us not forget,¡± John added, ¡°that you and our daughter have been friends since childhood. We¡¯ve always supported you.¡±


    <b>Chapter </b>26


    <b>Alexander </b><b>jaw </b>feathered. <b>¡°</b><b>I </b>had to ask. Surely <b>you </b>linderstand the <b>position l¡¯in </b><b>currently </b>in


    <b>John </b>huffed. <b>¡°</b>Well, <b>we </b><b>can¡¯t </b>me you, but you know us, Alex. We would never do anything to hurt <b>you</b><b>, </b>Auhw, or <b>your </b><b>reputation</b><b>. </b>


    *And for goodness¡® sake, I changed your diapers when you were young!¡± Helen clicked her tongue. ¡°Alex, dear, you mustn¡¯t me us for them, or thete help you find out who leaked that information, but we can assure you, it wasn¡¯t us¡±


    Alexander dropped his gaze to his hands, which were sped in hisp. I had to admit, it was hard even for me to picture the proper Alpha and Loms of Moonshine sneaking into a tabloid office to spread gossip. They¡¯d always been sticklers for rules and protocol, and their pack was closely <b>allied </b><b>with </b>


    Ashw.


    I couldn¡¯t imagine them being the ones to leak the contract. They never liked me very much, but had never done anything outwardly cruel, and erejestet definitely never try to hurt Alexander. He was basically like the son they never had.


    Finally, Alexander nodded. ¡°Very well. Thank you for your honesty.¡±


    ¡°Was there anything else you wanted to discuss?¡± John asked.


    Alexander hesitated, then shook his head. ¡°No. You may go.¡±


    We all stood as they prepared to leave. None of them looked at me as they passed, although I could feel their hatred radiating off of them..


    ¡°Well,¡± I said once the door closed behind them, ¡°that went about as well as I expected.¡±


    Alexander shot me a look. ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡±


    ¡°Just that Sophia gets away with attempted murder with nothing but <b>a </b>p on the wrist. Again.¡±


    ¡°She apologized, E. And her parents will punish her.¡±


    ¡°Oh, well, in that case, all is forgiven,¡± I said sarcastically. ¡°I¡¯m sure she¡¯s very sorry she failed to kill me. And I¡¯m sure her doting parents will actually punish her and not take her out for ice cream after.¡±


    Alexander sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. ¡°Look, she said it was just supposed to be a prank-¡±


    ¡°Alexander, you can¡¯t possibly believe it was just a ¡®prank¡®. She deliberately lured a rogue to a public event because she was jealous. The very same day she pushed me out of a hayloft. What will it take for you to realize-¡°,


    ¡°Enough,¡± he cut me off. ¡°It¡¯s been dealt with.¡±


    I bit my tongue, knowing there was no point in arguing. Clearly, the one time he had taken my side was just a fluke. Alexander would always defend Sophia, no matter what she did. All I could do was hope she didn¡¯t try to hurt me again for the rest of my time here.


    And then, once I was free¡­


    I inhaled deeply, imagining the scent of the salty ocean and fresh pastries and good wine. Yes, the first ce I would travel to would be the southern coast. I held onto that dream for a moment, letting it calm me.


    Opening my eyes again, I asked, ¡°And are we sure her parents weren¡¯t involved in the contract leak?¡±


    ¡°They have no reason to do that,¡± Alexander said firmly. ¡°Our packs are allies. They¡¯ve always supported me. And I¡¯ve looked <i>into </i>it thoroughly. I found no evidence pointing to them; I suspect it was someone unrted. You know how gossip spreads; perhaps one of the staff saw the contract and told someone else.¡±


    I nodded, knowing he was right about that one thing, at least. Sophia may have been the devil incarnate, but her parents weren¡¯t bad people. They <b>were </b>just wrapped around their spoiled daughter¡¯s little finger. ¡°Well. If that¡¯s all,¡± I said, turning to leave, ¡°I have things to do.¡±


    ¡°Actually,¡± Alexander called after me, ¡°put on something more practical.¡±


    1stopped, locking back <b>at </b>him <b>in </b>town. ¡°What? WANT

 The Perfect 27

    <b>Chapter </b><b>27 </b>


    E


    Yesterday¡¯s kiss may have momentarily distracted the press from the contract scandal, but that didn¡¯t mean I wanted to spend more time wER A than absolutely necessary.


    Especially not afterst night.


    But Alexander was right; the press would be watching us like hawks over theing days, and we had to at least make an attempt to look like the 1300). loving couple we had pretended to be yesterday.


    ¡°Ready?¡± Alexander asked as I made my way down the stairs. I had changed into a pair of jeans, boots, and a light sweater tobat the spring chil outside.


    I nodded and grabbed my bag off the foyer table before following him out the door.


    The moment we stepped outside, camera shes erupted from the bushes lining the road outside therge fence surrounding the property<b>. </b>Paparaz course. They¡¯d been camping out since the press conference yesterday.


    Alexander¡¯s arm immediately slid around my waist<b>, </b>pulling me against his side. I pasted on a smile, leaning into him as we made our way toward the car


    Alexander opened the door for me. More camera shes. More fake smiles. By the time he slid into the driver¡¯s seat beside me, my cheeks were already aching.


    ¡°Where exactly are we going?¡± I asked as we pulled away from the mansion, the paparazzi scrambling into their own vehicles to follow us.


    ¡°Border patrol,¡± Alexander replied, his eyes fixed on the road. ¡°I do it every week. Check the perimeter, make sure there aren¡¯t any weaknesses in cur defenses, look for signs of rogues.¡±


    Of course. Alpha duties. The kind of thing he¡¯d never invited me to in five years of marriage. But then again, I supposed I had never asked; I had always focused on my Luna duties, which didn¡¯t often involve going out into the wilderness.


    When I was younger, I was always outside. When I wasn¡¯t following around the Stormhollow warriors and training, I was usually in a tree somewhere, <i>or </i>perhaps swimming in the creek out behind my old house.


    But a ¡°good¡± Luna, or at least the type of Luna my father and stepmother wanted me to be, was typically expected to stay home; manage the household, tend to the children (not that we had any), and perform clerical work like managing expenses.


    So I stopped climbing trees and swimming in creeks, just like I stopped training.


    Because that was what was expected of me.


    After that, we drove in silence for a while. I stared out the window, watching as the mansion grounds gave way to dense forest.


    This early in the morning, there was still a light mist hanging over thendscape. I rolled down the window and leaned my head slightly out, inhaling the cool air. The way the wind blew through my hair soothed me.


    When I leaned back in my seat, I caught a glimpse of Alexander looking at me. But when I turned to return the stare, his gaze was fixed firmly on the road ahead again.


    Finally, we parked along the side of the road at the edge of Ashw territory, right where it met Moonshine territory. The paparazzi parked a little ways down the street and in the bushes as if we wouldn¡¯t notice them, their cameras already out and ready by the time they got out of their cars.


    Like a perfect gentleman, Alexander came around to open my door again, offering his hand to help me out. I took it, forcing another smile as <b>we </b>made a show of intertwining our fingers¡­


    Just to drive the point home, I swung our hands a little as we walked. I could feel Alexander¡¯s hand tense around mine, but he didn¡¯t resist it.

 The Perfect 28

    <b>Chapter 28 </b>


    E


    Thirty minutester, we were walking into a quaint cafe in town that I¡¯d been frequenting with Lilith for the past couple of years.


    The ce was cozy, with warm wooden tables, hanging nts, andrge windows that let in plenty of natural light. On nice days like today<b>, </b>they would open the front to let in the spring breeze. It was already packed for lunch, but the hostess beamed as soon as she saw meing.


    (


    ¡°Luna E!¡± she eximed, running over. ¡°It¡¯s been weeks! We missed you! Where have you been?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been busy,¡± I replied, which wasn¡¯t technically untrue. I was sure she had seen the news.


    The hostess¡¯s eyes widened slightly when she saw mypanion walk in behind me. Not Lilith<b>, </b>who I normally enjoyeding here with, but <b>Alexander</b>.


    He had nevere here with me in all the years I had been dining here.


    In fact, he had never eaten a meal with me at all¨Cin a restaurant or at home.


    ¡°Alpha Alexander,¡± the hostess said, bowing her head respectfully as he approached. ¡°It¡¯s an honor to have you at our establishment.¡±


    Alexander nodded in response, then looked around. ¡°Is there going to be a wait time? It looks like you¡¯re all full.¡±


    Shaking her head, the hostess led us to a table on the street, which was my favorite ce to sit in the nice weather. A little ¡°reserved¡± card was sitting on top of it.


    ¡°We always keep your table reserved for you, just in case<i>,</i>¡± the hostess said, gesturing to the little wrought iron table with two seats and an umbre.


    Alexander blinked, looking surprised. I smiled and thanked the hostess. Alexander pulled my seat out for me, but I knew it was more for the sake of those watching us than the fact that he actually wanted to.


    We took our seats and the space between us fell silent for a while. Alexander picked his menu up and studied it without a word.


    ¡°The turkey club is good,¡± I offered, trying to break the silence. ¡°Or the Cobb sd.¡±


    Alexander nodded without looking up. ¡°Okay. Thanks.¡±


    More silence. I sipped my water, ncing around the cafe. It was busier than usual for a weekday, probably because of the nice weather. Several young couples were sitting at nearby tables, talking andughing, some holding hands across the table.


    I¡¯d seen them before¨Cwell, not these specific couples, but ones just like them. Every time I came here with Lilith, I would watch them.


    The way they leaned toward each other, the casual touches, the sharedughter¡­ all the things I¡¯d always wanted, but never got to experience with


    Alexander.


    I¡¯d imagined it, though. Goddess knew I¡¯d spent enough time during the early days of our marriage daydreaming about what it would be like <b>if </b>Alexa took me out like this.


    If we sat across from each other at a sunny cafe table, talking about our days, making ns for the weekend, just¡­ being together. Like a <b>normal</b><b>, </b><b>happy </b>


    couple.


    It was pathetic of me to daydream like that, really. But I couldn¡¯t help it. All I had ever wanted was for my fated mate to <b>finally </b>treat <b>me </b>like <b>his </b><b>mate </b><b>and </b>not <b>a </b>stranger.


    Finally, the waiter came over to take our orders<b>. </b>¡°Luna E,¡± he said, smiling <b>warmly </b>as he approached, ¡°it¡¯s wonderful <b>to </b><b>see </b><b>you</b>. <b>Will </b><b>you </b><b>be </b><b>having </b><b>your </b>usual?¡±


    <b>I </b>nodded. ¡°Yes, please. The turkey club and <b>a </btte.¡±


    <b>1/3 </b>


    <b>08:36 </b>Tue, <b>19 </b>Aug


    The waiter beamed. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure you get extra avocado this time


    ¡°You know me so well.¡±


    After that, Alexander ordered a sd and a water. When the waiter left, wepsed back!


    into silence for several long minutes


    ¡°They seem to know you well,¡± he finally said. His voice was so low I almost didn¡¯t hear it.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯ve beening here at least once a week for a couple of years now.¡±


    Alexander¡¯s brow furrowed slightly. ¡°Oh. I didn¡¯t realize.¡±


    I almostughed at that. Of course he didn¡¯t. Why would he? He¡¯d never asked where I went during the day, what I did with my time, who spoke to Fe all he knew, I just sat in my room all day, staring at the walls. Maybe he would have preferred that.


    ¡°There¡¯s a lot you don¡¯t realize,¡± I said, then immediately regretted it as a nearby couple nced our way. We were supposed to be ying the happy couple, not bickering in public. I forced a smile and pretended that I hadn¡¯t said it at all.


    Alexander didn¡¯t respond to that, not that he had time to. The waiter returned a momentter and set our tes down with a smile.


    ¡°One turkey club for my favorite Luna,¡± he said with a wink. ¡°And a chicken sd for the Alpha. Can I get you anything else? More water? Another napkint A smile, perhaps?¡± Thest was directed at Alexander, who looked like he was busy chewing on a piece of ss.


    ¡°We¡¯re fine, thank you,¡± Alexander said stiffly.


    The waiter raised an eyebrow at me, and I gave him a small smile that I hoped conveyed both apology and gratitude. He nodded slightly before heading off to another table.


    ¡°Your waiter is awfully familiar,¡± Alexander said once he was out of earshot.


    I picked up my sandwich. ¡°He¡¯s friendly to everyone.¡±


    ¡°He called you his favorite Luna.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just how he talks.¡± I took a bite of my sandwich, the familiar vors of turkey, bacon, and avocado a weefort. ¡°The food here is really good. Better than a gran bar, right?¡±


    Alexander took a bite of his food. His mouth twitched, almost forming a smile before he caught himself. ¡°It¡¯s eptable,¡± he muttered. I resisted the urge


    to roll my eyes.


    ?????????????? ??


    We ate in silence for a while. I tried <i>not </i>to stare as Alexander methodically worked his way through his sd, making sure each bite had the perfect ratio of lettuce, chicken, and dressing.


    Had he always eaten like that? So¡­ carefully?


    He probably had. I¡¯d never really seen him eat before. Even at banquets, he wouldn¡¯t really enjoy the food. He was always too busy mingling while I would sit alone at our table.


    Five years of marriage, and this was our first lunch date. The thought made my chest constrict painfully.


    Around us, the cafe continued to buzz with conversation andughter. A couple at the table next to ours fed each other bites <b>of </b>chocte cake<b>, </b>giggling between kisses. I looked away, focusing on my sandwich instead of the pain in my heart.


    As we ate, I tried to think of something to say, some topic of conversation that wouldn¡¯t lead to an argument or more awkward silence, <b>but </b><b>my </b><b>mind </b>was nk. I didn¡¯t even know where to begin, or if it was even possible to elicit the same smites andughter that the other women coaxed from <b>their </b>partners.


    Maybe this had been a mistake. I¡¯d thought lunch in a real restaurant would be better than eating gran bars in the woods, <b>but </b><b>at </b><b>least </b><b>out </b><b>there</b><b>, </b><b>we¡¯d </b>had the patrol to focus on. Here, there was nothing but us and the empty space between us.


    <b>08:36 </b><b>Tue</b><b>, </b><b>19 </b>Aug 1


    Suddenly, I felt my neck prickle. I nced out the window, wondering if the paparazzi had followed us here.


    Sure enough, I spotted a man with a camera partially hidden behind a newspaper at an outdoor table across the street. He was <b>trying </b>to be subtle, <b>but </b><b>i </b>spotted him right away.


    Great. So not only was this lunch painfully awkward, but it was going to be documented for all the world to see. ¡°Alpha and Luna¡¯s Disastrous Date would probably be the headline tomorrow.


    Unless¡­


    I nced back at Alexander, who was still eating with that precise, methodical approach. The cafe was full of couples being, well, couple¨Cy. Holding hands, sharing food,ughing together. And there we were, sitting in utter silence like strangers who had been forced to share a table.


    No wonder the paparazzi was interested. We weren¡¯t doing a very good job of appearing <i>in </i>love.


    I needed to do something. Something that would look good in photos, something that would support the narrative we were trying to create. Something that would make us look like a real couple.


    Before I could talk myself out of it, I speared a pickle from my te with my fork and held it out to him. ¡°Open wide¡­¡±


    <b>AD </b>


    Comment

 The Perfect 29

    <b>Chapter </b><b>29 </b>


    E & Liam


    E


    Alexander stared at the pickle on my fork like it might be poisoned.


    ¡°E, why are you feeding me a pickle?¡±


    Without answering out loud, I nced pointedly toward the photographer across the street. Understanding crossed Alexander¡¯s face. With a barely perceptible sigh, he leaned forward and closed his mouth around my fork, then pulled the bite of food away.


    His ears reddened as he chewed and swallowed, clearly embarrassed by the disy. I couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of smug satisfaction at seeing the mighty Alpha Alexander so flustered by something as simple as sharing food¨Csomething that was normal for any couple to do.


    ¡°Well, would you look at that?¡±


    I turned to see Lilith standing beside our table with a grocery bag in one hand and an amused smile on her face. I might have said I¡¯d never been so happy to see her in my life, but I was always happy to see her.


    ¡°Lilith,¡± I said, setting down my fork. ¡°I didn¡¯t know you wereing to town today, otherwise I would have invited you out.¡±


    ¡°Just picking up a few things for supper. And don¡¯t fret about me; I can see you two are having some time to yourselves.¡± She smiled at me before <b>turning </b>to the tables around us. ¡°Isn¡¯t it sweet? Five years together and they¡¯re still feeding each other in public.¡±


    A few nearby diners looked over, beaming at the sight of their Alpha and Luna sharing such an intimate moment. An older woman at the next table sighed dreamily.


    ¡°So romantic<i>,</i><i>¡± </i>she said to herpanion. ¡°And after all these years¡­¡±


    Lilith nodded and patted my shoulder. ¡°Our Luna is always trying to get him to eat healthier. Aren¡¯t you, dear?¡±


    I yed along, reaching over to straighten Alexander¡¯s cor. ¡°Someone has to look after him. He was going to eat nothing but a gran bar all day.¡±


    A ripple of giggles and awws spread through the area around us. Even our waiter was smiling as he passed by with a tray of drinks. As for Alexander, his ears were so red now I thought they might pop right off.


    ¡°Can I get you anything else?¡± the waiter asked. ¡°Maybe share a dessert? The chocte cake is excellent today.¡±


    ¡°No, thank you-¡± Alexander said quickly, but I cut in.


    ¡°Actually, that sounds perfect. One slice, two forks, please.¡±


    The waiter grinned and hurried off. Alexander shot me a look, but I just smiled innocently. Lilith winked at me before walking away.


    Good old Lilith¨Calways knowing exactly what to say and who to say it to. Herments seemed like nothing, but in reality, half the pack would be gushing about how their Alpha and Luna were spotted having a romantic lunch in town by nightfall.


    It was exactly what we needed right now.


    Indeed, all around us, the atmosphere had shifted. Where before there had been curious stares and whispers, now there were smiles and approving nods. People seemed happy to see us together to witness some sign of affection between their Alpha and Luna after years of¡­ well, nothing.


    It was strange to think about. For five years, we¡¯d lived separate lives under the same roof, rarely even seen together except at formal events. The pack certainly noticed; I had heard the whispers, the gossip.


    Very few people, especially within the halls of our mansion, really saw me as their Luna because of it.


    <b>08:37 </b>


    Tue<b>, </b>19 Aug


    People like the staff at this restaurant might have liked me well enough, but that was just because cans¨¦ fere often and always tipped unit i kimap knew they were just buttering me up when they were being so nice to me, and I didn¡¯t mind, because I would happily take that over the vinte g¡¯sheas und


    whispers.


    Now, thanks to one kiss and a single pickle, it seemed the tides were shifting. They were beginning to see our rtionship in a numai lent, and 197 extension, were beginning to see me in a new lens.


    If only they knew that it was allke. But at least I could bask in it for a little while.


    A few momentster, the waiter returned with a slice of chocte cake that looked decadent enough to be a meal on its own, topped with a suit of whipped cream and two bright red cherries. He set it between us along with two forks.


    Alexander looked at the cake, then at me. For a moment, I thought he might refuse to participate in this charade any longer. But then, surprisingly, he picked up his fork.


    ¡°We might as well make it convincing,¡± he said, cutting off a small corner of the cake.


    I nodded and picked up my own fork. ¡°For the pack.¡±


    ¡°For the pack,¡± he echoed, and for just a moment, as our eyes met over the chocte cake, I felt that faint tug in my chest that was our mate bend. My heart rate spiked, and suddenly the space between us seemed to shrink.


    It wasn¡¯t real, I reminded myself. None of this was real. It was just an act to save face, to maintain our image, to secure Alexander¡¯s chance at bing Alpha King.


    But as I took a bite of the cake, watching Alexander do the same, I couldn¡¯t help but wonder what it would be like if it was.


    Liam


    The pictures on Liam¡¯s phone screen felt like a mockery.


    E was feeding Alexander a bite of food. Alexander was leaning across the table toward her. The two of them were even sharing a slice of chocte


    cake.


    Liam tossed his phone onto the bed beside him, unable to look anymore. He¡¯d known this wasing, of course. E and Alexander had to put on a show for the public after the contract scandal.


    But seeing it made his heart ache in a way he wasn¡¯t prepared for. It wasn¡¯t just jealousy, although that was a part of it, but there was something else there, too.


    He¡¯d spent ten years thinking about E. Ten years in that miserable camp, enduring his ¡°training,¡± transforming from the shy, awkward boy E had known into the Alpha he was now,


    And through it all, the memory of her smile had been his onefort.


    When he¡¯d learned he was being sent <i>to </i>evaluate Ashw, that he¡¯d finally see E again after all this time, it had felt like fate. Like a chance <b>to </b><b>reconnect </b>with the one person who had ever truly understood him.


    But she was married. Liam could have lived with that if only she weren¡¯t mated to a man who couldn¡¯t care less about her.


    And what hurt more was that even if her rtionship with Alexander was just a contract, the way she looked at him in those photos<b>¡­ </b><b>There </b><b>was </b>something real there, at least on her side.


    Liam had seen it from the moment he arrived at Ashw. The way E¡¯s eyes followed Alexander across a room. The way she tensed when <b>Sophia </b>approached him. The hurt that shed across her face whenever Alexander treated her poorly.


    Now, with this charade forcing them to act like a loving couple in public, those feelings were bound to intensify. E might think she wanted <b>a </b><b>divorce </b>


    now, but how would she feel after weeks or months of pretending to be in love?


    Would she still want to leave when the time came? Or would she have fallen even deeper for a man who clearly didn¡¯t love her back?


    The thought made Liam sick to his stomach. He¡¯d returned to E¡¯s life hoping to be there for her in the same way he had been as children. <b>And </b>then haf seen how cold and distant Alexander was right away, and it had ignited a protective fury in Liam that he hadn¡¯t stopped feeling since <b>they </b><b>were </b>children.


    For ten long years, Liam had dreamed of returning to her side so he could protect her the way he hadn¡¯t been able to when they were children. And now that he was finally here, he could only watch as she set herself up for even greater heartbreak.


    The thought of seeing E be hurt was more than Liam could bear.


    <b>AD </b>

 The Perfect 30

    <b>Chapter </b><b>30 </b>


    Alexander


    ¡°You¡¯re all over the inte,¡± Gabriel said, sliding his phone across my desk. ¡°The happy couple out for lunch.¡±


    I didn¡¯t need to look at the photos. I¡¯d lived through it just hours ago. E had fed me a pickle off her fork¨Ca pickle and I had to eat it just to <b>appease </b>the fucking paparazzi, because if I didn¡¯t, they would never believe our farce.


    I didn¡¯t even like pickles.


    Instead of answering right away, I took another sip of bourbon, letting it burn a hot path down my throat. Gabriel and I were sitting in my office with <b>only </b>the fire to light the room and a half¨Cempty bottle between us. It had been a long day.


    ¡°At least the stunt worked,¡± I said, refilling my ss. ¡°The press seems to be buying it. And the people around us were giggling like a bunch of schoolchildren.¡±


    Gabriel snorted. ¡°It seems to be working a little too well, if you ask me. #AlphaLove Birds is trending.¡± He scrolled through more photos. ¡°You do look¡­ convincing, though.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the point.¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly as he studied me. ¡°Just remember it¡¯s all for show, Alex. You can¡¯t afford to get caught up in this performanc


    My jaw clenched. ¡°I know what I¡¯m doing.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just saying, I¡¯ve known you for a long time, and I¡¯ve never seen you look at that Stormhollow bitch the way you did in these photos.¡±


    My wolf surged forward so violently I nearly dropped my ss.


    ¡°Don¡¯t call her that,¡± I blurted out, my teeth clenched so tight I thought I might shatter them.


    Gabriel blinked, clearly taken aback. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t call her that,¡± I repeated. I didn¡¯t use my Alpha voice, not yet<b>, </b>but the urge was buzzing in my throat like a swarm of yellowjackets. ¡°She¡¯s still your


    Luna, at least for now.¡±


    ¡°Her pack was likely involved in your parents¡® death. Since when do you care what I call her?¡±


    ¡°Just watch yourself.¡±


    Gabriel stared at me for a long moment. Then, shaking his head, he mused, ¡°I see. You¡¯re getting too attached. This is exactly what I was afraid of.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not getting attached,¡± I growled. ¡°I¡¯m just saying you should show some respect to your Luna. Don¡¯t forget your ce, Gabriel.¡±


    ¡°Fine.¡± Gabriel held up his hands in surrender. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for disrespecting Luna E. It won¡¯t happen again.¡±


    I nodded and took another sip of bourbon to calm myself. The tension in the room slowly eased as we drank in silence for <b>a </b>while, but could feet Gabriel¡¯s eyes on me every so often, watching, assessing, waiting to find a crack in my facade.


    He was my Beta, but also my friend. And we had known each other long enough that he¡¯d unfortunately developed an uncanny ability to see right through me sometimes. It was a blessing and a curse.


    My wolf growled at me to put my Beta in his ce, but I calmed him. Gabriel was just drunk, and besides, he was partially right.


    E¡¯s pack may have been behind my parents¡® deaths. I really couldn¡¯t afford to fall for her, and the act we were putting on was getting <b>a </b>little too <b>cozy</b><b>. </b><b>It </b>was bad enough that we were sharing a room, and now all I could think about was the sight of her hiking beside me earlier<b>, </b><b>the </b>sheen on <b>her </b><b>brow</b><b>, </b><b>the </b>tears shimmering in her eyes as she watched those bear cubs y¡­


    <b>1/3 </b>


    <b>08:37 </b>Tue<b>, </b><b>19 </b><b>Aug </b>


    ¡°Look,¡± I finally said, shoving aside those images before they could take root, ¡°I have no intention of falling for E. This is all for show, just like agreed. In nine months, we¡¯ll go our separate ways.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡± Gabriel seemed to rx slightly. ¡°Because if Stormhollow was behind your parents¡® murder, and you end up falling for their daughter.


    ¡°I won¡¯t,¡± I said firmly. ¡°I made a vow all those years ago. I don¡¯t intend to break it now.¡±


    Gabriel studied me for another moment, then nodded, seemingly satisfied. ¡°Alright.¡± He downed the rest of his drink and stood. ¡°It¡¯s been a long day. should head to bed.¡±


    Once I was alone, I poured myself another ss of bourbon and held it up, turning it in my fingers in the firelight.


    I hated that I saw her face there, smiling at me in the amber liquid as it caught the light.


    It was just the mate bond that was making me see her everywhere, I reminded myself, setting aside the ss without taking a sip. It was merely a biological reaction and nothing more. I¡¯d sessfully resisted it for five years; I could manage another nine months.


    I pushed the thoughts away and stood, my head slightly fuzzy from the bourbon. It waste, and I needed sleep. I¡¯d spent the afternoon patrolling the eastern border, then been dragged to that cafe for lunch<b>, </b>then spent hours catching up on paperwork.


    Exhaustion was making me overthink things, and alcohol was making me stupid and vulnerable.


    Shaking my head, I quietly made my way through the dark halls. E would already be asleep by now, just like everyone else in this house. And indeed, when I reached the door, there was no sliver of light spilling out from beneath. A blessing, to not have to talk to her when I entered.


    But then E¡¯s scent hit me like a brick wall the moment I stepped inside my bedroom<b>. </b>Cherry blossoms and vani, sweet and intoxicating, filling every corner of the room.


    It was getting stronger by the day.


    My wolf surged forward, wing at the inside of my skin like he¡¯d gone feral. He wanted me to mark her. To im her. The force of it was so sudden and intense that I had to grip the doorframe to hold myself back.


    After a few moments of deep breathing, I managed to force my wolf back down and quietly moved toward the bed, my eyes quickly adjusting to the darkness. E was indeed already asleep, curled up on her side facing away from my half of the bed. She had been stuffing one of the pillows between us.tely like a barrier, and it was there now.


    As I approached, I could see the gentle rise and fall of her chest, the peaceful expression on her face. Without her usual guard up, she looked younger, softer.


    Beautiful.


    The sight made <i>me </i>soften more than I wanted to.


    She didn¡¯t look like that around me. Now now, and not before. If she had loved me once, then it was gone now, reced with a deep and weary sadness that I noticed every time I looked at her.


    Little did she know just how badly I wanted to find the source of her sadness and crush it.


    But I couldn¡¯t. Because for all I knew, she was a spy for her father.


    After quickly getting ready for bed, I slid onto my side, and the pillow between us blocked out the sight of her slender form. But even with that wall of feathers and fabric in the middle of us, I could feel the warmth radiating from her body, could hear the soft sound of her breathing.


    And that damn scent was overwhelming.


    The urge to reach out and pull her against me was almost unbearable. All I wanted to do was bury my face in her hair, feel her heartbeat <b>against </b><b>mine</b>, finally im what had been mine all along.


    <b>08:37 </b><b>Tue</b><b>, </b>19 Aug


    Mate.


    But I gritted my teeth and pulled the nket up, covering my nose with it to block out some of her scent. It didn¡¯t help much <b>the </b>sheets themselves smelled like her now¨Cbut it was better than nothing.


    This was going to be a long nine months.


    AD

 The Perfect 31

    <b>Chapter </b><b>31 </b>


    E


    Over the next few days, the cameras continued to follow us everywhere, documenting our every move. So Alexander and I continued our charade, ying the happy couple whenever we stepped outside the mansion.


    I mostly just apanied Alexander during his Alpha duties, smiling at his side during meetings, ying the role of a doting and loyal wife everywhere we went. To the outside world, we were the perfect Alpha and Luna duo,pletely in love and utterly devoted to each other.


    But the moment we would step inside the house, the act would drop. Within the walls of that mansion, we would always go right back to our usual pattern¨Cdistant and cold, sharing a bedroom only out of necessity.


    One evening, after a particrly exhausting day of ying the doting wife, I found myself sitting alone at the dining table, picking at a te of roast chicken and vegetables. Alexander had disappeared into his office the moment we¡¯d returned <i>home </i>without even bothering to say goodbye.


    ¡°Dining alone again?¡±


    I looked up to find Liam standing in the doorway with his hands in his pockets.


    I stabbed a piece of broli with my fork. ¡°As usual.¡± There was no point in lying anymore. Liam knew that our marriage was loveless. He didn¡¯t know everything, but he knew enough. He had extended his stay and had seen plenty of tense moments to know that there was no real romance between us.


    ¡°Does he ever dine with you?¡± Liam asked.


    I hesitated, then shrugged. ¡°No. Not really.¡±


    Something dark shed across Liam¡¯s face, although he quickly smoothed it away. Without asking permission, he pulled out the chair across from me and sat down. I watched as he reached for an empty te from the stack at the center of the table and helped himself to some food from the serving


    dishes.


    ¡°No one should eat alone,¡± he said simply.


    A lump formed in my throat at that. How pathetic was I, getting emotional over someone merely sitting with me during a meal? But after five years of dining alone night after night, thepany felt like a gift.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I whispered.


    Liam smiled warmly. ¡°So, how was your day?<i>¡± </i>


    I snorted and popped a piece of chicken into my mouth. ¡°Oh, you know. Just another day in paradise.¡±


    ¡°I saw the pictures from your lunch date the other day. Very convincing.¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s the point, isn¡¯t it?¡± I sighed, setting down my fork and reaching for my wine. ¡°To be convincing.¡±


    We fell into easy conversation after that, reminiscing about our childhood, sharing stories from the years we¡¯d been apart. It felt good tough, to talk. without thinking about every word, to simply exist.


    I was so engrossed in our conversation that I didn¡¯t notice Alexander¡¯s arrival until Liam¡¯s eyes flicked to the doorway and his smile faded.


    1 I turned to find Alexander standing there with a nk expression. But for a brief moment, something shed in his eyes. If would have thought it was jealousy.


    now <b>any </b>better<b>, </b><b>I </b>


    Before I could speak, Alexander pulled out the chair at the head of the table and sat down, serving himself from the dishes.


    The atmosphere instantly shifted. I froze as Alexander picked up his fork and began to eat. Liam¡¯s fingers tightened almost imperceptibly <b>around </b>his <b>wine </b>ss.


    Alexander never ate with me. Not once in five years, except for the lunch date the other day, which wasn¡¯t a terribly pleasant <b>experience</b>. <b>And </b><b>now </b>here he was, dining with me like we did


    every night.


    Except he seemed to forget one thing: conversation.


    He just¡­ sat there. And ate. Quietly.


    The silence became almost unbearable. I pushed my food around my te, my appetite suddenly gone.


    ¡°So,¡± Liam finally said, clearing his throat, ¡°this is nice. The three of us, having dinner together. Very¡­ civilized¡±


    Alexander grunted in response.


    ¡°We should y a game,¡± Liam suddenly suggested. ¡°To pass the time.¡±


    I raised an eyebrow. ¡°A game? What kind of game?¡±


    ¡°Twenty Questions,¡± Liam replied with a smirk. ¡°But with a twist. We each think of a person, and the others have to guess who it is. And,¡± he added, reaching for the bottle of wine on the table, ¡°we drink if we get a question wrong.¡±


    ¡°That seems childish,¡± Alexander muttered.


    ¡°Afraid you¡¯ll lose?¡± Liam challenged, already pouring wine into his ss.


    Alexander¡¯s jaw clenched. ¡°I don¡¯t lose.¡±


    ¡°Then prove it.¡±


    I watched this exchange with fascination. It was clear that neither man wanted to back down, their Alpha instincts kicking in at the same time like two switches being flipped at once. But it wasn¡¯t just that¨Cit was the way Alexander¡¯s eyes kept flicking to me, then back to Liam.


    Was he actually jealous? The idea seemed absurd, but the way he was looking at us made me wonder if I¡¯d been mistaken before, and my heart did <b>a </b>stupid little flip.


    But Alexander was an Alpha at the end of the day, and I was his mate. It was likely just biology. I repeated that thought in my head and forcefully shoved down whatever feelings that had begun to form before they could take root.


    ¡°Fine,¡± Alexander finally said, leaning back in his chair. ¡°I¡¯ll y.¡±


    Liam¡¯s grin widened as he filled our sses with wine. ¡°Excellent. The rules are simple: think of the first person whoes to mind. Then we take turns asking questions to figure out who it is.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go first,¡± Liam offered, leaning back in his chair. ¡°I¡¯ve got <i>someone </i>in mind.¡±


    ¡°Is it a man or a woman?¡± <b>I </b>asked


    ¡°A woman.¡±


    ¡°Is she younger than thirty?¡± Alexander asked.


    Liam thought for a moment. ¡°No. Drink.¡±


    Alexander scowled but took a sip of his wine.


    ¡°Is she from Stormhollow?¡± I tried next.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    The game continued, with Liam answering our questions about this mystery woman from Stormhollow. As we narrowed <b>it </b><b>down</b><b>, </b><b>I </b><b>began </b><b>to </b><b>suspect </b><b>who </b>


    214


    <b>08:37 </b>Tue, 19 AUG TO


    it might be.


    ¡°Wait,¡± I said,ughing as it began to hit me. ¡°Is it Mrs. Melbourne? Our old first grade teacher?¡±


    Liam beamed. ¡°The very same.¡±


    lerupted into giggles. ¡°Oh Goddess, she was the worst! She was so mean. Do you remember when she gave me lunch detention and made me spell out my name three hundred times because I forgot to put myst name on one of my papers?¡±


    ¡°Of course I remember,¡± Liam snorted. ¡°Which was insane, because you were the only E in the entire school. It¡¯s not like she didn¡¯t <b>know </b><b>the </b><b>paper </b><b>was </b>yours<b>.</b>¡±


    I continued tough at the memory, so much so that tears began toe to my eyes. As I dabbed them away with my napkin, I nced at Alexander who was merely swirling his wine around in his ss with an unreadable expression on his face.


    ¡°That¡¯s not fair,¡± Alexander finally said. ¡°How could I have known it was her if I don¡¯t know the woman?¡±


    Liam hesitated, then nodded and picked up his wine ss, still chuckling slightly. ¡°You¡¯re right. I¡¯ll drink to make up for it.¡± He took arge <b>gulp </b>before turning to Alexander. ¡°Your turn. Think of someone.¡±


    Alexander¡¯s gaze dropped to his wine for a moment before he nodded. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ve got someone.¡±


    ¡°Is it a man or a woman?¡± I asked.


    ¡°A woman.¡±


    ¡°Someone from Ashw?¡± Liam asked.


    Alexander hesitated before answering. ¡°No. Drink.¡± Liam grunted and took another big swig of wine.


    ¡°Is she older than you?¡± I asked.


    ¡°No,¡± he replied, and I took a sip.


    The questions continued, and with each vague answer Alexander gave, a sinking feeling grew in my stomach. Young woman not from Ashw. Alexander¡¯s age. Someone he¡¯d known for years. Someone he saw regrly.


    There were two people who fit that description.


    ¡°Is it Sophia?¡± I asked.


    Alexander didn¡¯t answer immediately, which I took as confirmation. <i>Of </i>course it was Sophia. Of course his mind went straight to her.


    Why did I ever think it could be me?


    ¡°My turn,¡± I said quickly, not wanting to dwell on the sting of realizing that even in a silly game, Alexander¡¯s thoughts went to Sophia and not to me¨Chis actual mate<i>. </i>


    ¡°Ready,¡± Liam said. ¡°Man or woman?¡±


    The first person who came to mind was Alexander/Despite everything, he was always my first thought. My knuckles turned wh


    ind <b>my </b><b>wine </b><b>ss</b>.


    ¡°Man,¡± I replied.


    ¡°Is he from Ashw?¡± Liam asked.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    The questions continued, and with each answer, it became more obvious who I was thinking of. I tried <b>to </b><b>keep </b><b>my </b>answers <b>light</b><b>, </b><b>as </b><b>if </b><b>that </b><b>could </b>


    <b>08:37 </b><b>Tue</b><b>, </b><b>19 </b><b>Aug </b>


    somehow hide the bitterness I felt beneath it all.


    ¡°How does this person make you feel when you look at them?¡± Liam finally asked, which was his fifth or sixth question.


    I paused, thinking about how to answer. How did Alexander make me feel? Angry. Hurt. Confused. Longing, Frustrated. Drawn to him <b>despite </b><b>everything </b>¡°Hardly anyone aggravates me as much as this one,¡± I finally said. ¡°Sometimes I want to throw something at his head.¡±


    Alexander¡¯s eyes snapped up and met mine. The realization seemed to have started to hit him two questions ago, but now it seemed to <b>fully </b><b>sink </b><b>in</b>.


    Without a word, he stood so abruptly that his chair scraped loudly against the floor<b>, </b>nearly making Liam¨Cwho was decently drunk by now¡ªspilt his wine. For a moment, he just stood there, looking down at me with that fucking nk expression on his face.


    Then he turned and walked out of the room.


    Liam and I sat in stunned silence for a moment.


    ¡°I think you hurt his feelings,¡± Liam finally said.


    ¡°I was just joking. I didn¡¯t mean it like that.¡±


    A


    But even as I said it, I knew that wasn¡¯t entirely true. I had meant it. Alexander did aggravate me. He did make me want to throw things sometimes. Often<b>, </b>I hated him.


    And yet, somehow, beneath it all, I couldn¡¯t help but feel bad for saying those things. As if a tiny part of me didn¡¯t find joy in hurting my mate, no matter how cruel he had been to me.


    After dinner, I made my way upstairs to our bedroom<i>, </i>rehearsing what I would say when I ran into Alexander. But when I pushed open the door, the room was empty.


    He didn¡¯te to bed all night.


    AD

 The Perfect 32

    E & Alexander


    E


    I barely saw Alexander the next day. He had left the house before I woke up, giving me no chance to talk to him about what happened.


    But I tried not to feel guilty aboutst night. After all, it wasn¡¯t my fault that Alexander couldn¡¯t take a joke. And even if it wasn¡¯t a joke, why should I <b>caret </b>He had been cruel to me for years. Onement about him being aggravating was nothingpared to the five years of torment.


    Still, I couldn¡¯t help but feel a pang in my chest every time I thought about it.


    ¡°You¡¯re frowning again,¡± Lilith pointed out as we shared tea around eleven o¡¯clock. ¡°What¡¯s on your mind, dear?<i>¡± </i>


    ¡°Nothing important.¡±


    Lilith tilted her head. ¡°Is this about you and Alexander? I heard he slept in his studyst night.¡±


    ¡°The staff gossips too much,¡± I muttered. ¡°But yes, he did. He got pissed at me over a silly game at dinner. Not that I particrly minded having the bed to myself without him sulking in it, but¡­¡±


    My voice trailed off, and Lilith sighed. ¡°Well, that won¡¯t help with the rumors. Half the pack still thinks your marriage is just for show. And there¡¯s talk that you¡¯re both having affairs.¡±


    I sighed, rubbing my hands over my face. I couldn¡¯t me them for thinking that way. Even if we yed our parts perfectly in public, the masks always came off the moment we came home. The staff noticed, and if they gossiped to the rest of the pack, then everyone would believe them.


    ¡°What you two need,¡± Lilith added, ¡°is another public date.¡±


    ¡°We go out together all the time now.¡±


    ¡°You apany him during his Alpha duties. You need a date,¡± she rified. ¡°A real date¨Cor at least, real in the eyes of the public. You want him to do well in the election, don¡¯t you?¡±


    I nodded, thinking back to the contract. Alexander never said he would pull out of it if he didn¡¯t win the election, but I didn¡¯t know him well enough to know that for certain. I oftenid awake at night, fearing what might happen if he didn¡¯t follow through at the end of the nine months.


    With only three months to live after that¡­ What would I do then?


    No, I needed to ensure he did as well as possible during the election. Even if he lost, I had to ensure it was by no fault of mine. Only then could I be certain that he would divorce me and reject me like he said.


    Which meant that we had to keep up appearances, especially with all these rumors floating around. And if I was beingpletely honest with myself, the thought of another ¡°date¡± with Alexander did make my heart flutter a little.


    ¡°What would you want to do?¡± Lilith asked, pulling me from my thoughts. ¡°If you could go on any date with him?¡±


    I thought about it for a moment. The truth was, I¡¯d never been on a real date before. My father had kept me sheltered in high school and then I <b>was </b>married off to Alexander as soon as I was of age. There were so many experiences I¡¯d never had.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± I admitted. ¡°Something simple, I guess. A movie, maybe?¡± I bit my lip, feeling suddenly shy. ¡°I¡¯ve always wanted to¡­ you know¡­ hold hands in a dark theater. Stupid, right?¡±


    Lilith¡¯s expression softened. ¡°That¡¯s not stupid at all, sweetheart. It¡¯s actually very sweet.¡±


    I looked down at my hands, embarrassed, it felt so juvenile for someone in their twenties to still want something so innocent, but I <b>had </b><b>missed </b><b>out </b><b>on </b><b>so </b>many normal milestones. First kiss until the press conference, first real date, first¡­ everything,


    ¡°You should do it,¡± Lilith said firmly. ¡°Buy the tickets. Take him to a movie.¡±


    ¡°You think he¡¯d agree to that?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯ll look good for his campaign, won¡¯t it? He¡¯ll agree.¡±


    An hourter, I had purchased two tickets to a horror movie showing that evening at the focal theater. Horror wasn¡¯t exactly my first choice<b>, </b>but it was the only thing ying that seemed like something Alexander might enjoy.


    I spent an embarrassing amount of time getting ready, trying on different outfits before settling on a simple blue dress that I¡¯d been told brought out <b>my </b>eyes. I curled my hair, applied a lightyer of makeup, and even put on a bit of perfume.


    All for a fake date with my husband. Goddess, I really was pathetic. Somehow, this felt worse than when I had genuinely tried to be perfect to garner <b>his </b>


    affection.


    A little whileter, I found Alexander outside the post office in town, deep in conversation with Gabriel. When Alexander spotted me approaching, he <b>did </b>a double take.


    I rarely dressed up like this unless it was for a formal pack event. And I certainly never went anywhere dressed like this specifically to see him, of all people.


    ¡°E,¡± he said, straightening a little as I approached. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    I held out the movie tickets, hating the way my hand trembled slightly. ¡°I thought we could go see a movie together.¡±


    Alexander


    I stared at the movie tickets in E¡¯s outstretched hand. A horror film. Tonight. Just the two of us.


    The thought of sitting next to her in a dark theater for two hours felt too close forfort. Especially when she looked like¡­ this.


    The blue dress she wore hugged her curves in a way that made my wolf turn restless. Her hair fell in soft curls around her face, and the scent of cherry blossoms and vani seemed stronger than usual, making my nostrils itch.


    She had clearly put effort into her appearance.


    But I knew this was just a performance.


    Afterst night, I thought I knew what E truly thought of me. aggravated her. She wanted to throw things at my head. She¡¯d never feel anything positive toward me.


    So I figured I had nothing to worry about. Even if I stupidly developed feelings for her<b>, </b>she wouldn¡¯t feel the same way. Therefore, I wouldn¡¯t be at risk of having a romance with someone who could have potentially had something to do with my parents¡® death.


    ¡°Alright,¡± I agreed, taking the tickets. ¡°We should go now if we want to find seats in time.¡±


    Gabriel suddenly cleared his throat beside me. ¡°What a coincidence! I was nning to see that exact movie tonight.¡±


    E frowned. ¡°You were?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely. Horror films are my favorite.¡± Gabriel turned to me with a look in his eyes that I knew all too well. ¡°You don¡¯t mind if I join <b>you</b><b>, </b><b>do </b><b>you</b>, Alpha?¡±


    I knew he had no intention of seeing the movie before. He just wanted to act as a buffer in case anything went down.


    ¡°Three is a crowd, don¡¯t you think? We¡¯re supposed to seem like a real couple.¡± E pursed her lips and looked <b>at </b>me as <b>if </b><b>expecting </b><b>me </b><b>to </b><b>deny </b><b>him</b><b>, </b><b>but </b>knew Gabriel was right. Having him there would make it easier to maintain my distance.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind,¡± <b>I </b>said.


    E bit the inside of her cheek. ¡°Fine. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    The theater was just a short walk from where we were. Gabriel kept himself ced between us the entire time, chatting with me about pack matters E was silent. Once we arrived, we handed over our tickets, stopped at the concessions stand, then headed into the theater.


    We found our seats in the middle of the theater. Before Gabriel could sit, E sat between us. Gabriel¡¯s eyes shed, but I just offered him a shrug behand her back. Nothing would happen. Not with him here. And besides, it would seem better to onlookers if E and I were sitting together, ying <b>the </b>role <b>of </b><b>a </b>happy couple to quell the rumors that I knew were still circting.


    Finally, the lights dimmed, and the movie began. It was a standard horror film with the usual jump scares and creepy music. Gabriel had bought arge popcorn that he grudgingly shared with us.


    About halfway through the movie, during a particrly tense scene, a loud bang on screen made E jump. Her hand shot out instinctively, reaching across the arm rest andnding on mine.


    I stiffened. Her skin was warm and soft against mine, and her fingers were slender and fit perfectly into mine. Slowly, I turned to look at her, and cur eyes met in the dim light of the screen.


    For a moment, everything else faded away¨Cthe movie, the crowd, even Gabriel sitting on the other side of her. There was only E, her eyes wide, her lips slightly parted.


    In that moment, she looked even more beautiful than usual, which I couldn¡¯t deny <i>even </i>to myself.


    What did she truly think of me? What did I truly think of her?


    Why did my pulse <i>spike </i>whenever I looked at her?


    Suddenly, Gabriel shifted in <i>his </i>seat, and popcorn he was holding spewed out of the bucket and directly onto E¡¯sp. Butter immediately stained the delicate silk.


    ¡°Oh!¡± E gasped, jumping to her feet. ¡°What-¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry<i>,</i><i>¡± </i>Gabriel said curtly. ¡°Got scared.¡±


    E said nothing, just hurried out of the theater, and the scent of cherry blossoms and vani drew me toward her. But there was another scent there, too, beneath it. Sadness. It made my wolf roil in my chest.


    <i>Without </i><i>thinking</i>, I stood to follow her, ignoring Gabriel¡¯s protests.


    In the lobby, I scanned the area and saw E slip into the women¡¯s bathroom.


    I approached the restroom door hesitantly. I could hear soft whimpersing from inside. Carefully, I pushed the door open just enough to peek <b>in</b>.


    E was standing at the <i>sink</i>, frantically trying to clean butter stains from her dress with shaking hands. The tears on her cheeks <b>glittered </b>in the dim <b>light</b>.


    A.D


    <b>No </b><b><i>Ads </i></b>

 The Perfect 33

    <b>Chapter </b><b>33 </b>


    E


    The tears slipped out before I could stop them.


    I didn¡¯t expect to be so upset over a stupid dress. But this was supposed to be my first date ever¨Ceven if it was fake.


    Dammit, I was twenty¨Ctwo years old and had never experienced a normal date before. The fact that I¡¯d finally worked up the courage to n something only to have it ruined by Gabriel¡¯s ¡°ident¡°, which definitely wasn¡¯t even an ident at all, made it a hundred times worse.


    What did I do in a past life that prevented me from even having this one thing? This <i>one </i>small, stupid, normal experience that most people had <b>by </b><b>the </b>time they were sixteen?


    Goddess, how I yearned for a real rtionship. A man who would hold my hand in a dark theater because he wanted to, not because people were watching. A man who would want to be alone with me instead of insisting on bringing his Beta along as a buffer.


    Not whatever this was. This mockery of <b>a </b>marriage where my own husband couldn¡¯t stand to be alone with me for two hours.


    The ruined dress was just the icing on the cake of my humiliation.


    Suddenly, the bathroom door creaked open. I turned, expecting to see some random woman<b>, </b>but instead found Alexander standing awkwardly in the doorway.


    ¡°What are you doing in here?¡± I sniffled, quickly wiping at my eyes. ¡°This is the women¡¯s bathroom.¡±


    Sexs


    He hesitated, ncing around to make sure we were alone, then stepped fully inside and let the door close behind him. ¡°I wanted to make sure you were okay.¡±


    I let out a humorlessugh and turned away, continuing to dab at the greasy butter stains on the front of my dress. ¡°I¡¯m fine. Just trying to salvage one thing about tonight.¡±


    To my surprise, Alexander approached me and took the wet paper towels from my hands. ¡°You¡¯re making it worse,¡± he said. ¡°Here, let me.¡±


    Before I could protest, he dampened a fresh paper towel and began gently dabbing at the stains <i>on </i>my dress. His touch was careful, methodical, and strangely¡­ tender.


    My breath caught, ears reddening to the brink of giving away my shock. I quickly looked away. ¡°Why are you helping me?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s an expensive dress. ¡°It would be a shame to ruin it.¡±


    ¡°Right,¡± I murmured, inwardly chiding my ridiculous, fluttering stomach as his fingers brushed against the fabric over my hip. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t want <b>to </b>waste money.¡±


    Alexander worked silently for a few moments, carefully dabbing at the stains with the damp paper towel. Despite knowing fully well that he was only doing this to save money, I couldn¡¯t help the way my skin heated beneath the thin silk. When his fingers brushed against my waist<b>, </b><b>I </b>swallowed hard.


    He must have heard my gulp, because his hands suddenly stilled. Slowly, he looked up, and our eyes met in the mirror.


    Just as it had in the theater, the space between us seemed to shrink. He held my gaze and didn¡¯t let go for what felt like an etern**


    For a moment, just a moment, I wondered if he might kiss me. If he might turn me around and press his lips to mine. If I might be able <b>to </b><b>run </b><b>my </b><b>fingers </b>through his red hair and feel him pull me close by my waist.


    Did he want a repeat of the kiss at the press conference after all?


    I recalled the moment in the theater, just before Gabriel spilled popcorn all over me, when I¡¯d identally grabbed Alexander¡¯s <b>hand</b>. He <b>hadn¡¯t </b><b>pulled </b>away. Instead, he had looked at me with something in his eyes that I had never seen before. Something very close to the <b>way </b><b>he </b>was <b>looking </b><b>at </b><b>me </b><b>now</b><b>. </b>


    <b>08:37 </b><b>Tue</b><b>, </b><b>19 </b><b>Aug </b>


    Chapter <b>33 </b>


    Maybe I wasn¡¯t a fool after all.


    Maybe he did care for me and just didn¡¯t want to admit it for some ridiculous reason or another.


    But then he cleared his throat and stepped back, breaking whatever spell had momentarily fallen over us.


    ¡°That¡¯s the best I can do,¡± he said, tossing the paper towel into the trash. ¡°The stains will need proper treatment when we get home.¡±


    I nodded, unable to bring myself to speak. My skin still tingled where his fingers had been, but I ignored it.


    ¡°We should go,¡± Alexander continued, already moving toward the door. ¡°Gabriel¡¯s waiting.¡±


    At the mention of Gabriel, my brief fantasy shattered. Right. Gabriel. The man who had deliberately ruined my dress and my first¨Cever ¡°<b>date</b>¡°. <b>The </b>man Alexander insisted on bringing despite my protests.


    We exited the bathroom together, drawing a few curious nces from people in the lobby. Gabriel was waiting near the concession stand, arms folded across his chest, looking bored and impatient rather than contrite.


    ¡°Finally,¡± he muttered as we approached. ¡°Can we go now? Or does the princess need more time to fuss over her dress?¡±


    Something inside of me snapped then. After years of taking Gabriel¡¯s snidements and dirty looks, after years of biting my tongue and ying the perfect,pliant Luna, I was done.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± I barked. ¡°What did you just call me?¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s eyebrows shot up in surprise. He clearly hadn¡¯t expected me to challenge him, as if the one time I had used my Luna Voice on him had just been a fluke. ¡°Well, it¡¯s a bit dramatic to cut the movie short over a butter stain, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    That was it. The final straw.


    ¡°How dare you?¡± I said, stepping toward him. ¡°You deliberately spilled that popcorn on me. And don¡¯t try to deny it¨CI saw the look on your face when <i>you </i>did <i>it</i><i>.</i>¡±


    People around us had begun to stare, but I didn¡¯t care anymore.


    ¡°You¡¯ve disrespected me from day one.¡± I jabbed my finger into his chest. ¡°You¡¯ve undermined me, belittled me, and treated me like I¡¯m nothing. But I am the Luna of this pack, whether you like it or not. And Imand your respect.¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s face had gone red. He nced around frantically at the small crowd that had gathered around us. Some of the onlookers were murmuring amongst themselves.


    ¡°She¡¯s right,¡± someone said. ¡°The Beta shouldn¡¯t speak to the Luna that way.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s disrespectful!¡±


    I looked at Alexander, expecting to see anger or embarrassment on his face. After all, I¡¯d just caused a scene in public, the avoidtely.


    very thing he¡¯d been trying to


    But to my surprise, Alexander looked calm. More than calm, actually¨Cthere was a storm simmering behind those green eyes that I <b>didn¡¯t </b><b>expect </b><b>to </b><b>see</b>,


    ¡°Gabriel,¡± hemanded, ¡°apologize to my mate.


    Gabriel¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You heard me. Apologize to Luna E for your behavior.¡±


    Gabriel looked between us, clearly trying to gauge if Alexander was serious. When he realized that he was, his face hardened.


    ¡°Alpha, I don¡¯t think-¡±


    08:37 TU, <b>19 </b>Aug.


    ¡°That wasn¡¯t a request,¡± Alexander cut him off. ¡°Consider this a formal warning, Insult my Luna again, and you¡¯ll be facing dematise, teh krog


    At thatst word¨Capologize the lobby wentpletely silent. He used the Alpha Voice, forcing Gabriel¡¯s spine to trap straight<b>, </b>the <b>B¡¯s </b>Rock Hirund slightly to expose his throat. A clear sign of submission.


    I couldn¡¯t believe what I was hearing. Alexander wasn¡¯t standing up for me, but also using his Alpha Voice? Against Gabriel, his along friend and weed


    Beta?


    Gabriel and Alexander seemed to be having some sort of silent showdown, their gazes locked in a battle of wills. After what felt like an eterity, Gabriel¡¯s. shoulders slumped slightly in defeat. Not even he could deny the Alpha Voice.


    ¡°I apologize, Luna E,¡± he said stiffly, lowering his head. ¡°My behavior was inappropriate.¡±


    For a moment I just stood there, too stunned to react. The space around me was so silent you could hear a pin drop. Everyone, Alexander included, was waiting for my response¨Cwaiting to see if their Luna would ept the apology or tear <i>into </i>Gabriel for insubordination.


    But I didn¡¯t respond. Just turned on my heel and left him standing there with his proverbial tail between his legs.


    The ride home was silent. Gabriel and Alexander spoke in hushed tones by the car while I waited in the passenger seat, and to my surprise, Gabriel turned and began to walk down the street rather than getting in.


    When Alexander got into the car, he said that Gabriel ¡°opted¡± to walk home, but I suspected that Alexander forced him to as punishment. I tried not to let that thought take root too deeply, though, and kept telling myself that Alexander had only sided with me for appearances and nothing more.


    Still, by the time we pulled through therge front gates of the estate, I couldn¡¯t help but smile faintly.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I said softly, wringing my hands. ¡°For standing up for me back there¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t need <i>to </i>thank me.¡±


    ¡°Still, I appreciate it.¡±


    He nced at me briefly before pulling the key out of the ignition. ¡°Gabriel was out of line. It¡¯s a bad look for a Beta to be insulting the Luna, especially in public, right in front of the Alpha. I had to intervene, otherwise it would reflect badly on my campaign.¡±


    My heart sank. Of course. This wasn¡¯t about me at all. It was about appearances, about his precious campaign. The brief hope I¡¯d felt that he might actually care about me, even a little, was immediately reced by my usual bitterness.


    But that was <i>my </i>own damn fault, wasn¡¯t it? When would I finally learn that there was no chance he would ever mark me?


    As we entered the <i>house</i>, I forced images of dancing and swimming in the ocean and drinking cocktails into my mind. A smile had almost returned to <b>my </b><i>face </i>when Lilith suddenly appeared in front of me, holding an envelope.


    ¡°This came for you while you were <i>gone</i><i>,</i><i>¡± </i>she said, holding it out. Her eyes searched my face, no doubt noting the faint streaks of mascara from crying, but Alexander was standing right <i>next </i>to us so she didn¡¯tment.


    I took the envelope and opened it. Inside was an invitation to a party¨Cat my parents¡® house in Stormhollow.


    The!


    day,


    A


    1


    <b>No </b><b><i>Ads </i></b>

 The Perfect 34

    <b>Chapter </b><b>34 </b>


    E


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Alexander stepped forward to peer over my shoulder at the invitation.


    I shrugged and held it out to him. ¡°Just a party at Stormhollow hosted by my father and stepmother. I assume you won¡¯t want to <b>go</b>.¡±


    Alexander took the invitation and was silent for a moment as his eyes scanned it. Neither of us had attended an event in Stormhollow <b>since </b><b>the </b>wedding, but not forck of invitations; Alexander never wanted to go, and as his Luna, it wasn¡¯t a good look for me to go alone.


    If I didn¡¯t go, then he wouldn¡¯t go. So I never returned to the home that I lived in throughout my entire childhood.


    This time, though, I decided it would be different. If I only had a year to live¨Cassuming nothing worked out the way I hoped and my wolf never returned from dormancy¨Cthen I wanted to visit my old home just in case.


    Just onest time.


    Alexander nced up at me. ¡°Are you going?¡±


    I nodded. ¡°I think I will.¡± I lifted my chin, silently challenging him to tell me I couldn¡¯t go since he had no intention of attending.


    But to my surprise, he simply said, ¡°Very well. I¡¯ll go with you.¡±


    <i>My </i>mouth fell open. ¡°You¡­ what?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll apany you,¡± he repeated, tossing the invitation onto the foyer table. ¡°It would look strange if you went alone. People are already talking.¡±


    So this was about appearances again. The happy couple act for the sake of his campaign. At least I wasn¡¯t naive enough to expect anything else this time.


    Yet despite knowing this, I couldn¡¯t quite squash the flutter of happiness in my stomach at the thought of Alexander apanying me to my parents¡® house. It would be the first time we¡¯d ever visited them together as a couple.


    Later that night, as Alexander was showering, I found myself staring at the open closet, contemting what to wear to the party.


    Nothing felt right. Most of my clothes were conservative, elegant pieces befitting a perfect Luna. High necklines, modest hems, subdued colors. The only formal dress I had that I really Shed was the red one I¡¯d worn to the banquet, and I didn¡¯t want to wear the same thing again. The rest were clothes chosen to make me look proper and respectable, not to express who I actually was.


    But who was I, really? The scared teenage girl who¡¯d been married off to a man who didn¡¯t love her? The perfect, obedient Luna who neverined? Or the woman I was bing now, the one who stood up for herself and kissed her husband in front of a crowd of journalists?


    I pulled out dress after dress, holding each one against my body before tossing it aside. Nothing seemed to reflect the person I wanted to be now. It all belonged to <b>a </b>version of me I was trying to leave behind.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Alexander¡¯s voice made me jump, and I turned to find him standing behind me, dressed in his pajamas. Thankfully, he wasn¡¯t shirtless tonight.


    ¡°Just trying to figure out what to wear to my parents¡® party,¡± I said, turning back to face the mirror. I held up a burnt orange dress with a high neckline and long sleeves, then shook my head and tossed it aside before reaching for another on the rack.


    Alexander¡¯s gaze shifted to the pile of discarded dresses on the floor, then back to me. ¡°None of those work<i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°They¡¯re all¡­ I don¡¯t know. They don¡¯t feel like me anymore.¡±


    To my surprise, Alexander didn¡¯t scoff or tell me I was being ridiculous. Instead, he said, ¡°I could take you shopping tomorrow. For a new dress. To make


    at the movie theater.¡±


    <b>08:38 </b><b>Tue</b>, <b>19 </b><b>Aug </b>110


    tblinked. ¡°You want to take me shopping?¡±


    ¡°Gabriel ruined your dress. It¡¯s only fair that I help you rece it. It¡¯lle out of his paycheck, of course.¡± He paused, then added, ¡°Besides, is would look good for us to be seen out together again. Especially after what happened tonight.¡±


    And there it was. The real reason. Not because he actually cared about my feelings or my ruined dress, but because it would benefit his <b>campaign</b>.


    A small, dangerous part of me had softened at his offer, but I quickly hardened it again. I couldn¡¯t keep doing this to myself this constant cycle of hope and disappointment. Alexander wasn¡¯t going to change. He wasn¡¯t suddenly going to fall in love with me.


    I needed to stay focused on the n: help him get through the election without any issues, get divorced, awaken ray wolf, and then live my life on my own terms. No more fantasies about a happily ever after with my fated mate.


    The next day, Alexander drove us to an upscale boutique in the center of town. The moment we stepped inside, the saleswoman recognized us and practically tripped over herself to assist us.


    ¡°Luna E! Alpha Alexander! What an honor to have you both in our store today.¡±


    I smiled politely while Alexander stepped away to wait on one of the plush armchairs by the fitting rooms. ¡°I¡¯m looking for a dress for a party.¡°<b>1 </b>exined. ¡°It needs to be a cocktail dress that¡¯s suitable around family.¡±


    ¡°Of course, of course! I have several options that would look absolutely stunning on you, Luna. If you¡¯ll just follow me¡­


    The saleswoman led me through the store, pulling various dresses off the racks while chattering excitedly about fabrics and colors. Alexander remained seated, and whenever I nced at him, he was just looking at his phone.


    Bastard, I thought bitterly. He could at least try to appear interested.


    ¡°Your mate has such exquisite taste,¡± the saleswoman told me, pulling me from my thoughts as she held up a blush¨Cprink taffeta cocktail dress. ¡°I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll love seeing you in any of these.¡±


    I nearlyughed at that. Alexander didn¡¯t care what I wore as long as it didn¡¯t embarrass him in public. But I just smiled and nodded, not wanting to make


    a scene.


    After selecting several options, the saleswoman ushered me toward the fitting rooms. Alexander didn¡¯t look up as we passed.


    The saleswoman¡¯s smile dimmed slightly as she noticed his apparent disinterest. ¡°Perhaps Alpha Alexander would like to give his opinion on the dresses?¡± she suggested.


    Alexander nced up from his phone. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sure whatever Ell¨¢ chooses will be fine.¡±


    I caught the sh of disappointment in the saleswoman¡¯s eyes. She had probably been expecting us to be the loving couple from the press photos, not


    like¡­ this.


    I forced a smile. ¡°He¡¯s busy today, but he still made time to bring me here, even if he has to answer emails on his phone all day.¡±


    The saleswoman nodded, although she didn¡¯t seem terribly convinced. ¡°Of course. Well, here¡¯s your fitting room. I put the dresses you picked out on the


    rack.¡±


    Inside the fitting room, I tried on dress after dress. Some were pretty but too conservative. Others were stylish but not quite right <b>for </b><b>a </b><b>formal </b><b>party </b>at my parents¡® house.


    And most of all, none of them felt like me.


    As I was preparing to try on thest dress¨Ca dark green<b>, </b>floor¨Clength gown with a modest neckline¨CI noticed something hanging at the back <b>of </b><b>the </b><b>rack</b>. A sh of ck fabric caught my eye.


    Curious, I pulled it out and gasped. It was a dress unlike anything I¡¯d ever worn before¨Ca slinky, jet¨Cck number with a plunging neckline and an almostpletely open back. The kind of dress that would turn heads and drop jaws. The kind of dress the old E would never have <b>dared </b><b>to </b><b>wear</b>.


    <b>08:38 </b>Tue<b>, </b><b>19 </b><b>Aug </b>


    Was this just a leftover <b>from </b>someone else using this fitting room? Or had the saleswoman slipped it <b>into </b><b>the </b>pile without <b>me </b><b>noticing</b><b>? </b>


    My first instinct was to put it back. It was too sexy, too bold for a Luna who needed to support her Alpha¡¯s campaign<b>, </b>especially for a <b>family </b><b>party </b>I could already imagine the looks on everyone¡¯s faces if I showed up to the event in something like this.


    But as I held it against my body and looked in the mirror, I couldn¡¯t seem to let it go. I remembered my vow to myself when I realized I might only have year left to live: to be true to myself, to stop living for others¡® approval.


    I was sick of being the perfect, obedient Luna who dressed to please everyone but herself. I was sick of dimming my light. <b>I </b>was sick of pretending <b>to </b><b>be </b>someone I wasn¡¯t.


    Before I could talk myself out of it, I slipped out of the green dress and into the ck <i>one</i>, just <i>out </i>of curiosity. The fabric hugged my curves perfectly. <b>The </b>back dipped so low I couldn¡¯t wear a bra with it, and the front revealed more cleavage than I had ever shown in public.


    But looking at my reflection, I didn¡¯t see the shy, insecure girl who¡¯d been married off against her will.


    I saw a woman¨Cstrong, confident, unafraid. For the first time in years, I felt¡­ beautiful.


    This was the woman I wanted to be. The woman I would be, for whatever time I had left.


    I took a deep breath and stepped out of the fitting room. Alexander was still looking at his phone and didn¡¯t look up as I walked up to him.


    Stopping a few paces away, I cleared my throat and clenched my fists.


    Alexander slowly lifted his gaze, and his phone slipped from his fingers.

 The Perfect 35

    <b>Chapter </b><b>35 </b>


    Alexander & E


    Alexander


    The phone slipped from my fingers and ttered to the floor, but I hardly noticed it. All I could hear was my wolf howling Alfi could feel was hit dhe at my ribcage so violently that I had to grip the arms of the chair to keep myself seated.


    E. Mate.


    ck fabric clung to her body, the front dipping so low between her breasts that I could see the top of her abdomen. The back was almostpletely open, revealing the smooth expanse of her skin all the way down to the dimples of Venus just above¡­


    Goddess.


    She lookedpletely different from the woman I¡¯d brought to the store. And the way she was looking at me, almost challenging me, left my mouth <b>dry </b>and my heart pounding.


    I¡¯d always known E was beautiful, of course¨Cextremely beautiful. I may have been keeping my distance from her, but I wasn¡¯t blind. Her beauty was also one of the reasons why I kept my distance, because I knew if I stared too long, I might give in to the temptation of marking her despite her potentially being my enemy.


    But I¡¯d never seen her like this before. The red dress at the banquet had been over the top, yes, but this was something else entirely¨Csexy, alluring¡­


    scandalous.


    With her hair cascading down her back and her chin lifted, she looked like a bird of prey. Proud and elegant, yet utterly alluring.


    For a moment, all I could picture was herying on our bed beneath me in that dress, hair spread out on the pillow like a halo, calling my name <b>as </b>kissed my way down that plunging neckline.


    Or maybe she would move on top of me, digging those ws into my chest, head thrown back, mouth open.


    It didn¡¯t matter. All that mattered was getting to taste her skin, feel her body beneath me, and finally im what was fated to me.


    ¡°Mate, m?te, mate,¡± my wolf repeated. ¡°Mark her. im her. Make her ours.¡±


    The urge to sink <i>my </i>teeth into her neck was so strong I could hardly control myself.


    This woman was dangerous. If I wasn¡¯t careful, she would make me forget everything that meant anything.


    I needed to regain <i>control</i>. Now.


    Finally, I managed to shove my wolf down. I leaned back in my chair and folded my arms.


    ¡°You can¡¯t wear that.¡±


    E


    The smug satisfaction I¡¯d felt at seeing Alexander¡¯s reaction quickly faded. Now, I just felt frustrated, angry, and indignant.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± I asked, crossing my arms over my chest. This only served to push my breasts up higher, and I watched as Alexander¡¯s <b>eyes </b><b>briefly </b><b>dropped </b>before he forced them back to my face.


    ¡°I said, you can¡¯t wear that,¡± he repeated, leaning down to retrieve his phone from the floor. ¡°It¡¯s inappropriate.¡±


    <b>08:38 </b><b>Tue</b><b>, </b><b>19 </b><b>Aug </b>


    ¡°Inappropriate for what, exactly<b>? </b>It¡¯s a party. Andst I checked, I¡¯m an adult who can wear whatever <b>I </b>want¡±


    <b>A </b>m¨²scle jumped in Alexander¡¯s jaw. ¡°You¡¯re a Luna. You have an image to maintain.¡±


    ¡°Oh, right. Your precious campaign.¡± I resisted the urge to roll my eyes, but only because we were in public and one slip up could ruin everything. ¡°<b>Sorry</b>, I forgot that my entire existence is supposed to revolve around making you look good.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant and you know it, E.¡± Alexander¡¯s voice was low, ensuring no one else could hear us. ¡°Pick another dress. There are <b>plenty </b><b>nice </b>ones here. I¡¯ll even buy you two if you want.¡±


    ¡°But I like this dress,¡± I said firmly.


    ¡°E, be reasonable. That dress is-¡±


    ¡°Your Beta ruined my dress at the theater and disrespected me in public, Alexander. I think that gives me the right to pick out whatever the hell I want <b>as </b>a recement.¡±


    Alexander stared up at me, and I knew his resolve had begun to crack. But he murmured, ¡°Look, we can find something else. Something more appropriate for a family gathering.¡±


    ¡°I want this one. It looks good on me and it makes me feel confident. I¡¯ll pay for it myself if that¡¯s a problem.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not about the cost, E-¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m done letting you dictate what I can and cannot wear. You tried to do this at thest banquet, too.¡± I straightened my spine. ¡°In fact, if you try one more time to police what I wear, I¡¯ll start showing up in public in nothing but my underwear. See how that ys out.¡±


    Alexander¡¯s face went red. Whether from anger or embarrassment, I couldn¡¯t tell. Probably both.


    For a long moment, we just stared at each other, neither willing to back down. Finally, Alexander sighed.


    ¡°Fine,¡± he muttered. ¡°Get the dress.¡±


    I tried not to let my surprise show on my face. Had I actually won this argument? I had expected more of a fight. But Alexander just turned away and pulled out his wallet without looking at me.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go pay for it,¡± he said, standing and storming off.


    As he walked to the counter, I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the mirror. I hardly recognized myself¨Cflushed cheeks, bright eyes, standing tall and confident in a dress I would never have dared to wear just a few months ago.


    It was a small victory, really. Nothing more than an article of clothing. And I knew I could have very well backed down and chosen one of the other lovely dresses here. It would have been easier. It would have made more sense given my circumstances.


    But it wasn¡¯t really about the dress. It was about standing my ground for once in my short life. It was about choosing what I wanted rather than what others expected. It was about embracing my femininity, my confidence, my sexuality without letting anyone else trample on it.


    And for the first time since our marriage, I had stood my ground and gotten exactly what I wanted.


    Maybe the next nine months wouldn¡¯t be so bad after all, if only I held onto the little things. I could help Alexander with his campaign, but that didn¡¯t mean I needed to be his meek little wife again.


    I could still be me.


    The next day, I found myself actually looking forward to the party. Despite my¡­plicated rtionship with my father and stepmother<b>, </b>I was <b>excited </b>to return to Stormhollow after five years away.


    As I carefully applied my makeup, I couldn¡¯t help but remember the sunny rooms of my childhood home, the sprawling gardens where I used to y<b>, </b><b>the </b>forest paths I knew like the back of my hand. My bedroom had been spacious and bright, with windows that overlooked the rose garden and let <b>in </b><b>the </b>


    morning sun.


    <b>It </b>had been so different from the life I¡¯d had here at Ashw, where I was confined to a tiny guest room for years, isted and ignored<b>, </b><b>only </b><b>to </b>nOW BE forced to share a room with a man who couldn¡¯t stand me and I couldn¡¯t stand him,


    I wondered if my old room was still the same, or if my stepmother had converted it into something else the moment I left. Knowing her<b>, </b>probably <b>the </b>


    Still, I was looking forward to showing Alexander where I¡¯d grown up. Despite everything, a tiny part of me hoped he might understand me better <b>if </b>he saw the ce that had shaped me. Maybe, during the party, I could even sneak away and show him my room¡­


    No, I thought bitterly. I wouldn¡¯t go that far. That was the sort of thing that real couples did. That wasn¡¯t us. It never had been, it never would be, and would never let myself be so naive again as to fantasize about such things.


    A little while before it was time to go, I slipped into the ck dress, then a pair of strappy silver heels. I then piled my hair into a somewhat messy updo with a few face¨Cframing curls, focusing on what felt good <i>for </i>me rather than how sleek or elegant I had to be.


    It looked good. A little wild, but I was starting to enjoy that sort of looktely. It felt right. As if it made up for the fact that the real wildness inside of me, my wolf, wasying dormant.


    Then, after putting on some bright red lipstick and a long diamond ne that trailed down that plunging neckline, I was ready to go.


    I took onest look in the mirror, adjusting a stray curl, before heading for the stairs. Alexander had said he¡¯d meet me in the foyer at seven.


    As I descended the staircase, I held my breath, half¨Cexpecting to see that same stunned expression on Alexander¡¯s face that I¡¯d seen in the store.


    But it wasn¡¯t Alexander waiting for me at the bottom of the stairs.


    It was Gabriel and that fucking sneer on his face.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Alexander?¡± I asked,ing to a stop a few steps from the bottom.


    Gabriel¡¯s eyes flicked over my outfit with disdain, his upper lip twitching slightly as if holding back a snarl.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid Alpha Alexander won¡¯t be attending the party with you.¡±


    AD


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 The Perfect 36

    <b>Chapter </b><b>36 </b>


    E


    1 froze on the staircase, my fingers curling tightly around the banister. ¡°What do you mean


    Alexander won¡¯t be attending?<b>¡± </b>


    Gabriel¡¯s sneer deepened. ¡°Sophia called. She needed him for something urgent.¡± He shrugged as if it were obvious. ¡°So he decided not to go tonight¡±


    A knife twisted in my chest. I should have known that even after everything, Alexander would drop it all the moment Sophia called to him, but it still hurt.


    ¡°I see,¡± I said evenly, descending the remaining steps. ¡°I take it he couldn¡¯t be bothered to tell me himself, so he sent his minion?<i>¡± </i>


    ¡°He¡¯s busy.¡± Gabriel¡¯s eyes flicked over my dress again. ¡°Well, at least you won¡¯t need <i>to </i>wear that dress now since you¡¯re canceling¡±


    ¡°Who said I was canceling?¡±


    Gabriel blinked. ¡°You can¡¯t possibly be nning to go alone.¡±


    ¡°And why not?¡± I grabbed my clutch from the entryway table. ¡°My name was on the invitation too, you know. Not just Alexander¡¯s.¡±


    ¡°It wouldn¡¯t look right for the Luna to attend without her Alpha. Think of the impact it¡¯ll have on his campaign.¡±


    I almostughed at that. As if Alexander gave a damn how it would ¡°look¡± for either of us when he abandoned me for Sophia. As if he ever considered my feelings in any of this. It was just about how he looked at all times.


    In the past, perhaps I would have simply nodded and retreated back upstairs. No, not ¡°perhaps¡°-simr situations had happened before, and I had chosen to stay home.


    I would have changed out of my dress, washed off my makeup, and spent the night alone while Alexander was off doing Goddess¨Cknows¨Cwhat with Sophia or anyone else whosepany he preferred over mine.


    I would have been the perfect, understanding Luna, sacrificing her own happiness for her Alpha¡¯s.


    But not tonight. Not anymore.


    I was done letting Alexander dictate my life. I was done letting him make me miserable. I had put effort into getting ready for this party. I was looking forward to visiting my old home. And I wouldn¡¯t let him ruin that for me.


    ¡°Lilith!¡± I called out, my voice echoing through the foyer. ¡°Lilith, are you home?¡±


    A momentter, Lilith appeared from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a dishcloth. ¡°Yes? What is it?¡±


    ¡°Would you like toe to that party with me tonight? The one at Stormhollow?¡±


    Lilith¡¯s eyes widened, darting between me and Gabriel like a deer caught in headlights. ¡°Oh! I¡­ well, I¡¯m not dressed for-¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind waiting for you to get changed,¡± I assured her. ¡°Please? I¡¯d really appreciate thepany.¡±


    Lilith hesitated for another moment, but then nodded. ¡°Give me ten minutes to freshen up.¡±


    She hurried upstairs, leaving me alone with Gabriel once more. His face had darkened with each passing second, and when I turned back to look at him noticed that his cheeks were trembling with rage.


    ¡°This is ridiculous,¡± he hissed once we were alone again. ¡°You can¡¯t go parading around another pack¡¯s territory without your Alpha<b>, </b>especially not dressed like¡­ that.¡±


    My blood boiled. ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    <i>1/3 </i>


    ¡°You heard me. That dress is inappropriate enough with Alexander present. Without him, you¡¯re just asking for trouble. <b>You </b>need a chaperone


    I stepped closer to Gabriel, something dark and powerful surging through me. It was the same feeling I¡¯d had at the theater, when I¡¯d finally stood <b>up </b><b>to </b>him in front of everyone. And it felt good.


    ¡°Maybe you¡¯ve forgotten yourself, Beta,¡± I said, my voice dropping to a dangerous whisper, ¡°so let me rify: what I wear is none of your business. Where ! go is none of your business. And what I do with my time when my husband is too busy with his precious Sophia to fulfill his obligations is definitely none of your business.¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s nostrils red. ¡°As Beta, it¡¯s my duty to-¡±


    ¡°As Beta, it¡¯s your duty to show respect to your Luna.¡± I straightened my spine. ¡°But since you seem incapable of that, perhaps you need a reminder of exactly who I am.¡±


    I hadn¡¯t used my Luna Voice since that day outside Alexander¡¯s office.


    But in this moment, with rage burning through my veins like acid, I couldn¡¯t hold back.


    ¡°Gabriel,¡± Imanded, ¡°you will be silent until I give you permission to speak again.¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s mouth snapped shut, his eyes widening in shock. He tried to open it again, but no sound came out. Panic shed across his face as he realized what had happened.


    ¡°You will drive me to Stormhollow,¡± I continued firmly. ¡°You will act as my silent chaperone for the evening, since apparently it¡¯s so important to you. <b>And </b>as my chaperone, you will not cause any scenes, nor will you disrespect me in any way.¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s face contorted with fury, but he remained silent.


    ¡°Nod if you understand.¡±


    After a moment of rigid resistance, Gabriel jerked his head stiffly.


    ¡°Good.¡± I turned away from him just as Lilith came hurrying back down the stairs, now dressed in a simple but elegant navy blue cocktail dress with her silver hair pulled back into a neat bun. She looked beautiful, as always.


    ¡°Ready,¡± she said, slightly out of breath. Then she noticed Gabriel¡¯s thunderous expression. ¡°Is everything alright?¡±


    ¡°Everything¡¯s fine,¡± I assured her with a grin. ¡°Gabriel has kindly offered to drive us to Stormhollow and act as our chaperone for the evening. Isn¡¯t that right, Gabriel?¡±


    Gabriel red at me but nodded again.


    I beamed and turned back to Lilith, holding my arm out for her. ¡°Shall we go, then?¡±


    -The drive to Stormhollow was long and silent. Gabriel white¨Cknuckled the steering wheel the entire way, his jaw clenched so tight I thought he might


    crack a tooth. Lilith sat beside me in the backseat, asionally chatting about inconsequential things to fill the awkward silence, but she was silent and tense most of the time as well.


    As we crossed into Stormhollow territory, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. Thendscape was achingly familiar¨Cthe rolling hills, <b>the </b>dense forests<b>, </b>the winding river that cut through the heart of the packnd. I hadn¡¯t realized how much I¡¯d missed it until now.


    ¡°It¡¯s beautiful here,¡± Lilith remarked almost wistfully. ¡°I¡¯d almost forgotten¡­¡±


    I shot her a sidelong nce. ¡°You¡¯ve been to Stormhollow before?¡±


    Lilith¡¯s cheeks reddened, and she waved her hand dismissively. ¡°Oh, you know. Just passing through here and there.¡±


    ¡°I see. Well, it is a beautiful territory,¡± I said softly. ¡°I used to run through these woods as a child. It was my escape.¡±


    TUUC, PA?J ESS


    The memories almost made me tear up. Those were the days before everything went to shit. Before my father remarried Before my half brother w born. Before I was forced to marry a fated mate who didn¡¯t want me.


    Before my one year death sentence,


    Lilith noticed my shift in mood. She didn¡¯t say anything¨Cjust reached over and squeezed my hand. I held onto her fingers like a lifeline. We dayed the that, silent, until the car wound its way up the long, tree lined driveway that led to the Stormhollow mansion.


    It looked exactly as I remembered. Sprawling and elegant, gray stone and dark wood, tall windows glowing golden from within. The gardens weerd in full bloom even at nighttime, a riot of color and fragrance that brought back memories of ying hide and seek among the rosebushes.


    That was back before I realized that cherry blossoms smelled far sweeter than roses.


    Gabriel parked the car, and immediately a small crowd of paparazzi who had been waiting by the driveway surged forward, cameras shing, hews of my return to Stormhollow after five years had clearly spread.


    I wondered how many of them had been tipped off specifically to catch me arriving with Alexander. Well, they would be sorely disappointed Perhaps Alexander would regret his decision to run to Sophia in the morning when the tabloids showed pictures of me arriving by myself.


    Gabriel opened the car door for us. We stepped out into the shing lights, Lilith and I arm in arm, Gabriel trailing sullenly behind.


    The photographers immediately caught onto the fact that Alexander wasn¡¯t with us, but I kept my head high and <i>my </i>expression neutral as we made our way to the entrance. I didn¡¯t bother answering any of the questions as to where my husband was. I also didn¡¯t try to quell the rumors.


    Maybe it was time for him to face the consequences. It wasn¡¯t my fault that he chose Sophia over me. I figured he could see how his actions impacted his campaign and maybe, just maybe, he would learn his lesson.


    Finally, the massive oak doors swung open, revealing the grand foyer I¡¯d known so well as a child. Crystal chandeliers. Wooden parquet floors that still creaked in all the ces I remembered. A sweeping staircase led to the upper floors where my old bedroom was located.


    But the familiar space did little to soothe my frayed nerves as we entered the main ballroom. The moment we stepped through the archway, a hush fell over the crowd. Heads turned, conversations faltered, eyes widened.


    I could practically hear their thoughts. The Alpha¡¯s daughter, returned atst. But where was her mate? Why had shee alone? And dear Goddess, what was she wearing?


    Across the room, I spotted my father in deep conversation with some officials from the pack. When someone whispered in his ear and gestured in my direction, his head snapped up.


    Our eyes met across the crowded ballroom. His expression immediately turned icy, and he made a beeline for me.


    ¡°E,¡± he said stiffly when he reached us, barely acknowledging Lilith and Gabriel with a nod. He grabbed my arm and roughly pulled me closer. ¡°Where is Alexander?¡±


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    <b>08:38 </b><b>Tue</b><b>, </b><b>19 </b><b>Aug </b>


    The memories almost made me tear up. Those were the days before everything went to shit. Before my father remarried. Before <b>my </b><b>hall </b><b>brother </b>was born. Before I was forced to marry a fated mate who didn¡¯t want me.


    Before my one¨Cyear death sentence.


    Lilith noticed my shift in mood. She didn¡¯t say anything¨Cjust reached over and squeezed my hand. I held onto her fingers like a lifeline. We stayed like that, silent, until the car wound its way up the long, tree¨Clined driveway that led to the Stormhollow mansion.


    It looked exactly as I remembered. Sprawling and elegant, gray stone and dark wood, tall windows glowing golden from within. The gardens were in full bloom even at nighttime, a riot of color and fragrance that brought back memories of ying hide¨Cand¨Cseek among the rosebushes.


    That was back before I realized that cherry blossoms smelled far sweeter than roses.


    Gabriel parked the car, and immediately a small crowd of paparazzi who had been waiting by the driveway surged forward, cameras shing. News of my return to Stormhollow after five years had clearly spread.


    I wondered how many of them had been tipped off specifically to catch me arriving with Alexander. Well, they would be sorely disappointed. Perhaps Alexander would regret his decision to run to Sophia in the morning when the tabloids showed pictures of me arriving by myself.


    Gabriel opened the car door for us. We stepped out into the shing lights, Lilith and I arm in arm,


    Gabriel trailing sullenly behind.


    The photographers immediately caught onto the fact that Alexander wasn¡¯t with us, but I <i>kept </i>my head high and <i>my </i>expression neutral as we made our way to the entrance. I didn¡¯t bother answering any of the questions as to where my husband was. I also didn¡¯t try to quell the rumors.


    Maybe it was time for him to face the consequences. It wasn¡¯t my fault that he chose Sophia over me. I figured he could see how his actions impacted his campaign and maybe, just maybe, <i>he </i>would learn his lesson.


    Finally, the massive oak doors swung open, revealing the grand foyer I¡¯d known so well as a child. Crystal chandeliers. Wooden parquet floors that still creaked in all the ces I remembered. A sweeping staircase led to the upper floors where my old bedroom was located.


    But the familiar space did little to soothe my frayed nerves as we entered the main ballroom. The moment we stepped through the archway, <b>a </b>hush fell over the crowd. Heads turned, conversations faltered, eyes widened.


    I could practically hear their thoughts. The Alpha¡¯s daughter, returned atst. But where was her mate? Why had shee alone? And dear Goddess, what was she wearing?


    Across the room, I spotted my father in deep conversation with some officials from the pack. When someone whispered in his ear and gestured in my <i>direction</i><i>, </i>his head snapped <i>up</i>.


    Our eyes met across the crowded ballroom. His expression immediately turned icy, and he made a beeline for me.


    ¡°E,¡± he said stiffly when he reached <i>us</i>, barely acknowledging Lilith and Gabriel with a nod. He grabbed my arm and roughly pulled me closer. <b>¡°</b>Where <i>is </i>Alexander?¡±


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 The Perfect 37

    Alexander & Sophia


    Alexander


    I adjusted my tie onest time, checking my reflection in the mirror. The ck suit I¡¯d chosen for the evening was impable, tailored to perfection because it had to be.


    After all, this wasn¡¯t just any party. This was our first time visiting Stormhollow as a couple since the wedding. I needed to look my best, especially with all the rumors flying around.


    And with E in that dress¡­ I tried not to think about it. Tried not to think about how I¡¯d have to keep my arm around her all night to prevent other males from looking.


    Tried not to think about how my wolf bristled with excitement at the very thought of spending the entire evening glued to my mate¡¯s side.


    Just then, my phone rang, interrupting my thoughts. I pulled it from my pocket, frowning when I saw John Oxford¡¯s name on the screen.


    ¡°John,¡± I answered. ¡°This isn¡¯t a good time. I¡¯m about to-


    ¡°Alexander, thank the Goddess!¡± John¡¯s voice was frantic, bordering on hysterical. I¡¯d never heard him like that before. ¡°It¡¯s Sophia. She¡¯s gonepletely off the rails!¡±


    My stomach dropped. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s locked herself in the bathroom. She¡¯s threatening to¡­ Please, Alexander, she¡¯s not listening to reason. She¡¯ll only talk to you.¡±


    ¡°John, I¡¯m about to leave for an important event with E. Can¡¯t you-¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s saying she¡¯ll slit her wrists if you don¡¯te right now.¡± John¡¯s voice cracked. ¡°Please, Alexander. I know we¡¯ve had our differencestely, but this is Sophia we¡¯re talking about. Your oldest friend.¡±


    Fuck. This was thest thing I needed tonight. But if Sophia was truly threatening to harm herself¡­


    ¡°I¡¯ll be there in ten minutes,¡± I said, already moving toward the door., ¡°Try to keep her calm until then.¡±


    I hung up and grabbed my car keys from the dresser. There wasn¡¯t time to exin everything to E; Gabriel would have to take her to the party, and I¡¯d meet them there once 1 dealt with Sophia.


    John was waiting outside the sprawling Oxford manor when I pulled up, pacing frantically on the front steps. He practically yanked me from the car before I even had a chance to pull the key out of the ignition.


    ¡°Thank the Goddess you¡¯re here, Alex,¡± he said, pulling me toward the house. ¡°She¡¯s upstairs. Helen¡¯s been trying to talk her down, but she¡¯s not having any of it.¡±


    I followed him through the familiar halls of the Oxford home and up the grand staircase to Sophia¡¯s wing¨Cyes, she had a whole wing to herself <b>that </b><b>was </b>practically a separate home in its own right. Helen was standing outside the bathroom door with tears streaming down her face.


    ¡°Sophia, darling, please<i>,</i><i>¡± </i>she was saying over the sound of rushing water within. ¡°Alex is here now. Pleasee out.¡±


    I approached the door, motioning for Helen to step aside. ¡°Sophia,¡± I called out. ¡°It¡¯s me. Open the door.¡±


    There was a moment of silence, then the click of a lock. The door flew open, and Sophiaunched herself into my arms, soaking <b>wet </b><b>and </b><b>sobbing</b>. <b>She </b>mmed into me so hard that I stumbled backward, catching myself on the doorframe.


    ¡°Alex!¡± she cried, burying her face in my chest. ¡°You came. You actually came.¡±


    <b>08:38 </b>Tue, <b>19 </b>Aug


    CGAT


    Sighing, I wrapped my arms around her. But as I held her, something fell off. I couldn¡¯t exin it maybe it was the perfectly overflowing bathtub in <b>the </b>background, or the sheer white nightgown that was clinging to her skin, of the pristine ck streaks of mascara on her face as if <b>she¡¯d </b><b>put </b>them <b>there</b>, But I knew¡­


    She was acting, wasn¡¯t she?


    I disentangled myself from Sophia¡¯s embrace and held her at arm¡¯s length.


    ¡°Sophia, we need to talk. Alone.¡±


    She sniffled, wiping at her eyes. ¡°Yes, of course. Mommy, Daddy, could you give us a minute?¡±


    John and Helen exchanged a nce before nodding and retreating down the hall. Once they were gone, I fixed Sophia with a hard stare..


    ¡°What the hell do you think you¡¯re doing?¡±


    Her eyes widened. ¡°What do you mean? I was just-¡±


    ¡°Cut the bullshit,¡± I snapped. ¡°You¡¯re not suicidal. You¡¯re fishing <i>for </i>attention like a teenager with a crush, and you even terrorized your poor parents just to get me toe here.¡±


    Sophia¡¯s face crumpled. ¡°How can you say that? I¡¯ve been so distraught since you used me of all those horrible things<b>. </b>You¡¯ve been avoiding me<b>, </b>pushing me away-¡±


    ¡°Because you tried to hurt my mate,¡± I growled. The word ¡®mate¡® slipped out before I could stop it. ¡°Because you fucking endangered innocent people at that bonfire for a ¡®prank¡®, which, for the record, I don¡¯t think was a prank at all.¡±


    ¡°I would never-


    ¡°Enough.¡± I held up a hand, silencing her. ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear it. I came here tonight because, despite everything, you¡¯re still my friend and I didn¡¯t want to see <i>you </i>hurt. But this stops now.¡±


    Sophia¡¯s lower lip trembled. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°I mean that I won¡¯t take this anymore. Either you get your emotions in check and start behaving like the adult you¡¯re supposed to be, or we¡¯re no longer friends.¡±


    She gasped. ¡°You don¡¯t mean that.¡±


    ¡°I do.¡± I checked my watch. If I left now, I might still make it <i>to </i>the party in time to join E. Hopefully my suit would dry on the way there. ¡°And if you ever pull a stunt like this again, I¡¯ll have you institutionalized for your own safety. Understood?¡±


    Sophia stared at me in shock. For once, she seemed to have <i>no </i>words. Maybe that was for the best.


    ¡°I¡¯m leaving now,¡± I said, turning on my heel. ¡°I have an event to attend with my wife.¡±


    I didn¡¯t wait for her response, nor did I pause to think about how satisfying it felt to refer to E as my mate and wife in the same breath.


    Sophia


    Sophia could hear the front door mming, then the sound of Alex¡¯s car starting up outside.


    He was leaving. Actually leaving. To <b>go </b>to that party with her.


    This wasn¡¯t how it was supposed to go. Alex was supposed to stay, tofort her, to realize how much she needed him. Instead, he¡¯d seen right through her act and threatened to end their friendship.


    <b>08:38 </b>Tue, <b>19 </b><b>Aug </b>


    Friendship. As if that was all she wanted from him.


    The bedroom door opened a momentter, and her parents slipped inside. There was a moment of silence. Sophia sank down onto <b>the </b>edge of her bed and dragged her hands through her damp hair..


    ¡°He¡¯s gone,¡± John said with a grunt of disapproval. ¡°That ungrateful pup¡­¡±


    Sophia looked up at her parents. ¡°What do we do now? If that didn¡¯t work, what else will?¡±


    H¨¦r parents exchanged a look. Finally, Helen stepped forward and took a seat beside Sophia. Sophia rested her head on her mother¡¯s shoulder <b>as </b><b>her </b>mother rubbed soothing circles on her back.


    ¡°We¡¯re concerned,¡± Helen said slowly, ¡°that Alexander might be developing¡­ feelings for this girl.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Sophia shook her head violently. ¡°No, that¡¯s not possible. She¡¯s just <b>a </b>contract to him. A mate that he never really wanted.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps,¡± John sighed. ¡°But the way he rushed out of here to get to her certainly suggests otherwise<b>, </b>doesn¡¯t <b>it</b>?¡±


    Sophia felt sick. The thought of Alex actually falling for that Stormhollow bitch was unbearable. After everything Sophia had done to get rid of her, E was still there, still a thorn in her side.


    But no matter how much it hurt, Sophia knew her parents were right. Even if Alex never really loved E, she was still his mate, andtely, he had <b>been </b>forced to spend more time with her because of the media storm¨Ca storm that should have broken them up already, but for some reason<b>, </b><b>they </b>insisted on holding onto each other.


    Mates could rarely deny their biological pull toward one another, especially when they were spending so much time together, acting like the perfect, loving couple in public. It was only a matter of time before Alex and E became too close to be separated.


    No, Sophia and <i>her </i>parents would have to figure something else out. But what?


    ¡°I think,¡± Helen said carefully, as if reading her daughter¡¯s mind, ¡°that we¡¯ve had enough of messing around. These small attempts at breaking them up clearly aren¡¯t working.¡±


    John nodded. ¡°We need something bigger. Something that will drive a permanent wedge between them.¡±


    Sophia looked between her parents. ¡°What do you have in mind?¡±


    ¡°<i>Don¡¯t </i>worry about that now,¡± her father said, standing and moving to the window to watch Alex¡¯s car disappear down the driveway. ¡°We¡¯ll contact the media right away with an even bigger story than before. One that they won¡¯t be able to smooth over with fake kisses and movie dates.¡±


    ¡°By the time we¡¯re done,¡± Helen added, a cold smile ying at her lips, ¡°that girl will be so thoroughly disgraced that Alexander wouldn¡¯t dare keep her as his tuna, campaign or no campaign.¡±


    Sophia couldn¡¯t help but smile. Her parents had always taken care of her, had always given her everything she wanted.


    And what she wanted more than anything was Alex.


    She crossed the room to join her father at the window, watching the taillights of Alex¡¯s car fade into the distance. Then she turned and kissed her father¡¯s cheek.


    ¡°Thank you, Daddy.¡±


    John Oxford smiled and put his arm around her shoulders. ¡°Anything for my little girl.¡±


    <b>Chapter 38 </b>


    E

 The Perfect 38

    <b>Chapter 38 </b>


    E


    ¡°Where is Alexander?¡±


    I wrenched my arm away, ignoring the sting of pain. ¡°He had somethinge up at thest minute. I decided toe anyway.¡±


    My father¡¯s face darkened. ¡°Without your Alpha? That¡¯s incredibly irresponsible, E. If Alexander couldn¡¯t make it, then you should have stayed home


    ¡°I was invited, too,¡± I reminded him. ¡°My name was on the invitation. Not just his.¡±


    ¡°As Alexander¡¯s mate,¡± he hissed. His eyes flicked down to my dress with disapproval. ¡°And certainly not dressed like¡­ that.¡±


    I resisted the urge to cover myself. The ck dress wasn¡¯t even that revealingpared <i>to </i>what some of the other women were wearing tonight. But to my father, anything that showed I had a figure at all was ¡°provocative.¡±


    I nced at Lilith, who was hovering awkwardly a few steps away. She looked unusually tense, her eyes darting nervously between my father and me. <b>it </b>seemed strange to see her so ufortable¨CLilith was normally the picture ofposure. That was why she was my rock.


    My father¡¯s nostrils red. ¡°E, go home.¡±


    Up until recently, I would have followed my father¡¯s orders. But not now. Not when I might only have months left to live.


    ¡°No.¡± I linked my arm through Lilith¡¯s. ¡°Come on, Lilith. Let¡¯s get a drink.¡±


    Without waiting for my father¡¯s response, I led Lilith toward the bar set up on the far side of the ballroom with Gabriel trailing silently behind us.


    ¡°Are you sure this is wise?¡± Lilith whispered as we weaved through the crowd. ¡°Your father seems upset.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯ll be fine,¡± I replied with a shrug. ¡°I¡¯m not a child anymore. Maybe it¡¯s about time he learns that.¡±


    When we reached the bar, I ordered a ss of champagne for myself and one for Lilith. Gabriel morosely sipped a ss of whiskey.


    As I surveyed the room, I spotted my half¨Cbrother, Brian, standing with a group of young men about his age. He was seventeen now, hadn¡¯t seen him much since he was twelve.


    almost <b>a </b>man. !


    Champagne in hand, I made my way toward Brian. Despite everything, I had always tried to be a good half¨Csister to him. It wasn¡¯t his fault that his mother hated me or that our father had always favored him.


    Brian had grown tall, nearly as tall as our father now. His brown hair had clearly been styled earlier but he had run his hands through it carelessly, and the tie on his expensive suit was loose, a few buttons undone, suit jacket nowhere to be found.


    He turned as I approached. ¡°E! I didn¡¯t think you¡¯d show up without your husband in tow. What happened, did he finally realize what a mistake he


    made?¡±


    His friends snickered, and one of them looked me up and down with a leer.


    ¡°Nice dress,¡± he said, his eyes lingering unabashedly on my chest. ¡°Is that what all the Lunas are wearing these days, or just the ones who aren¡¯t loved by their Alphas?¡±


    My face heated, but not from embarrassment¨Cfrom anger.


    ¡°You might want to watch your mouth,¡± I said coolly, looking the boy in the eye. ¡°That¡¯s no way to speak to your superior.¡±


    The boy¡¯s smirk faltered.


    ¡°And you,¡± I continued, turning to my brother. ¡°Is that really how you greet your sister after five years? Making jokes about <b>my </b>marriage<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°It was just¡±


    Before he could finish, I reached up and pinched his ear, hard, the way I used to when he was being particrly bratty as a child. Brian <b>yelped</b>, his face turning bright red as his friends stared in shock.


    ¡°Ow! E, stop!¡±


    ¡°Apologize,¡± ! demanded, still holding his ear. ¡°Now.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry! Geez, let go!¡±


    I released him, watching with satisfaction as he rubbed his ear, thoroughly embarrassed in front of his friends. ¡°That¡¯s better. Now, <b>if </b>you¡¯ll excuse me, I have more maturepany to keep.¡±


    As I walked away, I caught a glimpse of my father and stepmother across the room. They were both practically vibrating with fury now. I lifted <b>my </b>champagne in a mock toast and continued on my way.


    ¡°E? Is that really you?¡±


    I turned at the sound of my name and found myself face to face with my cousin, Tara. My heart stuttered. Tara had made my high school years a living hell, mocking my clothes, my hair, my grades, anything she could find to tear me down.


    I braced myself for an unpleasant exchange, but to my surprise, Tara was smiling.


    ¡°It is you!¡± she eximed, pulling me into a hug. ¡°You look amazing! That dress is absolutely killer.¡±


    I stood frozen for a moment, too stunned to respond. ¡°Thanks,¡± I finally managed. ¡°You¡­ look good too.¡±


    Tara¡¯s expression softened when she noticed the sour look on my face. ¡°Look, I know we weren¡¯t exactly friends in high school. Actually, that¡¯s putting it mildly.¡±


    She shook her head ruefully. ¡°I was awful to you, and I¡¯m really sorry about that. You were always so pretty and smart, and even though you didn¡¯t have many friends, you never seemed to care what anyone thought of you. You were just¡­ authentic, in a way I never knew how to be.¡±


    Her words caught me off guard. Me, authentic? Pretty? That wasn¡¯t how I remembered myself at all. I had been shy and awkward, always trying to please everyone and failing miserably.


    But maybe that wasn¡¯t how others had seen me.


    ¡°Well,¡± I said, offering a small smile, ¡°that was a long time ago.¡±


    ¡°It was.¡± Tara grinned. ¡°And now look at you! Confident, glowing, the kind of woman every woman wants to be.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Tara. That means a lot.¡±


    We fell into easy conversation after that, catching up on the years we¡¯d missed. Tara was working in marketing now<i>, </i>still single but dating around. It was nice, talking to someone my age about normal things, things that had nothing to do with pack politics or death sentences.


    ¡°So, a bunch of us are going out after this snoozefest wraps up,¡± Tara finally said. ¡°Just to a bar downtown for drinks, maybe some dancing. <b>You </b><b>should </be! It¡¯ll be fun.¡±


    I hesitated. Going out to a bar? Dancing? These were normal things that women my age did all the time<b>, </b>experiences I¡¯d never had bec straight from my father¡¯s control to Alexander¡¯s.


    <b>¡°</b><b>d </b><b>gone </b>


    And what <i>if </i>I did die in a few months? I¡¯d never have those experiences at all.


    ¡°I¡¯d love to,¡± I said before I could second¨Cguess myself. ¡°I¡¯ve never actually been to a bar before.¡±


    Tara¡¯s eyes widened, ¡°Seriously? Oh, then you definitely have toe. We¡¯ll show you a good time, I promise!¡±


    <b>08:38 </b><b>Tue</b>, <b>19 </b>Aug


    I grinned, already imagining a night of freedom¡ªdrinks, dancing,ughter. Just one night to be young and carefree.


    ¡°What¡¯s this I hear about going to a bar?¡±


    My father¡¯s voice cut through my fantasy. I turned to find him standing behind me.


    ¡°Uncle Richard,¡± Tara said politely. ¡°I was just making ns to go out with E after-¡±


    ¡°I heard. Please excuse us, Tara.¡± My father put his hand on my shoulder. ¡°I have to speak with E.¡±


    Tara hesitated, no doubt noticing the tension, but what was she supposed to do when her Alpha wasmanding her to leave? Finally, she nodded and slipped away.


    As soon as she was out of earshot, my father grabbed my arm again, this time dragging me toward a small alcove off the main ballroom. I had to struggle to keep from spilling my champagne as I stumbled after him.


    ¡°What the hell do you think you¡¯re doing?¡± he hissed once we were alone and out of sight. ¡°You show up without your Alpha, dressed like that, drinking, in public, and now you¡¯re nning to go bar¨Chopping with Tara, of all people? Have you lost your mind?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m having a conversation with my cousin,¡± I said evenly. ¡°And making ns with her, yes. I don¡¯t see the problem.¡±


    ¡°The problem,¡± my father growled, ¡°is that you¡¯re acting like a slut. Your mate is nowhere to be found, you¡¯re practically half¨Cnaked, and you¡¯re nning to go out drinking with a girl who has slept with half the males in this territory.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare call me that. I¡¯m an adult, and I can make my own decisions.¡±


    ¡°Not when those decisions reflect poorly on this family! You need to go home to Alexander right now, before you ruin everything we¡¯ve worked so hard to build because you¡¯re going through some bted rebellious phase.¡±


    ¡°We?¡± Iughed bitterly. ¡°What exactly have you worked hard to build, Father? All you did was marry me off and take paychecks from my husband like I¡¯m a prize mare.¡±


    ¡°I got <i>you </i>married to an Alpha from a prestigious pack<i>, </i>who, might I add, didn¡¯t even want you from the get¨Cgo,¡± he spat. ¡°I secured your future. And this is <i>how </i>you repay me? By acting like amon whore the moment his back is turned?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not hurting anyone,¡± I ground out. ¡°I¡¯m just trying <i>to </i>live my life for once, instead of being controlled by you or Alexander or anyone else. And maybe if you hadn¡¯t tried to dictate my every move since I was a child, I wouldn¡¯t feel the need to suddenly experience life for the first time in my twenties! And who knows? Maybe I won¡¯t go home to Alexander at all tonight!¡±


    My father¡¯s face twisted. ¡°I didn¡¯t raise a whore!¡± he snarled, <i>his </i>hand flying up to p me.


    I flinched, bracing for the impact, but it never came.


    Instead, Alexander <i>stepped </i>between us and grabbed my father¡¯s wrist.


    <b><i>AD </i></b>


    Comment

 The Perfect 39

    <b>Chapter </b><b>39 </b>


    E & Alexander


    E


    ¡°Oh! Alpha Alexander!¡± My father quickly yanked his hand away, the tips of his ears reddening despite the warm smile that spread across his face. ¡°I didn¡¯t know you wereing tonight.¡±


    Alexander tilted his head. ¡°Were you just about to hit my wife?¡±


    ¡°Oh, that? I was just messing around,¡± my fatherughed. ¡°We were having a discussion, that¡¯s all.¡±


    Alexander¡¯s eyes had gone cold. ¡°Didn¡¯t seem like ¡®messing around¡® to me.¡± He nced at me. ¡°E, were you joking?¡±


    I quickly shook my head. Alexander turned back to my father and took a step closer. My father, despite being arge man, backed up against <b>the </b><b>wall </b><b>in </b>


    fear.


    ¡°E knows I would never-¡±


    ¡°Maybe you don¡¯t understand,¡± Alexander cut my father off, ¡°but if anyone¨Cand I do mean anyoneys a finger on my Luna, they¡¯ll find themselves missing more than just a hand.¡±


    My breath caught. My father¡¯s face paled. ¡°N¨CNow, Alpha Alexander, there¡¯s no need for threats. This is a simple misunderstanding between <b>a </b>father and daughter.¡±


    Alexander finally took a step back, only to slide his arm possessively around my waist. The sudden contact made me jump, but I quickly rxed into his touch. His warmth seeped through my dress, instantly soothing me more than I expected.


    ¡°Now, I think I¡¯d like a moment alone with my mate,<i>¡± </i>Alexander said before guiding me away.


    I let him lead me through the crowd, grateful for the escape. My pulse was still racing from the confrontation with my father<b>, </b>although Alexander¡¯s sudden and unexpected arrivalbined with the way he jumped to my defense¨Cmade it spike even further.


    We ended up in a small room off the main hallway. Alexander closed the door behind us, muffling the sounds of the party.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    I nodded, trying to push down the strange flutter in my chest at his concern. ¡°I¡¯m fine. This isn¡¯t exactly new behavior from my father.¡±


    Alexander frowned. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°He was always strict when I was growing up,¡± I exined with a shrug. ¡°When I didn¡¯t meet his expectations, which was often, he would¡­sh out. It¡¯s not a big deal. Even if he had pped me, I would hardly feel it anymore.¡±


    Something dark shed across Alexander¡¯s face then. He stepped closer, his hand lifting toward my cheek¨Cthe same cheek my father would have struck -before he seemed to catch himself. His fingers hovered in the air between us for a moment before he lowered his hand.


    ¡°That¡¯s not eptable,¡± he said quietly. ¡°No father should ever hit his child.¡±


    I looked away, as if that would do anything to hide the blush that suddenly rose to my face. ¡°What are you doing here anyway? I thought you weren¡¯ting.¡±


    Alexander sighed, and the sound took me by surprise¨Cthere was something in it that sounded almost like exhaustion. ¡°There <b>was </b>an <b>emergency </b><b>with </b>the Oxfords. Sophia was¡­¡± He shook his head. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. It¡¯s resolved now. I came as quickly as I could.¡±


    ¡°Well, thanks foring after all,¡± I said quietly. ¡°Your timing was impable.¡±


    Alexander looked at me for a long moment, and there was a tenderness in his gaze that made my stupid heart do that little <b>flip agam </b><b>had </b>to look en before I did something ridiculous like believe that he might actually love me,


    Just then, the door opened, and my father appeared with Margaret in tow. They were both grinning as if nothing had happened.


    ¡°There you are! I was worried you¡¯d left.¡± My father stepped into the room. ¡°Alexander, fin so d you could make it after all. We have so much to catch up on.¡±


    Margaret nodded eagerly. ¡°Yes, and thank goodness you arrived before E could ruin the night.¡±


    The words instantly made my blood boil. I opened my mouth to respond, but Alexander beat me to it.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think it was E who nearly ruined the party.¡± He looked pointedly at my father, whose face turned an rming shade of red.


    My parents exchanged a nce, clearly thrown off by Alexandering to my defense once again. I had to resist the urge to smile triumphantly. Or faint. Perhaps both.


    ¡°Well, I suppose we should get back to our guests,¡± my father said stiffly. ¡°Margaret, shall we?¡±


    Without another word, they turned and left.


    Alexander


    I watched E¡¯s parents retreat, my wolf still howling with rage. The moment I¡¯d seen Richard¡¯s hand raised to strike E, something inside of me had snapped. It had taken every ounce of self¨Ccontrol not to break his wrist.


    Now, observing the way they treated her, I couldn¡¯t help but wonder if I had spent five years misunderstanding her.


    Clearly, she was like an outsider in her own family. She told me her father had struck her before, and spoke about it as if it were so routine that she was used to it by now. And then her father and stepmother had tantly insulted her in front of me.


    It was rming enough to think that my mate was being treated so poorly by her own family, but it also made me wonder¡­ If her father thought so little of her, would he really trust her to spy on me?


    Would E really be loyal to a man who treated her with such contempt?


    ¡°Where¡¯s Gabriel?¡± I asked then. He should have been by her side tonight. Perhaps this wouldn¡¯t have happened if he had been there.


    E lifted her chin. ¡°He¡¯s probably sulking by the bar. Mute. I used my Luna Voice on him.¡±


    My eyebrows shot up. ¡°Why?¡±


    She shrugged. ¡°He was being a prick, so I told him to be silent.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t help but feel a strange, unexpected surge of pride¨Cand humor¨Cat that. E rarely used her Luna Voice; to find out that she¡¯d punished Gabriel with it for being a snarky asshole didn¡¯t make me as frustrated as it probably should have.


    Apparently, there was much more to E than met the eye. She had stood up to her father, had silenced Gabriel with her Luna Voice, and was now calmly straightening her dress after nearly being pped.


    This wasn¡¯t the meek, obedient Luna I¡¯d thought I married. This was someone with a spine of steel beneath that soft exterior.


    And I found myself¡­ impressed.


    ¡°We should probably head back to the party,¡± E said calmly. ¡°Before people start to talk even more.¡±


    I nodded, offering her my arm. She took it after only a slight hesitation. But as we made our way through the hallway toward the main <b>ballroom</b>, <b>E </b>


    suddenly stopped, her fingers tightening on my arm.


    ¡°Alexander,¡± she said, ¡°I need you to promise me something.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Stop giving money to my father.¡± She looked up at me, and the fierce determination in her eyes left me taken aback. ¡°The payments need to end. I <b>don¡¯t </b>care what was in our contract. I don¡¯t want him getting another penny from you.¡±


    The request took me by surprise. It was thest thing I expected her to ask for, especially given how crucial those payments had been for Stormfollow- and if she were working for her father, why would she want to end them?


    But I could tell from the fire in her eyes and the hard set to her jaw that she was being serious.


    Strangely, I found myself wanting to give her what she wanted.


    ¡°I promise,¡± I said before I could stop myself.


    E blinked, clearly just as shocked as I was that I had agreed so readily. ¡°Just like that?¡±


    I smiled. ¡°Just like that.¡±


    She stared at me for a moment longer, as if trying to determine if I was sincere. Whatever she saw in my face must have satisfied her, because she <b>nodded </b>


    once,


    her shoulders rxing slightly.


    I ced my arm around her again, feeling an odd sense of rightness at the contact, and led her toward the main hall.


    Just before we stepped through the archway, E leaned closer to murmur, ¡°They were taking lots of pictures earlier when I arrived alone, by the way. The media will probablyin about meing without you.¡±


    I nced down at her, and suddenly an idea formed in my mind. If the press wanted a story, we might as well give them one<b>¨C</b>something to overshadow her arrival without me.


    As we entered the ballroom, camera shes immediately erupted around us. Without giving myself time to second¨Cguess the impulse, I spun E around to face me, one hand on her waist, and dipped her low.


    Then, I leaned forward and pressed my cheek against hers.


    <b>AD </b>

 The Perfect 40

    <b>Chapter </b><b>40 </b>


    E


    Time seemed to stop. Alexander wasn¡¯t kissing me, but with his cheek pressed firmly against mine like this, our faces were so close that to everyone else,


    it must have looked like an intimate kiss.


    And despite theck of an actual kiss, being held like this in Alexander¡¯s arms as he dipped me low made me feel like I was floating on clouds. His hand on my waist felt solid and secure. His breath was warm against my skin. His fingers gently dipping into the bare skin of my back felt both delicate and deliciously firm.


    For a brief, ridiculous moment, I felt like a princess in some fairy tale, swooped off her feet by a handsome prince who was about to carry her away to his


    castle.


    If only we were a real couple. If only this wasn¡¯t all just for show. If only this were a real kiss.


    But it wasn¡¯t real. None of it was real. And I was a fool for letting myself pretend, even for a second, that it might be.


    Alexander pulled me back up smoothly, still holding me close. By now, the photographers were going wild, cameras shing, moring to get <b>a </b>good shot of us together.


    ¡°That should give them something to talk about,¡± Alexander murmured, his lips brushing my ear as he spoke. I could only manage a tiny nod in response, although I inwardly chided myself for being so touched by the gesture.


    For a little while, Alexander kept his arm around my waist as we moved through the crowd. Everywhere we went, people greeted us warmly, congratting Alexander on his campaign,plimenting my dress, saying how beautiful our rtionship was.


    I forced myself to smile and nod, to y the part of the adoring Luna.


    It was exhausting, even more so when I had to remind myself not to get toofortable with the beautiful illusion.


    Alexander yed his part well, too. Perhaps a little too well. Every time I looked at him, he had that same handsome, charming smile stered on his face¨Cgreen eyes sparkling, creases around his mouth, sparkling white teeth.


    It was a smile that I had seen on only a few asions throughout our five years of marriage, one of those times being tonight when he told me he promised to stop paying my father.


    Would he actually keep true to his promise, though? I doubted it¨Che was likely just saying that to shut me up for the night¨Cbut if he did, I would be grateful. My father didn¡¯t deserve the money. And it would help me get out of at least one bind that I was in.


    I just hoped it wouldn¡¯t backfire spectacrly on me or Stormhollow atrge.


    Eventually, Alexander got pulled into a conversation with some other Alphas, and I took the opportunity to slip away for a moment of peace and quiet. I found a small alcove near the refreshment table and watched the party from a distance, sipping a fresh ss of champagne with Lilith.


    Neither of us spoke, although we didn¡¯t need to. Lilith was strangely quiet, though, clutching her champagne flute like her life depended on it. I figured she was just not used to attending these sorts of parties and didn¡¯t embarrass her by bringing it up. Besides, I appreciated the quiet.


    ¡°There you are!¡±


    Pulled from my thoughts, <b>I </b>turned to find Tara approaching. She had her entourage behind her.


    ¡°We¡¯re heading out now,¡± she said, gesturing to the group of women with her. ¡°Come with us! There¡¯s this new club downtown that¡¯s supposed to be amazing.¡±


    I hesitated, ncing toward Alexander. He was still deep in conversation with the Alpha, and it didn¡¯t seem like they were going to finish anytime <b>soon</b>.


    Arge part of me really wanted to go. To experience a normal night out like any other woman my age. To dance andugh and forget about <b>contracts </b>


    <b>08:39 </b><b>Tue</b><b>, </b><b>19 </b><b>Aug </b>


    and divorces and only having one year to live.


    But Alexander was here now.


    Leaving with Tara would only fuel more gossip, more spection about our marriage, It wouldn¡¯t help his campaign at <b>all</b>, and since he <b>had shown </b>up <b>for </b>me and defended me against my father, I couldn¡¯t bring myself to hurt his image tonight.


    At least, that was the reason I told myself. But deep down, perhaps I just didn¡¯t want to leave his side.


    ¡°I think I¡¯ll stay after all,¡± I said, offering Tara an apologetic smile. ¡°But thanks for the invitation.¡±


    Tara¡¯s face fell. ¡°Seriously? Come on, E. Live a little before it¡¯s toote.¡±


    Her words hit closer to home than she could possibly know. Before it¡¯s toote. Before my wolf remained dormant too long.


    Before I died.


    For a moment, I almost changed my mind. But then I caught Alexander¡¯s eye across the room. He was still talking to that Alpha, but he was ncing <b>at </b>me, green eyes almost seeming to sparkle beneath the light of the chandeliers.


    Something in his gaze made my resolve strengthen. Seeing that look in his eyes, his handsome form pressed into a well¨Ctailored suit, red hair perfectly tousled, and that fucking smile¡­


    My wolf was still dormant, but I swore I could still feel her deep inside of me, pulling me toward him. I couldn¡¯t bring myself to leave tonight.


    ¡°Another time,¡± I said, turning back to Tara. ¡°I just¡­ I should stay with my husband tonight.¡±


    Tara sighed dramatically but nodded. ¡°Fine, be boring. But I¡¯m holding you <i>to </i>that ¡®another time.¡± She kissed my cheek before bouncing off to her next adventure.


    I watched them leave, and a pang of regret unfurled in my chest. They looked so carefree, so¡­ normal. A group of friends heading out for a night of fun.


    Would I ever experience that? Or would I die having never known what it was like to dance in a club, tough with friends until sunrise, to live without the weight of everyone else¡¯s expectations on my shoulders?


    ¡°E.¡±


    I stiffened at the sound of Margaret¡¯s voice. My stepmother was gliding toward me, looking elegant as ever in her floor¨Clength navy blue gown and a perfectly practiced smile on her face. Beside me, Lilith straightened, although she lowered her gaze.


    ¡°You look lovely tonight,¡± Margaret said, stopping a few feet away. She didn¡¯t even nce at Lilith. ¡°That dress is¡­ bold.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I replied cautiously. Margaret had neverplimented me in my life. Not once. She was certainly being underhanded, or perhaps she wanted something from me.


    ¡°I must say, I was surprised to see how attentive Alexander was being tonight.¡± She sipped her wine casually. ¡°It seems your rtionship has truly improved since thest time we saw you.¡±


    I shrugged, not sure how to respond. Was this some kind of trap?


    ¡°It¡¯s good to see,¡± Margaret continued. <i>¡°</i><i>A </i>strong marriage is important for an Alpha and Luna.¡±


    ¡°Right¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m actually sending a little gift to your home<i>¡± </i>she said, leaning in. ¡°Something to help¡­ improve things even more between <b>you </b><b>two</b><b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    I blinked,pletely taken by surprise. Margaret had never given me a gift in all the years I¡¯d known her. Not <i>for </i>my birthday, not for <b>holidays</b><b>, </b><b>not </b><b>even </b>for my wedding.


    ¡°A gift?¡±


    Margaret smiled. ¡°Don¡¯t look so surprised.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­ very thoughtful of you,¡± I managed.


    ¡°I promise it will improve your rtionship even more,¡± she said with a wink before walking away, leaving me standing there utterly confused


    Once she was gone, I turned to Lilith with my eyebrows raised. ¡°What was that about?¡±


    Lilith seemed to be in some kind of trance. Her face had gone pale and her eyes were cold, which was a look I rarely saw on her except for when she <b>was </b>terrified or furious.


    She didn¡¯t answer, and I frowned, touching her shoulder. ¡°Lilith¡­?¡±


    Immediately, my friend snapped out of it. She whipped her head toward me as if she¡¯d been pped and blinked several times before answering <b>¡°</b><b>Oh</b><b>, </b>um¡­ Yes, very strange,¡± she said in a tight voice. ¡°Very strange indeed.¡±


    I furrowed my brows, but by then, Alexander was returning. And the star couple of the evening had to perform, after all.


    The rest of the evening passed without a hitch. By the time Alexander finally announced we should leave, I was dead on my feet. For once, I was actually excited to climb into the bed we shared, even if we slept on the opposite edges of it like strangers.


    In fact, I was so exhausted that despite my best efforts, I felt myself drifting off as soon as Gabriel began to drive us home.


    Thest thing I remembered was letting my head drop sideways onto Alexander¡¯s shoulder.

 The Perfect 41

    <b>Chapter </b><b>41 </b>


    <b>uy </b>


    E


    Sunlight streamed through the curtains, warming my face and pulling me from a deep sleep. I blinked groggily, taking a moment to register that I was in bed, tucked beneath the covers and still wearing the ck dress fromst night.


    I had no memory of getting here. Thest thing I remembered was falling asleep in the car.


    Had Alexander carried me to bed and tucked me in?


    The thought made my stomach flutter before I could tamp it down. I couldn¡¯t help but picture Alexander carrying me, his arms strong and secure around my body, just as they had been that day Sophia had pushed me out of the hayloft.


    Stop it, I scolded myself. It didn¡¯t mean anything. He probably just didn¡¯t want to wake me up. Or he even had Gabriel carry me instead.


    Still, I couldn¡¯t help but wonder about him¨Cand, most of all, his promise fromst night. Was he really going to stop sending money to my father, just because I asked? That would be¡­ unprecedented. Alexander never broke contracts, especially not <i>for </i>my sake.


    But there had been something in his eyes when he promised. Something soft and sincere. And the way he had smiled afterward¡­ I felt heat creep into my cheeks just thinking about it.


    What was happening to me? One moment I was fantasizing about my freedom, about the day Alexander would reject me and my wolf would return<b>, </b>and the next I was blushing like a schoolgirl over a simple smile.


    My feelings toward him were bing more ambiguous by the day, and I hated it. It was dangerous for me to think like this. Alexander would never choose to mark me instead of divorcing me, and it was better if I didn¡¯t let my imagination run wild.


    I¡¯d learned early on in our marriage that false hopes would get me nowhere. And with my current condition, they¡¯d just wind up killing me in the end.


    With a sigh, I pushed myself out of bed. I peeled off the ck dress and tossed it in the hamper, then took a shower, dressed infortable clothes, and headed downstairs in search of Alexander. I wanted to ask him directly about his promise, but he didn¡¯t seem to be home.


    Finally, I found Lilith in the kitchen. She was cooking something on the stove that smelled delicious. ¡°You sleptte,¡± she said without even turning around, as if simply sensing I was there¨Cshe¡¯d always been good at that. ¡°It¡¯s nearly noon.¡±


    ¡°Where¡¯s Alexander?¡±


    ¡°He left early this morning. Something about a meeting.¡± Lilith spooned some scrambled eggs onto a te and handed it to me. ¡°There¡¯s coffee, too.¡±


    I yawned and thanked her, taking my seat at the kitchen ind. The eggs were perfectly cooked, just the way I liked them, and the coffee helped with my mild hangover. I¡¯d had more to drinkst night than I anticipated¨Cthe stress of the evening had made me need something to take the edge off.


    ¡°Oh, and a package arrived for you,¡± Lilith added, gesturing to a cardboard box on the counter. ¡°Judging from the address, I think it¡¯s that gift your stepmother was talking aboutst night. So far, I haven¡¯t heard any snakes hissing inside.¡±


    I stared at the box suspiciously. Margaret had never given me a single gift before. And after her strange behaviorst night, talking about sending a gift to ¡°improve¡± my rtionship with Alexander¡­


    Setting down my fork, I pulled the box toward me and lifted the lid cautiously, genuinely wondering if it was booby trapped.


    Instead, I foundyers of tissue paper, and beneath that¡­


    My mouth fell open.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Lilith asked, leaning over my shoulder.


    I quickly closed the box before she could see. ¡°Nothing. Just¡­ clothes.¡±


    Lilith raised an eyebrow but didn¡¯t press the issue. ¡°Well, I¡¯ll be in the garden if you need me. There¡¯s more coffee in the pot.¡±


    As soon as she left, I reopened the box and pulled out the contents, holding them up with disbelief.


    Lingerie. Several pieces of extremely expensive, extremely revealing lingerie. ckce, red silk, sheer mesh¨Call of it designed to leave <b>very </b>little to the imagination.


    What the actual fuck? My stepmother had sent me lingerie? The woman who had never given me so much as a birthday card had sent me¡­ <b>this</b><b>? </b>


    I immediately recalled her words fromst night: ¡°I promise it will improve your rtionship even more.¡± The implication was clear enough<b>, </b><b>Margaret </b>thought this would somehow fix my marriage. As if sexy underwear was all it would take to make Alexander suddenly fall in love with me.


    I almostughed at the absurdity of it. Alexander had never shown any interest in seeing me naked. We¡¯d been married for five years and had never <b>had </b>sex, never even kissed until that press conference.


    Still, as I ran <i>my </i>fingers over the silky material, I couldn¡¯t help but feel a tug of curiosity. I hadn¡¯t worn anything like this in years¨Cnot since the early days of our marriage when I had still foolishly hoped Alexander might someday want me to share a bed with him.


    Back then, I had bought simr lingerie, hadin awake in my tiny bedroom wearing it, fantasizing about Alexandering all the way from the other wing to see me and being unable to hold himself back once he realized what I was wearing.


    But he never came, and eventually, I packed it all away, burning it in the firece along with my girlish dreams.


    ncing around to make sure I was alone, I gathered up the lingerie and headed back upstairs. It couldn¡¯t hurt to try it on, right? Just to see how <b>it </b>looked. It wasn¡¯t like anyone would ever see me in it. Then I would burn it just like thest batch.


    Once I was alone, I quietly shut the door and stripped down to nothing. I selected a ckce bodysuit and stepped into it, pulling it up over my hips and sliding my arms through the thin straps.


    My eyes widened when I turned to look in the mirror.


    ¡°Whoa,¡± I whispered.


    I barely recognized myself.


    The ckce fit the dip of my waist perfectly. The plunging neckline showed off my cleavage even more than that dress I¡¯d wornst night. ck was my color, wasn¡¯t it? It seemed to suit me extraordinarily well, as if it had been made for me.


    I looked¡­ sexy. Confident. Like a bombshell.


    Was this what Alexander would see if he walked in right now? His wife, his mate, looking like this?


    The thought took root before I could squash it, making my belly turn warm like someone had poured hot honey down my throat.


    I couldn¡¯t help but imagine it¨CAlexandering back early from his meeting, opening the bedroom door, freezing in ce when he saw me like this. His green eyes would darken, his pupils dting as he took me in.


    He would close the door behind him, crossing the room in three long strides until he was standing right behind me<b>, </b>close enough that I could feel <b>the </b>heat radiating from his body. Our eyes would meet in the mirror, and I would see hunger in his gaze¡­


    His hands woulde to rest on my hips, his fingers pressing into my skin through the thince. His lips would find my neck<b>, </b>trailing <b>hot </b>kisses <b>from </b><b>my </b>shoulder to my ear.


    ¡°You¡¯re beautiful,¡± he would whisper. ¡°So fucking beautiful. My mate¡­¡±


    Goddess, I knew I shouldn¡¯t be fantasizing about this, but I couldn¡¯t help it. I couldn¡¯t stop thinking about how I would turn in his arms then<b>, </b><b>reaching </b><b>up </b>to thread my fingers through his hair, pulling his mouth down to mine.


    And this time, the kiss would be real. It would be more than a peck, but rather a dance of tongues, of nipping one another¡¯s <b>lower </b><b>lips</b><b>, </b><b>of </b>tasting <b>each </b>


    <b>2/3 </b>


    Other.


    Maybe his mouth would trail down to my throat. Maybe his teeth would gently pierce my skin.


    Then we would stumble toward the bed, hands exploring, bodies pressed together, He wouldy me down gently, his eyes never leaving mine as he¡­


    I shook my head sharply, dispelling the fantasy. This was ridiculous. Dangerous. Alexander would never look at me that way. Never touch me <b>that </b><b>wayT</b><b>. </b>Never want me that way.


    B¨²t standing there in the lingerie, seeing myself as desirable, as worthy of desire¡­ it was hard not to wish for it. Didn¡¯t every wife want her husband <b>to </b>see her like this? To look at her like she was the only woman in the world? To make her feel beautiful and wanted?


    I quickly turned away, inwardly chiding myself for this stupid fantasy. This was a bad idea. I needed to get this thing off and throw out all of the evidence before anyone else saw.


    Just as I was reaching up to remove the straps of the bodysuit, however, I heard the sound of the bedroom door creaking open. I froze and whirled around, expecting to see Alexander standing there, just like my daydream. But it wasn¡¯t him.


    It was Gabriel who was standing there, staring at me, his eyes wide.


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 The Perfect 42

    <b>Chapter </b><b>42 </b>


    E <b>& </b>Alexander


    E


    I screamed and lunged for the nearest nket, yanking it off the bed and wrapping it around myself. But it was toote¨CGabriel had already seen everything. Every inch of ckce. Every exposed bit of skin. And there was a lot of that.


    ¡°Get out!¡± I shrieked, clutching the nket to my chest. ¡°What the hell are you doing in here?¡±


    But Gabriel didn¡¯t leave. Instead, he took a step into the room.


    ¡°I should be the one asking you what you¡¯re doing,¡± he growled.


    ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡±


    Gabriel sneered. ¡°Don¡¯t y innocent, E. You¡¯re trying to seduce him, aren¡¯t you? Trying to get knocked up so he¡¯s forever bound to you? Or are you just hoping he¡¯ll be stupid enough to mark you?¡±


    I blinked, my shock and humiliation momentarily reced with confusion. Was that what he thought? That I had ordered fancy lingerie to seduce Alexander and get pregnant? And more importantly, why did Gabriel even care?


    ¡°So what if I am?¡± I shot back, lifting my chin defiantly. ¡°He¡¯s my husband. My mate. What business is it of yours what happens in our bedroom<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Gabriel¡¯s face nched. Clearly, he hadn¡¯t expected me to own up to it. Of course, I hadn¡¯t actually ordered the lingerie, but that didn¡¯t matter. Seeing him so disturbed by the thought filled me with a sense of satisfaction.


    ¡°You think he¡¯ll fall for it?¡± Gabriel scoffed after a moment, regaining hisposure. ¡°Alexander¡¯s smarter than that. He knows exactly what you are.¡±


    ¡°And what am I, exactly?¡±


    ¡°A maniptor who¡¯s using her body to get what she wants. A whore.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re disgusting,¡± I growled. ¡°And frankly, I don¡¯t care what you think of me. Get. Out.¡±


    I didn¡¯t even mean to use my Luna Voice that time¨Cit just slipped out, as if it became more natural to me each time I used it. Gabriel¡¯s spine straightened, and he immediately turned to leave.


    But before he could get far, the door swung open again, the sunlight in the hallway illuminating an all¨Ctoo¨Cfamiliar figure.


    Alexander.


    He froze, staring at the scene. Green eyes first flicked to me, wrapped in a nket with my face as red as a cherry, then to the box overflowing with lingerie sitting by my feet, and finally at his Beta, who had clearly seen.., everything.


    I opened my mouth to exin what had happened, but Alexander began to speak first. He nodded toward the box, and his voice was eerily calm. ¡°I hope you¡¯re not nning to wear those around the house<i>.</i>¡±


    The mortification was almost too much to bear. <b>I </b>couldn¡¯t take it anymore.


    ¡°Both of you, out!¡± I shouted, storming toward them with the nket clutched around me. ¡°Now!¡±


    I shoved them both into the hallway with one hand, using the other to keep the nket in ce. Before either could protest<b>, </b><b>I </b>mmed <b>the </b>door and locked it.


    <b>08:39 </b>Tue, 19 <b>Aug </b>


    Alexander


    <b>¡°</b>She was wearing lingerie,¡± Gabriel whispered as we moved away from the bedroom door. ¡°Trying it on. ckce.¡±


    I didn¡¯t need the reminder. The image of E¡¯s red face, her bare shoulders visible over the top of that nket, the box ofce and silk sitting <b>beside </b><b>her </b>it was already burned into my brain.


    ¡°In private,¡± I growled, pushing Gabriel toward my study. ¡°Not here.¡±


    Once we were safely behind closed doors, Gabriel continued, ¡°She¡¯s trying to seduce you, Alpha. I found her trying on lingerie¨Cexpensive stuff<b>, too</b><b>. </b><b>You </b>need to be careful. She might even try to get pregnant.¡±


    The thought of E wearing something like that made my wolf surge with excitement. It took everything I had to keep my feet rooted to the spot so wouldn¡¯t run to her and see for myself.


    But mixed with that desire was something else¨Ca hot, dark, dangerous fury that Gabriel had seen her that way. That he had witnessed something meant only for me.


    Before I could think better of it, I lunged forward, mming Gabriel against the wall with my forearm pressed against his throat.


    ¡°You were spying on my mate?¡± I snarled, my fangs dropping dangerously. ¡°You walked into our bedroom without knocking and saw her in her underwear?¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°N¨CNo, it wasn¡¯t like that. I was looking <b>for </b>you, and the door was-<b>¡® </b>


    ¡°Shut,¡± I finished for him. ¡°The door was shut, and you opened it without permission.¡±


    Gabriel swallowed hard against my arm. ¡°Alexander, I was just-¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re lucky I have an ounce of self¨Ccontrol in my body,¡± I cut him off. ¡°Because if I didn¡¯t, you¡¯d be bleeding on the floor right now. No one sees my mate like that. No one.¡±


    Gabriel blinked, clearly surprised by my vehemence. And truthfully, I was a bit surprised myself. But my wolf wasn¡¯t¨Che was howling for blood, enraged that another male had seen what was his.


    But E wasn¡¯t mine. Not really. She wasn¡¯t marked.


    ¡°Yet,¡± my wolf added.


    Right. Yet. She wasn¡¯t marked yet.


    ¡°I know the truth, Gabriel,¡± I went on. ¡°E is a beautiful woman. Very beautiful. And even you aren¡¯t immune to that, are you? How long have you been sneaking looks at her?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Gabriel sputtered. ¡°No, that¡¯s not¨CI would never-


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother denying it. You, the eternal yboy with a different woman in your bed every week, suddenly concerned about my wife¡¯s undergarments?<b>¡± </b>I scoffed. ¡°You¡¯re barking up the wrong tree.¡±


    Gabriel shook his head frantically. ¡°Alexander, I swear, it¡¯s not like that. I was just concerned that she¡¯s trying to manipte you.¡±


    I stared at him for a long moment, searching his face for any sign of deception. All I saw was fear and confusion¨Cand perhaps a hint


    With a disgusted sigh, I released him and stepped back. My wolf growled, urging me to rip the insubordinate male¡¯s throat out <b>then </b><b>run </b><b>to </b><b>E</b><b>, </b><b>mark </b><b>her </b>and fuck her in that lingerie¡­ But I shoved him down. This was insanity. I was actually thinking of marking her, of making her <b>mine </b><b>for the </b>first <b>time </b><b>in </b>five years.


    What was happening to me?


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Gabriel said immediately, smoothing down his shirt. ¡°I should have knocked. You¡¯re right


    ¡°Yes, you should have.¡±


    ¡°But,¡± Gabriel added cautiously, ¡°I still stand by what I said earlier. You and E have been spending more time together than usual <btely</b><b>. </b><b>And </b>you¡® fated mates, which makes it even more difficult to keep your head straight around her.¡±


    I turned away, not wanting him to see the conflict I knew was written clearly across my face. Because he wasn¡¯t wrong, Lately, it was bing harder <b>to </b>maintain my distance from E. To remember all the reasons why I shouldn¡¯t let myself fall for her.


    The press conference kiss. The movie theater. The way she had defended herself at her parents¡® house. Her fire, her determination, her beauty<b>¡­ </b>


    ¡°I can tell you¡¯re starting to have feelings for her,¡± Gabriel said. ¡°And if she seduces <i>you</i>, it could be detrimental. She could still be a spy for her <b>family</b>. manipting you for information or something else.¡±


    I didn¡¯t respond. What could I say? That I had already promised to stop sending money to her father at her request? That I had carried her to <b>bed </b><bst </b>night and spent far too long looking at her sleeping face? That the thought of her in ckce lingerie was making it hard to think straight right <b>now</b><b><i>? </i></b>


    Gabriel studied me for a moment, then sighed. ¡°You know what you need? A distraction. Something to get her off your mind before you do something you¡¯ll regret.¡±


    I shot him a withering re. ¡°What are you suggesting?¡± I snapped.¡±


    to


    My Beta didn¡¯t flinch at my tone. Instead, a small smirk stretched across his face. ¡°How about I take you out to the bar tonight?¡± he asked.

 The Perfect 43

    <b>Chapter </b><b>43 </b>


    E & Alexander


    E


    I sulked alone beneath the cherry tree, watching the pink petals turn brown on the gravel pathway. The slow death of my favorite season, spring seemed awfully fitting for the way I felt inside after that mortifying interaction.


    ¡°There you are!¡±


    I looked up to find Liam walking toward me with his hands tucked into his pockets. When he reached me, his smile faltered.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± he asked, sitting beside me. ¡°You look like someone just told you the Tooth Fairy isn¡¯t real.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡±


    Liam raised an eyebrow. ¡°I¡¯ve known you since you were five years old, E. I can tell when something¡¯s bothering you, even if we spent a decade <b>apart</b>.


    ¡°It¡¯s just¡­¡± I sighed, picking at a loose thread on my sleeve. ¡°Something embarrassing happened earlier. I¡¯d rather not talk about it.¡±


    ¡°That bad, huh?¡±


    ¡°Worse.¡±


    Liam tilted his head. ¡°So are you nning on sitting here sulking all day because of it?¡±


    I shrugged. ¡°Maybe. Feels cathartic.¡±


    ¡°Come on.¡± He stood up suddenly and held out his hand. ¡°Let¡¯s go out. Dinner. My treat.¡±


    The question made me smile despite myself. After spending thest few hours hiding in the garden, too mortified to face either Alexander or Gabriel, the thought of escaping the mansion sounded heavenly.


    An hourter, Liam pulled his car up to a small restaurant I¡¯d never seen before. It was tucked away on a side street in town, with a glowing neon sign in the window that simply read ¡°24Hrs Diner¡± in bright blue and red.


    Inside, the smell of french fries and milkshakes made my mouth water. The hostess led us to a small booth near the back where the bright red leather was faintly cracked and the enamel tabletop was slightly sticky.


    ¡°How did you find this ce?¡± I asked, looking around at the other patrons¨Cmainly manualborers and truck drivers, from the looks of it, and none of them spared us so much as a nce. ¡°I didn¡¯t even know it existed.¡±


    Liam shrugged. ¡°I like exploring. Finding hidden gems.¡±


    I bit my lip, thinking about how I¡¯d spent <i>so </i>many years/eating by myself in that big, lonely mansion that I hadn¡¯t done much exploring myself in the very *pack I was supposed to be running with my husband. This diner seemed like a staple amongst the pack members, and I had never patronized it.


    A few minutester, a server in a baby blue dress with a crisp white apron approached our table. ¡°Can I get you anything to drink?¡±


    I looked up, and before I could get the words out, my mouth dropped open. Standing there, notepad in hand, was a face <b>I </b>hadn¡¯t seen


    ¡°Molly?¡±


    The woman¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°E? Oh my Goddess<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>She let out a squeal, causing some nearby patrons to look up. ¡°<b>It¡¯s </b>really you! I can¡¯t believe <b>it</b><b>!</b><b>¡± </b>


    Molly Henderson. Our one other childhood friend who had disappeared from Stormhollow just before Liam did, leaving without so much <b>as </b>a <b>goodbye</b>. Her blonde hair was now dyed blue and cropped close to her head, and her once¨Cround face had matured into sharper angles<b>. </b><b>But </b><b>those </b><b>mischievous </b>


    <b>08:39 </b>Tue, 19 <b>Aug </b>


    green eyes were exactly the same.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± I gasped, standing to hug her.


    Mollyughed, returning my embrace without hesitation. She smelled like coffee and diner food. ¡°I work here, obviously. The real question is what are you two doing here? Together?¡±


    ¡°Just catching up,¡± Liam said smoothly. ¡°Old friends reunion.¡±


    ¡°Speaking of reunions,¡± I said as I pulled back from the hug, ¡°you two don¡¯t seem terribly surprised to see each other.¡± My heart ached faintly as <b>frecalled </b>days spent on the yground together, usually ying some adventurous game or another that Molly had made up. Liam missed her just <b>as </b><b>much </b><b>as </b>


    did.


    Molly and Liam exchanged a look.


    ¡°Camp,¡± Liam finally said. ¡°We went to the same one for a few years. So it hasn¡¯t been that long <i>since </i>we saw each other.¡±


    ¡°So that¡¯s where you went,¡± I murmured. ¡°You disappeared when we were nine.¡±


    Molly¡¯s eyes guttered. ¡°Yeah, my parents shipped me off to that¡­ ce. But enough about that. Let me get you guys some drinks, and then I¡¯m taking


    my


    break early. We have so much to catch up


    on!¡±


    As Molly hurried off to get our drinks, I turned to Liam with narrowed eyes. ¡°You saw her at camp and didn¡¯t tell me?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°It was years ago.¡± Liam¡¯s gaze dropped to hisp, the tips of his ears reddening faintly. ¡°E, that ce¡­ Time passes differently there. It feels like <b>I </b>was there for thirty years. I saw so many faces and went through so much-¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright.¡± I reached across the table and squeezed his hand. He still hadn¡¯t told me exactly what happened at that camp, but I was beginning to piece it together. ¡°I¡¯m sure it was all a blur.¡±


    Liam nodded, his hand tightening around mine for a moment before he pulled away.


    Molly returned a few minutester with our drinks and three menus. ¡°I¡¯m officially on break now,¡± she announced, sliding into the chair next to mine. ¡°So, Luna E, huh? Married to the Alpha of Ashw. That¡¯s quite the step up from the shy girl I used to know.¡±


    I felt my cheeks heat. ¡°It¡¯s not as morous as it sounds.¡±


    ¡°No?¡± Molly tilted her head, studying me in that way she always did/when we were kids. ¡°Guess not. You don¡¯t look as happy as I¡¯d expect a newly married Luna to be.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve been married for five years,¡± I corrected her.


    Molly¡¯s eyebrows shot up. ¡°Five years? Damn, I really have been out of the loop. Did you get married as soon as you turned eighteen?¡±


    ¡°Pretty much. But what about you?¡± I asked, eager to change the subject. ¡°What have you been doing all this time?¡±


    Molly¡¯s stories kept us enthralled throughout dinner. After that summer camp, she¡¯d traveled across the country, working odd jobs and living in different packs. She¡¯d been a bartender, a tour guide, and had even spent six months living with a nomadic pack in the far north.


    ¡°You should have seen the Northern Lights from up there,¡± she said, sipping <i>her </i>strawberry milkshake. ¡°Like magic dancing <b>in </b><b>the </b><b>sky</b><b>.¡± </b>


    Damn. While I¡¯d been trapped in a loveless marriage, Molly had been living. Really living. Experiencing the world, following her des herself. She seemed so free, so authentic¨Ceverything I wasn¡¯t.


    ing true to


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe all the things you¡¯ve done,¡± <b>I </b>admitted. ¡°I¡¯ve never even been to a bar.¡±


    Molly¡¯s mouth fell open. ¡°Never? Not even once?¡±


    I shook my head, embarrassed. ¡°My father was strict. And then I got married young, and¡­¡±


    <b>08:39 </b>Tue, 19 <b>Aug </b>


    ¡°And your husband keeps you on a short leash?¡± Molly guessed.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not that.¡± I twisted my napkin in myp. ¡°It¡¯s just¡­ I never really had the chance to experience those things<b>. </b>I was <b>always </b><b>trying </b>to be what everyone else wanted me to be.¡±


    ¡°Well, fuck that,¡± Molly said bluntly. ¡°Life¡¯s too short to live it for someone else.¡±


    She had no fucking idea how on the nose that statement was. Life was too short¨Cespecially mine, I only had months left to live unless Alexander <b>marked </b>me or rejected me, and sometimes I really doubted that he would keep his promise.


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± I whispered.


    ¡°Of course I am.¡± Molly grinned. ¡°Listen, we should hang out sometime. <b>I </b>could show you what you¡¯ve been missing.¡± She grabbed a napkin and scribbled her number on it. ¡°Text me. We¡¯ll have a girls¡® night out.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d like that,¡± I said, tucking the napkin into my purse. And I meant it.


    By the time we left the restaurant, my earlier embarrassment had fadedpletely. I couldn¡¯t remember thest time I¡¯dughed so much or felt so.. normal. Just a woman having dinner with <i>friends</i>, not the Luna of Ashw with all the expectations that came with it.


    Once home, I slipped into the bedroom quietly. The room was dark, and I could make out Alexander¡¯s form beneath the covers<b>. </b>He was already asleep, thankfully.


    As I changed and climbed into bed, I couldn¡¯t wipe the smile from my face. Seeing Molly again, hearing about her adventures, being offered her friendship¨Cit felt <i>like </i>a door had opened in my life.


    Maybe I would take her up on that girls¡® night out.


    Alexander


    My eyes opened the moment E slipped into the room, but I quickly snapped them shut. I heard her moving around, changing, and was she¡­ giggling softly to herself?


    Cracking my eyes back open just enough to see, my suspicions were confirmed. E was grinning from ear to ear.


    Was that smile because of Liam? Because of her night out with him?


    <i>My </i>wolf growled angrily. My mate was spending time with another male¨Csmiling for him,ughing with him, while I had sat here alone all night.


    Suddenly, I regretted turning down Gabriel¡¯s offer to go out. I¡¯d initially said no, but¡­ why? Because it felt wrong to go out without my mate? Because <b>I </b>felt obligated to E, the woman who had happily gone out with Liam?


    What was I doing? Lying <i>here</i>, letting her go out with another man while I sat at home by myself?


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 The Perfect 44

    <b>Chapter </b><b>44 </b>


    E


    The following morning, I pulled out the napkin with Molly¡¯s number and typed it into my phone. But as I began <i>to </i>write a message to her, my fingers hesitated over the keyboard.


    Was I really going to do this? Just text her out of the blue and ask to hang out? It felt so¡­ normal. So much unlike the sheltered life I¡¯d been living all these years.


    Fuck it, I thought. I was dying anyway, wasn¡¯t I? Might as well live a little first.


    ¡°Hey Molly, it¡¯s E. Had so much fun catching upst night. When are you free to hang out?¡±


    I hit send before I could talk myself out of it. My phone pinged within two minutes.


    ¡°Tonight! I¡¯m off work at 8. Ever been to The Howling Moon downtown? It¡¯s karaoke night!¡±


    I bit my lip. A bar. Karaoke. Two things I¡¯d never experienced before. I thought back to the party at my parents¡® house, when my cousin Tara had invited me out. I¡¯d declined then, choosing to stay with Alexander instead.


    Fat lot of good that did me.


    Without second guessing myself, I told Molly I would meet her there at nine¨Cthirty. After that, I spent most of the day in a state of nervous anticipation. Liam was busy with council matters, so it would just be Molly and me. What would I do? What would I drink? What would I wear?


    By the time eight o¡¯clock rolled around, I found myself standing in front of my closet, hair already curled, makeup done, trying to decide what to wear. I wasn¡¯t sure if I had anything suitable for a ce like The Howling Moon, which was a dive


    bar downtown.


    ?


    My eyesnded on the ck dress from the store¨Cthe one that had made Alexander¡¯s phone slip from his fingers.


    No, too fancy for a bar. But maybe¡­


    I pulled out a short ck skirt I¡¯d bought years ago but never had the courage to wear. Paired with a deep red top that showed just enough cleavage to be daring, and some ck ankle boots I¡¯d never worn, it might just work.


    I slipped into the outfit and studied myself in the mirror. I barely recognized myself. My eyes were lined with ck, my lips painted red, my curls wild and free. I looked confident, sexy.


    Smiling faintly, I grabbed my purse and headed out, thankful that Alexander and Gabriel were nowhere to be found. Thest thing I needed was to exin where was going or who I was meeting.


    The Howling Moon was located in a part of downtown I rarely visited. From the outside, it looked unassuming<b>¨C</b><b>a </b><b>simple </b>brick building with a neon sign showing a wolf howling at a crescent moon. Music poured out every time the door <b>opened</b>, along with bursts ofughter and chatter.


    I stood on the sidewalk for a moment, heart pounding. Was I really doing this? <b>Going </b><b>to </b>a bar <b>alone</b><b>? </b><b>What </b><b>if </b><b>someone </b>recognized me? What if they thought I wasn¡¯t behaving properly for a Luna<b>? </b>


    <b>1/4 </b>


    <b>08:06 </b><b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>21 </b><b>Aug </b>


    ¡°There you are!¡±


    I turned to see Molly walking toward me, grinning widely. She was wearing ripped jeans and a cropped top that showed off her toned stomach, and her blue hair was spiked up with gel.


    ¡°Damn, look at you!¡± She whistled, circling me. ¡°The Luna¡¯s got legs for days! Your mate let <i>you </i><i>out </i>of the house like that<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    I blushed, but couldn¡¯t help but smile. ¡°It¡¯s not too much?¡±


    ¡°Never too much.¡± Molly linked her arm through mine. ¡°Ready to pop your bar cherry?¡±


    The interior of The Howling Moon was dimly lit, with tables scattered around a small stage where a young and very drunk male was currently butchering a pop song into a microphone. The air smelled like beer, sweat<b>, </b>and fried food.


    ¡°First things first,¡± Molly dered, leading me to the bar, ¡°we need to buy a round of drinks. Something strong to get the night started. What do you like?¡±


    I swallowed. ¡°Honestly, I¡¯m not sure. I really only ever drink at events, so it¡¯s normally champagne or wine. And I only started doing that recently, because I was always told that a Luna should stay sober in public.¡±


    Molly rolled her eyes. ¡°Well, you¡¯re not a Luna tonight. Come on. We¡¯ll find you something.¡±


    The bartender, a tall man with tattoos covering his arms, smiled at us and leaned on the bar as we approached. ¡°What can I get youdies?¡±


    ¡°My friend here has never been to a bar before,¡± Molly announced, causing the bartender¡¯s eyebrows to shoot up. ¡°She needs to discover her go¨Cto drink.¡±


    ¡°Is that right?¡± The bartender turned to me with a grin. ¡°Any preferences to start with? Sweet? Strong? Fruity?¡±


    I shrugged helplessly. ¡°I have no idea.¡±


    The bartender chuckled. ¡°Tell you what. I¡¯ll make you some samples. On the house. It¡¯s not every day we get to introduce someone to the wonderful world of cocktails.¡±


    Over the next thirty minutes, I tried more drinks than I could count. Some burned my throat, others were sickeningly sweet, and a few made me cough and sputter.


    ¡°That was disgusting,¡± I gasped after trying something called a Rusty Nail.


    Mollyughed, patting my back. ¡°Yeah, that one¡¯s not for beginners.¡±


    But then the bartender slid a bright blue cocktail in front of me. ¡°Try this one. Blue Hawaiian. Coconut rum, blue liqueur, and pineapple juice.¡±


    I took a wary sip, expecting the worst, but felt my eyes widen as the cocktail slid down my throat. It was sweet but <b>not </b><b>too </b>sweet, with a tropical vor that made me feel like I had made it to my bucket list oceanside destination after <b>all</b><b>. </b><b>¡°</b><b>Oh </b><b>my </b>Goddess. This is amazing.¡±


    ¡°Looks like we found a winner,¡± the bartender said with a wink.


    <b>214 </b>


    <b>08.06 </b><b>Thu </b><b>21 </b><b>Aug </b>( O


    Three Blue Hawaiianster, I was giggling at everything Molly said and everything outside the bar seemed to no longer exist. The space had filled up, and the karaoke had shifted from awful to hriously awful, with everyone cheering and pping regardless of talent.


    ¡°So,¡± Molly said, leaning in close, ¡°how¡¯s married life treating you? Really?¡±


    The alcohol in my system lowered my inhibitions, and before I knew it, I was spilling everything¨Chow cold Alexander had been for years, how we slept on opposite sides of the bed like strangers, how he never touched me.


    ¡°We¡¯ve been married for five years,¡± I slurred, swirling my straw in my fourth drink, ¡°and he¡¯s never¡­ you know. We¡¯ve


    never¡­¡±


    Molly¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Wait, are you saying you¡¯re still a virgin?¡±


    I nodded miserably, heat flooding my cheeks. ¡°Pathetic, right? I¡¯m twenty¨Ctwo years old, married, and I¡¯ve never been touched by any man. Not even my own husband.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not pathetic,¡± Molly said softly. She reached over and took my hand, giving it a squeeze. Her fingers were soft and warm. ¡°That¡¯s fucking sad. He¡¯s your fated mate, for Goddess¡® sake.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, well, fate has a sick sense of humor.¡±


    ¡°If I were your mate,¡± she said softly, her green eyes holding mine as her thumb stroked across my knuckles, ¡°I would never make you feel so alone.¡±


    Something warm unfurled in my chest at her words. Molly leaned forward slightly, her warm breath fanning across my


    face.


    Suddenly, Molly¡¯s name was called over the speakers. ¡°Looks like I¡¯m up!¡± She grinned, then tugged at my hand. ¡°Come sing with me.¡±


    I jerked back. ¡°What? No way. I can¡¯t sing in front of all these people.¡±


    ¡°Yes<i>, </i>you can.¡± Molly pulled <i>me </i>to my feet. ¡°It¡¯s a rite of passage. Everyone has to embarrass themselves at least once during karaoke night.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t even know what song you picked!¡±


    ¡°Trust me, <i>you </i><i>know </i>it.¡± She winked and quite literally dragged me toward the stage.


    The <i>opening </i>notes of the song Molly picked, a ssic pop song from about thirty years ago, started ring through the speakers, and Molly thrust a microphone into my hand. My heart pounded so hard I thought it might burst through my


    ribs.


    The first verse came, and Molly nudged me. Terrified, I lifted the mic to my lips and began to sing quietly.


    ¡°Louder!¡± someone shouted from the crowd.


    I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and let go of my inhibitions. If I was going to embarrass <b>myself</b><b>, </b><b>I </b><b>might </b><b>as </b><b>well </b><b>do </b><b>it </b>properly.


    <b>08:06 </b><b>Thu </b>( <b>Aud </b>


    The second verse came, and 1 belted it out, surprising myself with the power in my voice, Molly cheered, dancing beside me, and suddenly I was dancing too, hips swaying to the beat, hair flying around my face.


    It felt fucking amazing. Liberating. Like a piece of myself I never knew existed was finally breaking free.


    By the chorus, I was jumping up and down, screaming the lyrics at the top of my lungs, not caring who heard or saw. For the first time in forever, I wasn¡¯t Luna E, the perfect, proper wife of Alpha Alexander. I was just E, a woman having <b>fun </b>


    with her friend.


    The crowd was cheering us on, some even singing along, and as I scanned their faces,ughing, I felt truly alive.


    But then my eyes locked onto a figure who had just stepped into the bar, and my heart stopped. Alexander¡¯s gaze met mine from across the space.

 The Perfect 45

    <b>Chapter </b><b>45 </b>


    Alexander


    <b>81</b><b>% </b>


    (+28)


    I never went to bars. Even before my parents died, I had been focused on my future as Alpha, on learning everything I needed to know to lead the pack. There was never time for drinking or partying or anything else that might distract me from my duties, and besides, it wasn¡¯t bing for an Alpha to be in a ce like this.


    But after E had gone out with Liam, I had decided to take up Gabriel on his offer. Why should she go out whenever or with whomever she wanted while I was sitting at home, alone?


    ¡°One drink,¡± I told Gabriel as we pulled up to The Howling Moon. ¡°That¡¯s it.¡±


    Gabriel smirked, turning off the engine. ¡°Sure, Alpha. Just one.¡±


    Thad been to this ce once before, years ago, when I¡¯d first taken my ce as Alpha and had to deal with a huge bar fight that had broken out because of one of my warriors. It hadn¡¯t changed much¨Cstill smelled like stale beer and cheap cologne, still had that tacky neon sign out front.


    Gabriel pushed open the door, and I followed him inside, immediately hit by a wall of noise. Some song was sting through speakers, and the ce was packed with wolves from our pack and a few others, drinking andughing and-


    I froze as my gazended on the small stage at the back of the bar.


    E.


    My mate was dancing and singing with a blue¨Chaired woman I¡¯d never seen before. Her hips were swaying to the beat, her hair was wild around her face, and her cheeks were flushed pink as if she¡¯d had about five drinks or more.


    And her voice. Goddess, her voice was beautiful. She was hitting every note perfectly as she belted out the lyrics to some old pop song. I¡¯d never heard her sing before. I never even knew she could.


    For a moment, I just stood there, unable to move, unable to look away. She looked so different from the quiet,posed Luna I¡¯d married. So free. So


    alive.


    Then her eyes met mine across the bar, and her smile vanished. She turned away quickly, focusing back on the song, but her bodynguage had changed. Stiffened. Like she didn¡¯t want me to see her like this.


    Or maybe she just didn¡¯t want to see me at all.


    ¡°Alpha?¡± Gabriel¡¯s handnded on my shoulder. ¡°Youing?¡±


    I tore my gaze away from E and nodded, following Gabriel to the bar. My wolf was bristling inside of me, angry and jealous. What the hell was E doing here? And who was that woman with her?


    ¡°Two whiskeys,¡± Gabriel told the bartender, then leaned toward me. ¡°Surprised to see the Luna here, huh?¡±


    I simply grunted in response. The anger I was feeling was irrational, and I knew it. E had every right to go out. To have friends. To enjoy herself.


    But seeing her here, without me, dressed like that, dancing and singing like a fucking goddess, when I hadn¡¯t even known where she was going¡­


    ¡°I told you she¡¯s up to no good,¡± Gabriel muttered as the bartender set our drinks in front of us. <b>¡°</b><b>First </b>that lingerie, now this.¡± He gestured toward the stage, where E and the blue¨Chaired woman had just finished their song, causing the crowd to cheer.


    I tore my gaze away from the scene and took <i>a </i>long swig of my whiskey.¡°She¡¯s allowed <b>to </b>have a life, Gabriel.¡±


    <b>¡°</b><b>Of </b>course she is. But you have to admit, it¡¯s suspicious. The sudden interest in going out, in dressing differently¡­¡± Gabriel lowered his <b>voice</b><b>. </b><b>¡°</b><b>She </b><b>could </b>still be working with her father, you know, Gathering information about you, about the pack. Trying <b>to </b>seduce you, or perhaps make you <b>jealous </b><b>enough </b>to do something regrettable.¡±


    <b>1/3 </b>


    <b>My </b>wolf growled at the insinuation, but I pushed him down. I had the same suspicions, didn¡¯t I? It was why I¡¯d kept my distance for five years. Why <b>I¡¯d </b>never marked her.


    Buttely¡­


    <b>¡°</b>I don¡¯t think that¡¯s what this is,¡± I said.


    Gabriel snorted. ¡°So she¡¯s suddenly decided to spread her wings after five years of being the perfect Luna?¡± He shook his head. ¡°People don¡¯t change that fast, Alexander. Not without a reason. If she¡¯s not trying to get in your head, then maybe she¡¯s seeing someone else. Maybe even that woman.¡±


    That woman¡­


    Was I wrong for thinking E had feelings for Liam? Was it a woman all along?


    Without meaning to, my eyes flickered over to E again. She and the blue¨Chaired woman had found a table on the other side of the bar. Their heads were bent close together as they talked. My fingers tightened around my ss.


    ¡°Maybe what you need is a distraction,¡± Gabriel suggested, signaling the bartender for another round even though I¡¯d told him I would only have one. ¡°Find a willing she¨Cwolf and take her home. Get E out of your system.¡±


    The suggestion made my upper lip pull back in a snarl. The mere thought of touching another woman when my mate was right there, unmarked but still mine-


    ¡°I kid, of course. You¡¯ve got a reputation to uphold for your campaign. But you should let it go, Alexander,¡± Gabriel said quietly. ¡°Whatever feelings you¡¯re developing for her, they¡¯re not good for you. You need to focus on the election, on finding out who really killed your parents. Not on a mate who clearly doesn¡¯t care about you.¡±


    The words stung more than they should have. I knocked back my second whiskey, letting the alcohol dull my thoughts.


    But Gabriel was right about one thing: I needed to focus.


    And yet, my eyes kept drifting back to E.


    ¡°Another round?¡± Gabriel asked.


    I nodded, needing the distraction. Before I knew it, one drink had turned into three, then four, and my head was starting to feel fuzzy.


    As the night wore on, Gabriel shifted the conversation to other topics: sports, his most recent hookups, pack gossip. I nodded along as he spoke, but I wasn¡¯t really listening. I kept looking at her.


    She hadn¡¯t looked my way once since our eyes met when I first arrived. It was like she was deliberately ignoring me, and that bothered me more than it should have.


    Why did I care? She could do whatever she wanted. Go wherever she wanted. Be with whoever she wanted.


    Except that wasn¡¯t true, was it? She was my mate. Mine.


    But I¡¯d never imed her¡­


    Suddenly, I looked over my shoulder to see that E and the woman had stood up. They were both a little unsteady on their feet<b>, </b>clearly drunk. <b>The </b>woman said something that made Eugh, then¨Cto my shock¨Cshe reached out and took E¡¯s hand in hers<b>. </b>


    My wolf surged forward with a jealous growl as I watched the woman lead E out of the bar, and this time I couldn¡¯t push him back down. <b>The </b><b>sight </b>of another person touching my mate like that, so casual, <i>so </i>familiar<b>¡­ </b>


    Without thinking, I stood up.


    <b>¡°</b>Alexander?¡± Gabriel frowned. ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    <b>2/3 </b>


    <b>08:07 </b><b>In </b>21 Aud


    ¡°Need some air,¡± I muttered, already moving toward the door.


    Outside, the night air was cool on my face, clearing some of the alcohol¨Cinduced fog from my mind. I looked around, but E and her friend weren¡¯t on


    the main street.


    Then I heardughter from the alley beside the bar.


    Moving silently, I approached the corner and peered around it. What I saw made my blood run cold.


    E was pressed against the brick wall, the blue¨Chaired woman standing close to her. Too close, in fact, caging E against the wall with both hands. They were talking softly, their faces just inches apart. Then the woman leaned in and pressed her lips to E¡¯s.


    My mate¡¯s lips.


    For <b>a </b>moment, I couldn¡¯t move, couldn¡¯t breathe. Could only stare as the woman kissed my mate.


    And then my wolf exploded with jealous rage. ¡°Mine,¡± he howled. ¡°Mine. Mine. MINE!¡±

 The Perfect 46

    <b>Chapter </b><b>46 </b>


    E


    <b>81</b><b>% </b>


    28


    The karaoke was over but the night wasn¡¯t. Not by a long shot. My blood was thrumming, my body loose and warm in a way I¡¯d never experienced before. I was alive. I was free. And for a few blissful hours, I¡¯d forgotten all about Alexander and all my problems.


    Until he walked in and ruined everything.


    I¡¯d spotted him the moment he stepped through the door, his red hair and impable frame impossible to miss even in the dim light. But I quickly turned away, pretending I hadn¡¯t seen him at all.


    For the next hour, I pointedly kept my back to Alexander, refusing to give him the satisfaction of seeing me look his way. Instead, I focused on Molly, on her stories, on the way she made my sides stitch fromughter.


    By my fifth Blue Hawaiian, the room was spinning pleasantly, and I couldn¡¯t remember thest time I¡¯d felt this good. This free. Maybe never.


    ¡°Hey,¡± Molly said, leaning in close so I could hear her over the music, ¡°want to get some air? It¡¯s getting stuffy in here.¡±


    I nodded, grateful for the suggestion. The bar had gotten crowded, and the heat of all those bodies pressed together was making me feel a bit ustrophobic. Plus, maybe outside I wouldn¡¯t feel Alexander¡¯s gaze burning into my back.


    Because I knew he was watching me. I could feel it.


    Molly stood and held out her hand to me. I took it without hesitation, letting her lead me through the crowd toward the exit. I didn¡¯t look back. I didn¡¯t


    need to see Alexander¡¯s face. I didn¡¯t care.


    At least, that was what I told myself.


    The cool night air was a wee change from the stuffy heat of the bar. Molly didn¡¯t let go of my hand as she led me around the corner into a small alley beside the building. The music inside faded to a dull thump¨Cthump¨Cthump.


    Molly reached into her pocket and pulled out a carton of cigarettes. She offered me one, but I shook my head and just leaned back against the brick wall, shutting my eyes. I heard a lighter click, then the smell of a cigarette made my nose wrinkle.


    We stood in silence for a few moments, side¨Cby¨Cside, as Molly smoked. I inhaled deeply through my nose, soothed by the cool air. But when I finally opened my eyes, I found that Molly had moved to stand in front of me, and one of her hands was pressing into the brick wall beside my head.


    My eyes widened slightly. ¡°Molly-¡±


    ¡°I have a confession to make,¡± she said, leaning in closer. ¡°I didn¡¯t just happen to be working at that diner when you and Liam showed up.¡±


    I frowned. ¡°What do <i>you </i>mean?¡±


    ¡°I knew you were married to the Alpha of Ashw. I¡¯ve been keeping tabs on you over the years.¡±


    I blinked. She put her cigarette out on the bricks on the other side of my head, then dropped the butt on the ground and pressed her hand there so she was fully caging me in now. ¡°I always had a crush on you, even when we were kids. But back then, I didn¡¯t understand what it meant. I just knew I wanted to be around you all the time.¡±


    My breath caught. Was she saying what I thought she was saying?


    ¡°Molly, I-¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m a lesbian, E,¡± she said, cutting me off. And I¡¯ve always had feelings for you. Even after all these years apart, I still think about you. That¡¯s why <b>I </b>came to Ashw. <b>To </b>find you¡­


    Before I could process what she was saying, Molly leaned in and pressed her lips to mine.


    <b>1/3 </b>


    5


    <b>81</b><b>% </b>


    281


    Her mouth tasted like strawberry lipgloss and cigarettes.


    But I didn¡¯t want it; I was just too stunned to react. Too drunk to fully process what was happening. I just stood there, frozen, my back against the brick wall, as my childhood friend kissed me.


    Then suddenly, Molly was yanked away from me. Alexander ced himself between us, his face twisted with rage and his green eyes glowing with the same jealous fury I¡¯d seen when he¡¯d used me of having


    with Liam.


    ¡°What the fuck do you think you¡¯re doing?¡± he snarled at Molly.


    Molly¡¯s eyes widened with fear as she realized who had caught her. ¡°I¨CI¡¯m sorry,¡± she stammered, backing away. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean-¡±


    ¡°Get out of here,¡± Alexander growled. ¡°Now.¡±


    Molly didn¡¯t need to be told twice. She shot me onest apologetic look before turning and running out of the alley, disappearing into the night.


    As soon as she was gone, Alexander rounded on me. ¡°What the hell, E? Is this what you do now? Sneak off to bars to make out with strange women?¡±


    The shock of Molly¡¯s confession and kiss was quickly reced by anger at Alexander¡¯s tone. Who was he to judge me? To use me of anything?


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t like that,¡± I snapped, crossing my arms over my chest. ¡°And even if it was, it¡¯s none of your business what I do in my spare time.¡±


    ¡°None of my business?¡± Alexander¡¯s eyebrows shot up. ¡°You¡¯re my mate. My Luna. Of course it¡¯s my business when you¡¯re out getting drunk and letting random women kiss you in alleys!¡±


    ¡°I can handle myself, Alexander! And it¡¯s not like you ever want to spend time with me. You¡¯re always working or locked in your office or hanging out with Gabriel. When was thest time you invited me to do anything fun?¡±


    ¡°So that¡¯s what this is about? You¡¯re acting out because I don¡¯t take you on dates?¡± Alexanderughed bitterly. ¡°I¡¯m an Alpha, E. I have responsibilities. I don¡¯t have time for bars and karaoke and-¡± <ol><li>deub Hand der vrionst </li></ol>


    ¡°But I¡¯m supposed to just sit at home and wait for you? Be the perfect, obedient Luna while you go off and do whatever you want? Fuck that!¡± The alcohol had loosened my tongue, making me bolder than ever before. ¡°I¡¯m twenty¨Ctwo years old, Alexander. Do you know how many experiences I¡¯ve missed because I was always trying to be what other people wanted? Always living up to everyone¡¯s expectations?¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯re just being reckless to piss me off? Is that it?¡± Alexander stepped closer, looming over me. ¡°Going out every night, drinking with strangers, kissing women in alleys¨Cyou¡¯re doing all this just to get under my skin?¡±


    ¡°Not everything is about you! I¡¯m doing this for me. Because I¡¯ve never gotten to live my life the way I wanted to. I¡¯ve never been to a bar before tonight. Never sang karaoke. Never had a favorite drink. I¡¯ve never even had sex!¡±


    My eyes widened the moment those words slipped out. Alexander stared at me for a long moment, and his gaze was so intense I could feel my pulse jumping in the vein on the side of my neck.


    Finally, he leaned in and whispered, ¡°I know you bought a whole box of lingerie. Are you wearing <b>it </b>tonight? Trying to find someone to lose your virginity


    to?


    The lingerie. Fuck. I¡¯d forgotten about that. The familiar heat of embarrassment flooded into my face, but with it came another feeling. One that was stronger and far more bitter: rage.


    ¡°You want to know if I¡¯m wearing it?¡± I snapped, grabbing the hem of my red top. ¡°Fine. See for yourself.¡±


    Before I could think better <i>of </i><b>it</b><b>, </b>I yanked my top up, exposing my torso to the cool night air. I was indeed wearing the lingerie Margaret had sent¨Ca simple ckce bra that barely contained my breasts. If I had pulled down my skirt, Alexander would have seen the matching panties.


    But I wasn¡¯t wearing it for him or Molly or anyone else. /


    for me.


    So why did it feel so good to see his face turn pale at the sight? <b>To </b>see the hunger in his eyes?


    <b>5 </b>


    N81%0


    For a moment, neither of us moved. Neither of us spoke. The air between us seemed to turn thick with something hot and electric.


    ¡°Satisfied?¡± I hissed.


    Alexander¡¯s eyes lifted to meet mine. His eyes were glowing again, but something else had taken over the rage. Slowly, he stepped closer, pressing his hands into the wall on either side of me¨Ccaging me in just like Molly had, although instead of cigarettes and strawberries, he smelled like bourbon and woodfire smoke. Abination that never failed to make my chest thump, even now.


    ¡°No,¡± he murmured, his gaze dropping to my lips. ¡°Not even close.¡±


    His words made the apex of my thighs tighten with expectation. Before I could change my mind, I tilted my face up to meet his, and Alexander¡¯s lips nted over mine.


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 The Perfect 47

    E


    Alexander¡¯s lips tasted like bourbon and woodfire smoke. His mouth nted across mine, parting to give ess tip of his tongue. I responded instinctively, as if a dam had burst and every atom of my being went rushing into


    (11)


    e slick, warm


    As our tongues swirled around one another, battling for dominance, I felt his hardness press against my stomach through his pants. A thrill shot through me at the contact. Was this finally happening? Was I finally experiencing what it felt like to be wanted by a man? To be wanted by my mate?


    If this wasn¡¯t desire, then I wasn¡¯t sure what was. His member was hard and throbbing against me already, and without thinking, I reached down between us, my fingers brushing against the outline of his cock through the fabric.


    Alexander broke the kiss with a groan, lips grazing my jawline. The sound made me shiver, like cold water washing over me on a hot day. My body instantly responded to his.


    This was what I imagined for five years, during all of those lonely nights in my bed. Perhaps I didn¡¯t expect my first time to be in ant alleyway behind a bar, but I wasn¡¯tining.


    It was¡­ exciting. Thrilling. This was what it felt like to be alive.


    Wordlessly, Alexander slipped his hand between us and up my skirt. His fingers found my center immediately.


    I gasped into his mouth, my hips bucking forward instinctively as he began to move his fingers in slow circles. Even through the thin fabric, the pressure was exquisite. I¡¯d touched myself before, of course, but it had never felt like this¨Cnever felt this intense, this overwhelming.


    I was close already, embarrassingly so. Just a few more seconds and I¡¯d-


    ¡°Alpha?¡±


    I froze at the sound of Gabriel¡¯s voice, and Alexander jerked away from me, spinning around to face the entrance to the alley. I quickly yanked my shirt down and smoothed my skirt, my face burning with humiliation as Gabriel rounded the corner to the alley.


    But Gabriel wasn¡¯t alone. Behind him, my father and stepmother came into view.


    What were they doing here?


    The trio stopped short at the end of the alley. They hadn¡¯t seen the interaction, but they didn¡¯t have to to know what was happening. My lipstick was smeared across the corner of Alexander¡¯s mouth, his shirt rumpled, my skirt sitting too high on my hips.


    For a moment, no one spoke. Then, Gabriel¡¯s eyes flicked to me and raked over my disheveled appearance. The hatred in his gaze was so hot and prominent that it sent a shiver crawling up my spine.


    ¡°Alpha Alexander,¡± my father suddenly said, not even addressing me. ¡°Are we interrupting?¡±


    I wished the ground would open up and swallow me whole. Being caught by Gabriel was bad enough, but my parents? Fucking hell.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± I blurted out.


    My stepmother stepped forward, smiling impishly. She knew I was wearing the lingerie she sent, didn¡¯t she?


    16:32 Fri, 22 Aug


    ? ?? 60%


    <b>+15 </b>


    ¡°We were having dinner downtown and saw Gabriel outside the bar. Thought we¡¯d stop by to say hello,¡± she said. Her eyes raked over both of us and her smile widened. ¡°And I must say, we couldn¡¯t have picked a better time. It¡¯s so wonderful to see you two¡­ getting along so well.¡±


    The emphasis she ced on ¡°getting along¡± made me want to disappear into the brick wall behind me.


    ¡°If your rtionship is doing so well,¡± my father said, suddenly all business, ¡°then maybe it¡¯s time for an heir.¡±


    I stiffened. ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    ¡°An heir,¡± my stepmother repeated, as if I hadn¡¯t heard him. ¡°A child after all these years would be so lovely. And of course, I¡¯ve always wanted to be a grandmother.¡±


    My father nodded enthusiastically. ¡°Absolutely. In fact, Alpha Alexander, it might be wise to set up a trust fund for the child. We could manage it, of course. Ensure the money is properly invested for the future.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t believe what I was hearing. We¡¯d just been caught in an intimate moment, and they were already trying to find a way to get more money out of Alexander?


    ¡°Gabriel,¡± Imanded, turning toward the Beta, ¡°escort my parents out of here. Now.¡±


    I expected immediatepliance. After all, I was using my Luna Voice, the same one that had forced him into silence at the banquet.


    Gabriel stiffened. But he didn¡¯t leave. His left eye twitched as he struggled against mymand, shoulders trembling with the effort.


    Finally, he seemed to break through it.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so, Luna,¡± he sneered. My title sounded like a joke on his lips. ¡°I¡¯m not your errand boy.¡±


    I blinked, stunned by his defiance. ¡°Gabriel, I said-¡±


    ¡°I heard what you said,¡± he cut me off. ¡°And I¡¯m choosing not to listen to a weak, pathetic excuse for a Luna who has to use her body to get what she wants.¡±


    The alley went silent. Even my parents seemed shocked by Gabriel¡¯s outburst.


    ¡°What did you just say to my mate?¡± Alexander¡¯s voice was deadly quiet.


    Gabriel turned to Alexander, his expression hardening. ¡°I¡¯m saying what everyone¡¯s thinking. She couldn¡¯t get you to mark her before, so now she¡¯s trying to fuck her way into your good graces. Just like she¡¯s been trying to fuck her way through half the pack, apparently.¡±


    1 flinched at the ugliness in his words. But before I could respond, Alexander growled, ¡°You should watch what you say. Defying your superiors in public creates a negative image of the pack.¡±


    Gabriel pulled his shoulders back, openly defying his Alpha. ¡°I won¡¯t stand for it anymore


    Alexander¡¯s fist connected with Gabriel¡¯s jaw with a sickening crack before the Beta could finish, Gabriel stumbled backward, blood spurting from his lip, but he quickly regained his footing and lunged at Alexander


    The two men collided, crashing into trash cans and sending them ttering across the alley. The sound of flesh hitting flesh, of growls and curses, echoed off the brick walls.


    16:32 Fri, 22 Aug


    ¡°Stop it!¡± I shouted. Neither of them seemed to hear me.


    60%


    +15.


    My father didn¡¯t seem concerned about the fight at all. Instead, as the men fought, he grabbed my arm and said urgently, ¡°E, you need to convince Alexander to increase the payments. With a baby on the way-¡®


    ¡°There is no baby!¡± I snapped, ripping my arm away. ¡°And there never will be if I have anything to say about it!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous,¡± my stepmother hissed. ¡°It¡¯s your duty to provide an heir. And we need those paychecks back!¡±


    I couldn¡¯t believe what I was hearing. My own parents, treating me like a broodmare, thinking only of <i>how </i>much money they could squeeze out of my mate.


    Meanwhile, the fight between Alexander and Gabriel had escted. They were both shifting partially, their eyes glowing, ws extended, blood staining their shirts. The snarlsing from them were more animal than human now.


    ¡°Alexander, please!¡± I called out. ¡°Gabriel, stop!¡±


    ¡°Think of the pack!¡± my father begged. ¡°E, you have to get pregnant!¡±


    My stepmother nodded and crowded me into the corner. The growls and curses of the fight rose to a din. At the edge of the alley, a few onlookers began to gather. ¡°The pack needs that money,¡± my stepmother pleaded. ¡°E, don¡¯t be selfish. I bought you all that lingerie for a reason¨Cuse it!¡±


    My chest suddenly felt tight, like someone was squeezing my lungs. I tried to take a deep breath, but the air wouldn¡¯te. My vision started to blur around the edges, dark spots dancing in front of my eyes.


    ¡°I can¡¯t-¡°I gasped, pressing a hand to my sternum. ¡°I can¡¯t breathe-¡±


    No one noticed. My father was still talking about money, my stepmother was sping her hands and begging, and Alexander and Gabriel were still locked inbat like wild animals.


    The tightness in my chest grew worse. My heart was pounding so hard I could feel it in my throat, in my temples. Sweat broke out across my forehead despite the cool night air. I stumbled back against the wall, the bricks biting into my palm as I tried and failed to steady myself.


    ¡°Please,¡± I whispered weakly. ¡°Please¡­ Stop<i>¡­</i><i>¡± </i>


    They didn¡¯t.


    The edges of my vision darkened further, the alley tilting sideways as my legs suddenly gave way beneath me. As I slid down the brick wall, thest thing I saw was Alexander¡¯s bloodied face turning toward me, his eyes widening in rm.


    And then everything went ck.


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    16:32 Fri, 22 Aug

 The Perfect 48

    Alexander & E


    Alexander


    60%


    One moment I was ducking beneath Gabriel¡¯s wild punch, and the next I heard a soft thud behind me. I spun around, my fist still raised, and my heart stopped when I saw E crumpled on the ground.


    ¡°E!¡± I shouted, immediately abandoning the fight and rushing to her side. I dropped to my knees beside her, cupping her face in my hands. ¡°E? Can you hear me?¡±


    She didn¡¯t respond. Her pulse fluttered weakly beneath my fingers as I pressed them <i>to </i>her neck.


    Fucking hell. How did I miss this?


    Without hesitation, I scooped her into my arms. Her body felt fragile and light, as if she¡¯d lost about ten pounds in thest five


    minutes.


    ¡°Where are you taking her?¡± Richard asked.


    ¡°The hospital,¡± I growled. ¡°Get out of my way.¡±


    Richard stepped back, but Margaret reached out to stop me. ¡°But what about our discussion?¡±


    I gave her a look that made her hand drop immediately. ¡°Your daughter just copsed, and all you care about is money?¡± I spat. ¡°Get the fuck away from me before I do something we¡¯ll all regret.¡±


    They wisely backed off, and I carried E through the gathering crowd and to my car. I gently ced her <i>in </i>the back seat, buckling her in before racing <i>around </i><i>to </i>the driver¡¯s side.


    Gabriel appeared at my window just as I was starting the engine. Blood was dripping from his split lip, and his left eye was already swelling shut.


    ¡°Alpha, 1-¡±


    ¡°Not now,¡± I cut him off. ¡°Call Liam. Tell him to meet us at Ashw General.¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s eyes widened at the mention of Liam. Frankly, I wasn¡¯t even sure why I¡¯d told him to get Liam¨Cmaybe because I knew E would want him there¨Cbut he nodded and stepped back as I peeled away from the curb.


    I drove like a madman through the night streets, hands gripping the steering wheel, eyes constantly darting to the rearview mirror to check on E. She had begun to stir, groaning softly from the back seat, but was still too out of it to register what was happening


    By the time we reached the hospital, E had begun to return to consciousness. As I lifted her from the car, crading her body in my arms, her eyes fluttered and she hazily blinked up at me,


    ¡°Wha¡­<i>?</i>¡± she mumbled.


    ¡°You passed out,¡± I exined as I carried her through the emergency room doors. ¡°I¡¯m taking you to see a doctor.¡±


    E just furrowed her brow<i>, </i>confused.


    The hospital staff sprang into action as soon as we entered. A nurse rushed forward with a wheelchair, but i refused to set E


    16:32 Fri, 22 Aug


    down, insisting on carrying her myself. They led us to an examination room where a doctor was waiting. Her nametag read, ¡°Evelyn¡°.


    60%


    I reluctantly ced E on the examination table, but I didn¡¯t step back, remaining by her side as the doctor checked her vitals.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Dr. Evelyn asked as she shone a light into E¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°She copsed,¡± I said. ¡°There was a¡­motion, and she just fell. I think she had a panic attack or something.¡±


    The doctor frowned and checked E¡¯s pulse. ¡°Do you think it was caused by her condition?¡±


    I blinked. ¡°Her¡­ condition? You mean the panic attack?¡±


    Dr. Evelyn stared at me as if surprised, but before she could answer, Liam rushed in, followed closely by Lilith. His eyes <b>went </b>straight to E.


    E stretched her hand out toward Lilith, who whimpered and rushed forward, clutching it and kissing her knuckles.


    ¡°Oh, my dear girl¡­ I¡¯m here¡­¡±


    ¡°What happened?¡± Liam demanded, turning to me.


    ¡°She fainted,¡± I said. I didn¡¯t miss the way Liam immediately took E¡¯s other hand in his upon hearing this, or the concern etched deep into his brow. It made my wolf bristle with jealousy yet again, but I pushed it down. This wasn¡¯t the time.


    Dr. Evelyn continued her examination, asking E questions about how she felt, when she¡¯dst eaten, if she¡¯d been drinking. E answered everything. Thank the Goddess she hadn¡¯t hit her head.


    After a few minutes, the doctor stepped back with a troubled expression. ¡°Luna E, I¡¯m concerned about your condition. It¡¯s getting-¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m feeling much better now,¡± E suddenly interrupted, cutting the doctor off. ¡°Really. It was just the stress and the alcohol. I¡¯m


    fine.¡±


    The doctor looked taken aback. ¡°Luna, I really think we should discuss-¡±


    ¡°Please,¡± E said. ¡°I¡¯m okay. Just tired.¡±


    Evelyn hesitated, staring at E for a long moment.


    E


    Dr Evelyn stared at me for a long time I held her gaze, silently pleading with hex¨Cdon¡¯t tail him Phase, please don¡¯t tell how.


    Aher a moment that fell as an eternity, she nodded slowly. ¡°Well, I still want to keep you night for observation,¡± that cash,


    ¡°That¡¯s fine? I agreed quickly. ¡°Thank you


    The doctor stood, giving me sinest corned before turning yana 1 acangs for a private sees. We about ret


    NOW


    He nodded, and Dr Fly the bed nyt back to the prom My fraud was gading, and my entre baly felt like


    <i>214 </i>


    16:32 Fri, 22 Aug


    it had been steamrolled. I felt like utter shit, but I didn¡¯t want Alexander or Liam to know that.


    <60%


    Theard footsteps as someone approached the side of my bed. When I opened my eyes, I was surprised to find Alexander standing over me with a concerned look on his face.


    ¡°Can I get you anything?¡± he asked softly.


    I stared at him, surprised by how nice he was being. I had expected him to turn cold and distant after our brief tryst in the alleyway -a tryst that both of us would likely regret very soon. ¡°A soda would be nice,¡± I said after a moment.


    Alexander nodded and stepped out to find a nurse. Liam followed him, muttering something under his breath. Now, it was just me and Lilith left. She folded her arms and red at me.


    ¡°Go ahead,¡± I sighed. ¡°Scold me.¡±


    ¡°Why did you stop the doctor from telling him about your condition?¡±


    ¡°You know why,¡± I said quietly.


    Lilith sat down on the edge of the bed, her silver hair catching the harsh fluorescent light. ¡°E, if you¡¯re getting worse, they need to know. Especially Alexander.¡±


    ¡°No, they don¡¯t,¡± I insisted. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not fine. You just copsed in an alley. Your condition is clearly worsening.¡±


    ¡°It was just a panic attack,¡± I lied. ¡°The fight, my parents, the alcohol¡­ It was too much.¡±


    The truth was, I knew exactly what was happening <i>to </i>me. The dormancy was progressing, and I was no closer to being marked or rejected.


    I was dying, just like Dr. Evelyn said I would.


    Weak, pathetic excuse for a Luna, Gabriel¡¯s voice echoed in my head. The memory created a sour <b>taste </b>in <b>my </b>mouth, Maybe I was weak. I was wolfless. I fainted at the slightest provocation. They would only think even less of me if I told them <b>the </b>truth,


    How could I tell them that I was dying just because my mate wouldn¡¯t mark me?


    ¡°E,¡± Lilith said gently, ¡°you need to tell Alexander the truth about your condition.¡±


    ¡°I already told him about it the day I found out. He didn¡¯t believe me.¡±


    ¡°That was then,¡± Lilith replied. ¡°This is now. Alexander just witnessed your pain firsthand and if the doctor confirmed it, then he would have no reason not to believe you now?


    Iughed bitterly and shook my head, looking away. Of course. Of course, even after he¡¯d nearly been inside of me in that alleyway, Alexander would only believe me if a doctor confirmed my condition. He wouldn¡¯t take my word for it.


    The truth was, what had happened in the alley was just biology Alcohol, jealousy, the fated mate bond we still shared despite not being marked¡­ that was all that had driven us toward each other


    Not love. Only lust and wolves.


    And when it really mattered, when I had been begging him to stop fighting before I passed out, he had still chosen his own desires


    16:32 Fri, 22 Aug


    60%


    over me. He had chosen to fight Gabriel, simply because the Beta had insulted his Luna in public. He was only worried about his pack¡¯s image and the campaign. Not me.


    Meanwhile, he likely thought the same of me that Gabriel did. Weak. Pathetic. Desperate.


    ¡°No,¡± I finally said, making my decision. ¡°I won¡¯t tell him.¡±


    ¡°But E, he might mark you-¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want him to mark me anymore.¡±


    15

 The Perfect 49

    Alexander & E


    Alexander


    The soda can fell to the bottom of the vending machine with a tter. I grabbed it, along with a bag of pretzels to help settle E¡¯s stomach, then made my way back toward her room. The door was slightly ajar as I approached, and I could hear voicesing from inside.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want him to mark me anymore.¡±


    E¡¯s words stopped me dead in my tracks, my hand frozen midair as I reached for the door handle. I didn¡¯t catch what she said before that, but it didn¡¯t matter. Those seven words were enough.


    I don¡¯t want him to mark me anymore.


    For a moment, I just stood there, processing what I¡¯d heard. E didn¡¯t want my mark. Didn¡¯t want me.


    Not that it should have been a surprise. She¡¯d already asked for a divorce. Hell, we¡¯d even signed a contract promising to divorce after my campaign.


    Besides, I never had any intention of marking her.


    And yet something about hearing her say those words made my chest hurt more than I thought it would.


    ¡°Alexander.¡±


    I turned to find Liam approaching from down the hall. He was slipping his phone back into his pocket and his face was pale.


    ¡°I just spoke to Molly,¡± he said. ¡°And I wanted to apologize for what happened.¡±


    I blinked, momentarily confused before remembering the blue¨Chaired woman from the bar. The one who had kissed my mate. With everything that had happened afterward, it seemed like a lifetime ago.


    ¡°I had no idea she had feelings for E,<i>¡± </i>Liam went on. ¡°If I¡¯d known, I never would have reintroduced them. I¡¯m sure the incident was the catalyst behind E¡¯s fainting spell.¡±


    I shrugged, trying to appear unbothered even as my wolf snarled at the memory of another person¡¯s lips on E¡¯s. ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± lied.


    Liam¡¯s eyebrows shot up. ¡°You¡¯re¡­ fine? Another woman kissed your mate.¡±


    No. I wasn¡¯t fine. Of course I fucking wasn¡¯t. E and I had a contract, but she was still my wife for now. Andtely


    Maybe Gabriel was right. Maybe I had gotten in over my head. The show E <b>and </b>I had been on, pretending to be a loving couple, had be all too real.


    And then there was what happened in the alley. I¡¯de so close¨Cso fucking close¨Cto having sex with her. At the time, it didn¡¯t matter to me whether we were in public or not. All I cared about was feeling my mate.


    Five years.


    Five years of marriage and E was still a virgin


    16:33 Fri, 22 Aug


    And she wasn¡¯t even aware that I was, too.


    But what had happened out there was clearly a mistake¨Cbiology taking over during our lowest point. It was fust, pure and simple, E didn¡¯t want me to mark her, she hated me. And I would never mark her, not when her family was responsible for my parents¡®


    death.


    Still, why did it hurt so much?


    Finally, snapping myself out of my thoughts, I nodded. ¡°Yes. I¡¯m fine.¡±


    Liam studied me for a moment. ¡°If you say so.¡±


    I held out the soda can. ¡°Give this to E when she wakes up. I¡¯m heading home. I have work to do.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re leaving?¡± Liam frowned. ¡°She just copsed a few hours ago.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s in good hands,¡± I said, nodding toward the door. ¡°The doctor said she¡¯s stable, and you and Lilith are here. I have a meeting in the morning that I need to prepare for.¡±


    Liam took the soda with a skeptical look. ¡°If that¡¯s what you want.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t what I wanted. What I wanted was to go back into that room, to sit beside E¡¯s bed and make sure she was okay. Every fiber of my being wanted to be by my mate¡¯s side.


    But I¡¯d heard what E had said. She didn¡¯t want my mark. Didn¡¯t want me. It was better if I let her rest tonight instead of making her look at my face after the mistakes we made in the alley. I wasn¡¯t sure if I could face her, either.


    ¡°Tell her I hope she feels better,¡± I said. ¡°I¡¯ll check in tomorrow.¡±


    With that, I turned away, striding down the hallway without looking back.


    E


    I woke to the sound of beeping medical monitors and scratchy hospital sheets <b>against </b>my skin. For <b>a </b>moment, I was confused <b>as </b>to where I was. My head was pounding and I felt dehydrated¨Ca hangover? Or something else?


    And then I remembered.


    <i>I </i>groaned and rolled over in the ufortable hospital bed, squinting <b>against </b>the morning light streaming through the blinds, Last <b>night </b>had started off so perfectly, only for everything to go to shit. One mistake after another. And then¡­ my condition.


    Tears filled my eyes, but I blinked them away. I wouldn¡¯t tell Alexander about my illness, instead, I¡¯d made Lilith promise to keep my secret while I focused onpleting our contract so he would reject me


    Besides<i>, </i><i>he </i>hadn¡¯t even returned from getting my soda, and Liam said <i>he </i>had to leave to prepare for a meeting, which only solidified my belief that what had happened between <b>us </b>in the alley had been a mistake.


    Suddenly, I noticed something on the bedside table that had been there when it simp


    A vase filled with cherry blossoms


    I gasped softly, sitting up My favorite fireers But dhe vid has brought them!ith hail fait to get one rest and gather worne


    <i>213 </i>


    16:33 Fri, 22 Aug


    things for me at the house, and she wasn¡¯t back yet. Maybe Liam?


    60%


    15


    Before I could ponder it further, the door opened and Dr. Evelyn walked in with a clipboard in hand. She smiled when she saw I was


    awake.


    ¡°Good morning, Luna E,¡± she said. ¡°How are you feeling?¡±


    ¡°Like someone hit me with a truck,¡± I admitted.


    ¡°That¡¯s to be expected, given your condition.¡±


    I bit the inside of my cheek. ¡°Has it gotten worse?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid so.¡± The doctor pulled up a chair and sat beside the bed. Her expression was grave. ¡°When you first came to see me, your condition was so rare that I couldn¡¯t predict exactly how it would progress. But after what happenedst night¡­ It seems the dormancy is affecting your body more severely than I anticipated.¡±


    I swallowed hard. ¡°What does that mean?¡±


    Dr. Evelyn gave me a sympathetic look. ¡°Luna E, you need to resolve this soon. Either through marking or rejection. Otherwise, you¡¯ll continue to deteriorate. It won¡¯t be like flipping a switch¨Cyou won¡¯t just suddenly die one day. It will be a slow, painful process. Increasing weakness. Organ failure. Coma. Then, finally, death.¡±


    The clinical description of my impending death sent a chill down my spine. It was one thing to know I was dying in the abstract, another to hear it spelled out so viscerally.


    ¡°I¡¯d really rmend talking to your mate,¡± Dr. Evelyn said gently. ¡°He¡¯d certainly mark you if you would only tell him.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t understand,¡± I said quietly. ¡°It¡¯s not that simple. Alexander won¡¯t mark me.¡±


    Dr. Evelyn¡¯s eyebrows shot up in surprise. ¡°That¡¯s surprising. The Alpha seemed incredibly concerned when he brought you inst night. And again this morning when he came by with those flowers<i>.¡± </i>She nodded toward the cherry blossoms. ¡°You¡¯re certain he wouldn¡¯t mark you?¡±


    I jerked my head up so quickly that pain shot behind my eyes. ¡°Alexander brought those?¡±


    The doctor nodded. ¡°Around six this morning. You were still sleeping. He didn¡¯t want to wake you, so he just asked me to make sure you werefortable and said he¡¯d check inter.¡±


    I stared at the cherry blossoms, and my heart did a strange little flip in my chest. Alexander had brought me flowers? My favorite flowers, no less? After everything that had happened between us, he¡¯d still thought to bring me a gift.


    The simple gesture shouldn¡¯t have affected me so much. It was just flowers, after all. But something about knowing that Alexander had been here when I was sleeping, had checked on me, had been thoughtful enough to bring something to brighten my day.


    ed

 The Perfect 50

    <b>Chapter </b><b>50 </b>


    E


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to fuss over me like this,¡± I protested as Lilith tucked another pillow behind my back. ¡°I¡¯m not dying.¡±


    Not yet, anyway. Technically. Sort of. Maybe that wasn¡¯t the best way to put it.


    Lilith had arrived bright and early with a suitcase full of my things¨Cclothes, books, my favorite nket from home, even my vani¨Cscented hand lotion. She¡¯d been buzzing around my hospital room all morning, adjusting the blinds, organizing the nightstand, and making sure I would befortable for my stay.


    ¡°Nonsense,¡± she said, smoothing down the nket. ¡°You need someone looking after you properly.¡±


    ¡°The nurses are doing just fine.¡±


    Lilith scoffed. ¡°Those nurses have twenty other patients. You need someone whose <i>sole </i><i>focus </i>is you<i>.</i>¡±


    Before I could argue further, she pulled out a container from the bag she¡¯d brought. ¡°I made <i>your </i>favorite,¡± she said, popping off the lid to reveal homemade chicken soup. The scent immediately made my mouth water. ¡°It¡¯s still warm.¡±


    My stomach growled in response. The hospital breakfast had been nd and unappetizing, and Lilith always made the best chicken noodle soup when I wasn¡¯t feeling well.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t have to do that,¡± I muttered.


    ¡°Lwanted to.¡± Lilith poured some into a bowl and pulled up a chair beside my bed. Then, to my surprise, she dipped a spoon into the soup and held it out to me. ¡°Open up.¡±


    ! blinked. ¡°I can feed myself, you know.¡±


    ¡°Humor an old woman, won¡¯t you?¡±


    Feeling ridiculous but too touched to refuse, I opened my mouth and let Lilith feed me the soup. It was delicious, as always¨Crich and hearty, with just the right amount of herbs and spices.


    ¡°Good?¡± Lilith asked, already dipping the spoon for another bite.


    I nodded, swallowing. ¡°Yes. But why are <i>you </i>doing all this? You¡¯re treating me like I¡¯m¡­ Your daughter.¡±


    Lilith¡¯s shoulders tensed, and for a moment, she was silent. She had never mentioned having children of her own, but whenever! asked, she would always change the subject. After a while, I had learned not to bring it up, thinking that she¡¯d perhaps had a bad experience in her past.


    I thought I had hurt her by bringing it up now, but just as I was opening my mouth to apologize, she said, ¡°You are like a daughter to me, E. And I worry about you. I saw how your parents treated you at that party. I¡¯ve seen how you were raised. You never had a mother who doted on you or made sure you had what you needed. Your parents haven¡¯t evene to check on you since you got


    here¡±


    1 winced. When she put it like that¡­


    ¡°I just want to give you the love and attention you deserve,¡± she murmured


    16:33 Fri, 22 Aug O


    K60%


    11)


    Something warm and tender blossomed in my chest at her words. No one had ever said anything like that to me before. No one had ever put my needs first, had ever made me feel like I was worth the effort.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I whispered, suddenly fighting back tears. ¡°I don¡¯t mean to sound ungrateful. It¡¯s just¡­ new?


    Lilith smiled and picked up the spoon again. ¡°Well, get used to it. How, more soup?¡±


    I nodded, unable to speak around the lump in my throat. As she continued to feed me, small spoonful by small spoonful, I realized that this was what having a mother was supposed to feel like. Someone who took care of you. Someone who put your needs above their own. Someone who loved you unconditionally.


    If I had to die, at least I had experienced this. At least I wouldn¡¯t die without knowing what it felt like to be loved like this.


    ¡°I could die happy if you were by my side.¡± The words slipped out of my mouth before I could stop them.


    Lilith¡¯s hand froze. ¡°You¡¯re not going to die, E,¡± she said firmly, ¡°I won¡¯t let that happen.¡±


    ¡°But the doctor said-¡±


    ¡°I know what the doctor said. But there are options, solutions-¡±


    The door swung open, cutting her off. Liam walked in with a bouquet of daisies in hand.


    ¡°How¡¯s the patient today?¡± he asked. His smile faded as he took in our serious expressions. ¡°Did I interrupt something?¡±


    ¡°Just girl talk,¡± I said quickly, forcing a smile. ¡°Are those for me?¡±


    Liam nodded and set the daisies on the table next to Alexander¡¯s cherry blossoms. ¡°Thought your room could use some color. Who brought these?¡±


    ¡°Alexander,¡± Lilith said before I could answer. Liam looked just as surprised as I was, and I simply shrugged.


    Lilith stood, taking the now¨Cempty soup bowl. ¡°I¡¯ll go wash this out,¡± she said, then scurried out of the room,


    Once she was gone, Liam took her vacated chair. ¡°You look better today. How are you feeling?¡±


    ¡°Much better,¡± I lied. In truth, I felt like shit. My head was pounding, my limbs ached, and there was a hollow feeling in my body <b>that </b>had nothing to do with hunger. But I didn¡¯t want Liam to worry.


    ¡°Are they letting you out soon?¡±


    I shrugged. ¡°Dr. Evelyn wants to run a few more tests. Maybe tomorrow.¡±


    Liam nodded, and for a few moments, he was silent, just fidgeting with the sleeve of his jacket. Then, finally: ¡°Listen, E, about what happened at the bar with Molly Thad no idea she felt that way about you. If I¡¯d known¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault,¡± I assured him.


    ¡°Still, I feel responsible. If she hadn¡¯t kissed you, maybe Alexander wouldn¡¯t have-¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, Liam. Really.¡± I cut him off, not wanting to rehash the details of that night. ¡°Water under the bridge.¡±


    But even as I said it, my mind drifted back to the alley. To Alexander¡¯s lips on mine, his hands on my body, the way he¡¯d groaned when I touched him through his pants. It had been explosive and all¨Cconsuming everything I¡¯d fantasized about for years.


    213


    16:33 Fri, 22 Aug


    Å£Èâ60%È«


    +15


    My face heated at the memory. It had been a mistake, fueled by alcohol and jealousy and the fated mate bond. But I couldn¡¯t fully regret it. Couldn¡¯t push away the memory of how it felt to be wanted, even if just for a moment.


    ¡°If you¡¯re sure,¡± Liam said, pulling me back to the present. ¡°I just hate that it led to all this.¡± He gestured around the hospital room.


    ¡°It didn¡¯t. I was just tired and drunk. I¡¯m fine now.¡±


    Liam didn¡¯t look convinced, but he nodded anyway. ¡°Well, I brought <i>you </i>something else, too.¡± He reached into his bag and pulled out a deck of cards. ¡°Thought you might be bored.¡±


    We spent the next few hours ying card games, with Lilith joining in when she returned. For a while, I managed to forget about my condition, about Alexander, about everything except being with people who cared about me.


    But as the day wore on and visiting hours came to an end, my thoughts kept circling back to the cherry blossoms on my nightstand. To Alexander, who hade to see me while I slept. Who had remembered my favorite flowers.


    I found myself staring at them more often than not, tracing the delicate pink petals with my eyes, wondering what it meant that he¡¯d brought them. Was it just a courtesy? A gesture of basic decency toward his sick wife? Or was it something more?


    It didn¡¯t matter. He¡¯d fulfilled his obligation by checking on me and bringing a gift. I didn¡¯t expect to see him again anytime soon. He had a campaign to run, after all. A pack to lead. A Beta to punish for insubordination.


    Thest thing on his mind would be me. Maybe having me in the hospital would even make things easier for both of us, because I meant it when I told Lilith that I was beyond the point of wanting him to mark me anymore.


    Visiting hours ended at eight, and both Liam and Lilith reluctantly prepared to leave. Lilith had fought to stay overnight, but hospital policy was strict: family only after hours. And despite our marriage, Alexander hadn¡¯t listed himself as staying.


    Once they were gone, I tried to sleep, but memories of the alley kept intruding. Alexander¡¯s mouth on mine. His fingers between my legs. The way he¡¯d looked at me when I lifted my shirt. Like he was starving and I was a feast.


    What was so wrong with me that he couldn¡¯t bring himself to do that to me for five years of marriage?


    Groaning, I turned <i>onto </i>my side, trying to push the thoughts away. It was useless to dwell on them.


    Just then, the door opened. I turned, expecting to see a nurseing to check on me.


    Instead, Alexander was standing in the doorway with a bag in his hand.


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 The Perfect 51

    The bitterness I¡¯d been trying to swallow rose up again. Did anything Alexander dide from a genuir calcted for maximum political benefit? Was what happened in the alley just for show, too, in case s


    ¡°Well, then,¡± I said stiffly. ¡°By all means, make yourselffortable.¡±


    one saw?


    Alexander nodded and sat in the chair Lilith had upied earlier. Then, to my surprise, he reached into the bag he¡¯d brought and pulled out a small wooden chess set.


    ¡°I thought we could y,¡± he said, setting up the board on the rolling table beside my bed. ¡°It helps pass the time.¡±


    I stared at the chessboard. In five years of marriage, Alexander and I had never once yed a game together. Never spent an evening doing something as simple and normal as chess.


    ¡°I don¡¯t really know how to y,¡± I admitted. ¡°I mean, I know the basics, but I¡¯m not very good.¡±


    Alexander shrugged. ¡°That¡¯s fine. I can teach you.¡±


    For a moment, I considered refusing just to spite him. But the thought of sitting in silence while he watched me seemed even more awkward than fumbling through a chess game.


    ¡°Alright,¡± I sighed. ¡°But go a little easy on me.¡±


    Alexander nodded and began setting up the pieces, exining each one¡¯s movement as he ced them on the board.


    ¡°White goes first,¡± he said, gesturing to my side of the board. ¡°Your move.¡±


    hesitated, then moved a pawn forward two spaces. Alexander nodded approvingly and moved one of his own pawns.


    The game progressed slowly, with me making cautious moves and Alexander responding with quick, strategic ones. It was clear he¡¯d yed this game many times before, while I was just guessing at the best course of action.


    ¡°Knight to E5,¡± I said after a few minutes, moving my piece.


    Alexander¡¯s lips twitched. ¡°You just moved your bishop, not your knight.¡±


    I looked down at the piece I¡¯d just moved, then back at Alexander. ¡°Wait, which one is the knight again?¡±


    ¡°The horse<i>,</i>¡± he said, pointing to the piece shaped like a horse¡¯s head.


    ¡°Right¡± felt my cheeks heat. ¡°I knew that.¡±


    Alexander¡¯s expression remained neutral, but there was a gleam in his eyes that might have been something akin to amusement. 1 moved my actual knight this time, only to watch Alexander immediately capture it with his bishop.


    ¡°Dammit,¡± I muttered. ¡°I should have seen thating.¡±


    ¡°You left it undefended,¡± Alexander exined. ¡°Always look at what your opponent could do on their next move.¡±


    I frowned at the board, trying to think three steps ahead like Alexander clearly was. But after a few more moves, Alexander had captured half my pieces while I¡¯d only managed to take two of his pawns.


    ¡°This is embarrassing,¡± I said, watching as he added my rook to his growing collection of captured pieces. ¡°I¡¯m getting absolutely destroyed here,¡±


    10:33 Fri, 22 Aug


    The bitterness I¡¯d been trying to swallow rose up again. Did anything Alexander dide from a genuine ce? Or was it all calcted for maximum political benefit? Was what happened in the alley just for show<i>, </i>too, in case someone saw?


    ¡°Well, then,¡± I said stiffly. ¡°By all means, make yourselffortable.¡±


    60%


    Alexander nodded and sat in the chair Lilith had upied earlier. Then, to my surprise, he reached into the bag he¡¯d brought and pulled out a small wooden chess set.


    ¡°I thought we could y,¡± he said, setting up the board on the rolling table beside my bed. ¡°It helps pass the time.¡±


    I stared at the chessboard. In five years of marriage, Alexander and I had never once yed a game together. Never spent an evening doing something as simple and normal as chess.


    ¡°I don¡¯t really know how to y,¡± I admitted. ¡°I mean, I know the basics, but I¡¯m not very good.¡±


    Alexander shrugged. ¡°That¡¯s fine. I can teach you.¡±


    For a moment, I considered refusing just to spite him. But the thought of sitting in silence while he watched me seemed even more awkward than fumbling through a chess game.


    ¡°Alright,¡± I sighed. ¡°But go a little easy on me.¡±


    Alexander nodded and began setting up the pieces, exining each one¡¯s movement as he ced them on the board.


    ¡°White goes first,¡± he said, gesturing to my side of the board. ¡°Your move.¡±


    I hesitated, then moved a pawn forward two spaces. Alexander nodded approvingly and moved one of his own pawns.


    The game progressed slowly, with me making cautious moves and Alexander responding with quick, strategic ones. It was clear he¡¯d yed this game many times before, while I was just guessing at the best course of action.


    ¡°Knight to E5,¡± I said after a few minutes, moving my piece.


    Alexander¡¯s lips twitched. ¡°You just moved your bishop, not your knight.¡±


    I looked down at the piece I¡¯d just moved, then back at Alexander. ¡°Wait, which one is the knight again?¡±


    ¡°The horse,¡± he said, pointing to the piece shaped like a horse¡¯s head.


    ¡°Right.¡± I felt my cheeks heat, ¡°I knew that.¡±


    Alexander¡¯s expression remained neutral, but there was a gleam in his eyes that might have been something akin to amusement. I moved my actual knight this time, only to watch Alexander immediately capture it with his bishop.


    <i>¡°</i>Dammit, I muttered. ¡°I should have seen thating¡±


    ¡°You left it undefended,¡± Alexander exined ¡°Always look at what your opponent could do on their next move.¡±


    frowned at the board, trying to think three steps ahead like Alexander clearly was. But after a few more moves, Alexander had ceptured half my pieces while I¡¯d only managed to take two of his pawns.


    This is sbarrassing¡± I said, watching as he added my rook to its growing collection of captured pieces. To getting absolutely destroyed here?


    <i>214 </i>


    16:33 Fri, 22 Aug


    ¡°You¡¯re not that bad.


    ¡°If this were a real battle, my army would be considering mutiny right about now.¡± I gestured to the scattered pawns. ¡°They¡¯re plotting their escape as we speak. Probably making little parachutes out of hospital napkins.¡±


    60%


    15


    Suddenly, Alexanderughed, and I looked up at him in surprise. His smile transformed his face, softening the hard lines around his mouth and making him look years younger. Handsome. Kind. He tossed his head back andughed loudly and deeply, teeth shining beneath the fluorescent lights, red hair falling into his closed eyes. I didn¡¯t know how to react to the sight.


    It hit me, then, that I¡¯d never seen him smile like this before. Not in five years of marriage. Not even during our recent public appearances where we¡¯d been pretending to be in love.


    This smile was real. Thisugh was real. And it did strange things to my insides.


    ! blushed, looking away, and cleared my throat. ¡°Um¡­ Castle to C6.¡±


    By the time we finished the game, it was well past ten o¡¯clock. The hospital corridor outside had grown quiet.


    ¡°I should go,¡± Alexander said, ncing at his watch. ¡°It¡¯ste, and I¡¯ve got work to do tomorrow.¡±


    And just like that, the illusion shattered. Alexander wasn¡¯t going to spend the night with me like a normal husband would. Because he wasn¡¯t a normal husband. And our marriage was just an act for the benefit of others.


    I nodded, pretending¨Ceven to myself¨Cthat I didn¡¯t care. ¡°Right. Thanks for bringing the stuff.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯lle back tomorrow<i>,</i>¡± he said as he stood. ¡°For another game. If you want.¡±


    Hooked up, surprised. ¡°You don¡¯t have to. I¡¯m sure there will be plenty of witnesses who saw you stayte tonight. Your devoted husband image is secure.¡±


    Something flickered across Alexander¡¯s face at that. It almost looked like pain, but it was gone before I could get a good read on it.


    ¡°I¡¯lle anyway,¡± he said. ¡°Maybe your chess skills will improve with a good night¡¯s sleep.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t tell if he was joking or serious, but I didn¡¯t dwell¡¯on it. ¡°Alright. See you then.¡±


    Alexander nodded and moved toward the door. But before leaving, he paused and looked back at me.


    ¡°Sleep well, E.¡±


    And then he was gone.


    My heart fluttered traitorously in my chest. What was wrong with me?


    315


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 The Perfect 52

    E & Liam


    E


    .


    ? ???, 60%¡ã


    15


    The constant beeping of the monitors, the fluorescent lights buzzing overhead, and the steady stream of nurses entering and leaving my room made the days of the following week blend together into one big blur.


    I tried to keep busy as best I could; I read through two of the books Alexander had brought, did crossword puzzles, and watched countless movies. But if it weren¡¯t for my visitors, I might have lost my mindpletely.


    Lilith was always there first, arriving each morning with fresh clothes and homemade food, refusing to let me eat the hospital food. She would brush my hair, help me wash up, and make sure I wasfortable. Sometimes she would just sit beside me, reading quietly or working on her knitting while I dozed or did my own thing. I was d for herpany.


    And then there was Liam. He visited nearly as often as Lilith, usually in the afternoons when he wasn¡¯t busy with the Alpha Council. He would bring news, tell me stories to make meugh, and sometimes just sit with me watching terrible daytime TV.


    It was nice, having people who cared whether I lived or died.


    But the biggest surprise was Alexander. True to his word, he came back the next day after our first chess game. And the day after that. And the day after that.


    Every evening around seven, he would arrive. No matter how busy his day had been, no matter what Alpha duties required his attention, he¡¯d sit in the chair beside my bed and set up the board.


    ¡°Knight to F3,¡± I said on the fourth night, moving my piece without hesitation and taking his bishop.


    Alexander nodded approvingly. ¡°Good move.¡±


    I¡¯d been getting better under his guidance. Not good enough to beat him¨CI doubted that would ever happen¨Cbut good enough to make the gamesst longer and asionally surprise him with a clever move.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been practicing<i>,</i>¡± he said a few minutester as l/captured one of his pawns.


    I shrugged. ¡°Lilith¡¯s been ying with me during the day. She¡¯s not as good as you, though.¡±


    Alexander¡¯s lips quirked up at the corners. ¡°Few are.¡±


    I rolled my eyes at his arrogance, but I couldn¡¯t help but smile, too. As much as I hated to admit it, these evening chess games had be the highlight of my days in the hospital. For a few hours, it felt like everything else fell away.


    I wasn¡¯t sure if Alexander was just acting for the benefit of the hospital staff, ying the role of devoted husband to bolster his image if he was, he <b>was </b>a damn good actor When we yed together, he seemed awfully engaged for someone who didn¡¯t really want to be there, sometimes evenughing at my terrible jokes or teasing me about my moves


    As for what happened in the alley, we didn¡¯t talk about it. Not even once Maybe that was for the best, it was easier to just pretend it didn¡¯t happen and move on with our contract


    I also had to pretend that it didn¡¯t hurt like hell to think that way. But, just like chess, I found myself getting better at that


    ¡°Check,¡± he said, moving his queen into position.


    Aug <ul><li></li></ul>


    ? ??? 60%?


    I frowned at the board as I tried to figure a way out. ¡°Hmm, what if I¡­¡± I moved my king to safety, only to realize toote that I¡¯d just exposed my bishop.


    15


    Alexander¡¯s smile widened as he captured it, instantly putting me in check mate. ¡°You¡¯re getting better, but you still need <i>to </i>think a few moves ahead.¡±


    I huffed, tugging Alexander¡¯s sweatshirt more snugly around me. I¡¯d worn it every day since he brought it, partially because it was genuinelyfortable and partially because¡­


    No. I wasn¡¯t going to think about it. Just like the alley, the scent that had faded on his sweatshirt wouldn¡¯t affect me anymore.


    ¡°I¡¯ll beat you one of these days,¡± I muttered.


    ¡°I look forward to it.¡±


    I blushed, but it was short¨Clived. Alexander left after that and our little bubble of normalcy popped, just as it did every night.


    The following morning, Dr. Evelyn announced that I could be discharged soon, maybe even the next day if my tests continued to improve. I hadn¡¯t seen Alexander or Liam at all that day, but I assumed they were just busy.


    I was just getting ready for bed when Liam arrived, which was unusuallyte for a visit.


    One look at his face told me something was wrong.


    ¡°What is it?¡± I asked, sitting up straighter in bed.


    Liam closed the door behind him. ¡°There¡¯s been an incident at the northern border. Alexander went to handle it.¡±


    My heart stuttered in my chest. ¡°What kind of incident?¡±


    ¡°A bunch of rogues banded together and took over a property on the border. It turned violent when Ashw warriors went to kick them out. Alexander had to go personally <i>to </i>handle it, and one of the scouts just returned saying that there¡¯s an intense battle going on.¡±


    ¡°Is Alexander okay?¡± My voice came out as a squeak, and I hated how small I sounded, but I couldn¡¯t help it. A small presence in the back of my mind seemed to roil at the thought of something bad happening to him.


    Liam hesitated, ¡°I don¡¯t know. I haven¡¯t heard anything about Alexander since he left.¡±


    ¡°How long ago was that?¡±


    ¡°This morning¡±


    The room suddenly felt too small, and my heart began to flutter nervously in my chest Every instinct in my body began to hum, as if my very fibers were pulling me to get out of here and get to my mate.


    Alexander was in danger. Fighting. Maybe hurt Maybe worse.


    Without thinking, I threw back the rovers and swung my legs over the side of the bed.


    ¡°E, what are you doing?¡± Liam breathed.


    ¡°I need to go,¡± I said. ¡°I need to find out what¡¯s happening¡±


    213


    16:33 Fri, 22 Aug


    ¡°You can¡¯t leave! You¡¯re still sick-¡±


    But I wasn¡¯t listening. Panic had taken hold, drowning out reason. All I could think about was Alexander, bleeding out somewhere in the forest.


    I yanked the IV from my arm, ignoring the sharp sting and the drops of blood that welled up in its ce.


    ¡°E, stop!¡± Liam reached for my arm, but I dodged him, my bare feet pping against the cold tile floor as I bolted out of the room and down the hall.


    Liam


    Liam stood frozen for a split second, stunned by E¡¯s sudden flight. He hadn¡¯t expected her to react so violently to the news about Alexander. Worry, yes. Concern, certainly. But this level of panic?


    ¡°Lilith!¡± he called out, rushing to the doorway. The older woman had been in the hallway getting coffee. ¡°E¡¯s run off!¡±


    Lilith appeared at his side, coffee forgotten. ¡°What do you mean, run off? Where would she go in a hospital gown?¡±


    ¡°I told her about Alexander at the border,¡± Liam exined, already moving down the hallway in the, direction E had fled. ¡°She just¡­ lost it. Pulled out her IV and bolted.¡±


    Lilith¡¯s face paled. ¡°We need to find her before she hurts herself. She¡¯s still weak.¡±


    They split up, Liam trailing E while Lilith went to g down hospital security. He pushed through the door into the stairwell, taking the steps two at a time. E was nowhere to be found¨Chow did she even move that fast in her condition?


    He burst out of the exit door into the parking lot just in time to see her figure weaving between cars, hair streaming behind her, Alexander¡¯s sweatshirt hanging to her knees over the thin hospital gown.


    ¡°E!¡± he shouted, breaking into a run.


    She either didn¡¯t hear him or chose to ignore him, continuing her desperate flight toward the street. Her bare feet pped against the asphalt, leaving small smears of blood in her wake.


    She was pushing herself too hard; her body was too weak for this kind of exertion. She was tearing her feet on the asphalt, and yet¡­ she didn¡¯t stop. Didn¡¯t even slow down.


    Liam didn¡¯t have time to wonder why she didn¡¯t just shift if she was so desperate to get to Alexander, but he did realize one thing as he took off after her.


    E was in love with Alexander. Despite everything, she truly cared for him.


    315

 The Perfect 53

    Blood spattered across my face as I tore through another rogue wolf. The metallic taste filled my mouth, momentarily dulling my other senses. I whipped my head around just as another rogue charged at me, narrowly missing the brunt of its jagged ws.


    The rogue snarled, skidding to a stop a few feet away as it realized it had missed its mark. It whirled around and charged back at me, but this time, I was prepared.


    My ws shed on instinct, catching the rogue in the belly. Blood and guts spurted out before the beast even had a chance to stop. With a guttural howl, it crashed into the ground, kicking up dirt and debris with its momentum as it slid and mmed into the base of a nearby tree. Dead.


    I panted, looking around for others. In the distance, I could hear the sounds of my warriors fighting off more rogues. Goddess, how many were there? Dozens?


    The northern border of Ashw territory had always been a problem area. Rogues¨Cwolves without packs, often stuck in wolf form andpletely feral¨Cwould asionally test our boundaries, hoping to im a small piece ofnd for themselves.


    Usually, a simple show of force was enough to send them scampering back into the wilderness, because rogues rarely banded together. Perhaps a few might join forces, but typically they were alone, unorganized, and easy to maintain.


    But not this time.


    This group had been more organized than usual. They¡¯d killed the family living on the piece ofnd by the border and had taken it over as their home base during the night, then ambushed our patrol before the sun rose, killing two of my warriors and capturing


    several more.


    ¡°Alpha!¡± Gabriel shouted from somewhere to my right. ¡°There¡¯s moreing from the east!¡±


    The forest blurred around me as I ran in that direction in wolf form, far faster than I ever could on human legs, dodging trees and leaping over fallen logs. The scent of unfamiliar wolves grew stronger, mingling with the smell of blood and sweat. They were close.


    I slowed, dropping into a crouch as I approached a small clearing. Five rogues were gathered there. They looked up as my scent inevitably reached them, their lips peeling back to reveal yellowed fangs dripping with foamy saliva.


    Before they had time to strategize, Iunched myself at the closest one with a missing ear, my jaws immediately finding his throat, His warm blood gushed into my mouth as I ripped and tore, then tossed his limp body aside.


    The other four attacked as <b>one</b>, surrounding me, circling me like prey. I spun, shing at anything that came too close,nding blows that sent the smaller ones flying. But they kepting, emboldened by their numbers.


    A set of teeth found my shoulder, sinking deep into muscle. I howled and twisted, trying to shake off my attacker, but another ched onto my back leg at the same time. Pain shot through me.


    For a moment, I faltered. There were too many of them, and they wereing at me from all sides. My strength was waning, blood loss making my movements sluggish. I might actually lose this fight.


    This was my fault, dammit. I hadn¡¯t been sleeping well since E had gone to the hospital, I hadn¡¯t been sleeping much at all, actually.


    The side of the bed where she normally slept was too empty, too cold. I spent my nightsying awake, staring at her untouched


    60%


    pillow, wondering how the hell I had gotten so used to her sleeping beside me already that I could no longer rest without herying there.


    E. My mate.


    I shut my eyes as the pain became too much to bear, and there was her face hovering in the darkness. She was smiling, head bent, over a chess board, slender fingers reaching for her queen.


    Suddenly and unexpectedly, the sight of her face in my mind sent a fresh surge of energy through me, burning away the fatigue and pain. With a roar, I shook off my attackers, sending them flying into the surrounding trees.


    The rest was a blur. I hardly noticed the flurry of fangs and ws¨Call I saw was that face. Those lips. My mate kissing me in the alley.


    When it was over, I stood panting in the middle of the clearing, surrounded by the bodies of my enemies. Blood dripped from my fur, some of it mine, most of it not. The forest had gone quiet.


    ¡°Alpha?¡± Gabriel¡¯s voice came from the edge of the trees. He limped out of the forest in human form. ¡°The rest have fled. We¡¯ve won.¡±


    I nodded, too exhausted to attempt shifting back to human form just yet. My wounds were already beginning to heal, the deep gashes closing up, leaving behind matted chestnut fur sticky with blood.


    As I followed Gabriel back toward the others, my mind kept wandering back to those final moments during the battle. I almost lost.


    I should have lost. I was exhausted, outnumbered¡­ And yet, I had closed my eyes and there was her face.


    Why had I thought of E during those moments? Why had her face driven me to push through the pain and fight back?


    ¡°Because she¡¯s our mate,¡± my wolf snarled.


    Right. It was biology. Of course a wolf would think of his mate when he needed strength to survive. It didn¡¯t mean anything.


    ¡°Keep telling yourself that,¡± my wolf scoffed. ¡°But we both know the truth.¡±


    What truth? That I was starting to care for her? That the sight of her in my sweatshirt made my fucking heart pound? That I looked forward to our nightly chess games more than I¡¯d looked forward to anything in years?


    No. I shook my head in an attempt to dislodge the thoughts. I wasn¡¯t falling for her couldn¡¯t be. If her family had anything to do with my parents¡® death, if she was a spy¡­ Besides, she had <b>said </b>she didn¡¯t want me to mark her. She was the one who wanted a divorce. There was no future for us.


    ¡°Alexander!¡±


    Ifroze as a familiar voice rang through the forest.


    ¡°Alexander!¡±


    It was E¡¯s voice, calling my name. But that couldn¡¯t be right. E was in the hospital, miles away, I was hearing things, my exhausted mind ying tricks on me.


    ¡°Alexander, where are you?¡±


    The voice was getting closer. Gabriel whipped his head toward me, his eyes widening in panic, and I knew I wasn¡¯t just imagining it.


    16:33 Fri, 22 Aug


    E was¡­ here? How? She belonged in the hospital, not in a fucking battle zone!


    Without thinking, I raced toward the sound, heart pounding. If there were still rogues out there, if she was in danger-


    ? ? 60%<b>B </b>


    Suddenly, she emerged from the trees on the far side of the clearing. Her hair was wild, her feet bare and bloody, her hospital gown pping around her legs beneath my oversized sweatshirt.


    What the hell was she doing here? How had she even found us? And why in the name of the Goddess had she left the hospital in her


    condition?


    She skidded to a stop at the edge of the clearing, her eyes widening as she took in the carnage around us. The blood, the bodies. Her face paled, and for a moment I thought she might faint again.


    Then her gazended on me, and relief washed over her face. ¡°Alexander,¡± she gasped, stumbling forward, arms outstretched as if to reach for me. ¡°You¡¯re alive.¡±


    As she staggered toward me, I shifted back to human form, racing toward her just as she stumbled and began to pitch forward. But in my haste, I shifted too quickly and with too little control.


    E¡¯s eyes widened, her gaze dropping for a brief moment before she quickly looked away, her cheeks turning bright pink.


    I looked down and realized that my clothes had shredded during my careless shift, leaving mepletely nude in the moonlight.

 The Perfect 54

    <b>Chapter </b><b>54 </b>


    60%


    +15


    E


    The sight of Alexander¡¯s naked body in the moonlight made me freeze.


    His muscled frame gleamed with sweat and blood, highlighting every ridge and ne of his body. Broad shoulders. Powerful chest. Taut stomach. And lower¡­ Goddess.


    He was huge even when he wasn¡¯t aroused. The patch of red hair between his legs did little to conceal anything.


    The heat began instantly, spreading outward until my skin felt feverish from head to toe. I had never seen a naked man in person before, and the fact that it was Alexander, my mate, my husband, made it all the more intense.


    I swallowed hard and tried to look away, but my eyes kept dragging back to him.


    ¡°E,¡± Alexander growled, moving forward.


    I finally managed to tear my gaze away, my face burning. ¡°S¨Csorry,¡± I stammered. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to¡ª¡±


    ¡°I can smell you,¡± he cut me off.


    My head snapped back up. ¡°What?¡±


    Alexander¡¯s nostrils red, green eyes darkening. ¡°I can smell your arousal.¡±


    Mortification washed over me. Wolves could smell desire, but he shouldn¡¯t be able to scent mine. Not without my wolf. Unless¡­?


    ¡°Our contract doesn¡¯t include <i>sex </i><i>or </i>love,¡± Alexander said coldly. ¡°Don¡¯t forget that.¡±


    His words felt like a bucket of cold water being dumped over my head. The heat in my belly instantly cooled, reced by shame and embarrassment. I folded my arms across my chest, wishing I could disappear.


    ¡°I¡¯m well aware of that,¡± I snapped. ¡°I don¡¯t want to have sex with you.¡±


    ¡°Your scent says otherwise<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I swallowed hard. I shouldn¡¯t have had a scent. But that wasn¡¯t the only strange thing about tonight, how the hell had I made it all the way here?


    The hospital was miles away. I had run barefoot through the forest, over rocks and sticks and rough terrain. My feet were bleeding, but I¡¯d hardly noticed the pain. My body hadn¡¯t reacted at all to the intense cardio and muscr strain.


    Not to mention the fact that I¡¯d found Alexander without directions, without guidance, just¡­ following instinct.


    Was my wolf returning?


    Desperately, I reached inward, searching for that familiar presence. ¡°Hello? Are you there?¡±


    But there was nothing. No answer. My wolf was still dormant.


    Just then, the sound of crashing underbrush announced another arrival. Alexander tensed as if to fight another rogue, but it was Liam who burst into the clearing, p¨¢nting heavily.


    16:33 Fri, 22 Aug


    ¡°E!¡± he eximed, rushing toward me. Then he stopped short as he noticed Alexander¡¯s state of undress.


    Alexander scowled but made no move to cover himself. ¡°Take her back to the hospital,¡± he ordered. ¡°She shouldn¡¯t be here.¡±


    <b>15 </b>


    ¡°I came because I thought you were hurt,¡± I said, anger recing my embarrassment now. ¡°I was worried about you!¡±


    Alexander didn¡¯t answer. Liam moved to my side and ced an arm around my waist. ¡°Come on, E. Let¡¯s get you back. You¡¯re in no condition to be out here.¡±


    By now, my adrenaline had faded, leaving me shaky and sore. I didn¡¯t fight it as Liam scooped me up into his arms, one under my knees while the other supported my back.


    As he carried me away, I couldn¡¯t help but nce back over his shoulder. Alexander was still standing there, naked in the moonlight, watching us leave. The sight of him made my heart pound in my chest, and I quickly looked away before he could catch me staring again.


    By the time we reached the hospital, I was half asleep in Liam¡¯s arms, the exhaustion finally catching up to me. The hospital was in an uproar, nurses rushing around, Dr. Evelyn barking orders.


    ¡°Luna E!¡± she eximed when she spotted us. ¡°Thank the Goddess you¡¯re safe!¡±


    Liam carried me to my room and gently ced me on the bed. ¡°I¡¯ll leave you to it,¡± he said, nodding to the doctor before slipping


    out.


    Dr. Evelyn immediately began checking me over once we were alone. ¡°What were you thinking, running off like that? You could have copsed again, or worse!¡±


    ¡°Thad to find Alexander,¡± I said simply. ¡°I heard he was in danger.¡±


    The doctor¡¯s hands paused on my injured feet. ¡°And did you find him?¡±


    I nodded, heat creeping into my cheeks at the memory of that perfect, naked body standing in front of me. ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°On instinct?¡±


    ¡°¡­ I think so.¡±


    ¡°Interesting,¡± Dr Evelyn said, pulling over the monitors <b>as </b>she reconnected me to them. ¡°Hm¡­ Your vitals look better than before, which is surprising after all that. It¡¯s almost as if¡­¡±


    She trailed off, looking at me intently.


    ¡°As if what?¡± My heart pounded excitedly.


    ¡°As if your wolf is trying to surface¡±


    <b>I </b>sat bolt upright. ¡°Is that possible? Could my woll really being back on her own?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± Dr. Evelyn said, gently pushing me back down onto the bed. ¡°But perhaps strong feelings made your wolf¡¯s energy surge. Can you exin what happened when you ran off? Did any particr emotions or events trigger anything? A feeling, a scent, anything that might indicate your woll returning?¡±


    I furrowed my brow. ¡°Well, I was afraid that my mate was in danger, and I didn¡¯t feel pain¡­¡±


    213


    16:33 Fri, 22 Aug


    ¡°Anything else?¡± She tilted her head.


    My cheeks flushed as I recalled the one other thing that may have indicated my wolf returning the scent of my arousal.


    ¡°Nothing happened,¡± I blurted out quickly Too quickly.


    60%


    Dr. Evelyn¡¯s eyebrows shot up, wrinkling her forehead. ¡°Are you sure? Because if we could identify the trigger, we might be able to recreate it. It could be the key to bringing your wolf back permanently.


    I thought about Alexander standing naked in the moonlight, his muscles gleaming, his impressive manhood on prominent disy. I thought about the heat that had surged through me, the way my heart had raced, the tingling sensation between my legs. During those moments, all I had wanted was to finish what we had started in the alley.


    But I couldn¡¯t bring myself to say it out loud. Not to Dr. Evelyn. Not to anyone. There was no way in hell I was recreating that moment. Alexander certainly wouldn¡¯t allow it, and I had little intention as well.


    ¡°Nothing specific happened.¡± I lied. ¡°I was just worried about Alexander. That¡¯s all.¡±


    Disappointment shadowed the doctor¡¯s face. ¡°I see. Well, we¡¯ll continue monitoring your condition.¡± She sighed. ¡°Get some rest. And no more running off!¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t.¡± I muttered. My feet hurt too much anyway. And to think I had done all that just for Alexander to treat me like a nymphomaniac, curtly telling me that our contract didn¡¯t involve sex, as if he hadn¡¯t almost fucked me behind The Howling Moon a week ago.


    But that was all in the past, and now I knew for certain: that night was a mistake for both of us. There would be no finishing what


    we¡¯d started.


    Despite everything, Alexander still couldn¡¯t stand me. Whatever had happened between us was pure biology, including what had happened tonight. There were no true feelings behind any of it. It was just a cruel joke from fate.


    After the doctor left, I leaned back against the pillows, exhaustion taking over me. But even as tired as I was, my mind kept circling back to one image: Alexander¡¯s naked body in the moonlight. The breadth of his shoulders. The narrowness of his waist. The strength in his thighs. The size of his cock.


    I squeezed my eyes shut, but that only made the image more vivid.


    I¡¯d never wanted anyone the way I wanted Alexander at that moment. Never felt such a primal, visceral need. No matter how hard I tried, no matter how many times I told myself that there was nothing between us except for hatred and frustration, the images wouldn¡¯t go away.


    As sleep finally pulled me under, I drifted into dreams filled with moonlight and bare skin, with green eyes and red hair, with strong hands and soft lips.


    Dre.


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 The Perfect 55

    60%


    I


    Iran through the forest, the leaves and trees blurring past as I raced toward my mate, I felt no fatigue, no pain. My heart pounded, not from fear or exertion, but rather excitement.


    My mate ran beside me, also in wolf form, chestnut fur catching the light of the full moon. We locked gazes for a moment, and I could practically see his smile. I looked down, and saw not two feet but four, not pale skin but instead gleaming, silky fur


    My wolf had returned.


    We came to a stop beside a babbling brook and shifted,ughing. We fell back onto the soft grass, arms outstretched, the moon hovering above us like a disk in the sky.


    Warm fingers intertwined with mine. When I looked over, Alexander¡¯s skin was bare, and so was mine. Still smiling that same handsome, ethereal smile I¡¯d seen in the hospital, he rolled over me, positioned himself between my legs, and¡­


    ¡°E¡­¡±


    ¡°E!¡±


    I jolted awake to the sound of shouting, andmotion and someone calling my name, I blinked, confused, Was I still dreaming? Was I back in the forest with Alexander, making love beneath the moonlight?


    But no. The smell of cleaning solution and the sound of beeping monitors quickly reminded me that I was still in the hospital. The shouting, however, was real.


    ¡°You can¡¯t be in here! This is a private room!¡±


    ¡°Just one photo! The public has a right to know!¡±


    I sat up, blinking the sleep from my eyes just as a man with a camera burst through my door, followed closely by two more. The sh went off, momentarily blinding me so that I had to lift my arm to shield my face.


    ????


    ¡°Luna E! Is it true you¡¯re not marked? Has Alpha Alexander rejected you?¡±


    What the fuck? ¡°Get out!¡± I yanked the nket up to my chin. ¡°What the hell do you think you¡¯re doing?¡±


    More shes. More questions being hurled at me. The room seemed to shrink as the photographers surged around me.


    ¡°Have you been lying to the pack all these years?¡±


    ¡°Is your marriage a sham?¡±


    Before I could respond, hospital security rushed in, physically removing the photographers despite their protests. De Evelyn followed, face beet red with anger


    ¡°I am so sorry, Luna E¡± she said, shutting the door firmly behind thest security guard. ¡°They somehow snuck past the front


    desk¡±


    My hands were shaking as Flowered the nket ¡°What was that about? Why were they asking about my mark?¡±


    Dr. Evelyn¡¯s expression shifted ¡°Ah. You haven¡¯t seen the news, then¡± She hesitated, then pulled her phone out of her pocket and


    16:34 Fri, 22 Aug


    began tapping on the screen. ¡°I¡¯m afraid someone leaked some¡­ personal information about you.¡±


    She held her phone out toward me, and I took it with shaking hands. The headline on the screen made my blood run cold. ¡°ALPHA ALEXANDER¡¯S Secret shame: LUNA ELLA REMAINS UNMARKED AFTER FIVE YEARS?¡±


    The article beneath it was filled with spection and ¡°anonymous sources¡± iming that Alexander had never marked me because he didn¡¯t truly ept me as his mate. There were quotes from supposed ¡°close friends¡± of the pack saying that our marriage was purely political, that Alexander was in love with someone else, and that I was essentially just a ceholder until he could divorce <ol><li>me. </li></ol>


    That,bined with the gossip surrounding ourst scandal, had created the perfect storm.


    ¡°Fuck,¡± I whispered, scrolling through the article with growing horror. There were even side¨Cby¨Cside photos of me in various outfits over the years, all carefully chosen to show that my neck had never borne a mating mark.


    ¡°Is there anything I can do?¡± Dr. Evelyn asked gently.


    I shook my head. ¡°No. It¡¯s¡­ it¡¯s toote now. The damage is done.¡±


    And what damage it was. In werewolf society<i>, </i>an unmarked mate was practically unheard of, especially after this many years of marriage.


    The mark was sacred¨Cit wasn¡¯t just a physical symbol of the bond between mates, but it quite literally locked in the mate bond. Marked mates could speak via Mindlink, could feel each other¡¯s pulse, could sense the other¡¯s emotions.


    It was supposed to be given during the wedding night.


    For an Alpha <i>to </i>not mark his mate¡­ it was a scandal of the highest order.


    This would destroy Alexander¡¯s campaign. His reputation. Everything we¡¯d been working for.


    ¡°I¡¯d like to be discharged today,¡± I said, handing her phone back. ¡°I need to go home.¡±


    Dr. Evelyn frowned. ¡°Are <i>you </i>sure? After what happened yesterday-¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± I insisted. ¡°My vitals are stable, right? And I feel much better.¡±


    It was a lie. Despite the surge of energy I¡¯d feltst night, I was exhausted and in pain. But I couldn¡¯t stay here, not with the paparazzi breaking in. It was better to go home.


    After some debate, Dr. Evelyn reluctantly agreed to discharge me early, but only after running a final round of tests to ensure 1 wasn¡¯t in the danger zone.


    By early afternoon, I was ready to leave, dressed in the clothes Lilith had brought for my discharge. I slipped Alexander¡¯s sweatshirt on, but only to appease the paparazzi that I knew were waiting outside. At least, that was what I told myself as his faint scent washed over me.


    Lilith and I exited through the back of the hospital to avoid the paparazzi, although they had surrounded the entire ce. Thankfully, Liam was waiting right by the door with his car, engine running.


    Alexander wasn¡¯t with him. Of course. I didn¡¯t expect him toe for me today, even if I had turned my feet raw and bloody from running after himst night.


    ¡°<i>Quick</i>,¡± Liam said, opening the passenger door for me. ¡°Get in before they realize you¡¯re here.¡±


    16:34 Fri, 22 Aug


    I slid into the seat, ducking low as Liam hurried around to the driver¡¯s side. As we pulled away from the hospital, I caught sight of a group of photographers rushing toward us, cameras shing. Thankfully, we were already elerating down the street.


    ¡°How bad is it?¡± I asked, finally sitting up once we were safely away.


    Liam grimaced. ¡°Bad. It¡¯s all anyone¡¯s talking about. I don¡¯t know who leaked it, but they did a thorough job.¡±


    I leaned my head against the window, watching the town blur past. Would this impact Alexander¡¯s campaign? Most importantly, would it impact our contract? If he didn¡¯t make it through the election, would he refuse to divorce me? I might as well die now if that were the case.


    When we finally pulled up to the mansion, I expected chaos. Shouting matches between Alexander and Gabriel. Frantic phone calls to PR teams. General panic.


    What I didn¡¯t expect was to find Alexander calmly sipping coffee in the kitchen, reading a newspaper as if it were any other day.


    He looked up as I entered. ¡°Wee home.¡±


    I dropped my bag on the floor and stared at him, bewildered. ¡°That¡¯s it? ¡®Wee home¡®? Have you seen the news?¡±


    ¡°Of course I have.¡± He carefully folded the newspaper and set it aside. ¡°I¡¯ve been dealing with it all morning.¡±


    <b>¡°</b>Dealing with it? How? Our marriage is a sham, Alexander. Everyone knows it <i>now</i><i>. </i>Your campaign is over.¡±


    lexander¡¯s lips twitched, almost forming a smile. ¡°Don¡¯t be so dramatic. This is a minor setback, nothing more.¡±


    Couldn¡¯t believe what I was hearing. ¡°Everyone knows you haven¡¯t marked your mate! There¡¯s nothing ¡®minor¡® about that!¡±


    ¡°I have marked you,¡± Alexander said calmly. ¡°And we¡¯re going to prove it.¡±


    1 folded my arms across my chest. ¡°Now you¡¯re just not making any sense. You haven¡¯t marked me.¡±


    Alexander stood. ¡°No, I haven¡¯t. But they don¡¯t know that; which is why we¡¯re going to give you a fake mark and go out tonight to


    show it off¡±


    Ìï


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 The Perfect 56

    he mark certainly looked real.


    I turned my head to the side, pulling my hair away to get a better view in the mirror. Lilith had done an excellent job on the makeup. The two crescent¨Cshaped marks on my neck, meant to mimic the impression of Alexander¡¯s upper and lower fangs, looked like they¡¯d been there for years.


    She¡¯d even added a subtle texture to make them appear slightly raised, like real bite marks would be.


    If I didn¡¯t know better, I¡¯d think I was looking at a genuine mating mark.


    But the sight made a bitter and hollow feeling curl in my chest.


    This was what I should have had five years ago. This was what should have happened on our wedding night, when Alexander took me back to our honeymoon suite and imed me as his. He should have sunk his teeth into my neck as we made love for the first time,pleting the bond that fate had started.


    Instead, he had simply walked me to the door of the guest bedroom all the way on the opposite end of the mansion, muttered a curt ¡°goodnight,¡± and left me standing alone on my wedding night, confused and humiliated.


    irster, and here I was with a fake mark, getting ready to fool the world. To pretend, once again, that my marriage wasn¡¯t a ete sham.


    Iwas supposed to be getting dressed for dinner. Alexander had arranged for us to eat at the most visible, public restaurant in town -a ce where we were guaranteed to be seen and photographed.


    It was the perfect venue to show off my ¡°mark¡± and quell the rumors.


    But I couldn¡¯t stop staring at my reflection. At the mark that wasn¡¯t real. At the symbol of everything I¡¯d been denied.


    Fated mates were supposed to be sacred in our world. A fated mate was the ultimate gift from the Moon Goddess. Wolves spent their entire lives searching for their mates, praying to find that one person who was destined for them and spend the rest of their lives together.


    And here I was, mated to an Alpha who couldn¡¯t even bring himself toplete our bond.


    What was wrong with me? Why was I not good enough for him?


    I knew Alexander wasn¡¯t gay, not after what had happened in the alley behind the bar. Not after I¡¯d felt his hardness pressed against <b>me</b>. He <i>was </i>attracted to women. He was even attracted to me, at least physically.


    So why did he keep his distance? Why act like the very thought of making love to me and marking me was the worst thing that could happen?


    Was that repulsive to him? That unworthy? Was there someone else¨CSophia, perhaps?


    With a heavy sigh, Hturned away from the mirror id wallowed enough for one evening. Alexander would be waiting, <b>and </b>we had a stow to put <b>on</b>.


    I slipped into the dress I¡¯d chosen for tanight; it was a deep burgundy number with a low neckline specifically designed to draw


    16:34 Fri, 22 Aug


    Chapter 56.


    attention to my throat. The color made my pale skin look almost luminous, which made the fake mark stand out even more prominently against it.


    Perfect. Everyone would see exactly what Alexander wanted them to see.


    I was just putting the finishing touches on my makeup when a knock sounded at the bedroom door.


    59%


    ¡°E? Are you ready?¡± Alexander¡¯s voice called through the wood. ¡°We need to leave soon if we¡¯re going to make our reservation.¡±


    ¡°Coming,¡± I replied, grabbing my clutch and giving myself one final look in the mirror.


    Well, even though I felt like garbage, at least I looked confident and poised¨Clike a proper Luna with her mate¡¯s mark on her neck. No one would know it was all fake.


    I opened the door to find Alexander waiting in the hallway, dressed in a perfectly tailored charcoal suit that made his red hair look even more vibrant by contrast. He looked devastatingly handsome, and for a moment, I allowed myself to imagine what it would be like if this were real. If we were a normal couple going out for a nice dinner together.


    His eyes immediately went to my neck. Something shed across his face, but it was so fast I couldn¡¯t catch what it was.


    ¡°It looks convincing,¡± he said calmly. ¡°Lilith did a good job.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± I agreed. ¡°No one will be able to tell it¡¯s not real.¡±


    An awkward silence fell between us. There was so much I wanted to say, to ask. Why won¡¯t you just mark me for real? Why do you hate me so much? What did I ever do to deserve this?


    But I said none of it. Instead, I said curtly, ¡°Shall we go?¡±


    Alexander nodded, and we walked together to the car waiting outside.


    As we pulled up to the restaurant a little whileter, I wasn¡¯t surprised at all to see a crowd gathered outside. Alexander had made certain that our dinner ns were leaked. We needed maximum visibility for our little performance.


    The driver parked the car out front, and Alexander turned to me. ¡°Ready?¡±


    15)


    No. I wasn¡¯t ready. I didn¡¯t want to go out there, to be scrutinized and photographed, to have my fake mark on disy like another fucking humiliation. But what choice did I have? If Alexander¡¯s campaign didn¡¯t go well, he might not divorce me. And he certainly wasn¡¯t going to mark me, so divorce was my only option if I wanted to live.


    I nodded.


    Alexander got out and came around to open my door. The moment it swung open, the crowd surged around us, cameras shing, voices shouting<b>. </b>


    ¡°Luna E! Is it true you¡¯ve been marked all along?<i>¡± </i>


    ¡°Alpha Alexandert Did you mark her recently?¡±


    ¡°Were the rumors false?¡±


    I stepped out of the car and was immediately blinded by the shes. After a week in the hospital, my eyes were sensitive, and the sudden assault of bright lights left me stunned and disoriented. I raised a hand to shield my face.


    Then, before I could regain my bearings, Alexander was there. His arm slid around my waist, pulling me close against him. His other hand came up to cradle the back of my head, turning my face into his chest, shielding me from the relentless cameras.


    My eyes widened as his cologne washed over me, familiar and strangelyforting.


    For a moment, just a moment, I let myself melt into him, let myself imagine that this was real. That he was holding me because he wanted to, because he cared about me, because he couldn¡¯t bear to see his mate in distress.


    ¡°That¡¯s it! Turn a little more to the right, Alpha!¡±


    ¡°We can see the mark now! Perfect!¡±


    The shouts shattered my brief illusion before it could even fully form. I stiffened in Alexander¡¯s arms, realizing that he wasn¡¯t shielding me from the cameras. He was positioning me so they could get a better view of the fake mark.


    It was all for show. Everything was always for show.


    The bitterness I¡¯d been trying to hold at bay all day quickly returned in full force. I pulled away from Alexander¡¯s chest, my face carefully nk. He didn¡¯t seem to notice the change in me, too busy smiling for the cameras to think about me.


    I said nothing as he ced his hand on my lower back. I felt nothing as he guided me toward the restaurant.


    I just wanted tonight to be over as quickly as possible.


    B


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 The Perfect 57

    <b>Chapter </b><b>57 </b>


    E


    The restaurant was packed with the elite of Ashw. Every table was filled with pack members in their finest clothes, all pretending not to stare at us even though I knew they were all ncing at us out of the corners of their eyes. I could practically feel their eyes burning holes into my neck as we made our way to our table.


    Alexander pulled out my chair with a flourish, leaning close to whisper in my ear, ¡°Smile. Everyone¡¯s watching.¡±


    I stered on my best Luna smile, the one I¡¯d perfected over five years of pretending. Lately, it felt like even more of a mask that was too tight, stretching and cracking across the scowl I was wearing underneath.


    As we settled into our seats, I couldn¡¯t help butpare this charade to our chess games in the hospital. Those moments had been surprisingly¡­ real. Alexander¡¯s smile had been radiant, hisughter like music to


    my ears.


    Nothing at all like this. Nothing at all like the fake smiles and false loving looks we wore now.


    Strangely, looking back at the days when we had put on our act before my visit to the hospital, it had been so much easier. It was still difficult, but not nearly as painful as this. Almost as if those rare moments of happiness in the hospital had made me realize all the more exactly what I was missing.


    The waiter appeared with menus a momentter. His eyes immediately flitted to my neck, where the fake mark was still on prominent disy. ¡°Good evening, Alpha, Luna. May I say, it¡¯s an honor to serve you both tonight.¡±


    As the waiter poured our wine, his gaze kept flicking down to my mark. I knew he was dying to say something. The whole tri¨Cpack area was buzzing with the news by now. They were all wondering why I hadn¡¯t been seen with a mark in five years, only to suddenly step out in public with one the very same day the media leak had happened.


    ¡°Your mark<i>,</i><i>¡± </i>he finally blurted out, then immediately flushed. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Luna. That was inappropriate.¡±


    This was my cue. Alexander and I had rehearsed what I should say if anyone mentioned the mark. I took a


    small sip of wine and smiled shyly.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright,¡± I said softly. ¡°I¡¯ve always been a bit¡­ embarrassed by it. That¡¯s why I covered it with makeup for so long. But I¡¯ve realized now that all those pictures came out that it was silly. It¡¯s nothing to be ashamed


    of.¡±


    The waiter¡¯s face melted into a warm smile. ¡°Not at all, Luna! It¡¯s beautiful. A mark is evidence of mates


    loving one another. It¡¯s the most natural thing in the world.¡±


    <b>65</b>%


    33


    I nced at Alexander, who was watching me with an expression that would appear absolutely adoring to anyone watching. Anyone except me. ¡°Yes,¡± I agreed, turning back to the waiter. ¡°I see that now.¡±


    ¡°Well, I think it¡¯s wonderful that you¡¯re showing it proudly,¡± the waiter said, beaming at us. ¡°You two are such an inspiration. The perfect Alpha and Luna pair.¡±


    I thanked him, maintaining my smile until he left to give us a moment with the menus. If only he knew the truth, I thought bitterly. If only he knew that the ¡°perfect pair¡± was aplete and utter fucking sham.


    ¡°You did well,¡± Alexander murmured once the waiter was out of earshot. ¡°Very convincing.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve had years of practice,¡± I replied without looking up from my menu.


    Dinner dragged on interminably. Alexander and I made small talk, discussing safe topics like the weather and pack events, always with ayer of artificiality that made me want to scream. asionally, he might reach across the table to take my hand, or brush a strand of hair from my face¨Clittle gestures of affection that were entirely for the benefit of our audience and not at all for me.


    And yet, each time he touched me, my traitorous body responded, heart quickening, skin warming. And each time, I hated myself for it.


    This wasn¡¯t real. None of it was real. Alexander didn¡¯t love me, didn¡¯t want me. He was only using me to salvage his reputation so his campaign could go on without a hitch. And I was only going along with it because I needed him to reject me eventually if I wanted to live.


    By the time we finished dessert, my face was sore from smiling and my head was throbbing from the strain of maintaining the facade. All I wanted was to go home, wash off this fake mark, and copse into bed for about a week straight.


    Alexander must have noticed my fatigue because he signaled for the check earlier than I expected. ¡°You look tired,¡± he said, and for once, it seemed like he meant it.


    ¡°I am,¡± Tadmitted. ¡°It¡¯s been a long week.¡± I hadn¡¯t even had a full day at home after being discharged from the hospital before we had to do this. But we had to act quickly before the media shitstorm got worse, after all.


    The drive home was mercifully silent. Alexander didn¡¯t try to continue our performance, for which I was grateful. I leaned my head back against the headrest and shut my eyes for most of the ride, too tired to keep them open for long.


    When we finally arrived home, I kicked off my heels the moment we stepped through the door.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to take a bath and then go to bed,¡± I said, already heading for the stairs.


    Alexander nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll be in my office for a while. I have some emails to answer.¡±


    11:30 Sat, 23 Aug


    F05%


    Upstairs, I peeled off my dress and removed my jewelry, leaving them in a pile on the floor. I¡¯d deal with them tomorrow. Right now, all I wanted was thefort of hot water to soothe my aching muscles.


    I ran the bath as hot as I could stand it, adding a generous amount of cherry vani bath oil that Lilith had given me as a wee¨Chome gift. As the tub filled, I caught sight of myself in the mirror¨Cpale skin, tired eyes, and that damned fake mark on my neck.


    With a frustrated huff, I grabbed a makeup wipe and began violently removing it, scrubbing until my skin was pink and raw. Then I pinned up my hair and sank into the steaming water with a groan.


    The heat immediately began to work its magic, loosening the knots in my shoulders and back. I tilted my head against the edge of the tub and closed my eyes, just for a moment.


    The next thing I knew, a hand was on my shoulder, gently shaking me.


    ¡°E? E, wake up.¡±


    I jerked awake, cold water sloshing around me as I sat up with a gasp. My eyes flew open to find Alexander kneeling beside the tub, his hand still on my bare shoulder and his face close to mine.


    For a disoriented moment, I just stared at him in shock. Why was Alexander in the bathroom? Why was he


    touching me? And why was I¡­


    Oh, Goddess. I was naked. Completely naked in the bathtub with Alexander¡¯s hand on my skin.


    >


    S


    C


    Before I could stop it, that familiar fucking heat surged through me. My nipples hardened instantly, and I felt


    a throb between my legs that made me have to press my thighs together to quell it.


    Alexander¡¯s eyes dropped for just a second, taking in my exposed body before quickly returning to my face. But that one nce was enough. I¡¯d seen that look in his eyes.


    Lust. And¡­


    He¡¯d scented my arousal.

 The Perfect 58

    <b>Chapter </b><b>58 </b>


    E


    65%


    Alexander¡¯s green eyes darkened as he knelt beside the bathtub. The spot where his hand met my shoulder


    was like a thousand tiny matches being struck at once, igniting the warmth that had begun to spread


    through my body.


    His nostrils red, and I knew he had scented it again.


    My arousal.


    This was exactly like the alley behind The Howling Moon all over again¨Cthat same maic pull, that same desperation. The way Alexander looked at me now, like he was starving and I was the only thing that could


    fill his belly, made me want to forget everything else. Made me want to pull him into the tub with me and


    finish what we¡¯d started that night.


    Without thinking, I shifted slightly, water sloshing around me as I leaned toward him. Alexander¡¯s pupils dted, and his free hand came up to brace against the edge of the tub, bringing his face closer to mine. I


    could smell the bourbon on his breath, could see the way that one pesky muscle in his jaw jumped.


    For a moment, the air between us crackled like a grassy field before a storm.


    But then reality came crashing back.


    This wasn¡¯t love. This was lust, pure and simple. Biology and the fated mate bond working against my better judgment. Alexander had made it perfectly clear that our contract didn¡¯t include sex or feelings, and I¡¯d made the decision to stop wanting his mark.


    I wouldn¡¯t let myself be fooled again by my body¡¯s reactions to him.


    ¡°What the hell are you doing?¡± I snapped, jerking away from his touch so quickly that more water slopped over the edge of the tub. I folded my arms over my chest in a futile attempt to cover my bare breasts. ¡°Get


    out!¡±


    Alexander blinked, returning to his senses. He stood. ¡°You were unconscious in the bathtub. I was making sure you didn¡¯t drown.¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m fine, so you can leave. You have no right to be in here.¡±


    Something flickered across Alexander¡¯s face, but it was gone before I could be sure what I saw. He wiped his wet hand on his pants and looked down at me with that same cold expression he¡¯d worn for years.


    ¡°Now we¡¯re even,¡± he said simply.


    I frowned. ¡°What?¡±


    14:30


    bat, 23 Aug


    P


    ¡°The forest. You saw me naked, now I¡¯ve seen you naked. We¡¯re even.¡±


    Heat flooded my cheeks as I remembered Alexander standing in the moonlight after his careless shift, every inch of his perfect body on disy. I¡¯d been so worried about him being hurt that I¡¯d barely processed what I was seeing until it was toote, but the memory had haunted my dreams ever since.


    ¡°That¡¯spletely different,¡± I sputtered. ¡°You were the one who shifted carelessly and tore your clothes-¡±


    ¡°And you were the one who fell asleep in a bathtub,¡± Alexander cut me off. ¡°idents happen, I suppose.¡±


    Before I could respond, he turned and walked out of the bathroom.


    I stared at the closed door for a long moment, my heart still racing from our encounter. I couldn¡¯t help but rey the way he¡¯d looked at me, the way his hand felt on me. For just a few seconds, I¡¯d felt desired. Wanted. Like I was something worth having instead of just a burden he had to endure.


    But that was exactly the problem, wasn¡¯t it? Alexander didn¡¯t want my heart; he only wanted my body, and even that was debatable. It was probably just his wolf pulling him toward me and nothing more.


    Shaking my head, I climbed out of the lukewarm tub and wrapped myself in a towel, shivering in the cool bathroom air.


    As I dried my hair, I reached deep within myself, searching for any sign that my wolf might be stirring. After what had happened in the forest, Dr. Evelyn had suggested that strong emotions might be the key to bringing my wolf back. And what I¡¯d just felt with Alexander had certainly been strong.


    But there was nothing. Just the same hollow emptiness I¡¯d been carrying around for months. My wolf was


    still dormant.


    The next morning brought news that made my already sour mood even worse.


    ¡°A charity auction?¡± I asked, staring at the invitation Gabriel had delivered along with our breakfast. ¡°Tomorrow night?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s been on the calendar for months,<i>¡± </i>Alexander said without looking up from his coffee. ¡°I assumed you


    knew.¡±


    I scanned the invitation with a sigh. The annual Ashw Children¡¯s Hospital Charity Auction¨Cquite the mouthful¨Cwas one of the biggest social events of the year. Everyone who was anyone would be there, which meant more cameras, and most of all¡­


    More pretending to be the perfect mated couple.


    Which meant more fucking makeup to create my fake mark.


    Dammit, I had only been home from the hospital for two days, and already I was exhausted. But Alexander and I needed to go to that event, especially with the recent media attention. It was a good opportunity to


    11:30 Sat, 23 Augu


    donate to charity, and it was also a chance to quell some more of the rumors.


    The rest of the day passed quickly. I had to sit through another session with Lilith carefully applying the fake mark, each brush stroke a reminder of everything I didn¡¯t have.


    By evening, I was ready. The fake mark looked perfect, my dress was stunning, and my smile was utterly bulletproof. I looked every inch the devoted Luna,plete with my mate¡¯s mark proudly disyed on my


    throat.


    also felt like aplete and utter fraud.


    ¡°You look beautiful, dear,¡± Lilith said softly as she put the finishing touches on my hair. ¡°But you seem


    troubled.¡±


    I met Lilith¡¯s eyes in the mirror. ¡°I¡¯m just tired of all this pretending.¡±


    Lilith was quiet for a moment as she arranged a few loose curls around my face. Then she stepped back and reached into her pocket, pulling out a small jewelry box.


    ¡°I have something for you,¡± she said, holding out the box with a smile. ¡°Something that might lift your


    spirits.¡±


    Curious, I opened the box. Inside was a delicate silver locket, clearly old but beautifully maintained. The surface was engraved with intricate swirls and what looked like tiny flowers.


    ¡°It¡¯s gorgeous,¡± I breathed, lifting it carefully from the box. ¡°Where did you get it?¡±


    Lilith beamed. ¡°It¡¯s been in my family for generations. My grandmother gave it to my mother, my mother gave it to me. I always nned to give it to my daughter someday.¡±


    My eyes widened as I met her gaze again in the mirror. ¡°Lilith, I can¡¯t-¡±


    ¡°You can,¡± Lilith said firmly, taking the locket from my hands. ¡°You are like a daughter to me, E. I told you that at the hospital, and I meant it. This locket belongs with someone who will treasure it, and I know you


    will.¡±


    Tears pricked at my eyes as Lilith fastened the chain around my neck. The locket settled just below my corbone, the silver color popping against my pale skin like it was made for me.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I whispered, touching the locket gently. ¡°This means more to me than you know.¡±


    Lilith squeezed my shoulders. ¡°You deserve to have beautiful things, dear one. You deserve to be cherished.¡±


    The simple words nearly broke me. When was thest time someone had told me I deserved to be cherished? When was thest time someone had given me a gift simply because they loved me, not because they wanted something from me?


    <b>3/4 </b>


    11:30 Sat, 23 Aug


    64%


    +33


    ¡°I love you,¡± I said softly, and I meant it. Lilith had be the mother I¡¯d never had, the one person in my life who truly cared about my happiness. Her eyes shimmered with tears at my words, and she reached out and brushed her thumb across my cheek.


    ¡°Oh, my dear girl¡­¡±


    As if on cue, a knock at the door interrupted the moment. ¡°E?¡± Alexander¡¯s voice called from the hallway.


    ¡°We need to leave.¡±


    I sighed and pulled away, turning toward the mirror onest time. The sight of Lilith¡¯s locket on my throat seemed to lift some of the weight of the fake mating mark right next to it.


    With a nod, I grabbed my clutch and headed out.


    <b>4/4 </b>

 The Perfect 59

    E & Alexander


    E


    64%1


    <b>+33</b>)


    The charity auction was everything I¡¯d expected it to be¨Cpacked with socialites who were all dressed to the nines, elegant white linens and crystal chandeliers, and tables full of auction items lining the walls.


    Alexander and I had been making the rounds for about an hour, his hand never moving away from its position on my lower back as we moved from table to table, examining the various items up for bid.


    A weekend getaway to the mountains. A vintage wine collection. A private dinner with a celebrity chef.


    All of it felt hollow and meaningless when so many other couples were bidding on the more intimate options, and all the while I was wearing a fake mark and pretending to be madly in love with a man who could barely stand to touch me.


    ¡°Smile,¡± Alexander murmured in my ear as a photographer approached. ¡°Look interested in the jewelry.¡±


    I stered on my Luna smile and leaned closer to examine a diamond tennis bracelet on the table in front


    of me. The photographer snapped a few pictures, and I made sure to angle my neck so the fake mark was clearly visible.


    Just another performance in our endless charade.


    Once the photographer grew tired of us, we moved to the next table, where Alexander struck up a


    conversation with another Alpha about some business deal while I perused a collection of rare antique


    books. I was actually reading the spines, trying to find something that Lilith might like, when I felt something m into me from behind.


    I stumbled forward, catching myself against the edge of the table, but I felt something catch on the corner


    and snap against my neck. The delicate chain of Lilith¡¯s locket broke, and I watched in horror as the piece of jewelry fell to the floor.


    ¡°Oh my Goddess, I¡¯m <i>so </i>sorry!¡±


    I turned to find Sophia standing behind me. She was wearing a stunning red dress, and her blonde hair was


    swept up into an borate style.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t see you there,¡± she said. ¡°How clumsy of me!¡±


    Before I could react, she stepped forward as if to help, but her heel came down directly on Lilith¡¯s locket with a sickening crunch.


    ¡°No!¡± I gasped, hand flying to my throat as I stared down at the ne. The delicate engravings were


    11:30 Sat, 23 Aug


    scratched and dented beyond repair, and the chain waspletely destroyed.


    304%


    Lilith¡¯s family heirloom. Generations of history, crushed under the heel of Sophia¡¯s shoe in the span of one


    night.


    ¡°Oh dear, it¡¯spletely ruined, isn¡¯t it?¡± Sophia said airily. ¡°What a shame. It looked so¡­ quaint.¡±


    Quaint.


    She knew exactly what she¡¯d done. This wasn¡¯t an ident.


    +33


    I turned slowly to look Sophia directly in the eye. For a moment, I seriously considered pping that smug expression right off her perfect face. My hand actually twitched with the urge.


    But I caught myself when I saw the onlookers staring at us from behind their folding fans and sses of champagne. Causing a scene at a charity auction wouldn¡¯t help anyone, least of all me. It would only give the gossips more ammunition and make Alexander look bad..


    ¡°idents happen,¡± I said quietly, clenching my hand into a fist at my side.


    Sophia gestured to the tables around us. ¡°Well, at least you¡¯re surrounded by plenty of jewelry to rece it


    with.¡±


    I didn¡¯t trust myself to respond to that. Without another word, I turned and stalked away, weaving through the crowd toward the bathroom. I could feel Alexander¡¯s eyes on me, but I didn¡¯t look back. He¡¯d probably


    side with Sophia anyway¨Che always did.


    The bathroom was mercifully empty when I reached it. I locked the door behind me and finally let the tears


    fall.


    It was gone. The one real thing I had these days, the symbol of someone¡¯s unconditional love for me¡­


    destroyed.


    I leaned against the sink, trying to pull myself together. I had to go back out there, of course. People would begin to ask questions soon.


    But as I straightened up, the room suddenly tilted sideways. My knees went weak, and I had to grab the edge of the sink to keep myself upright. The familiar weakness was back, only this time, it was worse than


    before.


    I gripped the cold marble until my knuckles went white, waiting for the dizziness to pass. My reflection in the mirror looked pale and drawn, and for a terrifying moment, I wondered if this was it. If I was finally going to copse for good.


    But slowly, the room stopped spinning. I managed to steady myself, although my hands were still trembling. I sshed cold water on my face, careful not to ruin my makeup, and took a few deep breaths.


    11:31 Sat, 23 Aug


    Then, I stered that smile back on and returned to the auction.


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    33


    Alexander


    I stooped to pick up the broken pieces of the ne and felt my heart ache. Earlier, I¡¯d overheard Lilith


    giving this jewelry to her; she¡¯d said it was a family heirloom. E was so upset she had just run off without


    picking it up.


    ¡°Gabriel,¡± I called, motioning my Beta over. When he reached me, I handed him the broken <i>pieces </i>of the locket. ¡°Take this to the best jewelry maker in the territory. Tell them to fix it, <i>no </i>matter the cost.¡±


    Gabriel frowned as he looked at the damaged silver. ¡°It¡¯s pretty badly damaged, Alpha. Are <i>you </i>sure it can be repaired?¡±


    ¡°It has to be.¡± I felt a muscle feather in my jaw, recalling the moment I had overheard earlier, when Lilith had given it to E. It clearly meant everything to them. ¡°It¡¯s irreceable.¡±


    Gabriel nodded and pocketed the ne. ¡°Very well. I¡¯ll take it to the jewelry maker tonight.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡±


    As Gabriel left to handle the locket, I found myself wandering aimlessly through the auction disys, my mind spinning. I couldn¡¯t spot Sophia anywhere, as if she had left abruptly after the ident.


    Finally, I stopped in front of a disy of delicate jewelry. Most of it was too shy for E¡¯s tastes, but one piece caught my eye: a simple silver bracelet with a small charm in the shape of a cherry blossom.


    It was a ridiculous impulse. E didn¡¯t need more jewelry, and she certainly didn¡¯t need gifts from me. Our rtionship was contractual and temporary. I had no business buying her presents on a whim like this.


    But I couldn¡¯t stop staring at that bracelet. The cherry blossom charm was delicate and perfect, just like the flowers E loved so much. The ones I¡¯d brought to her hospital room without really understanding why.


    ¡°You¡¯re going soft for her,¡± my wolf¡¯s voice echoed in my mind.


    I pursed my lips. ¡°It¡¯s not like that. I just feel bad.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s because you want her. You love-¡±


    ¡°Enough.¡±


    My wolf went silent at mymand, but I could still feel his amusement as he curled up and went back to sleep.


    Before I could talk myself out of it, I found the volunteer managing that particr table and ced a bid. It


    11:31 Sat, 23 Aug


    was a charity auction, after all¨Ceverything was for a good cause.


    64%


    ¡°That¡¯s a lovely piece,¡± the elderly woman said as she wrote down my bid number. ¡°Your wife has excellent


    taste.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Twenty minutester, I was the proud owner of one silver cherry blossom bracelet. I slipped the small jewelry box into my jacket pocket, all the while trying to convince myself that I was only doing this to make up for what had happened to the locket.


    Nothing more.


    I made my way toward the bathroom, nning to wait for E to emerge so I could give her the bracelet.


    As I rounded the corner, I saw E already stepping out of the bathroom. She lookedposed again, her


    makeup refreshed and her smile firmly in ce.


    She turned toward me and began to approach. But before she could reach me, her knees buckled beneath her, and she began to pitch forward.


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    64%8

 The Perfect 60

    E


    It happened again.


    I was walking toward Alexander when my knees suddenly buckled beneath me for a second time. This time, Thad nothing to catch myself on, and I felt myself pitching forward toward the marble floor.


    But strong arms caught me before I could hit the ground. Alexander¡¯s hands moved across my waist, gently tugging me up and into his embrace.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    I blinked, trying to clear the dark spots that had appeared in my vision. When my sight returned, I saw green eyes staring down at me with concern, and then it hit me¨CI was pressed firmly against Alexander¡¯s sturdy chest, palms syed across the firm muscles, the scent of bourbon and woodfire smoke so strong it blotted out all else.


    My heart pounded. Stupid, traitorous little thing.


    ¡°1-1, um¡­1¡¯m not feeling so well¡­¡± I started to respond, but then, over Alexander¡¯s shoulder, I saw Gabriel watching from across the room. His mouth was set in that familiar disapproving line.


    Immediately, I snapped my mouth shut, biting my tongue. Gabriel was waiting for me to show weakness.


    Waiting for me to prove that I was the weak, pathetic excuse for a Luna that he thought I was.


    Maybe it was juvenile of me, but I wouldn¡¯t give him the satisfaction.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± I recovered quickly, stepping back. ¡°My shoes are just killing me. These heels are way too high.¡±


    It was a believable excuse. Every woman at this event was wearing ridiculously tall heels, and I¡¯d certainlyined about sore feet before. Alexander¡¯s eyes searched my face for a moment, and it seemed like he


    wasn¡¯t entirely convinced, but he didn¡¯t push it.


    ¡°Actually,¡± he said, reaching into his jacket pocket, ¡°I have something that might cheer you up.¡±


    I frowned, watching as he pulled out a small velvet jewelry box. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°I saw it at one of the auction tables and thought of you.¡± He opened the box to reveal a delicate silver bracelet with a tiny cherry blossom charm dangling from it. ¡°I know it can¡¯t rece what you lost tonight,


    but¡­¡±


    My breath caught. The bracelet was beautiful¨Csimple and elegant, perfectly feminine and understated while having enough shine to it to catch the eye. The cherry blossom charm was perfectly detailed, each tiny petal etched painstakingly into the silver.


    304%


    ¡°Alexander, you didn¡¯t have to-¡±


    ¡°I wanted to.¡± He lifted the bracelet from the box and gently took my wrist, fastening the sp with careful fingers. The metal was cool against my skin, contrasting sharply with the heat of his hand, and the charm caught the light from the chandeliers above us.


    For a moment, I just stared down at it. Alexander had bought this for me. He¡¯d seen it and thought of me,


    thought it might make me feel better after what happened with Lilith¡¯s locket. Maybe he did care about me, at least a little bit. Maybe-


    Before I could finish that thought, a camera sh went off nearby, followed by another, and reality crashed


    back down around me.


    Of course. Of course this wasn¡¯t a genuine gesture. Alexander had spotted the photographers circling us like vultures and decided this would make a perfect photo op. The devoted husbandforting his wife after an


    unfortunate ident, buying her jewelry to rece what was lost. It was exactly the kind of image his campaign needed.


    I felt my face go nk as I looked up at him. ¡°Thank you. It¡¯s lovely.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wee,¡± Alexander said, and if he noticed the change in my tone, he didn¡¯t mention it.


    I forced a smile as more cameras shed, lifting my wrist so the bracelet was clearly visible. The


    photographers ate it up, snapping picture after picture of Alexander¡¯s romantic gesture. I wondered how long it would take for the photos to hit social media,plete with captions about what a perfect couple


    we were.


    ¡°Should we head back inside?¡± Alexander asked. ¡°I think they¡¯re about to start the live auction.¡±


    I nodded stiffly and let him guide me back toward the main ballroom with his hand on my lower back. The


    bracelet felt heavier now, less delicate. It was beautiful, but suddenly, I wasn¡¯t sure if I even wanted it.


    The rest of the evening passed in a blur. Alexander and I bid on a few items¨Cnothing too expensive, but


    enough <i>to </i>show that we were participating. I made small talk with other Lunas about charitable causes and


    pack politics.


    All the while, the exhaustion grew more and more intense by the minute.


    I didn¡¯t copse again, but I certainly felt like I might. My knees were weak, my back sore, my head always spinning slightly even when I avoided alcohol.


    Somehow, though, I managed to stay upright¨Cif only to spite Gabriel.


    By the time we made it to the dessert course of the meal portion of the night, I was struggling to keep my


    eyes open. My fork felt impossibly heavy as I picked at the chocte mousse on my te.


    11:31 Sat, 23 Aug


    ¡°You look like hell.¡±


    I nced up to find Sophia standing beside our table with a champagne flute in her hand and that familiar smirk on her face. Alexander was nowhere to be found¨Clikely rubbing elbows with pack officials


    somewhere.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± I said.


    ¡°You look sick,¡± Sophia said bluntly, taking a seat beside me. ¡°Pale, tired, and honestly¡­¡± She leaned in, dropping her voice to a whisper. ¡°¡­Bloated. Are you feeling alright? You¡¯re not¡­ expecting, are you?¡±


    My fingers tightened around my fork. Was she seriously asking if I was pregnant? As if she hadn¡¯t stirred up enough trouble already tonight by destroying the one thing that meant the most to me?


    ¡°I¡¯m perfectly fine, thanks for asking,¡± I said, mming my fork down so hard it rattled the table and made nearby guests jump. ¡°And maybe next time you insult another woman¡¯s appearance, you should look in the mirror. That dress isn¡¯t doing you any favors.¡±


    The table around me went silent. Sophia¡¯s face went red, and for a moment I thought she might throw her champagne at me. But we were surrounded by too many important people for her to cause a scene. Instead, she pushed her chair back with a loud scrape, stood, and stalked away without another word.


    Ignoring the stares, I grit my teeth and picked up my fork, shoveling a big bite of mousse into my mouth.


    The auction finally ended around eleven o¡¯clock, and I¡¯d never been so grateful to see an event conclude. My feet were screaming in these heels, my head was pounding, and all I wanted was to go home and copse into bed.


    When we finally pulled into our driveway, I was practically holding my eyes open with toothpicks. But as we made our way up the grand staircase, Liam stepped out from the parlor.


    ¡°Alexander,¡± he called out. ¡°Can I speak with you for a moment?¡±


    Alexander nced at me, then back at Liam. ¡°Of course. E, you go ahead. I¡¯ll be up shortly.¡±


    As if I was going to wait for him.


    With a nod, I trudged upstairs to our bedroom, my feet aching with every step. The first thing I did was kick off those torturous heels, then I scrubbed off the fake mark in the bathroom mirror until my skin was red


    and raw again.


    The face staring back at me indeed looked haggard. I hated to admit it, but Sophia hadn¡¯t been wrong about the pale, sickly look. I looked like I was wasting away, which I supposed I was.


    I sighed, pushing a strand of hair out of my eyes. The cherry blossom bracelet glinted on my wrist as I


    moved, and I felt my stupid fucking heart do that thing again.


    1131


    Sat, 23 Aug


    63%<b>1 </b>


    For a moment, just a moment, I wanted to believe that Alexander had purchased the gift for me because he cared. Not because he had an outside agenda.


    But I quickly mmed that thought out of my mind, because it was bullshit. Alexander would never go that far. He didn¡¯t truly care about anything except his image and his campaign.


    ¡°No,¡± I hissed, almost scolding myself as I hastily reached for the sp. ¡°He doesn¡¯t care-¡±


    Before I could unsp the bracelet, it happened again.


    Only this time, there was no one to catch me.


    The room tilted sideways, then upside down, then rightside up again. Spinning, spinning, spinning. Nausea roiled through me like a riptide, and before I even had a chance to gasp, I was crashing against the floor.


    The cold tiles mmed into my head, and in that moment of blinding white pain, the cherry blossom bracelet glinted past my vision.

 The Perfect 61

    <b>Chapter 61 </b>


    Alexander


    Something was wrong with E.


    And I wasn¡¯t just talking about the hospital visit. No, something was seriously, deeply wrong. Something far more than exhaustion or a bug.


    I¡¯d noticed it throughout the evening, not just when she nearly copsed into me, but all night. She looked drawn and pale, her hands shook, and she thought I didn¡¯t notice, but I saw the way she always reached out to hold onto the wall or a table or something, anything, to keep herself upright.


    I med myself.


    It had only been two days since she¡¯d been discharged from the hospital, and here I was dragging her to a charity auction because it was good for my campaign and because I needed to show off that damn fake mating mark.


    What kind of husband did that make me?


    The contractual kind, I reminded myself. But even so, I could have been more considerate. I should have let her rest. I didn¡¯t have to love E, but I definitely needed to make sure she didn¡¯t die on my watch.


    ¡°Alexander?¡± Liam¡¯s voice pulled me from my thoughts. We were standing in the parlor, and I¡¯d been staring at the firece for the past five minutes. ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    ¡°Sorry. I¡¯m fine. Just tired,¡± I said. ¡°What did you want to discuss?¡±


    ¡°The in¨Cpack evaluation is wrapping up. I¡¯ll probably be moving back to my own ce within the week.¡±


    I nodded. It made sense¨CLiam had been staying with us for over a month now, observing pack dynamics and my leadership style as part of the official assessment process. I was a little relieved that he was leaving.


    ¡°I wanted to thank you,¡± Liam continued. ¡°For your hospitality. I know having me here hasn¡¯t exactly been convenient, especially with everything else going on.¡±


    I blinked, surprised.


    ¡°It¡­ wasn¡¯t a problem.¡±


    Liam¡¯s mouth twitched as if he didn¡¯t believe me, but he nodded. ¡°Well, I hope the evaluation goes well for you<i>,</i><i>¡± </i>he said. ¡°You¡¯re a good Alpha, Alexander. Your pack is lucky to have you.¡±


    Thepliment caught me off guard. We¡¯d been circling each other like rivals for weeks, and yet he was


    being kind. Thanking me for my ¡°hospitality¡°. Complimenting my leadership. Hoping that I would make it through the evaluation phase of the campaign.


    11:31 Sat, 23 Aug


    63%


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I managed. ¡°It¡¯s, uh¡­¡± Dammit, why was I having such a hard time finding the right words? ¡°It


    was a pleasure having you.¡±


    Now, Liam was the one who looked surprised. His face broke into a smile, and for a moment, I saw what E


    saw in him: a kind young Alpha who had once been her best friend.


    ¡°Perhaps we can¡­ Grab a drink sometime,¡± he said.


    ¡°Perhaps.¡±


    After Liam headed upstairs, I lingered in the parlor, pouring myself a bourbon and settling into one of the leather chairs. The house was quiet except for the ticking of the grandfather clock in the corner.


    ¡°Good news about Liam leaving,¡± Gabriel said, appearing in the doorway. ¡°Finally.¡±


    I looked up from my drink. ¡°He¡¯s not that bad.¡±


    Gabriel snorted. ¡°Maybe not, but it¡¯ll be good to have our privacy back. And E can move back to her own room once he¡¯s gone.¡±


    The words made my shoulders tense, although I couldn¡¯t say why. Of course E would move back to her


    own room. The only reason she¡¯d started sleeping in mine was because having Liam in the house made it


    necessary to maintain the illusion that we were a normal married couple.


    And yet¡­


    ¡°Right,¡± I said, taking a sip of bourbon. ¡°Back to normal.¡±


    Gabriel seemed pleased. ¡°No more pretending to be the loving couple. You¡¯ll be morefortable without


    her in your space.¡±


    Her. As if she were¡­ What? A stranger? An enemy?


    I didn¡¯t know what E was to me anymore. Once, she had been all of the above and so much more. Buttely, the lines were blurring. Lately, I didn¡¯t see a spy or the daughter of the people who had had my parents killed, but instead a woman who had been roped into this life just as much as I had.


    I also saw someone who was very sick and very tired.


    After Gabriel left, I sat alone with my drink and tried to figure out why the thought of E moving back to her room made my chest feel too tight to breathe.


    It was ridiculous. We¡¯d slept in separate rooms for five years before Liam arrived. I was used to having the


    bed to myself, used to having my own space. Used to not lying awake listening to her breathing, or watching the way the moonlight fell across her face when she slept.


    Fuck.


    ???? ???????


    When had I started doing that? When had I started looking forward to the weight of her beside me in bed, the way she always slept curled on her side facing away from me, the soft little sounds she made when she


    dreamed?


    During her week in the hospital, I¡¯d barely slept. I kept reaching for her in my sleep, only to find empty space where she should have been. I¡¯d told myself it was just habit, just my body adjusting to the change in routine.


    But now, thinking about going back to sleeping alone while E was all the way on the opposite end of the mansion in her old room¡­ It felt wrong. Like losing something I hadn¡¯t realized I wanted to keep.


    It was just the mate bond, though. That was what I told myself, at least.


    After all, it was far easier to me biology than to ept that it could be anything else.


    I knocked back the rest of my bourbon and headed upstairs, trying to push the thoughts away. E probably wanted her own space back anyway. The arrangement had been for show and nothing more. She¡¯d never indicated that she enjoyed sharing a bed with me.


    The bedroom was dark when I entered, and I assumed E was already asleep. But when I nced at the bed, it was empty, the covers still perfectly made from this morning.


    I then noticed the bathroom door cracked open, light spilling out from within. Curious, I walked over and


    knocked. No answer.


    ¡°E?¡± I pushed the door open.


    And I stopped dead when I saw herying there.


    She was crumpled on the floor beside the vanity, unconscious, her face pale as death against the cold marble tiles. For a second, I couldn¡¯t move, couldn¡¯t breathe. She looked so small lying there, so fragile.


    Then, reality crashed into me. My wolf howled, my heart pounded, my entire body suddenly became filled


    with adrenaline.


    Mate.


    My mate was unconscious on the fucking bathroom floor while I had been drinking bourbon downstairs!


    ¡°E!¡± I dropped to my knees beside her, pressing my fingers to her neck. Her pulse was weak but there,


    and she was breathing, but she wouldn¡¯t wake up no matter how much I shook her or called her name.


    Panic wed at me as I scooped her up in my arms, surprised by how light she felt, and carried her to the


    bed. Her head lolled as I gentlyid her on the bed then fumbled for my phone.


    ¡°Come on, E,¡± I whispered, frantically dialing for help. ¡°Wake up.¡±


    11:31 Sat, 23 Aug


    703%


    But she didn¡¯t wake. She didn¡¯t even stir when I called the emergency line. Didn¡¯t stir when Gabriel ran into the room, asking what was happening. Didn¡¯t even twitch when Lilith barreled in soon after him, crying out and throwing herself onto the bed.


    She was still unconscious when Dr. Evelyn finally arrived twenty minutester.


    ¡°What happened?¡± the doctor asked, setting her medical bag on the nightstand.


    ¡°I found her unconscious in the bathroom. She¡¯s been tired all evening, nearly fainted twice at the charity auction we attended. I should have brought her home earlier.¡±


    Dr. Evelyn¡¯s face paled. She exchanged a look with Lilith that I couldn¡¯t quite decipher.


    Then, she turned toward me and gestured to the door.


    ¡°Alpha Alexander, I¡¯m going to have to ask you to step out of the room.¡±


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    11:31 Sat, 23 Aug

 The Perfect 62

    <b>Chapter </b><b>62 </b>


    Liam & Alexander


    Liam


    Liam was just heading back to his room when he heard themotion. There were muffled shouts upstairs, and then a doctor swept into the house¨Cthe same doctor from the hospital.


    Curious, he followed the sounds and was nearly bowled over by a thunderous Alexander, who came barreling out of his bedroom with his Beta on his heels.


    Liam froze. ¡°What happened?¡±


    But Alexander wasn¡¯t listening. He stormed away, shoulders tense, fists clenched. The Beta was saying something to him quietly, although Liam couldn¡¯t hear it. And then they were gone.


    Frowning, Liam approached the bedroom door, reaching out to grab the handle. But before he could open


    it, he heard the muffled voices within.


    ¡°How bad is it?¡± Lilith sounded like she was crying.


    ¡°Worse than I hoped,¡± Dr. Evelyn¡¯s voice replied. ¡°The dormancy is progressing faster now. Her body is essentially shutting down because her wolf has been dormant for so long.¡±


    Liam¡¯s hand dropped to his side. Dormancy?


    ¡°But she should have had months left,¡± Lilith sobbed. ¡°How is this possible?¡±


    The doctor sighed. ¡°I¡¯m not sure. This disease¨Cif we can call it that¨Cispletely new to me. There have only been a few cases of someone losing their wolf due to their mate not marking or rejecting them in recorded history, and none of them are detailed enough. I don¡¯t know how the symptoms will progress¡ªall I know is that she¡¯ll certainly die within the year.¡±


    Liam staggered back against the wall behind him, each word like a gunshot. E was dying?


    Lilith¡¯s sobs within the bedroom were enough to make tears spring to Liam¡¯s own eyes. E was dying of some¡­ mysterious disease. Something to do with her wolf going dormant due to Alexander not marking her or rejecting her.


    But the mating mark he¡¯d seen in those pictures¡­ Was that fake?


    It had to be; E had told Liam that Alexander didn¡¯t love her. At the time, he¡¯d thought she said that out of


    lovesickness, but now he realized that it had little to do with that and everything to do with her very life.


    ¡°He has to mark her or reject her,¡± the doctor said. ¡°Otherwise, she will die. And it might be sooner than we


    thought.¡±


    11:31 Sat, 23 Aug


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    Fury washed over Liam as he heard those words. If it was true and Alexander had refused to help her, Liam


    would kill him with his bare hands. He wouldn¡¯t even hesitate.


    ¡°Can we tell him?¡± Lilith asked. ¡°Surely if he knew-¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not my decision to make,¡± Dr. Evelyn said. ¡°E begged me not to tell him. I may be her physician,


    but I have no right to make her personal choices.¡±


    Liam¡¯s mind spun, fury turning into confusion. So Alexander didn¡¯t even know¡­?


    Lilith¡¯s sobs continued inside the room, and all the while, Liam¡¯s chest ached. But his mind also made itself


    up, too. If Alexander didn¡¯t know, then how could he help E?


    No. Liam wouldn¡¯t let his best friend die because she was too afraid to tell Alexander the truth. Liam had


    made a vow to help and protect her; perhaps she would be angry if he told Alexander without her


    permission, but at least she would be alive to feel anger.


    Without a second thought, Liam pushed away from the wall and headed downstairs to find Alexander.


    He found him in the parlor, standing by the window with a ss of bourbon in his hand.


    ¡°Alexander,¡± Liam said from the doorway. ¡°I need to talk to you.¡±


    Alexander turned, and Liam could see the worry etched across his face. ¡°If it¡¯s about the evaluation-¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s about E.¡±


    Alexander


    Liam stepped into the room. ¡°I overheard the doctor talking to Lilith. Alexander, E¡¯s wolf is dormant.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Her wolf has been asleep for months, maybe longer. And if it stays dormant too long without the mate bond beingpleted¡­¡± Liam¡¯s face was grim. ¡°She¡¯ll die.¡±


    The words didn¡¯t make sense at first. Die? From what?


    ¡°That¡¯s not possible,¡± I said. ¡°I¡¯ve never heard of anything like that.¡±


    ¡°Me neither.¡± Liam¡¯s face darkened. ¡°But I heard the doctor saying it just now. She said that if you don¡¯t mark or reject her, she¡¯ll wither away and die.¡±


    For a long moment, I just stared at Liam. Was he messing with me? In all my years, I¡¯d never heard of-


    ¡°Yes. You have.¡±


    11:31 Sat, 23 Aug


    My wolf¡¯s voice was like a gunshot in my mind, and then it hit me. Nearly three months ago now¡­


    63%


    I recalled E storming into my office unannounced. She had been more righteous than I¡¯d ever seen her, and she had told me exactly what Liam just did. It had been the day she had asked for a divorce¡­


    And I hadn¡¯t believed her.


    At the time, I thought she was lying, that she just wanted attention because she was unhappy in our marriage. I had never heard of such a disease, so how could it be real?


    Goddess, what a bloody fucking fool I was!


    ¡°Alexander, snap out of it.¡± Liam¡¯s voice was sharp as he stormed up to me, ripping me out of my thoughts. ¡°The doctor said she¡¯ll die. Your mate will die. My friend will die. Alexander, if you don¡¯t do something, I¡¯ll


    fucking kill you.¡±


    As he spoke, his fangs shed, eyes glowing a dangerous hue. My own wolf bristled in response. The threat was clear enough even if he hadn¡¯t said the words.


    ¡°But she doesn¡¯t want me to mark her. She asked for a divorce.¡±


    ¡°Because she thinks you don¡¯t want her!¡± Liam¡¯s voice rose, then he caught himself and lowered it again. ¡°Alexander, she¡¯s been dying for months, and she thinks you hate her. Of course she asked for a divorce. She knew you wouldn¡¯t mark her, so she chose the other option.¡±


    Dammit. For five years, I¡¯d kept my distance because I couldn¡¯t trust her, couldn¡¯t risk letting her close. But now, finding out that my distance had led to potentially losing her permanently¡­


    ¡°I¡¯ll talk to her,¡± I said. ¡°I¡¯ll see what she wants, and whatever it is, I¡¯ll do it.¡±


    Some of the fury seemed to dete from Liam¡¯s shoulders, but only a little. He was still angry with me, and


    rightfully so.


    This was my fucking fault, after all. I was the one who had distanced myself from E for five years. I was the one who had refused to mark her. I was the one who had forced her to sleep on the opposite side of the mansion and made her eat dinner alone and made her feel like she had nothing and no one.


    ¡°Do the right thing, Alexander,¡± Liam growled. ¡°Don¡¯t let her die because you¡¯re too stubborn to admit you fucking care about her.¡±


    I nodded, then quickly left him in the parlor and headed back upstairs. The doctor and Lilith had finished their examination, and Dr. Evelyn was packing up her medical bag when I stepped into the room.


    ¡°How is she?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Stable for now, but Alexander¡­¡± Dr. Evelyn¡¯s face was serious. ¡°I need to ask you something, and I need you to be honest. Has E mentioned anything about her wolftely? Any concerns about her health?¡±


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    My throat felt tight. ¡°She tried to tell me months ago that something was wrong. I didn¡¯t listen.¡±


    The doctor nodded grimly. ¡°I see. Well, she¡¯s resting now. Let her sleep¨Cshe needs it. But you two should probably talk when she wakes up.¡±


    When. Not ¡°if¡°. That was a good thing, at least.


    After Dr. Evelyn left, I sat in the chair beside the bed and watched E sleep. She looked so small under the covers. The cherry blossom bracelet I¡¯d bought her was still on her wrist, catching the moonlight from the


    window, and the chain looked looser on her than it had just a few hours ago.


    She¡¯d been dying, and she had tried to tell me, and I was too much of a bastard to listen to her.


    That night, I dozed fitfully in the chair, jerking awake every time E shifted or made a sound. But she slept peacefully through the night, never even waking for a moment.


    It was just after dawn when Gabriel burst into the room.


    ¡°Alpha,¡± he said urgently. ¡°We have a problem.¡±


    I rubbed my eyes. ¡°What kind of problem?¡±


    ¡°Trade dispute with one of the neighboring packs. They¡¯re iming we breached our contract, and they¡¯re threatening to take it to the Alpha Council. You need to go there and sort this out before it esctes and potentially impacts your campaign.¡±


    I looked at E, still sleeping peacefully in the bed. The campaign¡­ Did I care about that right now?


    ¡°Alexander, this is serious,¡± Gabriel insisted. ¡°If the Alpha Council believes you¡¯re an unreliable trading partner, it could ruin everything.¡±


    I closed my eyes, rubbing my temples. Gabriel was right, of course. The timing couldn¡¯t have possibly been worse, but he was right.


    Finally opening my eyes, I looked at E¡¯s sleeping form, torn between my duties as Alpha and my responsibilities as her mate. If I didn¡¯t go, the trade dispute could spiral out of control and damage my campaign. But if I left without talking to her¡­


    ¡°Fine,¡± I finally said, standing. ¡°I¡¯ll go quickly. But I need you to do something for me.¡±


    Gabriel raised an eyebrow.


    ¡°When E wakes up, I need you <i>to </i>give her a message. Tell her¡­¡± I paused, trying to find the right words. ¡°Tell her I know about her condition. About her wolf. And tell her that when I get back, I¡¯ll mark her if that¡¯s


    what she wants.¡±


    11:31 Sat, 23 Augu


    <b>Chapter </b><b>63 </b>


    E

 The Perfect 63

    E


    The morning light streaming through the bedroom windows was too bright, and my head was pounding worse than any hangover. I blinked slowly, trying to remember what had happened. Slowly, far too slowly, it


    all came back to me.


    The charity auction, Sophia destroying Lilith¡¯s locket, the bracelet Alexander had given me, returning


    home¡­


    And then the moment that everything had gone ck.


    I tried to sit up, wincing as my body protested. Every muscle ached, and there was a dull throb behind my eyes that made me want to crawl back under the covers and sleep for another week.


    ¡°You¡¯re awake.¡±


    I turned toward the voice and found Gabriel sitting in the chair beside the bed, his arms crossed and that familiar disapproving expression on his face. Not exactly the person I¡¯d been hoping to see when I first woke <ol><li>up. </li></ol>


    ¡°Where¡¯s Alexander?¡± I asked, my voiceing out as a croak. I reached up to touch the bandage on the


    side of my head where I had hit the tiles and winced as ance of pain shot through me.


    ¡°He had to leave this morning. Trade dispute with a neighboring pack. He¡¯ll be gone for a few days.¡±


    The disappointment hit me harder than I expected it to. Deep down, I¡¯d been hoping Alexander would be


    here when I woke up. Maybe sitting beside the bed like he had in the hospital, maybe even looking worried


    about me. But of course he wasn¡¯t. Of course he¡¯d found something more important to do.


    ¡°Oh,¡± I managed. ¡°Right.¡±


    Gabriel leaned forward, and something in his expression made my blood run cold. There was something dark and predatory there, like a wolf licking its chops before it went in for the kill. ¡°E, everyone knows


    now.<i>¡± </i>


    I stiffened. ¡°Knows what?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t y dumb. We all know about your so¨Ccalled ¡®condition¡°.¡± He maid air quotes with his fingers like the condition didn¡¯t really exist. ¡°Your little secret is out. Did you really think you could hide it forever, or did you hope we would all find out so you could finally get what you¡¯ve always wanted?¡±


    My heart jolted. No. No, no, no. No one was supposed to know about it. I had begged the doctor to keep it a secret. All I wanted was to get through the next few months and have Alexander reject me when it was all over. ¡°Who told you?¡± I breathed.


    11:31 Sat, 23 Aug


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    ¡°Does it matter? The point is, now we all know how weak and pathetic you really are.<i>¡± </i>Gabriel stood up, his figure blotting out the morning sunlight and turning him into nothing but a silhouette as he loomed over me. ¡°Alexander was right about you all along.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°He told me you¡¯d try anything to manipte him. Even faking an illness to get his attention.¡± Gabriel¡¯s eyes glittered with malice. ¡°He said you were desperate and weak, and that he¡¯d never mark someone like you.¡±


    The words felt like individual knives in my heart, twisting and stabbing over and over. Alexander had said that? He¡¯d called me desperate and weak? He still didn¡¯t believe me, even after everything?


    ¡°That¡¯s not¨CI wasn¡¯t faking anything,¡± I whispered.


    ¡°How convenient that you suddenly develop this mysterious illness right when your marriage is failing. How convenient that the only cure is Alexander¡¯s mark.¡± Gabriel shook his head. ¡°He saw right through you, E.


    He knows exactly what kind of person you are.¡±


    My chest felt tight, like I couldn¡¯t get enough air, like I was fucking drowning. Had Alexander really said those things about me? Was he really so¡­ cruel?


    ¡°He won¡¯t mark you<i>,¡± </i>Gabriel went on, tilting his head. ¡°He made that very clear. You¡¯ll have to wait for the divorce like the contract says. A contract is a contract, after all.¡±


    ¡°But I¡¯ll die,¡± I choked out.


    ¡°Yeah, right. We all know you¡¯re full of shit.¡±


    I stared up at Gabriel, anger warring with the hurt and confusion in my gut. I wanted to use my Luna Voice, perhaps make him grovel at my feet for the way he was speaking to me¡­ But the pain just outweighed the


    fury.


    ¡°Get out,¡± I said quietly.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    ¡°I said get out.¡± I turned my head away, ¡°I don¡¯t want to look at you anymore.¡±


    Gabriel chuckled. ¡°Ah, no Luna Voice this time?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just asking you to leave. Please.¡±


    For a moment, I thought he might refuse just to spite me. But then he shrugged and headed toward the


    door. ¡°Oh, before I forget. Alexander arranged for you to have some help during your¡­ ¡®recovery¡®. A new


    maid.¡±


    He opened the door and gestured to someone in the hallway. A young woman stepped into the room, and I


    11.32 Sal, 20 Auy


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    immediately felt every one of my insecuritiese rushing back.


    She was gorgeous. Probably no older than neen, with long brte hair and bright blue eyes. Her figure was perfectly proportioned, and she moved into the room with graceful ease like she belonged here.


    And worst of all¡­ She looked just like fucking Sophia.


    ¡°This is Sarah,¡± Gabriel said. ¡°She¡¯ll be taking care of you while you¡¯re allegedly indisposed.¡±


    Sarah smiled and curtsied, although her eyes remained locked on mine. ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you, Luna.¡±


    The way she said my title made it sound like a joke. It didn¡¯t take a genius to know that this wasn¡¯t a maid to help me during my recovery, but someone to mock and belittle me. A humiliation.


    ¡°I¡¯ll leave you two to get acquainted,¡± Gabriel said, and I could hear the amusement in his voice as he left.


    The room felt smaller with just Sarah and me in it. She stood by the door, staring at me for far too long until I squirmed slightly under her gaze.


    ¡°So,¡± she finally said, ¡°what do you need?¡±


    I was starving¨CI couldn¡¯t remember thest time I¡¯d eaten anything. ¡°Could you bring me some soup, please? Something light.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± Sarah¡¯s smile was all teeth. ¡°Anything else?¡±


    ¡°No, that¡¯s fine. Thank you.¡±


    Sarah left, and I was alone with my thoughts. The cherry blossom bracelet Alexander had given me was still. on my wrist, catching the morning light. Just looking at it made me want to retch.


    He thought I was weak. Maniptive. He¡¯d rather watch me die than mark me, and he had even hired a Sophia clone just to kick me while I was down.


    Without thinking, I tore off the bracelet, not caring that I broke the sp, and threw it across the room. It hit the wall with a soft clink and ttered to the floor behind the dresser. Good. I never wanted to see it again.


    When Alexander came back, I wouldn¡¯t beg him to mark me. I wouldn¡¯t y the pathetic, dying wife anymore. I¡¯d demand he reject me immediately so I could at least die with some dignity intact.


    Sarah returned about twenty minutester carrying a tray with a bowl of soup and some crackers. She set it on the nightstand beside the bed.,


    ¡°Here you go,¡± she said sweetly.


    I tried to sit up further to reach the tray, but my arms were still shaky. ¡°Could you help me with that? I¡¯m having trouble-¡±


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    33/


    ¡°Oh, of course.¡± Sarah picked up the bowl, but instead of handing it to me carefully, she let it tip. Hot soup spilled directly onto myp, soaking through the thin fabric of my nightgown and scalding my thighs.


    I screamed, the burning pain immediate and intense. ¡°What the hell!¡±


    ¡°Oh my Goddess, I¡¯m so sorry!¡± Sarah said. ¡°How clumsy of me!¡±


    The bedroom door flew open, and Lilith rushed in. ¡°E! What happened?¡±


    ¡°She spilled hot soup on me.¡± I reached for a nearby napkin. ¡°It¡¯s alright, I¡¯m fine-¡±


    Lilith, however, wouldn¡¯t be convinced. ¡°Get out,¡± she ordered the maid. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of this myself.¡±


    ¡°But I was told to-¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care what you were told. Get out of this room. Now.¡±


    Sarah sighed and threw her hands up in the air. ¡°Fine. If that¡¯s what you want.¡±


    Shaking her head, Lilith rushed over and practically shoved Sarah aside, helping me dab at the hot liquid.


    Sarah walked past us toward the door, but as she reached it, she turned and looked at me over her


    shoulder. The sneer she gave me wasn¡¯t exactly subtle.


    And then she was gone.

 The Perfect 64

    <b>Chapter </b>64


    Alexander


    The pack¡¯s territory in


    question was a three¨Chour drive north, through winding mountain roads that slowed the entire journey. The Alpha, a stern older man named Kieran, met me at the pack house with a


    scowl that could have frozen hell over.


    ¡°Alexander,¡± he said, clearly not bothering with pleasantries today. ¡°I wasn¡¯t expecting you toe personally.¡±


    ¡°When my Beta tells me there¡¯s a dispute over a trade contract, I handle it myself,¡± I replied, stepping out of


    the car.


    The Alpha¡¯s expression darkened further. ¡°Your Beta, yes. Interesting man. Very¡­ forting about your pack¡¯s intentions.¡±


    Something cold settled in my gut. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Come. We¡¯ll discuss this in my office.¡±


    We made our way to the Alpha¡¯s office, where heunched right into his tirade.


    ording to Kieran, Gabriel had contacted him two days ago, iming that Ashw was nning to pull


    out of our long¨Cstanding trade agreement. Gabriel had allegedly told him that I was looking for better deals


    elsewhere and that Kieran¡¯s pack should prepare for the contract to be terminated.


    ¡°So naturally,¡± Kieran said, spreading the paperwork across his desk, ¡°we decided to cut ties first. Better to


    end things on our terms than be left scrambling when you inevitably broke the agreement.¡±


    I stared at the documents, my jaw clenching so hard I thought my teeth might crack. ¡°Gabriel told you!


    wanted to terminate our contract?¡±


    ¡°He said you were dissatisfied with the current terms and were actively seeking other partners.¡± Kieran


    leaned back in his chair. ¡°Was he lying?¡±


    ¡°Yes, he was fucking lying.¡± The words came out in a rush. ¡°Our contract is solid, and I have no intention of changing suppliers. It seems my Beta overstepped his authority.¡±


    It took another two hours to straighten everything out. I had to reassure Kieran that Ashw remained


    consequences for this.


    By the time I left the territory, my blood was boiling. What the hell was Gabriel thinking? Making unteral decisions about pack business without consulting me first? Jeopardizing important trade rtionships?


    11:32 Sat, 23 Aug t¡¤


    <b>Chapter </b><b>64 </b>


    Alexander


    The pack¡¯s territory in


    question was a three¨Chour drive north, through winding mountain roads that slowed the entire journey. The Alpha, a stern older man named Kieran, met me at the pack house with a scowl that could have frozen hell over.


    ¡°Alexander,¡± he said, clearly not bothering with pleasantries today. ¡°I wasn¡¯t expecting <i>you </i><i>to </i><ie </i>personally.¡±


    ¡°When my Beta tells me there¡¯s a dispute over a trade contract, I handle it myself,¡± I replied, stepping out of


    the car.


    The Alpha¡¯s expression darkened further. ¡°Your Beta, yes. Interesting man. Very¡­ forting about your pack¡¯s intentions.¡±


    Something cold settled in my gut. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Come. We¡¯ll discuss this in my office.¡±


    We made our way to the Alpha¡¯s office, where heunched right into his tirade.


    ording to Kieran, Gabriel had contacted him two days ago, iming that Ashw was nning to pull out of our long¨Cstanding trade agreement. Gabriel had allegedly told him that I was looking for better deals elsewhere and that Kieran¡¯s pack should prepare for the contract to be terminated.


    ¡°So naturally,<i>¡± </i>Kieran said, spreading the paperwork across his desk, ¡°we decided to cut ties first. Better to end things on our terms than be left scrambling when you inevitably broke the agreement.¡±


    I stared at the documents, my jaw clenching so hard I thought my teeth might crack. ¡°Gabriel told you I


    wanted to terminate our contract?¡±


    ¡°He said you were dissatisfied with the current terms and were actively seeking other partners.¡± Kieran leaned back in his chair. ¡°Was he lying?¡±


    ¡°Yes, he was fucking lying.¡± The words came out in a rush. ¡°Our contract is solid, and I have no intention of changing suppliers. It seems my Beta overstepped his authority.¡±


    It took another two hours to straighten everything out. I had to reassure Kieran that Ashw remainedmitted <i>to </i>our partnership, review the original contract terms, and promise that Gabriel would face


    consequences for this.


    By the time I left the territory, my blood was boiling. What the hell was Gabriel thinking? Making unteral


    decisions about pack business without consulting me first? Jeopardizing important trade rtionships?


    11:32 Sat, 23 Aug E


    63%


    I drove back to Ashw faster than I probably should have on those winding, dangerous roads, but I didn¡¯t


    care. Gabriel had some exining to do.


    I found him in his office, calmly reviewing pack reports like he hadn¡¯t just nearly destroyed one of our most important partnerships.


    ¡°Alexander,¡± he said, looking up with surprise. ¡°You¡¯re back early. How did the negotiations go?¡±


    ¡°Cut the bullshit, Gabriel.¡± I mmed the door behind me hard enough to rattle the painting hanging beside it. ¡°What the fuck did you tell our allies?¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change, but I caught the slight tightening around his eyes. ¡°I informed him that there might be changes to our current agreements.¡±


    ¡°You told him I wanted to terminate the contract.¡±


    ¡°I told him you were exploring other options.¡±


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t exploring anything! You had no right to speak for me.¡± I stepped closer to his desk, letting my Alpha presence fill the room like thunder rumbling in the distance. The force of it almost seemed to dim the lights. ¡°You nearly cost us that partnership. Not to mention the fact that you fucking sent me on a wild goose chase while my wife is sick in bed.¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s face paled slightly, but he held his ground. ¡°I was protecting your interests.¡±


    ¡°What the fuck are you talking about?¡±


    He stood slowly. Too slowly. ¡°I talked to E, you know. She told me she has no intention of letting you mark her. And she actually said some pretty heinous things.<b>¡± </b>


    The storm raging inside of me guttered momentarily. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re falling for her, Alexander. I can see it written all over your face. And I knew she was going to say some hateful, horrible things, so I did what I thought best to get you out of the house so she could say them <i>to </i>me instead.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t believe it. My Beta, my friend, had lied to me¡­ because he wanted to protect me? From E?


    ¡°I¡¯m not falling for her,¡± I growled.


    Gabriel scoffed. ¡°Right. Because the hospital visits, the public appearances, all of it isn¡¯t making you soften toward her. You¡¯ve been distracted from pack business because of her, and you know it.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re out of line.¡±


    ¡°Am I? When was thest time you reviewed our quarterly reports?¡± Gabriel¡¯sposure was starting to crack. ¡°I¡¯ve been covering for you, handling things you should be managing yourself.¡±


    215


    11.32 Sat, 23 Aug


    63%


    The usation stung because there was some truth to it. I had been distractedtely, spending more time. thinking about E than I should have. But that didn¡¯t give Gabriel the right to make decisions behind my


    back.


    ¡°Regardless, you don¡¯t make unteral decisions about pack partnerships,¡± I said, my voice deadly quiet. ¡°Ever. If I catch you overstepping again, you¡¯ll find yourself in the same position you were in after you insulted my mate right in front of her parents. Are we clear?¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s face went pale at the reminder of his punishment. I¡¯d practically beaten him to a pulp in that alleyway, and then afterwards, I had made him scrub the entire mansion from top to bottom until he vomited from the physical effort.


    ¡°Say ¡®yes, Alpha?¡± I took another step forward, fangs slipping out in warning.


    Gabriel¡¯s throat bobbed. ¡°Yes, Alpha.¡±


    ¡°Good. Now, you¡¯re going to fix this mess. You¡¯re going to contact Kieran and beg him for forgiveness. Then


    you¡¯re going to contact all of our other trading partners and make sure you haven¡¯t filled their heads with


    lies too.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Alpha.¡±


    I left Gabriel¡¯s office before I did something I¡¯d regret, like rip his throat out. My Beta was walking a very thin lely, and I was getting tired of his insubordination.


    But I hated that he was partially right.


    I was falling for E. Hard and fast and far deeper than I ever wanted to.


    And¡­ It hurt to think that she had said she didn¡¯t want me to mark her. What else had she said?


    But I couldn¡¯t trust a word out of Gabriel¡¯s mouth, so I decided to go straight to her. It was a relief to know


    that she was awake, and now it was time to talk.


    I found her in the bedroom, sitting by the window with a book in her hands and a nket spread over herp. She looked up when I entered, but there was no warmth in her expression. No relief that I was back. She just blinked at me slowly, then returned to her book.


    ¡°E,¡± I said, closing the door behind me. ¡°How are you feeling?¡±


    ¡°Fine.¡± Her voice was t.


    I moved closer, noting the bandage on the side of her head where she¡¯d hit the bathroom floor. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I had to leave. The trade dispute couldn¡¯t wait.¡±


    ¡°Of course it couldn¡¯t.¡±


    11:32 Sat, 23 Aug


    The coldness in her voice made me pause. ¡°Gabriel gave you my message, I take it?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    I waited for her to borate, but she just stared at her book like I wasn¡¯t there. ¡°And?¡±


    63%


    E finally looked at me, and the emptiness in her eyes was like watching stars wink out of the night sky in real time. ¡°I want you to reject me as soon as possible. I don¡¯t want your worthless fucking mark. I never did, and I never will. I want to finish our contract and then I want you to reject me and I never want to see your face again as long as I live.¡±


    ¡°E-¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s what I want.¡± She turned toward the window. ¡°And since Liam is gone now, I¡¯ll be moving back to my old room. There¡¯s no need to keep up the charade anymore. I hated sharing a bed with you and I can¡¯t wait for it to be over.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± The word came out sharper than I meant it to.


    E¡¯s eyebrows rose slightly. ¡°No?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not moving back to your room. Not yet.¡± I scrambled for a reasonable exnation that didn¡¯t involve admitting I¡¯d gotten used to having her beside me at night. ¡°The pack needs to see a strong Alpha- Luna rtionship. It¡¯s good for morale, and it¡¯ll help with the election.¡±


    It sounded hollow even to me, but it was better than the truth. Better than admitting that the thought of sleeping alone again made my heart ache.


    E stared at me for a long moment, then looked away with something that might have been disappointment. ¡°Fine. Whatever you want. It¡¯s always about what you fucking want.¡±


    I stared at her for a long moment, stunned. She seemed so angry. So hateful. As if I hadn¡¯t offered to do


    whatever she wanted to solve her problems.


    The silence stretched on interminably. I wanted to say something else, but the words wouldn¡¯te. What


    was there to even say? She hated me. She didn¡¯t want me to mark her. She just wanted toplete our


    contract and get divorced. She had never felt anything toward me except for loathing.


    ¡°I¡¯ll let you rest,¡± I said after a few eternal moments.


    She didn¡¯t acknowledge me. Just licked her thumb and forcefully flipped to the next page of her book. I realized then that she wasn¡¯t wearing the bracelet I¡¯d purchased for her.


    I clenched my jaw and turned on my heel, storming out, the door mming shut behind me. As I made my way down the hall, I nearly ran into a young woman carrying a tray of tea. I¡¯d never seen her before.


    ¡°Oh!¡± she said, stumbling back with a sweet smile. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Alpha. I didn¡¯t see you there.¡±


    11:32 Sat 28 Aug


    63%


    I steadied her automatically, noting that she was pretty in a generic sort of way. Brte hair, blue eyes, probably early twenties. She sort of looked like Sophia. But I didn¡¯t recall hiring her despite her wearing a maid¡¯s uniform. ¡°Who are you?¡±


    ¡°Sarah, sir. I¡¯m the new maid. I¡¯ve been helping Luna E with her recovery.¡± Her smile widened. ¡°It¡¯s such an honor to meet you.¡±


    I nodded distractedly. ¡°Right.¡± E must have hired her. ¡°Well, if you¡¯ll excuse me.¡±


    I walked away before she could say anything else, too frustrated with the conversation with E to make small talk with a random maid I¡¯d never seen before.

 The Perfect 65

    The days blurred together after Alexander returned from his trip. I spent most of my time in bed, sleeping fitfully or staring out the window at the garden below. The bandage on my head had been reced with a smaller one, but the headaches were still pretty persistent.


    Alexander barely spoke to me anymore. He woulde to bedte, long after I¡¯d pretended to fall asleep, and he would leave early in the morning before I woke up. When we did cross paths, we would just exchange angry res and then go our separate ways.


    It was better this way. Easier.


    33


    I didn¡¯t have to pretend anymore that there might be something between us. Didn¡¯t have to wonder if those moments in the hospital or the way he¡¯d looked at me for those brief seconds meant anything.


    Gabriel had made it crystal clear what Alexander really thought of me: weak, maniptive, pathetic. He


    didn¡¯t care if I died. He only cared about himself.


    I hated him.


    The cherry blossom bracelet was still somewhere behind the dresser where I¡¯d thrown it. I could have asked


    Sarah to retrieve it, but I didn¡¯t want to see it again. Didn¡¯t want another reminder of how stupid I¡¯d been to


    think Alexander might actually care.


    On the fourth day, there was a soft knock on the bedroom door. I expected it to be Lilith with soup or Sarah


    with her fake sweetness, but instead, Liam poked his head around the door.


    ¡°Hey,¡± he said gently. ¡°Mind if Ie in?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± I struggled to sit up straighter, smoothing down my hair. I probably looked like hell.


    Liam entered and closed the door behind him, then pulled the chair closer to the bed and sat down. His


    face was serious.


    ¡°How are you feeling?¡±


    ¡°Fine,¡± I said automatically.


    ¡°E.¡± He gave me that knowing look that he¡¯d always been too damn good at. ¡°How are you really feeling?¡±


    I sighed and let my shoulders sag. ¡°Like shit. But what else is new?¡±


    ¡°I talked to Alexander.¡±


    My stomach clenched. ¡°About what?¡±


    11:32 Sat, 23 Aug ¨C


    63%


    ¡°About your condition. About what you¡¯ve been going through.¡± Liam leaned forward, bracing his elbows on his knees. ¡°E, why didn¡¯t you tell me? Why didn¡¯t you tell anyone?¡±


    ¡°Because I didn¡¯t want anyone¡¯s pity.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not pity. It¡¯s concern. From people who care about you.¡± Liam¡¯s voice was gentle but there was an edge of frustration there. ¡°You¡¯ve been suffering alone for months. You could have died, and none of us would have known why.¡±


    I looked away, focusing on the pattern of the wallpaper like I hadn¡¯t already counted every line over the past


    days. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright. I¡¯m not angry with you. I¡¯m just¡­ I wish you¡¯d trusted me enough to tell me.¡±


    ¡°I know. I should have.<i>¡± </i>The words felt hollow in my mouth. What was the point of rehashing it now? ¡°But it doesn¡¯t matter anymore.¡±


    ¡°Of course it matters. E, you need to hang in there. Alexander knows the truth now, and I think he really


    wants to help. He might mark you soon, and then all your problems will be solved.¡±


    I let out a bitterugh. ¡°That¡¯s not happening.¡±


    Liam blinked. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°I mean Alexander made it very clear that he thinks I¡¯m a maniptive liar. He¡¯s not going to mark me.¡± I


    picked at a loose thread on the nket. ¡°He told Gabriel I was weak and pathetic and that he would never


    mark someone like me.¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t sound right.¡± Liam frowned. ¡°When I told him about your condition, he seemed really


    concerned. Upset, even. Like he cared about what happened to you.¡±


    The thought made my heart flutter, but I squashed that feeling so fast it almost physically hurt. ¡°He was probably just acting,¡± I blurted out.


    ¡°Acting? Why would he-¡±


    ¡°Because you¡¯re still evaluating him for the election.¡± I finally met Liam¡¯s eyes. ¡°He can¡¯t look like a heartless


    bastard who would let his mate die, not when there¡¯s an Alpha Council member watching his every move.


    So he ys the concerned husband, says all the right things about wanting to help when he really has no


    intention of doing that.¡±


    Liam¡¯s frown deepened. He opened his mouth to say something, but before he could, the bedroom door swung open without so much as a knock. Sarah breezed in carrying fresh linens.


    ¡°Oh,¡± she said. ¡°I didn¡¯t realize the Luna hadpany.¡± She set the linens down on the end of my bed and


    looked like she had no intention of being the one to leave.


    11:32 Sat, 23 Aug 1


    ¡°I should get going,¡± Liam said, standing. He squeezed my hand gently. ¡°We¡¯ll talk moreter, okay?¡±


    I nodded, although I doubted there was much left to say. Liam was a good friend, but he didn¡¯t understand.


    He never would.


    After Liam left, Sarah hastily moved to fluff my pillows before I could even sit up. The movement jostled my head, making me wince as pain shot through my skull where I¡¯d mmed it on the tiles the other night.


    ¡°Careful,¡± I muttered.


    ¡°Sorry.¡± Sarah giggled. ¡°You just look so fragile lying there. Like <i>you </i>might break if I breathe on you wrong.¡±


    I bit back my first response, which would have involved several colorful words about where she could shove her observations. Instead, I just said tly, ¡°I¡¯m recovering from a head injury.¡±


    ¡°Of course you are.<i>¡± </i>Sarah moved around the bed and began unceremoniously ripping the linens off even though I was stillying there. ¡°Must be nice, having everyone wait on you hand and foot. I wish I didn¡¯t have to work for a living!¡±


    ¡°Sarah,¡± I said slowly, warningly, ¡°I don¡¯t appreciate your tone.¡±


    She paused in her bustling, looking at me with those bright blue eyes. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Luna. I didn¡¯t mean any


    disrespect.¡±


    But there was disrespect in every line of her body, every fake smile, every word that came out of her mouth. She¡¯d been doing this for days now¨Censuring she was just polite enough that I couldn¡¯t formallyin, but rude enough <i>to </i>make her distaste for me obvious.


    I was certain that Alexander and Gabriel had put her up to this.


    ¡°Just¡­ please be more careful,¡± I said, <i>too </i>tired to make a bigger deal out of it.


    Sarah nodded and moved to my vanity, where she began rearranging the bottles and jewelry boxes. I watched her nervously as she handled my things, some of which were delicate or had sentimental value.


    ¡°Actually,¡± I said, ¡°you don¡¯t need to clean that area. I can take care of it myself when I¡¯m feeling better.¡±


    ¡°Oh, but it¡¯s such a mess,<i>¡± </i>Sarah said. ¡°Really, Luna, when was thest time you organized any of this? It¡¯s like a tornado went through here.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine the way it is.¡±


    ¡°No, no, I insist.¡± Sarah picked up a crystal perfume bottle that had belonged to my grandmother, sniffed it, then wrinkled her nose at the scent. ¡°A Luna should have higher standards. What would people think if they saw your vanity looking like this? That you¡¯re a slob?¡±


    My temper red. ¡°Put that down. I told you to leave it alone.¡±


    11:32 Sat, 23 Aug


    63%


    ¡°About your condition. About what you¡¯ve been going through.¡± Liam leaned forward, bracing his elbows on his knees. ¡°E, why didn¡¯t you tell me? Why didn¡¯t you tell anyone?¡±


    ¡°Because I didn¡¯t want anyone¡¯s pity.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not pity. It¡¯s concern. From people who care about you.¡± Liam¡¯s voice was gentle but there was an edge of frustration there. ¡°You¡¯ve been suffering alone for months. You could have died, and none of us would have known why.¡±


    Hooked away, focusing on the pattern of the wallpaper like I hadn¡¯t already counted every line over the past


    days. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright. I¡¯m not angry with you. I¡¯m just¡­ I wish you¡¯d trusted me enough to tell me.¡±


    ¡°I know. I should have.¡± The words felt hollow in my mouth. What was the point of rehashing it now? ¡°But it doesn¡¯t matter anymore.¡±


    ¡°Of course it matters. E, you need to hang in there. Alexander knows the truth now, and I think he really wants to help. He might mark you soon, and then all your problems will be solved.¡±


    I let out a bitterugh. ¡°That¡¯s not happening.¡±


    Liam blinked. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°I mean Alexander made it very clear that he thinks I¡¯m a maniptive liar. He¡¯s not going to mark me.¡± I picked at a loose thread on the nket. ¡°He told Gabriel I was weak and pathetic and that he would never


    mark someone like me.¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t sound right.¡± Liam frowned. ¡°When I told him about your condition, he seemed really concerned. Upset, even. Like he cared about what happened to you.¡±


    The thought made my heart flutter, but I squashed that feeling so fast it almost physically hurt. ¡°He was probably just acting,¡± I blurted out.


    ¡°Acting? Why would he-¡±


    ¡°Because you¡¯re still evaluating him for the election.¡± I finally met Liam¡¯s eyes. ¡°He can¡¯t look like a heartless bastard who would let his mate die, not when there¡¯s an Alpha Council member watching his every move. So he ys the concerned husband, says all the right things about wanting to help when he really has no


    intention of doing that.¡±


    Liam¡¯s frown deepened. He opened his mouth to say something, but before he could, the bedroom door swung open without so much as a knock. Sarah breezed in carrying fresh linens.


    ¡°Oh,¡± she said. ¡°I didn¡¯t realize the Luna hadpany.¡± She set the linens down on the end of my bed and looked like she had no intention of being the one to leave.


    Sat 28 Auy


    63%


    ¡°I should get going,¡± Liam said, standing. He squeezed my hand gently. ¡°We¡¯ll talk moreter, okay?¡±


    I nodded, although I doubted there was much left to say. Liam was a good friend, but he didn¡¯t understand.


    He never would.


    After Liam left, Sarah hastily moved to fluff my pillows before I could even sit up. The movement jostled my head, making me wince as pain shot through my skull where I¡¯d mmed it on the tiles the other night.


    ¡°Careful,¡± I muttered.


    ¡°Sorry.¡± Sarah giggled. ¡°You just look so fragile lying there. Like you might break if I breathe on you wrong.¡±


    I bit back my first response, which would have involved several colorful words about where she could shove


    her observations. Instead, I just said tly, ¡°I¡¯m recovering from a head injury.¡±


    ¡°Of course you are.¡± Sarah moved around the bed and began unceremoniously ripping the linens off even


    though I was stillying there. ¡°Must be nice, having everyone wait on you hand and foot. I wish I didn¡¯t have to work for a living!¡±


    ¡°Sarah,¡± I said slowly, warningly, ¡°I don¡¯t appreciate your tone.¡±


    She paused in her bustling, looking at me with those bright blue eyes. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Luna. I didn¡¯t mean any


    disrespect.¡±


    But there was disrespect in every line of her body, every fake smile, every word that came out of her mouth. She¡¯d been doing this for days now¨Censuring she was just polite enough that I couldn¡¯t formallyin, but rude enough <i>to </i>make her distaste for me obvious.


    I was certain that Alexander and Gabriel had put her up to this.


    ¡°Just¡­ please be more careful,¡± I said, <i>too </i>tired to make a bigger deal out of it.


    Sarah nodded and moved to my vanity, where she began rearranging the bottles and jewelry boxes. I watched her nervously as she handled my things, some of which were delicate or had sentimental value.


    ¡°Actually,<i>¡± </i>I said, ¡°you don¡¯t need to clean that area. I can take care of it myself when I¡¯m feeling better.¡±


    ¡°Oh, but it¡¯s such a mess,<i>¡± </i>Sarah said. ¡°Really, Luna, when was thest time you organized any of this? It¡¯s


    like a tornado went through here.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine the way it is.¡±


    ¡°No<i>, </i><i>no</i>, I insist.<i>¡± </i>Sarah picked up a crystal perfume bottle that had belonged to my grandmother, sniffed it, then wrinkled her nose at the scent. ¡°A Luna should have higher standards. What would people think if they saw your vanity looking like this? That you¡¯re a slob?¡±


    My temper red. ¡°Put that down. I told you to leave it alone.¡±


    11:33 Sat, 23 Aug 11 D


    ¡°I¡¯m just trying to help-¡±


    ¡°I said put it down.¡±


    63%


    Sighing, Sarah set the perfume bottle down with a sharp click, hard enough that I was surprised the ss didn¡¯t crack. Then she reached for the music box sitting in the corner of the vanity.


    ¡°Don¡¯t touch that,¡± I said sharply, sitting bolt upright despite the pain in my head.


    But Sarah had already picked it up, holding it by its delicate base instead of supporting it properly. It was small and old, made of carved wood with intricate flowers painted on the lid.


    It was my mother¡¯s. It yed a luby when you opened it, and I liked to imagine my mother humming it to me when I was a baby, although I was so young when she died that I couldn¡¯t remember. I didn¡¯t even know the sound of her voice or if she liked to sing.


    ¡°This old thing?¡± Sarah said, turning it over in her hands. ¡°It¡¯s so dusty. When was thest time you-¡±


    The music box slipped from her fingers.


    I watched in horror as it fell, seeming to move in slow motion as it tumbled toward the hardwood floor. The delicate wooden corners hit first, and I heard the sickening crack of wood splintering. The lid popped open on impact, and the tiny ballerina inside broke off from her post, spinning uselessly as the music box came to


    rest in three separate pieces.


    The melody it had yed for fifteen years was silenced forever.


    Ìï

 The Perfect 66

    <b>Chapter </b>66


    E & Alexander


    E


    As I stared at the broken pieces of my mother¡¯s music box scattered across the floor, something in me


    snapped.


    I didn¡¯t even know my mother. She had died when I was a baby.


    63%


    +33


    And that music box was the only possession of hers that I had¨Cthe only link to my mother I would ever get.


    And now it was broken.


    ¡°What the hell is wrong with you?¡± I shouted at Sarah, leaping to my feet. ¡°I told you not to touch it!¡±


    Sarah¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Luna. It was an ident-¡±


    ¡°An ident? You deliberately ignored me when I told you to leave it alone!¡± I was shaking with rage, my hands clenched into fists at my sides. ¡°That was my mother¡¯s music box. The only thing I had left of her, and you destroyed it!¡±


    ¡°Luna, it¡¯s just a silly old-¡±


    ¡°Get out!¡± I screamed, not even wanting to hear the rest. ¡°Get out of my room right now!¡±


    Sarah didn¡¯t move, which was a dangerous decision on her part. I wanted to rip into her, wanted to throw her against the wall with what little strength I had left. Disrespecting me was one thing, but she¡¯d destroyed the one precious thing I had left, the one connection to my mother who¡¯d died when I was just an infant.


    ¡°Luna E,<i>¡± </i>Gabriel¡¯s sharp voice cut through my shouting as he appeared in the doorway. ¡°What¡¯s going on


    here?¡±


    ¡°Your precious maid just destroyed my mother¡¯s music box,¡± I said, whirling to re at him. ¡°After I specifically told her not to touch it.¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s eyes flicked to the broken pieces on the floor, then back to me. ¡°idents happen. There¡¯s no need to scream at the staff. It¡¯s just a toy.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not just a toy. And it wasn¡¯t an ident. She did it on purpose.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a serious usation,¡± Gabriel said coolly. ¡°Do you have proof?¡±


    Before I could answer, heavy footsteps in the hallway announced Alexander¡¯s arrival. He stepped into the


    room, taking in the scene¨Cme standing there shaking with fury, Sarah now cowering by the vanity, Gabriel with his arms folded, and the broken music box on the floor.


    11:33 Sat, 23 Aug


    ¡°What¡¯s all the shouting about?¡± Alexander asked.


    My anger found a new target. I spun toward him, pointing at Sarah. ¡°Your maid destroyed my mother¡¯s music box. The one thing I had left of her.¡±


    Alexander¡¯s eyes moved to the broken pieces, then back to me. ¡°I see.¡±


    ¡°I want her fired,¡± I said tly. ¡°She¡¯s been nothing but disrespectful since she started working here, and


    now she¡¯s destroyed something irreceable.¡±


    ¡°Luna,¡± Sarah spoke up, her voice trembling now like a scared kitten when I knew fully well she was full of shit. ¡°I swear it was an ident. I was just trying to clean, like you asked me to. You¡¯ve been so¡­ difficult.tely. Always yelling at me, always finding fault with everything I do.¡±


    My mouth fell open. ¡°That¡¯s not-¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s true,¡± Gabriel interrupted. ¡°I¡¯ve heard Luna E raising her voice at Sarah multiple times over the past few days. The poor girl has been doing her best under very trying circumstances.¡±


    I stared at Gabriel in disbelief. ¡°She spilled hot soup on me deliberately. She¡¯s been rude and insubordinate


    from the moment she walked into this house.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been nothing but respectful,¡± Sarah said, big, fat crocodile tears now streaming down her face. ¡°I know Luna E doesn¡¯t like me, but I¡¯ve tried so hard to please her. I never meant for this to happen.¡±


    I just looked at Alexander, waiting for him to say something. Waiting for him to take my side, to see through Sarah¡¯s obvious act. But he just stood there, his expression unreadable, not saying a word.


    ¡°Well?¡± I demanded. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to do anything?¡±


    Alexander¡¯s green eyes met mine. ¡°I¡¯ll look into it.¡±


    That was it. That was all he was going to say. He wasn¡¯t going to fire her, wasn¡¯t going to defend me, wasn¡¯t going to do a damn thing.


    In the span of an instant, the fury inside of me crystallized into something cold and hard. I was done. Done


    with this house, done with these people, done with pretending that any of this mattered.


    ¡°Fine,¡± I said quietly. ¡°Do whatever you want. You always do anyway.¡±


    Without another word, I walked past all of them and out of the room. I could feel their eyes on me as I left, but I didn¡¯t look back. I was too tired to fight anymore. Too tired to care.


    Alexander


    03%


    I watched E walk away, her shoulders straight and her chin up despite everything. There was something about the way she¡¯d handled the situation that left me feeling unsettled. Frustrated, even.


    Part of me had been curious to see how she¡¯d react. Would she get jealous? Would she fight harder for my attention? Would she show some sign that our marriage meant something <i>to </i>her?


    But she¡¯d been so calm at the end. So resigned. Like she¡¯d expected me not to take her side, and she didn¡¯t even care enough to fight for it.


    It only confirmed what Gabriel had told me¨Cthat she didn¡¯t want my mark, didn¡¯t want anything to do with me. If she¡¯d cared, wouldn¡¯t she have been more upset? Wouldn¡¯t she have demanded I choose her over


    some random maid?


    ¡°Handle this,¡± I told Gabriel, gesturing to the broken music box.


    Gabriel nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure Sarah cleans up the mess.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t just clean it up. Take it to get repaired.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Alpha.¡±


    I left them to deal with the aftermath and retreated to my study. I had pack business to attend to, reports to review, anything to keep my mind off the look in E¡¯s eyes when she¡¯d asked me to do something and I¡¯d just stood there.


    Hourster, I was still at my desk, staring at the same financial report I¡¯d been pretending to read for the past thirty minutes. I couldn¡¯t get the image of E¡¯s face out of my head, no matter how hard I tried.


    A soft knock interrupted my brooding.


    ¡°Come in,¡± I called out.


    Sarah, the new maid, entered carrying a tray with a steaming mug. ¡°I thought you might like some tea,


    Alpha.¡±


    ¡°Oh. Uh¡­ Thanks.¡±


    Sarah set the mug on my desk and shed me a bashful smile, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. I


    nodded in response and returned my attention to my work.


    ¡°Will there be anything else?¡± she asked.


    ¡°No, that¡¯s fine. You can go.¡±


    Sarah nodded and headed for the door, but just as she reached it, she stumbled. Her foot caught on the edge of the rug, and she pitched forward with a small cry.


    11:33 Sat, 23 Aug to


    I shot up from my chair and caught her before she could hit the floor, my hands gripping her waist to steady


    her.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± I asked.


    Sarah looked up at me, her face flushed and her blue eyes wide. She was close enough that I could smell her perfume. Sweet and floral and just a touch too strong for a maid who had been scrubbing floors all day.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± she breathed, batting her eyshes. ¡°You¡¯re so strong.¡±


    I helped her regain her footing and took a step back, putting distance between us. ¡°Be more careful.¡±


    But Sarah didn¡¯t move away. Instead, she tilted her head and gave me a shy smile. ¡°Alpha Alexander, can I ask you something personal?¡±


    The question caught me off guard. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Are you happy? In your marriage, I mean?¡± Her voice was soft, hardly more than a whisper. ¡°You always seem so¡­ lonely.¡±


    I stared at her, taken aback by the boldness of the question. What kind of maid asked her employer about


    his love life?


    ¡°That¡¯spletely inappropriate,¡± I said firmly, moving to open the door for her. ¡°You should go.¡±


    Sarah¡¯s expression flickered¨Cjust for a moment, something cold passed across her features before the


    sweet smile returned.


    ¡°Of course,¡± she said quickly. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to overstep.¡±


    She gave me onest strange look, like she was studying me, then scurried out of the room without another


    word.


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    11:33 Sat, 23 Aug 11


    63%


    I watched E walk away, her shoulders straight and her chin up despite everything. There was something


    about the way she¡¯d handled the situation that left me feeling unsettled. Frustrated, even.


    Part of me had been curious to see how she¡¯d react. Would she get jealous? Would she fight harder for my


    attention? Would she show some sign that our marriage meant something to her?


    But she¡¯d been so calm at the end. So resigned. Like she¡¯d expected me not to take her side, and she didn¡¯t


    even care enough to fight for it.


    It only confirmed what Gabriel had told me that she didn¡¯t want my mark, didn¡¯t want anything to do with me. If she¡¯d cared, wouldn¡¯t she have been more upset? Wouldn¡¯t she have demanded I choose her over


    some random maid?


    ¡°Handle this,¡± I told Gabriel, gesturing to the broken music box.


    Gabriel nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure Sarah cleans up the mess.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t just clean it up. Take it to get repaired.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Alpha.¡±


    I left them to deal with the aftermath and retreated to my study. I had pack business to attend to, reports to


    review, anything to keep my mind off the look in E¡¯s eyes when she¡¯d asked me to do something and I¡¯d just stood there.


    Hourster, I was still at my desk, staring at the same financial report I¡¯d been pretending to read for the past thirty minutes. I couldn¡¯t get the image of E¡¯s face out of my head, no matter how hard I tried.


    A soft knock interrupted my brooding.


    ¡°Come in,¡± I called out.


    Sarah, the new maid, entered carrying a tray with a steaming mug. ¡°I thought you might like some tea,


    Alpha.¡±


    ¡°Oh. Uh¡­ Thanks.¡±


    Sarah set the mug on my desk and shed me a bashful smile, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. I


    nodded in response and returned my attention to my work.


    ¡°Will there be anything else?¡± she asked.


    ¡°No, that¡¯s fine. You can go.¡±


    Sarah nodded and headed for the door, but just as she reached it, she stumbled. Her foot caught on the


    edge of the rug, and she pitched forward with a small cry.


    11:33 Sat, 23 Aug


    663%2


    I shot up from my chair and caught her before she could hit the floor, my hands gripping her waist to steady


    her.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Lasked.


    Sarah looked up at me, her face flushed and her blue eyes wide. She was close enough that I could smell her


    perfume. Sweet and floral and just a touch too strong for a maid who had been scrubbing floors all day.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± she breathed, batting her eyshes. ¡°You¡¯re so strong.¡±


    Thelped her regain her footing and took a step back, putting distance between us. ¡°Be more careful.¡±


    But Sarah didn¡¯t move away. Instead, she tilted her head and gave me a shy smile. ¡°Alpha Alexander, can I ask you something personal?¡±


    The question caught me off guard. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Are you happy? In your marriage, I mean?¡± Her voice was soft, hardly more than a whisper. ¡°You always seem so¡­ lonely.¡±


    I stared at her, taken aback by the boldness of the question. What kind of maid asked her employer about his love life?


    ¡°That¡¯spletely inappropriate,¡± I said firmly, moving to open the door for her. ¡°You should go.¡±


    Sarah¡¯s expression flickered¨Cjust for a moment, something cold passed across her features before the


    sweet smile returned.


    ¡°Of course,¡± she said quickly. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to overstep.¡±


    She gave me onest strange look, like she was studying me, then scurried out of the room without another word.


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 The Perfect 67

    Sophia & E


    Sophia


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    Sophia stepped into Alex¡¯s study just as some brte maid came rushing out, practically bowling her over in her haste to escape. The girl¡¯s face was flushed, and her little bosom was heaving.


    ¡°Careful there,¡± Sophia said, but the maid was already halfway down the hall and didn¡¯t even bother to apologize.


    How rude.


    Sophia smoothed down her dress and entered the study, where Alexander was standing by his desk looking somewhat bewildered. She¡¯de here to make amends¨Ctheirst few conversations hadn¡¯t exactly gone well, and she was tired of being on the outs with him.


    ¡°Alex,¡± she said, holding up a small wrapped box, ¡°I brought you something. A peace offering.¡±


    He looked up, and she could see the weariness in his green eyes. ¡°Sophia. What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°I wanted to apologize for the other night. I know I was¡­ difficult.¡± She set the box on his desk. ¡°It¡¯s that expensive whiskey you like. The one from overseas.¡±


    Alex nced at the gift but didn¡¯t reach for it. ¡°That¡¯s thoughtful of you.¡±


    ¡°What was all that about?¡± Sophia asked, nodding toward the door. ¡°Your maid looked like she¡¯d seen a


    ghost.¡±


    Alex ran a hand through his red hair, and for a moment, something that might have been amusement


    flickered across his face. ¡°I think she might have a crush on me,¡± he said, sinking into his chair.¡±


    The words stabbed Sophia directly in the heart. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°She asked me some very personal questions about my marriage. Whether I was happy, that sort of thing.¡±


    Alex shook his head. ¡°Very inappropriate for staff.¡±


    ¡°Indeed.¡± Sophia forced herself to smile even though she felt a storm of rage building beneath her skin. Another woman was interested in Alex? Another threat to deal with? ¡°How¡­ awkward for you.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Alex finally picked up the whiskey. ¡°Thank you for this. It was unnecessary, but I appreciate the


    gesture.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± Sophia took a step back. ¡°Well, I should let you get back to your work.¡±


    It didn¡¯t take Sophia long to find her. The girl was on her hands and knees in the main foyer, scrubbing the


    11:33 Sat, 23 Aug t


    marble flood.


    And fuck, she was gorgeous. Even in a in maid¡¯s uniform with her hair tied back, she had the kind of beauty that made other women want tomit murder.


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    Long legs, tiny waist, perfect face. She looked like she could be Sophia¡¯s younger sister, if Sophia had been blessed with slightly better genes.


    This was a problem.


    Sophia had spent months¨Cno, years¨Ctrying to drive a wedge between Alex and E. She¡¯d destroyed that hideous old locket at the charity auction, spread rumors about their marriage, physically assaulted E, had done everything she could think of to make Alex see that his wife was weak and pathetic.


    But nothing had worked. If anything, Alex seemed more protective of Etely.


    And now there was someone new. Another beautiful woman in his house, asking personal questions about his love life. A woman who was young and grateful and probably eager to please Alex in ways that E never


    would be.


    And most of all, she was here while Sophia had been banned from staying in the guest suite. With a pretty girl like this living in his house, not even the stoic Alpha Alex would be able to resist the temptation for long.


    Sophia couldn¡¯t let that happen.


    She walked over to where the maid was scrubbing, noting how the girl¡¯s uniform stretched across her perfect ass as she worked. The floor around her was spotless, gleaming under the chandelier light.


    Too bad.


    Sophia positioned herself next to arge potted nt that sat on a marble pedestal beside the staircase.


    With one swift movement, Sophia drew her foot back and kicked the pot as hard as she could.


    It toppled off the pedestal and crashed to the floor, shattering into a million pieces. Dirt and ceramic shards scattered across the marble, along with the nt¡¯s broken stems and scattered petals.


    The maid looked up in shock.


    ¡°Oops,<i>¡± </i>Sophia said.


    E


    I found Lilith in the kitchen, kneading bread dough. She looked up when I entered, her face softening when


    she saw me standing there in my nightgown with my robe open in the front.


    11:33 Sat, 23 Aug


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    ¡°Sit down, dear. You¡¯ll make yourself even sicker standing there. How are you feeling?¡±


    ¡°Like shit,¡± I said honestly, sinking into one of the chairs at the kitchen table.


    Lilith wiped her hands on her apron and came over to sit beside me. She seemed to produce a cup of steaming tea and one of those dry but tasty little biscuits for dipping out of nowhere, but I took it gratefully. ¡°I heard about what happened. I¡¯m so sorry about your mother¡¯s music box.¡±


    The words made my chest tighten all over again. I¡¯d been trying not to think about it, but now the image of


    those broken pieces scattered across the floor came rushing back.


    ¡°It was the only thing I had of hers,¡± I said quietly. ¡°The only thing that connected me to her.¡±


    ¡°Oh, sweetheart.¡± Lilith reached over and pulled me into her arms, and I let her. I buried my face in her shoulder and finally let the tearse.


    ¡°I never even got to meet her,¡± I sobbed. ¡°She died when I was just a baby. And that music box¡­ it was the


    only piece of her I had left. The only thing that was really hers.¡±


    ¡°I know, I know.¡± Lilith stroked my hair, making soothing sounds. ¡°It¡¯s not fair. None of this is fair.¡±


    I cried until my chest ached and my eyes burned. Lilith just held me, not trying to offer empty titudes or


    tell me everything would be okay. She just let me grieve.


    When the tears finally stopped, I pulled back and wiped my face with my sleeve. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m such a


    mess.¡±


    ¡°You have every right to be upset,¡± Lilith said firmly. ¡°That girl had no business touching your things.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not just the music box,¡± I admitted. ¡°I keep thinking about your locket too. The one Sophia destroyed at


    the auction. That was your family¡¯s heirloom, and it got broken because of me.¡±


    Lilith¡¯s expression twisted painfully, but she cupped my face with one hand and said softly, ¡°E, that locket


    was just a thing. Yes, it had sentimental value, but things can be reced. You can¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°But it meant so much to you. It belonged to your grandmother, your mother¡­¡± I felt fresh tears threatening to spill over even though I felt like I had none left. ¡°And now it¡¯s gone because you were kind to me.¡±


    ¡°Stop that. That locket served its purpose. It made you feel loved, and that¡¯s all I ever wanted. Don¡¯t you


    dare feel guilty about what happened.¡±


    But I did feel guilty. Horribly, crushingly guilty. ¡°I want to make it up to you somehow.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing <i>to </i>make up for¡±


    ¡°Please. Let me do something.¡± An idea was forming in my mind. ¡°This weekend. Let me take you out, just the two of us. Somewhere nice. We could go shopping, have lunch, get our nails done. Whatever you want.¡±


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    Lilith smiled, the first real smile I¡¯d seen from her in weeks. ¡°That sounds lovely, dear. But you don¡¯t have to


    ¡°I want to. You¡¯ve done so much for me, been such a mother to me when I never had one. Please let me do this.¡±


    At the mention of the word mother, Lilith¡¯s eyes misted over. But she nodded. ¡°Alright. If it would make you happy.¡±


    ¡°It would.¡±


    We sat infortable silence for a few minutes, watching thete afternoon light stream through the kitchen windows. I was starting to feel marginally like myself again when a loud crash echoed from somewhere in the house, followed by raised voices.


    Lilith and I looked at each other.


    ¡°What was that?¡± I asked.


    Another crash came, and then more shouting. Female voices, two of them from the sounds of things. Was that¡­ Sophia I heard?


    ¡°We should check,¡± Lilith said, standing.


    I followed her out of the kitchen and toward the main foyer, where themotion seemed to being from. As we got closer, I could see that one of them was definitely Sophia, and the other was¡­ Sarah. The


    maid.


    ¡°You bitch!¡± Sophia cried, hurling a vase at the maid. ¡°You don¡¯t belong here!¡±

 The Perfect 68

    <b>Chapter </b><b>68 </b>


    E & Gabriel


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    E


    Lilith and I stood in the doorway watching Sophia and Sarah face off like two alley cats fighting over the same scrap of meat.


    ¡°You bitch!¡± Sophia shrieked, hurling what looked like a ceramic figurine at Sarah¡¯s head. ¡°You don¡¯t belong here!¡±


    Sarah dodged the projectile, causing it to shatter on the wall behind her. ¡°At least I¡¯m not some pathetic woman who can¡¯t take a hint!¡±


    ¡°Pathetic? You¡¯re a fucking maid who thinks she can seduce an Alpha!¡± Sophia¡¯s face was turning an rming shade of red. ¡°You¡¯re nothing! A nobody!¡±


    ¡°And everyone knows that you¡¯re a spoiled Daddy¡¯s girl!¡± Sarah shot back, hands on her hips.


    I found myself staring at this absurd disy of jealousy over Alexander, and something bubbled up in my chest. Not ¨¢nger or hurt or even embarrassment. Laughter.


    Here I was, dying slowly because my mate wouldn¡¯tplete our bond, and these two idiots were literally throwing pottery at each other over the chance to climb into bed with him.


    It was so fucking ridiculous that I couldn¡¯t believe I¡¯d ever wasted a single second worrying about either of them, or Alexander, for that matter.


    I was dying. Actually dying. And instead of spending my remaining time with people who genuinely cared


    about me¨Cpeople like Lilith and Liam¨CI¡¯d been letting myself get worked up over¡­ what?


    What was the point? Even if Alexander marked me tomorrow, was this the kind of life I wanted? Constantly


    defending my ce, constantly worried about the next beautiful woman who might catch his eye?


    Fuck that.


    Lilith stepped up beside me. ¡°Should we do something?¡± she whispered.


    ¡°Let them destroy each other<i>,</i><i>¡± </i>I said, folding my arms across my chest and casually leaning against the wall. ¡°I don¡¯t care anymore.¡±


    Sophia had just picked up another decorative object and was winding up to throw it when Alexander¡¯s voice boomed through the foyer.


    ¡°What the hell is going on here?¡±


    11:34 Sat, 23 Aug D


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    Both women froze and whirled around. Alexander was standing at the bottom of the main staircase, looking absolutely murderous.


    ¡°She started it!¡± Sarah said immediately, pointing at Sophia.


    ¡°I started it?¡± Sophia¡¯s voice went up about three octaves. ¡°You¡¯re the one-¡±


    ¡°Enough.¡± Alexander¡¯s Alpha Voice cut through their bickering with ease. Both women snapped their mouths shut. ¡°Sarah, you¡¯re fired. Pack your things and get out of my house.¡±


    Sarah¡¯s face crumpled. ¡°But Alpha, I didn¡¯t do anything wrong! She attacked me!¡±


    ¡°You destroyed property, disturbed the peace, and conducted yourself in a mannerpletely unbing of staff.¡± Alexander¡¯s voice was ice cold. ¡°You have thirty minutes to gather your belongings and leave the premises.¡±


    ¡°This is so unfair-¡±


    ¡°Twenty¨Cnine minutes.¡±


    Sarah shot a venomous look at Sophia, then at Alexander, then stormed toward the servants¡® quarters


    without another word.


    Alexander turned to Sophia next. ¡°And you. I thought I made myself clear about your behavior.¡±


    ¡°Alex, she was beingpletely inappropriate with you! Someone had to put her in her ce!¡± Sophia tried to step closer to him, but Alexander held up a hand.


    ¡°Leave. Now.<i>¡± </i>


    ¡°But-¡±


    ¡°Now, Sophia.¡±


    For a moment, I thought she might argue further. Her mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water. But even Sophia wasn¡¯t immune to Alexander¡¯s fury, and when she saw the thunder in his expression, she seemed to think better of it.


    ¡°Fine.¡± She swept toward the front entrance in a huff. The door mmed behind her, leaving the foyer in silence.


    Alexander just stood there for a moment, surveying the damage. Broken pottery, scattered dirt, flower petals everywhere. Then he rubbed his face with both hands and let out a long, exhausted sigh.


    ¡°Goddess give me strength,¡± he muttered, clearly not realizing that he still had an audience consisting of me and Lilith.


    That was when I lost it.


    Theughter started as a snort, then grew into giggles, and finally exploded into the kind of hysterical cackling that made my sides hurt. I couldn¡¯t stop. Every time I tried to get control of myself, I¡¯d look at the destroyed foyer or remember the sour expression on Sophia¡¯s face, and I¡¯d startughing all over again.


    It was the first realugh I¡¯d had in weeks. Maybe months.


    No¡­ I hadn¡¯tughed like this in five fucking years.


    Alexander¡¯s head snapped toward me, and for a second, I swore I caught the corner of his mouth twitching, like he was fighting back his own smile.


    But then he schooled his expression, turned, and stormed off, leaving meughing in the middle of the destroyed foyer.


    Gabriel


    Gabriel was reviewing security reports in his office when someone knocked on his door. He looked up to find Sarah standing there, no longer in her maid¡¯s uniform, with her bag slung over her shoulder.


    He set down his papers. ¡°I heard you were fired.¡±


    ¡°Because you lied to me!¡± Sarah¡¯s eyes were zing with fury. ¡°You told me Alexander was lonely and desperate for a woman in his bed. You said his marriage was a sham and that he wasn¡¯t getting any satisfaction from his frigid wife!¡±


    Sarah stormed closer, lowering her voice, although her anger still radiated off of her.


    ¡°You specifically told me that Alexander wanted someone who could actually please him, someone who wasn¡¯t sick and pathetic like E. You said all I had to do was make myself avable and he¡¯d jump at the


    chance.¡±


    Gabriel leaned back in his chair. Sarah was right, of course. He had said exactly those things when he¡¯d


    contacted her three weeks ago. He¡¯d known her from his days before bing Alexander¡¯s Beta¨Cshe¡¯d


    been <i>one </i>of many women who¡¯d warmed his bed over the years.


    Beautiful, willing, and most importantly, discreet.


    The n had been simple. Alexander and E were sharing a bedroom now, which was dangerous. The more time they spent together, the more likely it was that biology would take over and they¡¯d end up having


    sex<b>. </b>


    And if that happened, if Alexander started developing real feelings for his mate¡­


    <b>3/5 </b>


    11:35 Sat, 23 Aug .


    Gabriel couldn¡¯t let that happen.


    So he¡¯d called in a favor. Sarah had been between jobs anyway, and the promise of seducing a wealthy Alpha had appealed to her. She was so beautiful that Gabriel had been certain even Alexander, who had never been with a woman so intimately, wouldn¡¯t be able to resist.


    It wasn¡¯t supposed to go like this.


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    ¡°Alexander showed zero interest in me,¡± Sarah hissed. ¡°Zero. When I asked him about his marriage, he practically threw me out of his study. And then today, when I tried to get closer to him, he couldn¡¯t get away from me fast enough. He looked at me like I was something he would scrape off his shoe.¡±


    Gabriel frowned, his mind racing. If not Sarah, then who? Alexander would never fall for Sophia, especially not with her history of being aplete and total nutjob. No, he¡¯d have to find someone else, someone


    better¡­


    Gabriel tilted his head. ¡°Do you have any hot friends? Twins, maybe?¡±


    Sarah rolled her eyes. ¡°Screw you. I¡¯m done with this whole mess.¡± She stormed over to the door, but then hesitated, her hand on the knob. ¡°And for what it¡¯s worth,¡± she added, ¡°I think you¡¯re wrong about his feelings for E. The way he looks at her is more fond than you let on.¡±


    With that, she stormed out, mming the door behind her.


    The word made Gabriel¡¯s jaw clench. Fond. That was exactly what he¡¯d been afraid of.


    For a long moment, Gabriel just sat there, staring at the closed door. Was Alexander in deeper than he had


    realized?


    This was worse than Gabriel had thought.


    He reached into his desk drawer and pulled out a small cloth bag. Inside were the broken pieces of that locket¨Cthe one he¡¯d told Alexander he would take to a jeweler for repair. The same locket that Alexander had specifically asked him to fix because he knew how much it meant to E.


    Gabriel had never taken it anywhere. He¡¯d been carrying it around for days, trying to decide what to do with <ol><li>it. </li></ol>


    Now he knew.


    He walked to the small bathroom connected to his office and dumped the broken pieces into the toilet. The silver fragments glinted in the water for a moment before he flushed them away, watching with satisfaction


    as they disappeared down the drain forever.


    He wouldn¡¯t let Alexander fall for E, no matter what it took.

 The Perfect 69

    <b>Chapter </b><b>69 </b>


    Sophia & E


    Sophia


    ¡°Sophia, darling, please-¡®


    ¡°Don¡¯t ¡®darling¡® me!¡± Sophia hurled the intricate vase at the window, watching with satisfaction as both vase and window shattered. ¡°You promised me Alex would be mine! You swore you could make it happen!¡±


    Richard stepped into the room, holding his hands up in surrender. ¡°Sweetheart, we¡¯re still working on it. These things take time-¡±


    ¡°Time?¡± Sophia¡¯s voice went shrill. ¡°It¡¯s been five fucking years! Five years of watching him with that pathetic little mouse while you two sit around making empty promises!¡±


    She grabbed a framed photo of herself and Alex from her high school graduation¨Cback when he¡¯d still smiled at her, still looked at her like she might have a chance¨Cand threw it as hard as she could. The ss exploded against the doorframe, right next to her father¡¯s head.


    ¡°Sophia!¡± Margaret gasped. ¡°You could have seriously hurt Daddy!¡±


    ¡°Good! Maybe that would motivate him to actually do something useful for once!¡±


    Sophia had always gotten everything she wanted. Always.


    When she¡¯d wanted the lead role in the school y, her parents had donated enough money to the drama department to ensure she got it.


    When she¡¯d wanted to get into the most exclusive university, Richard had made a few phone calls and suddenly her mediocre grades were no longer an issue.


    Every holiday, every birthday, every fucking other week, she got piles and piles of gifts. Cars, phones,ptops, clothes, anything she set her sights on, it was hers.


    But Alex¡­ Alex was the one thing they couldn¡¯t seem to give her.


    ¡°The leak about the mating mark was supposed to destroy their marriage,¡± Sophia said, her hands clenched into fists. ¡°It was supposed to be the final nail in the coffin!¡±


    ¡°It would have worked if they hadn¡¯te up with that fake mark nonsense,¡± Richard said defensively. ¡°Who could have predicted they¡¯d be clever enough to-¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡± Sophia screamed. ¡°Just shut up with your excuses! Do you know what happened today? Do you


    know what your brilliant n aplished?¡±


    Her parents exchanged worried nces.


    ¡°Alex kicked me out of his house. Again. While his precious little wife stood thereughing at me like I was some kind of joke.¡± The memory made Sophia¡¯s cheeks me with humiliation. ¡°She wasughing, Daddy. Laughing at me like I was nothing.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll figure something else out,¡± Margaret said desperately. ¡°Maybe if we approach him and ask directly-¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Sophia¡¯s voice was suddenly calm, which somehow made it more frightening than her screaming. ¡°I¡¯m tired of your pathetic schemes. I¡¯m done waiting around for you two to grow a spine.¡±


    She pushed past them and headed for her walk¨Cin closet, grabbing a leather jacket and her car keys.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Richard asked.


    ¡°To handle this myself. Since you two are apparently useless.¡±


    ¡°Sophia, wait-¡±


    But she was already storming down the hallway. Her parents¡® voices faded behind her as she mmed the


    front door.


    Her red convertible roared to life, and she peeled out of the driveway. She had no destination in mind, just the need to drive and think and figure out how to get what she wanted.


    Because she would get Alex. She¡¯d been in love with him since they were teenagers, and she wasn¡¯t about to let some nobody steal him away permanently.


    The winding roads through the forest were empty at this time of evening, which suited Sophia perfectly. She


    needed space to think and n. Her parents¡® approach had been too subtle, too political. What she needed


    was something more direct.


    Something more¡­ permanent.


    Suddenly, she spotted a lone figure walking along the side of the road. Even in the fading light, she could


    tell he was a rogue. His clothes were dirty and torn, his hair was unkempt, and he had that feral look about


    him that said he would likely do anything for a bit of money.


    Perfect.


    Sophia pulled over and rolled down her window. The rogue looked up.


    ¡°You look like you could use some help,¡± Sophia said, her voice sweet as honey.


    The rogue approached the car cautiously and scratched his neck with his dirty nails. ¡°What kind of help?¡±


    Sophia reached into her purse and pulled out a thick wad of cash. She held it up so the rogue could see it,


    and his eyes went wide.


    ¡°Want a job?¡± she asked, waving the cash in his face.


    E


    Saturday morning came too slowly, but it finally came around, and I was determined to keep my promise to Lilith. She¡¯d tried to protest when I¡¯d told her we were going shopping, insisting that she didn¡¯t need anything new and I needed to rest, but I wasn¡¯t taking no for an answer.


    Besides, I had to get out of that fucking house.


    ¡°You spoil me too much already,¡± she said as we walked through the downtown shopping district. ¡°I don¡¯t need you spending your money on me.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s my money, and I can spend it however I want.¡± I linked my arm through hers, steering her toward a nearby clothing boutique. ¡°Besides, when was thest time someone bought you something just because they wanted to?¡±


    Lilith¡¯s steps slowed. ¡°E, dear, you don¡¯t have to-¡±


    ¡°I want to.¡± I stopped walking and turned to face her. ¡°Lilith, you¡¯ve been more of a mother to me in the past five years than anyone has been in my entire life. You held me while I cried over that stupid music box. You bring me soup when I¡¯m sick. You actually care about whether I¡¯m happy or sad.¡±


    Her eyes started to glisten.


    ¡°So yes,¡± I continued, pulling her toward the shop, ¡°I¡¯m going to spoil you today, and you¡¯re going to let me. Because that¡¯s what daughters do for their mothers.¡±


    We spent the next two hours going from shop to shop. I bought her a beautiful silk scarf in deep blue that brought out her eyes, a pair of soft leather gloves for theing winter, and a delicate silver bracelet with tiny charms in the various phases of the moon.


    Around lunchtime, we found a bench in the small park across from the shopping district and sat down to rest. The afternoon sun was warm on my face, and for the first time in weeks, I felt almost normal. Not like a dying Luna trapped in a loveless marriage, just like a young woman out with her¡­ mother.


    ¡°Lilith,¡± I said softly, ¡°can I ask you something?¡±


    ¡°Of course, dear.¡±


    ¡°Why are you so good to me? I mean, really. You could work for any family in the territory. Wealthy Alphas who would pay you twice what Alexander does, probably treat you better too. So why stay? Why put up with all the drama and chaos thates with this house?¡±


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    Lilith was quiet for a long moment, staring down at the new bracelet on her wrist. When she finally spoke,


    her voice was soft.


    ¡°Because you feel like a daughter to me,¡± she said simply. ¡°From the moment I met you, you felt like the


    child I never had.¡±


    The words made my chest tighten. ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Really.¡± She reached over andced her fingers through mine.


    I felt tears prick at my eyes. ¡°I love you, you know,¡± I whispered, dabbing the tears away before they could fall. ¡°But¡­ didn¡¯t you ever have children of your own?¡±


    The question seemed to freeze her. Her hand went still in mine, and something painful shed across her


    face.


    For a few moments, her mouth opened and closed as if she were struggling to find the words. But then,


    suddenly, she stood and pointed across the street.


    ¡°Look! There¡¯s that new restaurant everyone¡¯s been talking about. Why don¡¯t we get some lunch there?¡±


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 The Perfect 70

    <b>Chapter </b><b>70 </b>


    E


    The restaurant was cozy and warm, with soft lighting that made everything feel intimate andfortable. We got a table by the window, and I could see people walking by on the street outside,ughing and holding hands and swinging their shopping bags.


    Real families. Real couples.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± I said to Lilith as soon as we¡¯d ordered our food. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to pry about your past. That was


    rude of me.¡±


    Lilith shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t want to talk about it. It¡¯s just¡­plicated.¡±


    I waited, not wanting to push again but hoping she¡¯d continue.


    ¡°The truth is,¡± she said, looking down at her hands, ¡°I do view you as a daughter. More than that, actually. You are a daughter to me, E. The daughter I never got to raise.<i>¡± </i>She sniffled and hesitated for a long moment, then whispered, ¡°I did have a child. A little girl.¡±


    My eyebrows shot up. This was the first time I had ever heard of Lilith having a child. I¡¯d always wondered, but she had never mentioned having a daughter, not even once. If anything, I¡¯d thought that she had simply never married and had kids.


    ¡°Did something happen to her?¡± I asked, dreading the answer.


    ¡°She¡¯s alive,¡± Lilith said quickly. ¡°She¡¯s alive and well. She just¡­ she doesn¡¯t know about me.¡±


    I frowned. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°She hasn¡¯t seen me since she was a baby. Less than a year old.¡± Lilith sighed and tucked a strand of silver hair behind her ear. ¡°But I¡¯ve been watching over her, unbeknownst to her, all these years. Making sure she¡¯s safe, making sure she¡¯s happy.¡± Sheughed bitterly. ¡°Although sometimes I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve done the best job of that.¡±


    ¡°So <i>you </i>watch her, but she doesn¡¯t know you¡¯re there?¡±


    Lilith nodded sadly. ¡°Something like that. We¡¯ve actually interacted before, many times, but she has no idea


    who I really am.¡±


    That took me by surprise. Was she too shy to admit who she was? ¡°Lilith, why haven¡¯t you told her who you


    are?¡± I asked.


    ¡°It¡¯splicated.¡±


    ¡°Everything¡¯splicated,¡± I said gently. ¡°But surely she¡¯d want to know her mother. Surely she¡¯d be happy


    to find out you¡¯re alive and that you care about her.¡±


    Lilith¡¯s eyes filled with tears again. ¡°I don¡¯t know. What if she hates me? What if she thinks I abandoned


    her?¡±


    ¡°Did you? Abandon her?¡±


    ¡°No. Never. I would never have chosen to leave her.¡± The pain in her voice was raw enough to make me choke up. ¡°But circumstances¡­ sometimes circumstances make the choice for you.¡±


    I wasn¡¯t entirely sure what that meant, but it didn¡¯t matter. ¡°Then tell her that,¡± I said. ¡°Exin what happened. Lilith, take it from someone who never got to meet her mother¨Cshe would want to know you. Even if it¡¯splicated, even if it¡¯s hard, she would want you in her life.¡±


    ¡°You think so?¡±


    ¡°I know so. My mother died when I was a baby, just like your daughter was when youst saw her. And even though I don¡¯t remember her at all, I think about her every single day. I wonder what her voice sounded like, what herugh was like, whether she would have been proud of me.¡±


    My own eyes were getting watery now. ¡°If someone came to me tomorrow and told me my mother was actually alive somewhere, watching over me, caring about me¡­ it would be the best day of my life.¡±


    Lilith just stared at me in shock, her face pale and her eyes filled with an emotion that I couldn¡¯t quite read.


    ¡°E, 1-¡±


    ¡°And I¡¯ve got a club sandwich for the youngdy, and m chowder for you, ma¡¯am¡­¡±


    The waiter¡¯s arrival cut off whatever Lilith was about to say. But when he was gone, and I asked what she was going to tell me, she just waved her hand and said she couldn¡¯t remember. I took it as a sign that I had exhausted the conversation, and whatever else she had to say, she would do so in her own time.


    After that, we spent the next half hour talking about lighter things¨Cthe shops we¡¯d visited, ns for the uing week, anything to give us both a chance to recover from the heavy conversation.


    1 was halfway through my meal when our waiter approached with a cocktail on his tray.


    ¡°Excuse me, miss,¡± he said, setting the drink in front of me. ¡°This is from the gentleman at the bar.¡±


    I looked over and saw a man sitting alone, raising his own ss in my direction. He looked to be in his thirties, reasonably attractive, with dark hair and a friendly, close¨Clipped smile.


    My first instinct was to refuse. I was married, after all, even if it was a sham of a marriage. And I didn¡¯t make a habit of epting drinks from strangers.


    But then I thought about everything that had been happeningtely. I was dying, potentially even faster


    <b>Gay</b><b>, </b>20 Aug


    3


    ?


    60%1


    than I initially expected, at twenty¨Cfucking¨Ctwo years of age, and I¡¯d spent thest five years of my life living like a nun, following all the rules, being the perfect Luna wife while my husband ignored mepletely.


    How many normal experiences had I missed because I was so focused on being proper? How many simple pleasures had I denied myself?


    epting a drink from a handsome stranger was something most women my age had experienced at least once. It was a small thrill, a tiny rebellion, a moment of feeling desired by someone who wasn¡¯t obligated to pretend to want me for political reasons.


    I was probably going to be dead in a few months anyway. What was the harm in experiencing one normal thing?


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I told the waiter, picking up the ss. It looked like some kind of fruity cocktail, pink and sweet¨Clooking. I raised it toward the man at the bar and smiled.


    He smiled back and nodded, then returned to his drink.


    ¡°E,¡± Lilith said, ¡°are you sure that¡¯s a good idea?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just a drink,¡± Iughed. ¡°I¡¯m not going to run away with him or anything. I just¡­ I want to know what it feels like. To be a normal woman for five minutes.¡±


    Lilith looked at me for a moment, but nodded, seeming to understand.


    The drink was delicious¨Csweet and fruity with just enough alcohol to make it interesting. I sipped it slowly while we finished our dinner, feeling slightly more rxed with each taste.


    ¡°Excuse me,¡± Lilith said, standing up at one point. ¡°I need to use thedies¡® room. I¡¯ll be right back.¡±


    ¡°Take your time,¡± I said, taking another sip of my drink.


    Alone at the table, I found myself people¨Cwatching through the window. Couples walking hand in hand, friendsughing together, families heading home from dinner. Normal people living normal lives.


    took another sip of my cocktail, and then I noticed something was¡­ wrong.


    My head felt fuzzy. Not tipsy, but¡­ Heavier. Like my thoughts were moving through msses.


    I blinked hard, trying to clear my vision, but everything seemed slightly out of focus. The sounds around me


    were muffled, like I was underwater.


    Panic started to set in as I sat there, too sluggish to move. Something was definitely wrong with me. Was I having another episode? Was my condition getting worse?


    Before I could get up, a shadow fell across the table. I looked up to see the man from the bar looming over me, grinning down at me with rotten teeth.


    11:35 Sat, 23 Aug t

 The Perfect 71

    <b>Chapter </b><b>71 </b>


    Alexander


    60%


    I was buried in quarterly financial reports when my phone rang. The pack¡¯s trade contracts needed reviewing, and Gabriel¡¯s recent unauthorizedmunications had left me double¨Cchecking every single agreement we had in ce. I couldn¡¯t afford to make mistakes now, even if I was exhausted from working on this paperwork all day.


    ¡°Alexander speaking,¡± I answered the phone, expecting a pack official or my Beta.


    ¡°Hey, it¡¯s Liam. Are you busy?¡±


    I sat up at the sound of Liam¡¯s voice and nced at the stack of papers on my desk. ¡°Always. Did you need


    something?¡±


    ¡°I was wondering if you wanted to grab dinner tonight. Talk about some things.¡±


    Surprised, I blinked. Liam had mentioned wanting to go out and talk before, but I didn¡¯t expect him to actually go through with it. I thought it was just one of those things that people say to each other, something in the same vein of ¡°Yeah, we¡¯ll definitely still be best friends after high school!¡±


    433


    I had to admit, though, I was exhausted after today. My eyes were bleary from looking at paperwork all day and my hand was cramping from writing. Maybe getting out for a bit wouldn¡¯t be the worst thing, even if thepany was¡­ interesting.


    ¡°Alright,¡± I sighed. ¡°Where do you want to go?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a new ce downtown. I¡¯ll send you the address. Meet me in forty¨Cfive?¡±


    An hourter, I surprisingly found myself sitting next to Liam at the bar of a new restaurant in town. The ce was busy, as it was their grand opening today. I was cutting off a piece of an admittedly delicious steak, my usual ss of bourbon sitting beside me.


    We¡¯d ordered our food and drinks and made small talk about pack politics for about twenty minutes, and I had to admit, Liam wasn¡¯t badpany. But I could tell from the look on his face that there was more to say, and finally, he got to the point.


    ¡°Alexander, I have to ask you something directly, and I need an honest answer.¡±


    I set down my ss of bourbon. ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    ¡°Do you n on marking E?¡±


    Fantastic. Of all the things I¡¯d expected Liam to ask about, that was definitely one of them, but I¡¯d hoped he would have the intelligence to not bring it up in a public ce.


    apter 1


    ¡°Why do <i>you </i>want to know?¡±


    Liam shifted in his seat. ¡°Because I care about her. And I think you do too, even if you won¡¯t admit it.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯splicated.¡¯


    ¡°Everything¡¯splicated with you two.¡± Liam huffed, clearly frustrated. ¡°But she¡¯s dying, Alexander. You know that now. So I¡¯m asking you straight up¨Care you going to mark her or not?¡±


    I stared at him for a long moment, trying to read his expression. Why was he pushing this <i>so </i>hard? What did it matter to him what I did with my mate?


    And then it hit me.


    Liam had been in love with E since they were kids. He¡¯d made that clear enough over the past months, even if he¡¯d never acted on it while she was married. But if I divorced her, if I rejected her instead of marking


    her¡­


    She¡¯d be free. Avable. And Liam would be right there waiting..


    The realization made something dark and possessive unfurl in my chest. My wolf snarled at the thought of another Alpha touching what was mine.


    ¡°I see,¡± I said coldly. ¡°So this is about you, not her.¡±


    Liam frowned. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°You want to know if I¡¯m going to mark her so you can n ordingly. Make your move after the divorce goes through.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not-¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve been circling her like a vulture for months, ying the concerned friend. But really you¡¯re just


    waiting for your chance, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    Liam¡¯s face went red. ¡°Alexander, you¡¯re being an ass<b>.</b>¡±


    ¡°No need to get defensive just because you¡¯ve been caught in the act.¡± I leaned back in my chair. ¡°But since


    you asked <i>so </i>nicely, I¡¯ll give you the answer you want to hear. No, I¡¯m not marking her. E will be single after the divorce. Congrattions.¡±


    The words tasted like poison in my mouth, but I forced them out anyway. Because it was the truth. E had made herself perfectly clear when she told me she had no intention of letting me mark her. She just wanted to get through our contract and get divorced. She hated me.


    Why should I care if she ran to her childhood friend once our marriage was done?


    11:35 Sat, 23 Aug


    60%


    <b>+33 </b>


    Before Liam could respond, amotion suddenly erupted near the back of the restaurant, toward where the bathrooms were. I heard raised voices, followed by the sound of squealing tires in the street outside. Other diners were turning to look and murmuring amongst themselves.


    ¡°What the hell?¡± Liam muttered, craning his neck to see what was happening.


    I turned, and saw¡­ her.


    Lilith. She was stumbling through the restaurant, her silver hair disheveled and blood trickling down from a


    gash on her temple. She was crying, her face streaked with tears and dirt, looking around frantically.


    My heart stopped.


    ¡°Lilith!¡± I shot to my feet with Liam right behind me. We pushed through the crowded restaurant toward


    her.


    ¡°Alexander!¡± Lilith¡¯s face crumpled with relief when she saw me. ¡°Thank the Goddess you¡¯re here!¡±


    ¡°What happened?¡± I demanded, taking her by the shoulders. Up close, I could see that the cut on her head


    was deep, and her hands were shaking. ¡°Where¡¯s E?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s gone,¡± Lilith sobbed. ¡°He took her.¡±


    ¡°Who?¡± I demanded. My wolf began to roil with fear and fury. If someone hadid a hand on my mate¡­


    ¡°The man. The man who bought her the drink.¡± Lilith wiped at her eyes, smearing blood across her cheek.


    ¡°We were having dinner here, just the two of us. This man at the bar sent E a cocktail. She epted it,


    and I¡­ I should have stopped her, but she seemed so happy to feel normal for once.¡±


    My blood went cold, my wolf angrier than ever. But I maintained myposure, if only to get the precious details that could lead me to my mate. ¡°Go on.¡±


    ¡°I went to the restroom. When I came out, I spotted the man practically dragging her out the back door.¡±


    Lilith¡¯s voice broke. ¡°She was stumbling and he was holding her up. I knew something was wrong. I tried to


    stop him, but he shoved me against a wall and hit me. Then he carried E out into the alley and drove off.¡±


    The restaurant around us seemed to fade away as realization washed over me like a bucket of cold water.


    E had been drugged, Kidnapped. While I was sitting right here.


    ¡°Did you call the police?¡± Liam asked.


    ¡°It just happened. I didn¡¯t have a chance.¡± Lilith fumbled with her phone. ¡°But I got a picture. When he was


    putting her in the car, I managed to take a picture.¡±


    She handed me her phone, and I looked at the screen. The image was too blurry to read the license te, but clear enough to make out a red convertible speeding away from the restaurant. There was a man¡¯s


    11:35 Sat, 23 Aug


    silhouette behind the wheel.


    But it wasn¡¯t the kidnapper that made my heart stop.


    It was the car.


    60%


    33


    I knew that car. I¡¯d seen it countless times over the years, parked in driveways during pack events, racing down country roads when its driver was in one of her moods. I didn¡¯t have to see the license te to know


    that¡­


    It was Sophia¡¯s car.

 The Perfect 72

    <b>Chapter </b><b>72 </b>


    E & Alexander


    E


    The world kept slipping in and out of focus.


    100


    One moment I was sitting at the restaurant table, the next I was being carried out the back door, seeing Lilith¡¯s bloodied head on the ground behind me, and then I found myself staring at the back of a car seat, my cheek pressed against cracked leather.


    My head felt like it was filled with cotton. When I tried to lift it, everything spun.


    ¡°There we go, sweetheart. Just rx.¡±


    The man¡¯s voice came from somewhere above me, but it sounded distorted, like he was speaking underwater. Or maybe I was the one who was underwater, drowning, sinking. I tried to turn toward the


    sound, but my neck wouldn¡¯t cooperate.


    ¡°What¡­¡± My own voice sounded strange and slurred. ¡°What did you¡­¡±


    ¡°Shh. Don¡¯t fight it. Makes everything easier.¡±


    I blinked hard, trying to clear my vision. The man was driving with one hand on the steering wheel, the


    other reaching back to¡­ to touch my leg.


    I tried to pull away but my body wouldn¡¯t listen. My arms felt like they weighed a thousand pounds.


    ¡°Get away from me¡­¡±


    The manughed. It was an ugly sound. ¡°You¡¯re not in any position to make demands, Luna.¡±


    Luna. He knew who I was.


    Terror shot through me, cutting through some of the drug¨Cinduced haze. This wasn¡¯t random. This wasn¡¯t just some creep who¡¯d seen a pretty girl in a bar. He¡¯d targeted me specifically.


    I tried to sit up and get a better look at where we were going, but something was wrong with my wrists. When I looked down, I saw silver duct tape wrapped around them, binding them together.


    ¡°No, no, no¡­¡± I struggled against the restraints, but they held firm.


    ¡°Save your energy,¡± the man said. ¡°You¡¯re going to need it.¡±


    The car hit a pothole, jarring me against the door. Through the window, I could see we were no longer in town. Trees shed by in the darkness.


    Sat<b>, </b><b>23 </b>Aug


    The man held up something small and rectangr. A camera


    ¡°Smile for me, sweetheart.¡±


    The sh went off, temporarily blinding me./squeezed my eyes shut, but he kept taking pictures, the shes hurting my drugged retinas even through my eyelids.


    60%


    33


    Finally, the car began to slow, turning onto what felt like a dirt road. Branches scraped against the windows as we drove deeper into the forest. And then we stopped.


    The man got out and came around to my side


    of the car. When he opened the door, I tried to scramble away,


    but my legs wouldn¡¯t support me. He caught me easil


    gag.


    and the acrid scent of his unwashed flesh made me


    ¡°Easy there. Don¡¯t want you hurting yourself before we have our fun.¡±


    Ignoring my weak protests, he dragged me toward an old barn, maybe, or some kind of storage building.


    The wood looked rotten, and half the roof had caved in.


    ¡°Perfect spot, don¡¯t you think?¡± He pushed open a door. ¡°Nice and private. No one to interrupt us.¡±


    Inside, it smelled like decaying hay and animal waste. My feet dragged across the dirt floor as he hauled me toward the back of the building, where a few broken stalls remained.


    He shoved me down onto a pile of moldy hay, and I couldn¡¯t catch myself with my hands bound. My shoulder hit the ground hard, sending a spike of pain through my body.


    ¡°Now then,¡± the man said, pulling out the camera again, ¡°let¡¯s get


    me good shots.¡±


    The sh went off again and again. I tried to turn away, but he grabbed my chin and forced me to look at


    him.


    ¡°Please,¡± I said, my <i>voice </i>stronger now as some of the drugs began to wear off. ¡°Please don¡¯t do this.¡±


    ¡°Oh, but I want to. Someone¡¯s paying me very well to make sure you have a really bad night.¡±


    Someone was paying him?


    Before I could process that information, he reached for the hem of my dress.


    That was when the adrenaline kicked in.


    I rolled away from him, ignoring the pain in my shoulder, and scrambled to my feet. The barn door was still open, a rectangle of slightly less darkness against the ck walls.


    I ran.


    11:36 Sat, 23 Aug t


    60<b>% </b>


    33


    But with my hands bound, I couldn¡¯t bnce properly, and the drugs were still making everything swim in and out of focus. I stumbled over broken boards and Goddess knows what else, but I kept going.


    Behind me, I could hear him cursing and giving chase.


    ¡°You fucking bitch! Get back here!¡±


    Somehow, I managed to make it outside and plunge into the forest. Branches tore at my dress and scratched my arms, but I didn¡¯t stop.


    I didn¡¯t get far, though, before I tripped over a fallen log and went down hard, tasting blood where I bit my


    tongue.


    ¡°There you are.¡±


    He was on me before I could get back up, his weight pinning me to the forest floor. I could smell his breath, sour and rotten, as he leaned over me.


    ¡°That was stupid,¡± he panted. ¡°Now I¡¯m angry.¡±


    Panic consumed mepletely. This was it. This was how I was going to die. Not from my condition, but


    here in the dirt with this monster.


    I opened my mouth and screamed with everything I had left.


    ¡°Alexander!¡±


    Alexander


    ¡°Take her to the hospital,¡± I told Liam as I helped Lilith into his car. Blood was still trickling from the gash on her temple, and she looked ready to copse. ¡°Make sure they check for a concussion.¡±


    ¡°What about you?¡± Liam asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m going after E.¡±


    ¡°Alexander, we should call the police-¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no time.¡± I mmed the car door. ¡°Go.¡±


    Liam¡¯s car disappeared down the street, leaving me alone outside the restaurant. I pulled out my phone and


    called Gabriel.


    ¡°I need <i>you </i>to call the police and put out the word,¡± I said without preamble. ¡°Sophia¡¯s red convertible is heading out of town. I need to know which direction it went.¡±


    11:36 Sat, 23 Aug


    to Aug to


    60%


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°E¡¯s been kidnapped. Find that fucking car.¡±


    Before he could answer, I hung up and got in my own car, my hands shaking as I started the engine. Someone had taken my mate. He had drugged her, hurt Lilith, and driven off with E unconscious in the


    back seat of Sophia¡¯s car.


    My phone rang as I pulled out of the restaurant parking lot.


    ¡°Got something,¡± Gabriel said. ¡°Gas station attendant on Maple Street saw a red convertible speed through about twenty minutes ago. Said it was driving erratically.¡±


    ¡°Which way was it headed?¡±


    ¡°North, toward the forest roads.¡±


    I floored the elerator.


    Twenty minutester, I was driving through rural back roads with no streetlights and nothing but trees on


    either side. I¡¯d managed to track the convertible this far through abination of Gabriel¡¯s contacts and sheer luck a farmer had seen it turn onto Old Mill Road, and a jogger had spotted it near the abandoned


    logging camp.


    But now the trail had gone cold.


    I pulled over and got out of the car, trying to think. Where would someone take a kidnapped woman out here? The old logging roads crisscrossed through miles of forest, leading to dozens of abandoned buildings


    and forgotten campsites.


    I could search for hours, even days, and never find her.


    Suddenly, my wolf stirred.


    And then I caught the faintest trace of E¡¯s scent on the night air.


    Cherry and vani and¡­ fear.


    I closed my eyes and let my senses take over, following the scent trail deeper into the forest. It led me off the


    main road and down a narrow dirt track that was barely more than tire ruts through the trees.


    The scent grew stronger as I drove, so I knew I was getting closer. But whatever was happening to E, she


    was terrified.


    Finally, I saw it¨Can old barn mostly hidden by overgrown bushes, with a red convertible parked beside it.


    I parked and approached on foot, moving as quietly as possible. Through a gap in the barn¡¯s broken boards,


    11:36 Sat, 23 Aug


    Chapter <i>72 </i>


    I could see light flickering inside. A shlight, maybe, or the sh from a camera.


    ¡°Alexander!¡± I heard a familiar voice scream.


    My mate was calling for me.


    I didn¡¯t think.


    I just shifted.


    A momentter, I crashed through the barn door in my wolf form, splinters of rotten wood flying


    everywhere. The scene inside made my vision go red.


    <b>60</b><b>% </b>


    E was on the ground, her dress torn, duct tape around her wrists. A man was crouched over her, one hand


    on her throat, the other reaching for-


    Iunched myself at him before he could finish whatever he was trying to do.


    My jaws mped around his throat, and I heard the satisfying crunch of vertebrae snapping. His scream cut off in a wet gurgle as his blood filled my mouth. I shook him like a rag doll, making sure he was dead, before dropping his body to the barn floor.


    ¡°E.¡±


    I shifted back to human form and rushed to her side, kneeling in the dirt beside her. Her eyes were wide with shock and terror, but she was alive. Breathing. Clearly drugged, but conscious.


    ¡°I¡¯m here,¡± I said, working at the tape around her wrists. ¡°I¡¯m here. You¡¯re safe.¡±


    The tape came free, and E threw her arms around my neck, sobbing into my shoulder. I pulled her close and held her tighter than I ever had before.


    ¡°I thought¡­ I thought he was going to¡­¡± She couldn¡¯t finish the sentence. I didn¡¯t want her to.


    ¡°He¡¯s dead,¡± I said simply. ¡°He can¡¯t hurt you anymore.¡±


    As I held her, breathing in the familiar scent of her hair, a scent that drove away all of the fear and pain and rage and blood, my wolf quieted for the first time in five years.


    ¡°Mi


    AD


    Comment

 The Perfect 73

    <b>Chapter </b><b>73 </b>


    Alexander & E


    Alexander


    E¡¯s scent hit me like a freight train the moment I pulled her into my arms.


    Cherry and vani¨Cbut stronger now. The fear that had been threading through it was already beginning to fade, reced by something else. Something that made my wolf go wild.


    ¡°Mark her,¡± he growled. ¡°She¡¯s ours. She¡¯s right here. Mark her now.¡±


    The urge was so strong that I nearly gave in. Every instinct I had was screaming at me to sink my teeth into the delicate curve of her neck, to finallyplete the bond that should have been sealed years ago. My canines actually extended somewhat, their sharp points pressing against my lower lip.


    But I forced my canines to retract. No, I would not mark her. Especially not here and now, in the middle of an abandoned barn in the woods, a dead body going cold beside us, and sirens ring in the distance.


    ¡°Alexander?¡± E¡¯s voice was muffled against my shoulder. ¡°Is he really dead?¡±


    I nced at the crumpled body of her attacker, his neck twisted at an unnatural angle. Blood had pooled beneath him, dark and thick in the shlight¡¯s beam.


    ¡°Yes. He can¡¯t hurt you anymore.¡±


    She shuddered and pressed closer against me. Her scent had begun to fade, which came as both a relief and a disappointment. The loss of it felt like a warm nket had been ripped from me, but it also made my wolf


    calm.


    The police arrived shortly after that. I managed to extract myself from E long enough to handle everything, coordinating with the officers and exining what had happened. Gabriel showed up at some point, along with what seemed like half of the territory¡¯sw enforcement.


    While the police taped off the crime scene, I watched the paramedics work, noting the cuts on E¡¯s arms, the bruises forming on her skin. She looked so small sitting there in the back of the ambnce, her dress


    torn and dirty, her hair tangled with leaves and debris.


    ¡°We need to take her to the hospital for observation,¡± one of the paramedics said. ¡°She¡¯s showing signs <i>of </i>being drugged, and we should run some tests-¡±


    ¡°No.¡± E¡¯s voice was stronger now, more like herself. ¡°I¡¯m not going to the hospital. <i>I¡¯ve </i>spent enough time theretely.¡±


    ¡°E,¡± I started, but she cut me off with a raised hand.


    11:36 Sat, 23 Aug O


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, Alexander. I just want to go home.¡±


    The paramedic looked between us. ¡°Luna, given what you¡¯ve been through-


    ¡°I said I¡¯m fine.¡± She lifted her chin and shot me an imploring nce. ¡°I want to go home.¡±


    <b>O0</b>%


    33)


    I studied her face, noting the stubborn set of her jaw. She was scared of hospitals right now, I realized. After everything that had happened with her condition, she associated them with being sick and helpless. She


    wanted to feel safe, not like a patient.


    ¡°Alright,¡± I finally said. ¡°We¡¯ll go home. But I don¡¯t want you to leave my sight tonight. Not for a second.¡±


    A flush crept up her neck at my words. I hadn¡¯t meant them to sound suggestive, but there was something


    about the way she looked at me that made my wolf purr with satisfaction.


    E


    Back at the mansion, Alexander insisted on carrying me inside despite my protests. I was perfectly capable


    of walking, even if my legs were still a little unsteady from whatever that monster had put in my drink. But


    Alexander wouldn¡¯t hear of it, scooping me up in his arms like I weighed nothing.


    I had to admit that it felt good to be held like this. Safe. Protected.


    In our bedroom, he set me down gently on the edge of the bed and knelt in front of me, examining the cuts


    and scrapes on my arms and legs. His touch was gentle as he turned my wrists to check where the duct tape had been, then probed gently at the bruise on my shoulder.


    ¡°These need to be cleaned,¡± he said, frowning at a particrly nasty scratch that ran from my elbow to my


    wrist. ¡°And you need to get out of these clothes.¡±


    I looked down at my ruined dress, which was torn and stained with dirt and blood. The sight of it made me feel sick. ¡°I can manage-


    ¡°No, you can¡¯t.¡± Alexander¡¯s voice was firm but not unkind. ¡°E, you¡¯re shaking. You just went through a


    near¨Cdeath experience. Let me take care of you.¡±


    Something about the way he said he wanted to take care of me made my heart leap with an emotion I dared not name. But from a practical side of things, he was right. My hands were trembling so badly I could barely


    pick anything up, and every time I tried to stand, the room spun slightly.


    ¡°I need a bath,¡± I muttered.


    ¡°I¡¯ll run one for you.¡±


    ¡°Alexander, I can-¡±


    11:36 Sat, 23 Aug E


    60%


    ¡°No.¡± He was already moving toward the bathroom. ¡°I¡¯m not leaving you alone, remember? That includes when you¡¯re bathing.¡±


    Heat flooded my cheeks. ¡°You can¡¯t be serious.¡±


    ¡°Completely serious.¡± He turned on the water, adjusting the temperature. ¡°You¡¯re injured and drugged and traumatized. I¡¯m not taking any chances.¡±


    ¡°But I can¡¯t¡­ You can¡¯t just¡­¡± I struggled to find the words. The idea of Alexander seeing me naked and vulnerable in the bath¨Cagain¨Cmade my heart race for reasons that had nothing to do with fear.


    ¡°E.¡± He turned to face me, and there was something in his green eyes that made my breath catch. ¡°I¡¯ve seen you naked before, remember? We¡¯re even.¡±


    The reference to that night in the bathtub weeks ago made my face burn even hotter, but I couldn¡¯t deny the logic. Still, this felt different. More intimate somehow.


    ¡°Fine,¡± I finally murmured, looking away as if that would somehow hide the crimson flush to my face. ¡°But you have to promise not to look.¡±


    ¡°I promise to be a perfect gentleman.¡±


    That didn¡¯t make me feel any better.


    But when I tried to stand up to undress, my legs gave outpletely. Alexander caught me before I could hit the floor, his strong arms wrapping around my waist.


    ¡°Okay,¡± I breathed, suddenly understanding just how much I needed his help. ¡°Okay.¡±


    Alexander was true to his word about being a gentleman. He helped me out of my ruined dress and into the warm bath with his eyes carefully averted, then knelt beside the tub and picked up the hairb.


    The hot water felt like heaven against my battered skin. I sank into it with a sigh, letting it wash away the dirt and fear and the lingering scent of that horrible man.


    I shut my eyes and felt his gentle fingers in my hair, working out the twigs and leaves that had gotten tangled there during my desperate flight through the forest. His touch was incredibly soft, and before I could stop it, a soft moan of enjoyment slipped out of me.


    My eyes shot open, and I pped my hand over my mouth. ¡°That wasn¡¯t-¡±


    ¡°Shh,<i>¡± </i>Alexander cut me off, still working at my hair. ¡°Just enjoy it.¡±


    My heart thrummed, but I did as he ordered. I shut my eyes and leaned back against the tub again. Warm


    water poured over my scalp, and the scent of cherry and vani washed over me as he began to gently wash


    my hair with shampoo.


    11:36 Sat, 23 Aug


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, Alexander. I just want to go home.¡±


    The paramedic looked between us. ¡°Luna, given what you¡¯ve been through-¡±


    ¡°I said I¡¯m fine.¡± She lifted her chin and shot me an imploring nce. ¡°I want to go home.¡±


    60%


    <b>+33 </b>


    I studied her face, noting the stubborn set of her jaw. She was scared of hospitals right now, I realized. After


    everything that had happened with her condition, she associated them with being sick and helpless. She wanted to feel safe, not like a patient.


    ¡°Alright,¡± I finally said. ¡°We¡¯ll go home. But I don¡¯t want you to leave my sight tonight. Not for a second.¡±


    A flush crept up her neck at my words. I hadn¡¯t meant them to sound suggestive, but there was something


    about the way she looked at me that made my wolf purr with satisfaction.


    E


    Back at the mansion, Alexander insisted on carrying me inside despite my protests. I was perfectly capable


    of walking, even if my legs were still a little unsteady from whatever that monster had put in my drink. But


    Alexander wouldn¡¯t hear of it, scooping me up in his arms like I weighed nothing.


    I had to admit that it felt good to be held like this. Safe. Protected.


    In our bedroom, he set me down gently on the edge of the bed and knelt in front of me, examining the cuts


    and scrapes on my arms and legs. His touch was gentle as he turned my wrists to check where the duct tape


    had been, then probed gently at the bruise on my shoulder.


    ¡°These need to be cleaned,¡± he said, frowning at a particrly nasty scratch that ran from my elbow to my wrist. ¡°And you need to get out of these clothes.¡±


    I looked down at my ruined dress, which was torn and stained with dirt and blood. The sight of it made me


    feel sick. ¡°I can manage-¡±


    ¡°No, you can¡¯t.¡± Alexander¡¯s voice was firm but not unkind. ¡°E, you¡¯re shaking. You just went through a near¨Cdeath experience. Let me take care of you.¡±


    Something about the way he said he wanted to take care of me made my heart leap with an emotion I dared


    not name. But from a practical side of things, he was right. My hands were trembling so badly I could barely


    pick anything up, and every time I tried to stand, the room spun slightly.


    ¡°I need a bath,¡± I muttered.


    ¡°I¡¯ll run one for you.¡±


    ¡°Alexander, I can-¡±


    11:36 Sat, 23 Aug


    60<b>% </b>


    ¡°No.¡± He was already moving toward the bathroom. ¡°I¡¯m not leaving you alone, remember? That includes when you¡¯re bathing.¡±


    Heat flooded my cheeks. ¡°You can¡¯t be serious.¡±


    +33


    ¡°Completely serious.¡± He turned on the water, adjusting the temperature. ¡°You¡¯re injured and drugged and traumatized. I¡¯m not taking any chances.¡±


    ¡°But I can¡¯t¡­ You can¡¯t just¡­¡± I struggled to find the words. The idea of Alexander seeing me naked and vulnerable in the bath¨Cagain¨Cmade my heart race for reasons that had nothing to do with fear.


    ¡°E.¡± He turned to face me, and there was something in his green eyes that made my breath catch. ¡°I¡¯ve seen you naked before, remember? We¡¯re even.¡±


    The reference to that night in the bathtub weeks ago made my face burn even hotter, but I couldn¡¯t deny the logic. Still, this felt different. More intimate somehow.


    ¡°Fine,¡± I finally murmured, looking away as if that would somehow hide the crimson flush to my face. ¡°But


    you have to promise not to look.¡±


    ¡°I promise to be a perfect gentleman.¡±


    That didn¡¯t make me feel any better.


    But when I tried to stand up to undress, my legs gave outpletely. Alexander caught me before I could hit the floor, his strong arms wrapping around my waist.


    ¡°Okay,¡± I breathed, suddenly understanding just how much I needed his help. ¡°Okay.¡±


    Alexander was true to his word about being a gentleman. He helped me out of my ruined dress and into the warm bath with his eyes carefully averted, then knelt beside the tub and picked up the hairb.


    The hot water felt like heaven against my battered skin. I sank into it with a sigh, letting it wash away the


    dirt and fear and the lingering scent of that horrible man.


    + shut my eyes and felt his gentle fingers in my hair, working out the twigs and leaves that had gotten tangled there during my desperate flight through the forest. His touch was incredibly soft, and before I could stop it, a soft moan of enjoyment slipped out of me.


    My eyes shot open, and I pped my hand over my mouth. ¡°That wasn¡¯t-¡±


    ¡°Shh,¡± Alexander cut me off, still working at my hair. ¡°Just enjoy it.¡±


    My heart thrummed, but I did as he ordered. I shut my eyes and leaned back against the tub again. Warm water poured over my scalp, and the scent of cherry and vani washed over me as he began to gently wash


    my hair with shampoo.


    11:36 Sat, 23 Aug


    60%


    +33


    For those moments, I forgot about everything else. The kidnapping, the fear, the fact that I was dying. There was only Alexander¡¯s gentle touch and the warm water and the feeling of beingpletely, utterly safe for


    the first time in months.


    My wolf remained frustratingly silent, but somehow I felt better anyway. Stronger. But surely that was just in my head.


    When the water began to cool, Alexander helped me out and wrapped me in a fluffy towel. He¡¯d brought me a clean nightgown from the dresser, and he turned away while I dried off and slipped it on.


    ¡°Better?¡± he asked once I was dressed and dr


    I nodded, suddenly exhausted. The adrenaline had worn offpletely now<i>, </i>leaving me feeling deted


    like a balloon that lost its air.


    Alexander seemed to sense my fatigue. He guided me back to the bed and pulled back the covers, waiting while I climbed in. The sheets felt cool and soft against my skin, and I sank into the mattress with a soft groan of relief.


    But when Alexander started to move toward the chair by the window, panic red in my chest. I couldn¡¯t be alone right now. I couldn¡¯t close my eyes and risk seeing that man¡¯s face, feeling his hands on me.


    Without thinking, I reached out and grabbed Alexander¡¯s wrist.


    ¡°Stay,¡± I whispered. ¡°Please. Hold me.¡±


    Alexander went very still, just staring down at our joined hands.


    I suddenly felt foolish, and quickly dropped his wrist as my cheeks turned crimson again. ¡°Never mind. You


    don¡¯t have to-¡±


    But before I could finish, Alexander gently lifted the covers and waved his hand. ¡°Scooch over.¡±

 The Perfect 74

    E


    Alexander¡¯s arms were warm and secure around me, his heartbeat steady beneath my ear. The calm rhythm


    of it chased away the fear, the doubt¡­ everything outside that room.


    ¡°How did you know where to find me?¡±


    ¡°Lilith managed to get a picture of the car,¡± he replied. ¡°I recognized it immediately. It was Sophia¡¯s.¡±


    I jerked my head up to look at him, making it spin. ¡°Did Sophia hire someone to kidnap me?¡±


    As soon as I blurted out those words, I feared I¡¯d overstepped. Alexander still adored Sophia above all else-


    he wouldn¡¯t take kindly to such an usation. Surely he would say that Sophia hadn¡¯t had anything to do


    with it. Perhaps her car had been stolen.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± he replied. ¡°But I¡¯m going to find out. And if that were the case, then I assure you, she¡¯ll be


    punished.¡±


    I blinked in surprise. I hadn¡¯t expected him to even entertain my statement, let alone promise that he would


    punish her.


    For a moment, I just searched his face in the moonlight streaming through the window. There was something fierce in his green eyes, something possessive that made my heart flutter.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I breathed, leaning up to press a soft kiss to his cheek. ¡°Thank you for saving me.¡±


    But just as my lips touched his skin, Alexander turned his head. Our mouths met in the middle, and suddenly we were kissing.


    It wasn¡¯t like our fake kisses for the cameras. His lips were too warm and soft against mine to be performative, and here, with no one to watch us, it couldn¡¯t possibly be for anyone except us.


    This was real.


    And, Goddess, how badly I wanted this,


    In that moment, a force shot through me that wanted nothing other than to hold onto this moment with all my might and never let go.


    And so I kissed him back without thinking, my hands fisting in the fabric of his shirt. When his tongue traced the seam of my lips, I opened for him without hesitation. The taste of him flooded my senses¨Cbourbon and


    woodwire smoke.


    My mate. My husband.


    11:36 Sat, 23 Aug <b>t </b>


    60%


    Alexander turned to face me, and without even meaning to, I hooked my leg over his waist. He gripped my hip and tugged me closer so our bodies were flush.


    That was when I felt it: the hard length of his arousal against my groin. The evidence of his desire sent heat racing through my veins, and my body responded instinctively. Something deep inside of me stirred- something that felt an awful lot like my wolf.


    But I didn¡¯t have time to wonder if she was returning, because then he was shifting so he was <i>on </i>top of me, his lips never breaking from mine.


    I must have made a small sound of approval, because only then did he pull back to look at me. His gaze wandered unabashedly across my face, my shoulder, the curve of my corbone¡­


    And then down. Down to where my peaked nipples were visible through my nightgown. Down to my hips, where the fabric was bunched up and wrinkled. Then the soft flesh of my thighs, and even lower¨Ccalves, feet. Back up again until his gaze met mine.


    The hunger in those green eyes was undeniable.


    Nothing in me could possibly believe that what we were about to do was a mistake.


    This was the most natural thing in the world. Two mates exploring one another, experiencing one another


    for the first time.


    That was precisely why, without hesitating, I


    was wearing nothing underneath.


    <i>¡°</i><i>P </i>and pulled my nightgown over my head by the hem. I


    Alexander¡¯s eyes widened slightly, tongue flicking out across his lower lip. My heart pounded, but I held his


    gaze.


    ¡°You¡¯ve seen me naked so many times now<i>,¡± </i>I muttered, tossing aside my nightgown, ¡°but I¡¯ve only seen you once. We¡¯re not even anymore.¡±


    Alexander ced one hand against my chest, pushing me back against the pillows.


    ¡°Let me taste <i>you </i>first. And then I¡¯ll decide.¡±


    The raw power in his voice was enough to make my toes curl. He slipped his hands down my body, over my breasts, lingering briefly on the gentle swell of them, then skimmed through the dip of my waist and over


    my hips. With each descent, I shivered again and again until my thighs were practically trembling, but he warmed them quickly with the heat of his palms.


    Slowly, he gently pushed my knees to the side until I was on disy.


    Green irises turned as hungry as a wolf eyeing a fresh steak.


    ¡°Beautiful,¡± he whispered, scooching down until his face was level with my womanhood.


    11:37 Sat, 23 Aug


    60%


    And then his mouth was on me. The sudden warmth and wetness of his tongue was enough to make me gasp, and my back instinctively arched away from the mattress, seeking more of the sensation. His tongue swirled around my clit, then down across my opening, and lower still until I was writhing beneath him.


    He feasted on me like a starved animal, sucked and nibbled and licked until I was a quivering mess. My clit was quite literally throbbing within minutes, unlike any pleasure I¡¯d given myself before. Lights danced at the edge of my vision with each flick of his tongue, and when he slipped the tips of two fingers into me, I nearly splintered on him right then and there.


    Only then did he pull back just enough to speak, his mouth slick and shining with my wetness.


    ¡°It¡¯s just the tips of my fingers, and already you¡¯re a mec


    My cheeks heated. ¡°You¡¯ve never¨CI haven¡¯t-¡±


    he teased.


    He tilted his head, fingers dipping in a little further. ¡°You¡¯re not seriously telling me you¡¯ve never pleasured


    yourself.¡±


    ¡°I have,¡± I admitted, and the heat in my face was on par with the heat between my legs now. ¡°But not in a


    long time. And it¡¯s¡­ different when it¡¯s not my own hand.¡±


    The mention of pleasuring myself seemed to ignite something in Alexander. His fingers slipped in further,


    and I nearly cried out again, gripping the sheets. ¡°Tell me what you like,¡± he whispered. ¡°In detail.¡±


    My throat bobbed, but once again, that raw power in his voice was enough to make me obey without him even using his Alpha Voice. Shakily, I replied, ¡°I like it slow, but deep. And a finger on my clit.¡±


    ¡°Like this?¡± Alexander ced his thumb right over my clit, pressing into it as if it were a button.


    ¡°Yes. Like that.¡±


    Slowly, Alexander began working his fingers into me, thumb circling my clit in time with his thrusts. Once


    again, within moments, I was nearly a wreck.


    Only once I was a quivering mess again did Alexander sit up, gently extracting his fingers from me, and wipe


    his mouth with the back of my hand.


    ¡°Now we can get even,¡± he said.


    I reached for the buttons of his shirt, my fingers trembling slightly as I worked them open. When I pushed the fabric off his shoulders, I couldn¡¯t help but stare. Just as I remembered, Alexander was all hard muscle and golden skin. My mouth immediately went dry.


    His mouth found mine again, tasting of me, as his hands worked at his belt. A few momentster, trousers and underwear tossed aside, he was fully exposed to me.


    All of him.


    11:37 Sat, 23 Aug t


    Every fucking inch.


    60<b>% </b>


    I nearly cried out just at the sight of that impressive member standing at attention between my thighs, and the soft whimper that did escape only made it twitch invitingly. Holding my gaze, he spat onto his palm and rubbed it along his length, then positioned himself at my entrance.


    For a moment, the tip of his cock lingered at the apex of my thighs, <i>so </i>close I could feel the heat radiating from it. He lowered himself onto his forearms so he was caging me against the mattress.


    ¡°You look frightened,¡± he noted.


    My throat bobbed. ¡°I¡¯ve never been with anyone. And you¡¯re¡­rge.¡±


    Alexander¡¯s eyes flickered with amusement, but there was a tenderness there <i>too </i>that soothed me. ¡°I¡¯ll be gentle,¡± he murmured, brushing a strand of hair out of my eyes. ¡°Let me know if you <i>need </i>to stop.¡±


    I nodded, and he gently began to push at my entrance. When the head of his cock pushed inside, there was


    a moment of sharp difort that made me gasp and dig my fingernails into his back, but it faded quickly,


    reced by a feeling of fullness as the rest of him slipped into me, inch by glorious inch.


    He began to move, slow and careful at first, giving me time to adjust. But soon we found our rhythm,


    moving together like we¡¯d been made for this. For each other.


    And in a way, we had been.


    My hips began to rock in time with his, seeking our dual pleasure. Soon, my own movements had begun to make Alexander¡¯s voice grow husky, and I knew I was doing something right.


    ¡°E¡­ Goddess, E¡­¡±


    My name sounded like a prayer on his lips. Like the most beautiful thing I¡¯d ever heard.


    When Alexander reached between us to touch me where we were joined, I shatteredpletely. The climax hit me like a bolt of lightning, and I couldn¡¯t help but cry out, the sound echoing through the room. I immediately felt my cheeks burn with embarrassment at how loud I¡¯d been.


    But Alexander¡¯s eyes glowed at the sound, and he cried out with me as his own release imed him. His fangs extended, gleaming in the moonlight, and for a heart¨Cstopping moment I thought he might finally mark me.


    On instinct, I tilted my head to expose my throat to him.


    I wanted him. Wanted this.


    But the sharp and brief pain of his fangs nipping into my neck never came. Instead, as his shudders slowed and finally stopped entirely, he brushed a soft kiss against the sensitive skin of my throat before pulling out of me gently.


    11:37 Sat, 23 Aug


    <b>300</b>%


    I watched through heavy eyelids as he disappeared into the bathroom, my body still humming with the aftershocks of my pleasure. I didn¡¯t have time to feel disappointed before sleep began to take me.


    By the time he climbed back into bed beside me, I was barely conscious. Thest thing I recalled before I slipped away was his arms pulling me back against him, and his lips once again brushing the spot where he should have marked me but hadn¡¯t.


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    S

 The Perfect 75

    <b>Chapter </b><b>75 </b>


    E & Alexander


    E


    Golden sunlight was streaming through the bedroom windows when I woke, warming my bare skin where the sheet had slipped down.


    For a moment, I justid there, smiling like a fool, my body pleasantly sore in ces that had never ached before. A wave of something that I could only describe as an aftershock of arousal rushed through me, starting from my groin and radiating outward.


    Instinctively, I reached out, expecting Alexander to beying beside me. Thest thing I remembered was his warm body flush against mine before I had fallen into the sweetest sleep I¡¯d had in years.


    But my hand met cool, neatly made sheets.


    I cracked my eyes open against the bright sunlight and saw that he was gone. And then the memories fromst night came rushing back. First came the pleasure of our first time together, but then came¡­


    My hand flew to my throat.


    Nothing was there. Just smooth, unmarked skin where his fangs should have left their im.


    The disappointment was immediate and intense. I pressed my palm against the spot where he should have bitten me, where for one heart¨Cstopping moment I¡¯d been certain he was going toplete our bond. I¡¯d tilted my head back, offering myself to himpletely, and he¡¯d¡­


    He¡¯d pulled away.


    +33


    And now his side of the bed was empty and cold. He had left before I¡¯d even woken, hadn¡¯t even bothered to


    let me know he was leaving.


    But of course he was gone. Why had I expected anything different? He¡¯d gotten what he wanted from me- my body, my virginity, probably myplete and utter surrender¨Cand now he was back to hating me.


    Oh, who was I kidding? He¡¯d never stopped hating me. Andst night had been a mistake, a moment of weakness on my part. I had been so enthralled by my hero that I had forgotten he was still my enemy. For all I knew, it was likely just a maniption to keep me satisfied for the remainder of our contract so I wouldn¡¯t


    try to pull out early.


    What a lovesick fool I was.


    Although I had to admit, my body did feel better today¡­ Stronger. The intimacy we¡¯d shared had clearly made my condition improve, or <i>so </i>it seems. But whatever physical benefits I might have gained from our


    11:37 Sat, 23 Aug


    night together were overshadowed by the hollow ache of bitterness in my chest.


    If Alexander wouldn¡¯t mark me after what we¡¯d sharedst night, then he never would.


    60%


    Stupidly, I¡¯d given him everything, and it still wasn¡¯t enough. He still saw me as the mate he never wanted. One night of passion couldn¡¯t erase five years of hatred.


    I curled into a ball under the covers, pulling the sheet over my head in shame. Goddess, how could I have been so stupid? How could I have thought that sleeping with him would change anything between us?


    Alexander had made his choice. He would rather watch me die than im me as his true mate.


    Alexander


    I was sitting in my office, trying to go over paperwork but not really able to focus on anything, when Gabriel knocked and entered. His eyes immediately zeroed in on my neck, and narrowed when he spotted the dark bruise E had left there with her mouthst night.


    The Beta folded his arms. ¡°Did you sleep with her?¡±


    The question was blunt¨Ctypical Gabriel. I finally raised my eyes to meet his, keeping my expression neutral despite the fact that my wolf was practically purring with satisfaction at the mere mention of E¡¯s perfect body beneath me.


    ¡°Yes.¡± There was no point in trying to hide it, especially not from a subordinate.


    Gabriel¡¯s face went through several expressions before settling on panic. ¡°Please tell me you didn¡¯t mark her.¡±


    The memory shed through my mind for the millionth time already since I¡¯d woken that morning. E had tilted her head back just as we reached our peak together, exposing the elegant curve of her throat, and I had nearly lost control.


    For a moment, I¡¯d been so close to sinking my teeth into her skin that I could taste her throat on my tongue


    even now.


    But I¡¯d pulled back at thest second. Out of fear, perhaps, but also control. What if she was manipting me into marking her? She¡¯d made it clear before that she didn¡¯t want me to mark her, but maybe she changed her mind.


    Maybe her father made her change her mind. Maybe he forced his little spy to get closer to me.


    Or maybe I was just a fucking coward.


    ¡°No,¡± I said tly. ¡°I didn¡¯t mark her.¡±


    11:37 Sat, 23 Aug


    Relief flooded Gabriel¡¯s features. ¡°Good. That¡¯s good. For a moment there, I thought-¡±


    ¡°Gabriel.¡± I fixed him with a hard stare. ¡°Instead of worrying about my personal life, why don¡¯t you go summon Sophia? I have questions about her car.¡±


    Gabriel frowned. ¡°You think it was stolen?¡±


    60%


    That was what I wanted to believe. That Sophia¡¯s car had been taken by some random criminal, that she had nothing to do with what happened to E. But deep in my gut, I knew better.


    ¡°Just bring her here,¡± I said curtly.


    Gabriel nodded and left, although I could see the frustration in his eyes over my having slept with Est night. The moment the door closed behind him, I let out a long breath and leaned back in my chair, passing my hand over my rapidly heating face.


    E had been so perfectst night. And the way she¡¯d looked at me when I was inside of her, like I was her whole world¡­ My wolf had been ecstatic, practically howling with joy at finally being with our mate. Even now, hourster, I could barely keep the smile off my face.


    Suddenly, another knock interrupted my thoughts. This time it was Liam who entered, and he looked furious.


    ¡°Where is she?¡± he demanded.


    ¡°E? She¡¯s upstairs, sleeping.¡±


    ¡°Is she alright? After what happenedst night-¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s fine.¡± I leaned back in my chair and gestured to the chair Gabriel had vacated. ¡°Do you want to take a seat?¡±


    He remained standing, arms crossed. ¡°I¡¯d rather not. I came here to tell you that this is your fault.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    ¡°E was kidnapped because she felt so isted, so unwanted, that she epted a drink from a stranger just to feel normal for five minutes.¡± Liam¡¯s anger was palpable. ¡°If you hadn¡¯t spent five years pushing her away and making her feel like she meant nothing to you, she never would have been in that situation.¡±


    The usation hit harder than I wanted to admit because there was truth in it. E had been starved for


    affection. Of course she had been vulnerable to someone showing her attention.


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± I said quietly.


    Liam blinked, clearly not expecting that response. ¡°I¡­ what?¡±


    11:37 Sat, 23 Aug


    60%


    +33


    ¡°You¡¯re right. I pushed her away for years. I made her feel unwanted.¡± I stood up, walking to the window that overlooked the garden. ¡°And if Sophia was behind what happenedst night, I¡¯ll make sure she pays for it.¡±


    ¡°Sophia?¡± Liam¡¯s anger shifted to confusion. ¡°What does she have to do with this?¡±


    ¡°The kidnapper used her car. Either it was stolen, or¡­¡± I trailed off, not wanting to voice my suspicions out


    loud.


    Before Liam could answer, another knock at the door interrupted us. I rolled my eyes, wondering who else could possibly being to bother me today, but then Gabriel poked his head in. ¡°Alpha, Sophia and her parents are already here.¡±


    My eyebrows shot up at that. Liam moved to leave, but I gestured for him to stay; I wanted him here for this. Composing myself, I nodded to Gabriel. A momentter, Sophia entered with a gift basket in her hands, her parents trailing behind her.


    ¡°Alex, we heard what happened to E and wanted to bring this-¡±


    ¡°Sit down,¡± I said, cutting her off. ¡°We have much to discuss.¡±


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 The Perfect 76

    <b>Chapter </b><b>76 </b>


    E & Alexander


    E


    DU%


    33


    The longer Iy there in that empty bed, the more bitter I became.


    What had I expected? That Alexander would stay beside me, maybe stroke my hair while I slept? That he¡¯d


    wake me with gentle kisses and promises?


    Goddess, I was such a naive little fool.


    Eventually, I dragged myself out of bed and pulled on a robe, wrapping it tightly around myself. I wasn¡¯t going to hide away in shame. And besides, I needed coffee.


    But when I reached the main staircase, I heard voicesing from Alexander¡¯s office. The door was partially


    open, and I could make out several people inside. Curious despite myself, I crept closer.


    ¡°-why your car was used for the kidnapping¡­¡± That was Alexander¡¯s voice.


    I pressed myself against the wall beside the door, straining to listen.


    ¡°Alex, I swear to you, my car was stolen!¡± Sophia¡¯s voice was desperate. ¡°I reported it to the police yesterday


    morning when I discovered it was missing from my driveway.¡±


    ¡°Convenient timing,<i>¡± </i>Alexander replied coldly. ¡°Your car gets stolen the same day my wife is kidnapped.¡±


    My wife. The way he said it¡­ But I hardly dared to let myself wonder if I was wrong about him.


    ¡°I know how it looks, but I would never-¡±


    ¡°You pushed her out of a barn. You released a rogue at a public event. You destroyed her locket at the charity auction. If you want to hurt her, then just say that.¡±


    ¡°I never did any of that!¡±


    ¡°Alexander.¡± This was a new voice¨CRichard, Sophia¡¯s father. ¡°Perhaps we should discuss this more calmly.¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t Sophia,¡± Margaret, Sophia¡¯s mother, suddenly chimed in. ¡°It was us.¡±


    The office went silent. My heart pounded as I inched closer to the door, pricking my ears to hear Alexander¡¯s


    response.


    ¡°What?¡± Alexander was deadly quiet now.


    ¡°Your father and I hired the man,¡± Margaret said. ¡°We¡¯ve been the ones who have been interfering in your


    11:37 Sat, 23 Aug


    marriage. The rumors, even having someone steal Sophia¡¯s car to frame her. We did it all.¡±


    ¡°We thought if we could create enough problems, you would finally be able to get out of this loveless marriage. We all know you love Sophia more than E.¡±


    My pulse suddenly went still.


    60%


    They intended to break us up. They spoke as if Alexander had been hoping to get out of our marriage all along¡­ And he loved Sophia.


    A small, traitorous little sliver of my heart didn¡¯t want that to be true. But right now, I couldn¡¯t be certain.


    I heard a floorboard creaking and saw Margaret¡¯s slender framee into view, clutching that pearl


    ne she always wore. Her eyes flicked in my direction, but I inched back into the shadows before she


    could see me.


    ¡°If you want to end this marriage,¡± she went on, ¡°you should do it now. Before you fall any deeper into this


    situation. If you wait much longer, you might be unwilling to reject her when the timees.¡±


    I pressed my fingers over my mouth, hot tears pricking the backs of my eyes.


    They were talking about Alexander rejecting me. Like it was a given. Like it was always the n.


    ¡°Alex, you must be logical,¡± Richard said. ¡°You¡¯ll need a strong Luna for your political career. Someone like Sophia, with connections and proper breeding. Not some sick girl who¡¯ll be dead within the year anyway.¡±


    ¡°Whatever mistakes you made with her, they won¡¯t matter<i>,</i><i>¡± </i>Margaret added. ¡°Sophia will forgive you if you slept with E, won¡¯t you, darling?¡±


    Sophia sniffled. ¡°Of course. It¡¯s natural for mates to be physically attracted to one another¨Cit¡¯s not your


    fault¡­¡±


    I couldn¡¯t listen anymore. Without hesitating, I turned and fled back up the stairs as quietly as I could.


    33


    Alexander


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to wait until the end of your campaign to reject her,¡± Margaret said. ¡°Everyone knows you love Sophia more than E anyway; the starcrossed lovers story will generate even more interest in your campaign.¡± She gestured to Liam. ¡°Isn¡¯t that right, Liam?¡±


    Liam, for his part, didn¡¯t answer. Just continued to stand there in shock, just as he had been throughout this


    entire pathetic conversation.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to reject her.¡±


    11:37 Sat, 23 Aug


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    0


    The words sounded like a gunshot in the quiet room, surprising even me. Liam snapped his head toward me. Gabriel¡¯s eyes widened. Sophia¡¯s face crumpled, and her parents just stared, mouths hanging open.


    My confession took me by surprise just as much as it did the others, but it felt right. I didn¡¯t want to reject E.


    Afterst night¡­ I wanted her to be mine. All of her.


    ¡°Alex, please,¡± Sophia whispered, rising to her feet. ¡°You can¡¯t mean that. We¡¯ve loved each other since we were teenagers. We¡¯re supposed to be together.¡±


    ¡°No, Sophia. We¡¯re not.¡± I looked at her directly, making sure she understood every word. ¡°You never had a real chance with me. It¡¯s time you epted that and moved on.¡±


    Sophia¡¯s sobs filled the room, but I felt no sympathy for her. Not after what she and her family had put E through.


    ¡°You all need to pay for what you¡¯ve done,¡± I said, turning to Richard and Margaret. ¡°All else aside, hiring someone to kidnap my wife goes far beyond simple meddling.¡±


    Margaret scoffed. ¡°She was never in any real danger. That rogue was just going to rough her, up, scare her-¡±


    ¡°You had her drugged, tied up, taken to a barn in the middle of nowhere, and nearly raped.¡± My voice was hardly more than a growl. ¡°And he intended to take pictures of the entire thing like some kind of


    humiliation.¡±


    ¡°Alexander, please be reasonable,<i>¡± </i>Richard said desperately. ¡°Our pack needs this alliance. We¡¯ve invested


    everything in maintaining good rtions with your territory. And ultimately, no real harm was done. E


    wasn¡¯t actually hurt.¡±


    ¡°But she was,¡± I hissed, feeling my wolf rise to the surface of my skin. ¡°That was an incident that she¡¯ll never forget for as long as she lives.¡±


    Margaret and Richard exchanged frantic looks while Sophia whimpered in the background. My wolf raged, urging me to rip their throats out right then and there. But I controlled myself¨Cfor now, anyway, and only because Liam was standing there and the Alpha Council would have me sent to prison for life if they found


    out.


    Although to be fair, Liam would probably go to prison right alongside me.


    Richard seemed to read my mind when I nced at Liam. He took a step forward and curled his lips into a


    malicious sneer. ¡°If this goes to the Alpha Council, it will create a massive scandal. We¡¯ll have no choice but to tell them the truth¨Cthat E is dying because you refuse to mark her. How do you think that will look for


    your political career? How do you think that will look for her?¡±


    My wolf snarled. Threatening me was one thing, but E¡­


    <b>Gal</b><b>, </b>23 Aug


    3


    I wouldn¡¯t stand for it. I couldn¡¯t bear to see her hurt again.


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    33)


    ¡°Here¡¯s what¡¯s going to happen,¡± I said, my voice as cold as a winter frost. ¡°You¡¯re going on immediate parole; if you misbehave again, I¡¯ll go to the Alpha Council myself about your crimes. And you must performmunity service for Ashw for the next two years, make public donations to a charity in E¡¯s name, and act like perfect, upstanding citizens.¡±


    ¡°And,¡± Liam added, stepping forward, ¡°if you breathe a word of this to anyone, I¡¯ll make sure you face the full legal consequences.¡±


    Richard¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°You can¡¯t mean-¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Liam cut him off. ¡°You¡¯ll be rogues. All of you.¡¯¡±


    Sophia was still crying, but she frantically turned to her parents. ¡°Please, Mommy and Daddy. Please do what they say. I don¡¯t want to be a rogue-¡±


    ¡°Fine,¡± Margaret whispered bitterly. ¡°We ept your terms.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡± I gestured toward the door. ¡°Now get out of my house. All of you.¡±


    They left quickly with Gabriel showing them out, Sophia casting onest desperate look over her shoulder


    before the door closed behind them.


    Liam and I stood in silence for a moment, both too stunned by what had just happened to speak. The


    punishment didn¡¯t feel like enough, but humiliating E publicly? If people found out about her illness, she


    would be ruined.


    Wolfless people in our society were rare and frowned upon. If it came out that she had an illness that made


    her wolf dormant, then she would be seen as weak. People might even attack her¨Cother suitors who might


    want to get her out of the picture and take her ce as my Luna.


    And her family¡­ I already knew how they treated her. I hardly dared to think what they might say or do if they found out that she was sick. If she was their spy or weapon¡­ Then they might dispose of her and


    dispatch a new one.


    The very thought of seeing her in pain, possibly even assassinated just as my own parents had been, made my heart clench in agony.


    ¡°We can¡¯t tell E about this,¡± I finally said, breaking the silence. ¡°Not yet.¡±


    To my surprise, Liam nodded grimly. ¡°You¡¯re right. She¡¯d be furious that we let them off so easily.¡±


    ¡°And she¡¯d be right to want it. But right now, she needs to focus on her health, not on revenge.¡± I held my hand out. ¡°Do we have a deal?¡±


    Liam hesitated for a moment, staring at my outstretched hand. Finally, he sped it and gave it a firm


    <b>4/5 </b>


    11:37 Sat, 23 Aug t


    shake.


    ¡°Your secret is safe with me,¡± he said solemnly.


    B


    AD


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    33


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    Chapter <i>77 </i>


    <b>Chapter </b><b>77 </b>


    E

 The Perfect 77

    <b>Chapter </b><b>77 </b>


    E


    Three weeks had passed since that awful morning when I¡¯d overheard Alexander¡¯s conversation with Sophia¡¯s parents. Three weeks of regrets and silence and humiliation.


    Three weeks, and I barely saw him.


    If he was trying to avoid me, then he was doing a damn good job of it. Then again, I supposed he¡¯d had five years of practice before I¡¯d gotten sick, so it wasn¡¯t as though he had to try very hard.


    During those three weeks, we fell back into our old routine. With Liam and the rest of the Alpha Council gone, we didn¡¯t have to worry about faking our rtionship at home. I continued sleeping in Alexander¡¯s room, but he only entered once I was already half¨Casleep, and was often gone by the time I woke up.


    During the days, he was always busy in his office or off performing pack duties, so it was usually just me and Lilith.


    Nothing had changed, it seemed.


    But something had changed, actually. One very important thing.


    My body was stronger. The dizzy spells had decreased ever since our night of passion together¨Cif one could


    even call it that¨Cand I¡¯d actually managed to keep down three full meals yesterday without feeling


    nauseated.


    Dr. Evelyn noticed the improvement immediately when I arrived for my scheduled checkup.


    ¡°Your color is better<i>,</i><i>¡± </i>she said, checking my pulse. ¡°And your heartbeat is stronger than it¡¯s been in months.¡±


    I nodded, trying not to think about what might have caused the improvement. The intimacy Alexander and I had shared that night after my kidnapping had stirred something inside of me, some energy that felt almost


    like my dormant wolf trying to surface. But thinking about that night only reminded me of how thoroughly


    he¡¯d used me.


    ¡°Let¡¯s run some blood work,<i>¡± </i>Dr. Evelyn continued, drawing several vials from my arm. ¡°I want to see if we can pinpoint what¡¯s helping your condition.¡±


    Twenty minutester, she returned with results that made my world tilt sideways.


    ¡°E,<i>¡± </i>she said gently, handing me a stick with two little lines on it, ¡°you¡¯re pregnant.¡±


    The words didn¡¯t register at first. I just stared at her, then at the pregnancy test, blinking slowly.


    ¡°I¡¯m¡­ what?¡±


    Chapter <i>77 </i>


    ¡°About four weeks along, from what I can tell. Which would exin the improvement in your condition- intimate contact with your mate can sometimes temporarily strengthen the bond, even without marking.¡±


    Pregnant. I was carrying Alexander¡¯s child.


    My hand drifted to my stomach, and for a moment, I couldn¡¯t breathe. There was a baby growing inside of me. A tiny life that was part of me and part of Alexander.


    ¡°E, we need to discuss your options.¡± Dr. Evelyn¡¯s voice was careful, but there was an undercurrent of panic there. ¡°Your conditionplicates things significantly.¡±


    I forced myself to focus on her words instead of the swirling chaos in my mind.


    ¡°If you continue the pregnancy without resolving your illness, the strain could kill you both. Your body would be supporting another life when it can barely support your own.<i>¡± </i>She paused, letting that sink in. ¡°However, there are alternatives. An abortion would be rtively simple at this stage, and it would allow your body to focus entirely on recovery.¡±


    The word ¡°abortion¡± felt like a knife in my chest. End the pregnancy. Kill the baby. My hands shook as she gave me a pamphlet on safe abortion methods.


    ¡°On the other hand,¡± Dr. Evelyn continued, ¡°if Alexander were to mark you now,pleting your mate bond, it would likely cure your condition entirely. The pregnancy could continue safely.¡±


    pressed my lips together, thinking about that conversation I¡¯d overheard. Alexander had no intention of marking me. He was nning to reject me eventually, probably marry Sophia, and move on with his political career. This baby would just be an inconvenience.


    ¡°How long do I have to decide?¡± I asked quietly.,


    ¡°A few weeks at most. The longer you wait, the more dangerous it bes for you.¡±


    I nodded, my mind reeling. A baby. Alexander¡¯s baby.


    The drive home passed by in a blur. I kept touching my stomach, trying to wrap my mind around the fact that there was actually a life growing there. As a Luna, I¡¯d always been expected to produce heirs eventually, but I¡¯d never seriously considered whether I actually wanted children.


    But now, knowing that I was pregnant, the thought of ending it didn¡¯t feel like something I would want.


    When I reached the mansion, I found Lilith in the kitchen preparing dinner. She took one look at my face and immediately set down her wooden spoon.


    ¡°What happened, dear? How was your appointment?¡±


    I simply handed her the test results, unable to speak. She stared in shock at the two lines, just as I had. Then, when she looked up at me, her eyes were full of tears. ¡°How far along?¡±


    11:38 Sat, 23 Aug F


    60


    ¡°About a month. Dr. Evelyn says¡­¡± I trailed off, not sure how to exin theplicated medical situation.


    ¡°Says what?¡±


    ¡°Says the baby could kill me if Alexander doesn¡¯t mark me soon. My body can¡¯t handle supporting another life when my wolf is still dormant. Either I need to resolve my illness, or I need to terminate the pregnancy.


    For a long moment, we sat in silence. Finally, I was startled out of a state of shock by the sensation of Lilith squeezing my fingers. I¡¯d been so zoned out that I hadn¡¯t even noticed her grabbing my hand.


    ¡°What do you want to do?¡± she whispered.


    I let out a shaky breath. ¡°I don¡¯t know. I never thought about having children before, not really. But now that I know I¡¯m carrying Alexander¡¯s baby¡­¡± My voice broke slightly. ¡°I can¡¯t bear the thought of ending it.¡±


    ¡°Then don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°But Alexander doesn¡¯t want me. He¡¯s nning to reject me eventually anyway. Why would he change his mind just because of a baby?¡±


    Lilith¡¯s expression grew thoughtful. ¡°Maybe he would, though. Having an heir is important for an Alpha, especially one running for Alpha King. Even if he doesn¡¯t love you the way you deserve, he might be willing to mark you for the sake of his child.¡±


    The words stung, but they also made sense. ¡°You think I should tell him?¡±


    ¡°I think you should find out where he stands. You can¡¯t make this decision in a vacuum, E. You need to know if there¡¯s any chance he might do the right thing.¡±


    She was right, as usual. So that night, I stayed awake until Alexander came to bed. It was well after midnight when he finally entered. He barely nced at me as he headed for the bathroom.


    ¡°Alexander,¡± I called out. ¡°Can we talk?¡±


    He paused in the doorway, his shoulders tensing. ¡°About what?¡±


    ¡°Just¡­ I have a question.¡±


    For a moment, I thought he might just walk away, choosing to ignore me again. But then he sighed and turned around. ¡°What did you want to discuss?¡±


    I took a deep breath, and asked, ¡°I was just wondering¡­ have you ever thought about having children?¡±


    Something flickered across Alexander¡¯s face. Green eyes shed with something I didn¡¯t have a chance to read before it was quickly smoothed over by that familiar mask of cold indifference.


    ¡°Our contract said we would never have children,¡± he said curtly before turning and disappearing into the


    11:38 Sat, 23 Aug


    bathroom.


    IF


    B

 The Perfect 78

    <b>Chapter </b><b>78 </b>


    E & Alexander


    E


    Alexander¡¯s words were like a p across the fucking face.


    ¡°Our contract said we would never have children,¡± he said curtly. Then, without another word, he turned and walked into the bathroom.


    Not ¡°I don¡¯t want children¡± or ¡°I¡¯m not ready¡± or even ¡°we should wait.¡± No, Alexander had immediately


    fallen back on that damned contract.


    I stared at him as he disappeared into the bathroom, the sound of running water filling the silence he¡¯d left behind. My hand drifted to my stomach again, covering the tiny life growing there that Alexander clearly had no interest in knowing about.


    Of course he wouldn¡¯t want a baby. Why had I even entertained the possibility that he might? The contract


    we¡¯d signed five years ago had explicitly stated that he would never have children with me.


    We had already broken the contract¡¯s stiptions by sleeping together once, and he wasn¡¯t going to make a


    second mistake.


    I was such an idiot for thinking that our night together had meant anything to him. For believing that maybe, just maybe, he might have developed some feelings for me over the years and that I was wrong


    about his intentions.


    But no, Alexander saw me exactly the same way he always had: as a temporary inconvenience that he had


    to endure until he could find a way to legally discard me.


    And now I was carrying his child, a child he would never want.


    A child he would never know about.


    Because I wouldn¡¯t tell him. Even if I decided to keep the baby, I wouldn¡¯t let him know about it. I would


    have to find a way to get out of this sham of a marriage before I started to show, and then I would do what I


    kept dreaming of: I would run away, <i>to </i>the coast, somewhere he couldn¡¯t bother me anymore.


    Having a child, of course, would change things. I would immediately be a responsible parent instead of the carefree young woman I¡¯d dreamed of who would drink cocktails and dance with random young men.


    But I would be happy. Lilith and¡­ we would be the best mothers ever. Just us and my little one. A strange but beautiful little family.


    And yet¡­ Was it wise to have the child now? I was sick and stuck in a marriage with a man who didn¡¯t want


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    11:38 Sat, 23 Aug


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    me or our pup. Dr. Evelyn had made herself clear when she said that keeping the baby could be dangerous. for both of us, and I felt no closer to curing this damn disease.


    I pulled the covers up to my chin and turned onto my side, facing away from the bathroom. My hand stayed pressed against my belly, protective and possessive.


    This baby might not be wanted by its father, but I wanted it. Despite everything, I wanted this baby.


    But could I bring myself to bring a child into a world where its own father didn¡¯t love it enough to save its


    mother from certain death?


    Alexander


    The hot water pounded against my shoulders, but it did nothing to wash away the image of E¡¯s face when I¡¯d mentioned the contract. She¡¯d looked like I¡¯d struck her, all the color draining from her cheeks before


    she¡¯d tried to hide her reaction.


    ¡°She wants pups,¡± my wolf said eagerly. ¡°Our mate wants to have our children.¡±


    The thought sent a thrill through me.


    I pressed my forehead against the cold tiles of the shower wall, trying to quiet the images that were suddenly flooding my mind. E with a rounded belly, glowing with health and happiness. A small child with red hair and her eyes running through the mansion¡¯s halls. Family dinners where we actually sat together, talked together,ughed together.


    Goddess, I wanted it. I wanted it so badly it made me sick.


    But the moment E had asked about children, I¡¯d panicked. Out of instinct, I had cited the contract that disallowed us from having children, even though we¡¯d already broken it by having sex.


    Deep down, I really just wanted to mark her. To make her mine. To put a baby in her and live the life every mated pair should: a life of love and happiness.


    But I still didn¡¯t know if I could trust her. Her family had likely orchestrated my parents¡® deaths, and no


    matter how much I¡¯d grown to care about her, I still had no concrete proof that she wasn¡¯t a spy or a secret


    weapon.


    What if she wanted to get pregnant so I was even more susceptible to whatever they had nned?


    My wolf growled at the thought, angry that I would even entertain such a notion. But I couldn¡¯t put away my


    suspicions, no matter how much I wanted to.


    The water was starting to run cold, so I finally turned it off and grabbed a towel.


    11:38 Sat, 23 Aug


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    When I entered the bedroom, E was already curled up on her side of the bed, breathing deep and even. Asleep, she looked younger and less stressed. Her hair was spread across the pillow, and in the moonlight streaming through the window, I could see the gentle swell of her breasts through her nightgown.


    Everything in me wanted to reach for her. To pull her against me and apologize for my harsh words earlier. To make love to her again, properly this time, with all the tenderness and passion she deserved.


    To whisper that yes, I did want children with her, wanted to give her everything she¡¯d ever dreamed of


    having.


    Maybe if I marked her tonight, she could have the baby she <i>so </i>clearly wanted. Maybe we could build the family that my wolf was practically begging for.


    But I couldn¡¯t. Not yet.


    I still didn¡¯t know for certain if I could trust her, and until I did, I couldn¡¯t risk hurting either of us. What if she was manipting me? What if her father had ordered her to seduce me, to get pregnant and cement our bond permanently?


    So instead of reaching for her, I slipped carefully into bed and rolled away, putting distance between us like I had every night for the past three weeks.


    Sleep came fitfully, filled with dreams that felt more like glimpses of a life I might never have. Eughing as she chased a small child through the garden, her belly round with our second pup.


    A little boy with her chestnut hair and my green eyes calling me ¡°Daddy¡± as I lifted him onto my shoulders. Family portraits where we actually looked happy, where the love between us was real and beautiful.


    But then I woke up, and the dream faded like morning mist. Beside me, E was still sleeping, turned away from me with one hand tucked beneath her cheek.


    Just like I had every morning for the past three weeks, I quietly slipped out of bed and headed for the door. I needed to lock myself in my office and bury myself in pack business before she woke because I couldn¡¯t bear to look her in the eye.


    As I opened the bedroom door, I nced back at E one more time. She was still sleeping peacefully, unaware that I wasn¡¯t leaving her because I wanted to, but because I felt as if I had no other choice.


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 The Perfect 79

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    <b>Chapter 79 </b>


    E


    The pregnancy test results burned a hole in my pocket. Two pink lines on a small white stick, along with the officialb paperwork confirming what those lines meant.


    I was carrying Alexander¡¯s child.


    For three days straight, I pulled that test out of my pocket and stared at it, trying to wrap my mind around the reality of what was growing inside of me. Three days of holding the proof in my hands white my husband avoided me like I had the gue.


    Three days of looking at the abortion pamphlet and trying to decide what the hell I was going to do.


    The first morning after our conversation about children, I¡¯d woken to an empty bed and the distant sound of Alexander¡¯s car leaving the driveway. He didn¡¯t return until well after midnight, long after I¡¯d already gone to bed.


    The pattern continued. Early departures,te returns, and absolutely zero interaction between us during his brief moments at home. If Alexander had been avoiding me before our night together, he was actively fleeing from me now.


    But despite his obvious revulsion at the idea of being a father, I couldn¡¯t stop myself from imagining what it might be like. Late at night, when sleep wouldn¡¯te, I¡¯d find myself picturing a little boy with Alexander¡¯s green eyes, or a girl with my eyes but his fiery red hair.


    I imagined teaching them to read in the garden, Lilith baking cookies for their birthdays, family dinners. I pictured Alexander lifting a toddler onto his shoulders.


    The fantasies were <i>so </i>vivid and achingly beautiful that I¡¯d wake with tears on my cheeks and an emptiness in my chest that made me feel like I was drowning.


    But then reality woulde crashing back, just as it always did, when I would hear the subtle click of the door in the morning signalling Alexander¡¯s departure.


    This wasn¡¯t the situation I¡¯d dreamed of when I used to think about having children. I¡¯d always imagined it. would happen with a mate who loved me, in a household filled with warmth and security.


    Not with a husband who could barely tolerate my presence and a marriage that was destined to end in rejection.


    What kind of life would that be for a child? Growing up knowing their father had never wanted them? And that was assuming I even survived long enough for the baby to be born.


    Dr. Evelyn¡¯s warnings echoed in my mind constantly. My body could barely support my own life right now


    <b>1/3 </b>


    how could I ask it to sustain another? The one night of passion we¡¯d shared, resulting in this baby, might have given me a temporary boost in energy, but without Alexander¡¯s mark toplete our mate bond, I would only get sicker as the months went on.


    I could die in childbirth. Or worse, I could die before the baby was even viable, taking an innocent life with <ol><li>me. </li></ol>


    ¡°E, dear, you¡¯ve been staring at that thing for an hour.¡±


    I looked up to find Lilith standing in the doorway of my bedroom, concern written across her features.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what to do,¡± I admitted, setting the test back down on the vanity.


    Lilith came over and perched on the edge of my bed. ¡°What does your heart tell you?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the problem. My heart wants this baby desperately, but my head knows it¡¯s a terrible idea.¡± I rubbed my temples and sighed. ¡°If I keep it, I could die. And even if I survive, what kind of mother would I be? Sick, weak, married to a man who doesn¡¯t want either of us?¡±


    ¡°Alexander might surprise you,¡± Lilith said gently. ¡°Men often change their minds when faced with the reality of fatherhood.¡±


    I shook my head. ¡°You didn¡¯t see his face when I asked about children. He looked horrified at the very thought. And now he won¡¯t even stay in the same house as me for more than a few hours at a time.¡±


    ¡°Maybe he¡¯s just processing-¡±


    ¡°No.¡± I stood up abruptly and paced to the window, looking out at the driveway. His car was gone, just as it always was. ¡°He made his feelings perfectly clear. The contract says no children, and Alexander always follows the rules when they benefit him.¡±


    Lilith was quiet for a moment. ¡°So are you thinking of terminating the pregnancy?¡±


    The word felt like ss in my throat, but I choked out a small, ¡°Yes.¡±


    I waited for Lilith to argue¨Cperhaps I wanted her to¨Cbut instead she just nodded. ¡°I understand. And I hope you know I support youpletely in this decision.¡±


    The unconditional eptance in her words nearly broke me. Once again, Lilith was the only person in my life who I could truly rely on to be there during my darkest moments. Hell, Liam hadn¡¯t even been around since that rogue had kidnapped me. All I had was her, but I wouldn¡¯t rather it be anyone else.


    I spent another sleepless night weighing my options. But by morning, my decision was made.


    I couldn¡¯t bring a child into this situation. Not when my own health was so precarious, not when their father would see them as nothing more than an unwantedplication. A baby deserved better than what I could offer right now.


    11:38 Sat, 23 Aug


    The phone call to Dr. Evelyn was one of the hardest things I¡¯d ever done.


    ¡°I want to schedule the procedure,¡± I said without preamble when she answered.


    There was a pause. Then: ¡°Are you sure, E? This isn¡¯t a decision you can undo.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure.¡± The lie came easily, even though I felt anything but certain. ¡°When can we do it?¡±


    ¡°How about Friday morning? That gives you a few more days to think it over if you change your mind.¡±


    Friday. Three days away. Three more days to second¨Cguess myself, to imagine all the what¨Cifs and might-


    have¨Cbeens.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± I said. ¡°What do I need to do to prepare?¡±


    Dr. Evelyn walked me through the pre¨Cprocedure instructions. When we hung up, I immediately asked Lilith if she woulde with me.


    ¡°Of course,<i>¡± </i>she said without hesitation. ¡°I¡¯ll be right there with you, holding your hand the entire time.¡±


    The next three days passed in a haze. I found myself unconsciously cing my hand on my stomach, then forcing myself to stop. I caught myself looking at baby clothes in store windows during a trip to town, then quickly walking away before anyone could notice.


    All the while, Alexander remained conspicuously absent, which only confirmed that I was making the right choice. If he couldn¡¯t even be in the same house as me when he thought I might want children, how would he react if he knew I was actually carrying his child?


    Friday morning arrived gray and drizzling, matching my mood perfectly. I¡¯d barely slept the night before, my mind churning with doubts and fears and an undeniable sense of grief. I dressed in afortable pair of leggings and a sweater, but I made sure it was all ck.


    Lilith knocked on my bedroom door at exactly eight o¡¯clock.


    ¡°Ready?<i>¡± </i>she asked gently.


    I nodded, unable to speak. We walked downstairs together in silence, past Alexander¡¯s empty office and out


    to the car.


    The


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 The Perfect 80

    Alexander


    I¡¯d been avoiding E for three days, and it was slowly driving me insane.


    Every morning, I left the house before she woke up. Every evening, I made sure to only return after I was absolutely certain she had already gone to bed.


    During the day, I buried myself in pack business, trade negotiations, campaign documents¨Chell, I would even just drive around for hours. Anything to keep my mind off the conversation we¡¯d had about children and the look of hurt that had shed across her face when I had coldly mentioned the contract.


    But no matter how busy I kept myself, my thoughts always, always circled back to her.


    I kept thinking about the way she¡¯d felt beneath me that night, warm and responsive and utterly perfect.


    I thought about the soft sounds she¡¯d made when I touched her, the way she¡¯d offered her throat to me at the very end.


    And then I thought about the question she¡¯d asked about having children, and the hope I¡¯d seen in her eyes before I¡¯d crushed it with my cowardly response.


    ¡°She wants pups with us,<i>¡± </i>my wolf kept reminding me. ¡°Our mate wants a family.¡±


    And Goddess help me, I wanted that too.


    I¡¯d spent thest three days trying to convince myself otherwise, listing all the reasons why it was a terrible idea. E might be a spy. Her family had likely orchestrated my parents¡® deaths. I couldn¡¯t trust herpletely, not yet.


    But every argument felt weaker by the day.


    Because I¡¯d seen how her own family treated her. I¡¯d watched them ignore her, dismiss her, treat her like an inconvenience rather than a beloved daughter. If she was their spy, they were doing a damn good job of making it look like they couldn¡¯t care less about her wellbeing.


    And then there was the way she¡¯d responded to me that night. The look in her eyes when we took each other¡¯s virginity, theplete vulnerability she¡¯d shown despite how cruel I had been to her over the years.


    Either she was the most aplished actress I¡¯d ever met, or those emotions had beenpletely and


    utterly real.


    Today, on the third day of my self¨Cimposed exile, was one of those days when I would rather drive aimlessly than do anything else. Sitting in my car while the rain pelted my windshield, the forest rushing past me on both sides, I finally admitted the truth to myself.


    I didn¡¯t want to reject E. I wanted to mark her, im her properly, and give her the family she so clearly wanted.


    I wanted to wake up beside her every morning and fall asleep with her in my arms every night.


    I wanted to love her openly, without reservation or fear.


    The realization should have terrified me. Instead, it felt so¡­ right.


    But I¡¯d already damaged things between us with my reaction to her question about children. She probably thought I was disgusted by the idea of having a family with her, when the truth was quite the opposite.


    We needed to talk. Really talk, no matter how bad at that we had been throughout our marriage.


    I needed to understand why she¡¯d asked for a divorce months ago, why she seemed so adamant about being rejected only to turn around and have such a beautiful night with me. And why she was now asking about children.


    Maybe she was just as uncertain as I was. Maybe she was protecting herself because she thought I didn¡¯t want her.


    Well, it was time to prove her wrong.


    My car tires screeched as I pulled a U¨Cturn and sped home. The house was quiet when I returned, but i headed straight upstairs, expecting to find E holed up reading a book somewhere.


    I had no idea what I was going to say to her, but I would have to figure it out. We both would. Because 1 wasn¡¯t going to keep dancing around like this any longer.


    But when I opened the bedroom door, the room was empty.


    ¡°E?¡± I called out, checking the bathroom. She wasn¡¯t here, and her purse was gone, too.


    I was about to head back downstairs to look for her when something on her vanity caught my eye. A small


    white stick sitting next to a folded pamphlet.


    I walked closer, my stomach dropping as I saw what it was.


    A pregnancy test. With two bright pink lines.


    And beside it, a pamphlet titled ¡°Safe and Confidential Abortion Services.¡±


    My legs nearly gave out.


    E was pregnant. With my child. And she was nning to-


    ¡°No,¡± I whispered, grabbing the test with shaking hands. ¡°No, no, no.¡±


    <b>211 </b>


    11:39 Sat, 23 Aug t


    That was why she had asked about children, wasn¡¯t it? She was carrying my baby and wanted to know if t might want it. And I¡¯d thrown the contract in her face like aplete bastard.


    I ran downstairs, taking the steps three at a time. ¡°Lilith!¡± I shouted. ¡°Lilith, where¡¯s E?¡±


    But the house was eerily quiet. I checked every room, growing more frantic by the minute, before finally spotting a servant dusting the living room mantlepiece.


    ¡°Have you seen E?¡± My voice was frantic, my hair falling into my eyes, but I didn¡¯t care.


    The maid turned around, clearly surprised to see me. ¡°I¡­ I think I saw her and Lilith leave earlier,¡± she said.


    ¡°Did you see which direction they went?¡±


    She shrugged. ¡°Looked like they were headed toward town.¡±


    Town. They¡¯d gone to town. But for what?


    The abortion pamphlet shed in my mind, and suddenly I knew exactly where they¡¯d gone.


    I grabbed my keys and sprinted back to the car, my heart hammering at a dangerous pace. How long had they been gone? Was I already toote?


    The drive to the hospital was a blur. I kept thinking about that night we¡¯d spent together, how perfect <b>it </b>had felt to be inside her, connected to her in the most intimate way possible. The idea that our joining had created a life filled me with wonder and fierce protectiveness.


    And E was going to end it because she thought I didn¡¯t want it.


    I screeched into the hospital parking lot and ran through the sliding ss doors, nearly bowling over an elderly man with a walker.


    ¡°I need to find my wife,¡± I told the receptionist breathlessly. ¡°Luna E. She would havee in for a¡­ procedure.¡±


    The woman¡¯s expression grew sympathetic. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Alpha Alexander, but she¡¯s already in the exam room. You¡¯ll have to wait until-¡±


    I didn¡¯t hear the rest. My vision went gray around the edges as the words hit me.


    Toote. I was toote.


    My legs felt like they were going to give out. I stumbled over to a nearby chair and sank into it, burying my face in my hands.


    E was in there right now, ending our unborn child¡¯s life before it had even begun because I¡¯d been too much of a coward to tell her how I really felt. Because I¡¯d let my paranoia and fear destroy the one thing!


    11:39 Sat, 23 Aug t


    wanted the most in the world.


    How could I have been so stupid? How could I have let this happen?


    Suddenly, amotion near the exam rooms made me look up. Voices, footsteps, someone calling out.


    And then I saw her.


    E came running out of the exam room wearing nothing but a hospital gown, face streaked with tears, and practicallyunched herself at me.


    ¡°Alexander!¡±


    1


    Ìï

 The Perfect 81

    <b>Chapter </b><b>81 </b>


    E


    33


    I was lying on the examination table in a hospital gown with my feet up in the stirrups, staring at the ceiling tiles and trying to convince myself that this was the right thing to do. Dr. Evelyn said the procedure would be quick and rtively painless this early in the pregnancy. I could go home within a few hours, and it would be like it never happened.


    Did I want that?


    ¡°Are you ready, E?¡± Dr. Evelyn asked as she pulled on a fresh pair of gloves.


    I opened my mouth to say yes, but the word wouldn¡¯te out.


    Instead, I found myself thinking about the tiny life growing inside of me. About the child who would have a perfect mixture of mine and Alexander¡¯s features. About family dinners and bedtime stories and first steps


    all the moments I would never get to experience.


    ¡°E?¡± Lilith squeezed my hand.


    ¡°I¡­¡± My throat felt tight, like I couldn¡¯t breathe properly. ¡°I can¡¯t,¡± I whispered, and then louder, ¡°I can¡¯t do


    this.¡±


    I sat up abruptly, swinging my legs over the side of the examination table. The hospital gown was barely covering me, but I didn¡¯t care. I had to get out of there.


    ¡°E, wait,¡± Dr. Evelyn called out as I stumbled toward the door. ¡°We should talk about this-¡±


    ¡°E, dear, please,¡± Lilith added, but I was already pushing through the door and into the hallway.


    I ran barefoot down the corridor, my hospital gown pping behind me,pletely ignoring the startled looks from the nurses and patients. All I could think about was getting away from that room, away from the


    choice I¡¯d almost made.


    When I burst through the doors into the waiting room, I expected to find it empty except for maybe a few random patients. Thest person I expected to see was Alexander, sitting in one of the chairs with his head


    in his hands.


    But there he was.


    ¡°Alexander!¡± I cried his name out like it was the one thing that could keep me tethered to this world.


    His head snapped up at the sound of my voice, and for a moment we just stared at each other across the


    room.


    Without thinking, Iunched myself across the room and into his arms.


    59%


    Alexander shot to his feet and caught me easily, pulling me against his chest as I dissolved into tears. I buried my face in his shoulder, breathing in his familiar scent.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t do it,¡± I sobbed against his shirt. ¡°I was lying there and I just couldn¡¯t¡±


    ¡°Shh,¡± Alexander murmured, his arms tightening around me. ¡°It¡¯s okay. You don¡¯t have to.¡±


    ¡°But the baby¨Cmy condition¨CI don¡¯t know what to do-¡±


    ¡°E, look at me.¡± Alexander pulled back just enough to cup my face in his hands, forcing me to meet his eyes. ¡°I found the test. And the pamphlet.¡± His thumbs brushed away my tears, ¡°I don¡¯t want you to have an abortion. I want us to raise this child together.¡±


    The words sent a shock through my body. ¡°You¡­ what?¡±


    ¡°I want to mark you. Complete our bond properly. I want to give <i>you </i>the family you deserve.¡±


    For a moment, hope bloomed in my chest so fierce it was almost painful. Maybe Alexander had finally realized he loved me. Maybe our night together had meant as much to him as it had to me.


    ¡°We¡¯ll need to extend our contract, of course,¡± Alexander continued, and my heart immediately sank. ¡°It will need to be much longer than before.¡±


    The contract. Of course. Even now, even when he was offering to save our baby¡¯s life, Alexander was thinking about legal documents and binding agreements. Not love. Not the family we could build together out of genuine affection.


    But at least he didn¡¯t hate me. At least he wanted to be responsible for our child.


    And most importantly, he was offering me a way to save the baby I¡¯d already fallen in love with.


    ¡°Yes,¡± I said without hesitation. ¡°Yes, I agree.¡±


    Alexander¡¯s eyes searched mine. ¡°Are you sure? Once I mark you, there¡¯s no going back. We¡¯ll be bonded for life.¡±


    I thought about the alternative¨Cwatching our child grow up knowing their father had rejected us both, or worse, not growing up at all because we had both died from this fucking illness.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure.¡±


    Alexander nodded once, then looked around the waiting room. There were a few other people scattered throughout the space, but he didn¡¯t seem to care about the audience.


    ¡°This might hurt,¡± he warned, his hands moving to frame my neck.


    ¡°I know.¡±


    11:39 Sat, 23 Aug t


    359%%


    Alexander¡¯s eyes shed a brilliant green for just a moment before he leaned down and pressed his lips to the spot where my neck met my shoulder. I felt his canines extend, sharp points against my skin, and then


    he bit down.


    The pain was immediate and intense, like being struck by lightning. But it onlysted a second before it transformed into something else entirely¨Ca rush of energy so powerful it made my knees buckle.


    I felt it the moment our bond snapped into ce. Like a missing piece of myself had suddenly been returned. The hollow ache that had been living in my chest for months, no, years, was gone, reced by warmth and strength and a connection to Alexander that felt as natural as breathing.


    But the energy kept building, flooding through my system faster than I could process it. My vision went white around the edges, and I felt myself falling.


    Thest thing I remembered was Alexander calling my name as everything went dark.


    I woke up to the sensation of strong arms holding me and a sharp, stinging pain in my neck. My body felt tired, but also humming with a strange energy¡­


    ¡°What¡­ happened¡­?¡± I groaned, pressing my hand to my aching neck. When I cracked my eyes open, I found that my fingers hade away bloody.


    I blinked slowly, trying to focus on the faces hovering above me. Alexander was cradling me against his chest, backlit by the fluorescent hospital lights. Lilith was there too, her hand pressed to her mouth as she


    stared down at me.


    ¡°You passed out<i>,¡± </i>Alexander said gently. ¡°Right after I marked you. You¡¯ve been unconscious for about thirty


    seconds.¡±


    I tried to sit up, wincing as my newly marked neck throbbed with the movement. The bite was still tender, but underneath the pain was something else.


    Completeness.


    And a pulse that wasn¡¯t mine.


    ¡°How do you feel?¡± That was Dr. Evelyn¡¯s voice, and I looked over to see that she was kneeling over me too. She was¡­ smiling. Had I ever even seen her smile?


    Furrowing my brow, I took mental/inventory of my body. The constant fatigue that had been weighing me down for so long was gone.


    ¡°I feel¡­¡± I paused, trying to find the right words. ¡°Amazing.¡±


    Lilith, Dr. Evelyn, and Alexander all beamed. ¡°Look,¡± Dr. Evelyn said, holding up the metal piece of her


    11.39 Sat, 23 Aug


    ¿É


    stethoscope so I could see my eyes. They were glowing a bright golden color, like molten honey. My breath


    caught, and I shakily lifted my hand to touch my cheek, just below my left eye.


    ¡°Miss me?¡± a familiar voice purred in the back of my mind.


    My wolf had returned.

 The Perfect 82

    E & Alexander


    E


    Dr. Evelyn¡¯s examination was thorough, checking everything from my pulse to my reflexes to the fresh mark


    on my neck. Every test came back better than it had in months.


    ¡°Your wolf¡¯s return haspletely reversed the dormancy effects,¡± she said, making notes on her clipboard.


    ¡°Your heart rate is strong, your blood pressure is normal, and even the pregnancy seems to be progressing


    healthily. The marking worked perfectly.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t stop smiling. For the first time in months, I felt like myself again.


    Just with¡­ a little bit extra.


    Like that pulse that wasn¡¯t my own, but rather the one steadily thrumming in my mate¡¯s chest.


    ¡°Finally,¡± my wolf purred, stretching as if waking up from a long nap, which was technically true. ¡°I was


    starting to think you¡¯d never figure it out.¡±


    ¡°You disappeared on me for months,¡± I bit back. Using the mental bond we shared after all this time felt like slipping back into a favorite old pair of shoes. ¡°I thought you were gone forever.¡±


    ¡°I was protecting us. Better to go dormant than live a life where our mate won¡¯t mark us.¡± That familiar smugness in her voice hadn¡¯t gone away during her dormancy, it seemed. ¡°But look how well that worked out. Now we¡¯re marked and there¡¯s a pup on the way.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re so dramatic.¡±


    ¡°I prefer the term ¡®strategic?¡±


    Dr. Evelyn finished her examination and handed me a clean bill of health. ¡°Everything looks perfect, Luna


    E. You and the baby should be fine now.¡±


    The baby. Our baby. Alexander¡¯s baby.


    As Lilith drove us home, the euphoria of having my wolf back began to fade slightly, reced by a more


    sobering reality. Yes, Alexander had marked me. Yes, he¡¯d saved our child¡¯s life and cured my condition. But


    that didn¡¯t mean he loved me.


    I touched the fresh mark on my neck, still tender from Alexander¡¯s bite. He¡¯d done this out of duty, not love. He had made that perfectly clear when he referenced the contract just before marking me.


    I couldn¡¯t let myself forget that. I couldn¡¯t let my heart get broken all over again by reading more into his actions than what was actually there.


    But deep down, I was still happy that he had done it. Even if it wasplicated, at least now I could keep our baby¨Cand I could rest easy knowing that Alexander wanted it.


    When we pulled into the driveway, I could see Gabriel waiting on the front steps, likely waiting for


    Alexander, who had driven his car behind us. The moment I stepped out of the car, The Beta¡¯s eyes


    immediately zeroed in on my neck.


    His expression went from confusion to shock to something that looked an awful lot like rage.


    ¡°Well, well,¡± Gabriel said as we approached the front door. ¡°Looks like someone finally got what they


    wanted.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± I stopped walking.


    ¡°The mark.¡± Gabriel¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Quite the convenient timing, isn¡¯t it? Right after Alexander starts showing interest in you, suddenly you¡¯re pregnant and marked. Very strategic.¡±


    ¡°I have no idea what you¡¯re talking about.¡±


    ¡°Come on, E. We both know you¡¯ve been ying the long game here. Poor, sick Luna, wasting away because her cruel husband won¡¯t mark her. What Alpha could resist that sob story, especially when his heir


    is involved?¡±


    Rage flooded through me at his tone. But this time, instead of feeling weak and helpless, I felt powerful. My wolf snarled in the back of my mind, and suddenly I was moving faster than I ever had before.


    I grabbed Gabriel by the throat and mmed him against the front door of the mansion with enough force to rattle the hinges. His eyes went wide with shock as 1 held him there, my hand firmly pressed against his


    windpipe.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t manipte anyone into anything. Alexander marked me because he chose to, not because! somehow tricked him into it.¡±


    Gabriel tried to struggle, but I was stronger now. My wolf¡¯s strength was flowing through me, making me feel like I could take on anyone who dared to disrespect me. And unlike before the dormancy, I was no longer the meek and mild Luna who would never do anything to cross anyone else.


    I was different now. Stronger, not just physically, but in so many other ways.


    And I wouldn¡¯t let the likes of Gabriel walk all over me again.


    ¡°<i>You </i>forget yourself time and time again, Beta,¡± I hissed. ¡°From now on, you will show me the respecti deserve as your Luna.¡± I pressed him harder against the door. Not enough to crush his windpipe, but just enough to cut off a bit of air. Just enough to make him panic. ¡°And you will never, ever speak to me like that again. <i>Do </i>you understand me?¡±


    Alexander shot to his feet and caught me easily, pulling me against his chest as I dissolved into tears. I buried my face in his shoulder, breathing in his familiar scent.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t do it,¡± I sobbed against his shirt. ¡°I was lying there and I just couldn¡¯t-¡±


    ¡°Shh,¡± Alexander murmured, his arms tightening around me. ¡°It¡¯s okay. You don¡¯t have to.¡±


    ¡°But the baby¨Cmy condition¨CI don¡¯t know what to do-¡±


    ¡°E, look at me.¡± Alexander pulled back just enough to cup my face in his hands, forcing me to meet his eyes. ¡°I found the test. And the pamphlet.¡± His thumbs brushed away my tears. ¡°I don¡¯t want you to have an abortion. I want us to raise this child together.¡±


    The words sent a shock through my body. ¡°You¡­ what?¡±


    ¡°I want to mark you. Complete our bond properly. I want to give <i>you </i>the family you deserve.¡±


    For a moment, hope bloomed in my chest so fierce it was almost painful. Maybe Alexander had finally realized he loved me. Maybe our night together had meant as much to him as it had to me.


    ¡°We¡¯ll need to extend our contract, of course,¡± Alexander continued, and my heart immediately sank. ¡°It will need to be much longer than before.¡±


    The contract. Of course. Even now, even when he was offering to save our baby¡¯s life, Alexander was thinking about legal documents and binding agreements. Not love. Not the family we could build together out of genuine affection.


    But at least he didn¡¯t hate me. At least he wanted to be responsible for our child.


    And most importantly, he was offering me a way to save the baby I¡¯d already fallen in love with.


    ¡°Yes,¡± I said without hesitation. ¡°Yes, I agree.¡±


    Alexander¡¯s eyes searched mine. ¡°Are you sure? Once I mark you, there¡¯s no going back. We¡¯ll be bonded for life.¡±


    I thought about the alternative¨Cwatching our child grow up knowing their father had rejected us both, or worse, not growing up at all because we had both died from this fucking illness.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure.¡±


    Alexander nodded once, then looked around the waiting room. There were a few other people scattered throughout the space, but he didn¡¯t seem to care about the audience.


    ¡°This might hurt,¡± he warned, his hands moving to frame my neck.


    ¡°I know.¡±


    Alexander¡¯s eyes shed a brilliant green for just a moment before he leaned down and pressed his lips to the spot where my neck met my shoulder. I felt his canines extend, sharp points against my skin, and then


    he bit down.


    The pain was immediate and intense, like being struck by lightning. But it onlysted a second before it transformed into something else entirely¨Ca rush of energy so powerful it made my knees buckle.


    I felt it the moment our bond snapped into ce. Like a missing piece of myself had suddenly been returned. The hollow ache that had been living in my chest for months, no, years, was gone, reced by warmth and strength and a connection to Alexander that felt as natural as breathing.


    But the energy kept building, flooding through my system faster than I could process it. My vision went white around the edges, and I felt myself falling.


    Thest thing I remembered was Alexander calling my name as everything went dark.


    I woke up to the sensation of strong arms holding me and a sharp, stinging pain in my neck. My body felt tired, but also humming with a strange energy¡­


    ¡°What¡­ happened¡­?¡± I groaned, pressing my hand to my aching neck. When I cracked my eyes open, i found that my fingers hade away bloody.


    I blinked slowly, trying to focus on the faces hovering above me. Alexander was cradling me against his chest, backlit by the fluorescent hospital lights. Lilith was there too, her hand pressed to her mouth as she


    stared down at me.


    ¡°You passed out,¡± Alexander said gently. ¡°Right after I marked you. You¡¯ve been unconscious for about thirty


    seconds.¡±


    I tried to sit up, wincing as my newly marked neck throbbed with the movement. The bite was still tender, but underneath the pain was something else.


    Completeness.


    And a pulse that wasn¡¯t mine.


    ¡°How do you feel?¡± That was Dr. Evelyn¡¯s voice, and I looked over to see that she was kneeling over me too. She was¡­ smiling. Had I ever even seen her smile?


    Furrowing my brow, I took mental/inventory of my body. The constant fatigue that had been weighing me down for so long was gone.


    ¡°I feel¡­¡± I paused, trying to find the right words. ¡°Amazing.¡±


    Lilith, Dr. Evelyn, and Alexander all beamed. ¡°Look,¡± Dr. Evelyn said, holding up the metal piece of her


    stethoscope so I could see my eyes. They were glowing a bright golden color, like molten honey. My breath caught, and I shakily lifted my hand to touch my cheek, just below my left eye.


    ¡°Miss me?¡± a familiar voice purred in the back of my mind.


    My wolf had returned.

 The Perfect 83

    <b>Chapter 83 </b>


    E


    49<b>% </b>


    The media storm began within hours.


    Apparently, someone in the hospital waiting room had recorded Alexander marking me on their phone. By the time we got home, the footage was already all over social media.


    Thankfully, Alexander marking me wasn¡¯t discovered his body had conveniently blocked the view of what had really happened. That was a relief, at


    least.


    But people wanted to know why I hade running out of the exam room in nothing but a hospital gown. And more than that, they wanted to know <i>why </i>I had copsed and been rushed away by the nurses.


    And knowing how relentless the inte could be, I knew it would only be a matter of time before people found out the truth.


    I was sitting in the living room the morning after the incident, scrolling through thements on one such particr post specting on my condition, when Alexander practically came barreling into the room with his phone clutched in his hand.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got a n,¡± he said.


    Of course he had a n. Everything was always about strategy with him.


    ¡°We¡¯re going to announce the pregnancy. I just hired a photographer toe and do a photoshoot, and we¡¯ll do a press release first thing tomorrow morning.¡±


    My heart jumped, phone slipping from my fingers, forgotten. ¡°We¡¯re going public with the baby?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the only way to control the narrative.¡±


    Controlling the narrative. Right. I supposed, in a naive way, I had hoped that marking me might change everything. That maybe Alexander had feelings for me after all, and we could just announce the pregnancy as a real, loving couple.


    But that was silly of me; he only marked me to save the child, and he was only going public because it was the most logical course of action. Not because he was excited about showing off our little family.


    I nodded and shoved down the hollow feeling in my chest, not just for myself, but so he couldn¡¯t sense it through the newly formed bond. ¡°When?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯ll be here in two hours<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    The photoshoot was scheduled for the mansion¡¯s garden, where thete afternoon light would be most ttering. I spent an hour getting ready¨Chair curled and pinned in an elegant updo, makeup applied to perfection, dressed in a flowing cream¨Ccolored dress that hugged my still¨Ct belly.


    When I looked in the mirror, I barely recognized myself. The sickness had stolen so much from me over the past months. My color, my strength, my confidence. But now, with my wolf back and the mark fresh on my neck, I looked radiant.


    Healthy. Happy. Like a Luna who was deeply in love with her Alpha.


    If only it were real.


    The photographer arrived before I knew it, and soon we were being swept out into the gardens, where she had already set up her various <b>cameras and </b>equipment. She ushered me over to the bench beneath the cherry tree, although the pink petals were all gone now, green <b>with </b><b>the </b><b>promise </b>of <b>a </b><b>hot </b><b>and </b>long summer.


    While the photographer rushed around making sure every little detail was perfect<b>, </b>Alexander appeared at <b>my </b>side. <b>He¡¯d </b><b>changed </b><b>into </b><b>a </b><b>charcoal </b><b>gray </b><b>suit </b>that emphasized his broad shoulders, although I tried not to think about how stupidly handsome he looked.


    13:27 <b>Mon</b><b>, </b><b>25 </b><b>Aug </b>


    <b>I </b>also tried not to think about how delicious it had felt to have his mouth on my neck.


    But my efforts, apparently, were futile. Alexander shot me an arch look. ¡°Can you tone it back a little? It feels like the mate bond is on fire<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    My face went ame, and I quickly mmed up my mental defenses, cutting off the bond so quickly that it made my wolf whine in protest. ¡°Sorry Still getting used to it. My wolf¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t me mel¡± my wolf chuffed. ¡°You want him just as much as I¡®


    ¡°Are we ready?¡± The photographer¡¯s voice cut through the awkwardness, which I was thankful for. I quickly nodded and shoved my wolf down, all the while ensuring that my mental blocks were firmly in ce.


    And it was an easy task, considering the fact that the first poses were simple enough: Alexander and I sitting together on the stone bench, his arm around my shoulders, both of us looking directly at the camera. Professional. Composed. A little close forfort, but I was still capable of keeping the bond neutral.


    Until the photographer started asking for more intimate shots.


    ¡°Alpha, could you ce your hand on Luna E¡¯s stomach? We want to emphasize the pregnancy.¡±


    Alexander¡¯srge hand settled over my belly, his fingers sying wide in a gesture that was both protective and possessive. I tried to ignore the flutter in my chest at his touch, the way my body immediately responded to his proximity, the bond flickering like a candle me.


    He was just ying his part. Nothing more.


    ¡°Beautiful,¡± the photographer murmured, snapping away. ¡°Now, Luna, lean back against him slightly. Like you trust himpletely


    My heart thudded violently, but I did as she asked and cautiously let my head rest against Alexander¡¯s shoulder. I must have looked like a deer in headlights, because the photographer giggled and said, ¡°No need to be shy, Luna!¡±


    ¡°Here.¡± Alexander¡¯s deep voice practically vibrated against my back as he tugged me closer, one handing up to stroke my hair.


    Goddess, I felt like I was going to die.


    But I would certainly die happy in this little lie we had built. Because for those moments, as the photographer snapped pictures of us in increasingly romantic poses, I could almost forget that it was all for show.


    Almost.


    Three dayster, the photos were everywhere, and we had hit our mark. The photographer had truly outdone herself, creating an image of a loving couple with an heir on the way. Before I knew it, the entire pack was buzzing with the news, and the incident in the hospital waiting room was exined away as early pregnancyplications that had been resolved thanks to my mate¡¯s presence,


    And the pictures¡­ They were everything the photographer had promised. Intimate. Elegant. Tender.


    Like a real couple in love and not¡­ Whatever we were.


    I¡¯d downloaded every single image to my phone and found myself scrolling through them at odd moments throughout the day. Not because I was narcissistic, but because looking at them felt like glimpsing into an alternate reality where everything I¡¯d ever wanted was actually true.


    In the photos, Alexander¡¯s eyes held warmth when he looked at me. His touches seemed genuine rather than performative. The way he held me looked like love instead of duty.


    I knew it was dangerous to torture myself this way, but I couldn¡¯t help it. For just a few stolen moments, I could pretend that the tender expression on his face was real. I could let my silly little heart believe that when he¡¯d whispered sweet nothings in my ear during the shoot, he¡¯d meant every word.


    ¡°E?¡±


    My head snapped up as Alexander stepped into the room. His eyes immediately flicked to the phone in my hand<b>, </b>where one such <b>picture</b><b>¨C</b>one <b>depicting </b>


    us standing beneath the cherry tree, foreheads pressed together, fingers tangled over my belly¨Cwas on disy


    I¡¯d been staring at it. Again.


    Face flushing, I quickly shut my phone off and shoved it into my pocket. ¡°Yes?¡±


    Alexander studied my face for a long moment without answering, and I fought not to squirm under his intense scrutiny. Could he somehow. tell what i¡¯d been doing? Could he sense my pathetic longing through our new mate bond?


    I¡¯d tried my best not to show my emotions through the bond, of course. It hadn¡¯t been easy, especially not with my wolf pining for that connection every chance she got, but I couldn¡¯t let him see just how utterly and stupidly lovesick I was these days.


    me it on the hormones.


    Finally, Alexander stepped into the room, loosening his tie.


    ¡°I just got off the phone with Liam,¡± he said.


    ¡°Oh?¡± I sat up a little straighter, watching as Alexander crossed to the window. He looked out for a long moment, and the tension in his shoulders made my stomach sink. I braced myself for bad news.


    But then Alexander turned, and for the briefest of moments, a radiant smile flickered across his face. ¡°He gave me a good score,¡± he said. ¡°I¡¯m advancing to the real election phase.¡±


    AD

 The Perfect 84

    <b>Chapter </b><b>84 </b>


    <b>E </b>


    ¡°Alexander, that¡¯s incredible!¡±


    I leapt to my feet, so overjoyed by the news that I couldn¡¯t help myself. Before I knew what I was doing, my arms were around my neck, lips pressing <b>a </b>kiss against the stubble of his cheek.


    Alexander froze, arms slightly spread out to the sides, and it was only then that I realized what I¡¯d done.


    The mate bond. My mental shields had briefly fallen, and without meaning to, I had flooded every ounce of my joy into Alexander¡¯s own mind.


    For a long, breathless moment, neither of us moved. Alexander¡¯s face waspletely unreadable, arms still syed, and somehow, that was even worse than if he had simply shoved me away and gagged at the contact.


    But then I felt it¡ªthat thrum of happiness that wasn¡¯t my own. That pulse that belonged only to my mate as his own walls came down just a sliver. And beneath that joy was something else.


    Something that made my wolf purr with satisfaction.


    Slowly, Alexander¡¯s hands came up to rest on my waist. The bond hummed to life between us, sharing our emotions back and forth in a loop. Spark tenderness. His happiness fed mine, which fed his, which fed mine, until I couldn¡¯t figure out where his began and mine ended.


    For a heartbeat, we just stood there like that, caught in the electric current of our connection. His gaze dropped to my lips, and I found myself lesang closer without even meaning to.


    Maybe this time would be different. Maybe-


    ¡°Alpha, we need to discuss the uing election requirements.¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s t voice cut through the moment, and Alexander¡¯s walls mmed back into ce, nearly making me copse with the sudden loss of them.)


    jerked back from Alexander, my face burning as the Beta stepped into the room with a folder clutched in his hands.


    Alexander released me and smoothed down his shirt. ¡°Perfect timing.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t sense any sarcasm in his voice, which indicated that he probably was d that the Beta had interrupted before the bond took overpletely. Just another not¨Cso¨Cpleasant reminder that despite being marked, Alexander would never want me like that.


    Gabriel nced at me, hesitating for a moment as if waiting for me to leave. But when I made no move to go anywhere, he reluctantly opened his folder. ¡°The Alpha Council has scheduled a formal banquet for all the candidates advancing to the final phase. It¡¯s in three days, ck¨Ctie required. All the major pack leaders will be attending, along with the media.¡±


    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll need a briefing on the other candidates,<i>¡± </i>Alexander said. ¡°And a seating chart if they have one finalized.¡±


    ¡°Already prepared.¡± Gabriel handed him a thick packet. ¡°There¡¯s one other thing, though. Given Luna E¡¯s¡­ condition¡­ Perhaps it would be wise for her to sit this one out. Pregnant females should be resting, not subjecting themselves to the stress of high¨Cprofile political events.¡±


    The suggestion made meugh out loud.


    ¡°I¡¯m pregnant, not dying, Gabriel.¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s jaw tightened. ¡°Luna, with all due respect, the stress could be harmful to the pregnancy. These events can be quite intense, and since <b>you </b><b>only </b>just recovered from your previous condition-


    ¡°I¡¯m going,¡± I cut him off, ¡°I¡¯m perfectly healthy, my pregnancy is progressing normally, and I¡¯m more than capable of attending <b>a </b>dinner party.¡±


    ¡°But the cameras, the pressure¨C¡±


    <b>1/3 </b>


    13:27 <b>Mon, </b>25 Aug QD Q


    <b>¡°</b><b>Gabriel</b>.¡± Alexander¡¯s voice cut through the Beta¡¯s protests with quiet authority. ¡°My mate will be attending the banquet. End of <b>discussion </b>


    Gabriel¡¯s mouth snapped shut, although the quick ze of fury in his eyes wasn¡¯t lost on me. I held my ground and folded my arms across my chan


    Alexander pulled out his wallet and extracted a ck credit card. ¡°You¡¯ll need something appropriate for the asion,¡± he said, holding it out to me ¡°Get whatever you want. Don¡¯t worry about the cost.¡±


    <b>I </b>stared at the card for a moment, surprised. Alexander had never just the past, he would just have pack stylists pick something out for me.


    me


    money


    before, especially not for frivolous purchases like dresses. In


    <b>¡°</b>Thank you,¡± I said, taking the card.


    ¡°Gabriel.¡± Alexander immediately turned to the Beta. ¡°You¡¯ll be driving


    Luna


    E


    today. Wherever she wants to go.¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s face went through several interesting expressions before settling


    on


    ¡°Alpha, I had nned to review the candidate files and


    o And make sure you stop by the jeweler. Pick up that thing


    ¡°That can be done tonight. Today, you¡¯re a driver.¡± Alexander¡¯s slight smile was razo we talked about.¡±


    Jeweler? That thing they talked about? I couldn¡¯t help but wonder what the errand was, and why it made Gabriel¡¯s jaw tighten further, but before I could ask, Alexander was already on his way out.


    Twenty minutester, I was sitting in the back seat of Gabriel¡¯s car with Lilith beside me, watching the Beta¡¯s increasingly sour expression in the reare mirror as I directed him to the shopping district.


    ¡°The boutique district first,¡± I told him cheerfully. ¡°I want to see what they have at Evangeline¡¯s.¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s knuckles were white on the steering wheel. ¡°That¡¯s the most expensive shop in the territory.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± I smiled sweetly at his reflection. ¡°Alexander said not to worry about cost.¡±


    Lilith was trying not tough, I could tell. She¡¯d been delighted when I¡¯d asked her toe along, especially after I¡¯d exined Gabriel¡¯s new role for the day. There was nothing Lilith enjoyed more than watching someone get theireuppance, particrly when that someone had spent months treating me like an inconvenience.


    We spent the next two hours hitting every high¨Cend boutique in the district. I tried on dozens of dresses, rejecting most of them for various reasons¨Ctoo tight, too loose, wrong color, unttering cut. Gabriel trailed behind us sullenly the entire time, clearly hoping I¡¯d just pick something and be done with <ol><li>it. </li></ol>


    But I was enjoying myself too much to rush. Every time Gabriel made a snidement about price or suggested we move along, I found another dress to consider. When he pointed out that I¡¯d already looked at ¡°perfectly adequate options,¡± I reminded him that Alexander had specifically told me to get something 1 really liked.


    We were walking past the window of a small, exclusive boutique called Seraphina¡¯s when I stopped dead in my tracks.


    The dress in the window was stunning. Midnight blue silk that seemed to shimmer between navy and ck depending on how the light hit it. The neckline was an elegant sweetheart shape, the thin off¨Cshoulder straps delicately beaded with pearls.


    It was the exact kind of dress I wanted.


    ¡°Oh my,¡± Lilith breathed beside me. ¡°E, that¡¯s gorgeous.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s perfect,¡± I said, and I meant it. Just looking at it made me feel more confident.


    ¡°The price tag probably has more zeros than your phone number,¡± Gabriel muttered behind us.


    I ignored him and headed for the door. ¡°Let¡¯s go try it on.¡±


    Within minutes, I was standing in a fitting room, sliding into the most beautiful dress I¡¯d ever worn. The silk felt like liquid against <b>my </b><b>skin</b><b>, </b><b>and </b><b>when </b><b>i </b>


    13:27 Mon<b>, </b>25 <b>Aug </b>


    Mon, 25 AUDI


    looked in the miner, let out an audible gasp.


    I looked¡­ regal. Powerful. Like someone who belonged on the arm of a future Alpha King


    And the mark on my neck¡­ It was on full disy. As if the dress had simply been made to show it off.


    immediately decided to purchase the dress, and when I went up to the counter to pay, the number on the receipt made Gabriel¡¯s eye funtch. But ignored him and swiped Alexander¡¯s car without hesitation.


    ¡°One more stop,¡± I announced as we loaded the garment bag into the car. ¡°The jeweler.¡±


    Gabriel went very still. ¡°That¡¯s not necessary. I can handle that errandter.¡±


    ¡°Alexander asked you to stop there today.¡± I slid into the back seat.


    ¡°I¡¯m perfectly capable of running a simple errand without supervision-¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you are. But since we¡¯re out anyway, we might as well take care of it now.¡±


    Gabriel nched. ¡°But-¡±


    ¨C


    ¡°Goddess, Gabriel, it¡¯s just an errand.¡± My nostrils red, and without even meaning to, a shimmer of authority slipped into my voice you¡¯re supposed to pick up.¡±


    The Beta¡¯s shoulders tensed, eyes widening into saucers as my Luna Voice washed over him. The authority had be second nature to me my wolf had returned, and even the smallest ounce of power was irresistible to Gabriel.


    Finally, he sighed, head drooping. ¡°It was your locket. The <i>one </i>that got broken at the auction.¡±


    A


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 The Perfect 85

    <b>Chapter </b><b>85 </b>


    E


    My heart came screeching to a stop in my chest.


    The locket. Lilith¡¯s family heirloom.


    I¡¯d thought it was ruined beyond repair at the auction.


    ¡°He asked you to pick up my locket?¡± I blurted out. ¡°I thought it was broken.¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s jaw tightened, and he admitted quietly, ¡°Alexander told me to have it repaired.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t believe it. Alexander had told Gabriel to take the broken locket, the trinket I¡¯d thought he didn¡¯t care about, and have it repaired.


    Something warm bloomed in my chest at the thoughtfulness of Alexander¡¯s actions. He must have wanted to make up for what Sophia had done. Maybe Alexander actually-


    ¡°Don¡¯t get your hopes up,¡± Gabriel muttered, apparently reading the expression on my face. ¡°It wasn¡¯t out of love.¡±


    The warmth in my chest immediately turned to ice. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s eyes shed with something that looked an awful lot like that twisted sense of satisfaction I¡¯d grown to know so well.


    ¡°Alexander realized the locket was valuable,¡± he said with a one¨Cshouldered shrug, as if it were nothing to him. ¡°Antique silver, probably worth a small fortune given its age and craftsmanship. He wanted it appraised and repaired so it could be added to the Alpha Collection.¡±


    Lilith stiffened beside me, and my stomach dropped. The Alpha Collection was Ashw¡¯s finest and most expensive collection of artifacts: jewels, artwork, trinkets, even bars of solid gold. It existed deep beneath the estate, locked behind a solid iron door that only Alexander and Gabriel knew the


    code to.


    So Alexander wanted to take Lilith¡¯s locket and lock it away in the vault like it was a trophy to him. He actually thought he had a right to keep it just


    because it was valuable.


    ¡°And the reason why I didn¡¯t want to go to the jeweler,¡± Gabriel continued, ¡°is because I already picked it up yesterday and put it in the safe. Forgot to mention it to Alexander with everything that happened at the hospital, and obviously I couldn¡¯t tell him with you standing right there.¡±


    No wonder Gabriel had wanted me to leave the room earlier. He was probably intending to tell Alexander that their precious ne was safely locked away, but they knew I would freak out if I found out.


    And rightfully so. That locket belonged to Lilith¡¯s family. I had to get it back for her.


    But how<i>? </i>Gabriel had already made it clear that as far as he was concerned, the locket now belonged to the pack¡¯s collection. Alexander would probably be thrilled when he found out it was already safely stored away.


    But


    my


    wolf was back. I was marked and mated and stronger than I¡¯d ever been. I wouldn¡¯t let them take this from me.


    ¡°Take me home,¡± I said quietly.


    Gabriel raised an eyebrow. ¡°Done shopping?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Take me home. Now.<i>¡± </i>


    Gabriel, oblivious, nodded with satisfaction and pulled out of the parking lot. Lilith, who had been quiet throughout the entire exchange, shot me <b>a </b>wary look. I simply reached over and squeezed her hand¡ªa silent promise.


    She had been the mother I¡¯d never gotten to have. She was the only one who was truly there for me when I was ill. Hell, if it hadn¡¯t been <b>for </b><b>her</b>, I


    13:28 Mon 25 Aug 09?


    <b>Chapter </b>85


    <b>wouldn¡¯t </b>have survived that rogue kitapping


    Twas going to get that locket back for her.


    When we pulled into the thier way, I was out of the car before Gabriel had even turned off the engine. He jogged to catch up with me as i crude towar


    the <b>front </b>door


    ¡°Luna, perhaps you should rest. You¡¯ve had quite a week with the hospital and


    ¡°Gabriel.¡± I stopped walking and turned to face him. The Beta skidded to a halt. ¡°I need you to take ine to the safe.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, what?¡±


    ¡°The safe. Under the estate. Where you put my locket.¡± I folded my arms across my chest and fixed him with a withering re ¡°I want to see it. Now¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s face paled. ¡°Luna, I don¡¯t think that¡¯s appropriate. The Alpha collection is Alexander¡¯s private domain <i>I </i><i>can¡¯t </i>just


    ¡°You can and you will.¡± With a breath, I let that familiar authority slip into my voice. I wasn¡¯t afraid of using it anymore, and now that my wolf had returned, all it took was the slightest change in timbre and suddenly Gabriel was tilting his neck like a green pup who had been caught red handed<i>. </i>


    ¡°I¡­ I can¡¯t refuse a direct order from my Luna,¡± he muttered, clearly struggling to hold back the words to no avail.


    ¡°No, you can¡¯t. Take me to the safe.¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s jaw worked like he wanted to refuse, but the gestured toward the mansion.


    Luna Voice made it impossible for him to disobey. With obvious reluctance he <b>added </b>


    ¡°This way.¡±


    I followed him through the front door and down the hallway. We passed Alexander¡¯s office, the formal dining room, and several <b>other </b>room Gabriel stopped in front of the basement door.


    Pulling a small keyring out of his pocket, he unlocked the door and pushed it open, revealing the narrow staircase that led down to the basement. I wrinkled my nose at the musty smell; I never went down there, finding the entire space creepy, and Alexander had never given me ess to the Ashw jewels like a typical Luna would, so there was no reason for me to enter.


    Because to him, my neck wasn¡¯t worthy of wearing his family heirlooms.


    But I wasn¡¯t going down there for jewels or gold. I just wanted a little silver locket that was far more valuable to me than any diamonds.


    ¡°The safe is at the bottom,¡± Gabriel said, flicking on the light switch and illuminating the stairs. ¡°But Luna, I really think you should reconsider. Alexander won¡¯t be pleased if he finds out-¡±


    ¡°Alexander doesn¡¯t need to know about this visit.¡± I started down the stairs without waiting for his response. ¡°Unless you n to tell him?¡±


    ¡°No, Luna.<i>¡± </i>Gabriel¡¯s <i>footsteps </i>echoed behind me as he reluctantly followed. ¡°I won¡¯t mention it.¡±


    The air grew cooter and <i>more </i>dank as we descended the spiral stone staircase. When we reached the bottom, Gabriel moved past me to unlock another door¨Cthis one much heavier and more secure.


    After punching a code into the keypad, Gabriel stepped back. The door swung open with a loud groan, revealing the vault within.


    The space wasrger than I¡¯d imagined, with concrete walls and climate¨Ccontrolled air that felt cool and dry against my skin. But what really caught my attention were the ss disy cases lining the walls, each one containing an array of jewelry, artifacts, books, scrolls, and other valuables that gleamed under the bright lights.


    Rings, nes, bracelets, ornate daggers, silver goblets, antique watches¨Cthe collection was massive. Hundreds of pieces, maybe <b>thousands</b><b>, </b><b>all </b>carefully disyed.


    <b>13:28 </b><b>Mon</b><b>, </b><b>25 </b><b>Aug </b>ADO


    ¡°Goddess,¡± I breathed, turning in a slow circle to take it all in.


    ¡°Five generations of Alpha acquisitions,¡± Gabriel said from where he was leaning against the entryway. ¡°Each piece has historical significance or substantial mary value, so the space ispletely climate controlled. We¡¯re hot supposed to have the door open for longer than five minutes at a


    time.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because the oxygen can harm the artifacts,¡± Gabriel responded with an eye roll as if I¡¯d asked why the sky was blue. <i>¡°</i>Once the door locks, all of the air is sucked out of the vault to ensure that nothing gets damaged.¡±


    ¡°Well, I won¡¯t be here for long. Just tell me where the locket is and I¡¯ll leave.¡±


    Gabriel hesitated for a moment, then pointed toward a case near the back of the room. ¡°It was catalogued this morning. Case seventeen.¡±


    I walked toward the indicated disy, my eyes scanning the contents for Lilith¡¯s ne. There were a lot of other pieces there, most of them probably worth more than most people¡¯s homes, but I didn¡¯t see the locket.


    ¡°It¡¯s not here¨C¡±


    m. Click.


    I whirled around, gasping, to find that the door had been mmed shut. Therge wheel on the door turned, then clicked ominously as the loc ce.


    I was locked in the vault¨Cand I realized with a sinking feeling, judging from the timer on the wall counting down from one minute, that I didn¡¯t before I ran out of air.


    AD

 The Perfect 86

    <b>Chapter </b><b>86 </b>


    E & Alexander


    E


    ¡°Gabriel!¡± ! shouted, pounding my fists against the metal. ¡°Gabriel, let me out!¡±


    Bot there was no response; just the ominous hum of the vault¡¯s security systems kicking into overdrive. The timer on the wall continued its countdown, and I could already feel the air growing thinner.


    My chest tightened as I struggled to draw in a full breath. The oxygen was slowly being sucked out of the room, just like Gabriel had warned me about. I pressed my palms against the door and threw my full weight against it, but it didn¡¯t budge.


    ¡°Help!¡± I screamed. ¡°Somebody help me!¡±


    Who would hear me down here? The vault was likely soundproof, and Alexander was probably still out and about dealing with pack business. Gabriel was the only one who knew where I was, and he had likely deliberately locked me in here.


    That bastard. He¡¯d probably nned this from the moment I used my Luna Voice on him.


    As the seconds ticked by, my breathing became morebored. Each inhale felt shallow<i>, </i>like trying to breathe through a straw.


    ¡°The baby,¡± I whispered, eyes widening as the realization struck me. Goddess, what was this doing to the baby?


    As if on cue, sharp cramps suddenly shot through my lower abdomen, making me double over with a gasp. My hands flew to my stomach as another wave of pain hit me. Theck of oxygen was affecting both of us.


    ¡°No, no, no,¡± I whispered, sliding down the door until I was sitting on the cold floor. ¡°Please don¡¯t let anything happen to the baby.¡±


    The cramps intensified, and I found myself rocking back and forth as tears streamed down my face. After everything we¡¯d been through, I couldn¡¯t lose this baby now. Not like this.


    The timer showed thirty seconds left.


    My vision started to blur around the edges, dark spots dancing in front of my eyes. This was it. I was going to die down here, suffocated in Alexander¡¯s precious vault, and my baby was going to die with me.


    All because of a locket.


    Twenty seconds.


    <b>I </b>closed my eyes and pressed both hands against my stomach, trying to send every ounce of love and protection I could to the tiny life growing in my belly. My wolf howled, but even <i>her </i>strength was waning. She couldn¡¯t protect us.


    Ten seconds.


    Suddenly, the machinery whirred to a stop. I heard the lock disengaging, the heavy wheel turning, and then the door swung open so hard and fast that <b>it </b>crashed against the wall behind it like it didn¡¯t weight two hundred pounds.


    Alexander was standing in the doorway, face twisted with fury. Behind him, Gabriel looked pale and shaken.


    ¡°E!¡± Alexander raced over to me and dropped to a crouch, his hands immediately going to my face. ¡°Are you hurt? Is the baby¨C¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m okay,¡± I gasped, still struggling to catch my breath. ¡°I think I¡¯m okay.¡±


    Alexander¡¯s green eyes zed as he helped me to my feet, one arm wrapped tightly around my waist. When he turned to face Gabriel<b>, </b><b>the </b><b>temperature </b><b>in </b>the room seemed to drop ten degrees.


    <b>Mon</b><b>, </b>25 AUTODO


    ¡°Exin<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    Gabriel swallowed hard. ¡°The security measures turned on unexpectedly, Alpha. I couldn¡¯t get the door open. Trust me, I tried


    Alexander looked at me. I was still too breathless to speak. Frankly, I didn¡¯t entirely believe Gabriel; but I also doubted he would do something as heinous as lock his Luna in the vault. He knew damn well he would be caught and severely punished if he had.


    ¡°Why was <b>she </b>in here in the first ce?¡± Alexander finally demanded.


    I found my voice before Gabriel could answer. ¡°I was looking for my locket. He told me you¡¯d had it repaired and added to the collection.¡±


    Alexander whipped around to stare at me. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Gabriel said you realized it was valuable and wanted to keep it for yourself. That you¡¯d already had him put it in the vault.¡± My throat felt raw from shouting, but I forced the words out. ¡°I just wanted to get it back.¡±


    ¡°E, no.¡± Alexander¡¯s expression shifted from fury to something that looked almost like pain. ¡°That¡¯s not what happened at all.¡±


    He turned back to Gabriel, and I¡¯d never seen him look so dangerous. ¡°Tell her the truth. All of it.¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s face went ashen. ¡°Alpha, please-¡±


    ¡°Now.¡±


    The Beta¡¯s whole body trembled as he fought against thepulsion, but Alexander¡¯s authority was absolute. ¡°I lied,<i>¡± </i>Gabriel whispered. Alexander never wanted to keep the locket. He had it repaired for you. As a gift.¡±


    My heart stuttered. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°He wanted to surprise you.¡±


    I slowly turned to stare at Alexander, who was watching me with an unreadable expression on his face. He¡¯d wanted to give me back the locket. Not take it away, but return it to me.


    ¡°Where is it now?¡± Alexander asked Gabriel. ¡°I told you to pick it up from the jeweler today.¡±


    Gabriel looked like he wanted to vomit. ¡°I¡­ I was angry. About Luna, E constantly using her Luna Voice on me, bossing me around. So I¡­¡± He swallowed hard and stared at his feet. ¡°I flushed it down the toilet.¡°/


    The words made me stagger backwards a step. Gone. Lilith¡¯s locket was gone forever.


    Alexander wentpletely still. When he spoke again, his voice was so low and dangerous that it was hardly more than a growl. He took a step toward Gabriel. ¡°You. Did¡­¡± Another step. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I flushed it. It¡¯s gone.¡± Gabriel shrank beneath Alexander¡¯s shadow. I was angry and I wasn¡¯t thinking clearly and-¡±


    ¡°Get upstairs,¡± Alexander snarled, releasing him. ¡°We¡¯ll finish this conversation in private.¡±


    Alexander


    Twenty minutester, I found myself in my office watching Gabriel clutch his face where I¡¯dnded a switch punch the moment we were alone. His lip was split and bleeding, and his eye was already swelling shut.


    ¡°You deliberately put my mate and child at risk,¡± I whispered. ¡°As if it wasn¡¯t already bad enough that you destroyed something precious to her out of spite. Give me one reason why I shouldn¡¯t strip you of your rank right now.¡±


    ¡°Because I have information you need to see.¡±


    Chapter 86.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear your excuses


    ¡°It¡¯s about your parents.¡± Gabriel reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper. ¡°I¡¯ve been investigating E¡¯s <b>pack</b><b>, </b>just like your asked. And my operative found this.¡± He held out the paper with a shaking hand. ¡°Hidden in their territory¡¯s archives.¡±


    I snatched the document from him and unfolded it. My blood ran cold as I read the familiar handwriting. It was a letter from E¡¯s father to someone whose name had been deliberately obscured. But the content was clear enough.


    ¡°The Ashw Alphas have be too powerful. I think I know of a way to get them out of the picture. And their son is young and impressionable¡­


    My hands shook as I read it again. The letter was dated just two months before my parents¡® deaths.


    <b>¡°</b>This doesn¡¯t prove E knew anything about it,¡± I said, looking up at the Beta.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be so quick to trust herpletely. Her family clearly had ns for you long before your marriage was arranged. They thought you would be easy to manipte with your parents out of the picture, so they could gain influence from Ashw without incriminating themselves or causing a


    war.¡±


    Gabriel was right; the letter explicitly stated that my parents could be taken out in an ¡°ident¡°, that it would leave me in charge and that I was young enough to manipte.


    I¡¯d always had my suspicions of just that, but seeing it written out like this¡­.


    And then, of course, there was E. This letter implied that they sent her here to manipte me.


    But E was younger than me; it was very possible that she hadn¡¯t been aware of her role. And after everything I had seen her family do her, the horrible way they treated her, I still wasn¡¯t sure if she would have actually done their bidding if they had outright ordered her to.


    For all 1 knew, she was just as much of a victim in this as I was.


    ¡°Keep investigating,¡± I said curtly. ¡°I want concrete proof that E was knowingly involved in this scheme. And one more thing.¡± I fixed him with a stare that made him flinch. ¡°One more slip¨Cup like today and you¡¯ll be permanently demoted to Omega. Are we clear?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Alpha.¡±


    ¡°Good. Now get out of here and go see the pack doctor.¡±


    Gabriel scurried away, leaving me alone with my thoughts and the damning letter hidden in my desk. I sat there for several minutes, trying to reconcile the E I hade to know recently with the possibility that she might be exactly what we had always suspected.


    But I couldn¡¯t think about that right now. Whatever the truth was about her family, E was hurting. My wolf wouldn¡¯t let me sit here and stew when she and our baby had just nearly been suffocated.


    I found her in our bedroom, sitting on the edge of the bed with her knees drawn up to her chest. She¡¯d been crying, judging from the red rings around her eyes and the way she quickly looked away when I entered.


    ¡°Hey,¡± I said softly.


    ¡°It¡¯s really gone, isn¡¯t it?¡± She didn¡¯t look at me.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Gabriel will be punished for what he did.¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. Nothing¡¯s going to bring it back.¡± She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. ¡°That locket was precious to Lilith. Precious to me<i>. </i>She¡¯s the mother I never got to have, and I lost the one heirloom she had.¡±


    The hurt in her words made my wolf whine pitifully. Without thinking, I reached over and took <i>her </i>hand. ¡°Come with me.¡±


    She looked confused but let me lead her back down to the vault. I punched in the code and opened the door, then guided her inside to one of the <b>disy </b>cases near the front.


    <b>13:28 </b>Mon, 25 Aug ¡¤UDO


    tpulled out my keys and unlocked the case, reaching inside to retrieve a delicate diamond ne. The stones caught the light and threw <b>tiny </b>rainhours across the walls as I lifted it out.


    ¡°This was my great¨Cgrandmother¡¯s,¡± I said, turning to face E. ¡°I think you should wear it.¡±


    1


    ¿Ú


    ¥¯


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 The Perfect 87

    <b>Chapter </b><b>87 </b>


    E


    The diamond ne was admittedly beautiful. It hung delicately from Alexander¡¯s hands, tiny stones catching the light and throwing rainbows across the vault walls.


    But it could never rece Lilith¡¯s locket. Nothing could.


    Still, the gesture itself was touching. Alexander was trying to give me his great¨Cgrandmother¡¯s ne in an attempt to make up for what had happened to Lilith¡¯s locket.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to,¡± I said quietly. ¡°It¡¯s a family heirloom-¡±


    ¡°I want to.¡± Alexander stepped closer and twirled one finger. ¡°Turn around.¡±


    I did as he asked, lifting my hair out of the way. His fingers were warm against the back of my neck as he sped the ne, and I shivered at the contact. The diamonds settled against my corbone, heavier than Lilith¡¯s delicate silver chain had been but just as warm.


    ¡°There.¡± Alexander¡¯s hands rested on my shoulders for a moment, warm and broad, before he took a step back. ¡°Perfect.¡±


    I turned back to face him, one hand automatically going to the ne. ¡°It¡¯s gorgeous. But Alexander, I can¡¯t help but wonder¡­ are there string attached?¡±


    He frowned. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°I mean, are you expecting me to wear this to the banquet? To show it off like some kind of token of your¡­¡± I bit my lower lip as i struggled to find the right words. ¡°Your fake affection?¡±


    ¡°E, no.¡± Alexander stepped closer, close enough that I had to tilt my head back to meet his gaze. ¡°I¡¯m not giving this to you for political reasons. I¡¯m giving it to you because you lost something important today, and I wanted to give you something beautiful to take its ce.¡±


    The sincerity in his green eyes made my breath lodge in my throat. ¡°You mean that?¡±


    ¡°I do.¡±


    One thrum down the bond was all it took. One single pulse of promise, like a soft whisper caressing my mind, and I knew he was telling the truth.


    My shoulders deted with a soft sigh, and for a moment, neither of us spoke. I couldn¡¯t seem to find the right words, not when we were surrounded by all of these artifacts and he was looking at me like I was the most valuable thing in the room.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about the locket,¡± he said. ¡°I know how much it meant to you.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault. Gabriel was the one who-¡±


    ¡°I should have told you what I was nning. If you¡¯d known I wanted to surprise you with it, none of this would have happened.¡±


    Before I could answer, Alexander¡¯s hand came up to frame my face, and suddenly we were standing so close I could feel the warmth from his body enveloping me like a cocoon. His eyes dropped to my lips, and mine dropped to his. The bond pulsed again, or perhaps that was my traitorous heart ying tricks on me.


    Suddenly, another sharp cramp shot through my lower abdomen. I gasped and doubled over, both hands flying to my stomach.


    ¡°E!¡± Alexander¡¯s arms were around me instantly, although he hardly touched me, as if he were afraid I might shatter. <b>¡°</b>What¡¯s <b>wrong</b>?¡±


    ¡°Just a cramp,¡± I managed through gritted teeth. ¡°I think the stress from earlier is catching up with me.¡±


    Alexander¡¯s face went pale. ¡°We need to get you upstairs. You need to rest.¡±


    <i>1/3 </i>


    Chapter <b>87 </b>


    <b>He </b>helped me out of the vault and up the stairs, one arm wrapped securely around my waist. By the time we reached our bedroom, <b>the </b><b>cramping </b>had mostly subsided, but Alexander insisted on helping me into bed anyway.


    ¡°Should I call Dr. Evelyn?¡± he asked as leaned back on the pillows.


    I shook my head. ¡°I¡¯m fine now. I think it was just the panic from being trapped in there.¡± I touched the diamond ne again. ¡°The baby is okay.¡±


    Alexander didn¡¯t look convinced, but didn¡¯t argue. Before I knew it, I found myself drifting off to sleep. And Alexander stayed with me, his hand rubbing soothing circles across my belly until I nodded off..


    When i woke up a few hourster, Alexander was gone, but there was a ss of water and some crackers on the nightstand beside me. I sat up slowly, relieved when no more cramping followed, and reached for the water.


    My fingers found the diamond ne again as I drank. It just¡­ given it to me with no strings attached.


    That was what confused me most about all of this.


    was beautiful. Delicate but substantial, clearly worth a fortune. And Alexander had


    Alexander could be so sweet and tender at times, treating me like I was his true love. The way he¡¯d looked at me in the vault, the way his hands had lingered on my skin when he¡¯d put the ne on me¡­ it had felt real. Genuine.


    But then there were moments like that night when I¡¯d asked about children, when he¡¯d immediately fallen back on the contract like it was the mos logical thing. Or the way he¡¯d mentioned extending our contract when he¡¯d marked me at the hospital.


    I couldn¡¯t figure out how he really felt about me. Did he care about me as his mate, or was I still just a convenient arrangement to him?


    Sometimes I wished my mother were here. I wished I could ask her for advice.


    Maybe if I¡¯d had that kind of guidance growing up, things would have turned out differently. Maybe I would have known how to recognize lo he saw it, or how to protect my heart from getting broken by someone who might never truly want me.


    But I¡¯d never had that. My mother had died when I was an infant, and then my father and stepmother had treated me like an inconvenience at best, a burden at worst. They¡¯d never cared enough about my happiness to give me advice about anything, let alone something asplicated as marriage.


    To them, I was just a pawn.


    The thought made my chest hurt in a hollow, throbbing sort of way, and I realized I was crying again. Not for the locket this time, but for everything I¡¯d never had. The mother who should have been there, the family who should have supported me, the childhood that should have prepared me for moments like this.


    But then I thought about Lilith, and the ache in my heart softened slightly.


    I did have someone. Lilith had been a mother to me. She¡¯d been the one tofort me when I was sick, to hold me when I cried, to celebrate with me when good things happened.


    And it was Lilith¡¯s precious locket that Gabriel had destroyed. While I was sitting here moping about my own feelings and touching Alexander¡¯s expensive gift, she was probably downstairs missing her family heirloom just as much as I was.


    I needed to stop feeling sorry for myself and go check on her.


    After quickly changing, I made my way downstairs to the kitchen. It waste¨Cpast nine o¡¯clock by that point¨Cbut I knew she would still be up. Lilith wasn¡¯t there, but I could hear her humming on the back porch.


    I put the kettle on and pulled out her favorite tea blend, along with some of the cookies she¡¯d baked yesterday. By the time I¡¯d arranged everything on a tray, the water was ready.


    ¡°Lilith?¡± I called out as I pushed open the door with my hip. ¡°I brought tea.¡±


    She looked up from the knitting project she was working on on the swinging bench, and her face lit up. ¡°How lovely, dear. How are <b>you </b>feeling?<b>¡± </b>


    <b>¡°</b><b>I¡¯m </b>better <b>now</b>.¡± I set the tray down on the small table by the window and reached up to unsp


    Lilith¡¯s eyes widened as she took in the sparkling stones, ¡°E, I couldn¡¯t possibly


    the diamond ne. ¡°I wanted to give <b>you </b>thes


    *Please. Alexander gave it to me, but you¡¯re the one who lost something precious today. You should have it.¡±


    ¡°Absolutely not.¡± Lilith shook her head firmly and gently pushed my hands away when I tried to give it to her. ¡°That ne suits you perfectly. Besides, diamonds were never really my style anyway.¡±


    ¡°But your locket-¡±


    ¡°E<b>, </b>darling, the ne itself was never what mattered most to me.¡± Lilith set aside her knitting and cupped my face, thumbs smoothing over <b>my </b>cheekbones. ¡°What mattered was that it made you happy when you needed it the most, even if only for a little while.¡±


    I felt the familiar sensation of hot tears pricking at the backs of my eyes again. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry it¡¯s gone.¡±


    ¡°I am too. But we still have each other, don¡¯t we?¡± Lilith smiled and gestured to the tea tray. ¡°Now put that beautiful ne back on and pour us some


    tea.¡±


    I fastened the ne around my neck and poured the tea, sitting down on the bench next to Lilith. She handed me a cookie andunched into a story about the nket she was going to knit for the baby, and soon we wereughing, feet swinging as the bench swayed back and forth.


    And for a little while, that was all that mattered¨Cthe two of us together, enjoying each other¡¯spany.


    Diamonds and lockets could neverpare.


    AD

 The Perfect 88

    <b>Chapter 88 </b>


    E


    The midnight blue gown fit me just as perfectly now as it did that day in the shop. I smoothed my hands over the bodice onest time, turning this <b>way </b>and that and watching as the skirt red around my legs and the diamond ne Alexander had given me glinted around my neck<i>. </i>


    I looked like a Luna. More than that, I looked like someone who belonged on the arm of a future Alpha King.


    Too bad none of it was real¡­


    Right?


    Lately, I wasn¡¯t so sure. Things felt¡­ different since that day in the vault. I didn¡¯t know where exactly Alexander and I stood anymore. Lovers? Partners? Still enemies? Or something else entirely?


    ¡°E, are you ready?¡± Alexander¡¯s voice called from outside the door. I jumped slightly at the sound and turned to go.


    ¡°Coming!¡± I called out, and it was then that my eyes caught something behind the dresser. Something small and dainty.


    I bent to see what it was, and my eyebrows shot up when I saw the tiny bracelet that I¡¯d thrown there months ago in anger. My breath caught as I carefully picked it up, flicking some of the cobwebs off.


    Seeing the little bracelet now, knowing that it had been Alexander¡¯s way of showing me he cared more than he let on, made my chest turn warm with <b>an </b>emotion I hardly dared name. Without thinking, I sped the bracelet around my wrist and hurried out of the room.


    Alexander was waiting for me in the corridor, leaning against the wall with his hands in his pockets. When he saw meing, he straightened, green sweeping across me with what looked like appreciation.


    ¡°Beautiful.¡± The word came out so simply and matter¨Cof¨Cfactly that it made my chest flutter, and when I moved to walk by him, he grabbed my wrist and held it up to inspect the bracelet. ¡°I didn¡¯t know you kept this.¡±


    I quickly looked away, cheeks warming. ¡°Yes, well¡­ You seem to like showering me with jewelrytely.¡±


    Alexander didn¡¯t respond to that, although as we made our way downstairs and out to the waiting car, I couldn¡¯t help but notice what almost looked like a faint smile tugging at his lips.


    As we pulled up to the entrance of the banquet hall where the party would be held tonight, I could see the crowd of reporters and photographers already gathered outside. shes started going off the moment our car stopped.


    ¡°Here we go,¡± Alexander muttered under his breath. ¡°Stick to the n.¡±


    I nodded, my heart sinking slightly as I recalled the ¡°n¡± we¡¯d discussed for tonight. Remaining by one another¡¯s sides. Smiling for the cameras. Showing off the mating mark and my belly, although it was still t, as much as possible.


    Another reminder that despite everything, our marriage was purely business.


    The valet opened my door, and immediately the cameras started shing faster. I took Alexander¡¯s offered arm and we walked up the red carpet together, ignoring the questions from the press about my pregnancy and our rtionship but stopping asionally to make sure they got a few good pictures of the happy couple.


    Inside the ballroom, the atmosphere was electric. The Alpha Council had pulled out all the stops for this event¨Ccrystal chandeliers, white tablecloths, centerpieces containing roses and gold ents. The most powerful wolves in the territory were all here, dressed in their finest formal wear.


    But what surprised me was the reaction we got when we entered.


    People actually turned to stare as we passed. Heads whipped our way, fans lifted to conceal whispers, and a few daring guests even pointed directly at <ol><li>us. </li></ol>


    <b>13:28 </b>Mon, <b>25 </b>Aug:@ DO


    Alexander¡¯s hand tightened on my arm, and suddenly, the bond between us red to life, (bit back <b>a </b><b>gasp </b>as his voice slipped into my mind like velvet.


    <b>¡°</b>Looks like we¡¯re the star couple of the night.¡±


    The sound of Alexander¡¯s voice in my mind sent a shiver scuttling up my spine, and the sensation of his hand on the bare skin of my back <b>did </b>nothing to quell it.


    Tonight was going to be easier said than done. If he used our mindlink like that too often, I might melt right at his feet like the lovesick, pregnant foolt


    was.


    ¡°And maybe try not to turn into a puddle every time I use the bond tomunicate,¡± he chuffed.


    My cheeks reddened, but I quickly snapped back, ¡°It¡¯s still new. I just need to get used to it.¡±


    ¡°Right¡­¡±


    Just as we were making our way toward the refreshments table, a young woman in a pale pink dress approached us. ¡°Luna E! I just had to tell you, your love story is absolutely magical. The way Alpha Alexander marked you at the hospital when you needed him most¡­ it¡¯s like something out of a fairytale.¡±


    I had absolutely no clue who this woman was, but I managed a smile at her praise. ¡°Thank you. That¡¯s very kind.¡±


    ¡°And the baby!¡± She sped her hands together and peered


    at my


    belly. ¡°How are you feeling? You¡¯re glowing.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m feeling wonderful, actually.¡± That part, at least, wasn¡¯t a lie. ¡°Alexander¡¯s been taking such good care of me.¡±


    The woman beamed. ¡°Of course he is. When I saw those maternity photos¡­ Goddess, the way he looks at you! How did you know he was the one?


    My mouth opened and closed wordlessly, and I nced at Alexander, who was watching that a smirk tugging at one corner of his mouth?


    He was enjoying this, wasn¡¯t he? Watching me get flustered?


    I bit the inside of my cheek, deciding that two could y at this game.


    me


    with his head tilted, red hair falling across his fo head


    ¡°He¡¯s always been incredibly thoughtful,¡± I sighed dreamily, touching his arm with one hand while I touched my ne with the other. ¡°He showers me with gifts even though I tell him I don¡¯t need them.¡±


    The woman¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°He gave you that ne?¡±


    I nodded hastily. ¡°Yes, he did. And this bracelet, too.¡± I held up my wrist, turning it to show off the dainty chain. ¡°Said it was a token of his love. Isn¡¯t that right, dear?¡±


    Alexander¡¯s lips parted as if he didn¡¯t expect me to y my role so well, but he managed to snap his features back into a mask of utter bliss. ¡°Yes. It is.¡±


    ¡°And when I told him about the baby¡­¡± I ced my hand on my stomach, still looking up at him with adoration. ¡°He was so gentle. He told me I was going to be the most beautiful mother, and that our child was going to be so lucky to have me.¡±


    None of it was true, of course. Mostly. But as the words left my mouth, I couldn¡¯t help but smile at the thought of such a romance. What would it be like if Alexander really said those things <i>to </i>me? If he really looked at me the way these people thought he did?


    ¡°You¡¯re a natural at this.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve had plenty of practice.¡±


    ¡°Practicing your blush in the mirror, too, I take it?¡±


    My cheeks burned hotter as I realized I¡¯d been caught flushing like a smitten schoolgirl over a damn fantasy, and when I nced up at Alexander, <b>he </b>was watching me with that damnable smirk ghosting the corners of his lips.


    1329 Mon, 25 AM D DU


    But then, suddenly, everything changed. Alexander¡¯s eyes snapped up over my shoulder, and his face dropped. When I followed his ga?a, <b>my </b>heart stopped


    Fucking Sophia.


    She was making her way through the crowd with an easy gait, dressed in a stunning red perfectly curled, makeup dark and sultry. For all the world, she looked like a red serpent.


    gown that showed off her perfect figure. Brte hair was


    And she wasing straight toward us with venom in those eyes,


    My heart rate spiked as she got closer. What was she doing here? After everything that she and her family had done, why would she dare show her face at <b>this </b>event?


    ¡°Sophia.¡± To my surprise, Alexander stepped in front of me just as her cold eyes had begun to narrow on me, ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    AD

 The Perfect 89

    <b>Chapter </b><b>89 </b>


    E <b>& </b>Sophia


    E


    ¡°Alexander, E.¡± Sophia stopped a respectful distance away and bowed her head. ¡°I know this is awkward, but I wanted to exin why I¡¯m here.¡±


    Alexander¡¯s arm stayed firmly around my waist. The tension in his body took mepletely by surrse; I knew he¡¯d had a falling out with her and her family after what had happened, but he looked positively thunderous.


    ¡°I told you he cares more than you think,¡± my wolf hummed, which I quickly silenced with a very crude mental gesture.


    ¡°My distant cousin is running in the election,¡± Sophia said quickly. ¡°I¡¯m here to see him.¡± She looked directly at me, and the remorse in her eyes surprised me even more than Alexander¡¯s fury. ¡°I¡¯m not here to cause trouble. I promise.¡±


    I studied her face, searching for any sign of deception. She certainly looked sincere enough, but that meant nothing when it came to Sophia.


    ¡°E,¡± Sophia continued, ¡°I owe you an apology. For everything. Whatever my parents did to you, I <i>know </i>you didn¡¯t deserve it.¡±


    Right. ce the me on her parents.


    Sophia might be standing here ying the innocent little girl who had nothing to do with her parents¡® crimes, but I knew better. She and her family had intentionally orchestrated my kidnapping. They¡¯d tried to kill me. And now she wanted me to believe she was sorry?


    Bullshit.


    But I wasn¡¯t about to let her see that I knew the truth. Not here, not tonight, with all these people watching and cameras recording our every


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I simply said. I wouldn¡¯t ept the apology.


    Sophia¡¯s shoulders sagged, although I wasn¡¯t sure if it was relief or disappointment. Her gaze slid over to Alexander¡¯s, but his eyes remained hard as two


    emeralds.


    He said nothing.


    It was clearly a silent dismissal, and to her credit, Sophia took the hint. She nodded to both of us and melted back into the crowd, leaving us alone again.


    Alexander¡¯s voice slid through the bond. ¡°She and her family have been punished, I assure you.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± Itooked away, trying to hide the disappointment I felt that the punishment hadn¡¯t been more severe than it apparently was. ¡°I trust your judgment.¡±


    He tilted his head. ¡°Do you?¡±


    Maybe. Maybe not. Either way, I wasn¡¯t going to let Sophia or anyone else spoil this evening. This was my first night out as an expecting mother, my first chance to y the role of Luna at a major political event. I was going to bask in every damn minute of it.


    The rest of the night passed without incident. Alexander introduced me to candidate after candidate, their wives and advisors and campaign managers. Everyone wanted to congratte us on the pregnancy, toment on our ¡°beautiful love story,¡± to ask when the baby was due.


    I yed my part perfectly, smiling and chatting and letting people touch my t tummy. I told the romantic stories I¡¯d crafted earlier about Alexander¡¯s devotion and I smiled up at him adoringly.


    But as the hours wore on, the exhaustion of it all started catching up to me. ying the part of a doting wife was starting to drag me down, and constantly seeing Sophia in the background everywhere I looked wasn¡¯t helping any, either.


    Finally, while Alexander rubbed elbows with a group of Alphas from the northern territory coalition, I slipped away for a moment <b>to </b><b>myself </b><b>and </b>found <b>a </b>


    quiet table to sit at. He didn¡¯t seen to notice my absence.


    As I sat down, it seemed thebination of pregnancy hormones and thete hour was hitting me harder than I expected. I tried to fight it<b>, </b><b>but </b>trefortable chair and the dim lighting in this corner of the room were working against me.


    Before I knew it, I was nodding off.


    I drifted in that pleasant space between sleep and waking, dimly aware of the sounds of the party continuing around me. Voices andughter<b>, </b><b>the </b>clink of sses, the soft music from the string quartet in the corner.


    Then I felt a warm hand slip into mine, fingers intertwining with my own.


    ¡°Hey,¡± Alexander said softly. ¡°You okay?¡±


    I opened my eyes slowly. Alexander was crouched beside my chair, still devastatingly handsome even after hours of political schmoozing. His tie was loosened slightly, and a few strands of red hair had fallen across his forehead.


    But it was the look in his green eyes that made my breath catch. Gentle and concerned and something strikingly tender.


    The mate bond surged between us without warning, flooding me with all kinds of dangerous emotions that felt too big for my body. In my half¨Casleep state, with my defenses down and my heart open, I didn¡¯t think about contracts or politics or fake rtionships.


    I just acted on instinct.


    I reached up and pulled Alexander¡¯s face down to mine, kissing him with all the passion and longing I¡¯d been trying to hide for months He made a surprised sound against my lips but didn¡¯t pull away. Instead, his free hand came up to cup my face as he kissed me back just fee


    For a moment, the rest of the world disappeared. There was only Alexander and me and the electric current of our bond sparking between us.


    Only the taste of him on my tongue and the feeling of taking exactly what I wanted in that moment.


    Sophia


    Sophia watched from across the room as Alex kissed E with enough passion to burn the venue down.


    The sight made her want to be fucking sick.


    They really were in love, were they?


    All this time, Sophia had been telling herself that their rtionship was just for show. That Alexander was only ying his part for the cameras and the voters. That deep down, he still cared about her the way she cared about him, and the punishment he¡¯d doled out was just a momentary hup.


    But that kiss¡­ there was nothing fake or temporary about that kiss.


    Sophia¡¯s hands clenched into fists at her sides as she watched the disgusting disy. She¡¯d lost him. Really, truly lost him.


    The realization was a p to the face, and for a moment Sophia could barely breathe. Alexander was nevering back to her. He was going to be Alpha King with E as his Luna Queen, and they were going to have their perfect little family and live happily ever after.


    Unless¡­


    Sophia¡¯s eyes narrowed as an idea began to form. A dangerous, desperate idea that could either give her everything she wanted or destroy herpletely onest time.


    She scanned the room until she spotted Gabriel near the bar, nursing what looked like his third whiskey of the evening. The Beta looked as miserable as she felt, probably for simr reasons.


    Perfect.


    Sephia straightened her shoulders and made her way across the room, her red dress swishing around her legs. Gabriel looked up as she <b>approached</b>.


    ¡°Sophia.¡±


    She slid onto the barstool next to him and signaled the bartender for a drink. ¡°Interesting evening, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s jaw tightened as he followed her gaze to where Alexander and E were still sitting together in the corner. Fucking lovebirds. ¡°Thrilling¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t sound happy about your Alpha¡¯s sess.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡±


    Sophia leaned closer, lowering her voice. ¡°It means I think we want good this time.¡±


    came thing, Gabriel. <i>And </i>I think we might be able to help each other get it. For


    Gabriel hesitated for a long moment, and Sophia wondered if he might decline. Perhaps it was too risky for the Beta.


    But to her surprise, he set down his ss and turned to face her. ¡°I¡¯m listening.¡±


    1

 The Perfect 90

    <b>Chapter </b><b>90 </b>


    E


    T


    When we finally broke apart, both of us were breathing hard. My head spun, heart pounded, every nerve ending tingling as if I¡¯d just gripped a live wire in my bare hands.


    ¡°Delicious,¡± my wolf purred. And it was. I could have had a thousand of those kisses and never felt satisfied.


    But as the cameras shed around us, I realized what I had done.


    I¡¯d kissed my husband. Passionately. In front of everyone.


    My cheeks burned as I took in the sea of camera lenses pointed in our direction. Tomorrow<i>, </i>those photos would be all over social media.


    Alexander straightened his tie and cleared his throat. ¡°The mate bond,¡± he said quietly, as if reading the dumbfounded expression on my face. ¡°It¡¯s still new. Sometimes it can be¡­ overwhelming, so I don¡¯t me you.¡±


    Of course. The mate bond. A biological reaction, nothing more. Alexander wasn¡¯t kissing me back because he wanted to¨Che was just responding to the chemical pull between mates.


    I felt like the biggest fool in the world.


    ¡°Right,¡± I managed, taking his outstretched hand and standing. ¡°The bond.¡±


    F


    I needed some air.


    Before Alexander could stop me, I forced a smile onto my face and turned, weaving my way through the crowd. There was a set of double des by rear of the banquet hall, which led out into arge and lush courtyard.


    The moment I stepped outside, I felt like I could breathe again. The night air was cool against my heated skin<i>, </i>and I gulped it down gratefully. The courtyard was empty except for me, lit only by strings of fairy lights and the pale glow of the moon overhead.


    I walked to the center of the garden and tilted my head back, staring up at the stars scattered across the dark sky like diamonds on a nket of ck


    velvet.


    Goddess, I was so tired of pretending.


    Tired of smiling and ying the loving wife when Alexander didn¡¯t feel the same way. Tired of making up romantic stories for strangers when the man i was married to saw our rtionship as nothing more than a business arrangement.


    He was marked to me now. I was carrying his child. But he still couldn¡¯t love me the way a husband should love his wife.


    He couldn¡¯t love me in the way I¡¯d started to love him, despite my best efforts not to.


    ¡°You¡¯re being too hard on yourself,¡± my wolf said gently. ¡°The kiss meant something to him. I could feel it through the bond.¡±


    ¡°It was just biology. He said so himself.¡°¡±


    ¡°Males are idiots about feelings. Doesn¡¯t mean they don¡¯t have them.¡±


    I shook my head, wrapping my arms around myself. It didn¡¯t matter what my wolf thought she¡¯d sensed. Alexander had made his feelings clear. Even with a baby in my belly, we were still contracted to one another¨Cwe weren¡¯t in love.


    Which begged the question: did he still have intentions to marry Sophia as soon as he could? Did he love her in the same way she loved him, but remained bound to me because of politics and a fated mate bond that he never wanted?


    Sure, we had made love once in our five years of marriage. Sure, I carried our child in my womb. And sure, he had marked me.


    Chapter <b>90 </b>


    But <b>what </b>did any of it mean?


    <b>I </b>had always prided myself on my intelligence. When all else failed me, when my parents refused to let me continue training <b>and </b>relegated me to <b>the </b>position of housemaid, I still had my mind.


    Even when I was ill, I still had my wit.


    But now I just felt like a lovesick fool who didn¡¯t know anything anymore. Maybe I had truly, finally been outsmarted by the universe itself.


    ¡°E?¡±


    I turned to find Alexander standing in the doorway, his brow furrowed. ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    I tried to force another smile, but my lips trembled, giving it away immediately. ¡°I¡¯m sorry about that kiss. You¡¯re right¨Cthe mate bond is overwhelming at times, and I was half asleep. I wasn¡¯t thinking.¡±


    Alexander studied my face in the moonlight. Instead of answering, he walked over to the rose bushes that lined the courtyard wall. He selected a pale pink flower and broke it off, careful to avoid the thorns.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± I asked as he walked back to me.


    Still without answering, he reached up and gently tucked the rose behind my ear, his fingers brushing against my cheek. ¡°Dance with me


    I stared at him in shock. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s music inside. We can hear it perfectly well out here.¡± He held out his hand. ¡°Dance with me,


    E.¡±


    I looked down at his outstretched hand, then back up at his face. This felt like a trap somehow. Another performance, perhaps for cameras hidden in


    bushes.


    But if there were no cameras¡­ It didn¡¯t make a damn lick of sense. Alexander wasn¡¯t romantic with me when he didn¡¯t have to be.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because I want to.¡± Alexander stepped closer. ¡°And we haven¡¯t had a chance to dance all night.¡±


    My heart did something stupid and fluttery at his words, even though I knew better. This was just Alexander being charming, probably trying to make up for hurting my feelings earlier. But Goddess help me, I wanted <i>to </i>believe it was real.


    ¡°Okay,¡± I said softly, cing my hand in his.


    Alexander pulled me closer, one hand settling on my waist while the other held mine. The music from inside the ballroom drifted out through the open doors, slow and romantic and perfect for a gentle waltz.


    We moved together slowly, and I was surprised by how well we fit. Alexander was a good dancer, leading me through the steps with easy confidence. The rose in my hair released its sweet scent every time I moved, and the moonlight turned everything silver as if the Moon Goddess herself were shining her light upon us.


    For a few minutes, I let myself pretend this was real. That Alexander had sought me out because he missed me, not because he felt guilty about something he¡¯d said. That the tender way he was looking at me meant something more than political convenience.


    I had so many questions I wanted to ask. About the contract. About whether he¡¯d ever consider making our marriage real instead of just legal. About whether there was any chance he might actually fall in love with me someday.


    But I kept my mouth shut. I didn¡¯t want to ruin this moment, this brief glimpse into the fantasy I¡¯d created earlier for those women at the party. The <b>story </b>where Alexander was a devoted husband who brought me flowers and whispered sweet things in my ear.


    Maybe it was pathetic, but I wanted to live in that fairy tale for just a few more minutes. Even if it would disappear the second we got home.


    And so I simply closed my eyes and let my head rest against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart beneath my ear. His arms tightened arouses me<b>, </b>holding me closer, and for a moment I could almost believe that this meant something to him.


    We swayed together in silence, no longer really dancing but just holding each other under the moonlight.


    This was what I¡¯d always dreamed marriage would be like. Quiet moments, tender touches that meant everything and nothing all at once. The feeling of being safe in the arms of someone who loved me.


    Eventually, however, just as all things must¨Cit came to an end. The music slowed, then stopped, and our feet stopped swaying across the stone pavers.


    ¡°We should go,¡± Alexander said, stepping back and checking his watch. ¡°It¡¯ste.¡±


    I nodded, honestly exhausted myself. The fantasy had been nice for a little while, at least. All in all, it had been a good night. Even if everything was fake, 1 had a feeling I would look back on this evening fondly.


    When we finally pulled into the mansion¡¯s driveway about an hourter, Alexander helped me out of the car like the perfect gentleman he¡¯d been <b>all </b>evening. But as we walked through the front door, I could already feel him pulling away.


    ¡°You should go to bed,¡± he said, leaving me at the foot of the stairs. ¡°I have some business to handle.¡±


    And just like that, he turned and left me standing there, and the fantasy shattered the moment the clock struck midnight.


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 The Perfect 91

    <b>Chapter </b><b>91 </b>


    Alexander


    Business to handle. Right.


    The truth was, I¡¯d made up the excuse because I needed to get away from E before I did something stupid again.


    Dancing with her under the moonlight had been torture of the sweetest kind. The way she¡¯d felt in my arms, the rose in her hair, <b>the </b>utter adoration in her eyes every time she looked up at me.


    And that kiss. Goddess, that kiss at the banquet.


    My wolf had gone absolutely feral when E had pulled me down to her mouth. The taste of her, the way she¡¯d responded to me, the little sound she¡¯d made when I¡¯d kissed her back¡­ It had taken every ounce of self¨Ccontrol I possessed not to carry her out of that ballroom and straight to our bed.


    I wanted to strip that midnight blue gown off her body and worship every inch of her skin. I wanted to mark her again, deeper this time, until there was no question who she belonged to. I wanted to bury myself inside of her and make her mine in every way possible.


    But I couldn¡¯t. Not yet.


    Not until I knew for certain whether she was a spy sent by her family to destroy me..


    Gabriel¡¯s letter had been eating away at me for days now. E¡¯s family had definitely orchestrated my parents¡® deaths¨CI had concrete proof of that now. And whether E knew or not, one thing was abundantly clear: they had sent her here as a tool to manipte me.


    What if she was exactly what Gabriel suspected¨Ca perfectly trained weapon designed to make me fall in love with her?


    What if she did know and all of this was just a beautiful lie.


    The thought made my chest hurt, but I couldn¡¯t ignore the possibility. My parents had been killed by E¡¯s family. I couldn¡¯t risk letting the same thing happen to myself, or worse, if I opened myself up to her too easily.


    So instead of following E upstairs and showing her exactly how much I wanted her, I¡¯d locked myself in my office with a bottle of whiskey and tried to drown out my wolf¡¯s increasingly desperate demands.


    The whiskey wasn¡¯t helping much.


    I poured another ss and stared at the amber liquid, trying to focus on the way it caught the firelight in a desperate attempt to stop thinking about the way she had looked at me tonight.


    Like she might actually care about me.


    But that could all be part of the act, couldn¡¯t it? If her family had trained her from childhood to y this role, she¡¯d be good at making me believe whatever they wanted me to believe.


    I knocked back the whiskey and immediately poured another.


    Hours passed. The bottle grew lighter. My head grew fuzzier, but the ache in my chest only got worse.


    By the time I finally stumbled upstairs, the mansion was quiet and dark. E would be asleep by now, curled up in our bed wearing one of those silk nightgowns that drove me insane.


    But as I approached the door, I noticed a sliver of buttery light spilling across the corridor floor from inside. I heard E¡¯s soft voiceing from within.


    ¡°Goddess fucking dammit¡­¡±


    She sounded awfully frustrated.


    MOJI CO


    The door was cracked open just enough for me to see inside, so I quietly crept over and peered through<b>, </b>just to see what was going on.


    E was standing in front of the mirror, still in that midnight blue gown, but she was twisted around trying to reach theces of her corset. Her hair had fallen loose from its elegant updo, tumbling in waves down her back, and the sight of all that dark silk against her pale skin made my mouth go <b>dry </b>


    She was struggling with the corset fastenings, her face scrunched up as she tried to contort her arms behind her back to reach theces. Every time she stretched, the bodice of her dress pulled tight across her breasts in an all¨Ctoo¨Cdelicious way, but it was the obvious frustration in her movements <b>that </b>really caught my attention.


    ¡°Come on,¡± she muttered, twisting further and wincing. ¡°Stupid thing.¡±


    I took a step back, figuring I should probably leave instead of watching her undress like a creep. But the way she was struggling made me feel like an asshole for leaving. She had clearly been struggling with the corset by herself all this time. I couldn¡¯t just walk away when she obviously needed help.


    Before I could second¨Cguess myself, I pushed the door open and stepped into the room.


    ¡°Need help?¡±


    E spun around, eyes going wide. A flush crept up her neck.


    ¡°Alexander. I thought you were¡­ I thought you had business.¡±


    ¡°I did. It¡¯s finished.¡± The lie came easily. ¡°You look like you¡¯re having trouble.¡±


    She nced back at the mirror, then at me, uncertainty written all across her face. Finally, she sighed. ¡°I can¡¯t reach theces. They¡¯re too high up


    ¡°Turn around.¡±


    She slowly turned to face the mirror, moving her hair over her shoulder and presenting her back to me. Her pale skin and the sight of the beautifui nap of her neck practically made my mouth water.


    I stepped closer, close enough to smell the lingering scent of roses in her hair and the faint vani of her perfume. My fingers found the top of theces, and I began working them loose, one eyelet at a time.


    E was perfectly still as I worked, but I could see her watching me in the mirror.


    ¡°There,¡± I said quietly as the first few inches ofcing came free. ¡°Better?¡±


    She nodded, but when she reached behind her to continue on her own, her arms still didn¡¯t reach.


    So I continued working my way down, my knuckles asionally brushing against the smooth skin of her back through the gaps in thecing. Eachce was fucking torture. My wolf howled in my mind, begging me to take her right then and there, and it was hell trying to hold him back and focus on the


    task.


    Halfway down, the corset began to loosen significantly. The bodice of her dress sagged slightly, revealing more of that perfect skin.


    My fingers had started to tremble slightly. Just a few more eyelets and she¡¯d be able to step out of the corset entirely.


    It would be so easy to slide my hands around her waist, to turn her in my arms and kiss her the way I¡¯d been wanting to all night. To peel that dress off her body and carry her to bed.


    She was my mate. My wife. The mother of my child. I had every right to touch her, to im her, to make love to her until neither of us could think straight.


    But I also had every reason to doubt her.


    My hands stilled on thest set ofces. In the mirror, I could see E¡¯s face, flushed and expectant, lips slightly parted. With a deep inhale, <i>her </i>breasts strained against the top of her bodice, and¡­


    Dammit.


    13:20 <b>Mon</b>, 25 AUD COPE


    1 loosened the finalces and stepped back, sping my hands behind me to keep myself from touching her.


    ¡°There. You should be able to manage the rest.¡±


    E blinked, as ifing out of a trance. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    I turned around, giving her privacy to slip out of the dress. Behind me, I heard the whisper


    Root.


    of silk against skin, then the soft rustle of fabric hitting <b>the </b>


    Goddess fucking damn me straight to Hell, I thought, biting the inside of my cheek. She was undressed. Probably in somecy negligee or something Or perhaps just panties and nothing else.


    But no matter how much I wanted to turn around, I kept my eyes fixed on the window until I heard her footsteps cross the room. The bathroom door clicked shut, and a momentter, the shower turned on.


    Only then did allow myself to move, sinking onto the edge of the bed and burying my face in my hands.


    This was going to kill me.


    AD

 The Perfect 92

    <b>Chapter </b><b>92 </b>


    E


    The ultrasound appointment card was sitting on the breakfast table when Alexander walked into the kitchen three weekster, I¡¯d set it down for two seconds while I grabbed my coffee, and he had spotted it immediately.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± He picked up the small white card and inspected it.


    ¡°My first ultrasound. It¡¯s today.¡± I reached for the card, but he held it just out of my reach. ¡°Can I have that back?¡±


    ¡°Were you nning to go alone?¡±


    1 shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s just a routine checkup. Nothing exciting. We won¡¯t know the gender for another couple of months.¡±


    Alexander¡¯s eyebrows shot up. ¡°E, this is our baby¡¯s first ultrasound. Of course I¡¯ming with you.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to-¡±


    ¡°I want to.¡± He set the card back down on the table and fixed me with that familiar look of his that said the discussion was over. ¡°I¡¯ll clear my schedule.


    Despite myself, my chest warmed pleasantly at his insistence. I¡¯d gotten so used to doing things on my own over the years, especially anything rtert my health, that I hadn¡¯t even considered he might want to be there.


    ¡°Okay,¡± I said quietly. ¡°If you¡¯re sure.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure.¡± Green eyes flickered with something that I could have mistaken for the very same tenderness he showed me at the banquet three weeks as ¡°Get dressed. We¡¯ll head out soon.¡±


    I nodded, and once I finished my coffee and gobbled up a couple slices of toast with jam, I hurried upstairs to change. I threw on afortable sundress -summer had brought with it a hot and humid spell that was not doing any favors for my early pregnancy difort¨Cand some sandals, then pulled my hair up into a simple bun and headed out.


    Alexander was waiting by the car when I found him. He opened my door for me like a perfect gentleman, and I tried to ignore the difort I felt when I saw Gabriel sitting in the driver¡¯s seat.


    The Beta didn¡¯t look at me, which I wasn¡¯tining about. I didn¡¯t want to look at him either after what he¡¯d done.


    Throughout the entire drive, Alexander¡¯s leg was bouncing in the seat beside me.


    ¡°You seem more anxious than I am,¡± I pointed out with a smirk as we pulled into the parking lot of the clinic a little whileter.


    ¡°I¡¯m not anxious.¡±


    ¡°Right. And I¡¯m the Alpha King.¡±


    He shot me a look, but I caught the hint of a smile tugging at his lips. It had been moremontely, that damn smile. He thought I didn¡¯t notice, but ! did.


    I knew it wasn¡¯t because of me, necessarily, I knew he was just happy about the baby.


    But damn me if I didn¡¯t find it utterly captivating. How many times had Alexander smiled throughout our marriage? I wasn¡¯t even sure if I could count them on one hand. Not until now, when they were bing moremon than seeing him in a suit, which was every day.


    The appointment itself was everything I¡¯d hoped it would be. Dr. Evelyn squirted cold gel on my slightly swollen belly and moved the ultrasound wand around until a grainy ck and white image appeared on the screen.


    ¡°There¡¯s your baby,¡± she said, pointing to a tiny blob that looked more like a bean than a little life. ¡°Everything looks perfect so far.¡±


    13:29 Mon, 18 Aug D


    My eyes blurred with tears as I looked at the screen. That little blob was our child. Mine and Alexander¡¯s.


    ts that the heartbeat?¡± Alexander asked, pointing


    tis. Strong and steady, exactly what we want to see.¡± Dr. Evelyn made some notes on her clipboard. ¡°The pregnancy is progrensing beautikdily, . Your wolf¡¯s strength is clearly providing excellent support for the baby¡¯s development.¡±


    ¡°And my condition¡­?¡±


    Evelyn beamed. ¡°It¡¯s remarkable, actually. Your wolf seems stronger than ever despite her dormancy. In fact, I dare say you¡¯re on track to have the healthiest pregnancy I¡¯ve ever seen.¡± She leaned forward and patted my hand. ¡°You look fantastic, E. I¡¯m so d to see you recovered.¡±


    Unbidden, my fingers fluttered toward the mark on my neck. It was a scar now<i>, </i>a raised patch of flesh in the shape of a crescent. Perhaps it wasn¡¯t evidence of Alexander¡¯s true love, but it was evidence that he¡¯d cared enough for our child to mark me.


    And that was something, wasn¡¯t it?


    We left the office with a strip of ultrasound photos and matching grins on our faces. I kept looking down at the pictures, trying to make sense of the tiny form that would be our son or daughter.


    ¡°Home?¡± I asked as we got back in the car.


    ¡°Nope.¡± Alexander directed Gabriel to drive toward the shopping district. When the Beta parked outside of the biggest baby supply store in the teritor turned to stare at Alexander.


    ¡°Alexander, what are we doing here?¡±


    ¡°Shopping for the baby.¡± He was already getting out of the car, and when he opened my door, he was in such a rush that I practically had to jog to cate up with him.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it a little early for that? I¡¯m barely three months along.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s never too early to be prepared. I¡¯m just being practical.¡± Right. Practical. As if I couldn¡¯t see the excitement in his green eyes. ¡°Besides, the good stuff


    takes time to order.¡±


    The store was massive, with different sections for furniture, clothes, toys, and feeding supplies. Everything was disyed in little mock nurseries that made my heart leap and my mind race with all kinds of ideas for our future baby¡¯s room.


    ¡°Alpha Alexander! Luna E!¡± A cheerful woman in her fifties approached us with a clipboard. ¡°I¡¯m so honored that you¡¯re considering my humble shop for your little heir.¡±


    ¡°Hardly humble,¡± Iughed, gesturing around at the massive space and making the woman blush.


    Alexander ced his arm around my shoulders, and now I was the one who was blushing. ¡°We¡¯re just looking for the essentials for now. Crib, changing table, that sort of thing. But I only want the best.¡±


    ¡°Wonderful! Congrattions. When are you due?¡±


    ¡°January,¡± I said.


    ¡°Perfect timing for our holiday sales.¡± She gestured for us to follow her toward the furniture section. ¡°Let me show you some of our most popr pieces.¡±


    For the next hour, we wandered through disys of cribs and dressers and rocking chairs. Alexander was surprisingly opinionated about everything, rejecting anything that looked ¡°flimsy¡± or ¡°impractical.¡±


    He spent twenty minutes examining the safety features on one crib before finally approving of the locking mechanism.


    ¡°This one,¡± he said decisively, running his hand along the smooth wood of a beautiful cherry crib. ¡°What do you think?<b>¡± </b>


    13.29 MON,


    E


    I had to admit it was gorgeous. ssic but not fussy, with clean lines and expert woodworking, ¡°I love it.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll take it. And we¡¯ll need the matching changing table,¡± Alexander told the sales associate without hesitation. ¡°When can you deliver?<i>¡± </i>


    ¡°For the full set? About six weeks.¡±


    ¡°Perfect.¡±


    I was starting to understand why people said pregnant women nested. There was something deeply satisfying about picking out furniture for our baby, even if we wouldn¡¯t need it for months.


    There was also something deeply satisfying about seeing Alexander in such a state of glee.


    We were debating the merits of different rocking chairs when I heard amotion near the front of the store. Voices, car doors mming, the sound of running feet.


    ¡°Oh my Goddess, is that really them?¡±


    ¡°I told you they were here!¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re buying baby stuff! This is so cute!¡±


    Alexander and I exchanged a look of horror as a group of about ten people burst through the store entrance, phones already out and recording.


    ¡°Luna E! Alpha Alexander! Can you tell us about the baby?¡±


    ¡°When are you due?¡±


    ¡°What are you hoping for, a boy or a girl?¡±


    The sales associate looked panicked as the fans swarmed toward us, knocking over a disy of stuffed animals in their excitement.


    ¡°Fuck,¡± Alexander muttered under his breath. He grabbed my hand and steered me toward the back of the store. ¡°Is there another exit?¡± he whispered to the associate.


    ¡°Service entrance,¡± the woman stammered. ¡°Through the stockroom.¡±


    We hurried through a door marked ¡°Employees Only¡± as the crowd/grew louder behind us. I could hear the store manager trying to restore order, but it wasn¡¯t working.


    The service entrance led to an alley behind the building where Gabriel was already waiting with the car running.


    ¡°How did they know we were here?¡± I asked as we climbed into the backseat.


    ¡°Social media,¡± Gabriel said grimly, pulling out of the alley. ¡°Someone posted about seeing you at the doctor¡¯s office, and it spread from there.¡±


    ¡°Goddess.¡± Alexander¡¯s serene smile had been reced by a look of utter disappointment. ¡°Can¡¯t we buy baby furniture without it bing a spectacle?¡±


    ¡°Apparently not.¡± Gabriel nced at us in the rearview mirror, eyes briefly meeting mine. ¡°Maybe from now on <i>you </i>should just order everything <b>from </b><b>a </b>catalog.¡±

 The Perfect 108

    The next morning brought news that made my already sour mood even worse.


    ¡°A charity auction?¡± I asked, staring at the invitation Gabriel had delivered along with our breakfast. ¡°Tomorrow night?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s been on the calendar for months,¡± Alexander said without looking up from his coffee. ¡°I assumed you knew.¡±


    I scanned the invitation with a sigh. The annual Ashw Children¡¯s Hospital Charity Auction- quite the mouthful-was one of the biggest social events of the year. Everyone who was anyone would be there, which meant more cameras, and most of all¡­


    More pretending to be the perfect mated couple.


    Which meant more fucking makeup to create my fake mark.


    Dammit, I had only been home from the hospital for two days, and already I was exhausted. But Alexander and I needed to go to that event, especially with the recent media attention. It was a good opportunity to donate to charity, and it was also a chance to quell some more of the rumors.


    The rest of the day passed quickly. I had to sit through another session with Lilith carefully applying the fake mark, each brush stroke a reminder of everything I didn¡¯t have.


    By evening, I was ready. The fake mark looked perfect, my dress was stunning, and my smile was utterly bulletproof. I looked every inch the devoted Luna,plete with my mate¡¯s mark proudly disyed on my throat.


    I also felt like aplete and utter fraud.


    ¡°You look beautiful, dear,¡± Lilith said softly as she put the finishing touches on my hair. ¡°But you seem troubled.¡±


    I met Lilith¡¯s eyes in the mirror. ¡°I¡¯m just tired of all this pretending.¡±


    Lilith was quiet for a moment as she arranged a few loose curls around my face. Then she stepped back and reached into her pocket, pulling out a small jewelry box.


    ¡°I have something for you,¡± she said, holding out the box with a smile. ¡°Something that might lift your spirits.¡±


    Curious, I opened the box. Inside was a delicate silver locket, clearly old but beautifully maintained. The surface was engraved with intricate swirls and what looked like tiny flowers.


    ¡°It¡¯s gorgeous,¡± I breathed, lifting it carefully from the box. ¡°Where did you get it?¡± Lilith beamed. ¡°It¡¯s been in my family for generations. My grandmother gave it to my mother, my mother gave it to me. I always nned to give it to my daughter someday.¡±


    My eyes widened as I met her gaze again in the mirror. ¡°Lilith, I can¡¯t-¡±


    ¡°You can,¡± Lilith said firmly, taking the locket from my hands. ¡°You are like a daughter to me, E. I told you that at the hospital, and I meant it This locket belongs with someone who will treasure it, and I know you will.¡±


    Tears pricked at my eyes as Lilith fastened the chain around my neck. The locket settled just below my corbone, the silver color popping against my pale skin like it was made for me.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I whispered, touching the locket gently. ¡°This means more to me than you know.¡±


    Lilith squeezed my shoulders. ¡°You deserve to have beautiful things, dear one. You deserve to be cherished.¡±


    The simple words nearly broke me. When was thest time someone had told me I deserved to be cherished? When was thest time someone had given me a gift simply because they loved me, not because they wanted something from me?


    ¡°I love you,¡± I said softly, and I meant it. Lilith had be the mother I¡¯d never had, the one person in my life who truly cared about my happiness. Her eyes shimmered with tears at my words, and she reached out and brushed her thumb across my cheek.


    ¡°Oh, my dear girl¡­¡±


    As if on cue, a knock at the door interrupted the moment. ¡°E?¡± Alexander¡¯s voice called from the hallway. ¡°We need to leave.¡±


    I sighed and pulled away, turning toward the mirror onest time. The sight of Lilith¡¯s locket on my throat seemed to lift some of the weight of the fake mating mark right next to it.


    With a nod, I grabbed my clutch and headed out.

 The Perfect 109

    E & Alexander


    E


    The charity auction was everything I¡¯d expected it to be-packed with socialites who were all dressed to the nines, elegant white linens and crystal chandeliers, and tables full of auction items lining the walls.


    Alexander and I had been making the rounds for about an hour, his hand never moving away from its position on my lower back as we moved from table to table, examining the various items up for bid.


    A weekend getaway to the mountains. A vintage wine collection. A private dinner with a celebrity chef..


    All of it felt hollow and meaningless when so many other couples were bidding on the more intimate options, and all the while I was wearing a fake mark and pretending to be madly in love with a man who could barely stand to touch me.


    ¡°Smile,¡± Alexander murmured in my ear as a photographer approached. ¡°Look interested in the jewelry.¡±


    I stered on my Luna smile and leaned closer to examine a diamond tennis bracelet on the table in front of me. The photographer snapped a few pictures, and I made sure to angle my neck so the fake mark was clearly visible.


    Just another performance in our endless charade.


    Once the photographer grew tired of us, we moved to the next table, where Alexander struck up a conversation with another Alpha about some business deal while I perused a collection of rare antique books. I was actually reading the spines, trying to find something that Lilith might like, when I felt something m into me from behind.


    I stumbled forward, catching myself against the edge of the table, but I felt something catch on the corner and snap against my neck. The delicate chain of Lilith¡¯s locket broke, and I watched in horror as the piece of jewelry fell to the floor.


    ¡°Oh my Goddess, I¡¯m so sorry!¡±


    I turned to find Sophia standing behind me. She was wearing a stunning red dress, and her blonde hair was swept up into an borate style.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t see you there,¡± she said. ¡°How clumsy of me!¡±


    Before I could react, she stepped forward as if to help, but her heel came down directly on Lilith¡¯s locket with a sickening crunch.


    ¡°No!¡± I gasped, hand flying to my throat as I stared down at the ne. The delicate engravings were scratched and dented beyond repair, and the chain waspletely destroyed.


    Lilith¡¯s family heirloom. Generations of history, crushed under the heel of Sophia¡¯s shoe in the span of one night.


    ¡°Oh dear, it¡¯spletely ruined, isn¡¯t it?¡± Sophia said airily. ¡°What a shame. It looked so¡­ quaint.¡±


    Quaint.


    She knew exactly what she¡¯d done. This wasn¡¯t an ident.


    I turned slowly to look Sophia directly in the eye. For a moment, I seriously considered pping that smug expression right off her perfect face. My hand actually twitched with the


    urge.


    But I caught myself when I saw the onlookers staring at us from behind their folding fans and sses of champagne. Causing a scene at a charity auction wouldn¡¯t help anyone, least of all me. It would only give the gossips more ammunition and make Alexander look bad.


    ¡°idents happen,¡± I said quietly, clenching my hand into a fist at my side.


    Sophia gestured to the tables around us. ¡°Well, at least you¡¯re surrounded by plenty of jewelry to rece it with.¡±


    I didn¡¯t trust myself to respond to that. Without another word, I turned and stalked away, weaving through the crowd toward the bathroom. I could feel Alexander¡¯s eyes on me, but I didn¡¯t look back. He¡¯d probably side with Sophia anyway¡ªhe always did.


    The bathroom was mercifully empty when I reached it. I locked the door behind me and finally


    let the tears fall.


    It was gone. The one real thing I had these days, the symbol of someone¡¯s unconditional love for me¡­ destroyed.


    I leaned against the sink, trying to pull myself together. I had to go back out there, of course. People would begin to ask questions soon.


    22

 The Perfect 93

    ¡°Alexander,¡± Lilith said before I could answer. Liam looked just as surprised as I was, and I simply shrugged.


    Lilith stood, taking the now-empty soup bowl. ¡°ll go wash this out,¡± she said, then scurried out of the room.


    Once she was gone, Liam took her vacated chair. You look better today. How are you feeling?¡±


    ¡°Much better,¡± I lied. In truth, I felt like shit. My head was pounding, my limbs ached, and there was a hollow feeling in my body that had nothing to do with hunger. But I didn¡¯t want Liam to worry.


    ¡°Are they letting you out soon?¡±


    I shrugged. ¡°Dr. Evelyn wants to run a few more tests. Maybe tomorrow.¡±


    Liam nodded, and for a few moments, he was silent, just fidgeting with the sleeve of his jacket. Then, finally: ¡°Listen, E, about what happened at the bar¡­ with Molly. I had no idea she felt that way about you. If I¡¯d known¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault,¡± I assured him:


    ¡°Still, I feel responsible. If she hadn¡¯t kissed you, maybe Alexander wouldn¡¯t have-¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, Liam. Really.¡± I cut him off, not wanting to rehash the details of that night. ¡°Water¡± under the bridge.¡±


    But even as I said it, my mind drifted back to the alley. To Alexander¡¯s lips on mine, his hands on my body, the way he¡¯d groaned when I touched him through his pants. It had been explosive and all-consuming-everything I¡¯d fantasized about for years.


    My face heated at the memory. It had been a mistake, fueled by alcohol and jealousy and the fated mate bond. But I couldn¡¯t fully regret it. Couldn¡¯t push away the memory of how it felt to be wanted, even if just for a moment.


    ¡°If you¡¯re sure,¡± Liam said, pulling me back to the present. ¡°I just hate that it led to all this.¡± He gestured around the hospital room.


    ¡°It didn¡¯t. I was just tired and drunk. I¡¯m fine now.¡±


    Liam didn¡¯t look convinced, but he nodded anyway. ¡°Well, I brought you something else, too.¡± He reached into his bag and pulled out a deck of cards. ¡°Thought you might be bored.¡±


    We spent the next few hours ying card games, with Lilith joining in when she returned. For a while, I managed to forget about my condition, about Alexander, about everything except being with people who cared about me.


    But as the day wore on and visiting hours came to an end, my thoughts kept circling back to


    the cherry blossoms on my nightstand. To Alexander, who hade to see me while I slept. Who had remembered my favorite flowers.


    I found myself staring at them more often than not, tracing the delicate pink petals with my eyes, wondering what it meant that he¡¯d brought them. Was it just a courtesy? A gesture of basic decency toward his sick wife? Or was it something more?


    It didn¡¯t matter. He¡¯d fulfilled his obligation by checking on me and bringing a gift. I didn¡¯t expect to see him again anytime soon. He had a campaign to run, after all. A pack to lead. A Beta to punish for insubordination.


    Thest thing on his mind would be me. Maybe having me in the hospital would even make things easier for both of us, because I meant it when I told Lilith that I was beyond the point of wanting him to mark me anymore.


    Visiting hours ended at eight, and both Liam and Lilith reluctantly prepared to leave. Lilith had fought to stay overnight, but hospital policy was strict: family only after hours. And despite our marriage, Alexander hadn¡¯t listed himself as staying.


    Once they were gone, I tried to sleep, but memories of the alley kept intruding. Alexander¡¯s mouth on mine. His fingers between my legs. The way he¡¯d looked at me when I lifted my shirt. Like he was starving and I was a feast.


    What was so wrong with me that he couldn¡¯t bring himself to do that to me for five years of marriage?


    Groaning, I turned onto my side, trying to push the thoughts away. It was useless to dwell on


    them.


    Just then, the door opened. I turned, expecting to see a nurseing to check on me.


    Instead, Alexander was standing in the doorway with a bag in his hand.

 The Perfect 94

    E


    Alexander stepped into the room and held up the bag. ¡°I brought you some things to keep you upied.¡±


    1 straightened in the hospital bed, pulling the thin nket higher over my torso. I hadn¡¯t expected to see him again, especially not so soon after he¡¯d dropped off the flowers. ¡°Things?¡±


    He approached the bed and handed me the bag. ¡°Just some books, games, stuff like that. The nurses mentioned you might be here for a few days.¡±


    Curious despite myself, I peered inside. There were a few paperback novels-mysteries, one of my favorite genres-a book of crossword puzzles, a deck of ying cards, and folded on top of everything else, a gray sweatshirt that I immediately recognized as Alexander¡¯s.


    I pulled it out and held it up, blushing furiously. ¡°This is yours.¡±


    Alexander shrugged. ¡°I checked your closet for something warm, but all your sweaters are too thin. It gets cold in hospitals at night.¡±


    I blinked, staring at the sweatshirt. It was one I¡¯d seen him wear around the house on rare asions, usually when he was working in his officete at night. The fabric was worn in ces, soft from years of washing. It smelled faintly of him.


    ¡°Besides,¡± he added, ¡°it would look good for the press if you¡¯re seen wearing my clothes. People still think our marriage is on the rocks.¡±


    And there it was. The real reason. Not concern for myfort, but concern for his image. His campaign. The act we¡¯d been putting on for weeks now.


    ¡°Right,¡± I muttered, shoving down the bitter disappointment that began to form in my chest. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t want anyone to think we¡¯re not madly in love.¡±


    If Alexander noticed the frustration in my words, he didn¡¯t show it. ¡°You should put it on,¡± he said. ¡°It¡¯s already getting colder in here.¡¯


    He wasn¡¯t wrong about that. The hospital room was chilly, and my arms were covered in goosebumps beneath the thin hospital gown. Swallowing my pride, I pulled the sweatshirt over my head, letting the soft fabric engulf me. It was enormous on my frame, the sleeves hanging well past my fingertips, and the hem would probably hit mid-thigh if I stood.


    But it was warm. Andfortable. And it smelled like him.


    ¡°Thank you for bringing this stuff,¡± I said. ¡°You can go now, if you want. I¡¯m sure you¡¯re busy.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m staying for a while.¡±


    I raised an eyebrow. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°People would talk if I didn¡¯t,¡± he pointed out. ¡°A devoted husband would stay with his sick wife, especially after she copsed in public. It would look strange if I just dropped off a bag and left.¡±


    More image maintenance. More pretending. The hospital was full of pack members who would notice and gossip about-how long the Alpha stayed with his Luna. Of course that was his concern, not my actual well-being.


    The bitterness I¡¯d been trying to swallow rose up again. Did anything Alexander dide from a genuine ce? Or was it all calcted for maximum political benefit? Was what happened in the alley just for show, too, in case someone saw?


    ¡°Well, then,¡± I said stiffly. ¡°By all means, make yourselffortable.¡±


    Alexander nodded and sat in the chair Lilith had upied earlier. Then, to my surprise, he reached into the bag he¡¯d brought and pulled out a small wooden chess set.


    ¡°I thought we could y,¡± he said, setting up the board on the rolling table beside my bed. ¡°It helps pass the time.¡±


    I stared at the chessboard. In five years of marriage, Alexander and I had never once yed a game together. Never spent an evening doing something as simple and normal as chess.


    ¡°I don¡¯t really know how to y,¡± I admitted. ¡°I mean, I know the basics, but I¡¯m not very good.¡±


    Alexander shrugged. ¡°That¡¯s fine. I can teach you¡±


    For a moment, I considered refusing just to spite him. But the thought of sitting in silence while he watched me seemed even more awkward than fumbling through a chess game.


    ¡°Alright,¡± I sighed. ¡°But go a little easy on me.

 The Perfect 95

    Alexander nodded and began setting up the pieces, exining each one¡¯s movement as he ced them on the board.


    ¡°White goes first,¡± he said, gesturing to my side of the board. ¡°Your move.¡±


    I hesitated, then moved a pawn forward two spaces. Alexander nodded approvingly and moved one of his own pawns.


    The game progressed slowly, with me making cautious moves and Alexander responding with quick, strategic ones. It was clear he¡¯d yed this game many times before, while I was just guessing at the best course of action.


    ¡°Knight to E5,¡± I said after a few minutes, moving my piece.


    Alexander¡¯s lips twitched. ¡°You just moved your bishop, not your knight.¡±


    I looked down at the piece I¡¯d just moved, then back at Alexander. ¡°Wait, which one is the knight again?¡±


    ¡°The horse,¡± he said, pointing to the piece shaped like a horse¡¯s head.


    ¡°Right.¡± I felt my cheeks heat. ¡°I knew that.¡±


    Alexander¡¯s expression remained neutral, but there was a gleam in his eyes that might have been something akin to amusement. I moved my actual knight this time, only to watch Alexander immediately capture it with his bishop


    ¡°Dammit,¡± I muttered. ¡°I should have seen thating.¡±


    ¡°You left it undefended,¡± Alexander exined. ¡°Always look at what your opponent could do on their next move.¡±


    I frowned at the board, trying to think three steps ahead like Alexander clearly was. But after a few more moves, Alexander had captured half my pieces while I¡¯d only managed to take two of his pawns.


    ¡°This is embarrassing,¡± I said, watching as he added my rook to his growing collection of captured pieces. ¡°I¡¯m getting absolutely destroyed here.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not that bad.


    ¡°If this were a real battle, my army would be considering mutiny right about now.¡± I gestured to the scattered pawns. ¡°They¡¯re plotting their escape as we speak. Probably making little parachutes out of hospital napkins.¡±


    Suddenly, Alexanderughed, and I looked up at him in surprise. His smile transformed his face, softening the hard lines around his mouth and making him look years younger. Handsome. Kind. He tossed his head back andughed loudly and deeply, teeth shining


    beneath the fluorescent lights, red hair falling into his closed eyes. I didn¡¯t know how to react to the sight.


    It hit me, then, that I¡¯d never seen him smile like this before. Not in five years of marriage. Not even during our recent public appearances where we¡¯d been pretending to be in love.


    This smile was real. Thisugh was real. And it did strange things to my insides.


    I blushed, looking away, and cleared my throat. ¡°Um¡­ Castle to C6.¡±


    By the time we finished the game, it was well past ten o¡¯clock. The hospital corridor outside had grown quiet.


    ¡°I should go,¡± Alexander said, ncing at his watch. ¡°It¡¯ste, and I¡¯ve got work to do tomorrow.¡±


    And just like that, the illusion shattered. Alexander wasn¡¯t going to spend the night with me like a normal husband would. Because he wasn¡¯t a normal husband. And our marriage was just an act for the benefit of others.


    I nodded, pretending-even to myself-that I didn¡¯t care. ¡°Right. Thanks for bringing the stuff.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯lle back tomorrow,¡± he said as he stood. ¡°For another game. If you want.¡±


    I looked up, surprised. ¡°You don¡¯t have to. I¡¯m sure there will be plenty of witnesses who saw you stayte tonight. Your devoted husband image is secure.¡±


    Something flickered across Alexander¡¯s face at that. It almost looked like pain, but it was gone before I could get a good read on it.


    ¡°I¡¯lle anyway,¡± he said. ¡°Maybe your chess skills will improve with a good night¡¯s sleep.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t tell if he was joking or serious, but I didn¡¯t dwell on it. ¡°Alright. See you then.¡±


    Alexander nodded and moved toward the door. But before leaving, he paused and looked back


    at me.


    ¡°Sleep well, E.¡±


    And then he was gone.


    My heart fluttered traitorously in my chest. What was wrong with me?

 The Perfect 96

    E & Liam


    E


    The constant beeping of the monitors, the fluorescent lights buzzing overhead, and the steady stream of nurses entering and leaving my room made the days of the following week blend together into one big blur.


    I tried to keep busy as best I could; I read through two of the books Alexander had brought, did crossword puzzles, and watched countless movies. But if it weren¡¯t for my visitors, I might have lost my mindpletely.


    Lilith was always there first, arriving each morning with fresh clothes and homemade food, refusing to let me eat the hospital food. She would brush my hair, help me wash up, and make sure I wasfortable. Sometimes she would just sit beside me, reading quietly or working on her knitting while I dozed or did my own thing. I was d for herpany.


    And then there was Liam. He visited nearly as often as Lilith, usually in the afternoons when he wasn¡¯t busy with the Alpha Council. He would bring news, tell me stories to make meugh, and sometimes just sit with me watching terrible daytime TV.


    It was nice, having people who cared whether I lived or died.


    But the biggest surprise was Alexander. True to his word, he came back the next day after our first chess game. And the day after that. And the day after that.


    Every evening around seven, he would arrive. No matter how busy his day had been, no matter what Alpha duties required his attention, he¡¯d sit in the chair beside my bed and set up the


    board.


    ¡°Knight to F3,¡± I said on the fourth night, moving my piece without hesitation and taking his bishop.


    Alexander nodded approvingly. ¡°Good move.¡±


    I¡¯d been getting better under his guidance. Not good enough to beat him-I doubted that would ever happen-but good enough to make the gamesst longer and asionally surprise him with a clever move.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been practicing,¡± he said a few minutester as I captured one of his


    pawns.


    shrugged. ¡°Lilith¡¯s been ying with me during the day. She¡¯s not as good as you, though.¡±


    Alexander¡¯s lips quirked up at the corners. ¡°Few are.¡±


    I rolled my eyes at his arrogance, but I couldn¡¯t help but smile, too. As much as I hated to admit it, these evening chess games had be the highlight of my days in the hospital. For


    a few hours, it felt like everything else fell away.


    I wasn¡¯t sure if Alexander was just acting for the benefit of the hospital staff, ying the role of devoted husband to bolster his image. If he was, he was a damn good actor. When we yed together, he seemed awfully engaged for someone who didn¡¯t really want to be there, sometimes evenughing at my terrible jokes or teasing me about my moves.


    As for what happened in the alley, we didn¡¯t talk about it. Not even once. Maybe that was for the best; it was easier to just pretend it didn¡¯t happen and move on with our contract.


    I also had to pretend that it didn¡¯t hurt like hell to think that way. But, just like chess, I found myself getting better at that.


    ¡°Check,¡± he said, moving his queen into position


    I frowned at the board as I tried to figure a way out. ¡°Hmm, what if I¡­¡± I moved my king to safety, only to realize toote that I¡¯d just exposed my bishop.


    Alexander¡¯s smile widened as he captured it, instantly putting me in check mate. ¡°You¡¯re getting better, but you still need to think a few moves ahead.¡±


    I huffed, tugging Alexander¡¯s sweatshirt more snugly around me. I¡¯d worn it every day since he brought it, partially because it was genuinelyfortable and partially because¡­


    No. I wasn¡¯t going to think about it. Just like the alley, the scent that had faded on his sweatshirt wouldn¡¯t affect me anymore.


    ¡°I¡¯ll beat you one of these days,¡± I muttered.


    ¡°I look forward to it.¡±


    I blushed, but it was short-lived. Alexander left after that and our little bubble of normalcy popped, just as it did every night.


    The following morning, Dr. Evelyn announced that I could be discharged soon, maybe even the next day if my tests continued to improve. I hadn¡¯t seen Alexander or Liam at all that day, but I assumed they were just busy.

 The Perfect 97

    I was just getting ready for bed when Liam arrived, which was unusuallyte for a visit.


    One look at his face told me something was wrong.


    ¡°What is it?¡± I asked, sitting up straighter in bed.


    Liam closed the door behind him. ¡°There¡¯s been an incident at the northern border. Alexander went to handle it.¡±


    My heart stuttered in my chest. ¡°What kind of incident?¡±


    ¡°A bunch of rogues banded together and took over a property on the border. It turned violent when Ashw warriors went to kick them out. Alexander had to go personally to handle it, and one of the scouts just returned saying that there¡¯s an intense battle going on.¡±


    ¡°Is Alexander okay?¡± My voice came out as a squeak, and I hated how small I sounded, but I couldn¡¯t help it. A small presence in the back of my mind seemed to roil at the thought of something bad happening to him.


    Liam hesitated. ¡°I don¡¯t know. I haven¡¯t heard anything about Alexander since he left.¡±


    ¡°How long ago was that?¡±


    ¡°This morning.¡±


    The room suddenly felt too small, and my heart began to flutter nervously in my chest. Every instinct in my body began to hum, as if my very fibers were pulling me to get out of here and get to my mate.


    Alexander was in danger. Fighting. Maybe hurt. Maybe worse.


    Without thinking, I threw back the covers and swung my legs over the side of the bed.


    ¡°E, what are you doing?¡± Liam breathed.


    ¡°I need to go,¡± I said. ¡°I need to find out what¡¯s happening.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t leave! You¡¯re still sick-¡±


    But I wasn¡¯t listening. Panic had taken hold, drowning out reason. All I could think about was Alexander, bleeding out somewhere in the forest.


    I yanked the IV from my arm, ignoring the sharp sting and the drops of blood that welled up in its ce.


    ¡°E, stop!¡± Liam reached for my arm, but I dodged him, my bare feet pping against the cold tile floor as I bolted out of the room and down the hall.


    Liam


    Liam stood frozen for a split second, stunned by E¡¯s sudden flight. He hadn¡¯t expected her to react so violently to the news about Alexander. Worry, yes. Concern, certainly. But this level of panic?


    ¡°Lilith!¡± he called out, rushing to the doorway. The older woman had been in the hallway getting coffee. ¡°E¡¯s run off!¡±


    Lilith appeared at his side, coffee forgotten. ¡°What do you mean, run off? Where would she go in a hospital gown?¡±


    ¡°I told her about Alexander at the border,¡± Liam exined, already moving down the hallway in the direction E had fled. ¡°She just¡­ lost it. Pulled out her IV and bolted.¡±


    Lilith¡¯s face paled. ¡°We need to find her before she hurts herself. She¡¯s still weak.¡±


    They split up, Liam trailing E while Lilith went to g down hospital security. He pushed through the door into the stairwell, taking the steps two at a time. E was nowhere to be found-how did she even move that fast in her condition?


    He burst out of the exit door into the parking lot just in time to see her figure weaving between cars, hair streaming behind her, Alexander¡¯s sweatshirt hanging to her knees over the thin hospital gown.


    ¡°E!¡± he shouted, breaking into a run.


    She either didn¡¯t hear him or chose to ignore him, continuing her desperate flight toward the street. Her bare feet pped against the asphalt, leaving small smears of blood in her wake.


    She was pushing herself too hard; her body was too weak for this kind of exertion. She was tearing her feet on the asphalt, and yet¡­ she didn¡¯t stop. Didn¡¯t even slow down.


    Liam didn¡¯t have time to wonder why she didn¡¯t just shift if she was so desperate to get to Alexander, but he did realize one thing as he took off after her.


    E was in love with Alexander. Despite everything, she truly cared for him.

 The Perfect 98

    Alexander


    Blood spattered across my face as I tore through another rogue wolf. The metallic taste filled my mouth, momentarily dulling my other senses. I whipped my head around just as another rogue charged at me, narrowly missing the brunt of its jagged ws.


    The rogue snarled, skidding to a stop a few feet away as it realized it had missed its mark. It whirled around and charged back at me, but this time, I was prepared.


    My ws shed on instinct, catching the rogue in the belly. Blood and guts spurted out before the beast even had a chance to stop. With a guttural howl, it crashed into the ground, kicking up dirt and debris with its momentum as it slid and mmed into the base of a nearby tree. Dead.


    I panted, looking around for others. In the distance, I could hear the sounds of my warriors fighting off more rogues. Goddess, how many were there? Dozens?


    The northern border of Ashw territory had always been a problem area. Rogues-wolves without packs, often stuck in wolf form andpletely feral-would asionally test our boundaries, hoping to im a small piece ofnd for themselves.


    Usually, a simple show of force was enough to send them scampering back into the wilderness, because rogues rarely banded together. Perhaps a few might join forces, but typically they were alone, unorganized, and easy to maintain.


    But not this time.


    This group had been more organized than usual. They¡¯d killed the family living on the piece ofnd by the border and had taken it over as their home base during the night, then ambushed our patrol before the sun rose, killing two of my warriors and capturing several more.


    ¡°Alpha!¡± Gabriel shouted from somewhere to my right. ¡°There¡¯s moreing from the east!¡±


    The forest blurred around me as I ran in that direction in wolf form, far faster than I ever could on human legs, dodging trees and leaping over fallen logs. The scent of unfamiliar wolves grew stronger, mingling with the smell of blood and sweat. They were close.


    I slowed, dropping into a crouch as I approached a small clearing. Five rogues were gathered there. They looked up as my scent inevitably reached them, their lips peeling back to reveal yellowed fangs dripping with foamy saliva.


    Before they had time to strategize, Iunched myself at the closest one with a missing ear, my jaws immediately finding his throat. His warm blood gushed into my mouth as I ripped and tore, then tossed his limp body aside.


    The other four attacked as one, surrounding me, circling me like prey. I spun, shing at anything that came too close,nding blows that sent the smaller ones flying. But they kept


    A set of teeth found my shoulder, sinking deep into muscle. I howled and twisted, trying to shake off my attacker, but another ched onto my back leg at the same time. Pain shot through me.


    For a moment, I faltered. There were too many of them, and they wereing at me from all sides. My strength was waning, blood loss making my movements sluggish. I might actually lose this fight.


    This was my fault, dammit. I hadn¡¯t been sleeping well since E had gone to the hospital; I hadn¡¯t been sleeping much at all, actually.


    The side of the bed where she normally slept was too empty, too cold. I spent my nightsying awake, staring at her untouched pillow, wondering how the hell I had gotten so used to her sleeping beside me already that I could no longer rest without herying there.


    E. My mate.


    I shut my eyes as the pain became too much to bear, and there was her face hovering in the darkness. She was smiling, head bent over a chess board, slender fingers reaching for her


    queen.


    Suddenly and unexpectedly, the sight of her face in my mind sent a fresh surge of energy through me, burning away the fatigue and pain. With a roar, I shook off my attackers, sending them flying into the surrounding trees.

 The Perfect 99

    The rest was a blur. I hardly noticed the flurry of fangs and ws-all I saw was that face. Those lips. My mate kissing me in the alley.


    When it was over, I stood panting in the middle of the clearing, surrounded by the bodies of my enemies. Blood dripped from my fur, some of it mine, most of it not. The forest had gone quiet.


    ¡°Alpha?¡± Gabriel¡¯s voice came from the edge of the trees. He limped out of the forest in human form. ¡°The rest have fled. We¡¯ve won.¡±


    I nodded, too exhausted to attempt shifting back to human form just yet. My wounds were already beginning to heal, the deep gashes closing up, leaving behind matted chestnut fur sticky with blood.


    As I followed Gabriel back toward the others, my mind kept wandering back to those final moments during the battle. I almost lost. I should have lost. I was exhausted, outnumbered¡­ And yet, I had closed my eyes and there was her face.


    Why had I thought of E during those moments? Why had her face driven me to push through the pain and fight back?


    ¡°Because she¡¯s our mate,¡± my wolf snarled.


    Right. It was biology. Of course a wolf would think of his mate when he needed strength to survive. It didn¡¯t mean anything.


    ¡°Keep telling yourself that,¡± my wolf scoffed. ¡°But we both know the truth.¡±


    What truth? That I was starting to care for her? That the sight of her in my sweatshirt made my fucking heart pound? That I looked forward to our nightly chess games more than I¡¯d looked forward to anything in years?


    No. I shook my head in an attempt to dislodge the thoughts. I wasn¡¯t falling for her. I couldn¡¯t be. If her family had anything to do with my parents¡¯ death, if she was a spy¡­ Besides, she had said she didn¡¯t want me to mark her. She was the one who wanted a divorce. There was no future for us.


    ¡°Alexander!¡±


    I froze as a familiar voice rang through the forest


    ¡°Alexander!¡±


    It was E¡¯s voice, calling my name. But that couldn¡¯t be right. E was in the hospital, miles away. I was hearing things, my exhausted mind paying tricks on me.


    ¡°Alexander, where are you?¡±


    The voice was getting closer. Gabriel whipped his head toward me, his eyes widening in panic, and I knew I wasn¡¯t just imagining it.


    E was¡­ here? How? She belonged in the hospital, not in a fucking battle zone!


    Without thinking, I raced toward the sound, heart pounding. If there were still rogues out there, if she was in danger-


    Suddenly, she emerged from the trees on the far side of the clearing. Her hair was wild, her feet bare and bloody, her hospital gown pping around her legs beneath my oversized sweatshirt.


    What the hell was she doing here? How had she even found us? And why in the name of the Goddess had she left the hospital in her condition?


    She skidded to a stop at the edge of the clearing, her eyes widening as she took in the carnage around us. The blood, the bodies. Her face paled, and for a moment I thought she might faint again.


    Then her gazended on me, and relief washed over her face. ¡°Alexander,¡± she gasped, stumbling forward, arms outstretched as if to reach for me. ¡°You¡¯re alive.¡±


    As she staggered toward me, I shifted back to human form, racing toward her just as she stumbled and began to pitch forward. But in my haste, I shifted too quickly and with too little control.


    E¡¯s eyes widened, her gaze dropping for a brief moment before she quickly looked away, her cheeks turning bright pink.


    I looked down and realized that my clothes had shredded during my careless shift, leaving mepletely nude in the moonlight.

 The Perfect 100

    E


    The sight of Alexander¡¯s naked body in the moonlight made me freeze.


    His muscled frame gleamed with sweat and blood, highlighting every ridge and ne of his body. Broad shoulders. Powerful chest. Taut stomach. And lower¡­ Goddess.


    He was huge even when he wasn¡¯t aroused. The patch of red hair between his legs did little to conceal anything.


    The heat began instantly, spreading outward until my skin felt feverish from head to toe. I had never seen a naked man in person before, and the fact that it was Alexander, my mate, my husband, made it all the more intense.


    I swallowed hard and tried to look away, but my eyes kept dragging back to him.


    ¡°E,¡± Alexander growled, moving forward.


    I finally managed to tear my gaze away, my face burning. ¡°S-sorry,¡± I stammered. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to-¡±


    ¡°I can smell you,¡± he cut me off.


    My head snapped back up. ¡°What?¡±


    Alexander¡¯s nostrils red, green eyes darkening. ¡°I can smell your arousal.¡±


    Mortification washed over me. Wolves could smell desire, but he shouldn¡¯t be able to scent mine. Not without my wolf. Unless¡­?


    ¡°Our contract doesn¡¯t include sex or love,¡± Alexander said coldly. ¡°Don¡¯t forget that.¡±


    His words felt like a bucket of cold water being dumped over my head. The heat in my belly instantly cooled, reced by shame and embarrassment. I folded my arms across my chest, wishing I could disappear.


    ¡°I¡¯m well aware of that,¡± I snapped. ¡°I don¡¯t want to have sex with you.¡±


    ¡°Your scent says otherwise.¡±


    I swallowed hard. I shouldn¡¯t have had a scent. But that wasn¡¯t the only strange thing about tonight; how the hell had I made it all the way here?


    The hospital was miles away. I had run barefoot through the forest, over rocks and sticks and rough terrain. My feet were bleeding, but I¡¯d hardly noticed the pain. My body hadn¡¯t reacted at all to the intense cardio and muscr strain.


    Not to mention the fact that I¡¯d found Alexander without directions, without guidance, just¡­


    following instinct.


    Was my wolf returning?


    Desperately, I reached inward, searching for that familiar presence. ¡°Hello? Are you there?¡±


    But there was nothing. No answer. My wolf was still dormant.


    Just then, the sound of crashing underbrush announced another arrival. Alexander tensed as if to fight another rogue, but it was Liam who burst into the clearing, panting heavily.


    ¡°E!¡± he eximed, rushing toward me. Then he stopped short as he noticed Alexander¡¯s state of undress.


    Alexander scowled but made no move to cover himself. ¡°Take her back to the hospital,¡± he ordered, ¡°She shouldn¡¯t be here.¡±


    ¡°I came because I thought you were hurt,¡± I said, anger recing my embarrassment now. ¡°I was worried about you!¡±


    Alexander didn¡¯t answer. Liam moved to my side and ced an arm around my waist. ¡°Come on, E. Let¡¯s get you back. You¡¯re in no condition to be out here.¡±


    By now, my adrenaline had faded, leaving me shaky and sore. I didn¡¯t fight it as Liam scooped me up into his arms, one under my knees while the other supported my back.


    As he carried me away, I couldn¡¯t help but nce back over his shoulder. Alexander was still standing there, naked in the moonlight, watching us leave. The sight of him made my heart pound in my chest, and I quickly looked away before he could catch me staring again.


    By the time we reached the hospital, I was half asleep in Liam¡¯s arms, the exhaustion finally catching up to me. The hospital was in an uproar, nurses rushing around, Dr. Evelyn barking


    orders.


    ¡°Luna E!¡± she eximed when she spotted us. ¡°Thank the Goddess you¡¯re safe!¡±


    Liam carried me to my room and gently ced me on the bed. ¡°I¡¯ll leave you to it,¡± he said, nodding to the doctor before slipping out.


    Dr. Evelyn immediately began checking me over once we were alone. ¡°What were you thinking, running off like that? You could have copsed again, or worse!¡±

 The Perfect 101

    ¡°I had to find Alexander,¡± I said simply. ¡°I heard he was in danger.¡±


    The doctor¡¯s hands paused on my injured feet. ¡°And did you find him?¡±


    I nodded, heat creeping into my cheeks at the memory of that perfect, naked body standing in front of me. ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°On instinct?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I think so.¡±


    ¡°Interesting,¡± Dr. Evelyn said, pulling over the monitors as she reconnected me to them. ¡°Hm ¡­ Your vitals look better than before, which is surprising after all that. It¡¯s almost as if¡­¡±


    She trailed off, looking at me intently.


    ¡°As if what?¡± My heart pounded excitedly.


    ¡°As if your wolf is trying to surface.¡±


    I sat bolt upright. ¡°Is that possible? Could my wolf really being back on her own?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± Dr. Evelyn said, gently pushing me back down onto the bed. ¡°But perhaps strong feelings made your wolf¡¯s energy surge. Can you exin what happened when you ran off? Did any particr emotions or events trigger anything? A feeling, a scent, anything that might indicate your wolf returning?¡±


    I furrowed my brow. ¡°Well, I was afraid that my mate was in danger, and I didn¡¯t feel pain¡­¡±


    ¡°Anything else?¡± She tilted her head.


    My cheeks flushed as I recalled the one other thing that may have indicated my wolf returning: the scent of my arousal.


    ¡°Nothing happened,¡± I blurted out quickly. Too quickly.


    Dr. Evelyn¡¯s eyebrows shot up, wrinkling her forehead. ¡°Are you sure? Because if we could identify the trigger, we might be able to recreate it. It could be the key to bringing your wolf back permanently.¡±


    I thought about Alexander standing naked in the moonlight, his muscles gleaming, his impressive manhood on prominent disy. I thought about the heat that had surged through me, the way my heart had raced, the tingling sensation between my legs. During those moments, all I had wanted was to finish what we had started in the alley,


    But I couldn¡¯t bring myself to say it out loud. Not to Dr. Evelyn. Not to anyone. There was no way in hell I was recreating that moment. Alexander certainly wouldn¡¯t allow it, and I had little intention as well.


    ¡°Nothing specific happened,¡± I lied. ¡°I was just worried about Alexander. That¡¯s all.¡±


    Disappointment shadowed the doctor¡¯s face. ¡°I see. Well, we¡¯ll continue monitoring your condition.¡± She sighed. ¡°Get some rest. And no more running off!¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t,¡± I muttered. My feet hurt too much anyway. And to think I had done all that just for Alexander to treat me like a nymphomaniac, curtly telling me that our contract didn¡¯t involve sex, as if he hadn¡¯t almost fucked me behind The Howling Moon a week ago.


    But that was all in the past, and now I knew for certain: that night was a mistake for both of us. There would be no finishing what we¡¯d started.


    Despite everything, Alexander still couldn¡¯t stand me. Whatever had happened between us was pure biology, including what had happened tonight. There were no true feelings behind any of it. It was just a cruel joke from fate.


    After the doctor left, I leaned back against the pillows, exhaustion taking over me. But even as tired as I was, my mind kept circling back to one image: Alexander¡¯s naked body in the moonlight. The breadth of his shoulders. The narrowness of his waist. The strength in his thighs. The size of his cock.


    I squeezed my eyes shut, but that only made the image more vivid.


    I¡¯d never wanted anyone the way I wanted Alexander at that moment. Never felt such a primal, visceral need. No matter how hard I tried, no matter how many times I told myself that there was nothing between us except for hatred and frustration, the images wouldn¡¯t go away.


    As sleep finally pulled me under, I drifted into dreams filled with moonlight and bare skin, with green eyes and red hair, with strong hands and soft lips.


    Dreams of Alexander.

 The Perfect 102

    E


    I ran through the forest, the leaves and trees blurring past as I raced toward my mate. I felt no fatigue, no pain. My heart pounded, not from feat or exertion, but rather excitement.


    My mate ran beside me, also in wolf form, chestnut fur catching the light of the full moon. We locked gazes for a moment, and I could practically see his smile. I looked down, and saw not two feet but four, not pale skin but instead gleaming, silky fur.


    My wolf had returned.


    We came to a stop beside a babbling brook and shifted,ughing. We fell back onto the soft grass, arms outstretched, the moon hovering above us like a disk in the sky.


    Warm fingers intertwined with mine. When I looked over, Alexander¡¯s skin was bare, and so was mine. Still smiling that same handsome, ethereal smile I¡¯d seen in the hospital, he rolled over me, positioned himself between my legs, and¡­


    ¡°E¡­¡±


    ¡°E!¡±


    I jolted awake to the sound of shouting andmotion and someone calling my name. I blinked, confused. Was I still dreaming? Was I back in the forest with Alexander, making love beneath the moonlight?


    But no. The smell of cleaning solution and the sound of beeping monitors quickly reminded me that I was still in the hospital. The shouting, however, was real.


    ¡°You can¡¯t be in here! This is a private room!¡±


    ¡°Just one photo! The public has a right to know!


    I sat up, blinking the sleep from my eyes just as a man with a camera burst through my door, followed closely by two more. The sh went off momentarily blinding me so that I had to lift my arm to shield my face.


    ¡°Luna E! Is it true you¡¯re not marked? Has Alpha Alexander rejected you?¡±


    What the fuck? ¡°Get out!¡± I yanked the nket up to my chin. ¡°What the hell do you think you¡¯re doing?¡±


    More shes. More questions being hurled at me. The room seemed to shrink as the photographers surged around me.


    ¡°Have you been lying to the pack all these years?


    ¡°Is your marriage a sham?¡±


    Before I could respond, hospital security rushed in, physically removing the photographers despite their protests. Dr. Evelyn followed, face beet red with anger.


    ¡°I am so sorry, Luna E,¡± she said, shutting the door firmly behind thest security guard. ¡° They somehow snuck past the front desk.¡±


    My hands were shaking as I lowered the nket. What was that about? Why were they asking about my mark?¡±


    Dr. Evelyn¡¯s expression shifted. ¡°Ah. You haven¡¯t seen the news, then.¡± She hesitated, then pulled her phone out of her pocket and began tapping on the screen. ¡°I¡¯m afraid someone leaked some¡­ personal information about you.¡±


    She held her phone out toward me, and I took it with shaking hands. The headline on the screen made my blood run cold. ¡°ALPHA ALEXANDER¡¯S SECRET SHAME: LUNA ELLA REMAINS UNMARKED AFTER FIVE YEARS?¡±


    The article beneath it was filled with spection and ¡°anonymous sources¡± iming that Alexander had never marked me because he didn¡¯t truly ept me as his mate. There were quotes from supposed ¡°close friends¡± of the pack saying that our marriage was purely political, that Alexander was in love with someone else, and that I was essentially just a ceholder until he could divorce me.


    That,bined with the gossip surrounding ourst scandal, had created the perfect storm.


    ¡°Fuck,¡± I whispered, scrolling through the article with growing horror. There were even side- by-side photos of me in various outfits over the years, all carefully chosen to show that my neck had never borne a mating mark.


    ¡°Is there anything I can do?¡± Dr. Evelyn asked gently.


    I shook my head. ¡°No. It¡¯s¡­ it¡¯s toote now. The damage is done.¡±


    And what damage it was. In werewolf society, an unmarked mate was practically unheard of, especially after this many years of marriage.


    The mark was sacred¡ªit wasn¡¯t just a physical symbol of the bond between mates, but it quite literally locked in the mate bond. Marked mates could speak via Mindlink, could feel each other¡¯s pulse, could sense the other¡¯s emotions.

 The Perfect 103

    It was supposed to be given during the wedding night.


    For an Alpha to not mark his mate¡­ it was a scandal of the highest order.


    This would destroy Alexander¡¯s campaign. His reputation. Everything we¡¯d been working for.


    ¡°I¡¯d like to be discharged today,¡± I said, handing her phone back. ¡°I need to go home.¡±


    Dr. Evelyn frowned. ¡°Are you sure? After what happened yesterday¡ª¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± I insisted. ¡°My vitals are stable, right? And I feel much better.¡±


    It was a lie. Despite the surge of energy I¡¯d feltst night, I was exhausted and in pain. But I couldn¡¯t stay here, not with the paparazzi breaking in. It was better to go home.


    After some debate, Dr. Evelyn reluctantly agreed to discharge me early, but only after running a final round of tests to ensure I wasn¡¯t in the danger zone.


    By early afternoon, I was ready to leave, dressed in the clothes Lilith had brought for my discharge. I slipped Alexander¡¯s sweatshirt on, but only to appease the paparazzi that I knew were waiting outside. At least, that was what I told myself as his faint scent washed over me.


    Lilith and I exited through the back of the hospital to avoid the paparazzi, although they had surrounded the entire ce. Thankfully, Liam was waiting right by the door with his car, engine running.


    Alexander wasn¡¯t with him. Of course. I didn¡¯t expect him toe for me today, even if I had turned my feet raw and bloody from running after himst night.


    ¡°Quick,¡± Liam said, opening the passenger door for me. ¡°Get in before they realize you¡¯re here.¡±


    I slid into the seat, ducking low as Liam hurried around to the driver¡¯s side. As we pulled away from the hospital, I caught sight of a group of photographers rushing toward us, cameras shing. Thankfully, we were already elerating down the street.


    ¡°How bad is it?¡± I asked, finally sitting up once we were safely away.


    Liam grimaced. ¡°Bad. It¡¯s all anyone¡¯s talking about. I don¡¯t know who leaked it, but they did a thorough job.¡±


    I leaned my head against the window, watching the town blur past. Would this impact Alexander¡¯s campaign? Most importantly, would it impact our contract? If he didn¡¯t make it through the election, would he refuse to divorce me? I might as well die now if that were the


    case.


    When we finally pulled up to the mansion, I expected chaos. Shouting matches between Alexander and Gabriel. Frantic phone calls to PR teams. General panic.


    What I didn¡¯t expect was to find Alexander calmly sipping coffee in the kitchen, reading a newspaper as if it were any other day.


    He looked up as I entered. ¡°Wee home.¡±


    I dropped my bag on the floor and stared at him, bewildered. ¡°That¡¯s it? ¡®Wee home¡¯? Have you seen the news?¡±


    ¡°Of course I have.¡± He carefully folded the newspaper and set it aside. ¡°I¡¯ve been dealing with it all morning.¡±


    ¡°Dealing with it? How? Our marriage is a sham, Alexander. Everyone knows it now. Your campaign is over.¡±


    Alexander¡¯s lips twitched, almost forming a smile. ¡°Don¡¯t be so dramatic. This is a minor setback, nothing more.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t believe what I was hearing. ¡°Everyone knows you haven¡¯t marked your mate! There¡¯s nothing ¡®minor¡¯ about that!¡±


    ¡°I have marked you,¡± Alexander said calmly. ¡°And we¡¯re going to prove it.¡±


    I folded my arms across my chest. ¡°Now you¡¯re just not making any sense. You haven¡¯t marked me.¡±


    Alexander stood. ¡°No, I haven¡¯t. But they don¡¯t know that; which is why we¡¯re going to give you a fake mark and go out tonight to show it off¡±

 The Perfect 104

    E


    The mark certainly looked real.


    I turned my head to the side, pulling my hair away to get a better view in the mirror. Lilith had done an excellent job on the makeup. The two crescent-shaped marks on my neck, meant to mimic the impression of Alexander¡¯s upper and lower fangs, looked like they¡¯d been there for


    years.


    She¡¯d even added a subtle texture to make them appear slightly raised, like real bite marks would be.


    If I didn¡¯t know better, I¡¯d think I was looking at a genuine mating mark.


    But the sight made a bitter and hollow feeling curl in my chest.


    This was what I should have had five years ago. This was what should have happened on our wedding night, when Alexander took me back to our honeymoon suite and imed me as his. He should have sunk his teeth into my neck as we made love for the first time,pleting the bond that fate had started.


    Instead, he had simply walked me to the door of the guest bedroom all the way on the


    opposite end of the mansion, muttered a curt ¡°goodnight,¡± and left me standing alone on my wedding night, confused and humiliated.


    Five yearster, and here I was with a fake mark, getting ready to fool the world. To pretend, once again, that my marriage wasn¡¯t aplete sham.


    I was supposed to be getting dressed for dinner. Alexander had arranged for us to eat at the most visible, public restaurant in town-a ce where we were guaranteed to be seen and photographed.


    It was the perfect venue to show off my ¡°mark¡± and quell the rumors.


    But I couldn¡¯t stop staring at my reflection. At the mark that wasn¡¯t real. At the symbol of everything I¡¯d been denied.


    Fated mates were supposed to be sacred in our world. A fated mate was the ultimate gift from the Moon Goddess. Wolves spent their entire lives searching for their mates, praying to find that one person who was destined for them and spend the rest of their lives together.


    And here I was, mated to an Alpha who couldn¡¯t even bring himself toplete our bond.


    What was wrong with me? Why was I not good enough for him?


    I knew Alexander wasn¡¯t gay; not after what had happened in the alley behind the bar. Not after I¡¯d felt his hardness pressed against me. He was attracted to women. He was even


    attracted to me, at least physically.


    So why did he keep his distance? Why act like the very thought of making love to me and marking me was the worst thing that could happen?


    Was I that repulsive to him? That unworthy? Was there someone else-Sophia, perhaps?


    With a heavy sigh, I turned away from the mirror. I¡¯d wallowed enough for one evening Alexander would be waiting, and we had a show to put on.


    I slipped into the dress I¡¯d chosen for tonight; it was a deep burgundy number with a low neckline specifically designed to draw attention to my throat. The color made my pale skin look almost luminous, which made the fake mark stand out even more prominently against it.


    Perfect. Everyone would see exactly what Alexander wanted them to see.


    I was just putting the finishing touches on my makeup when a knock sounded at the bedroom door.


    E? Are you ready?¡± Alexander¡¯s voice called through the wood. ¡°We need to leave soon if we¡¯re going to make our reservation.¡±


    ¡°Coming,¡± I replied, grabbing my clutch and giving myself one final look in the mirror.


    Well, even though I felt like garbage, at least I looked confident and poised¡ªlike a proper Luna with her mate¡¯s mark on her neck No one would know it was all fake.


    I opened the door to find Alexander waiting in the hallway, dressed in a perfectly tailored charcoal suit that made his red hair look even more vibrant by contrast. He looked devastatingly handsome, and for a moment, I allowed myself to imagine what it would be like if this were real. If we were a normal couple going out for a nice dinner together.


    His eyes immediately went to my neck. Something shed across his face, but it was so fast I couldn¡¯t catch what it was.


    ¡°It looks convincing,¡± he said calmly. ¡°Lilith did a good job.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± I agreed. ¡°No one will be able to tell it¡¯s not real.¡±


    An awkward silence fell between us. There was so much I wanted to say, to ask. Why won¡¯t you just mark me for real? Why do you hate me so much? What did I ever do to deserve this?


    But I said none of it. Instead, I said curtly, ¡°Shall we go?¡±


    Alexander nodded, and we walked together to the car waiting outside.


    As we pulled up to the restaurant a little whileter, I wasn¡¯t surprised at all to see a crowd gathered outside. Alexander had made certain the our dinner ns were leaked. We needed maximum visibility for our little performance.


    The driver parked the car out front, and Alexander turned to me. ¡°Ready?¡±


    No. I wasn¡¯t ready. I didn¡¯t want to go out there, to be scrutinized and photographed, to have my fake mark on disy like another fucking humiliation. But what choice did I have? If Alexander¡¯s campaign didn¡¯t go well, he might not divorce me. And he certainly wasn¡¯t going to mark me, so divorce was my only option if I wanted to live.


    I nodded.


    Alexander got out and came around to open my door. The moment it swung open, the crowd surged around us, cameras shing, voices shouting.


    ¡°Luna E! Is it true you¡¯ve been marked all along?¡±


    ¡°Alpha Alexander! Did you mark her recently?¡±


    ¡°Were the rumors false?¡±


    I stepped out of the car and was immediately blinded by the shes. After a week in the hospital, my eyes were sensitive, and the sudden assault of bright lights left me stunned and disoriented. I raised a hand to shield my face.


    Then, before I could regain my bearings, Alexander was there. His arm slid around my waist, pulling me close against him. His other hand came up to cradle the back of my head, turning my face into his chest, shielding me from the relentless cameras.


    My eyes widened as his cologne washed over me, familiar and strangelyforting.


    For a moment, just a moment, I let myself melt into him, let myself imagine that this was real. That he was holding me because he wanted to, because he cared about me, because he couldn¡¯t bear to see his mate in distress.


    ¡°That¡¯s it! Turn a little more to the right, Alpha!


    ¡°We can see the mark now! Perfect!¡±


    The shouts shattered my brief illusion before it could even fully form. I stiffened in Alexander¡¯s arms, realizing that he wasn¡¯t shielding me from the cameras. He was positioning me so they could get a better view of the fake mark.


    It was all for show. Everything was always for show.


    The bitterness I¡¯d been trying to hold at bay all day quickly returned in full force. I pulled away from Alexander¡¯s chest, my face carefully nk. He didn¡¯t seem to notice the change in me, too busy smiling for the cameras to think about me.


    I said nothing as he ced his hand on my lower back. I felt nothing as he guided me toward the restaurant.


    I just wanted tonight to be over as quickly as possible.

 The Perfect 105

    E


    The restaurant was packed with the elite of Ashw. Every table was filled with pack members. in their finest clothes, all pretending not to stare at us even though I knew they were all ncing at us out of the corners of their eyes. I could practically feel their eyes burning holes into my neck as we made our way to our table.


    Alexander pulled out my chair with a flourish, leaning close to whisper in my ear, Everyone¡¯s watching.¡±


    ¡°Smile.


    I stered on my best Luna smile, the one I¡¯d perfected over five years of pretending. Lately, it felt like even more of a mask that was too tight stretching and cracking across the scowl I was wearing underneath.


    As we settled into our seats, I couldn¡¯t help butpare this charade to our chess games in the hospital. Those moments had been surprisingly¡­ real. Alexander¡¯s smile had been radiant, hisughter like music to my ears.


    Nothing at all like this. Nothing at all like the fake smiles and false loving looks we wore now.


    Strangely, looking back at the days when we had put on our act before my visit to the hospital, it had been so much easier. It was still difficult, but not nearly as painful as this. Almost as if those rare moments of happiness in the hospital had made me realize all the more exactly what I was missing.


    The waiter appeared with menus a momentter. His eyes immediately flitted to my neck, where the fake mark was still on prominent disy. ¡°Good evening, Alpha, Luna. May I say, it¡¯s an honor to serve you both tonight.¡±


    As the waiter poured our wine, his gaze kept flicking down to my mark. I knew he was dying to say something. The whole tri-pack area was buzzing with the news by now. They were all wondering why I hadn¡¯t been seen with a mark in five years, only to suddenly step out in public with one the very same day the media leak had happened.


    ¡°Your mark,¡± he finally blurted out, then immediately flushed. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Luna. That was inappropriate.¡±


    This was my cue. Alexander and I had rehearsed what I should say if anyone mentioned the mark. I took a small sip of wine and smiled shyly,


    ¡°It¡¯s alright,¡± I said softly. ¡°I¡¯ve always been a bit¡­ embarrassed by it. That¡¯s why I covered it with makeup for so long. But I¡¯ve realized now that all those pictures came out that it was silly. It¡¯s nothing to be ashamed of.¡±


    The waiter¡¯s face melted into a warm smile. ¡°Not at all, Luna! It¡¯s beautiful. A mark is evidence of mates loving one another. It¡¯s the most natural thing in the world.¡±


    I nced at Alexander, who was watching me with an expression that would appear absolutely adoring to anyone watching. Anyone except me. ¡°Yes,¡± I agreed, turning back to the waiter. ¡°I see that now.¡±


    ¡°Well, I think it¡¯s wonderful that you¡¯re showing it proudly,¡± the waiter said, beaming at us. You two are such an inspiration. The perfect Alpha and Luna pair.¡±


    I thanked him, maintaining my smile until he left to give us a moment with the menus. If only he knew the truth, I thought bitterly. If only he knew that the ¡°perfect pair¡± was aplete and utter fucking sham.


    ¡°You did well,¡± Alexander murmured once the waiter was out of earshot. ¡°Very convincing.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve had years of practice,¡± I replied without looking up from my menu.


    Dinner dragged on interminably. Alexander and I made small talk, discussing safe topics like the weather and pack events, always with ayer of artificiality that made me want to scream. asionally, he might reach across the table to take my hand, or brush a strand of hair from my face-little gestures of affection that were entirely for the benefit of our audience and not


    at all for me.


    22

 The Perfect 106

    And yet, each time he touched me, my traitorous body responded, heart quickening, skin warming. And each time, I hated myself for it.


    This wasn¡¯t real. None of it was real. Alexander didn¡¯t love me, didn¡¯t want me. He was only using me to salvage his reputation so his campaign could go on without a hitch. And I was only going along with it because I needed him to reject me eventually if I wanted to live.


    By the time we finished dessert, my face was sore from smiling and my head was throbbing from the strain of maintaining the facade. All I wanted was to go home, wash off this fake mark, and copse into bed for about a week straight.


    Alexander must have noticed my fatigue because he signaled for the check earlier than I expected. ¡°You look tired,¡± he said, and for once, it seemed like he meant it.


    ???


    am,¡¯


    I admitted. ¡°It¡¯s been a long week.¡± I hadn¡¯t even had a full day at home after being discharged from the hospital before we had to do this. But we had to act quickly before the media shitstorm got worse, after all.


    The drive home was mercifully silent. Alexander didn¡¯t try to continue our performance, for which I was grateful. I leaned my head back against the headrest and shut my eyes for most of the ride, too tired to keep them open for long.


    When we finally arrived home, I kicked off my heels the moment we stepped through the door.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to take a bath and then go to bed,¡± I said, already heading for the stairs.


    Alexander nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll be in my office for a while. I have some emails to answer.¡±


    Upstairs, I peeled off my dress and removed my jewelry, leaving them in a pile on the floor. I¡¯d deal with them tomorrow. Right now, all I wanted was thefort of hot water to soothe my aching muscles.


    I ran the bath as hot as I could stand it, adding a generous amount of cherry vani bath oil that Lilith had given me as a wee-home gift. As the tub filled, I caught sight of myself in the mirror-pale skin, tired eyes, and that damned fake mark on my neck


    With a frustrated huff, I grabbed a makeup wipe and began violently removing it, scrubbing until my skin was pink and raw. Then I pinned up my hair and sank into the steaming water with a groan.


    The heat immediately began to work its magic, loosening the knots in my shoulders and back. I tilted my head against the edge of the tub and closed my eyes, just for a moment.


    The next thing I knew, a hand was on my shoulder, gently shaking me.


    ¡°E? E, wake up.¡±


    I jerked awake, cold water sloshing around me as sat up with a gasp. My eyes flew open to find Alexander kneeling beside the tub, his hand still on my bare shoulder and his face close to


    mine.


    For a disoriented moment, I just stared at him in shock. Why was Alexander in the bathroom? Why was he touching me? And why was I¡­


    skin.


    Oh, Goddess. I was naked. Completely naked in the bathtub with Alexander¡¯s hand on my


    Before I could stop it, that familiar fucking heat surged through me. My nipples hardened instantly, and I felt a throb between my legs that made me have to press my thighs together to quell it.


    Alexander¡¯s eyes dropped for just a second, taking in my exposed body before quickly returning to my face. But that one nce was enough. I¡¯d seen that look in his eyes.


    Lust. And¡­


    He¡¯d scented my arousal.

 The Perfect 107

    E


    Alexander¡¯s green eyes darkened as he knelt beside the bathtub. The spot where his hand met my shoulder was like a thousand tiny matches being struck at once, igniting the warmth that had begun to spread through my body.


    His nostrils red, and I knew he had scented it again.


    My arousal.


    This was exactly like the alley behind The Howling Moon all over again-that same maic pull, that same desperation. The way Alexander looked at me now, like he was starving and I was the only thing that could fill his belly, made me want to forget everything else. Made me want to pull him into the tub with me and finish what we¡¯d started that night.


    Without thinking, I shifted slightly, water sloshing around me as I leaned toward him. Alexander¡¯s pupils dted, and his free hand came up to brace against the edge of the tub, bringing his face closer to mine. I could smell the bourbon on his breath, could see the way


    that one pesky muscle in his jaw jumped.


    For a moment, the air between us crackled like a grassy field before a storm.


    But then reality came crashing back.


    This wasn¡¯t love. This was lust, pure and simple. Biology and the fated mate bond working against my better judgment. Alexander had made it perfectly clear that our contract didn¡¯t include sex or feelings, and I¡¯d made the decision to stop wanting his mark.


    I wouldn¡¯t let myself be fooled again by my body¡¯s reactions to him.


    ¡°What the hell are you doing?¡± I snapped, jerking away from his touch so quickly that more water slopped over the edge of the tub. I folded my arms over my chest in a futile attempt to cover my bare breasts. ¡°Get out!¡±


    Alexander blinked, returning to his senses. He stood. ¡°You were unconscious in the bathtub. I was making sure you didn¡¯t drown.¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m fine, so you can leave. You have no right to be in here.


    Something flickered across Alexander¡¯s face, but it was gone before I could be sure what I saw. He wiped his wet hand on his pants and looked down at me with that same cold expression he¡¯d worn for years.


    ¡°Now we¡¯re even,¡± he said simply.


    I frowned. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°The forest. You saw me naked, now I¡¯ve seen you naked. We¡¯re even.¡±


    Heat flooded my cheeks as I remembered Alexander standing in the moonlight after his careless shift, every inch of his perfect body on disy. I¡¯d been so worried about him being hurt that I¡¯d barely processed what I was seeing until it was toote, but the memory had haunted my dreams ever since.


    ¡°That¡¯spletely different,¡± I sputtered. ¡°You were the one who shifted carelessly and tore your clothes-¡±


    ¡°And you were the one who fell asleep in a bathtub,¡± Alexander cut me off. ¡°idents happen, I suppose.¡±


    Before I could respond, he turned and walked out of the bathroom.


    I stared at the closed door for a long moment, my heart still racing from our encounter. I couldn¡¯t help but rey the way he¡¯d looked at me, the way his hand felt on me. For just a few seconds, I¡¯d felt desired. Wanted. Like I was something worth having instead of just a burden he had to endure.


    But that was exactly the problem, wasn¡¯t it? Alexander didn¡¯t want my heart; he only wanted my body, and even that was debatable. It was probably just his wolf pulling him toward me and nothing more.


    Shaking my head, I climbed out of the lukewarm tub and wrapped myself in a towel, shivering in the cool bathroom air.


    As I dried my hair, I reached deep within myself, searching for any sign that my wolf might be stirring. After what had happened in the forest, Dr. Evelyn had suggested that strong emotions might be the key to bringing my wolf back. And what I¡¯d just felt with Alexander had certainly been strong.


    But there was nothing. Just the same hollow emptiness I¡¯d been carrying around for months. My wolf was still dormant.

 The Perfect 110

    But as I straightened up, the room suddenly tilted sideways. My knees went weak, and I had to grab the edge of the sink to keep myself upright. The familiar weakness was back, only this time, it was worse than before.


    I gripped the cold marble until my knuckles went white, waiting for the dizziness to pass. My reflection in the mirror looked pale and drawn, and for a terrifying moment, I wondered if this was it. If I was finally going to copse for good.


    But slowly, the room stopped spinning. I managed to steady myself, although my hands were still trembling. I sshed cold water on my face, careful not to ruin my makeup, and took a few deep breaths.


    Then, I stered that smile back on and returned to the auction.


    Alexander


    I stooped to pick up the broken pieces of the ne and felt my heart ache. Earlier, I¡¯d overheard Lilith giving this jewelry to her; she¡¯d said it was a family heirloom. E was so upset she had just run off without picking it up.


    ¡°Gabriel,¡± I called, motioning my Beta over. When he reached me, I handed him the broken pieces of the locket. ¡°Take this to the best jewelry maker in the territory. Tell them to fix it, no matter the cost.¡±


    Gabriel frowned as he looked at the damaged silver. ¡°It¡¯s pretty badly damaged, Alpha. Are you sure it can be repaired?¡±


    ¡°It has to be.¡± I felt a muscle feather in my jaw, recalling the moment I had overheard earlier, when Lilith had given it to E. It clearly meant everything to them. ¡°It¡¯s irreceable.¡±


    Gabriel nodded and pocketed the ne. ¡°Very well. I¡¯ll take it to the jewelry maker tonight.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡±


    As Gabriel left to handle the locket, I found myself wandering aimlessly through the auction disys, my mind spinning. I couldn¡¯t spot Sophia anywhere, as if she had left abruptly after


    the ident.


    Finally, I stopped in front of a disy of delicate jewelry. Most of it was too shy for E¡¯s tastes, but one piece caught my eye: a simple silver bracelet with a small charm in the shape of a cherry blossom.


    It was a ridiculous impulse. E didn¡¯t need more jewelry, and she certainly didn¡¯t need gifts from me. Our rtionship was contractual and temporary. I had no business buying her presents on a whim like this.


    ~~~~4/2


    But I couldn¡¯t stop staring at that bracelet. The cherry blossom charm was delicate and perfect, just like the flowers E loved so much. The ones I¡¯d brought to her hospital room without really understanding why.


    ¡°You¡¯re going soft for her,¡± my wolf¡¯s voice echoed in my mind.


    I pursed my lips. ¡°It¡¯s not like that. I just feel bad.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s because you want her. You love-¡±


    ¡°Enough.¡±


    My wolf went silent at mymand, but I could still feel his amusement as he curled up and went back to sleep.


    Before I could talk myself out of it, I found the volunteer managing that particr table and ced a bid. It was a charity auction, after all-everything was for a good cause.


    ¡°That¡¯s a lovely piece,¡± the elderly woman said as she wrote down my bid number. ¡°Your wife has excellent taste.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Twenty minutester, I was the proud owner of one silver cherry blossom bracelet. I slipped the small jewelry box into my jacket pocket, all the while trying to convince myself that I was only doing this to make up for what had happened to the locket.


    Nothing more.


    I made my way toward the bathroom, nning to wait for E to emerge so I could give her the bracelet.


    As I rounded the corner, I saw E already stepping out of the bathroom. She lookedposed again, her makeup refreshed and her smile firmly in ce.


    She turned toward me and began to approach. But before she could reach me, her knees buckled beneath her, and she began to pitch forward.


    Chapter III

 The Perfect 111

    E


    It happened again.


    I was walking toward Alexander when my knees suddenly buckled beneath me for a second time. This time, I had nothing to catch myself on and I felt myself pitching forward toward the marble floor.


    But strong arms caught me before I could hit the ground. Alexander¡¯s hands moved across my waist, gently tugging me up and into his embrace


    ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    I blinked, trying to clear the dark spots that had appeared in my vision. When my sight returned, I saw green eyes staring down at me with concern, and then it hit me-I was pressed firmly against Alexander¡¯s sturdy chest, palms syed across the firm muscles, the scent of bourbon and woodfire smoke so strong, it blotted out all else.


    My heart pounded. Stupid, traitorous little thing


    ¡°1-1, um¡­ I¡¯m not feeling so well¡­¡± I started to respond, but then, over Alexander¡¯s shoulder, I saw Gabriel watching from across the room. His mouth was set in that familiar disapproving line.


    Immediately, I snapped my mouth shut, biting y tongue. Gabriel was waiting for me to show weakness. Waiting for me to prove that I was the weak, pathetic excuse for a Luna that he thought I was.


    Maybe it was juvenile of me, but I wouldn¡¯t give im the satisfaction.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± I recovered quickly, stepping back. ¡°My shoes are just killing me. These heels are way too high.¡±


    It was a believable excuse. Every woman at this event was wearing ridiculously tall heels, and I¡¯d certainlyined about sore feet before. Alexander¡¯s eyes searched my face for a moment, and it seemed like he wasn¡¯t entirely convinced, but he didn¡¯t push it.


    ¡°Actually,¡± he said, reaching into his jacket pocket, ¡°I have something that might cheer you up,¡±


    I frowned, watching as he pulled out a small velvet jewelry box. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°I saw it at one of the auction tables and thought of you.¡± He opened the box to reveal a delicate silver bracelet with a tiny cherry blosson charm dangling from it. ¡°I know it can¡¯t rece what you lost tonight, but¡­¡±


    My breath caught. The bracelet was beautiful-suple and elegant, perfectly feminine and


    Chapter III


    understated while having enough shine to it to catch the eye. The cherry blossom charm was perfectly detailed, each tiny petal etched painstakingly into the silver.


    ¡°Alexander, you didn¡¯t have to-¡±


    ¡°I wanted to.¡± He lifted the bracelet from the box and gently took my wrist, fastening the sp with careful fingers. The metal was cool against my skin, contrasting sharply with the heat of his hand, and the charm caught the light from the chandeliers above us.


    For a moment, I just stared down at it. Alexander had bought this for me. He¡¯d seen it and thought of me, thought it might make me feel better after what happened with Lilith¡¯s locket. Maybe he did care about me, at least a little bit. Maybe-


    Before I could finish that thought, a camera sh went off nearby, followed by another, and reality crashed back down around me.


    Of course. Of course this wasn¡¯t a genuine gesture. Alexander had spotted the photographers circling us like vultures and decided this would make a perfect photo op. The devoted husbandforting his wife after an unfortunate ident, buying her jewelry to rece what was lost. It was exactly the kind of image his campaign needed.


    I felt my face go nk as I looked up at him. ¡°Thank you. It¡¯s lovely.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wee,¡± Alexander said, and if he noticed the change in my tone, he didn¡¯t mention <ol><li></li></ol>


    I forced a smile as more cameras shed, lifting my wrist so the bracelet was clearly visible. The photographers ate it up, snapping picture after picture of Alexander¡¯s romantic gesture. I wondered how long it would take for the photos to hit social media,plete with captions about what a perfect couple we were.


    ¡°Should we head back inside?¡± Alexander asked. I think they¡¯re about to start the live


    auction.¡±


    I nodded stiffly and let him guide me back toward the main ballroom with his hand on my lower back. The bracelet felt heavier now, less delicate. It was beautiful, but suddenly, I wasn¡¯t sure if I even wanted it.


    The rest of the evening passed in a blur. Alexander and I bid on a few items-nothing too expensive, but enough to show that we were participating. I made small talk with other Lunas about charitable causes and pack politics.


    X

 The Perfect 112

    All the while, the exhaustion grew more and more intense by the minute.


    I didn¡¯t copse again, but I certainly felt like I might. My knees were weak, my back sore, my head always spinning slightly even when I avoided alcohol.


    Somehow, though, I managed to stay upright-it only to spite Gabriel.


    By the time we made it to the dessert course of the meal portion of the night, I was struggling to keep my eyes open. My fork felt impossibly heavy as I picked at the chocte mousse on my te.


    ¡°You look like hell.¡±


    I nced up to find Sophia standing beside our table with a champagne flute in her hand and that familiar smirk on her face. Alexander was nowhere to be found-likely rubbing elbows


    with pack officials somewhere.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± I said.


    ¡°You look sick,¡± Sophia said bluntly, taking a seat beside me. ¡°Pale, tired, and honestly¡­¡± She leaned in, dropping her voice to a whisper. ¡°¡­Bloated. Are you feeling alright? You¡¯re not¡­ expecting, are you?¡±


    My fingers tightened around my fork. Was she seriously asking if I was pregnant? As if she hadn¡¯t stirred up enough trouble already tonight by destroying the one thing that meant the most to me?


    ¡°I¡¯m perfectly fine, thanks for asking,¡± I said, mming my fork down so hard it rattled the table and made nearby guests jump. ¡°And maybe next time you insult another woman¡¯s appearance, you should look in the mirror. That dress isn¡¯t doing you any favors.¡±


    The table around me went silent. Sophia¡¯s face went red, and for a moment I thought she might throw her champagne at me. But we were surrounded by too many important people for her to cause a scene. Instead, she pushed her chair back with a loud scrape, stood, and stalked away without another word.


    Ignoring the stares, I grit my teeth and picked up my fork, shoveling a big bite of mousse into my mouth.


    The auction finally ended around eleven o¡¯clock, and I¡¯d never been so grateful to see an event conclude. My feet were screaming in these heels, my head was pounding, and all I wanted was to go home and copse into bed.


    When we finally pulled into our driveway, I was practically holding my eyes open with toothpicks. But as we made our way up the grand staircase, Liam stepped out from the parlor.


    ¡°Alexander,¡± he called out. ¡°Can I speak with you for a moment?¡±


    Alexander nced at me, then back at Liam. ¡°Of course. E, you go ahead. I¡¯ll be up shortly.¡±


    As if I was going to wait for him.


    With a nod, I trudged upstairs to our bedroom, my feet aching with every step. The first thing I did was kick off those torturous heels, then I scrubbed off the fake mark in the bathroom mirror until my skin was red and raw again.


    The face staring back at me indeed looked haggard. I hated to admit it, but Sophia hadn¡¯t been wrong about the pale, sickly look. I looked like I was wasting away, which I supposed I was.


    I sighed, pushing a strand of hair out of my eyes. The cherry blossom bracelet glinted on my wrist as I moved, and I felt my stupid fucking heart do that thing again.


    For a moment, just a moment, I wanted to believe that Alexander had purchased the gift for me because he cared. Not because he had an outside agenda.


    But I quickly mmed that thought out of my mind, because it was bullshit. Alexander would never go that far. He didn¡¯t truly care about anything except his image and his campaign.


    ¡°No,¡± I hissed, almost scolding myself as I hastily reached for the sp. ¡°He doesn¡¯t care-¡±


    Before I could unsp the bracelet, it happened again.


    Only this time, there was no one to catch me.


    The room tilted sideways, then upside down, then rightside up again. Spinning, spinning, spinning. Nausea roiled through me like a riptide and before I even had a chance to gasp, I was crashing against the floor.


    The cold tiles mmed into my head, and in that moment of blinding white pain, the cherry blossom bracelet glinted past my vision.

 The Perfect 113

    lexander


    omething was wrong with E.


    H


    nd I wasn¡¯t just talking about the hospital visit. No, something was seriously, deeply wrong. omething far more than exhaustion, or a bug.


    but all


    ¡®d noticed it throughout the evening, not just when she nearly copsed into me, ight. She looked drawn and pale, her hands shook, and she thought I didn¡¯t notice, but I saw he way she always reached out to hold onto the wall or a table or something, anything, to eep herself upright.


    med myself.


    t had only been two days since she¡¯d been discharged from the hospital, and here I was ragging her to a charity auction because it was good for my campaign and because I needed o show off that damn fake mating mark.


    What kind of husband did that make me?


    The contractual kind, I reminded myself. But even so I could have been more considerate. I hould have let her rest. I didn¡¯t have to love E, but I definitely needed to make sure she idn¡¯t die on my watch.


    Alexander?¡± Liam¡¯s voice pulled me from my thoughts. We were standing in the parlor, and ¡®d been staring at the firece for the past five minutes. ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    Sorry. I¡¯m fine. Just tired,¡± I said. ¡°What did you want to discuss?¡±


    The in-pack evaluation is wrapping up. I¡¯ll probably be moving back to my own ce within he week.¡±


    S


    i


    I


    410


    nodded. It made sense-Liam had been staying with us for over a month now, observing ack dynamics and my leadership style as part of the official assessment process. I was a little elieved that he was leaving.


    1


    I wanted to thank you,¡± Liam continued. ¡°For your hospitality. I know having me here hasn¡¯t xactly been convenient, especially with everything else going on.¡±


    V


    blinked, surprised.


    It¡­ wasn¡¯t a problem.¡±


    iam¡¯s mouth twitched as if he didn¡¯t believe me, but he nodded. ¡°Well, I hope the evaluation oes well for you,¡± he said. ¡°You¡¯re a good Alpha, Alexander. Your pack is lucky to have you.¡±


    Thepliment caught me off guard. We¡¯d been circling each other like rivals for weeks, and et he was being kind. Thanking me for my ¡°hospitality¡±. Complimenting my leadership.


    Hoping that I would make it through the evaluation phase of the campaign.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I managed. ¡°It¡¯s, uh¡­¡± Dammit, why was I having such a hard time finding the right words? ¡°It was a pleasure having you.¡±


    Now, Liam was the one who looked surprised. His face broke into a smile, and for a moment, I saw what E saw in him: a kind young Alpha who had once been her best friend.


    ¡°Perhaps we can¡­ Grab a drink sometime,¡± he said.


    ¡°Perhaps.¡±


    After Liam headed upstairs, I lingered in the parlor, pouring myself a bourbon and settling into one of the leather chairs. The house was quiet except for the ticking of the grandfather clock in the corner.


    ¡°Good news about Liam leaving,¡± Gabriel said, appearing in the doorway. ¡°Finally.¡±


    I looked up from my drink. ¡°He¡¯s not that bad.¡±


    Gabriel snorted. ¡°Maybe not, but it¡¯ll be good to have our privacy back. And E can move back to her own room once he¡¯s gone.¡±


    The words made my shoulders tense, although I couldn¡¯t say why. Of course E would move back to her own room. The only reason she¡¯d started sleeping in mine was because having Liam in the house made it necessary to maintain the illusion that we were a normal married couple.


    And yet¡­


    ¡°Right,¡± I said, taking a sip of bourbon. ¡°Back to normal.¡±


    Gabriel seemed pleased. ¡°No more pretending to be the loving couple. You¡¯ll be morefortable without her in your space.¡±


    Her. As if she were¡­ What? A stranger? An enemy?


    I didn¡¯t know what E was to me anymore. Once she had been all of the above and so much more. Buttely, the lines were blurring. Lately, I didn¡¯t see a spy or the daughter of the people who had had my parents killed, but instead a woman who had been roped into this life just as much as I had.


    X

 The Perfect 114

    I also saw someone who was very sick and very tired.


    After Gabriel left, I sat alone with my drink and tried to figure out why the thought of E moving back to her room made my chest feel too tight to breathe.


    It was ridiculous. We¡¯d slept in separate rooms for five years before Liam arrived. I was used to having the bed to myself, used to having my own space. Used to not lying awake listening to her breathing, or watching the way the moonlight fell across her face when she slept.


    Fuck.


    When had I started doing that? When had I started looking forward to the weight of her beside me in bed, the way she always slept curled on her side facing away from me, the soft little sounds she made when she dreamed?


    During her week in the hospital, I¡¯d barely slept. I kept reaching for her in my sleep, only to find empty space where she should have been. I¡¯d told myself it was just habit, just my body adjusting to the change in routine.


    But now, thinking about going back to sleeping alone while E was all the way on the opposite end of the mansion in her old room¡­ It felt wrong. Like losing something I hadn¡¯t realized I wanted to keep.


    It was just the mate bond, though. That was what I told myself, at least.


    After all, it was far easier to me biology than to ept that it could be anything else.


    I knocked back the rest of my bourbon and headed upstairs, trying to push the thoughts away. E probably wanted her own space back anyway. The arrangement had been for show and nothing more. She¡¯d never indicated that she enjoyed sharing a bed with me.


    The bedroom was dark when I entered, and I assumed E was already asleep. But when I nced at the bed, it was empty, the covers still perfectly made from this morning.


    I then noticed the bathroom door cracked open, light spilling out from within. Curious, I walked over and knocked. No answer.


    ¡°E?¡± I pushed the door open.


    And I stopped dead when I saw herying there.


    She was crumpled on the floor beside the vanity, unconscious, her face pale as death against the cold marble tiles. For a second, I couldn¡¯t move, couldn¡¯t breathe. She looked so small lying there, so fragile.


    Then, reality crashed into me. My wolf howled, my heart pounded, my entire body suddenly became filled with adrenaline.


    Mate.


    My mate was unconscious on the fucking bathroom floor while I had been drinking bourbon downstairs!


    ¡°E!¡± I dropped to my knees beside her, pressing my fingers to her neck. Her pulse was weak but there, and she was breathing, but she wouldn¡¯t wake up no matter how much I shook her or called her name.


    Panic wed at me as I scooped her up in my arms, surprised by how light she felt, and carried her to the bed. Her head lolled as I gentlyid her on the bed then fumbled for my phone.


    ¡°Come on, E,¡± I whispered, frantically dialing for help. ¡°Wake up.¡¯


    >>


    But she didn¡¯t wake. She didn¡¯t even stir when I called the emergency line. Didn¡¯t stir when Gabriel ran into the room, asking what was happening. Didn¡¯t even twitch when Lilith barreled in soon after him, crying out and throwing herself onto the bed.


    She was still unconscious when Dr. Evelyn finally arrived twenty minutester.


    ¡°What happened?¡± the doctor asked, setting her medical bag on the nightstand.


    ¡°I found her unconscious in the bathroom. She¡¯s been tired all evening, nearly fainted twice at


    the charity auction we attended. I should have brought her home earlier.¡±


    Dr. Evelyn¡¯s face paled. She exchanged a look with Lilith that I couldn¡¯t quite decipher.


    Then, she turned toward me and gestured to the door.


    ¡°Alpha Alexander, I¡¯m going to have to ask you to step out of the room.¡±

 The Perfect 115

    Liam & Alexander


    Liam


    Liam was just heading back to his room when he heard themotion. There were muffled shouts upstairs, and then a doctor swept into the house-the same doctor from the hospital.


    Curious, he followed the sounds and was nearly bowled over by a thunderous Alexander, who came barreling out of his bedroom with his Beta on his heels.


    Liam froze. ¡°What happened?¡±


    But Alexander wasn¡¯t listening. He stormed away, shoulders tense, fists clenched. The Beta was saying something to him quietly, although Liam couldn¡¯t hear it. And then they were


    gone.


    Frowning, Liam approached the bedroom door, reaching out to grab the handle. But before he could open it, he heard the muffled voices within.


    ¡°How bad is it?¡± Lilith sounded like she was crying.


    ¡°Worse than I hoped,¡± Dr. Evelyn¡¯s voice replied. ¡°The dormancy is progressing faster now. Her body is essentially shutting down because her wolf has been dormant for so long.¡±


    Liam¡¯s hand dropped to his side. Dormancy?


    ¡°But she should have had months left,¡± Lilith sobbed. ¡°How is this possible?¡±


    The doctor sighed. ¡°I¡¯m not sure. This disease-if we can call it that-ispletely new to me. There have only been a few cases of someone losing their wolf due to their mate not marking or rejecting them in recorded history, and none of them are detailed enough. I don¡¯t know how the symptoms will progress¡ªall I know is that she¡¯ll certainly die within the year.¡±


    Liam staggered back against the wall behind him, each word like a gunshot. E was dying?


    Lilith¡¯s sobs within the bedroom were enough to make tears spring to Liam¡¯s own eyes. E was dying of some¡­ mysterious disease. Something to do with her wolf going dormant due to Alexander not marking her or rejecting her.


    But the mating mark he¡¯d seen in those pictures¡­ Was that fake?


    It had to be; E had told Liam that Alexander didn¡¯t love her. At the time, he¡¯d thought she said that out of lovesickness, but now he realized that it had little to do with that and everything to do with her very life.


    ¡°He has to mark her or reject her,¡± the doctor said. ¡°Otherwise, she will die. And it might be sooner than we thought.¡±


    Fury washed over Liam as he heard those words. If it was true and Alexander had refused to help her, Liam would kill him with his bare hands He wouldn¡¯t even hesitate.


    ¡°Can we tell him?¡± Lilith asked. ¡°Surely if he knew-¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not my decision to make,¡± Dr. Evelyn said. ¡°E begged me not to tell him. I may be her physician, but I have no right to make her personal choices.¡±


    Liam¡¯s mind spun, fury turning into confusion. So Alexander didn¡¯t even know¡­?


    Lilith¡¯s sobs continued inside the room, and all the while, Liam¡¯s chest ached. But his mind also made itself up, too. If Alexander didn¡¯t know then how could he help E?


    No. Liam wouldn¡¯t let his best friend die because she was too afraid to tell Alexander the truth. Liam had made a vow to help and protect her; perhaps she would be angry if he told Alexander without her permission, but at least she would be alive to feel anger.


    Without a second thought, Liam pushed away from the wall and headed downstairs to find Alexander.


    He found him in the parlor, standing by the window with a ss of bourbon in his hand.


    ¡°Alexander,¡± Liam said from the doorway. ¡°I need to talk to you.¡±


    Alexander turned, and Liam could see the worry etched across his face. ¡°If it¡¯s about the evaluation-¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s about E.¡±


    Alexander


    Liam stepped into the room. ¡°I overheard the doctor talking to Lilith. Alexander, E¡¯s wolf is dormant.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Her wolf has been asleep for months, maybe longer. And if it stays dormant too long without the mate bond beingpleted¡­¡± Liam¡¯s face was grim. ¡°She¡¯ll die.¡±


    The words didn¡¯t make sense at first. Die? From what?


    ¡°That¡¯s not possible,¡± I said. ¡°I¡¯ve never heard of anything like that.¡±


    ¡°Me neither.¡± Liam¡¯s face darkened. ¡°But I heard the doctor saying it just now. She said that if you don¡¯t mark or reject her, she¡¯ll wither away and die.¡±


    For a long moment, I just stared at Liam. Was he messing with me? In all my years, I¡¯d never


    heard of-


    ¡°Yes. You have.¡±


    My wolf¡¯s voice was like a gunshot in my mind, and then it hit me. Nearly three months ago


    now¡­


    I recalled E storming into my office unannounced. She had been more righteous than I¡¯d ever seen her, and she had told me exactly what Liam just did. It had been the day she had asked for a divorce¡­


    And I hadn¡¯t believed her.


    At the time, I thought she was lying, that she just wanted attention because she was unhappy in our marriage. I had never heard of such a disease, so how could it be real?


    X

 The Perfect 116

    Goddess, what a bloody fucking fool I was!


    ¡°Alexander, snap out of it.¡± Liam¡¯s voice was sharp as he stormed up to me, ripping me out of my thoughts. ¡°The doctor said she¡¯ll die. Your mate will die. My friend will die. Alexander, if you don¡¯t do something, I¡¯ll fucking kill you.¡±


    As he spoke, his fangs shed, eyes glowing a dangerous hue. My own wolf bristled in response. The threat was clear enough even if he hadn¡¯t said the words.


    ¡°But she doesn¡¯t want me to mark her. She asked for a divorce.¡±


    ¡°Because she thinks you don¡¯t want her!¡± Liam¡¯s voice rose, then he caught himself and lowered it again. ¡°Alexander, she¡¯s been dying for months, and she thinks you hate her. Of course she asked for a divorce. She knew you wouldn¡¯t mark her, so she chose the other option.¡±


    Dammit. For five years, I¡¯d kept my distance because I couldn¡¯t trust her, couldn¡¯t risk letting her close. But now, finding out that my distance had led to potentially losing her permanently


    ¡°I¡¯ll talk to her,¡± I said. ¡°I¡¯ll see what she wants, and whatever it is, I¡¯ll do it.¡±


    Some of the fury seemed to dete from Liam¡¯s shoulders, but only a little. He was still angry with me, and rightfully so.


    This was my fucking fault, after all. I was the one who had distanced myself from E for five years. I was the one who had refused to mark her. I was the one who had forced her to sleep on the opposite side of the mansion and made her eat dinner alone and made her feel like she had nothing and no one.


    ¡°Do the right thing, Alexander,¡± Liam growled. ¡°Don¡¯t let her die because you¡¯re too stubborn to admit you fucking care about her.¡±


    I nodded, then quickly left him in the parlor and headed back upstairs. The doctor and Lilith had finished their examination, and Dr. Evelyn was packing up her medical bag when I stepped into the room.


    ¡°How is she?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Stable for now, but Alexander¡­¡± Dr. Evelyn¡¯s face was serious. ¡°I need to ask you something, and I need you to be honest. Has E mentioned anything about her wolftely? Any concerns about her health?¡±


    My throat felt tight. ¡°She tried to tell me months ago that something was wrong. I didn¡¯t listen.¡±


    The doctor nodded grimly. ¡°I see. Well, she¡¯s resting now. Let her sleep-she needs it. But you


    two should probably talk when she wakes up.¡±


    When. Not ¡°if¡±. That was a good thing, at least.


    After Dr. Evelyn left, I sat in the chair beside the bed and watched E sleep. She looked so small under the covers. The cherry blossom bracelet I¡¯d bought her was still on her wrist, catching the moonlight from the window, and the chain looked looser on her than it had just a few hours ago.


    She¡¯d been dying, and she had tried to tell me, and I was too much of a bastard to listen to her.


    That night, I dozed fitfully in the chair, jerking awake every time E shifted or made a sound. But she slept peacefully through the night, never even waking for a moment.


    It was just after dawn when Gabriel burst into the room.


    ¡°Alpha,¡± he said urgently. ¡°We have a problem.¡±


    I rubbed my eyes. ¡°What kind of problem?¡±


    ¡°Trade dispute with one of the neighboring packs. They¡¯re iming we breached our contract, and they¡¯re threatening to take it to the Alpha Council. You need to go there and sort this out before it esctes and potentially impacts your campaign.¡±


    I looked at E, still sleeping peacefully in the bed. The campaign¡­ Did I care about that right now?


    ¡°Alexander, this is serious,¡± Gabriel insisted. ¡°If the Alpha Council believes you¡¯re an unreliable trading partner, it could ruin everything.¡±


    I closed my eyes, rubbing my temples. Gabriel was right, of course. The timing couldn¡¯t have possibly been worse, but he was right.


    Finally opening my eyes, I looked at E¡¯s sleeping form, torn between my duties as Alpha and my responsibilities as her mate. If I didn¡¯t go, the trade dispute could spiral out of control and damage my campaign. But if I left without talking to her¡­


    ¡°Fine,¡± I finally said, standing. ¡°I¡¯ll go quickly. But I need you to do something for me.¡±


    Gabriel raised an eyebrow.


    ¡°I


    ¡°When E wakes up, I need you to give her a message. Tell her¡­¡± I paused, trying to find the right words. ¡°Tell her I know about her condition About her wolf. And tell her that when I get back, I¡¯ll mark her if that¡¯s what she wants.¡±

 The Perfect 117

    E


    The morning light streaming through the bedroom windows was too bright, and my head was pounding worse than any hangover. I blinked slowly, trying to remember what had happened. Slowly, far too slowly, it all came back to me.


    The charity auction, Sophia destroying Lilith¡¯s locket, the bracelet Alexander had given me, returning home¡­


    And then the moment that everything had gone ck.


    I tried to sit up, wincing as my body protested. Every muscle ached, and there was a dull throb behind my eyes that made me want to crawl back under the covers and sleep for another week.


    ¡°You¡¯re awake.¡±


    I turned toward the voice and found Gabriel sitting in the chair beside the bed, his arms crossed and that familiar disapproving expression on his face. Not exactly the person I¡¯d been hoping to see when I first woke up.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Alexander?¡± I asked, my voiceing out as a croak. I reached up to touch the bandage on the side of my head where I had hit the tiles and winced as ance of pain shot through me.


    ¡°He had to leave this morning. Trade dispute with a neighboring pack. He¡¯ll be gone for a few days.¡±


    The disappointment hit me harder than I expected it to. Deep down, I¡¯d been hoping Alexander would be here when I woke up. Maybe sitting beside the bed like he had in the hospital, maybe even looking worried about me. But of course he wasn¡¯t. Of course he¡¯d found something more important to do.


    ¡°Oh,¡± I managed. ¡°Right.¡±


    Gabriel leaned forward, and something in his expression made my blood run cold. There was something dark and predatory there, like a wolf licking its chops before it went in for the kill.¡± E, everyone knows now.¡±


    I stiffened. ¡°Knows what?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t y dumb. We all know about your so-called ¡®condition¡¯.¡± He maid air quotes with his fingers like the condition didn¡¯t really exist. ¡°Your little secret is out. Did you really think you could hide it forever, or did you hope we would all find out so you could finally get what you¡¯ve always wanted?¡±


    My heart jolted. No. No, no, no. No one was supposed to know about it. I had begged the doctor to keep it a secret. All I wanted was to get through the next few months and have Alexander


    reject me when it was all over. ¡°Who told you?¡± I breathed.


    ¡°Does it matter? The point is, now we all know how weak and pathetic you really are.¡± Gabriel stood up, his figure blotting out the morning sunlight and turning him into nothing but a silhouette as he loomed over me. ¡°Alexander was right about you all along.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    his


    ¡°He told me you¡¯d try anything to manipte him. Even faking an illness to get attention.¡± Gabriel¡¯s eyes glittered with malice. ¡°He said you were desperate and weak, and that he¡¯d never mark someone like you.¡±


    The words felt like individual knives in my heart, twisting and stabbing over and over. Alexander had said that? He¡¯d called me desperate and weak? He still didn¡¯t believe me, even after everything?


    ¡°That¡¯s not-I wasn¡¯t faking anything,¡± I whispered.


    ¡°How convenient that you suddenly develop this mysterious illness right when your marriage is failing. How convenient that the only cure is Alexander¡¯s mark.¡± Gabriel shook his head. ¡± He saw right through you, E. He knows exactly what kind of person you are.¡±


    My chest felt tight, like I couldn¡¯t get enough air, like I was fucking drowning. Had Alexander really said those things about me? Was he really so¡­ cruel?


    ¡°He won¡¯t mark you,¡± Gabriel went on, tilting his head. ¡°He made that very clear. You¡¯ll have to wait for the divorce like the contract says. A contract is a contract, after all.¡±


    ¡°But I¡¯ll die,¡± I choked out.


    ¡°Yeah, right. We all know you¡¯re full of shit.¡±


    I stared up at Gabriel, anger warring with the hurt and confusion in my gut. I wanted to use my Luna Voice, perhaps make him grovel at my feet for the way he was speaking to me¡­ But the pain just outweighed the fury.


    ¡°Get out,¡± I said quietly.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    Chapter Ha

 The Perfect 118

    ¡°I said get out.¡± I turned my head away. ¡°I don¡¯t want to look at you anymore.¡±


    Gabriel chuckled. ¡°Ah, no Lama Voice this time?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just asking you to leave. Please.¡±


    For a moment, I thought he might refuse just topite me. But then he shrugged and headed toward the door. ¡°Oh, before I forget. Alexander arranged for you to have some help during your¡­ ¡®recovery¡¯. A new maid.¡±


    He opened the door and gestured to someone in the hallway. A young woman stepped into the room, and I immediately felt every one of my insecuritiese rushing back.


    She was gorgeous. Probably no older than neen, with long brte hair and bright blue eyes. Her figure was perfectly proportioned, and he moved into the room with graceful ease like she belonged here.


    And worst of all¡­ She looked just like fucking Sophia.


    ¡°This is Sarah,¡± Gabriel said. ¡°She¡¯ll be taking care of you while you¡¯re allegedly indisposed.¡±


    Sarah smiled and curtsied, although her eyes remained locked on mine. ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you, Luna.¡±


    The way she said my title made it sound like a joke. It didn¡¯t take a genius to know that this wasn¡¯t a maid to help me during my recovery, bu someone to mock and belittle me. A humiliation.


    ¡°I¡¯ll leave you two to get acquainted,¡± Gabriel sal, and I could hear the amusement in his voice as he left.


    The room felt smaller with just Sarah and me in. She stood by the door, staring at me for far too long until I squirmed slightly under her gaze


    ¡°So,¡± she finally said, ¡°what do you need?¡±


    I was starving-I couldn¡¯t remember thest ting I¡¯d eaten anything. ¡°Could you bring me some soup, please? Something light.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± Sarah¡¯s smile was all teeth ¡°Anything else?¡±


    ¡°No, that¡¯s fine. Thank you.


    Sarah left, and I was alone with my thoughts. The cherry blossom bracelet Alexander had given me was still on my wrist, catching the morning light. Just looking at it made me want to retch


    He thought I was weak. Maniptive. He¡¯d rather watch me die than mark me, and he had


    even hired a Sophia clone just to kick me while I was down.


    Without thinking, I tore off the bracelet, not caring that I broke the sp, and threw it across the room. It hit the wall with a soft clink and ttered to the floor behind the dresser. Good. I never wanted to see it again.


    When Alexander came back, I wouldn¡¯t beg him to mark me. I wouldn¡¯t y the pathetic, dying wife anymore. I¡¯d demand he reject me immediately so I could at least die with some dignity intact.


    Sarah returned about twenty minutester carrying a tray with a bowl of soup and some crackers. She set it on the nightstand beside the bed.


    ¡°Here you go,¡± she said sweetly.


    I tried to sit up further to reach the tray, but my arms were still shaky. ¡°Could you help me with that? I¡¯m having trouble-¡±


    ¡°Oh, of course.¡± Sarah picked up the bowl, but instead of handing it to me carefully, she let it tip. Hot soup spilled directly onto myp, soaking through the thin fabric of my nightgown and scalding my thighs.


    I screamed, the burning pain immediate and intense. ¡°What the hell!¡±


    ¡°Oh my Goddess, I¡¯m so sorry!¡± Sarah said. ¡°How clumsy of me!¡±


    The bedroom door flew open, and Lilith rushed in. ¡°E! What happened?¡±


    ¡°She spilled hot soup on me.¡± I reached for a nearby napkin. ¡°It¡¯s alright, I¡¯m fine-¡±


    Lilith, however, wouldn¡¯t be convinced. ¡°Get out¡± she ordered the maid. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of this myself.¡±


    ¡°But I was told to-¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care what you were told. Get out of this room. Now.¡±


    Sarah sighed and threw her hands up in the air. ¡°ine. If that¡¯s what you want.¡¯


    Shaking her head, Lilith rushed over and practically shoved Sarah aside, helping me dab at the hot liquid. Sarah walked past us toward the door, but as she reached it, she turned and looked at me over her shoulder. The sneer she gave me wasn¡¯t exactly subtle.


    And then she was gone.

 The Perfect 119

    lexander


    ¡®he pack¡¯s territory in


    question was a three-hour drive north, through winding


    hountain roads that slowed the entire journey. The Alpha, a stern older man named Kieran, het me at the pack house with a scowl that could have frozen hell over.


    Alexander,¡± he said, clearly not bothering with pleasantries today. ¡°I wasn¡¯t expecting you to ome personally.¡±


    When my Beta tells me there¡¯s a dispute over a trade contract, I handle it myself,¡± I replied, tepping out of the car.


    he Alpha¡¯s expression darkened further. ¡°Your Beta yes. Interesting man. Very¡­ orting about. your pack¡¯s intentions.¡±


    omething cold settled in my gut. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    Come. We¡¯ll discuss this in my


    office.¡±


    We made our way to the Alpha¡¯s office, where heunched right into his tirade.


    So naturally,¡± Kieran said, spreading the paperwork across his desk, ¡°we decided to cut ties irst. Better to end things on our terms than be left scrambling when you inevitably broke the greement.¡±


    stared at the documents, my jaw clenching so hard thought my teeth might crack. ¡°Gabriel old you I wanted to terminate our contract?¡±


    He said you were dissatisfied with the current terms and were actively seeking other artners.¡± Kieran leaned back in his chair. ¡°Was he lyng?¡±


    Yes, he was fucking lying.¡± The words came out in a rush. ¡°Our contract is solid, and I have o intention of changing suppliers. It seems my Beta overstepped his authority.¡±


    t took another two hours to straighten everything out. I had to reassure Kieran that Ashw emainedmitted to our partnership, review the original contract terms, and promise that Gabriel would face consequences for this.


    by the time I left the territory, my blood was boiling What the hell was Gabriel thinking? Making unteral decisions about pack business without consulting me first? Jeopardizing mportant trade rtionships?


    1


    1


    !


    S


    I drove back to Ashw faster than I probably should have on those winding, dangerous roads, but I didn¡¯t care. Gabriel had some exining to do.


    I found him in his office, calmly reviewing pack reports like he hadn¡¯t just nearly destroyed one of our most important partnerships.


    ¡°Alexander,¡± he said, looking up with surprise. ¡°You¡¯re back early. How did the negotiations go?¡±


    ¡°Cut the bullshit, Gabriel.¡± I mmed the door behind me hard enough to rattle the painting hanging beside it. ¡°What the fuck did you tell our allies?¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change, but I caught the slight tightening around his eyes. ¡°I informed him that there might be changes to our current agreements.¡±


    ¡°You told him I wanted to terminate the contract!¡±


    ¡°I told him you were exploring other options.¡±


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t exploring anything! You had no right to speak for me.¡± I stepped closer to his desk, letting my Alpha presence fill the room like thunder rumbling in the distance. The force of it almost seemed to dim the lights. ¡°You nearly cost us that partnership. Not to mention the fact that you fucking sent me on a wild goose chase while my wife is sick in bed.¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s face paled slightly, but he held his ground. ¡°I was protecting your interests.¡±


    ¡°What the fuck are you talking about?¡±


    He stood slowly. Too slowly. ¡°I talked to E, you know. She told me she has no intention of letting you mark her. And she actually said some pretty heinous things.¡±


    The storm raging inside of me guttered momentarily. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re falling for her, Alexander. I can see it written all over your face. And I knew she was going to say some hateful, horrible things, so I did what I thought best to get you out of the house so she could say them to me instead.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t believe it. My Beta, my friend, had lied to me¡­ because he wanted to protect me? From E?


    ¡°I¡¯m not falling for her,¡± I growled.


    Gabriel scoffed. ¡°Right. Because the hospital visits, the public appearances, all of it isn¡¯t making you soften toward her. You¡¯ve been distracted from pack business because of her, and you know it.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re out of line.


    ¡°Am I? When was thest time you reviewed our quarterly reports?¡± Gabriel¡¯sposure was starting to crack. ¡°I¡¯ve been covering for you, handling things you should be managing


    743


    Chapter


    +36 BOHUS


    yourself.¡±


    The usation stung because there was some trigh to it. I had been distractedtely, spending more time thinking about E than I should have But that didn¡¯t give Gabriel the right to make decisions behind my back.


    ¡°Regardless, you don¡¯t make unteral decisions about pack partnerships,¡± I said, my voice deadly quiet. ¡°Ever. If I catch you overstepping again, you¡¯ll find yourself in the same position you were in after you insulted my mate right in front of her parents. Are we clear?¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s face went pale at the reminder of his punishment. I¡¯d practically beaten him to a pulp in that alleyway, and then afterwards, I had made him scrub the entire mansion from top to bottom until he vomited from the physical effort

 The Perfect 120

    ¡°Say ¡®yes, Alpha¡¯.¡± I took another step forward, fangs slipping out in warning.


    Gabriel¡¯s throat bobbed. ¡°Yes, Alpha.¡±


    ¡°Good. Now, you¡¯re going to fix this mess. You¡¯re going to contact Kieran and beg him for forgiveness. Then you¡¯re going to contact all of our other trading partners and make sure you haven¡¯t filled their heads with lies too.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Alpha.¡±


    I left Gabriel¡¯s office before I did something I¡¯d regret, like rip his throat out. My Beta was walking a very thin lely, and I was getting tired of his insubordination.


    But I hated that he was partially right.


    I was falling for E. Hard and fast and far deeper than I ever wanted to.


    And¡­ It hurt to think that she had said she didn¡¯t want me to mark her. What else had she said?


    But I couldn¡¯t trust a word out of Gabriel¡¯s mouth, so I decided to go straight to her. It was a relief to know that she was awake, and now it was time to talk.


    I found her in the bedroom, sitting by the window with a book in her hands and a nket spread over herp. She looked up when I entered, but there was no warmth in her expression. No relief that I was back. She just blinked at me slowly, then returned to her book.


    ¡°E,¡± I said, closing the door behind me. ¡°How are you feeling?¡±


    ¡°Fine.¡± Her voice was t.


    I moved closer, noting the bandage on the side of her head where she¡¯d hit the bathroom floor. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I had to leave. The trade dispute couldn¡¯t wait.¡±


    ¡°Of course it couldn¡¯t.¡±


    The coldness in her voice made me pause. ¡°Gabriel gave you my message, I take it?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    I waited for her to borate, but she just stared her book like I wasn¡¯t there. ¡°And?¡±


    E finally looked at me, and the emptiness in her eyes was like watching stars wink out of the night sky in real time. ¡°I want you to reject me as soon as possible. I don¡¯t want your worthless fucking mark. I never did, and I never will. I want to finish our contract and then I want you to reject me and I never want to see you face again as long as I live.¡±


    ¡°E-


    ¡°It¡¯s what I want.¡± She turned toward the window. ¡°And since Liam is gone now, I¡¯ll be moving back to my old room. There¡¯s no need to keep up the charade anymore. I hated sharing a bed with you and I can¡¯t wait for it to be over.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± The word came out sharper than I meant it to.


    E¡¯s eyebrows rose slightly. ¡°No?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not moving back to your room. Not yet.¡± I scrambled for a reasonable exnation that didn¡¯t involve admitting I¡¯d gotten used to having her beside me at night. ¡°The pack needs to see a strong Alpha-Luna rtionship. It¡¯s good for morale, and it¡¯ll help with the election.¡±


    It sounded hollow even to me, but it was better than the truth. Better than admitting that the thought of sleeping alone again made my heart ache.


    E stared at me for a long moment, then looked away with something that might have been disappointment. ¡°Fine. Whatever you want. It¡¯s always about what you fucking want.¡±


    I stared at her for a long moment, stunned. She seemed so angry. So hateful. As if I hadn¡¯t offered to do whatever she wanted to solve her problems.


    The silence stretched on interminably. I wanted to say something else, but the words wouldn¡¯te. What was there to even say? She hated me. She didn¡¯t want me to mark her. She just wanted toplete our contract and get divorced. She had never felt anything toward me except for loathing.


    ¡°I¡¯ll let you rest,¡± I said after a few eternal moments.


    She didn¡¯t acknowledge me. Just licked her thumb and forcefully flipped to the next page of her book. I realized then that she wasn¡¯t wearing the bracelet I¡¯d purchased for her.


    I clenched my jaw and turned on my heel, storming out, the door mming shut behind me. As I made my way down the hall, I nearly ran into a young woman carrying a tray of tea. I¡¯d never seen her before.


    ¡°Oh!¡± she said, stumbling back with a sweet smile. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Alpha. I didn¡¯t see you there.¡±


    I steadied her automatically, noting that she was pretty in a generic sort of way. Brte hair, blue eyes, probably early twenties. She sort of looked like Sophia. But I didn¡¯t recall hiring her despite her wearing a maid¡¯s uniform. ¡°Who are you?¡±


    ¡°Sarah, sir. I¡¯m the new maid. I¡¯ve been helping Luna E with her recovery.¡± Her smile widened. ¡°It¡¯s such an honor to meet you.¡±


    I nodded distractedly. ¡°Right.¡± E must have hired her. ¡°Well, if you¡¯ll excuse me.¡±


    I walked away before she could say anything else too frustrated with the conversation with


    E to make small talk with a random maid I¡¯d never seen before.


    Chapter 12)

 The Perfect 121

    E


    The days blurred together after Alexander returned from his trip. I spent most of my time in bed, sleeping fitfully or staring out the window at the garden below. The bandage on my head had been reced with a smaller one, but the headaches were still pretty persistent.


    Alexander barely spoke to me anymore. He woulde to bedte, long after I¡¯d pretended to fall asleep, and he would leave early in the morning before I woke up. When we did cross paths, we would just exchange angry res and then go our separate ways.


    It was better this way. Easier.


    I didn¡¯t have to pretend anymore that there might be something between us. Didn¡¯t have to wonder if those moments in the hospital or the way he¡¯d looked at me for those brief seconds meant anything.


    Gabriel had made it crystal clear what Alexander really thought of me: weak, maniptive, pathetic. He didn¡¯t care if I died. He only cared about himself.


    I hated him.


    The cherry blossom bracelet was still somewhere behind the dresser where I¡¯d thrown it. I could have asked Sarah to retrieve it, but I didn¡¯t want to see it again. Didn¡¯t want another reminder of how stupid I¡¯d been to think Alexander might actually care.


    On the fourth day, there was a soft knock on the bedroom door. I expected it to be Lilith with soup or Sarah with her fake sweetness, but instead, Liam poked his head around the door.


    ¡°Hey,¡± he said gently. ¡°Mind if Ie in?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± I struggled to sit up straighter, smoothing down my hair. I probably looked like hell.


    Liam entered and closed the door behind him, then pulled the chair closer to the bed and sat down. His face was serious.


    ¡°How are you feeling?¡±


    ¡°Fine,¡± I said automatically.


    ¡°E.¡± He gave me that knowing look that he¡¯d always been too damn good at. ¡°How are you really feeling?¡±


    I sighed and let my shoulders sag. ¡°Like shit. But what else is new?¡±


    ¡°I talked to Alexander.¡±


    My stomach clenched. ¡°About what?¡±


    ¡°About your condition. About what you¡¯ve been going through.¡± Liam leaned forward, bracing his elbows on his knees. ¡°E, why didn¡¯t you tell me? Why didn¡¯t you tell anyone?¡±


    ¡°Because I didn¡¯t want anyone¡¯s pity.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not pity. It¡¯s concern. From people who care about you.¡± Liam¡¯s voice was gentle but there was an edge of frustration there. ¡°You¡¯ve been suffering alone for months. You could have died, and none of us would have known why¡±


    I looked away, focusing on the pattern of the wallpaper like I hadn¡¯t already counted every line over the past days. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright. I¡¯m not angry with you. I¡¯m just¡­ I wish you¡¯d trusted me enough to tell me.¡±


    ¡°I know. I should have.¡± The words felt hollow in my mouth. What was the point of rehashing it now? ¡°But it doesn¡¯t matter anymore.¡±


    ¡°Of course it matters. E, you need to hang in there. Alexander knows the truth now, and I think he really wants to help. He might mark you soon, and then all your problems will be solved.¡±


    I let out a bitterugh. ¡°That¡¯s not happening.¡±


    Liam blinked. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°I mean Alexander made it very clear that he thinks I¡¯m a maniptive liar. He¡¯s not going to mark me.¡± I picked at a loose thread on the nket. ¡°He told Gabriel I was weak and pathetic and that he would never mark someone like me.¡¯


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t sound right.¡± Liam frowned. ¡°When I told him about your condition, he seemed really concerned. Upset, even. Like he cared about what happened to you.¡±


    The thought made my heart flutter, but I squashed that feeling so fast it almost physically hurt. ¡°He was probably just acting,¡± I blurted out


    ¡°Acting? Why would he-¡±


    ¡°Because you¡¯re still evaluating him for the election.¡± I finally met Liam¡¯s eyes. ¡°He can¡¯t look like a heartless bastard who would let his mate die, not when there¡¯s an Alpha Council member watching his every move. So he ys the concerned husband, says all the right things about wanting to help when he really has no intention of doing that.¡±


    Liam¡¯s frown deepened. He opened his mouth to say something, but before he could, the bedroom door swung open without so much as a knock. Sarah breezed in carrying fresh linens,

 The Perfect 122

    ¡°Oh,¡± she said. ¡°I didn¡¯t realize the Luna hadpany.¡± She set the linens down on the end of my bed and looked like she had no intention of being the one to leave.


    ¡°I should get going,¡± Liam said, standing. He squeezed my hand gently. ¡°We¡¯ll talk moreter, okay?¡±


    I nodded, although I doubted there was much left to say. Liam was a good friend, but he didn¡¯t


    understand. He never would.


    After Liam left, Sarah hastily moved to fluff my pillows before I could even sit up. The movement jostled my head, making me wince as pain shot through my skull where I¡¯d mmed it on the tiles the other night.


    ¡°Careful,¡± I muttered.


    ¡°Sorry.¡± Sarah giggled. ¡°You just look so fragile lying there. Like you might break if I breathe on you wrong.¡±


    I bit back my first response, which would have involved several colorful words about where she could shove her observations. Instead, I just said tly, ¡°I¡¯m recovering from a head injury.¡±


    ¡°Of course you are.¡± Sarah moved around the bed and began unceremoniously ripping the linens off even though I was stillying there. ¡°Must be nice, having everyone wait on you hand and foot. I wish I didn¡¯t have to work for a living!¡±


    ¡°Sarah,¡± I said slowly, warningly, ¡°I don¡¯t appreciate your tone.¡±


    She paused in her bustling, looking at me with those bright blue eyes. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Luna. I didn¡¯t mean any disrespect.¡±


    But there was disrespect in every line of her body every fake smile, every word that came out of her mouth. She¡¯d been doing this for days now-ensuring she was just polite enough that I couldn¡¯t formallyin, but rude enough to make her distaste for me obvious.


    I was certain that Alexander and Gabriel had put her up to this.


    ¡°Just¡­ please be more careful,¡± I said, too tired to make a bigger deal out of it.


    Sarah nodded and moved to my vanity, where she began rearranging the bottles and jewelry boxes. I watched her nervously as she handled my things, some of which were delicate or had


    sentimental value.


    ¡°Actually,¡± I said, ¡°you don¡¯t need to clean that area. I can take care of it myself when I¡¯m feeling better.¡±


    ¡°Oh, but it¡¯s such a mess,¡± Sarah said. ¡°Really, Luna, when was thest time you organized


    any of this? It¡¯s like a tornado went through here¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine the way it is.¡±


    ¡°No, no, I insist.¡± Sarah picked up a crystal perfume bottle that had belonged to my grandmother, sniffed it, then wrinkled her nose at the scent. ¡°A Luna should have higher standards. What would people think if they saw your vanity looking like this? That you¡¯re a slob?¡±


    My temper red. ¡°Put that down. I told you to leave it alone.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just trying to help-¡®


    ¡°I said put it down.¡±


    Sighing, Sarah set the perfume bottle down with a sharp click, hard enough that I was surprised the ss didn¡¯t crack. Then she reached for the music box sitting in the corner of the vanity.


    ¡°Don¡¯t touch that,¡± I said sharply, sitting bolt upright despite the pain in


    my head.


    But Sarah had already picked it up, holding it by its delicate base instead of supporting it properly. It was small and old, made of carved wood with intricate flowers painted on the lid.


    It was my mother¡¯s. It yed a luby when you opened it, and I liked to imagine my mother humming it to me when I was a baby, although I was so young when she died that I couldn¡¯t remember. I didn¡¯t even know the sound of her voice or if she liked to sing.


    ¡°This old thing?¡± Sarah said, turning it over in her hands. ¡°It¡¯s so dusty. When was thest time you-¡±


    The music box slipped from her fingers.


    I watched in horror as it fell, seeming to move in slow motion as it tumbled toward the hardwood floor. The delicate wooden corners hit first, and I heard the sickening crack of wood splintering. The lid popped open on impact, and the tiny ballerina inside broke off from her post, spinning uselessly as the music box came to rest in three separate pieces.


    The melody it had yed for fifteen years was silenced forever,

 The Perfect 123

    E & Alexander


    E


    As I stared at the broken pieces of my mother¡¯s music box scattered across the floor, something in me snapped.


    I didn¡¯t even know my mother. She had died when I was a baby.


    And that music box was the only possession of hers that I had-the only link to my mother I would ever get.


    And now it was broken.


    ¡°What the hell is wrong with you?¡± I shouted at Sarah, leaping to my feet. ¡°I told you not to touch it!¡±


    Sarah¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Luna. It was an ident-¡±


    ¡°An ident? You deliberately ignored me when told you to leave it alone!¡± I was shaking with rage, my hands clenched into fists at my sides. ¡°That was my mother¡¯s music box. The only thing I had left of her, and you destroyed it!


    ¡°Luna, it¡¯s just a silly old-¡±


    ¡°Get out!¡± I screamed, not even wanting to hear the rest. ¡°Get out of my room right now!¡±


    Sarah didn¡¯t move, which was a dangerous decision on her part. I wanted to rip into her, wanted to throw her against the wall with what little strength I had left. Disrespecting me was one thing, but she¡¯d destroyed the one precious thing I had left, the one connection to my mother who¡¯d died when I was just an infant.


    ¡°Luna E,¡± Gabriel¡¯s sharp voice cut through my shouting as he appeared in the doorway.¡± What¡¯s going on here?¡±


    ¡°Your precious maid just destroyed my mother¡¯s music box,¡± I said, whirling to re at him. ¡° After I specifically told her not to touch it.¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s eyes flicked to the broken pieces on the floor, then back to me. ¡°idents happen. There¡¯s no need to scream at the staff. It¡¯s just a toy.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not just a toy. And it wasn¡¯t an ident. She did it on purpose.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a serious usation,¡± Gabriel said coolly ¡°Do you have proof?¡±


    Before I could answer, heavy footsteps in the hallway announced Alexander¡¯s arrival. He stepped into the room, taking in the scene-me standing there shaking with fury, Sarah now cowering by the vanity, Gabriel with his arms folded, and the broken music box on the floor.


    ¡°What¡¯s all the shouting about?¡± Alexander asked.


    My anger found a new target. I spun toward him, pointing at Sarah. ¡°Your maid destroyed my mother¡¯s music box. The one thing I had left of her.¡±


    Alexander¡¯s eyes moved to the broken pieces, then back to me. ¡°I see.¡±


    ¡°I want her fired,¡± I said tly. ¡°She¡¯s been nothing but disrespectful since she started working here, and now she¡¯s destroyed something irreceable.¡±


    ¡°Luna,¡± Sarah spoke up, her voice trembling now like a scared kitten when I knew fully well she was full of shit. ¡°I swear it was an ident. I was just trying to clean, like you asked me to. You¡¯ve been so¡­ difficulttely. Always yelling at me, always finding fault with everything I do.¡±


    My mouth fell open. ¡°That¡¯s not-¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s true,¡± Gabriel interrupted. ¡°I¡¯ve heard Luna E raising her voice at Sarah multiple times over the past few days. The poor girl has been doing her best under very trying circumstances.¡±


    I stared at Gabriel in disbelief. ¡°She spilled hot soup on me deliberately. She¡¯s been rude and insubordinate from the moment she walked into this house.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been nothing but respectful,¡± Sarah said, big, fat crocodile tears now streaming down her face. ¡°I know Luna E doesn¡¯t like me, but I¡¯ve tried so hard to please her. I never meant for this to happen.¡±


    I just looked at Alexander, waiting for him to say something. Waiting for him to take my side, to see through Sarah¡¯s obvious act. But he just stood there, his expression unreadable, not saying a word.


    ¡°Well?¡± I demanded. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to do anything?¡±


    Alexander¡¯s green eyes met mine. ¡°I¡¯ll look into it.¡±


    That was it. That was all he was going to say. He wasn¡¯t going to fire her, wasn¡¯t going to defend me, wasn¡¯t going to do a damn thing.


    In the span of an instant, the fury inside of me crystallized into something cold and hard. I was done. Done with this house, done with these people, done with pretending that any of this mattered.

 The Perfect 124

    ¡°Fine,¡± I said quietly. ¡°Do whatever you want. You always do anyway.¡±


    Without another word, I walked past all of them and out of the room. I could feel their eyes on me as I left, but I didn¡¯t look back. I was too tired to fight anymore. Too tired to care.


    Alexander


    I watched E walk away, her shoulders straight and her chin up despite everything. There was something about the way she¡¯d handled the situation that left me feeling unsettled. Frustrated, even.


    Part of me had been curious to see how she¡¯d react. Would she get jealous? Would she fight harder for my attention? Would she show some sign that our marriage meant something to her?


    But she¡¯d been so calm at the end. So resigned. Like she¡¯d expected me not to take her side, and she didn¡¯t even care enough to fight for it.


    It only confirmed what Gabriel had told me-that she didn¡¯t want my mark, didn¡¯t want anything to do with me. If she¡¯d cared, wouldn¡¯t she have been more upset? Wouldn¡¯t she have demanded I choose her over some random maid?


    ¡°Handle this,¡± I told Gabriel, gesturing to the broken music box.


    Gabriel nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure Sarah cleans up the mess.


    ¡°Don¡¯t just clean it up. Take it to get repaired.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Alpha.¡±


    I left them to deal with the aftermath and retreated to my study. I had pack business to attend to, reports to review, anything to keep my mind off the look in E¡¯s eyes when she¡¯d asked me to do something and I¡¯d just stood there.


    Hourster, I was still at my desk, staring at the same financial report I¡¯d been pretending to read for the past thirty minutes. I couldn¡¯t get the image of E¡¯s face out of my head, no matter how hard I tried.


    A soft knock interrupted my brooding.


    ¡°Come in,¡± I called out.


    Sarah, the new maid, entered carrying a tray with a steaming mug. ¡°I thought you might like some tea, Alpha.¡±


    ¡°Oh. Uh¡­ Thanks.¡±


    Sarah set the mug on my desk and shed me a bashful smile, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. I nodded in response and returned my attention to my work.


    ¡°Will there be anything else?¡± she asked.


    ¡°No, that¡¯s fine. You can go.¡±


    Sarah nodded and headed for the door, but just as she reached it, she stumbled. Her foot caught on the edge of the rug, and she pitched forward with a small cry.


    I shot up from my chair and caught her before she could hit the floor, my hands gripping her waist to steady her.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± I asked.


    Sarah looked up at me, her face flushed and her blue eyes wide. She was close enough that I could smell her perfume. Sweet and floral and just a touch too strong for a maid who had been scrubbing floors all day.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± she breathed, batting her eyshes. ¡°You¡¯re so strong.¡±


    I helped her regain her footing and took a step back, putting distance between us. ¡°Be more careful.¡±


    But Sarah didn¡¯t move away. Instead, she tilted her head and gave me a shy smile. ¡°Alpha Alexander, can I ask you something personal?¡±


    The question caught me off guard. ¡°What?¡±.


    ¡°Are you happy? In your marriage, I mean?¡± Her voice was soft, hardly more than a whisper. You always seem so¡­ lonely.¡±


    I stared at her, taken aback by the boldness of the question. What kind of maid asked her, employer about his love life?


    ¡°That¡¯spletely inappropriate,¡± I said firmly, moving to open the door for her. ¡°You should go.¡±


    Sarah¡¯s expression flickered-just for a moment something cold passed across her features before the sweet smile returned.


    ¡°Of course,¡± she said quickly. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to overstep.¡±


    She gave me onest strange look, like she was studying me, then scurried out of the room


    without another word.


    ((

 The Perfect 125

    Sophia & E


    Sophia


    Sophia stepped into Alex¡¯s study just as some brte maid came rushing out, practically bowling her over in her haste to escape. The girl¡¯s face was flushed, and her little bosom was heaving.


    ¡°Careful there,¡± Sophia said, but the maid was already halfway down the hall and didn¡¯t even bother to apologize.


    How rude.


    Sophia smoothed down her dress and entered the study, where Alexander was standing by his desk looking somewhat bewildered. She¡¯de here to make amends-theirst few conversations hadn¡¯t exactly gone well, and she was tired of being on the outs with him.


    ¡°Alex,¡± she said, holding up a small wrapped box ¡°I brought you something. A peace offering.¡±


    He looked up, and she could see the weariness in his green eyes. ¡°Sophia. What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°I wanted to apologize for the other night. I know I was¡­ difficult.¡± She set the box on his desk. ¡°It¡¯s that expensive whiskey you like. The one from overseas.¡±


    Alex nced at the gift but didn¡¯t reach for it. ¡°That¡¯s thoughtful of you.¡±.


    ¡°What was all that about?¡± Sophia asked, nodding toward the door. ¡°Your maid looked like she¡¯d seen a ghost.¡±


    Alex ran a hand through his red hair, and for a moment, something that might have been amusement flickered across his face. ¡°I think she might have a crush on me,¡± he said, sinking into his chair.¡±


    The words stabbed Sophia directly in the heart. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°She asked me some very personal questions about my marriage. Whether I was happy, that sort of thing.¡± Alex shook his head. ¡°Very inappropriate for staff.¡±


    ¡°Indeed.¡± Sophia forced herself to smile even though she felt a storm of rage building beneath her skin. Another woman was interested in Alex? Another threat to deal with? ¡°How¡­ awkward for you.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Alex finally picked up the whiskey. ¡°Thank you for this. It was unnecessary, but I appreciate the gesture.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± Sophia took a step back. ¡°Well, I should let you get back to your work.¡±


    It didn¡¯t take Sophia long to find her. The girl was on her hands and knees in the main foyer, scrubbing the marble flood.


    And fuck, she was gorgeous. Even in a in maid¡¯s uniform with her hair tied back, she had the kind of beauty that made other women want tomit murder.


    Long legs, tiny waist, perfect face. She looked like she could be Sophia¡¯s younger sister, if Sophia had been blessed with slightly better genes.


    This was a problem.


    Sophia had spent months-no, years-trying to drive a wedge between Alex and E. She¡¯d destroyed that hideous old locket at the charity auction, spread rumors about their marriage, physically assaulted E, had done everything she could think of to make Alex see that his wife was weak and pathetic.


    But nothing had worked. If anything, Alex seemed more protective of Etely.


    And now there was someone new. Another beautiful woman in his house, asking personal questions about his love life. A woman who was young and grateful and probably eager to please Alex in ways that E never would be.


    And most of all, she was here while Sophia had been banned from staying in the guest suite. With a pretty girl like this living in his house, not even the stoic Alpha Alex would be able to resist the temptation for long.


    Sophia couldn¡¯t let that happen.


    She walked over to where the maid was scrubbing, noting how the girl¡¯s uniform stretched across her perfect ass as she worked. The floor around her was spotless, gleaming under the chandelier light.


    Too bad.


    Sophia positioned herself next to arge potted nt that sat on a marble pedestal beside the


    staircase.


    With one swift movement, Sophia drew her foot back and kicked the pot as hard as she could.


    It toppled off the pedestal and crashed to the floor, shattering into a million pieces. Dirt and ceramic shards scattered across the marble, along with the nt¡¯s broken stems and scattered petals.


    The maid looked up in shock.


    ¡°Oops,¡± Sophia said.


    ¡­


    E


    I found Lilith in the kitchen, kneading bread dough. She looked up when I entered, her face softening when she saw me standing there in my nightgown with my robe open in the front.


    X

 The Perfect 126

    ¡°Sit down, dear. You¡¯ll make yourself even sicker standing there. How are you feeling?¡±


    ¡°Like shit,¡± I said honestly, sinking into one of the chairs at the kitchen table.


    cup


    Lilith wiped her hands on her apron and came over to sit beside me. She seemed to produce a


    of steaming tea and one of those dry but tasty little biscuits for dipping out of nowhere, but I took it gratefully. ¡°I heard about what happened. I¡¯m so sorry about your mother¡¯s music


    box.¡±


    The words made my chest tighten all over again. I¡¯d been trying not to think about it, but now the image of those broken pieces scattered across the floor came rushing back.


    ¡°It was the only thing I had of hers,¡± I said quietly. ¡°The only thing that connected me to her.¡±


    ¡°Oh, sweetheart.¡± Lilith reached over and pulled me into her arms, and I let her. I buried my face in her shoulder and finally let the tearse


    ¡°I never even got to meet her,¡± I sobbed. ¡°She died when I was just a baby. And that music box


    it was the only piece of her I had left. The only thing that was really hers.¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°I know, I know.¡± Lilith stroked my hair, making soothing sounds. ¡°It¡¯s not fair. None of this is fair.¡±


    I cried until my chest ached and my eyes burned. Lilith just held me, not trying to offer empty titudes or tell me everything would be okay. She just let me grieve.


    When the tears finally stopped, I pulled back and wiped my face with my sleeve. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m such a mess.¡±


    ¡°You have every right to be upset,¡± Lilith said firmly. ¡°That girl had no business touching your things.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not just the music box,¡± I admitted. ¡°I keep thinking about your locket too. The one Sophia destroyed at the auction. That was your family¡¯s heirloom, and it got broken because of


    me.¡±


    ((


    Lilith¡¯s expression twisted painfully, but she cupped my face with one hand and said softly, E, that locket was just a thing. Yes, it had sentimental value, but things can be reced. You can¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°But it meant so much to you. It belonged to your grandmother, your mother¡­¡± I felt fresh tears threatening to spill over even though I felt like I had none left. ¡°And now it¡¯s gone because you were kind to me.¡±


    ¡°Stop that. That locket served its purpose. It made you feel loved, and that¡¯s all I ever wanted. Don¡¯t you dare feel guilty about what happened.¡¯


    But I did feel guilty. Horribly, crushingly guilty.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to make up for.¡±


    want to make it up to you somehow.¡±


    ¡°Please. Let me do something.¡± An idea was forming in my mind. ¡°This weekend. Let me take you out, just the two of us. Somewhere nice. We could go shopping, have lunch, get our nails done. Whatever you want.¡±


    Lilith smiled, the first real smile I¡¯d seen from her in weeks. ¡°That sounds lovely, dear. But you don¡¯t have to-¡±


    ¡°I want to. You¡¯ve done so much for me, been such a mother to me when I never had one. Please let me do this.¡±


    At the mention of the word mother, Lilith¡¯s eyes misted over. But she nodded. ¡°Alright. If it would make you happy.¡±


    ¡°It would.¡±


    We sat infortable silence for a few minutes, watching thete afternoon light stream through the kitchen windows. I was starting to feel marginally like myself again when a loud crash echoed from somewhere in the house, followed by raised voices.


    Lilith and I looked at each other.


    ¡°What was that?¡± I asked.


    Another crash came, and then more shouting. Female voices, two of them from the sounds of things. Was that¡­ Sophia I heard?


    ¡°We should check,¡± Lilith said, standing.


    I followed her out of the kitchen and toward the main foyer, where themotion seemed to being from. As we got closer, I could see that one of them was definitely Sophia, and the other was¡­ Sarah. The maid.


    ¡°You bitch!¡± Sophia cried, hurling a vase at the maid. ¡°You don¡¯t belong here!¡±


    22/2

 The Perfect 127

    E & Gabriel


    E


    Lilith and I stood in the doorway watching Sophia and Sarah face off like two alley cats fighting over the same scrap of meat.


    ¡°You bitch!¡± Sophia shrieked, hurling what looked like a ceramic figurine at Sarah¡¯s head. ¡± You don¡¯t belong here!¡±


    Sarah dodged the projectile, causing it to shatter on the wall behind her. ¡°At least I¡¯m not some pathetic woman who can¡¯t take a hint!¡±


    ¡°Pathetic? You¡¯re a fucking maid who thinks she can seduce an Alpha!¡± Sophia¡¯s face was turning an rming shade of red. ¡°You¡¯re nothing! A nobody!¡±


    ¡°And everyone knows that you¡¯re a spoiled Daddy¡¯s girl!¡± Sarah shot back, hands on her hips.


    1


    I found myself staring at this absurd disy of jealousy over Alexander, and something bubbled up in my chest. Not anger or hurt or even embarrassment. Laughter.


    Here I was, dying slowly because my mate wouldn¡¯tplete our bond, and these two idiots were literally throwing pottery at each other over the chance to climb into bed with him.


    It was so fucking ridiculous that I couldn¡¯t believe I¡¯d ever wasted a single second worrying about either of them, or Alexander, for that matter.


    I was dying. Actually dying. And instead of spending my remaining time with people who genuinely cared about me-people like Lilith and Liam-I¡¯d been letting myself get worked up over¡­ what?


    What was the point? Even if Alexander marked me tomorrow, was this the kind of life I wanted? Constantly defending my ce, constantly worried about the next beautiful woman who might catch his eye?


    Fuck that.


    Lilith stepped up beside me. ¡°Should we do something?¡± she whispered.


    ¡°Let them destroy each other,¡± I said, folding my arms across my chest and casually leaning against the wall. ¡°I don¡¯t care anymore.¡±


    Sophia had just picked up another decorative object and was winding up to throw it when Alexander¡¯s voice boomed through the foyer.


    ¡°What the hell is going on here?¡±


    Both women froze and whirled around. Alexander was standing at the bottom of the main


    173


    staircase, looking absolutely murderous.


    ¡°She started it!¡± Sarah said immediately, pointing at Sophia.


    ¡°I started it?¡± Sophia¡¯s voice went up about three octaves. ¡°You¡¯re the one-¡±


    ¡°Enough.¡± Alexander¡¯s Alpha Voice cut through their bickering with ease. Both women snapped their mouths shut. ¡°Sarah, you¡¯re fired. Pack your things and get out of my house.¡± Sarah¡¯s face crumpled. ¡°But Alpha, I didn¡¯t do anything wrong! She attacked me!¡±


    ¡°You destroyed property, disturbed the peace, and conducted yourself in a mannerpletely unbing of staff.¡± Alexander¡¯s voice was ice cold. ¡°You have thirty minutes to gather your belongings and leave the premises.¡±


    ¡°This is so unfair-¡±


    ¡°Twenty-nine minutes.¡±


    Sarah shot a venomous look at Sophia, then at Alexander, then stormed toward the servants¡¯ quarters without another word.


    Alexander turned to Sophia next. ¡°And you. I thought I made myself clear about your behavior.¡±


    ¡°Alex, she was beingpletely inappropriate with you! Someone had to put her in her ce!¡± Sophia tried to step closer to him, but Alexander held up a hand.


    ¡°Leave. Now.¡±


    ¡°But-¡±


    ¡°Now, Sophia.¡±


    For a moment, I thought she might argue further. Her mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water. But even Sophia wasn¡¯t immune to Alexander¡¯s fury, and when she saw the thunder in his expression, she seemed to think better of it


    ¡°Fine.¡± She swept toward the front entrance in a huff. The door mmed behind her, leaving the foyer in silence.


    Alexander just stood there for a moment, surveying the damage. Broken pottery, scattered dirt, flower petals everywhere. Then he rubbed his face with both hands and let out a long, exhausted sigh.


    ¡°Goddess give me strength,¡± he muttered, clearly not realizing that he still had an audience consisting of me and Lilith.


    That was when I lost it.


    Theughter started as a snort, then grew into giggles, and finally exploded into the kind of hysterical cackling that made my sides hurt. I couldn¡¯t stop. Every time I tried to get control of myself, I¡¯d look at the destroyed foyer or remember the sour expression on Sophia¡¯s face, and I¡¯d startughing all over again.


    It was the first realugh I¡¯d had in weeks. Maybe months.

 The Perfect 128

    No¡­ I hadn¡¯tughed like this in five fucking years.


    Alexander¡¯s head snapped toward me, and for a second, I swore I caught the corner of his mouth twitching, like he was fighting back his own smile.


    But then he schooled his expression, turned, and stormed off, leaving meughing in the middle of the destroyed foyer.


    Gabriel


    Gabriel was reviewing security reports in his office when someone knocked on his door. He looked up to find Sarah standing there, no longer in her maid¡¯s uniform, with her bag slung over her shoulder.


    He set down his papers. ¡°I heard you were fired.¡±


    ¡°Because you lied to me!¡± Sarah¡¯s eyes were zing with fury. ¡°You told me Alexander was lonely and desperate for a woman in his bed. You said his marriage was a sham and that he wasn¡¯t getting any satisfaction from his frigid wife!¡±


    Sarah stormed closer, lowering her voice, although her anger still radiated off of her.


    ¡°You specifically told me that Alexander wanted someone who could actually please him, someone who wasn¡¯t sick and pathetic like E. You said all I had to do was make myself avable and he¡¯d jump at the chance.¡¯


    Gabriel leaned back in his chair. Sarah was right, of course. He had said exactly those things when he¡¯d contacted her three weeks ago. He¡¯d known her from his days before bing Alexander¡¯s Beta-she¡¯d been one of many women who¡¯d warmed his bed over the years.


    Beautiful, willing, and most importantly, discreet.


    The n had been simple. Alexander and E were sharing a bedroom now, which was dangerous. The more time they spent together, the more likely it was that biology would take over and they¡¯d end up having sex.


    And if that happened, if Alexander started developing real feelings for his mate¡­


    Gabriel couldn¡¯t let that happen.


    So he¡¯d called in a favor. Sarah had been between jobs anyway, and the promise of seducing a wealthy Alpha had appealed to her. She was so beautiful that Gabriel had been certain even Alexander, who had never been with a woman so intimately, wouldn¡¯t be able to resist.


    It wasn¡¯t supposed to go like this.


    ¡°Alexander showed zero interest in me,¡± Sarah hissed. ¡°Zero. When I asked him about his marriage, he practically threw me out of his study. And then today, when I tried to get closer to him, he couldn¡¯t get away from me fast enough. He looked at me like I was something he would scrape off his shoe.¡±


    Gabriel frowned, his mind racing. If not Sarah, then who? Alexander would never fall for Sophia, especially not with her history of being aplete and total nutjob. No, he¡¯d have to find someone else, someone better¡­


    Gabriel tilted his head. ¡°Do you have any hot friends? Twins, maybe?¡±


    Sarah rolled her eyes. ¡°Screw you. I¡¯m done with this whole mess.¡± She stormed over to the door, but then hesitated, her hand on the knob. ¡°And for what it¡¯s worth,¡± she added, ¡°I think you¡¯re wrong about his feelings for E. The way he looks at her is more fond than you let on.¡±


    With that, she stormed out, mming the door behind her.


    The word made Gabriel¡¯s jaw clench. Fond. That was exactly what he¡¯d been afraid of.


    For a long moment, Gabriel just sat there, staring at the closed door. Was Alexander in deeper than he had realized?


    This was worse than Gabriel had thought.


    He reached into his desk drawer and pulled out a small cloth bag. Inside were the broken pieces of that locket-the one he¡¯d told Alexander he would take to a jeweler for repair. The same locket that Alexander had specifically asked him to fix because he knew how much it meant to E.


    Gabriel had never taken it anywhere. He¡¯d been carrying it around for days, trying to decide what to do with it.


    Now he knew.


    He walked to the small bathroom connected to his office and dumped the broken pieces into the toilet. The silver fragments glinted in the water for a moment before he flushed them away, watching with satisfaction as they disappeared down the drain forever.


    He wouldn¡¯t let Alexander fall for E, no matter what it took.

 The Perfect 129

    Sophia & E


    Sophia


    ¡°Sophia, darling, please-¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t ¡®darling¡¯ me!¡± Sophia hurled the intricate vase at the window, watching with satisfaction as both vase and window shattered. ¡°You promised me Alex would be mine! You swore you could make it happen!¡±


    Richard stepped into the room, holding his hands up in surrender. ¡°Sweetheart, we¡¯re still working on it. These things take time-¡±


    ¡°Time?¡± Sophia¡¯s voice went shrill. ¡°It¡¯s been five fucking years! Five years of watching him with that pathetic little mouse while you two sit around making empty promises!¡±


    She grabbed a framed photo of herself and Alex from her high school graduation-back when he¡¯d still smiled at her, still looked at her like she might have a chance-and threw it as hard as she could. The ss exploded against the doorframe, right next to her father¡¯s head.


    ¡°Sophia!¡± Margaret gasped. ¡°You could have seriously hurt Daddy!¡±


    ¡°Good! Maybe that would motivate him to actually do something useful for once!¡±


    Sophia had always gotten everything she wanted. Always.


    When she¡¯d wanted the lead role in the school y, her parents had donated enough money to the drama department to ensure she got it.


    When she¡¯d wanted to get into the most exclusive university, Richard had made a few phone calls and suddenly her mediocre grades were no longer an issue.


    Every holiday, every birthday, every fucking other week, she got piles and piles of gifts. Cars, phones,ptops, clothes, anything she set her sights on, it was hers.


    But Alex¡­ Alex was the one thing they couldn¡¯t seem to give her.


    ¡°The leak about the mating mark was supposed to destroy their marriage,¡± Sophia said, her hands clenched into fists. ¡°It was supposed to be he final nail in the coffin!¡±


    ¡°It would have worked if they hadn¡¯te up with that fake mark nonsense,¡± Richard said defensively. ¡°Who could have predicted they¡¯d be clever enough to-¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡± Sophia screamed. ¡°Just shut up with your excuses! Do you know what happened today? Do you know what your brilliant n aplished?¡±


    Her parents exchanged worried nces.


    ¡°Alex kicked me out of his house. Again. While his precious little wife stood thereughing at me like I was some kind of joke.¡± The memory made Sophia¡¯s cheeks me with humiliation. ¡± She wasughing, Daddy. Laughing at me like I was nothing.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll figure something else out,¡± Margaret said desperately. ¡°Maybe if we approach him and ask directly-¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Sophia¡¯s voice was suddenly calm, which somehow made it more frightening than her screaming. ¡°I¡¯m tired of your pathetic schemes. I¡¯m done waiting around for you two to grow a spine.¡±


    She pushed past them and headed for her walk-in closet, grabbing a leather jacket and her car keys.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Richard asked.


    ¡°To handle this myself. Since you two are apparently useless.¡±


    ¡°Sophia, wait-¡±


    But she was already storming down the hallway. Her parents¡¯ voices faded behind her as she mmed the front door.


    Her red convertible roared to life, and she peeled out of the driveway. She had no destination in mind, just the need to drive and think and figure out how to get what she wanted.


    Because she would get Alex. She¡¯d been in love with him since they were teenagers, and she wasn¡¯t about to let some nobody steal him away permanently.


    The winding roads through the forest were empty at this time of evening, which suited Sophia perfectly. She needed space to think and n. Her parents¡¯ approach had been too subtle, too political. What she needed was something more direct.


    Something more¡­ permanent.


    Suddenly, she spotted a lone figure walking along the side of the road. Even in the fading light, she could tell he was a rogue. His clothes were dirty and torn, his hair was unkempt, and he had that feral look about him that said he would likely do anything for a bit of money.

 The Perfect 130

    +25 BCNUS


    Perfect.


    Sophia pulled over and rolled down her window. The rogue looked up.


    ¡°You look like you could use some help,¡± Sophia said, her voice sweet as honey.


    The rogue approached the car cautiously and scratched his neck with his dirty nails. ¡°What kind of help?¡±


    Sophia reached into her purse and pulled out a thick wad of cash. She held it up so the rogue could see it, and his eyes went wide.


    ¡°Want a job?¡± she asked, waving the cash in his face.


    E


    Saturday morning came too slowly, but it finally came around, and I was determined to keep my promise to Lilith. She¡¯d tried to protest when I¡¯d told her we were going shopping, insisting that she didn¡¯t need anything new and needed to rest, but I wasn¡¯t taking no for an


    answer.


    Besides, I had to get out of that fucking house.


    ¡°You spoil me too much already,¡± she said as we walked through the downtown shopping district. ¡°I don¡¯t need you spending your money on me.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s my money, and I can spend it however I want.¡± I linked my arm through hers, steering her toward a nearby clothing boutique. ¡°Besides, when was thest time someone bought you something just because they wanted to?¡±


    Lilith¡¯s steps slowed. ¡°E, dear, you don¡¯t have to


    ¡°I want to.¡± I stopped walking and turned to face her. ¡°Lilith, you¡¯ve been more of a mother to me in the past five years than anyone has been in my entire life. You held me while I cried over that stupid music box. You bring me soup when I¡¯m sick. You actually care about whether I¡¯m happy or sad,¡±


    Her eyes started to glisten.


    ¡°So yes,¡± I continued, pulling her toward the shop, ¡°I¡¯m going to spoil you today, and you¡¯re going to let me. Because that¡¯s what daughters de for their mothers.¡±


    We spent the next two hours going from shop to shop. I bought her a beautiful silk scarf in deep blue that brought out her eyes, a pair of soft leather gloves for theing winter, and a delicate silver bracelet with tiny charms in the various phases of the moon.


    Around lunchtime, we found a bench in the small park across from the shopping district and sat down to rest. The afternoon sun was warm on my face, and for the first time in weeks, I felt almost normal. Not like a dying Luna trapped in a loveless marriage, just like a young woman out with her¡­ mother.


    ¡°Lilith,¡± I said softly, ¡°can I ask you something?


    ¡°Of course, dear.¡±


    ¡°Why are you so good to me? I mean, really. You could work for any family in the territory. Wealthy Alphas who would pay you twice what Alexander does, probably treat you better too. So why stay? Why put up with all the drama and chaos thates with this house?¡±


    Lilith was quiet for a long moment, staring down at the new bracelet on her wrist. When she finally spoke, her voice was soft.


    ¡°Because you feel like a daughter to me,¡± she said simply. ¡°From the moment I met you, you felt like the child I never had.¡±


    The words made my chest tighten. ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Really.¡± She reached over andced her fingers through mine.


    I felt tears prick at my eyes. ¡°I love you, you know,¡± I whispered, dabbing the tears away before they could fall. ¡°But¡­ didn¡¯t you ever have children of your own?¡±


    The question seemed to freeze her. Her hand went still in mine, and something painful shed across her face.


    For a few moments, her mouth opened and closed as if she were struggling to find the words. But then, suddenly, she stood and pointed across the street.


    ¡°Look! There¡¯s that new restaurant everyone¡¯s been talking about. Why don¡¯t we get some lunch there?¡±


    212

 The Perfect 131

    E


    The restaurant was cozy and warm, with soft lighting that made everything feel intimate andfortable. We got a table by the window, and I could see people walking by on the street outside,ughing and holding hands and swinging their shopping bags.


    Real families. Real couples.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± I said to Lilith as soon as we¡¯d ordered our food. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to pry about your past. That was rude of me.¡±


    Lilith shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t want to talk about it. It¡¯s just¡­plicated.¡±


    I waited, not wanting to push again but hoping she¡¯d continue.


    ¡°The truth is,¡± she said, looking down at her hands, ¡°I do view you as a daughter. More than that, actually. You are a daughter to me, E. The daughter I never got to raise.¡± She sniffled and hesitated for a long moment, then whispered, ¡°I did have a child. A little girl.¡±


    My eyebrows shot up. This was the first time I had ever heard of Lilith having a child. I¡¯d always wondered, but she had never mentioned having a daughter, not even once. If anything, I¡¯d thought that she had simply never married and had kids.


    ¡°Did something happen to her?¡± I asked, dreading the answer.


    ¡°She¡¯s alive,¡± Lilith said quickly. ¡°She¡¯s alive and well. She just¡­ she doesn¡¯t know about me.¡¯


    I frowned. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°She hasn¡¯t seen me since she was a baby. Less than a year old.¡± Lilith sighed and tucked a strand of silver hair behind her ear. ¡°But I¡¯ve been watching over her, unbeknownst to her, all these years. Making sure she¡¯s safe, making sure she¡¯s happy.¡± Sheughed bitterly. ¡± Although sometimes I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve done the best job of that.¡±


    ¡°So you watch her, but she doesn¡¯t know you¡¯re there?¡±


    Lilith nodded sadly. ¡°Something like that. We¡¯ve actually interacted before, many times, but she has no idea who I really am.¡±


    That took me by surprise. Was she too shy to admit who she was? ¡°Lilith, why haven¡¯t you told her who you are?¡± I asked.


    ¡°It¡¯splicated.¡±


    ¡°Everything¡¯splicated,¡± I said gently. ¡°But surely she¡¯d want to know her mother. Surely she¡¯d be happy to find out you¡¯re alive and that you care about her.¡±


    Lilith¡¯s eyes filled with tears again. ¡°I don¡¯t know What if she hates me? What if she thinks I


    abandoned her?¡±


    ¡°Did you? Abandon her?¡±


    ¡°No. Never. I would never have chosen to leave her.¡± The pain in her voice was raw enough to make me choke up. ¡°But circumstances¡­ sometimes circumstances make the choice for you.¡±


    I wasn¡¯t entirely sure what that meant, but it didn¡¯t matter. ¡°Then tell her that,¡± I said. ¡± Exin what happened. Lilith, take it from someone who never got to meet her mother-she would want to know you. Even if it¡¯splicated, even if it¡¯s hard, she would want you in her life.¡±


    ¡°You think so?¡±


    ¡°I know so. My mother died when I was a baby, just like your daughter was when youst saw her. And even though I don¡¯t remember her at all, I think about her every single day. I wonder what her voice sounded like, what herugh was like, whether she would have been proud of me.¡±


    My own eyes were getting watery now. ¡°If someone came to me tomorrow and told me my mother was actually alive somewhere, watching over me, caring about me¡­ it would be the best day of my life.¡±


    Lilith just stared at me in shock, her face pale and her eyes filled with an emotion that I couldn¡¯t quite read.


    ¡°E, I-¡±


    ¡°And I¡¯ve got a club sandwich for the youngdy, and m chowder for you, ma¡¯am¡­¡±

 The Perfect 132

    The waiter¡¯s arrival cut off whatever Lilith was about to say. But when he was gone, and I asked what she was going to tell me, she just waved her hand and said she couldn¡¯t remember. I took it as a sign that I had exhausted the conversation, and whatever else she had to say, she would do so in her own time.


    After that, we spent the next half hour talking about lighter things-the shops we¡¯d visited, ns for the uing week, anything to give us both a chance to recover from the heavy conversation.


    I was halfway through my meal when our waiter approached with a cocktail on his tray.


    ¡°Excuse me, miss,¡± he said, setting the drink in front of me. ¡°This is from the gentleman at the bar.¡±


    I looked over and saw a man sitting alone, raising his own ss in my direction. He looked to be in his thirties, reasonably attractive, with dark hair and a friendly, close-lipped smile.


    My first instinct was to refuse. I was married, after all, even if it was a sham of a marriage. And I didn¡¯t make a habit of epting drinks from strangers.


    But then I thought about everything that had been happeningtely. I was dying, potentially even faster than I initially expected, at twenty-fucking-two years of age, and I¡¯d spent thest five


    years of my life living like a nun, following all the rules, being the perfect Luna wife while my husband ignored mepletely.


    How many normal experiences had I missed because I was so focused on being proper? How many simple pleasures had I denied myself?


    epting a drink from a handsome stranger was something most women my age had experienced at least once. It was a small thrill, a tiny rebellion, a moment of feeling desired by someone who wasn¡¯t obligated to pretend to want me for political reasons.


    I was probably going to be dead in a few months anyway. What was the harm in experiencing one normal thing?


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I told the waiter, picking up the ss. It looked like some kind of fruity cocktail, pink and sweet-looking. I raised it toward the man at the bar and smiled.


    He smiled back and nodded, then returned to his rink


    ¡°E,¡± Lilith said, ¡°are you sure that¡¯s a good idea?¡±!


    ¡°It¡¯s just a drink,¡± Iughed. ¡°I¡¯m not going to run away with him or anything. I just¡­ I want to know what it feels like. To be a normal woman for five minutes.¡±


    Lilith looked at me for a moment, but nodded, seeming to understand.


    The drink was delicious-sweet and fruity with just enough alcohol to make it interesting. I sipped it slowly while we finished our dinner, feeling slightly more rxed with each taste.


    ¡°Excuse me,¡± Lilith said, standing up at one point. ¡°I need to use thedies¡¯ room. I¡¯ll be right. back.¡±


    ¡°Take your time,¡± I said, taking another sip of my drink.


    Alone at the table, I found myself people-watching through the window. Couples walking hand in hand, friendsughing together, families heading home from dinner. Normal people living normal lives.


    I took another sip of my cocktail, and then I noticed something was¡­ wrong.


    My head felt fuzzy. Not tipsy, but¡­ Heavier. Like my thoughts were moving through msses.


    I blinked hard, trying to clear my vision, but everything seemed slightly out of focus. The sounds around me were muffled, like I was under water.


    Panic started to set in as I sat there, too sluggish to move. Something was definitely wrong with me. Was I having another episode? Was my condition getting worse?


    Before I could get up, a shadow fell across the table. I looked up to see the man from the bar looming over me, grinning down at me with rotten teeth.

 The Perfect 133

    Alexander


    I was buried in quarterly financial reports when my phone rang. The pack¡¯s trade contracts. needed reviewing, and Gabriel¡¯s recent unauthorizedmunications had left me double- checking every single agreement we had in ce couldn¡¯t afford to make mistakes now, even if I was exhausted from working on this paperwork all day.


    ¡°Alexander speaking,¡± I answered the phone, expecting a pack official or my Beta.


    ¡°Hey, it¡¯s Liam. Are you busy?¡±


    1 sat up at the sound of Liam¡¯s voice and nced at the stack of papers on my desk. ¡°Always. Did you need something?¡±


    ¡°I was wondering if you wanted to grab dinner tonight. Talk about some things.¡±


    Surprised, I blinked. Liam had mentioned wanting to go out and talk before, but I didn¡¯t expect him to actually go through with it. I thought it was just one of those things that people. say to each other, something in the same vein of Yeah, we¡¯ll definitely still be best friends. after high school!¡±


    I had to admit, though, I was exhausted after today. My eyes were bleary from looking at paperwork all day and my hand was cramping from writing. Maybe getting out for a bit wouldn¡¯t be the worst thing, even if thepany was¡­ interesting.


    ¡°Alright,¡± I sighed. ¡°Where do you want to go?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a new ce downtown. I¡¯ll send you the address. Meet me in forty-five?¡±


    An hourter, I surprisingly found myself sitting next to Liam at the bar of a new restaurant in town. The ce was busy, as it was their grand opening today. I was cutting off a piece of an admittedly delicious steak, my usual ss of bourbon sitting beside me.


    We¡¯d ordered our food and drinks and made small talk about pack politics for about twenty minutes, and I had to admit, Liam wasn¡¯t badpany. But I could tell from the look on his face that there was more to say, and finally, he got to the point.


    ¡°Alexander, I have to ask you something directly and I need an honest answer.¡±


    1 set down my ss of bourbon. ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    ¡°Do you n on marking E?¡±


    Fantastic. Of all the things I¡¯d expected Liam to ask about, that was definitely one of them, but I¡¯d hoped he would have the intelligence to not bring it up in a public ce.


    ¡°Why do you want to know?¡±


    Liam shifted in his seat. ¡°Because I care about her. And I think you do too, even if you won¡¯t admit it.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯splicated.¡±


    ¡°Everything¡¯splicated with you two.¡± Liam huffed, clearly frustrated. ¡°But she¡¯s dying, Alexander. You know that now. So I¡¯m asking you straight up-are you going to mark her or not?¡±


    I stared at him for a long moment, trying to read his expression. Why was he pushing this so hard? What did it matter to him what I did with my mate?


    And then it hit me.


    Liam had been in love with E since they were kids. He¡¯d made that clear enough over the past months, even if he¡¯d never acted on it while she was married. But if I divorced her, if I rejected her instead of marking her¡­


    She¡¯d be free. Avable. And Liam would be right there waiting.


    The realization made something dark and possessive unfurl in my chest. My wolf snarled at the thought of another Alpha touching what was mine.


    ¡°I see,¡± I said coldly. ¡°So this is about you, not her.¡±


    Liam frowned. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°You want to know if I¡¯m going to mark her so you can n ordingly. Make your move after the divorce goes through.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not-¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve been circling her like a vulture for months, ying the concerned friend. But really you¡¯re just waiting for your chance, aren¡¯t you?¡±

 The Perfect 134

    Liam¡¯s face went red. ¡°Alexander, you¡¯re being an ass.¡¯


    ¡°No need to get defensive just because you¡¯ve been caught in the act.¡± I leaned back in my chair. ¡°But since you asked so nicely, I¡¯ll give you the answer you want to hear. No, I¡¯m not marking her. E will be single after the divorce. Congrattions.¡±


    The words tasted like poison in my mouth, but I forced them out anyway. Because it was the truth. E had made herself perfectly clear when she told me she had no intention of letting me mark her. She just wanted to get through our contract and get divorced. She hated me.


    Why should I care if she ran to her childhood friend once our marriage was done?


    Before Liam could respond, amotion suddenly erupted near the back of the restaurant, toward where the bathrooms were. I heard raised voices, followed by the sound of squealing tires in the street outside. Other diners were turning to look and murmuring amongst themselves.


    ¡°What the hell?¡± Liam muttered, craning his neck to see what was happening.


    I turned, and saw¡­ her.


    Lilith. She was stumbling through the restaurant her silver hair disheveled and blood trickling down from a gash on her temple. She was crying, her face streaked with tears and dirt, looking around frantically.


    My heart stopped.


    ¡°Lilith!¡± I shot to my feet with Liam right behind me. We pushed through the crowded restaurant toward her.


    ¡°Alexander!¡± Lilith¡¯s face crumpled with relief when she saw me. ¡°Thank the Goddess you¡¯re here!¡±


    ¡°What happened?¡± I demanded, taking her by the shoulders. Up close, I could see that the cut on her head was deep, and her hands were shaking. ¡°Where¡¯s E?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s gone,¡± Lilith sobbed. ¡°He took her.¡±


    ¡°Who?¡± I demanded. My wolf began to roil with ear and fury. If someone hadid a hand on my mate¡­.


    ¡°The man. The man who bought her the drink.¡± Lilith wiped at her eyes, smearing blood across her cheek. ¡°We were having dinner here, just the two of us. This man at the bar sent E a cocktail. She epted it, and I¡­ I should have stopped her, but she seemed so happy to feel normal for once.¡±


    My blood went cold, my wolf angrier than ever. But I maintained myposure, if only to get


    the precious details that could lead me to my mate. ¡°Go on.¡±


    ¡°I went to the restroom. When I came out, I spotted the man practically dragging her out the back door.¡± Lilith¡¯s voice broke. ¡°She was stumbling and he was holding her up. I knew something was wrong. I tried to stop him, but he shoved me against a wall and hit me. Then he carried E out into the alley and drove off.¡±


    The restaurant around us seemed to fade away as realization washed over me like a bucket of


    cold water.


    E had been drugged. Kidnapped. While I was sitting right here.


    ¡°Did you call the police?¡± Liam asked.


    ¡°It just happened. I didn¡¯t have a chance.¡± Lilith fumbled with her phone. ¡°But I got a picture. When he was putting her in the car, I managed to take a picture.¡±


    She handed me her phone, and I looked at the screen. The image was too blurry to read the license te, but clear enough to make out a red convertible speeding away from the restaurant. There was a man¡¯s silhouette behind the wheel.


    But it wasn¡¯t the kidnapper that made my heart stop.


    It was the car.


    I knew that car. I¡¯d seen it countless times over the years, parked in driveways during pack events, racing down country roads when its driver was in one of her moods. I didn¡¯t have to see the license te to know that¡­


    It was Sophia¡¯s car.

 The Perfect 135

    E & Alexander


    E


    The world kept slipping in and out of focus.


    One moment I was sitting at the restaurant table, the next I was being carried out the back door, seeing Lilith¡¯s bloodied head on the ground behind me, and then I found myself staring at the back of a car seat, my cheek pressed against cracked leather.


    My head felt like it was filled with cotton. When I tried to lift it, everything spun.


    ¡°There we go, sweetheart. Just rx.¡±


    The man¡¯s voice came from somewhere above me, but it sounded distorted, like he was speaking underwater. Or maybe I was the one who was underwater, drowning, sinking. I tried to turn toward the sound, but my neck wouldn¡¯t cooperate.


    ¡°What¡­¡± My own voice sounded strange and slurred. ¡°What did you¡­¡±


    ¡°Shh. Don¡¯t fight it. Makes everything easier.¡±


    I blinked hard, trying to clear my vision. The man was driving with one hand on the steering wheel, the other reaching back to¡­ to touch my leg.


    I tried to pull away but my body wouldn¡¯t listen. My arms felt like they weighed a thousand pounds.


    ¡°Get away from me¡­¡±


    The manughed. It was an ugly sound. ¡°You¡¯re not in any position to make demands, Luna.¡±


    Luna. He knew who I was.


    Terror shot through me, cutting through some of the drug-induced haze. This wasn¡¯t random. This wasn¡¯t just some creep who¡¯d seen a pretty girl in a bar. He¡¯d targeted me specifically.


    I tried to sit up and get a better look at where we were going, but something was wrong with my wrists. When I looked down, I saw silver duct tape wrapped around them, binding them together.


    ¡°No, no, no¡­¡± I struggled against the restraints, but they held firm.


    ¡°Save your energy,¡± the man said. ¡°You¡¯re going to need it.


    The car hit a pothole, jarring me against the door Through the window, I could see we were no longer in town. Trees shed by in the darkness


    1.3


    The man held up something small and rectangr. A camera.


    ¡°Smile for me, sweetheart.¡±


    The sh went off, temporarily blinding me. I squeezed my eyes shut, but he kept taking pictures, the shes hurting my drugged retinas even through my eyelids.


    Finally, the car began to slow, turning onto what felt like a dirt road. Branches scraped against the windows as we drove deeper into the forest. And then we stopped.


    The man got out and came around to my side of the car. When he opened the door, I tried to scramble away, but my legs wouldn¡¯t support me. He caught me easily, and the acrid scent of his unwashed flesh made me gag.


    ¡°Easy there. Don¡¯t want you hurting yourself before we have our fun.¡¯


    >>


    Ignoring my weak protests, he dragged me toward an old barn, maybe, or some kind of storage building. The wood looked rotten, and half the roof had caved in.


    ¡°Perfect spot, don¡¯t you think?¡± He pushed open a door. ¡°Nice and private. No one to interrupt us.¡±


    Inside, it smelled like decaying hay and animal waste. My feet dragged across the dirt floor as he hauled me toward the back of the building, where a few broken stalls remained.


    He shoved me down onto a pile of moldy hay, and I couldn¡¯t catch myself with my hands bound. My shoulder hit the ground hard, sending a spike of pain through my body.


    ¡°Now then,¡± the man said, pulling out the camera again, ¡°let¡¯s get some good shots.¡±


    The sh went off again and again. I tried to turn away, but he grabbed my chin and forced me to look at him.


    ¡°Please,¡± I said, my voice stronger now as some of the drugs began to wear off. ¡°Please don¡¯t do this.¡±


    ¡°Oh, but I want to. Someone¡¯s paying me very well to make sure you have a really bad night.¡±


    Someone was paying him?


    Before I could process that information, he reached for the hem of my dress.


    That was when the adrenaline kicked in.


    I rolled away from him, ignoring the pain in my shoulder, and scrambled to my feet. The barn door was still open, a rectangle of slightly less darkness against the ck walls.


    I ran.


    But with my hands bound, I couldn¡¯t bnce properly, and the drugs were still making


    everything swim in and out of focus. I stumbled over broken boards and Goddess knows what else, but I kept going.


    Behind me, I could hear him cursing and giving chase.


    ¡°You fucking bitch! Get back here!¡±


    Somehow, I managed to make it outside and plunge into the forest. Branches tore at my dress and scratched my arms, but I didn¡¯t stop.


    I didn¡¯t get far, though, before I tripped over a fallen log and went down hard, tasting blood where I bit my tongue.


    ¡°There you are.¡±


    He was on me before I could get back up, his weight pinning me to the forest floor. I could smell his breath, sour and rotten, as he leaned over me.

 The Perfect 136

    ¡°That was stupid,¡± he panted. ¡°Now I¡¯m angry.¡±


    Panic consumed mepletely. This was it. This was how I was going to die. Not from my condition, but here in the dirt with this monster.


    I opened my mouth and screamed with everything I had left.


    ¡°Alexander!¡±


    Alexander


    ¡°Take her to the hospital,¡± I told Liam as I helped Lilith into his car. Blood was still trickling from the gash on her temple, and she looked ready to copse. ¡°Make sure they check for a concussion.¡±


    ¡°What about you?¡± Liam asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m going after E.¡±


    ¡°Alexander, we should call the police-¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no time.¡± I mmed the car door. ¡°Go.¡±


    Liam¡¯s car disappeared down the street, leaving me alone outside the restaurant. I pulled out my phone and called Gabriel.


    ¡°I need you to call the police and put out the word,¡± I said without preamble. ¡°Sophia¡¯s red convertible is heading out of town. I need to know which direction it went.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°E¡¯s been kidnapped. Find that fucking car.¡±


    Before he could answer, I hung up and got in my own car, my hands shaking as I started the engine. Someone had taken my mate. He had drugged her, hurt Lilith, and driven off with E unconscious in the back seat of Sophia¡¯s car.


    My phone rang as I pulled out of the restaurant parking lot.


    ¡°Got something,¡± Gabriel said. ¡°Gas station attendant on Maple Street saw a red convertible speed through about twenty minutes ago. Said it was driving erratically.¡±


    ¡°Which way was it headed?¡±


    ¡°North, toward the forest roads.¡±


    I floored the elerator.


    Twenty minutester, I was driving through rural back roads with no streetlights and nothing but trees on either side. I¡¯d managed to track the convertible this far through abination of Gabriel¡¯s contacts and sheer luck-a farmer had seen it turn onto Old Mill Road, and a jogger had spotted it near the abandoned logging camp


    But now the trail had gone cold.


    I pulled over and got out of the car, trying to think Where would someone take a kidnapped woman out here? The old logging roads crisscrossed through miles of forest, leading to dozens of abandoned buildings and forgotten campsites.


    I could search for hours, even days, and never find her.


    Suddenly, my wolf stirred.


    And then I caught the faintest trace of E¡¯s scent on the night air.


    Cherry and vani and¡­ fear.


    I closed my eyes and let my senses take over, following the scent trail deeper into the forest. It led me off the main road and down a narrow dirt track that was barely more than tire ruts through the trees.


    The scent grew stronger as I drove, so I knew I was getting closer. But whatever was happening to E, she was terrified.


    Finally, I saw it¡ªan old barn mostly hidden by overgrown bushes, with a red convertible parked beside it.


    I parked and approached on foot, moving as quietly as possible. Through a gap in the barn¡¯s broken boards, I could see light flickering inside. A shlight, maybe, or the sh from a


    camera.


    ¡°Alexander!¡± I heard a familiar voice scream.


    My mate was calling for me.


    I didn¡¯t think.


    I just shifted.


    A momentter, I crashed through the barn door in my wolf form, splinters of rotten wood flying everywhere. The scene inside made my vision go red.


    E was on the ground, her dress torn, duct tape around her wrists. A man was crouched over her, one hand on her throat, the other reaching for-


    Iunched myself at him before he could finish whatever he was trying to do.


    My jaws mped around his throat, and I heard the satisfying crunch of vertebrae snapping.


    His scream cut off in a wet gurgle as his blood filled my mouth. I shook him like a rag doll, making sure he was dead, before dropping his body to the barn floor.


    ¡°E.¡±


    I shifted back to human form and rushed to her side, kneeling in the dirt beside her. Her eyes were wide with shock and terror, but she was alive. Breathing. Clearly drugged, but conscious.


    ¡°I¡¯m here,¡± I said, working at the tape around her wrists. ¡°I¡¯m here. You¡¯re safe.¡±


    The tape came free, and E threw her arms around my neck, sobbing into my shoulder. I pulled her close and held her tighter than I ever had before.


    ¡°I thought¡­ I thought he was going to¡­¡± She couldn¡¯t finish the sentence. I didn¡¯t want her to.


    ¡°He¡¯s dead,¡± I said simply. ¡°He can¡¯t hurt you anymore.¡¯


    As I held her, breathing in the familiar scent of her hair, a scent that drove away all of the fear and pain and rage and blood, my wolf quieted for the first time in five years.


    ¡°Mate,¡± he whispered.

 The Perfect 137

    Alexander & E


    Alexander


    E¡¯s scent hit me like a freight train the moment I pulled her into my arms.


    Cherry and vani-but stronger now. The fear that had been threading through it was already beginning to fade, reced by something else. Something that made my wolf go wild.


    ¡°Mark her,¡± he growled. ¡°She¡¯s ours. She¡¯s right here. Mark her now.¡±


    The urge was so strong that I nearly gave in. Every instinct I had was screaming at me to sink my teeth into the delicate curve of her neck, to finallyplete the bond that should have been sealed years ago. My canines actually extended somewhat, their sharp points pressing against my lower lip.


    But I forced my canines to retract. No, I would not mark her. Especially not here and now, in the middle of an abandoned barn in the woods, a dead body going cold beside us, ring in the distance.


    ¡°Alexander?¡± E¡¯s voice was muffled against my shoulder. ¡°Is he really dead?¡±


    and sirens


    I nced at the crumpled body of her attacker, his neck twisted at an unnatural angle. Blood had pooled beneath him, dark and thick in the shlight¡¯s beam.


    ¡°Yes. He can¡¯t hurt you anymore.¡±


    She shuddered and pressed closer against me. Her scent had begun to fade, which came as both a relief and a disappointment. The loss of it felt like a warm nket had been ripped from me, but it also made my wolf calm.


    The police arrived shortly after that. I managed to extract myself from E long enough to handle everything, coordinating with the officers and exining what had happened. Gabriel showed up at some point, along with what seemed like half of the territory¡¯sw enforcement.


    While the police taped off the crime scene, I watched the paramedics work, noting the cuts on E¡¯s arms, the bruises forming on her skin. She looked so small sitting there in the back of the ambnce, her dress torn and dirty, her hair tangled with leaves and debris.


    ¡°We need to take her to the hospital for observation,¡± one of the paramedics said. ¡°She¡¯s showing signs of being drugged, and we should run some tests-¡±


    ¡°No.¡± E¡¯s voice was stronger now, more like herself. ¡°I¡¯m not going to the hospital. I¡¯ve spent enough time theretely.¡±


    ¡°E,¡± I started, but she cut me off with a raised hand.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, Alexander. I just want to go home.¡±


    C


    The paramedic looked between us. ¡°Luna, given what you¡¯ve been through-¡±


    ¡°I said I¡¯m fine.¡± She lifted her chin and shot me an imploring nce. ¡°I want to go home.¡±


    I studied her face, noting the stubborn set of her jaw. She was scared of hospitals right now, I realized. After everything that had happened with her condition, she associated them with being sick and helpless. She wanted to feel safe, not like a patient.


    ¡°Alright,¡± I finally said. ¡°We¡¯ll go home. But I don¡¯t want you to leave my sight tonight. Not for a second.¡±


    A flush crept up her neck at my words. I hadn¡¯t meant them to sound suggestive, but there was something about the way she looked at me that made my wolf purr with satisfaction.


    E


    Back at the mansion, Alexander insisted on carrying me inside despite my protests. I was perfectly capable of walking, even if my legs were still a little unsteady from whatever that monster had put in my drink. But Alexander wouldn¡¯t hear of it, scooping me up in his arms like I weighed nothing.


    I had to admit that it felt good to be held like this. Safe. Protected.


    In our bedroom, he set me down gently on the edge of the bed and knelt in front of me, examining the cuts and scrapes on my arms and legs. His touch was gentle as he turned my wrists to check where the duct tape had been, then probed gently at the bruise on my shoulder.


    ¡°These need to be cleaned,¡± he said, frowning at a particrly nasty scratch that ran from my elbow to my wrist. ¡°And you need to get out of these clothes.¡±


    I looked down at my ruined dress, which was torn and stained with dirt and blood. The sight of it made me feel sick. ¡°I can manage-¡±


    ¡°No, you can¡¯t.¡± Alexander¡¯s voice was firm but not unkind. ¡°E, you¡¯re shaking. You just went through a near-death experience. Let me take care of you.¡±


    Something about the way he said he wanted to take care of me made my heart leap with an emotion I dared not name. But from a practical side of things, he was right. My hands were trembling so badly I could barely pick anything up, and every time I tried to stand, the room spun slightly,


    X

 The Perfect 138

    ¡°I need a bath,¡± I muttered.


    ¡°I¡¯ll run one for you.¡±


    ¡°Alexander, I can-


    ¡°No.¡± He was already moving toward the bathroom. ¡°I¡¯m not leaving you alone, remember? That includes when you¡¯re bathing.¡±


    Heat flooded my cheeks. ¡°You can¡¯t be serious.¡±


    ¡°Completely serious.¡± He turned on the water, adjusting the temperature. ¡°You¡¯re injured and drugged and traumatized. I¡¯m not taking any chances.¡±


    ¡°But I can¡¯t¡­ You can¡¯t just¡­¡± I struggled to find the words. The idea of Alexander seeing me naked and vulnerable in the bath-again-made my heart race for reasons that had nothing to do with fear.


    ¡°E.¡± He turned to face me, and there was something in his green eyes that made my breath catch. ¡°I¡¯ve seen you naked before, remember? We¡¯re even.¡¯


    The reference to that night in the bathtub weeks ago made my face burn even hotter, but I couldn¡¯t deny the logic. Still, this felt different. More intimate somehow.


    ¡°Fine,¡± I finally murmured, looking away as if that would somehow hide the crimson flush to my face. ¡°But you have to promise not to look.¡±


    ¡°I promise to be a perfect gentleman.¡±


    That didn¡¯t make me feel any better.


    But when I tried to stand up to undress, my legs gave outpletely. Alexander caught me before I could hit the floor, his strong arms wrapping around my waist.


    ¡°Okay,¡± I breathed, suddenly understanding just how much I needed his help. ¡°Okay.¡±


    Alexander was true to his word about being a gentleman. He helped me out of my ruined dress and into the warm bath with his eyes carefully averted, then knelt beside the tub and picked up


    the hairb.


    The hot water felt like heaven against my battered skin. I sank into it with a sigh, letting it wash away the dirt and fear and the lingering scent of that horrible man


    I shut my eyes and felt his gentle fingers in my hair, working out the twigs and leaves that had gotten tangled there during my desperate flight rough the forest. His touch was incredibly soft, and before I could stop it, a soft moan of enjoyment slipped out of me.


    My eyes shot open, and I pped my hand over my mouth. ¡°That wasn¡¯t


    ¡°Shh,¡± Alexander cut me off, still working at my hair. ¡°Just enjoy it.


    My heart thrummed, but I did as he ordered. I shut my eyes and leaned back against the tub again. Warm water poured over my scalp, and the scent of cherry and vani washed over me as he began to gently wash my hair with shampoo.


    For those moments, I forgot about everything else. The kidnapping, the fear, the fact that I was dying. There was only Alexander¡¯s gentle touch and the warm water and the feeling of beingpletely, utterly safe for the first time in months.


    My wolf remained frustratingly silent, but somehow I felt better anyway. Stronger. But surely that was just in my head.


    When the water began to cool, Alexander helped me out and wrapped me in a fluffy towel. He¡¯d brought me a clean nightgown from the dresser, and he turned away while I dried off and slipped it on.


    ¡°Better?¡± he asked once I was dressed and dry.


    I nodded, suddenly exhausted. The adrenaline had worn offpletely now, leaving me feeling deted like a balloon that lost its air.


    Alexander seemed to sense my fatigue. He guided me back to the bed and pulled back the covers, waiting while I climbed in. The sheets felt cool and soft against my skin, and I sank into the mattress with a soft groan of relief.


    But when Alexander started to move toward the chair by the window, panic red in my chest. I couldn¡¯t be alone right now. I couldn¡¯t close my eyes and risk seeing that man¡¯s face, feeling


    his hands on me.


    Without thinking, I reached out and grabbed Alexander¡¯s wrist.


    ¡°Stay,¡± I whispered, ¡°Please. Hold me.¡±


    Alexander went very still, just staring down at our joined hands.


    I suddenly felt foolish, and quickly dropped his wrist as my cheeks turned crimson again,¡± Never mind. You don¡¯t have to-¡±


    But before I could finish, Alexander gently lifted the covers and waved his hand, ¡°Scooch over¡±


    ¤Þ

 The Perfect 139

    E


    Alexander¡¯s arms were warm and secure around me, his heartbeat steady beneath my ear. The calm rhythm of it chased away the fear, the doubt¡­ everything outside that room.


    ¡°How did you know where to find me?¡±


    ¡°Lilith managed to get a picture of the car,¡± he replied. ¡°I recognized it immediately. It was Sophia¡¯s.¡±


    I jerked my head up to look at him, making it spin. ¡°Did Sophia hire someone to kidnap me?¡±


    As soon as I blurted out those words, I feared I¡¯d overstepped. Alexander still adored Sophia above all else¡ªhe wouldn¡¯t take kindly to such an usation. Surely he would say that Sophia hadn¡¯t had anything to do with it. Perhaps her car had been stolen.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± he replied. ¡°But I¡¯m going to find out. And if that were the case, then I assure you, she¡¯ll be punished.¡±


    I blinked in surprise. I hadn¡¯t expected him to even entertain my statement, let alone promise that he would punish her.


    For a moment, I just searched his face in the moonlight streaming through the window. There was something fierce in his green eyes, something possessive that made my heart flutter.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I breathed, leaning up to press a soft kiss to his cheek. ¡°Thank you for saving


    me.¡±


    But just as my lips touched his skin, Alexander turned his head. Our mouths met in the middle, and suddenly we were kissing.


    It wasn¡¯t like our fake kisses for the cameras. His lips were too warm and soft against mine to be performative, and here, with no one to watch us, it couldn¡¯t possibly be for anyone except


    Us


    This was real.


    And, Goddess, how badly I wanted this.


    In that moment, a force shot through ge that wanted nothing other than to hold onto this moment with all my might and never let go.


    And so I kissed him back without thinking, my hands fisting in the fabric of his shirt. When his tongue traced the seam of my lips, I opened for him without hesitation. The taste of him flooded my senses-bourbon and woodwire smoke


    My mate. My husband


    Alexander turned to face me, and without even meaning to, I hooked my leg over his waist. He gripped my hip and tugged me closer so our bodies were flush.


    That was when I felt it: the hard length of his arousal against my groin. The evidence of his desire sent heat racing through my veins, and my body responded instinctively. Something deep inside of me stirred-something that felt an awful lot like my wolf.


    But I didn¡¯t have time to wonder if she was returning, because then he was shifting so he was on top of me, his lips never breaking from mine.


    I must have made a small sound of approval, because only then did he pull back to look at me. His gaze wandered unabashedly across my face, my shoulder, the curve of my corbone¡­


    And then down. Down to where my peaked nipples were visible through my nightgown. Down to my hips, where the fabric was bunched up and wrinkled. Then the soft flesh of my thighs, and even lower-calves, feet. Back up again until his gaze met mine.


    The hunger in those green eyes was undeniable.


    Nothing in me could possibly believe that what we were about to do was a mistake.


    This was the most natural thing in the world. Two mates exploring one another, experiencing one another for the first time.


    That was precisely why, without hesitating, I sat up and pulled my nightgown over my head by the hem. I was wearing nothing underneath.


    Alexander¡¯s eyes widened slightly, tongue flicking out across his lower lip. My heart pounded, but I held his gaze.


    ¡°You¡¯ve seen me naked so many times now,¡± I muttered, tossing aside my nightgown, ¡°but I¡¯ve only seen you once. We¡¯re not even anymore¡±


    Alexander ced one hand against my chest, pushing me back against the pillows.


    ¡°Let me taste you first. And then I¡¯ll decide.¡±


    The raw power in his voice was enough to make my toes curl. He slipped his hands down my body, over my breasts, lingering briefly on the gentle swell of them, then skimmed through the dip of my waist and over my hips. With each descent, I shivered again and again until my thighs were practically trembling, but he warned them quickly with the heat of his palms.


    Slowly, he gently pushed my knees to the side until I was on disy.


    Green irises turned as hungry as a wolf eyeing a fresh steak.


    ¡°Beautiful,¡± he whispered, scooching down until his face was level with my womanhood.


    And then his mouth was on me. The sudden warth and wetness of his tongue was enough to make me gasp, and my back instinctively arched away from the mattress, seeking more of the


    sensation. His tongue swirled around my clit, then down across my opening, and lower still until I was writhing beneath him.


    He feasted on me like a starved animal, sucked and nibbled and licked until I was a quivering mess. My clit was quite literally throbbing within minutes, unlike any pleasure I¡¯d given myself before. Lights danced at the edge of my vision with each flick of his tongue, and when he slipped the tips of two fingers into me, I nearly splintered on him right then and there.

 The Perfect 140

    Only then did he pull back just enough to speak, his mouth slick and shining with my wetness. ¡°It¡¯s just the tips of my fingers, and already you¡¯re a mess,¡± he teased.


    My cheeks heated. ¡°You¡¯ve never-I haven¡¯t-¡±


    He tilted his head, fingers dipping in a little further. ¡°You¡¯re not seriously telling me you¡¯ve never pleasured yourself.¡±


    ¡°I have,¡± I admitted, and the heat in my face was on par with the heat between my legs now.¡± But not in a long time. And it¡¯s¡­ different when it¡¯s not my own hand.¡±


    The mention of pleasuring myself seemed to ignite something in Alexander. His fingers slipped in further, and I nearly cried out again, gripping the sheets. ¡°Tell me what you like,¡± he whispered. ¡°In detail.¡±


    My throat bobbed, but once again, that raw power in his voice was enough to make me obey without him even using his Alpha Voice. Shakily, I replied, ¡°I like it slow, but deep. And a finger on my clit.¡±


    ¡°Like this?¡± Alexander ced his thumb right over my clit, pressing into it as if it were a button.


    ¡°Yes. Like that.¡±


    Slowly, Alexander began working his fingers into me, thumb circling my clit in time with his thrusts. Once again, within moments, I was nearly a wreck.


    Only once I was a quivering mess again did Alexander sit up, gently extracting his fingers from me, and wipe his mouth with the back of my hand.


    ¡°Now we can get even,¡± he said.


    I reached for the buttons of his shirt, my fingers trembling slightly as I worked them open. When I pushed the fabric off his shoulders, I couldn¡¯t help but stare. Just as I remembered, Alexander was all hard muscle and golden skin. My mouth immediately went dry.


    His mouth found mine again, tasting of me, as his hands worked at his belt. A few momentster, trousers and underwear tossed aside, he was fully exposed to me.


    All of him.


    Every fucking inch.


    I nearly cried out just at the sight of that impressive member standing at attention between my thighs, and the soft whimper that did escape only made it twitch invitingly. Holding my gaze, he spat onto his palm and rubbed it along his length, then positioned himself at my


    entrance.


    For a moment, the tip of his cock lingered at the pex of my thighs, so close I could feel the heat radiating from it. He lowered himself onto Is forearms so he was caging me against the


    mattress.


    ¡°You look frightened,¡± he noted.


    My throat bobbed. ¡°I¡¯ve never been with anyone And you¡¯re¡­rge.¡±


    Alexander¡¯s eyes flickered with amusement, but there was a tenderness there too that soothed me. ¡°I¡¯ll be gentle,¡± he murmured, brushing a stand of hair out of my eyes. ¡°Let me know if you need to stop.¡±


    I nodded, and he gently began to push at my entrance. When the head of his cock pushed inside, there was a moment of sharp difort that made me gasp and dig my fingernails into his back, but it faded quickly, reced by a feeling of fullness as the rest of him slipped into me, inch by glorious inch.


    He began to move, slow and careful at first, giving me time to adjust. But soon we found our rhythm, moving together like we¡¯d been made for this. For each other.


    And in a way, we had been.


    My hips began to rock in time with his, seeking our dual pleasure. Soon, my own movements had begun to make Alexander¡¯s voice grow husky and I knew I was doing something right.


    ¡°E¡­ Goddess, E¡­¡¯


    My name sounded like a prayer on his lips. Like the most beautiful thing I¡¯d ever heard.


    When Alexander reached between us to touch me where we were joined, I shatteredpletely. The climax hit me like a bolt of lighting, and I couldn¡¯t help but cry out, the sound echoing through the room. I immediately felt my cheeks burn with embarrassment at how loud I¡¯d been.


    But Alexander¡¯s eyes glowed at the sound, and he cried out with me as his own release imed him. His fangs extended, gleaming in the moonlight, and for a heart-stopping moment I thought he might finally mark me.


    On instinct, I tilted my head to expose my throat to him.


    I wanted him. Wanted this.


    But the sharp and brief pain of his fangs nipping shudders slowed and finally stopped entirely, he of my throat before pulling out of me gently.


    to my neck never came. Instead, as his rushed a soft kiss against the sensitive skin


    I watched through heavy eyelids as he disappeared into the bathroom, my body still humming with the aftershocks of my pleasure. I didn¡¯t have time to feel disappointed before sleep began to take me.


    213


    By the time he climbed back into bed beside me, I was barely conscious. Thest thing I recalled before I slipped away was his arms pulling me back against him, and his lips once. again brushing the spot where he should have marked me but hadn¡¯t.

 The Perfect 141

    E & Alexander


    E


    Golden sunlight was streaming through the bedroom windows when I woke, warming my bare skin where the sheet had slipped down.


    For a moment, I justid there, smiling like a fool, my body pleasantly sore in ces that had never ached before. A wave of something that I could only describe as an aftershock of arousal rushed through me, starting from my groin and radiating outward.


    Instinctively, I reached out, expecting Alexander to beying beside me. Thest thing I remembered was his warm body flush against mine before I had fallen into the sweetest sleep I¡¯d had in years.


    But


    my hand met cool, neatly made sheets.


    I cracked my eyes open against the bright sunlight and saw that he was gone. And then the memories fromst night came rushing back. First came the pleasure of our first time together, but then came¡­


    My hand flew to my throat.


    Nothing was there. Just smooth, unmarked skin where his fangs should have left their im. The disappointment was immediate and intense. I pressed my palm against the spot where he should have bitten me, where for one heart-stopping moment I¡¯d been certain he was going toplete our bond. I¡¯d tilted my head back, offering myself to himpletely, and he¡¯d¡­


    He¡¯d pulled away.


    And now his side of the bed was empty and cold. He had left before I¡¯d even woken, hadn¡¯t even bothered to let me know he was leaving.


    But of course he was gone. Why had I expected anything different? He¡¯d gotten what he wanted from me-my body, my virginity, probably myplete and utter surrender-and now he was back to hating me.


    Oh, who was I kidding? He¡¯d never stopped hating me. Andst night had been a mistake, a moment of weakness on my part. I had been so enthralled by my hero that I had forgotten he was still my enemy. For all I knew, it was likely just a maniption to keep me satisfied for the remainder of our contract so I wouldn¡¯t try to pull out early.


    What a lovesick fool I was.


    Although I had to admit, my body did feel better today¡­ Stronger. The intimacy we¡¯d shared had clearly made my condition improve, or so it seems. But whatever physical benefits I might


    have gained from our night together were overshadowed by the hollow ache of bitterness in my chest.


    If Alexander wouldn¡¯t mark me after what we¡¯d sharedst night, then he never would.


    Stupidly, I¡¯d given him everything, and it still wasn¡¯t enough. He still saw me as the mate he never wanted. One night of passion couldn¡¯t erase five years of hatred.


    I curled into a ball under the covers, pulling the sheet over my head in shame. Goddess, how could I have been so stupid? How could I have thought that sleeping with him would change anything between us?


    Alexander had made his choice. He would rather watch me die than im me as his true mate.


    Alexander


    I was sitting in my office, trying to go over paperwork but not really able to focus on anything, when Gabriel knocked and entered. His eyes immediately zeroed in on my neck, and narrowed when he spotted the dark bruise E had left there with her mouthst night.


    The Beta folded his arms. ¡°Did you sleep with her?¡±


    The question was blunt-typical Gabriel. I finally raised my eyes to meet his, keeping my expression neutral despite the fact that my wolf was practically purring with satisfaction at the mere mention of E¡¯s perfect body beneath me.


    ¡°Yes.¡± There was no point in trying to hide it, especially not from a subordinate.


    Gabriel¡¯s face went through several expressions before settling on panic. ¡°Please tell me you didn¡¯t mark her.¡±


    The memory shed through my mind for the millionth time already since I¡¯d woken that morning. E had tilted her head back just as we reached our peak together, exposing the elegant curve of her throat, and I had nearly lost control.

 The Perfect 142

    For a moment, I¡¯d been so close to sinking my teeth into her skin that I could taste her throat on my tongue even now.


    But I¡¯d pulled back at thest second. Out of fear, perhaps, but also control. What if she was manipting me into marking her? She¡¯d made it clear before that she didn¡¯t want me to mark her, but maybe she changed her mind.


    Maybe her father made her change her mind. Maybe he forced his little spy to get closer to me.


    Or maybe I was just a fucking coward.


    ¡°No,¡± I said tly. ¡°I didn¡¯t mark her.¡±


    Relief flooded Gabriel¡¯s features. ¡°Good. That¡¯s good. For a moment there, I thought¡ª¡±


    ¡°Gabriel.¡± I fixed him with a hard stare. ¡°Instead of worrying about my personal life, why don¡¯t you go summon Sophia? I have questions about her car.¡±


    Gabriel frowned. ¡°You think it was stolen?¡±


    That was what I wanted to believe. That Sophia¡¯s car had been taken by some random criminal, that she had nothing to do with what happened to E. But deep in my gut, I knew better.


    ¡°Just bring her here,¡± I said curtly.


    Gabriel nodded and left, although I could see the frustration in his eyes over my having slept with Est night. The moment the door closed behind him, I let out a long breath and leaned back in my chair, passing my hand over my rapidly heating face.


    E had been so perfectst night. And the way she¡¯d looked at me when I was inside of her, like I was her whole world¡­ My wolf had been ecstatic, practically howling with joy at finally being with our mate. Even now, hourster, I could barely keep the smile off my face.


    Suddenly, another knock interrupted my thoughts. This time it was Liam who entered, and he looked furious.


    ¡°Where is she?¡± he demanded.


    ¡°E? She¡¯s upstairs, sleeping.¡±


    ¡°Is she alright? After what happenedst night


    ¡°She¡¯s fine.¡± I leaned back in my chair and gestured to the chair Gabriel had vacated. ¡°Do you


    want to take a seat?¡±


    He remained standing, arms crossed. ¡°I¡¯d rather not. I came here to tell you that this is your fault.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    ¡°E was kidnapped because she felt so isted, so unwanted, that she epted a drink from a stranger just to feel normal for five minutes.¡± Liam¡¯s anger was palpable. ¡°If you hadn¡¯t spent five years pushing her away and making her feel like she meant nothing to you, she never would have been in that situation.¡±


    The usation hit harder than I wanted to admit because there was truth in it. E had been starved for affection. Of course she had been vulnerable to someone showing her attention.


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± I said quietly.


    Liam blinked, clearly not expecting that response. ¡°I¡­ what?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right. I pushed her away for years. I made her feel unwanted.¡± I stood up, walking to the window that overlooked the garden. ¡°And if sophia was behind what happenedst night, I¡¯ll make sure she pays for it.¡±


    ¡°Sophia?¡± Liam¡¯s anger shifted to confusion. ¡°What does she have to do with this?¡±


    ¡°The kidnapper used her car. Either it was stolen, or¡­¡± I trailed off, not wanting to voice my suspicions out loud.


    Before Liam could answer, another knock at the door interrupted us. I rolled my eyes, wondering who else could possibly being to bother me today, but then Gabriel poked his head in. ¡°Alpha, Sophia and her parents are already here.¡±


    My eyebrows shot up at that. Liam moved to leave, but I gestured for him to stay; I wanted him here for this. Composing myself, I nodded to Gabriel. A momentter, Sophia entered with a gift basket in her hands, her parents trailing behind her.


    ¡°Alex, we heard what happened to E and wanted to bring this-¡±


    ¡°Sit down,¡± I said, cutting her off. ¡°We have much to discuss.¡±

 The Perfect 143

    E & Alexander


    E


    The longer Iy there in that empty bed, the more bitter I became.


    What had I expected? That Alexander would stay beside me, maybe stroke my hair while I slept? That he¡¯d wake me with gentle kisses and promises?


    Goddess, I was such a naive little fool.


    Eventually, I dragged myself out of bed and pulled on a robe, wrapping it tightly around myself. I wasn¡¯t going to hide away in shame. And besides, I needed coffee.


    But when I reached the main staircase, I heard voicesing from Alexander¡¯s office. The door was partially open, and I could make out several people inside. Curious despite myself, I crept closer.


    ¡°-why your car was used for the kidnapping¡­¡± That was Alexander¡¯s voice.


    I pressed myself against the wall beside the door straining to listen.


    ¡°Alex, I swear to you, my car was stolen!¡± Sophia¡¯s voice was desperate. ¡°I reported it to the police yesterday morning when I discovered it was missing from my driveway.¡±


    ¡°Convenient timing,¡± Alexander replied coldly. ¡°Your car gets stolen the same day my wife is kidnapped.¡±


    My wife. The way he said it¡­ But I hardly dared to let myself wonder if I was wrong about him.


    ¡°I know how it looks, but I would never-¡±


    ¡°You pushed her out of a barn. You released a rogue at a public event. You destroyed her locket at the charity auction. If you want to hurt her, then just say that.¡±


    ¡°I never did any of that!¡±


    ¡°Alexander.¡± This was a new voice-Richard, Sophia¡¯s father. ¡°Perhaps we should discuss this more calmly.¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t Sophia,¡± Margaret, Sophia¡¯s mother, suddenly chimed in. ¡°It was us.


    The office went silent. My heart pounded as I inched closer to the door, pricking my ears to hear Alexander¡¯s response.


    ¡°What?¡± Alexander was deadly quiet now.


    ¡°Your father and I hired the man,¡± Margaret said ¡°We¡¯ve been the ones who have been


    interfering in your marriage. The rumors, even having someone steal Sophia¡¯s car to frame her. We did it all.¡±


    ¡°We thought if we could create enough problems you would finally be able to get out of this loveless marriage. We all know you love Sophia more than E.¡±


    My pulse suddenly went still.


    They intended to break us up. They spoke as if Alexander had been hoping to get out of our marriage all along¡­ And he loved Sophia.


    A small, traitorous little sliver of my heart didn¡¯t want that to be true. But right now, I


    couldn¡¯t be certain.


    I heard a floorboard creaking and saw Margaret¡¯s slender framee into view, clutching that pearl ne she always wore. Her eyes flicked in my direction, but I inched back into the shadows before she could see me.


    ¡°If you want to end this marriage,¡± she went on, you should do it now. Before you fall any deeper into this situation. If you wait much longer, you might be unwilling to reject her when the timees.¡±


    I pressed my fingers over my mouth, hot tears pricking the backs of my eyes.


    They were talking about Alexander rejecting me. Like it was a given. Like it was always the n.


    ¡°Alex, you must be logical,¡± Richard said. ¡°You¡¯ll need a strong Luna for your political career. Someone like Sophia, with connections and proper breeding. Not some sick girl who¡¯ll be dead within the year anyway.¡±


    ¡°Whatever mistakes you made with her, they won¡¯t matter,¡± Margaret added. ¡°Sophia will forgive you if you slept with E, won¡¯t you, darling?¡±


    Sophia sniffled. ¡°Of course. It¡¯s natural for mates to be physically attracted to one another- it¡¯s not your fault¡­¡±


    I couldn¡¯t listen anymore. Without hesitating, I turned and fled back up the stairs as quietly as I could.


    Alexander


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to wait until the end of your campaign to reject her,¡± Margaret said. ¡° Everyone knows you love Sophia more than E anyway; the starcrossed lovers story will generate even more interest in your campaign.¡± she gestured to Liam. ¡°Isn¡¯t that right, Liam?¡±


    Liam, for his part, didn¡¯t answer. Just continued to stand there in shock, just as he had been


    throughout this entire pathetic conversation.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to reject her.¡±


    The words sounded like a gunshot in the quiet room, surprising even me. Liam snapped his head toward me. Gabriel¡¯s eyes widened. Sophia¡¯s face crumpled, and her parents just stared, mouths hanging open.


    My confession took me by surprise just as much as it did the others, but it felt right. I didn¡¯t want to reject E.


    Afterst night¡­ I wanted her to be mine. All of her.


    ¡°Alex, please,¡± Sophia whispered, rising to her feet. ¡°You can¡¯t mean that. We¡¯ve loved each other since we were teenagers. We¡¯re supposed to be together.¡±


    ¡°No, Sophia. We¡¯re not.¡± I looked at her directly, making sure she understood every word. ¡± You never had a real chance with me. It¡¯s time you epted that and moved on.¡±


    373

 The Perfect 144

    Sophia¡¯s sobs filled the room, but I felt no sympathy for her. Not after what she and her family had put E through.


    ¡°You all need to pay for what you¡¯ve done,¡± I said, turning to Richard and Margaret. ¡°All else aside, hiring someone to kidnap my wife goes far beyond simple meddling.¡±


    Margaret scoffed. ¡°She was never in any real danger. That rogue was just going to rough her, up, scare her-¡±


    ¡°You had her drugged, tied up, taken to a barn in the middle of nowhere, and nearly raped.¡± My voice was hardly more than a growl. ¡°And he intended to take pictures of the entire thing like some kind of humiliation.¡±


    ¡°Alexander, please be reasonable,¡± Richard said desperately. ¡°Our pack needs this alliance. We¡¯ve invested everything in maintaining good rtions with your territory. And ultimately, no real harm was done. E wasn¡¯t actually hurt.¡±


    ¡°But she was,¡± I hissed, feeling my wolf rise to the surface of my skin. ¡°That was an incident that she¡¯ll never forget for as long as she lives.¡±


    Margaret and Richard exchanged frantic looks while Sophia whimpered in the background. My wolf raged, urging me to rip their throats out right then and there. But I controlled myself- for now, anyway, and only because Liam was standing there and the Alpha Council would have me sent to prison for life if they found out.


    Although to be fair, Liam would probably go to prison right alongside me.


    Richard seemed to read my mind when I nced at Liam. He took a step forward and curled his lips into a malicious sneer. ¡°If this goes to the Alpha Council, it will create a massive scandal. We¡¯ll have no choice but to tell them the truth-that E is dying because you refuse to mark her. How do you think that will look for your political career? How do you think that will look for her?¡±


    My wolf snarled. Threatening me was one thing, but E¡­


    I wouldn¡¯t stand for it. I couldn¡¯t bear to see her Burt again.


    ¡°Here¡¯s what¡¯s going to happen,¡± I said, my voice as cold as a winter frost. ¡°You¡¯re going on immediate parole; if you misbehave again, I¡¯ll go to the Alpha Council myself about your crimes. And you must performmunity service for Ashw for the next two years, make public donations to a charity in E¡¯s name, and act like perfect, upstanding citizens.¡±


    ¡°And,¡± Liam added, stepping forward, ¡°if you breathe a word of this to anyone, I¡¯ll make sure you face the full legal consequences.¡±


    Richard¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°You can¡¯t mean


    ¡°Yes,¡± Liam cut him off. ¡°You¡¯ll be rogues. All of you.¡±


    Sophia was still crying, but she frantically turned to her parents. ¡°Please, Mommy and Daddy. Please do what they say. I don¡¯t want to be a rogue-


    ¡°Fine,¡± Margaret whispered bitterly. ¡°We ept your terms.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡± I gestured toward the door. ¡°Now get out of my house. All of you.¡±


    They left quickly with Gabriel showing them out, Sophia casting onest desperate look over her shoulder before the door closed behind them!


    Liam and I stood in silence for a moment, both too stunned by what had just happened to speak. The punishment didn¡¯t feel like enough, but humiliating E publicly? If people found out about her illness, she would be ruined.


    Wolfless people in our society were rare and frowned upon. If it came out that she had an illness that made her wolf dormant, then she would be seen as weak. People might even attack her other suitors who might want to get her out of the picture and take her ce as my Luna.


    And her family¡­ I already knew how they treated her. I hardly dared to think what they might say or do if they found out that she was sick. If she was their spy or weapon¡­ Then they might dispose of her and dispatch a new one.


    The very thought of seeing her in pain, possibly even assassinated just as my own parents had been, made my heart clench in agony.


    ¡°We can¡¯t tell E about this,¡± I finally said, breaking the silence. ¡°Not yet.¡±


    To my surprise, Liam nodded grimly. ¡°You¡¯re right. She¡¯d be furious that we let them off so easily.¡±


    ¡°And she¡¯d be right to want it. But right now, she needs to focus on her health, not on revenge.¡± I held my hand out. ¡°Do we have a deal?¡±


    Liam hesitated for a moment, staring at my outstretched hand. Finally, he sped it and gave it a firm shake.


    ¡°Your secret is safe with me,¡± he said solemnly.

 The Perfect 145

    hree weeks had passed since that awful morning when I¡¯d overheard Alexander¡¯s onversation with Sophia¡¯s parents. Three weeks of regrets and silence and humiliation.


    hree weeks, and I barely saw him.


    f he was trying to avoid me, then he was doing a damn good job of it. Then again, I supposed e¡¯d had five years of practice before I¡¯d gotten sick, so it wasn¡¯t as though he had to try very ard.


    During those three weeks, we fell back into our old routine. With Liam and the rest of the Alpha Council gone, we didn¡¯t have to worry about faking our rtionship at home, I ontinued sleeping in Alexander¡¯s room, but he only entered once I was already half-asleep, nd was often gone by the time I woke up.


    1


    1


    1


    F


    During the days, he was always busy in his office or off performing pack duties, so it was


    sually just me and Lilith.


    T


    Nothing had changed, it seemed.


    ut something had changed, actually. One very important thing.


    My body was stronger. The dizzy spells had decreased ever since our night of passion together -if one could even call it that¡ªand I¡¯d actually managed to keep down three full meals esterday without feeling nauseated.


    Dr. Evelyn noticed the improvement immediately when I arrived for my scheduled checkup.


    Your color is better,¡± she said, checking my pulse. ¡°And your heartbeat is stronger than it¡¯s een in months.¡±


    nodded, trying not to think about what might have caused the improvement. The intimacy lexander and I had shared that night after my kidnapping had stirred something inside of he, some energy that felt almost like my dormant wolf trying to surface. But thinking about hat night only reminded me of how thoroughly he¡¯dused me.


    Let¡¯s run some blood work,¡± Dr. Evelyn continued, drawing several vials from my arm. ¡°I want to see if we can pinpoint what¡¯s helping your condition.¡±


    wenty minutester, she returned with results that made my world tilt sideways.


    E,¡± she said gently, handing me a stick with two battle lines on it, ¡°you¡¯re pregnant.¡±


    he words didn¡¯t register at first. I just stared at her, then at the pregnancy test, blinking lowly.


    I¡¯m¡­ what?¡±


    124


    V


    ¡°About four weeks along, from what I can tell. Which would exin the improvement in your condition-intimate contact with your mate can sometimes temporarily strengthen the bond, even without marking.¡±


    Pregnant. I was carrying Alexander¡¯s child.


    My hand drifted to my stomach, and for a moment, I couldn¡¯t breathe. There was a baby growing inside of me. A tiny life that was part of the and part of Alexander.


    ¡°E, we need to discuss your options.¡± Dr. Evelyn¡¯s voice was careful, but there was an undercurrent of panic there. ¡°Your conditionplicates things significantly.¡±


    I forced myself to focus on her words instead of the swirling chaos in my mind.


    ¡°If you continue the pregnancy without resolving your illness, the strain could kill you both. Your body would be supporting another life when it can barely support your own.¡± She paused, letting that sink in. ¡°However, there are alternatives. An abortion would be rtively simple at this stage, and it would allow your body to focus entirely on recovery.¡±


    The word ¡°abortion¡± felt like a knife in my chest. End the pregnancy. Kill the baby. My hands. shook as she gave me a pamphlet on safe abortion methods.


    ¡°On the other hand,¡± Dr. Evelyn continued, ¡°if Alexander were to mark you now,pleting your mate bond, it would likely cure your condition entirely. The pregnancy could continue safely.¡±


    I pressed my lips together, thinking about that conversation I¡¯d overheard. Alexander had no intention of marking me. He was nning to reject me eventually, probably marry Sophia, and move on with his political career. This baby would just be an inconvenience.


    ¡°How long do I have to decide?¡± I asked quietly.


    ¡°A few weeks at most. The longer you wait, the more dangerous it bes for you.


    I nodded, my mind reeling. A baby. Alexander¡¯s baby.


    The drive home passed by in a blur. I kept touching my stomach, trying to wrap my mind around the fact that there was actually a life growing there. As a Luna, I¡¯d always been expected to produce heirs eventually, but I¡¯d never seriously considered whether I actually wanted children.


    But now, knowing that I was pregnant, the thought of ending it didn¡¯t feel like something I would want.


    When I reached the mansion, I found Lilith in the kitchen preparing dinner. She took one look at my face and immediately set down her wooden spoon.


    ¡°What happened, dear? How was your appointment?¡±


    I simply handed her the test results, unable to speak. She stared in shock at the two lines, just as I had. Then, when she looked up at me, her eyes were full of tears. ¡°How far along?¡±


    ¡°About a month. Dr. Evelyn says¡­¡± I trailed off, not sure how to exin theplicated medical situation.


    ¡°Says what?¡±


    ¡°Says the baby could kill me if Alexander doesn¡¯t mark me soon. My body can¡¯t handle supporting another life when my wolf is still dormant. Either I need to resolve my illness, or I need to terminate the pregnancy.


    For a long moment, we sat in silence. Finally, I was startled out of a state of shock by the sensation of Lilith squeezing my fingers. I¡¯d been so zoned out that I hadn¡¯t even noticed her grabbing my hand.


    ¡°What do you want to do?¡± she whispered.


    I let out a shaky breath. ¡°I don¡¯t know. I never thought about having children before, not really. But now that I know I¡¯m carrying Alexander¡¯s baby¡­¡± My voice broke slightly. ¡°I can¡¯t bear the thought of ending it.¡±


    ¡°Then don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°But Alexander doesn¡¯t want me. He¡¯s nning to reject me eventually anyway. Why would he change his mind just because of a baby?¡±


    Lilith¡¯s expression grew thoughtful. ¡°Maybe he would, though. Having an heir is important for an Alpha, especially one running for Alpha King. Even if he doesn¡¯t love you the way you deserve, he might be willing to mark you for the sake of his child.¡±


    The words stung, but they also made sense. ¡°You think I should tell him?¡±


    ¡°I think you should find out where he stands. You can¡¯t make this decision in a vacuum, E. You need to know if there¡¯s any chance he might do the right thing.¡¯


    She was right, as usual. So that night, I stayed awake until Alexander came to bed. It was well after midnight when he finally entered. He barely nced at me as he headed for the bathroom.


    ¡°Alexander,¡± I called out. ¡°Can we talk?¡±


    He paused in the doorway, his shoulders tensing ¡°About what?¡±


    ¡°Just¡­ I have a question.¡±


    For a moment, I thought he might just walk away, choosing to ignore me again. But then he sighed and turned around. ¡°What did you want to discuss?¡±


    I took a deep breath, and asked, ¡°I was just wondering¡­ have you ever thought about having


    Oker 5


    +25 BOHUS


    children?¡±


    Something flickered across Alexander¡¯s face, Gren eyes shed with something I didn¡¯t have


    a chance to read before it was quickly samootheder by that familiar mask of cold


    indifference


    ¡°Our contract said we would never have children he said curtly before turning and disappearing into the bathroom.

 The Perfect 146

    E & Alexander


    E


    Alexander¡¯s words were like a p across the fucking face.


    ¡°Our contract said we would never have children he said curtly. Then, without another word, he turned and walked into the bathroom.


    Not ¡°I don¡¯t want children¡± or ¡°I¡¯m not ready¡± or even ¡°we should wait.¡± No, Alexander had immediately fallen back on that damned contract


    I stared at him as he disappeared into the bathroom, the sound of running water filling the silence he¡¯d left behind. My hand drifted to my stomach again, covering the tiny life growing there that Alexander clearly had no interest in knowing about.


    Of course he wouldn¡¯t want a baby. Why had I even entertained the possibility that he might? The contract we¡¯d signed five years ago had explicitly stated that he would never have children


    with me.


    We had already broken the contract¡¯s stiptions by sleeping together once, and he wasn¡¯t going to make a second mistake.


    I was such an idiot for thinking that our night together had meant anything to him. For believing that maybe, just maybe, he might have developed some feelings for me over the years and that I was wrong about his intentions.


    But no, Alexander saw me exactly the same way he always had: as a temporary inconvenience that he had to endure until he could find a way to legally discard me.


    And now I was carrying his child, a child he would never want.


    A child he would never know about.


    Because I wouldn¡¯t tell him. Even if I decided to keep the baby, I wouldn¡¯t let him know about it. I would have to find a way to get out of this sham of a marriage before I started to show, and then I would do what I kept dreaming of: I would run away, to the coast, somewhere he couldn¡¯t bother me anymore.


    Having a child, of course, would change things. I would immediately be a responsible parent instead of the carefree young woman I¡¯d dreamed of who would drink cocktails and dance with random young men.


    But I would be happy. Lilith and I¡­ we would be the best mothers ever. Just us and my little one. A strange but beautiful little family.


    And yet¡­ Was it wise to have the child now? I was sick and stuck in a marriage with a man who


    didn¡¯t want me or our pup. Dr. Evelyn had made herself clear when she said that keeping the baby could be dangerous for both of us, and I felt no closer to curing this damn disease.


    I pulled the covers up to my chin and turned onto my side, facing away from the bathroom. My hand stayed pressed against my belly, protective and possessive.


    This baby might not be wanted by its father, but wanted it. Despite everything, I wanted this baby.


    But could I bring myself to bring a child into a world where its own father didn¡¯t love it enough to save its mother from certain death?


    Alexander


    The hot water pounded against my shoulders, but it did nothing to wash away the image of E¡¯s face when I¡¯d mentioned the contract. She¡¯d looked like I¡¯d struck her, all the color draining from her cheeks before she¡¯d tried to hide her reaction.


    ¡°She wants pups,¡± my wolf said eagerly. ¡°Our mate wants to have our children.¡±


    The thought sent a thrill through me.


    I pressed my forehead against the cold tiles of the shower wall, trying to quiet the images that were suddenly flooding my mind. E with a rounded belly, glowing with health and happiness. A small child with red hair and her eyes running through the mansion¡¯s halls. Family dinners where we actually sat together, talked together,ughed together.


    Goddess, I wanted it. I wanted it so badly it made me sick.


    But the moment E had asked about children, I¡¯d panicked. Out of instinct, I had cited the contract that disallowed us from having children, even though we¡¯d already broken it by having sex.


    Deep down, I really just wanted to mark her. To make her mine. To put a baby in her and live the life every mated pair should: a life of love and happiness.


    But I still didn¡¯t know if I could trust her. Her family had likely orchestrated my parents¡¯ deaths, and no matter how much I¡¯d grown to cage about her, I still had no concrete proof that she wasn¡¯t a spy or a secret weapon.


    What if she wanted to get pregnant so I was even more susceptible to whatever they had nned?


    My wolf growled at the thought, angry that I would even entertain such a notion. But I couldn¡¯t put away my suspicions, no matter how much I wanted to.


    The water was starting to run cold, so I finally turned it off and grabbed a towel.


    When I entered the bedroom, E was already curled up on her side of the bed, breathing deep and even. Asleep, she looked younger and less stressed. Her hair was spread across the pillow, and in the moonlight streaming through the window, I could see the gentle swell of her breasts through her nightgown.


    Everything in me wanted to reach for her. To pull her against me and apologize for my harsh words earlier. To make love to her again, properly this time, with all the tenderness and passion she deserved.


    To whisper that yes, I did want children with her wanted to give her everything she¡¯d ever dreamed of having.


    Maybe if I marked her tonight, she could have the baby she so clearly wanted. Maybe we could build the family that my wolf was practically begging for.


    But I couldn¡¯t. Not yet.


    I still didn¡¯t know for certain if I could trust her, and until I did, I couldn¡¯t risk hurting either of us. What if she was manipting me? What if her father had ordered her to seduce me, to get pregnant and cement our bond permanently?


    So instead of reaching for her, I slipped carefully into bed and rolled away, putting distance between us like I had every night for the past three weeks.


    Sleep came fitfully, filled with dreams that felt more like glimpses of a life I might never have. Eughing as she chased a small child through the garden, her belly round with our second


    pup.


    A little boy with her chestnut hair and my green eyes calling me ¡°Daddy¡± as I lifted him onto my shoulders. Family portraits where we actually looked happy, where the love between us was real and beautiful.


    But then I woke up, and the dream faded like morning mist. Beside me, E was still sleeping, turned away from me with one hand tucked beneath her cheek.


    Just like I had every morning for the past three weeks, I quietly slipped out of bed and headed for the door. I needed to lock myself in my office and bury myself in pack business before she woke because I couldn¡¯t bear to look her in the eye.


    As I opened the bedroom door, I nced back at E one more time. She was still sleeping peacefully, unaware that I wasn¡¯t leaving her because I wanted to, but because I felt as if I had no other choice.

 The Perfect 147

    E


    The pregnancy test results burned a hole in my pocket. Two pink lines on a small white stick, along with the officialb paperwork confirming what those lines meant.


    I was carrying Alexander¡¯s child..


    For three days straight, I pulled that test out of my pocket and stared at it, trying to wrap my mind around the reality of what was growing inside of me. Three days of holding the proof in my hands while my husband avoided me like I had the gue.


    Three days of looking at the abortion pamphlet and trying to decide what the hell I was going to do.


    The first morning after our conversation about children, I¡¯d woken to an empty bed and the distant sound of Alexander¡¯s car leaving the driveway. He didn¡¯t return until well after midnight, long after I¡¯d already gone to bed.


    The pattern continued. Early departures,te returns, and absolutely zero interaction between us during his brief moments at home. If Alexander had been avoiding me before our night together, he was actively fleeing from me now.


    But despite his obvious revulsion at the idea of being a father, I couldn¡¯t stop myself from imagining what it might be like. Late at night, when sleep wouldn¡¯te, I¡¯d find myself picturing a little boy with Alexander¡¯s green eyes, or a girl with my eyes but his fiery red hair.


    I imagined teaching them to read in the garden, Lilith baking cookies for their birthdays, family dinners. I pictured Alexander lifting a toddler onto his shoulders.


    The fantasies were so vivid and achingly beautiful that I¡¯d wake with tears on my cheeks and an emptiness in my chest that made me feel like was drowning.


    But then reality woulde crashing back, just as it always did, when I would hear the subtle click of the door in the morning signalling Alexander¡¯s departure.


    This wasn¡¯t the situation I¡¯d dreamed of when I used to think about having children. I¡¯d always imagined it would happen with a mate who loved me, in a household filled with warmth and security.


    Not with a husband who could barely tolerate my presence and a marriage that was destined to end in rejection.


    What kind of life would that be for a child? Growing up knowing their father had never wanted them? And that was assuming I even survived long enough for the baby to be born.


    Dr. Evelyn¡¯s warnings echoed in my mind constantly. My body could barely support my own life right now-how could I ask it to sustain another? The one night of passion we¡¯d shared,


    resulting in this baby, might have given me a temporary boost in energy, but without Alexander¡¯s mark toplete our mate bond, I would only get sicker as the months went on.


    I could die in childbirth. Or worse, I could die before the baby was even viable, taking an innocent life with me.


    ¡°E, dear, you¡¯ve been staring at that thing for an hour.¡±


    I looked up to find Lilith standing in the doorway of my bedroom, concern written across her features.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what to do,¡± I admitted, setting the test back down on the vanity.


    Lilith came over and perched on the edge of my bed. ¡°What does your heart tell you?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the problem. My heart wants this baby desperately, but my head knows it¡¯s a terrible idea.¡± I rubbed my temples and sighed. ¡°If I keep it, I could die. And even if I survive, what kind of mother would I be? Sick, weak, married to a man who doesn¡¯t want either of us?¡±


    ¡°Alexander might surprise you,¡± Lilith said gently. ¡°Men often change their minds when faced with the reality of fatherhood.¡±


    I shook my head. ¡°You didn¡¯t see his face when I asked about children. He looked horrified at the very thought. And now he won¡¯t even stay in the same house as me for more than a few hours at a time.¡±


    ¡°Maybe he¡¯s just processing-¡®


    ¡°No.¡± I stood up abruptly and paced to the window, looking out at the driveway. His car was gone, just as it always was. ¡°He made his feelings perfectly clear. The contract says no children, and Alexander always follows the rules when they benefit him.¡±


    Lilith was quiet for a moment. ¡°So are you thinking of terminating the pregnancy?¡±


    The word felt like ss in my throat, but I choked out a small, ¡°Yes.¡±


    I waited for Lilith to argue-perhaps I wanted he to-but instead she just nodded. ¡°I understand. And I hope you know I support youpletely in this decision.¡±


    The unconditional eptance in her words nearly broke me. Once again, Lilith was the only person in my life who I could truly rely on to be there during my darkest moments. Hell, Liam hadn¡¯t even been around since that rogue had kidnapped me. All I had was her, but I wouldn¡¯t rather it be anyone else.


    I spent another sleepless night weighing my options. But by morning, my decision was made.


    I couldn¡¯t bring a child into this situation. Not when my own health was so precarious, not when their father would see them as nothing more than an unwantedplication. A baby deserved better than what I could offer right now


    The phone call to Dr. Evelyn was one of the hardest things I¡¯d ever done.


    ¡°I want to schedule the procedure,¡± I said without preamble when she answered.


    There was a pause. Then: ¡°Are you sure, E? This isn¡¯t a decision you can undo.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure.¡± The lie came easily, even though I felt anything but certain. ¡°When can we do it?¡±


    ¡°How about Friday morning? That gives you a few more days to think it over if you change your mind.¡±


    Friday. Three days away. Three more days to second-guess myself, to imagine all the what-ifs and might-have-beens.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± I said. ¡°What do I need to do to prepare?¡±


    Dr. Evelyn walked me through the pre-procedure instructions. When we hung up, I immediately asked Lilith if she woulde with me.


    ¡°Of course,¡± she said without hesitation. ¡°I¡¯ll be right there with you, holding your hand the entire time.¡±


    The next three days passed in a haze. I found myself unconsciously cing my hand on my stomach, then forcing myself to stop. I caught myself looking at baby clothes in store windows during a trip to town, then quickly walking away before anyone could notice.


    All the while, Alexander remained conspicuously absent, which only confirmed that I was making the right choice. If he couldn¡¯t even be in the same house as me when he thought I might want children, how would he react if he knew I was actually carrying his child?


    Friday morning arrived gray and drizzling, matching my mood perfectly. I¡¯d barely slept the night before, my mind churning with doubts and fears and an undeniable sense of grief. 1 dressed in afortable pair of leggings and a sweater, but I made sure it was all ck.


    Lilith knocked on my bedroom door at exactly eight o¡¯clock.


    ¡°Ready?¡± she asked gently.


    I nodded, unable to speak. We walked downstairs together in silence, past Alexander¡¯s empty office and out to the car.


    The drive to the hospital felt both endless and far too short at the same time.

 The Perfect 148

    Alexander


    I¡¯d been avoiding E for three days, and it was slowly driving me insane.


    Every morning, I left the house before she woke up. Every evening, I made sure to only return after I was absolutely certain she had already gone to bed.


    During the day, I buried myself in pack business, trade negotiations, campaign documents- hell, I would even just drive around for hours. Anything to keep my mind off the conversation we¡¯d had about children and the look of hurt that had shed across her face when I had coldly mentioned the contract.


    But no matter how busy I kept myself, my thoughts always, always circled back to her.


    I kept thinking about the way she¡¯d felt beneath me that night, warm and responsive and utterly perfect.


    I thought about the soft sounds she¡¯d made when I touched her, the way she¡¯d offered her throat to me at the very end.


    And then I thought about the question she¡¯d asked about having children, and the hope I¡¯d seen in her eyes before I¡¯d crushed it with my cowardly response.


    ¡°She wants pups with us,¡± my wolf kept reminding me. ¡°Our mate wants a family.¡±


    And Goddess help me, I wanted that too.


    I¡¯d spent thest three days trying to convince myself otherwise, listing all the reasons why it was a terrible idea. E might be a spy. Her family had likely orchestrated my parents¡¯ deaths. I couldn¡¯t trust herpletely, not yet.


    But every argument felt weaker by the day.


    Because I¡¯d seen how her own family treated her. I¡¯d watched them ignore her, dismiss her, treat her like an inconvenience rather than a beloved daughter. If she was their spy, they were doing a damn good job of making it look like they couldn¡¯t care less about her wellbeing.


    And then there was the way she¡¯d responded to me that night. The look in her eyes when we took each other¡¯s virginity, theplete vulnerability she¡¯d shown despite how cruel I had been to her over the years.


    Either she was the most aplished actress I¡¯d ever met, or those emotions had beenpletely and utterly real.


    Today, on the third day of my self-imposed exile was one of those days when I would rather drive aimlessly than do anything else. Sitting in my car while the rain pelted my windshield, the forest rushing past me on both sides, I finally admitted the truth to myself.


    I didn¡¯t want to reject E. I wanted to mark her, im her properly, and give her the family she so clearly wanted.


    I wanted to wake up beside her every morning and fall asleep with her in my arms every night.


    I wanted to love her openly, without reservation or fear.


    The realization should have terrified me. Instead, it felt so¡­ right.


    But I¡¯d already damaged things between us with my reaction to her question about children. She probably thought I was disgusted by the idea of having a family with her, when the truth was quite the opposite.


    We needed to talk. Really talk, no matter how bad at that we had been throughout our marriage.


    I needed to understand why she¡¯d asked for a divorce months ago, why she seemed so adamant about being rejected only to turn around and have such a beautiful night with me. And why she was now asking about children.


    Maybe she was just as uncertain as I was. Maybe she was protecting herself because she thought I didn¡¯t want her.


    Well, it was time to prove her wrong.


    My car tires screeched as I pulled a U-turn and sped home. The house was quiet when I returned, but I headed straight upstairs, expecting to find E holed up reading a book somewhere.


    I had no idea what I was going to say to her, but I would have to figure it out. We both would. Because I wasn¡¯t going to keep dancing around like this any longer.


    But when I opened the bedroom door, the room was empty.


    ¡°E?¡± I called out, checking the bathroom. She wasn¡¯t here, and her purse was gone, too.


    I was about to head back downstairs to look for her when something on her vanity caught my eye. A small white stick sitting next to a folded pamphlet.


    I walked closer, my stomach dropping as I saw what it was.


    A pregnancy test. With two bright pink lines.


    And beside it, a pamphlet titled ¡°Safe and Confidential Abortion Services.¡¯


    My legs nearly gave out.


    E was pregnant. With my child. And she was nning to


    ¡°No,¡± I whispered, grabbing the test with shaking hands. ¡°No, no, no.¡±


    That was why she had asked about children, wasn¡¯t it? She was carrying my baby and wanted to know if I might want it. And I¡¯d thrown the contract in her face like aplete bastard.


    I ran downstairs, taking the steps three at a time ¡°Lilith!¡± I shouted. ¡°Lilith, where¡¯s E?¡±


    But the house was eerily quiet. I checked every room, growing more frantic by the minute, before finally spotting a servant dusting the living room mantlepiece.


    ¡°Have you seen E?¡± My voice was frantic, my hair falling into my eyes, but I didn¡¯t care.


    The maid turned around, clearly surprised to see me. ¡°I¡­ I think I saw her and Lilith leave earlier,¡± she said.


    ¡°Did you see which direction they went?¡±


    She shrugged. ¡°Looked like they were headed toward town.¡±


    Town. They¡¯d gone to town. But for what?


    The abortion pamphlet shed in my mind, and suddenly I knew exactly where they¡¯d gone.


    I grabbed my keys and sprinted back to the car, my heart hammering at a dangerous pace. How long had they been gone? Was I already toote?


    The drive to the hospital was a blur. I kept thinking about that night we¡¯d spent together, how perfect it had felt to be inside her, connected to her in the most intimate way possible. The idea that our joining had created a life filled me with wonder and fierce protectiveness.


    And E was going to end it because she thought I didn¡¯t want it.


    I screeched into the hospital parking lot and ran through the sliding ss doors, nearly bowling over an elderly man with a walker.


    ¡°I need to find my wife,¡± I told the receptionist breathlessly. ¡°Luna E. She would havee in for a¡­ procedure.¡±


    The woman¡¯s expression grew sympathetic. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Alpha Alexander, but she¡¯s already in the exam room. You¡¯ll have to wait until-


    I didn¡¯t hear the rest. My vision went gray around the edges as the words hit me.


    Toote. I was toote.


    My legs felt like they were going to give out. I stumbled over to a nearby chair and sank into it, burying my face in my hands.


    E was in there right now, ending our unborn child¡¯s life before it had even begun because I¡¯d been too much of a coward to tell her how I really felt. Because I¡¯d let my paranoia and fear destroy the one thing I wanted the most in the world.


    How could I have been so stupid? How could I have let this happen?


    Suddenly, amotion near the exam rooms made me look up. Voices, footsteps, someone calling out.


    And then I saw her.


    E came running out of the exam room wearing nothing but a hospital gown, face streaked with tears, and practicallyunched herself at me.


    ¡°Alexander!¡±

 The Perfect 149

    E


    I was lying on the examination table in a hospital gown with my feet up in the stirrups, staring at the ceiling tiles and trying to convince myself that this was the right thing to do. Dr. Evelyn said the procedure would be quick and rtively painless this early in the pregnancy. I could go home within a few hours, and it would be like it never happened.


    Did I want that?


    ¡°Are you ready, E?¡± Dr. Evelyn asked as she pulled on a fresh pair of gloves.


    I opened my mouth to say yes, but the word wouldn¡¯te out.


    Instead, I found myself thinking about the tiny life growing inside of me. About the child who would have a perfect mixture of mine and Alexander¡¯s features. About family dinners and bedtime stories and first steps all the moments I would never get to experience.


    ¡°E?¡± Lilith squeezed my hand.


    ¡°I¡­¡± My throat felt tight, like I couldn¡¯t breathe properly. ¡°I can¡¯t,¡± I whispered, and then louder, ¡°I can¡¯t do this.¡±


    I sat up abruptly, swinging my legs over the side of the examination table. The hospital gown was barely covering me, but I didn¡¯t care. I had to get out of there.


    ¡°E, wait,¡± Dr. Evelyn called out as I stumbled toward the door. ¡°We should talk about this


    ¡°)


    ¡°E, dear, please,¡± Lilith added, but I was already pushing through the door and into the hallway.


    I ran barefoot down the corridor, my hospital gown pping behind me,pletely ignoring the startled looks from the nurses and patients. All I could think about was getting away from that room, away from the choice I¡¯d almost made


    When I burst through the doors into the waiting room, I expected to find it empty except for maybe a few random patients. Thest person I expected to see was Alexander, sitting in one of the chairs with his head in his hands.


    But there he was.


    ¡°Alexander!¡± I cried his name out like it was the one thing that could keep me tethered to this world.


    His head snapped up at the sound of my voice, aut for a moment we just stared at each other across the room.


    Without thinking, Iunched myself across the room and into his arms.


    Alexander¡¯s eyes shed a brilliant green for just a moment before he leaned down and pressed his lips to the spot where my neck met my shoulder. I felt his canines extend, sharp points against my skin, and then he bit down.


    The pain was immediate and intense, like being struck by lightning. But it onlysted a second before it transformed into something else entirely-a rush of energy so powerful it made my knees buckle.


    I felt it the moment our bond snapped into ce. Like a missing piece of myself had suddenly been returned. The hollow ache that had been living in my chest for months, no, years, was gone, reced by warmth and strength and a connection to Alexander that felt as natural as breathing.


    But the energy kept building, flooding through my system faster than I could process it. My vision went white around the edges, and I felt myself falling.


    Thest thing I remembered was Alexander calling my name as everything went dark.


    I woke up to the sensation of strong arms holding me and a sharp, stinging pain in my neck. My body felt tired, but also humming with a strange energy¡­


    ¡°What¡­ happened¡­?¡± I groaned, pressing my hand to my aching neck. When I cracked my eyes open, I found that my fingers hade away bloody.


    I blinked slowly, trying to focus on the faces hovering above me. Alexander was cradling me against his chest, backlit by the fluorescent hospital lights. Lilith was there too, her hand pressed to her mouth as she stared down at me.


    ¡°You passed out,¡± Alexander said gently. ¡°Right after I marked you. You¡¯ve been unconscious for about thirty seconds.¡±


    I tried to sit up, wincing as my newly marked neck throbbed with the movement. The bite was still tender, but underneath the pain was something else.


    Completeness.


    And a pulse that wasn¡¯t mine.


    ¡°How do you feel?¡± That was Dr. Evelyn¡¯s voice, and I looked over to see that she was kneeling over me too. She was¡­ smiling. Had I ever even sen her smile?


    Furrowing my brow, I took mental inventory of my body. The constant fatigue that had been weighing me down for so long was gone.


    ¡°I feel¡­¡± I paused, trying to find the right words. ¡°Amazing.¡±


    Lilith, Dr. Evelyn, and Alexander all beamed. ¡°Look,¡± Dr. Evelyn said, holding up the metal


    piece of her stethoscope so I could see my eyes. They were glowing a bright golden color, like molten honey. My breath caught, and I shakily lifted my hand to touch my cheek, just below my left eye.


    ¡°Miss me?¡± a familiar voice purred in the back of my mind.


    My wolf had returned.


    X

 The Perfect 150

    E & Alexander


    E


    Dr. Evelyn¡¯s examination was thorough, checking everything from my pulse to my reflexes to the fresh mark on my neck. Every test came back better than it had in months.


    ¡°Your wolf¡¯s return haspletely reversed the dormancy effects,¡± she said, making notes on her clipboard. ¡°Your heart rate is strong, your blood pressure is normal, and even the pregnancy seems to be progressing healthily. The marking worked perfectly.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t stop smiling. For the first time in months, I felt like myself again.


    Just with¡­ a little bit extra.


    Like that pulse that wasn¡¯t my own, but rather the one steadily thrumming in my mate¡¯s chest.


    ¡°Finally,¡± my wolf purred, stretching as if waking up from a long nap, which was technically true. ¡°I was starting to think you¡¯d never figure it out.¡±


    ¡°You disappeared on me for months,¡± I bit back. Using the mental bond we shared after all this time felt like slipping back into a favorite old pair of shoes. ¡°I thought you were gone forever.¡±


    ¡°I was protecting us. Better to go dormant than live a life where our mate won¡¯t mark us.¡± That familiar smugness in her voice hadn¡¯t gone away during her dormancy, it seemed. ¡°But look how well that worked out. Now we¡¯re marked and there¡¯s a pup on the way.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re so dramatic.¡±


    ¡°I prefer the term ¡®strategic¡¯.¡±


    Dr. Evelyn finished her examination and handed me a clean bill of health. ¡°Everything looks perfect, Luna E. You and the baby should be fine now.¡±


    The baby. Our baby. Alexander¡¯s baby.


    As Lilith drove us home, the euphoria of having my wolf back began to fade slightly, reced by a more sobering reality. Yes, Alexander had marked me. Yes, he¡¯d saved our child¡¯s life and cured my condition. But that didn¡¯t mean he love me.


    I touched the fresh mark on my neck, still tender from Alexander¡¯s bite. He¡¯d done this out of duty, not love. He had made that perfectly clear when he referenced the contract just before marking me.


    I couldn¡¯t let myself forget that. I couldn¡¯t let my heart get broken all over again by reading more into his actions than what was actually there.


    But deep down, I was still happy that he had done it. Even if it wasplicated, at least now I could keep our baby¨Cand I could rest easy knowing that Alexander wanted it.


    When we pulled into the driveway, I could see Gabriel waiting on the front steps, likely waiting for Alexander, who had driven his car behind us. The moment I stepped out of the car, The Beta¡¯s eyes immediately zeroed in on my neck.


    His expression went from confusion to shock to something that looked an awful lot like rage.


    ¡°Well, well,¡± Gabriel said as we approached the front door. ¡°Looks like someone finally got what they wanted.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± I stopped walking.


    ¡°The mark.¡± Gabriel¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Quite the convenient timing, isn¡¯t it? Right after Alexander starts showing interest in you, suddenly you¡¯re pregnant and marked. Very strategic.¡±


    ¡°I have no idea what you¡¯re talking about.¡±


    ¡°Come on,


    E. We both know you¡¯ve been ying the long game here. Poor, sick Luna, wasting away because her cruel husband won¡¯t mark her. What Alpha could resist that sob story, especially when his heir is involved?¡±


    Rage flooded through me at his tone. But this time, instead of feeling weak and helpless, I felt powerful. My wolf snarled in the back of my mind, and suddenly I was moving faster than I ever had before.


    I grabbed Gabriel by the throat and mmed him against the front door of the mansion with enough force to rattle the hinges. His eyes went wide with shock as I held him there, my hand firmly pressed against his windpipe.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t manipte anyone into anything. Alexander marked me because he chose to, not because I somehow tricked him into it.¡±


    Gabriel tried to struggle, but I was stronger now. My wolf¡¯s strength was flowing through me, making me feel like I could take on anyone who dared to disrespect me. And unlike before the dormancy, I was no longer the meek and mild Luna who would never do anything to cross anyone else.


    T

 The Perfect 151

    I was different now. Stronger, not just physically, but in so many other ways.


    And I wouldn¡¯t let the likes of Gabriel walk all over me again.


    ¡°You forget yourself time and time again, Beta,¡± hissed. ¡°From now on, you will show me the respect I deserve as your Luna.¡± I pressed hing harder against the door. Not enough to crush his windpipe, but just enough to cut off a bit of air. Just enough to make him panic. ¡°And you will never, ever speak to me like that again. Do you understand me?¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s face was turning red, but he was still trying to fight back. ¡°You can¡¯t just


    I squeezed harder, cutting off his air supplypletely. ¡°I said, do you understand me?¡±


    Finally, Gabriel¡¯s resistance crumbled. His eyes rolled back slightly as his body went limp, and he tilted his head to the side, exposing his neck in submission.


    ¡°I¡­ I understand, Luna,¡± he gasped out. ¡°I apologize for the disrespect.¡±


    I held him there for another few seconds, letting him feel the full weight of my displeasure, before finally releasing him just as I heard Alexander¡¯s car pull into the driveway, Gabriel slumped against the door, rubbing his throat and avoiding my eyes.


    ¡°Good,¡± I said, straightening my clothes. ¡°I¡¯m d we understand each other.¡±


    With that, I turned and walked into the house, leaving Gabriel coughing behind me. As the door shut behind me, I heard Alexander¡¯s voice approaching.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you marked her,¡± Gabriel¡¯s voice huffed through the door.


    I didn¡¯t pause to hear Alexander¡¯s response.


    I had bigger things to worry about than an insubordinate Beta-such as a baby to prepare for.


    Alexander


    ¡°She choked you out,¡± I pointed out. I hadn¡¯t seen it firsthand, but I could tell from the size and shape of the red ring around his throat that my wife-my mate now-had just had her


    hand there.


    Gabriel¡¯s jaw tightened as he rubbed his neck. ¡°Your wife has gotten stronger.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s not just my wife anymore. She¡¯s my marked mate. And apparently, she¡¯s also perfectly capable of handling disrespectful Betas.¡± I strode past him, noting the way Gabriel winced when I said ¡®marked mate.¡± ¡°What did you say to her this time?¡±


    ¡°I may have suggested that her pregnancy was strategically timed.¡±


    I turned to stare at him. ¡°So you used my pregnant, newly marked mate of maniption?¡±


    ¡°Alexander, you have to admit the timing is suspicious. She gets sick, you start caring about her, suddenly she¡¯s pregnant, and now you¡¯ve marked her? It¡¯s textbook maniption.¡±


    ¡°The timing isn¡¯t suspicious, Gabriel. It¡¯s biology. We slept together, she got pregnant, and I marked her to save her life and our child¡¯s. That¡¯s how mate bonds work.¡¯


    ¡°But you don¡¯t even know if you can trust her-


    ¡°Which is why we¡¯re going to elerate the investigation into her pack.¡± I turned to face him fully. ¡°I want you to prepare one of our best spies for infiltration. It¡¯s time we found out exactly what happened to my parents.¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s eyebrows shot up. ¡°We¡¯ve been avoiding direct infiltration for years. It¡¯s too risky.¡±


    ¡°The risk is worth it now. I need to know if E is a threat or just a pawn in her family¡¯s games.¡± I folded my arms. ¡°If she¡¯s innocent, then I can stop second-guessing every interaction we have. And if she¡¯s not¡­''¡±


    I didn¡¯t finish the sentence, but Gabriel nodded grimly.


    ¡°I¡¯ll make the arrangements, Alpha.¡±


    ¡°Gabriel,¡± I called out. He paused, shoulders tensing as I said with a smirk, ¡°Don¡¯t cross my Luna again. Now that she has her wolf back, she¡¯ll rip your throat out if you keep disrespecting


    her.¡±

 The Perfect 152

    E


    The media storm began within hours.


    Apparently, someone in the hospital waiting room had recorded Alexander marking me on their phone. By the time we got home, the footage was already all over social media.


    Thankfully, Alexander marking me wasn¡¯t discovered-his body had conveniently blocked the view of what had really happened. That was a relief, at least.


    But people wanted to know why I hade running out of the exam room in nothing but a hospital gown. And more than that, they wanted to know why I had copsed and been rushed away by the nurses.


    And knowing how relentless the inte could be, I knew it would only be a matter of time before people found out the truth.


    I was sitting in the living room the morning after the incident, scrolling through thements on one such particr post specting on my condition, when Alexander practically came barreling into the room with his phone clutched in his hand.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got a n,¡± he said.


    Of course he had a n. Everything was always about strategy with him.


    ¡°We¡¯re going to announce the pregnancy. I just hired a photographer toe and do a photoshoot, and we¡¯ll do a press release first thing tomorrow morning.¡±


    My heart jumped, phone slipping from my fingers, forgotten. ¡°We¡¯re going public with the baby?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the only way to control the narrative.¡±


    Controlling the narrative. Right. I supposed, in a naive way, I had hoped that marking me might change everything. That maybe Alexander had feelings for me after all, and we could just announce the pregnancy as a real, loving couple.


    But that was silly of me; he only marked me to save the child, and he was only going public because it was the most logical course of action. Not because he was excited about showing off our little family.


    I nodded and shoved down the hollow feeling in my chest, not just for myself, but so he couldn¡¯t sense it through the newly formed bond ¡°When?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯ll be here in two hours.¡±


    The photoshoot was scheduled for the mansion¡¯s garden, where thete afternoon light would be most ttering. I spent an hour getting ready¨Chair curled and pinned in an elegant


    updo, makeup applied to perfection, dressed in a flowing cream-colored dress that hugged my still-t belly.


    When I looked in the mirror, I barely recognized myself. The sickness had stolen so much from me over the past months. My color, my strength, my confidence. But now, with my wolf back and the mark fresh on my neck, I looked radiant.


    Healthy. Happy. Like a Luna who was deeply in love with her Alpha.


    If only it were real.


    The photographer arrived before I knew it, and soon we were being swept out into the gardens, where she had already set up her various cameras and equipment. She ushered me over to the bench beneath the cherry tree, although the pink petals were all gone now, green with the promise of a hot and long summer.


    While the photographer rushed around making sure every little detail was perfect, Alexander appeared at my side. He¡¯d changed into a charcoal gray suit that emphasized his broad shoulders, although I tried not to think about how stupidly handsome he looked.


    I also tried not to think about how delicious it had felt to have his mouth on my neck.


    But my efforts, apparently, were futile. Alexander shot me an arch look. ¡°Can you tone it back a little? It feels like the mate bond is on fire.¡±


    My face went ame, and I quickly mmed up my mental defenses, cutting off the bond so quickly that it made my wolf whine in protest. ¡°Sorry. Still getting used to it. My wolf¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t me me!¡± my wolf chuffed. ¡°You want him just as much as I-¡°¡®


    ¡°Are we ready?¡± The photographer¡¯s voice cut through the awkwardness, which I was thankful for. I quickly nodded and shoved my wolf down, all the while ensuring that my mental blocks were firmly in ce.


    And it was an easy task, considering the fact that the first poses were simple enough: Alexander and I sitting together on the stone bench, his arm around my shoulders, both of us looking directly at the camera. Professional. Composed. A little close forfort, but I was still capable of keeping the bond neutral.

 The Perfect 153

    Until the photographer started asking for more intimate shots.


    ¡°Alpha, could you ce your hand on Luna E¡¯s stomach? We want to emphasize the pregnancy.¡±


    Alexander¡¯srge hand settled over my belly, his fingers sying wide in a gesture that was both protective and possessive. I tried to ignore the flutter in my chest at his touch, the way my body immediately responded to his proximity, the bond flickering like a candle me.


    He was just ying his part. Nothing more.


    ¡°Beautiful,¡± the photographer murmured, snapping away. ¡°Now, Luna, lean back against him slightly. Like you trust himpletely.¡±


    My heart thudded violently, but I did as she asked and cautiously let my head rest against Alexander¡¯s shoulder. I must have looked like a deer in headlights, because the photographer giggled and said, ¡°No need to be shy, Luna!¡±


    ¡°Here.¡± Alexander¡¯s deep voice practically vibrated against my back as he tugged me closer, one handing up to stroke my hair.


    Goddess, I felt like I was going to die.


    But I would certainly die happy in this little lie we had built. Because for those moments, as the photographer snapped pictures of us in increasingly romantic poses, I could almost forget that it was all for show.


    Almost.


    Three dayster, the photos were everywhere, and we had hit our mark. The photographer had truly outdone herself, creating an image of a loving couple with an heir on the way. Before I knew it, the entire pack was buzzing with the news, and the incident in the hospital waiting room was exined away as early pregnancyplications that had been resolved thanks to my mate¡¯s presence.


    And the pictures¡­ They were everything the photographer had promised. Intimate. Elegant. Tender.


    Like a real couple in love and not¡­ Whatever we were.


    I¡¯d downloaded every single image to my phone and found myself scrolling through them at odd moments throughout the day. Not because I was narcissistic, but because looking at them felt like glimpsing into an alternate reality where everything I¡¯d ever wanted was actually true.


    In the photos, Alexander¡¯s eyes held warmth when he looked at me. His touches seemed genuine rather than performative. The way he held me looked like love instead of duty.


    I knew it was dangerous to torture myself this way, but I couldn¡¯t help it. For just a few stolen moments, I could pretend that the tender expression on his face was real. I could let my silly little heart believe that when he¡¯d whispered sweet nothings in my ear during the shoot, he¡¯d meant every word.


    ¡°E?¡±


    My head snapped up as Alexander stepped into the room. His eyes immediately flicked to the phone in my hand, where one such picture-one depicting us standing beneath the cherry tree, foreheads pressed together, fingers tangled over my belly-was on disy.


    I¡¯d been staring at it. Again.


    Face flushing, I quickly shut my phone off and shoved it into my pocket. ¡°Yes?¡±


    Alexander studied my face for a long moment without answering, and I fought not to squirm under his intense scrutiny. Could he somehow tell what I¡¯d been doing? Could he sense my pathetic longing through our new mate bond?


    I¡¯d tried my best not to show my emotions through the bond, of course. It hadn¡¯t been easy,


    especially not with my wolf pining for that connection every chance she got, but I couldn¡¯t let him see just how utterly and stupidly lovesick I was these days.


    me it on the hormones.


    Finally, Alexander stepped into the room, loosening his tie.


    ¡°I just got off the phone with Liam,¡± he said.


    ¡°Oh?¡± I sat up a little straighter, watching as Alexander crossed to the window. He looked out for a long moment, and the tension in his shoulders made my stomach sink. I braced myself for bad news.


    But then Alexander turned, and for the briefest of moments, a radiant smile flickered across his face. ¡°He gave me a good score,¡± he said. ¡°I¡¯m advancing to the real election phase.¡±

 The Perfect 154

    O-


    ¡°Alexander, that¡¯s incredible!¡±


    I leapt to my feet, so overjoyed by the news that couldn¡¯t help myself. Before I knew what I was doing, my arms were around my neck, lips passing a kiss against the stubble of his cheek


    Alexander fruze, arms slightly spread out to the sides, and it was only then that I realized what I¡¯d done.


    The mate bond My mental shields had by fade, and withne meaning I had flooded every ounce of my joy into Alexander¡¯s own mind


    For a long, breathless moment,


    unreadable, arms of


    yed, and


    then off us muted lexander¡¯s face waspletely


    mellow he was worse than if he had simply


    shoved me away and gagged at the contact


    But then 1 felt that theum of happiness that went my own that gulise that belonged only to my mate at his own wallle came down just a dire and wrth that joy was something else


    Something that made my will guur with sarkan


    Slowly, Alexandey¡¯s hands came up to be on my wallet The Sund hummed to life between us, sharing our emotions back and forth in a long sharkey memes. His happiness fed mine, which fed his, which Bad mine, all routa¡¯s Sigue out where he began and mine ended.


    For a heartbeat, we just send there like that, caught in the acetate currene of our connection. His gaze dropped to my lips, and I found myself aning close without even meaning to


    Maybe this time would be different. Mayhe


    ¡°Alpha, we need to discuss the uing electing requirements.¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s t voice cut through the moment, and Alexander¡¯s walls shammed back into ce, nearly making me copse with the sudden loss of them I jreked back from Alexander, my face burning as the Beta stepped into the room with a folder chitchard in his hands.


    Alexander released me and smoothed down his s. ¡°Perfect timing¡±


    I couldn¡¯t sense any sarcasm in his voice, whichdicated that he probably was d that the Beta had interrupted before the bond took overpletely. Just another not-so-pleasant reminder that despite being marked, Alexander would never want me like that.


    Gabriel nced at me, hesitating for a moment as if waiting for me to leave. But when I made no move to go anywhere, he reluctantly opened his folder. ¡°The Alpha Council has scheduled a formal banquet for all the candidates advancing to the final phase. It¡¯s in three days, ck-tie required. All the major pack leaders will be attending, along with the media.¡±


    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll need a briefing on the other candidates,¡± Alexander said. ¡°And a seating chart if they have one finalized.¡±


    ¡°Already prepared.¡± Gabriel handed him a thick packet. ¡°There¡¯s one other thing, though. Given Luna E¡¯s¡­ condition¡­ Perhaps it would be wise for her to sit this one out. Pregnant females should be resting, not subjecting themselves to the stress of high-profile political events.¡±


    The suggestion made meugh out loud.


    ¡°I¡¯m pregnant, not dying, Gabriel.¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s jaw tightened. ¡°Luna, with all due respect, the stress could be harmful to the pregnancy. These events can be quite intense, and since you only just recovered from your previous condition¡ª¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going,¡± I cut him off. ¡°I¡¯m perfectly healthy, my pregnancy is progressing normally, and I¡¯m more than capable of attending a dinner party.¡±


    ¡°But the cameras, the pressure-


    ¡°Gabriel.¡± Alexander¡¯s voice cut through the Beta¡¯s protests with quiet authority. ¡°My mate will be attending the banquet. End of discussion.


    Gabriel¡¯s mouth snapped shut, although the quick ze of fury in his eyes wasn¡¯t lost on me. I held my ground and folded my arms across my chest.


    Alexander pulled out his wallet and extracted a ck credit card. ¡°You¡¯ll need something appropriate for the asion,¡± he said, holding it out to me. ¡°Get whatever you want. Don¡¯t worry about the cost.¡±


    I stared at the card for a moment, surprised. Alexander had never just handed me money before, especially not for frivolous purchases like dresses. In the past, he would just have pack stylists pick something out for me.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I said, taking the card.


    ¡°Gabriel.¡± Alexander immediately turned to the Beta. ¡°You¡¯ll be driving Luna E today. Wherever she wants to go.¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s face went through several interesting expressions before settling on outrage. Alpha, I had nned to review the candidate files and-¡±


    ((

 The Perfect 155

    ¡°That can be done tonight. Today, you¡¯re a driver¡± Alexander¡¯s slight smile was razor-sharp. ¡°And make sure you stop by the jeweler. Pick up that thing we talked about.¡±


    Jeweler? That thing they talked about? I couldn¡¯t help but wonder what the errand was, and why it made Gabriel¡¯s jaw tighten further, but before I could ask, Alexander was already on his way out.


    Twenty minutester, I was sitting in the back seat of Gabriel¡¯s car with Lilith beside me,


    1


    watching the Beta¡¯s increasingly sour expression in the rearview mirror as I directed him to the shopping district.


    ¡°The boutique district first,¡± I told him cheerfully. ¡°I want to see what they have at Evangeline¡¯s.¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s knuckles were white on the steering wheel. ¡°That¡¯s the most expensive shop in the territory.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± I smiled sweetly at his reflection. ¡°Alexander said not to worry about cost.¡±


    Lilith was trying not tough, I could tell. She¡¯d been delighted when I¡¯d asked her toe along, especially after I¡¯d exined Gabriel¡¯s new role for the day. There was nothing Lilith enjoyed more than watching someone get theireuppance, particrly when that someone had spent months treating me like an inconvenience.


    We spent the next two hours hitting every high-end boutique in the district. I tried on dozens of dresses, rejecting most of them for various reasons-too tight, too loose, wrong color, unttering cut. Gabriel trailed behind us sullenly the entire time, clearly hoping I¡¯d just pick something and be done with it.


    But I was enjoying myself too much to rush. Every time Gabriel made a snidement about price or suggested we move along, I found another dress to consider. When he pointed out that I¡¯d already looked at ¡°perfectly adequate options,¡± I reminded him that Alexander had specifically told me to get something I really liked.


    We were walking past the window of a small, exclusive boutique called Seraphina¡¯s when I stopped dead in my tracks.


    The dress in the window was stunning. Midnight blue silk that seemed to shimmer between navy and ck depending on how the light hit it the neckline was an elegant sweetheart shape, the thin off-shoulder straps delicately bealed with pearls.


    It was the exact kind of dress I wanted.


    ¡°Oh my,¡± Lilith breathed beside me. ¡°E, that¡¯s gorgeous.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s perfect,¡± I said, and I meant it. Just looking at it made me feel more confident.


    ¡°The price tag probably has more zeros than your phone number,¡± Gabriel muttered behind <ol><li></li></ol>


    I ignored him and headed for the door. ¡°Let¡¯s go try it on.¡±


    Within minutes, I was standing in a fitting room, sliding into the most beautiful dress I¡¯d ever worn. The silk felt like liquid against my skin, and when I looked in the mirror, I let out an audible gasp.


    I looked¡­ regal. Powerful. Like someone who belonged on the arm of a future Alpha King.


    And the mark on my neck¡­ It was on full disy. As if the dress had simply been made to show it off.


    pay,


    I immediately decided to purchase the dress, and when I went up to the counter to the number on the receipt made Gabriel¡¯s eye twitch. But I ignored him and swiped Alexander¡¯s car without hesitation.


    ¡°One more stop,¡± I announced as we loaded the garment bag into the car. ¡°The jeweler.¡±


    Gabriel went very still. ¡°That¡¯s not necessary. I can handle that errandter.¡±


    ¡°Alexander asked you to stop there today.¡± I slid into the back seat.


    ¡°I¡¯m perfectly capable of running a simple errand without supervision¡ª¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you are. But since we¡¯re out anyway, we might as well take care of it now.¡¯


    Gabriel nched. ¡°But-¡±


    ¡°Goddess, Gabriel, it¡¯s just an errand.¡± My nostrils red, and without even meaning to, a shimmer of authority slipped into my voice. ¡°Tell me what you¡¯re supposed to pick up.¡±


    The Beta¡¯s shoulders tensed, eyes widening into saucers as my Luna Voice washed over him. The authority had be second nature to me now that my wolf had returned, and even the smallest ounce of power was irresistible to Gabriel.


    Finally, he sighed, head drooping. ¡°It was your locket. The one that got broken at the auction.¡±

 The Perfect 156

    E


    My heart came screeching to a stop in my chest.


    The locket. Lilith¡¯s family heirloom.


    I¡¯d thought it was ruined beyond repair at the auction.


    ¡°He asked you to pick up my locket?¡± I blurted out. ¡°I thought it was broken.¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s jaw tightened, and he admitted quietly, ¡°Alexander told me to have it repaired,¡±


    I couldn¡¯t believe it. Alexander had told Gabriel to take the broken locket, the trinket I¡¯d thought he didn¡¯t care about, and have it repaired.


    Something warm bloomed in my chest at the thoughtfulness of Alexander¡¯s actions. He must have wanted to make up for what Sophia had done. Maybe Alexander actually-


    ¡°Don¡¯t get your hopes up,¡± Gabriel muttered, apparently reading the expression on my face.¡± It wasn¡¯t out of love.¡±


    The warmth in my chest immediately turned to ice. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s eyes shed with something that looked an awful lot like that twisted sense of satisfaction I¡¯d grown to know so well.


    ¡°Alexander realized the locket was valuable,¡± he said with a one-shouldered shrug, as if it were nothing to him. ¡°Antique silver, probably worth a small fortune given its age and craftsmanship. He wanted it appraised and repaired so it could be added to the Alpha Collection.¡±


    Lilith stiffened beside me, and my stomach dropped. The Alpha Collection was Ashw¡¯s finest and most expensive collection of artifacts: ewels, artwork, trinkets, even bars of solid gold. It existed deep beneath the estate, locked behind a solid iron door that only Alexander and Gabriel knew the code to.


    So Alexander wanted to take Lilith¡¯s locket and lock it away in the vault like it was a trophy to him. He actually thought he had a right to keep it just because it was valuable.


    ¡°And the reason why I didn¡¯t want to go to the jeweler,¡± Gabriel continued, ¡°is because I already picked it up yesterday and put it in the safe. Forgot to mention it to Alexander with everything that happened at the hospital, and obviously I couldn¡¯t tell him with you standing right there.¡±


    No wonder Gabriel had wanted me to leave the room earlier. He was probably intending to tell Alexander that their precious ne was safely locked away, but they knew I would freak out if I found out.


    And rightfully so. That locket belonged to Lilith¡¯s family. I had to get it back for her.


    But how? Gabriel had already made it clear that as far as he was concerned, the locket now belonged to the pack¡¯s collection. Alexander would probably be thrilled when he found out it was already safely stored away.


    But my wolf was back. I was marked and mated and stronger than I¡¯d ever been. I wouldn¡¯t let them take this from me.


    ¡°Take me home,¡± I said quietly.


    Gabriel raised an eyebrow. ¡°Done shopping?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Take me home. Now.¡±


    Gabriel, oblivious, nodded with satisfaction and pulled out of the parking lot. Lilith, who had been quiet throughout the entire exchange, shot me a wary look. I simply reached over and squeezed her hand-a silent promise.


    She had been the mother I¡¯d never gotten to have. She was the only one who was truly there for me when I was ill. Hell, if it hadn¡¯t been for her, I wouldn¡¯t have survived that rogue kidnapping.


    I was going to get that locket back for her.


    When we pulled into the driveway, I was out of the car before Gabriel had even turned off the engine. He jogged to catch up with me as I strode toward the front door.


    ¡°Luna, perhaps you should rest. You¡¯ve had quite a week with the hospital and-¡±


    ¡°Gabriel.¡± I stopped walking and turned to face him. The Beta skidded to a halt. ¡°I need you to take me to the safe.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, what?¡±


    ¡°The safe. Under the estate. Where you put my locket.¡± I folded my arms across my chest and fixed him with a withering re. ¡°I want to see it Now.¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s face paled. ¡°Luna, I don¡¯t think that¡¯s appropriate. The Alpha collection is Alexander¡¯s private domain. I can¡¯t just


    ¡°You can and you will.¡± With a breath, tter that familiar authority slip into my voice. I wasn¡¯t afraid of using it anymore, and now that my wolf had returned, all it took was the slightest change in timbre and suddenly Gabriel was tilting his neck like a green pup who had been caught red handed.

 The Perfect 157

    ¡°¡­ I can¡¯t refuse a direct order from my Lama,¡± Be muttered, clearly struggling to hold back the words to no avail.


    ¡°No, you can¡¯t. Take me to the safe.¡¯


    Gabriel¡¯s jaw worked like he wanted to refuse, but the Luna Voice made it impossible for him to disobey. With obvious reluctance, he nodded and gestured toward the mansion.


    ¡°This way.¡±


    I followed him through the front door and down the hallway. We passed Alexander¡¯s office, the formal dining room, and several other rooms before Gabriel stopped in front of the basement door.


    Pulling a small keyring out of his pocket, he unlocked the door and pushed it open, revealing the narrow staircase that led down to the basement. I wrinkled my nose at the musty smell; I never went down there, finding the entire space creepy, and Alexander had never given me ess to the Ashw jewels like a typical Luna would, so there was no reason for me to enter.


    Because to him, my neck wasn¡¯t worthy of wearing his family heirlooms.


    But I wasn¡¯t going down there for jewels or gold, just wanted a little silver locket that was far more valuable to me than any diamonds.


    ¡°The safe is at the bottom,¡± Gabriel said, flicking on the light switch and illuminating the stairs. ¡°But Luna, I really think you should reconsider. Alexander won¡¯t be pleased if he finds.


    out


    ¡°Alexander doesn¡¯t need to know about this visit. I started down the stairs without waiting for his response. ¡°Unless you n to tell him?¡±


    ¡°No, Luna.¡± Gabriel¡¯s footsteps echoed behind me as he reluctantly followed. ¡°I won¡¯t


    mention it.¡±


    The air grew cooler and more dank as we descended the spiral stone staircase. When we reached the bottom, Gabriel moved past me to unlock another door-this one much heavier and more secure.


    After punching a code into the keypad, Gabriel stepped back. The door swung open with a loud groan, revealing the vault within.


    The space wasrger than I¡¯d imagined, with congrete walls and climate-controlled air that felt cool and dry against my skin. But what really aught my attention were the ss disy cases lining the walls, each one containing an array of jewelry, artifacts, books, scrolls, and other valuables that gleamed under the bright lights.


    Rings, nes, bracelets, ornate daggers, silver goblets, antique watches-the collection


    123


    was massive. Hundreds of pieces, maybe thousands, all carefully disyed.


    ¡°Goddess,¡± I breathed, turning in a slow circle to take it all in.


    ¡°Five generations of Alpha acquisitions,¡± Gabriel said from where he was leaning against the entryway. ¡°Each piece has historical significance or substantial mary value, so the space ispletely climate controlled. We¡¯re not supposed to have the door open for longer than five minutes at a time.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because the oxygen can harm the artifacts,¡± Gabriel responded with an eye roll as if I¡¯d asked why the sky was blue. ¡°Once the door locks, all of the air is sucked out of the vault to ensure that nothing gets damaged.¡±


    ¡°Well, I won¡¯t be here for long. Just tell me where the locket is and I¡¯ll leave.¡±


    Gabriel hesitated for a moment, then pointed toward a case near the back of the room. ¡°It was catalogued this morning. Case seventeen.¡±


    I walked toward the indicated disy, my eyes scanning the contents for Lilith¡¯s ne. There were a lot of other pieces there, most of them probably worth more than most people¡¯s homes, but I didn¡¯t see the locket.


    ¡°It¡¯s not here-¡±


    m. Click.


    I whirled around, gasping, to find that the door had been mmed shut. Therge wheel on the door turned, then clicked ominously as the lock slid into ce.


    I was locked in the vault-and I realized with a sinking feeling, judging from the timer on the wall counting down from one minute, that I didn¡¯t have long before I ran out of air.

 The Perfect 158

    Chapter <b>158 </b>


    E & Alexander


    E


    ¡°Gabriel!¡± I shouted, pounding my fists against the metal. ¡°Gabriel, let me out!¡±


    But there was no response; just the ominous hur of the vault¡¯s security systems kicking into overdrive. The timer on the wall continued its countdown, and I could already feel the air growing thinner.


    My chest tightened as I struggled to draw in a full breath. The oxygen was slowly being sucked out of the room, just like Gabriel had warned me about. I pressed my palms against the door and threw my full weight against it, but it didn¡¯t budge.


    ¡°Help!¡± I screamed. ¡°Somebody help me!¡±


    Who would hear me down here? The vault was likely soundproof, and Alexander was probably still out and about dealing with pack business. Gabriel was the only one who knew where I was, and he had likely deliberately locked me in here.


    That bastard. He¡¯d probably nned this from the moment I used my Luna Voice on him.


    As the seconds ticked by, my breathing became morebored. Each inhale felt shallow, like trying to breathe through a straw.


    ¡°The baby,¡± I whispered, eyes widening as the realization struck me. Goddess, what was this doing to the baby?


    As if on cue, sharp cramps suddenly shot through my lower abdomen, making me double over with a gasp. My hands flew to my stomach as another wave of pain hit me. Theck of oxygen was affecting both of us.


    ¡°No, no, no,¡± I whispered, sliding down the door until I was sitting on the cold floor. ¡°Please don¡¯t let anything happen to the baby.¡±


    The cramps intensified, and I found myself rocking back and forth as tears streamed down my face. After everything we¡¯d been through, I couldn¡¯t lose this baby now. Not like this.


    The timer showed thirty seconds left.


    My vision started to blur around the edges, dark spots dancing in front of my eyes. This was it. I was going to die down here, suffocated in Alexander¡¯s precious vault, and my baby was going to die with me.


    All because of a locket.


    Twenty seconds.


    <b>+15 </b><b>BONUS </b>


    I closed my <b>eyes </b>and pressed both hands against my stomach, trying to send every ounce of <b>love </b>and protection 1 could to the tiny life growing in my belly. My wolf howled, but even her strength was waning. She couldn¡¯t protect us.


    Ten seconds.


    Suddenly, the machinery whirred to a stop. I heard the lock disengaging, the heavy wheel turning, and then the door swung open so hard and fast that it crashed against the wall behind it like it didn¡¯t weight two hundred pounds.


    Alexander was standing in the doorway, face twisted with fury. Behind him<b>, </b>Gabriel looked pale and shaken.


    ¡°E!¡± Alexander raced over to me and dropped to a crouch, his hands immediately going to my face. ¡°Are you hurt? Is the baby-¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m okay,¡± I gasped, still struggling to catch my breath. ¡°I think I¡¯m okay.¡±


    Alexander¡¯s green eyes zed as he helped me to my feet, one arm wrapped tightly around my waist. When he turned to face Gabriel, the temperature in the room seemed to drop ten degrees.


    ¡°Exin.¡±


    Gabriel swallowed hard. ¡°The security measures turned on unexpectedly, Alpha. I couldn¡¯t get the door open. Trust me, I tried.¡±


    Alexander looked at me. I was still too breathless to speak. Frankly, I didn¡¯t entirely believe Gabriel; but I also doubted he would do something as heinous as lock his Luna in the vault. He knew damn well he would be caught and severely punished if he had.


    ¡°Why was she in here in the first ce?¡± Alexander finally demanded.


    I found my voice before Gabriel could answer. ¡°I was looking for my locket. He told me you¡¯d had it repaired and added to the collection.¡±


    Alexander whipped around to stare at me. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Gabriel said you realized it was valuable and wanted to keep it for yourself. That you¡¯d already had him put it in the vault.¡± My throat felt raw from shouting, but I forced the words out. ¡°I just wanted to get it back.¡±


    ¡°E, no.¡± Alexander¡¯s expression shifted from fury to something that looked almost like pain. ¡°That¡¯s not what happened at all.¡±


    He turned back to Gabriel, and I¡¯d never seen him look so dangerous. ¡°Tell her the truth. All of it.¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s face went ashen. ¡°Alpha, please-


    ¡°Now.¡±


    The Beta¡¯s whole body trembled as he fought against thepulsion, but Alexander¡¯s authority was absolute. ¡°I lied,¡± Gabriel whispered. ¡°Alexander never wanted to keep the locket. He had it repaired for you. As a gift.¡±


    My heart stuttered. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°He wanted to surprise you.¡±


    I slowly turned to stare at Alexander, who was watching me with an unreadable expression on his face. He¡¯d wanted to give me back the locket. Not take it away, but return it to me. ¡°Where is it now?¡± Alexander asked Gabriel. ¡°I told you to pick it up from the jeweler today.¡± Gabriel looked like he wanted to vomit. ¡°I¡­ I was angry. About Luna E constantly using her Luna Voice on me, bossing me around. So I¡­¡± He swallowed hard and stared at his feet. ¡°I flushed it down the toilet.¡±


    The words made me stagger backwards a step. Gone. Lilith¡¯s locket was gone forever.

 The Perfect 159

    Alexander wentpletely still. When <b>he </b>spoke again, his voice was so low and dangerous that it was hardly more than a growl. He took a step toward Gabriel. ¡°You. Did¡­¡± Another step. ¡°What?¡±


    <b>¡°</b>I flushed it. It¡¯s gone.¡± Gabriel shrank beneath Alexander¡¯s shadow. I was angry and I wasn¡¯t thinking clearly and-¡±


    ¡°Get upstairs,¡± Alexander snarled, releasing him. ¡°We¡¯ll finish this conversation in private.¡±


    Alexander


    Twenty minutester, I found myself in my office watching Gabriel clutch his face where I¡¯dnded a switch punch the moment we were alone. His lip was split and bleeding, and his eye was already swelling shut.


    ¡°You deliberately put my mate and child at risk,¡± I whispered. ¡°As if it wasn¡¯t already bad enough that you destroyed something precious to her out of spite. Give me one reason why I shouldn¡¯t strip you of your rank right now.¡±


    ¡°Because I have information you need to see.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear your excuses


    ¡°It¡¯s about your parents.¡± Gabriel reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper. ¡°I¡¯ve been investigating E¡¯s pack, just like you asked. And my operative found this.¡± He held out the paper with a shaking hand. ¡°Hidden in their territory¡¯s archives.¡±


    I snatched the document from him and unfolded it. My blood ran cold as I read the familiar handwriting. It was a letter from E¡¯s father to someone whose name had been deliberately obscured. But the content was clear enough.


    ¡°The Ashw Alphas have be too powerful. I think I know of a way to get them out of the picture. And their son is young and impressionable¡­¡±


    My hands shook as I read it again. The letter was dated just two months before my parents¡® deaths.


    ¡°This doesn¡¯t prove E knew anything about it,¡± I said, looking up at the Beta.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be so quick to trust herpletely. Her family clearly had ns for you long before your marriage was arranged. They thought you would be easy to manipte with your parents out of the picture, so they could gain influence from Ashw without incriminating themselves or causing a war.¡±


    Gabriel was right; the letter explicitly stated that my parents could be taken out in an ¡±


    <b>Chapter </b>150


    <b>+15 </b><b>BONUS </b>


    ident¡°, that it would leave me in charge and that I was young enough to manipte,


    <b>I¡¯d </b>always had my suspicions of just that, but seeing it written out like this¡­


    And then<b>, </b>of course, there was E. This letter implied that they sent her here <b>to </b>manipte <ol><li>me<b>. </b></li></ol>


    But E was younger than me; it was very possible that she hadn¡¯t been aware of her role. And after everything I had seen her family do to her, the horrible way they treated her, <b>I </b><b>still </b>wasn¡¯t sure if she would have actually done their bidding if they had outright ordered her to.


    For all I knew, she was just as much of a victim in this as I was.


    ¡°Keep investigating,¡± I said curtly. ¡°I want concrete proof that E was knowingly involved in this scheme. And one more thing.¡± I fixed him with a stare that made him flinch. <b>¡°</b>One more slip¨Cup like today and you¡¯ll be permanently demoted to Omega. Are we clear?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Alpha.¡±


    ¡°Good. Now get out of here and go see the pack doctor.¡±


    Gabriel scurried away, leaving me alone with my thoughts and the damning letter hidden in


    my


    desk. I sat there for several minutes, trying to reconcile the E I hade to know recently with the possibility that she might be exactly what we had always suspected.


    But I couldn¡¯t think about that right now. Whatever the truth was about her family, E was hurting. My wolf wouldn¡¯t let me sit here and stew when she and our baby had just nearly been suffocated.


    I found her in our bedroom, sitting on the edge of the bed with her knees drawn up to her chest. She¡¯d been crying, judging from the red rings around her eyes and the way she quickly looked away when I entered.


    ¡°Hey,¡± I said softly.


    ¡°It¡¯s really gone, isn¡¯t it?¡± She didn¡¯t look at me.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Gabriel will be punished for what he did.¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. Nothing¡¯s going to bring it back.¡± She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. ¡°That locket was precious to Lilith. Precious to me. She¡¯s the mother I never got to have, and I lost the one heirloom she had.¡±


    The hurt in her words made my wolf whine pitifully. Without thinking, I reached over and took her hand. ¡°Come with me.¡±


    She looked confused but let me lead her back down to the vault. I punched in the code and opened the door, then guided her inside to one of the disy cases near the front.


    I pulled out my keys and unlocked the case, reaching inside to retrieve a delicate diamond


    ne. The stones caught the light and threw ny rainbows across the walls as I lifted it out. ¡°This was my great¨Cgrandmother¡¯s,¡± I said, turning to face E. ¡°I think you should wear it.¡±

 The Perfect 160

    E


    The diamond ne was admittedly beautiful. It hung delicately from Alexander¡¯s hands, tiny stones catching the light and throwing rainbows across the vault walls.


    But it could never rece Lilith¡¯s locket. Nothing could.


    Still, the gesture itself was touching. Alexander was trying to give me his great- grandmother¡¯s ne in an attempt to make up for what had happened to Lilith¡¯s locket.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to,¡± I said quietly. ¡°It¡¯s a family heirloom


    ¡±


    ¡°I want to.¡± Alexander stepped closer and twirled one finger. ¡°Turn around.¡±


    I did as he asked, lifting my hair out of the way. His fingers were warm against the back of my neck as he sped the ne, and I shivered at the contact. The diamonds settled against my corbone, heavier than Lilith¡¯s delicate silver chain had been but just as warm.


    ¡°There.¡± Alexander¡¯s hands rested on my shoulders for a moment, warm and broad, before he took a step back. ¡°Perfect.¡±


    I turned back to face him, one hand automatically going to the ne. ¡°It¡¯s gorgeous. But Alexander, I can¡¯t help but wonder¡­ are there strings attached?¡±


    He frowned. ¡°What do you


    mean?¡±


    ¡°I mean, are you expecting me to wear this to the banquet? To show it off like some kind of token of your¡­¡± I bit my lower lip as I struggled to find the right words. ¡°Your fake affection?¡±


    ¡°E, no.¡± Alexander stepped closer, close enough that I had to tilt my head back to meet his gaze. ¡°I¡¯m not giving this to you for political reasons. I¡¯m giving it to you


    because you lost something important today, and I wanted to give you something beautiful to take its ce.¡±


    The sincerity in his green eyes made my breath lodge in my throat. ¡°You mean that?¡±


    ¡°I do.¡±


    One thrum down the bond was all it took. One single pulse of promise, like a soft whisper caressing my mind, and I knew he was telling the truth.


    My shoulders deted with a soft sigh, and for a moment, neither of us spoke. I couldn¡¯t seem to find the right words, not when we were surrounded by all of these artifacts and he was looking at me like I was the most valuable thing in the room.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about the locket,¡± he said. ¡°I know how much it meant to you.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault. Gabriel was the one who-¡±


    ¡°I should have told you what I was nning. If you¡¯d known I wanted to surprise you with it, none of this would have happened.¡±


    Before I could answer, Alexander¡¯s hand came up to frame my face, and suddenly we were standing so close I could feel the warmth from his body enveloping me like a cocoon. His eyes dropped to my lips, and mine dropped to his. The bond pulsed again<b>, </b>or perhaps that was my traitorous heart ying tricks on me.


    Suddenly, another sharp cramp shot through my lower abdomen. I gasped and doubled over, both hands flying to my stomach.


    ¡°E!¡± Alexander¡¯s arms were around me instantly, although he hardly touched me, as if he were afraid I might shatter. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Just a cramp,¡± I managed through gritted teeth. ¡°I think the stress from earlier is catching up with me.


    Alexander¡¯s face went pale. ¡°We need to get you upstairs. You need to rest.¡±


    He helped me out of the vault and up the stairs, one arm wrapped securely around my waist. By the time we reached our bedroom, the cramping had mostly subsided, but Alexander insisted on helping me into bed anyway.


    ¡°Should I call Dr. Evelyn?¡± he asked as I leaned back on the pillows.


    I shook my head. ¡°I¡¯m fine now. I think it was just the panic from being trapped in there.¡± I touched the diamond ne again. ¡°The baby is okay.¡±


    Alexander didn¡¯t look convinced, but didn¡¯t argue. Before I knew it, I found myself drifting off to sleep. And Alexander stayed with me, his hand rubbing soothing circles across my belly until I nodded off.


    When I woke up a few hourster, Alexander was gone, but there was a ss of water and some crackers on the nightstand beside me. I sat up slowly, relieved when no more cramping followed, and reached for the water.


    My fingers found the diamond ne again as I drank. It really was beautiful. Delicate but substantial, clearly worth a fortune. And Alexander had just¡­ given it to me with no strings attached.


    That was what confused me most about all of this.


    Alexander could be so sweet and tender at times, treating me like I was his true love. The way he¡¯d looked at me in the vault, the way his hands had lingered on my skin when he¡¯d put the ne on me¡­ it had felt real. Genuine.

 The Perfect 161

    But then there were moments like that night when I¡¯d asked about children, when he¡¯d immediately fallen back on the contract like it was the most logical thing. Or the way he¡¯d mentioned extending our contract when he¡¯d marked me at the hospital.


    <b>I </b>couldn¡¯t figure out how he really felt about me. Did he care about me as his mate, or was I still just a convenient arrangement to him?


    Sometimes I wished my mother were here. I wished I could ask her for advice.


    Maybe if I¡¯d had that kind of guidance growing up, things would have turned out differently. Maybe I would have known how to recognize love when I saw it, or how to protect my heart from getting broken by someone who might never truly want me.


    But I¡¯d never had that. My mother had died when I was an infant, and then my father and stepmother had treated me like an inconvenience at best, a burden at worst. They¡¯d never cared enough about my happiness to give me advice about anything, let alone something asplicated as marriage.


    To them, I was just a pawn.


    The thought made my chest hurt in a hollow, throbbing sort of way, and I realized I was crying again. Not for the locket this time, but for everything I¡¯d never had. The mother who should have been there, the family who should have supported me, the childhood that should have prepared me for moments like this.


    But then I thought about Lilith, and the ache in my heart softened slightly.


    I did have someone. Lilith had been a mother to me. She¡¯d been the one tofort me when I was sick, to hold me when I cried, to celebrate with me when good things happened.


    And it was Lilith¡¯s precious locket that Gabriel had destroyed. While I was sitting here moping about my own feelings and touching Alexander¡¯s expensive gift, she was probably downstairs missing her family heirloom just as much as I was.


    I needed to stop feeling sorry for myself and go check on her.


    After quickly changing, I made my way downstairs to the kitchen. It waste¨Cpast nine o¡¯clock by that point¨Cbut I knew she would still be up. Lilith wasn¡¯t there, but I could hear her humming on the back porch.


    I put the kettle on and pulled out her favorite tea blend, along with some of the cookies she¡¯d baked yesterday. By the time I¡¯d arranged everything on a tray, the water was ready.


    ¡°Lilith?¡± I called out as I pushed open the door with my hip. ¡°I brought tea,¡±


    She looked up from the knitting project she was working on on the swinging bench, and her face lit up. ¡°How lovely, dear. How are you feeling?¡±


    ¡°<b>I¡¯m </b><b>better </b><b>now</b>.¡± <b>I </b>set the tray down on the small table by the window and reached up <b>to </b>unsp the diamond ne. ¡°I wanted to give you this.¡±


    Lilith¡¯s


    eyes


    widened as she took in the sparkling stones. ¡°E, I couldn¡¯t possibly-¡±


    ¡°Please. Alexander gave it to me, but you¡¯re the one who lost something precious today. You should have it.¡±


    ¡°Absolutely not.¡± Lilith shook her head firmly and gently pushed my hands away when I tried to give it to her. ¡°That ne suits you perfectly. Besides, diamonds were never really my style anyway.¡±


    ¡°But your locket-¡±


    ¡°E, darling, the ne itself was never what mattered most to me.¡± Lilith set aside her knitting and cupped my face, thumbs smoothing over my cheekbones. ¡°What mattered was that it made you happy when you needed it the most, even if only for a little while.


    I felt the familiar sensation of hot tears pricking at the backs of my eyes again. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry it¡¯s gone.¡±


    ¡°I am too. But we still have each other, don¡¯t we? Lilith smiled and gestured to the tea tray.¡± Now put that beautiful ne back on and pour us some tea.¡±


    I fastened the ne around my neck and poured the tea, sitting down on the bench next to Lilith. She handed me a cookie andunched into a story about the nket she was going to knit for the baby, and soon we wereughing, feet swinging as the bench swayed back and


    forth.


    And for a little while, that was all that mattered the two of us together, enjoying each other¡¯spany.


    Diamonds and lockets could neverpare.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 The Perfect 162

    E


    The midnight blue gown fit me just as perfectly now as it did that day in the shop. I smoothed my hands over the bodice onest time, turning this way and that and watching as the skirt red around my legs and the diamond ne Alexander had given me glinted around my neck.


    I looked like a Luna. More than that, I looked like someone who belonged on the arm of a future Alpha King.


    Too bad none of it was real¡­


    Right?


    Lately, I wasn¡¯t so sure. Things felt¡­ different since that day in the vault. I didn¡¯t know where exactly Alexander and I stood anymore. Lovers? Partners? Still enemies? Or something else entirely?


    ¡°E, are you ready?¡± Alexander¡¯s voice called from outside the door. I jumped slightly at the sound and turned to go.


    ¡°Coming!¡± I called out, and it was then that my eyes caught something behind the dresser. Something small and dainty.


    I bent to see what it was, and my eyebrows shot up when I saw the tiny bracelet that I¡¯d thrown there months ago in


    anger. My breath caught as I carefully picked it up, flicking some


    of the cobwebs off.


    Seeing the little bracelet now, knowing that it had been Alexander¡¯s way of showing me he/ cared more than he let on, made my chest turn warm with an emotion I hardly dared name. Without thinking, I sped the bracelet around my wrist and hurried out of the room.


    Alexander was waiting for me in the corridor, leaning against the wall with his hands in his pockets. When he saw meing, he straightened, green eyes sweeping across me with what looked like appreciation.


    ¡°Beautiful.¡± The word came out so simply and matter¨Cof¨Cfactly that it made my chest flutter, and when I moved to walk by him, he grabbed my wrist and held it up to inspect the bracelet.¡± I didn¡¯t know you kept this.¡±


    I quickly looked away, cheeks warming. ¡°Yes, well¡­ You seem to like showering me with jewelrytely.¡±


    Alexander didn¡¯t respond to that, although as we made our way downstairs and out to the waiting car, I couldn¡¯t help but notice what almost looked like a faint smile tugging at his lips.


    As we pulled up to the entrance of the banquet hall where the party would be held tonight, I


    could see the crowd of reporters and photographers already gathered outside. shes started going off the moment our car stopped.


    ¡°Here we go,¡± Alexander muttered under his breath. ¡°Stick to the n.¡±


    I nodded, my heart sinking slightly as I recalled the ¡°n¡± we¡¯d discussed for tonight. Remaining by one another¡¯s sides. Smiling for the cameras. Showing off the mating mark and my belly, although it was still t, as much as possible.


    Another reminder that despite everything, our marriage was purely business.


    The valet opened my door, and immediately the cameras started shing faster. I took Alexander¡¯s offered arm and we walked up the red carpet together, ignoring the questions from the press about my pregnancy and our rtionship but stopping asionally to make sure they got a few good pictures of the happy couple.


    Inside the ballroom, the atmosphere was electric. The Alpha Council had pulled out all the stops for this event¨Ccrystal chandeliers, white tablecloths, centerpieces containing roses and gold ents. The most powerful wolves in the territory were all here, dressed in their finest formal wear.


    But what surprised me was the reaction we got when we entered.


    People actually turned to stare as we passed. Heads whipped our way, fans lifted to conceal whispers, and a few daring guests even pointed directly at us.


    Alexander¡¯s hand tightened on my arm, and suddenly, the bond between us red to life. I bit back a gasp as his voice slipped into my mind like velvet.


    ¡°Looks like we¡¯re the star couple of the night.¡±


    The sound of Alexander¡¯s voice in my mind sent a shiver scuttling up my spine, and the sensation of his hand on the bare skin of my back did nothing to quell it.


    Tonight was going to be easier said than done. If he used our mindlink like that too often, I might melt right at his feet like the lovesick, pregnant fool I was.

 The Perfect 163

    Chapter <b>163 </b>


    ¡°And maybe try not to turn into a puddle every time I use the bond tomunicate,¡± he chuffed.


    My cheeks reddened, but I quickly snapped back, ¡®It¡¯s still new. I just need to get used to it.¡±


    ¡°Right¡­¡±


    Just as we were making our way toward the refreshments table, a young woman in a pale pink dress approached us. ¡°Luna E! I just had to tell you, your love story is absolutely magical. The way Alpha Alexander marked you at the hospital when you needed him most¡­ it¡¯s like something out of a fairytale.¡±


    I had absolutely no clue who this woman was, but I managed a smile at her praise. ¡°Thank you. That¡¯s very kind.¡±


    ¡°And the baby!¡± She sped her hands together and peered at my belly. ¡°How are you feeling? You¡¯re glowing.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m feeling wonderful, actually.¡± That part, at least, wasn¡¯t a lie. ¡°Alexander¡¯s been taking such good care of me.¡±


    The woman beamed. ¡°Of course he is. When I saw those maternity photos¡­ Goddess, the way he looks at you! How did you know he was the one?¡±


    My mouth opened and closed wordlessly, and I nced at Alexander, who was watching me with his head tilted, red hair falling across his forehead. Was that a smirk tugging at one corner of his mouth?


    He was enjoying this, wasn¡¯t he? Watching me get flustered?


    I bit the inside of my cheek, deciding that two could y at this game.


    ¡°He¡¯s always been incredibly thoughtful,¡± I sighed dreamily, touching his arm with one hand while I touched my ne with the other. ¡°He showers me with gifts even though I tell him I don¡¯t need them.¡±


    The woman¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°He gave you that ne?¡±


    I nodded hastily. ¡°Yes, he did. And this bracelet, too.¡± I held up my wrist, turning it to show off the dainty chain. ¡°Said it was a token of his love. Isn¡¯t that right, dear?¡±


    Alexander¡¯s lips parted as if he didn¡¯t expect me to y my role so well, but he managed to snap his features back into a mask of utter bliss. ¡°Yes. It is.¡±


    ¡°And when I told him about the baby¡­¡± I ced my hand on my stomach, still looking up at him with adoration. ¡°He was so gentle. He told me I was going to be the most beautiful mother, and that our child was going to be so lucky to have me.¡±


    None of it was true, of course. Mostly. But as the words left my mouth, I couldn¡¯t help but smile at the thought of such a romance. What would it be like if Alexander really said those things to me? If he really looked at me the way these people thought he did?


    ¡°You¡¯re a natural at this.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve had plenty of practice.¡±


    ¡°Practicing your blush in the mirror, too, I take it?¡±


    My cheeks burned hotter as I realized I¡¯d been caught flushing like a smitten schoolgirl over a damn fantasy, and when I nced up at Alexander, he was watching me with that damnable smirk ghosting the corners of his lips.


    But then, suddenly, everything changed. Alexander¡¯s eyes snapped up over my shoulder, and his face dropped. When I followed his gaze, my heart nearly stopped.


    Fucking Sophia.


    She was making her way through the crowd with an easy gait, dressed in a stunning red gown that showed off her perfect figure. Brte hair was perfectly curled, makeup dark and sultry. For all the world, she looked like a red serpent.


    And she wasing straight toward us with venom in those eyes.


    My heart rate spiked as she got closer. What was she doing here? After everything that she and her family had done, why would she dare show her face at this event?


    ¡°Sophia.¡± To my surprise, Alexander stepped in front of me just as her cold eyes had begun to narrow on me. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


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 The Perfect 164

    E & Sophia


    E


    ¡°Alexander. E.¡± Sophia stopped a respectful distance away and bowed her head. ¡°I know this is awkward, but I wanted to exin why I¡¯m here.¡±


    Alexander¡¯s arm stayed firmly around my waist. The tension in his body took mepletely by surprise; I knew he¡¯d had a falling out with her and her family after what had happened, but he looked positively thunderous.


    ¡°I told you he cares more than you think,¡± my wolf hummed, which I quickly silenced with a very crude mental gesture.


    ¡°My distant cousin is running in the election,¡± Sophia said quickly ¡°I¡¯m here to see him.¡± She looked directly at me, and the remorse in her eyes surprised me even more than Alexander¡¯s fury ¡°I¡¯m not here to cause trouble. I promise.¡±


    I studied her face, searching for any sign of deception. She certainly looked sincere enough, but that meant nothing when it came to Sophia.


    ¡°E,¡± Sophia continued, ¡°I owe you an apology. <b>For </b>everything. Whatever my parents did to you, I know you didn¡¯t deserve it.¡±


    Right. ce the me on her parents.


    Sophia might be standing here ying the innocent little girl who had nothing to do with her parents¡® crimes, but I knew better. She and her family had intentionally orchestrated my kidnapping. They¡¯d tried to kill me. And now she wanted me to believe she was sorry?


    Bullshit.


    But I wasn¡¯t about to let her see that I knew the truth. Not here, not tonight, with all these people watching and cameras


    recording our every move.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I simply said. I wouldn¡¯t ept the apology.


    Sophia¡¯s shoulders sagged, although I wasn¡¯t sure if it was relief or disappointment. Her gaze slid over to Alexander¡¯s, but his eyes remained hard as two emeralds.


    He said nothing.


    It was clearly a silent dismissal, and to her credit, Sophia took the int. She nodded to both of us and melted back into the crowd, leaving us alone again.


    Alexander¡¯s voice slid through the bond. ¡°She and her family have been punished, I assure you.¡±


    ¡°I know<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>I looked away, trying to hide the disappointment I felt that the punishment hadn¡¯t been more severe than it apparently was. ¡°I trust your judgment.¡±


    He tilted his head. ¡°Do you?¡±


    Maybe. Maybe not. Either way, I wasn¡¯t going to let Sophia or anyone else spoil this evening. This was my first night out as an expecting mother, my first chance to y the role of Luna at a major political event. I was going to bask in every damn minute of it.


    The rest of the night passed without incident. Alexander introduce me to candidate atter candidate, their wives and advisors and campaign managers. Everyone wanted to congratte us one pregnancy, toment on our ¡°beautiful love story,¡± to ask when the baby was due.


    I yed my part perfectly, smiling and chatting and letting people touch my t tummy. I told the romantic stories I¡¯d crafted earlier about Alexander¡¯s devotion and I smiled up at him adoring


    But as the hours wore on, the exhaustion of it all started catching to me. ying the part of a doting wife was starting to drag


    me down, and constantly seeing Sophia in the background everywhere I looked wasn¡¯t helping any, either.


    Finally, while Alexander rubbed elbows with a group of Alphas from the northern territory coalition, I slipped away for a moment to myself and found a quiet table to sit at. He didn¡¯t seem to notice my absence.


    As I sat down, it seemed thebination of pregnancy hormones and thete hour was hitting me harder than I expected. 1 tried to fight it, but thefortable chair and the dim lighting in this corner of the room were working against me


    Before I knew it, I was nodding off.


    7 drifted in that pleasant space between sleep and waking, dimly aware of the sounds of the party continuing around me. Voices andughter, the clink of sses, the soft music from the string quartet in the corner.

 The Perfect 165

    Then I felt a warm hand slip into mine, fingers intertwining with my own.


    ¡°Hey,¡± Alexander said softly. ¡°You okay?¡±


    I opened my eyes slowly. Alexander was crouched beside my chair still devastatingly handsome even after hours of political schmoozing. His tie was loosened slightly, and a few strands of fed hair had fallen across his forehead.


    But it was the look in his green eyes that made my breath catch. Gentle and concerned and something strikingly tender.


    The mate bond surged between us without warning, flooding me with all kinds of dangerous emotions that felt too big for my body. In my half¨Casleep state, with my defenses down and my heart open, I didn¡¯t think about contracts or politics or fake rtionships.


    I just acted on instinct.


    I reached up and pulled Alexander¡¯s face down to mine, kissing him with all the passion and longing I¡¯d been trying to hide for months. He made a surprised sound against my lips but didn¡¯t pull away. Instead, his free hand came up to `cup my face as he kissed me back just as fiercely.


    For a moment, the rest of the world disappeared. There was only Alexander and me and the electric current of our bond sparking


    between us.


    Only the taste of him on my tongue and the feeling of taking exactly what I wanted in that moment.


    L


    Sophia


    Sophia watched from across the room as Alex kissed E with enough passion to burn the venue down.


    The sight made her want to be fucking sick.


    They really were in love, weren¡¯t they?


    All this time, Sophia had been telling herself that their rtionship was just for show. That Alexander was only ying his part for the cameras and the voters. That deep down, he still cared about her the way she cared about him, and the punishment he¡¯d doled out was just a momentary hup.


    But that kiss¡­ there was nothing fake or temporary about that kiss


    Sophia¡¯s hands clenched into fists at her sides as she watched the disgusting disy. She¡¯d lost him. Really, truly lost him.


    The realization was a p to the face, and for a moment Sophia cold barely breathe. Alexander was nevering back to her. He was going to be Alpha King with E as his Luna Queen, and they were going to have their perfect little family and live happily ever after.


    Unless¡­


    Sophia¡¯s eyes narrowed as an idea began to form. A dangerous, desperate idea that could either give her everything she wanted or destroy herpletely onest time.


    She scanned the room until she spotted Gabriel near the bar, nursing what looked like his third whiskey of the evening. The Beta looked as miserable as she felt, probably for simr reasons.


    Perfect.


    Sophia straightened her shoulders and made her way across the room, her red dress swishing around her legs. Gabriel looked up as she approached.


    ¡°Sophia.¡±


    She slid onto the barstool next to him and signaled the bartender for a drink. ¡°Interesting evening, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s jaw tightened as he followed her gaze to where Alexande and E were still sitting together in the corner. Fucking lovebirds. ¡°Thrilling.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t sound happy about your Alpha¡¯s sess.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡±


    Sophia leaned closer, lowering her voice. ¡°It means I think we want the same thing, Gabriel. And I think we might be able to help each other get it. For good this time.¡±


    Gabriel hesitated for a long moment, and Sophia wondered if he night decline. Perhaps it was too risky for the Beta.


    But to her surprise, he set down his ss and turned to face her. ¡°I¡¯m listening.¡±


    X

 The Perfect 166

    Chapter <b>166 </b>


    E


    When we finally broke apart, both of us were breathing hard. My head spun, heart pounded, every nerve ending tingling as if I¡¯d just gripped a live wire in my bare hands.


    ¡°Delicious,¡± my wolf purred. And it was. I could have had a thousand of those kisses and never felt satisfied.


    But as the cameras shed around us, I realized what I had done.


    I¡¯d kissed my husband. Passionately. In front of everyone.


    My cheeks burned as I took in the sea of camera lenses pointed in our direction. Tomorrow, those photos would be all over social media.


    Alexander straightened his tie and cleared his throat. ¡°The mate bond,¡± he said quietly, as if reading the dumbfounded expression on my face. ¡°It¡¯s still new. Sometimes it can be¡­ overwhelming, so I don¡¯t me you.¡±


    Of course. The mate bond. A biological reaction<b>, </b>nothing more. Alexander wasn¡¯t kissing me back because he wanted to¨Che was just responding to the chemical pull between mates.


    I felt like the biggest fool in the world.


    ¡°Right,¡± I managed, taking his outstretched hand and standing. ¡°The bond.¡±


    I needed some air.


    Before Alexander could stop me, I forced a smile onto my face and turned, weaving my way through the crowd. There was a set of double doors by the rear of the banquet hall, which led out into arge and lush courtyard.


    The moment I stepped outside, I felt like I could breathe again. The night air was cool against my heated skin, and I gulped it down gratefully. The courtyard was empty except for m¨¨, lit only by strings of fairy lights and the pale glow of the moon overhead.


    I walked to the center of the garden and tilted my head back, staring up at the stars scattered across the dark sky like diamonds on a nket of ck velvet.


    Goddess, I was so tired of pretending.


    Tired of smiling and ying the loving wife when Alexander didn¡® feel the same way. Tired of making up romantic stories for strangers when the man I was married to saw our rtionship as nothing more than a business arrangement.


    He was marked to me now. I was carrying his child. But he still couldn¡¯t love me the way a husband should love his wife.


    He couldn¡¯t love me in the way I¡¯d started to love him, despite my est efforts not to.


    ¡°You¡¯re being too hard on yourself,¡± my wolf said gently, ¡°The kiss meant something to him. I could feel it through the bond.¡±


    ¡°It was just biology. He said so himself.¡°¡±


    ¡°Males are idiots about feelings. Doesn¡¯t mean they don¡¯t have them.¡±


    I shook my head, wrapping my arms around myself. It didn¡¯t matter what my wolf thought she¡¯d sensed. Alexander had made his feelings clear. Even with a baby in my belly, we were still contracted to one another¨Cwe weren¡¯t in love.


    Which begged the question: did he still have intentions to marry Sephia as soon as he could? Did he love her in the same way she loved him, but remained bound to me because of politics and a fate mate bond that he never wanted?


    Sure, we had made love once in our five years of marriage. Sure, I rried our child in my womb. And sure, he had marked me.


    But what did any of it mean?


    I had always prided myself on my intelligence. When all else failed me, when my parents refused to let me continue training and relegated me to the position of housemaid, I still had my mind.


    Even when I was ill, I still had my wit.


    But now I just felt like a lovesick fool who didn¡¯t know anything anymore. Maybe I had truly, finally been outsmarted by the


    universe itself.


    ¡°E?¡±


    I turned to find Alexander standing in the doorway, his brow furrowed. ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    I tried to force another smile, but my lips trembled, giving it away immediately. ¡°I¡¯m sorry about that kiss. You¡¯re right¨Cthe mate bond is overwhelming at times, and I was half asleep. I wasn¡¯t thinking.¡±


    Alexander studied my face in the moonlight. Instead of answering, he walked over to the rose bushes that lined the courtyard wall. He selected a pale pink flower and broke it off, careful to avoid the thorns.

 The Perfect 167

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± I asked as he walked back to me.


    Still without answering, he reached up and gently tucked the rose behind my ear, his fingers brushing against my cheek. ¡°Dance


    with me.¡±


    I stared at him in shock. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s music inside. We can hear it perfectly well out here.¡± He eld out his hand. ¡°Dance with me, E.¡±


    I looked down at his outstretched hand, then back up at his face. This felt like a trap somehow. Another performance, perhaps for cameras hidden in the bushes.


    But if there were no cameras¡­ It didn¡¯t make a damn lick of sense. Alexander wasn¡¯t romantic with me when he didn¡¯t have to <ol><li>be. </li></ol>


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because I want to.¡± Alexander stepped closer. ¡°And we haven¡¯t had a chance to dance all night.¡±


    My heart did something stupid and fluttery at his words, even though I knew better. This was just Alexander being charming, probably trying to make up for hurting my feelings earlier. But Godless help me, I wanted to believe it was real.


    ¡°Okay,¡± I said softly, cing my hand in his.


    Alexander pulled me closer, one hand settling on my waist while the other held mine. The music from inside the ballroom drifted out through the open doors, slow and romantic and perfect for a gentle waltz.


    We moved together slowly, and I was surprised by how well we fit. Alexander was a good dancer, leading me through the steps with easy confidence. The rose in my hair released its sweet scent every time I moved, and the moonlight turned everything silver as if the Moon Goddess herself were shining her light upon us.


    For a few minutes, I let myself pretend this was real. That Alexander had sought me out because he missed me, not because he felt guilty about something he¡¯d said. That the tender way he was looking at me meant something more than political convenience.


    I had so many questions I wanted to ask. About the contract. About whether he¡¯d ever consider making our marriage real instead of just legal. About whether there was any chance he might actually fall in love with me someday.


    But I kept my mouth shut. I didn¡¯t want to ruin this moment, this brief glimpse into the fantasy I¡¯d created earlier for those women at the party. The story where Alexander was a devoted husband who brought me flowers and whispered sweet things in


    my ear.


    Maybe it was pathetic, but I wanted to live in that fairy tale for just few more minutes. Even if it would disappear the second we got home<b>. </b>


    And so I simply closed my eyes and let my head rest against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart beneath my ear, His arms tightened around me, holding me closer, and for a moment I could almost believe that this meant something to him.


    We swayed together in silence, no longer really dancing but just holding each other under the moonlight.


    This was what I¡¯d always dreamed marriage would be like. Quiet moments, tender touches that meant everything and nothing all at once. The feeling of being safe in the arms of someone who loved me.


    Eventually, however, just as all things must¨Cit came to an end. The music slowed, then stopped, and our feet stopped swaying across the stone pavers.


    ¡°We should go,¡± Alexander said, stepping back and checking his watch. ¡°It¡¯ste.¡±


    I nodded, honestly exhausted myself. The fantasy had been nice to a little while, at least. All in all, it had been a good night. Even if everything was take, I had a feeling I would look back on this evening fondly.


    +15 BCNUS


    When we finally pulled into the mansion¡¯s driveway about an hourter, Alexander helped me out of the car like the perfect gentleman he¡¯d been all evening. But as we walked through the front door, I could already feel him pulling away.


    ¡°You should go to bed,¡± he said, leaving me at the foot of the stairs ¡°I have some business to handle.¡±


    And just like that, he turned and left me standing there, and the fantasy shattered the moment the clock struck midnight.

 The Perfect 168

    Alexander


    Business to handle. Right


    The truth was, I¡¯d made up the excuse because I needed to get away from E before I did something stupid again.


    Dancing with her under the moonlight had been torture of the sweetest kind. The way she¡¯d felt in my arms, the rose in her hair, the utter adoration in her eyes every time she looked up at me.


    And that kiss. Goddess, that kiss at the banquet.


    My wolf had gone absolutely feral when E had pulled me down to her mouth. The taste of her, the way she¡¯d responded to me, the little sound she¡¯d made when I¡¯d kissed her back¡­ It had taken every ounce of self¨Ccontrol I possessed not to carry her out of


    that ballroom and straight to our bed.


    I wanted to strip that midnight blue gown off her body and worship every inch of her skin. I wanted to mark her again, deeper this time, until there was no question who she belonged to. I wanted to bury myself inside of her and make her mine in every way possible.


    But I couldn¡¯t. Not yet.


    Not until I knew for certain whether she was a spy sent by her family to destroy me.


    Gabriel¡¯s letter had been eating away at me for days now. E¡¯s family had definitely orchestrated my parents¡® deaths¨CI had concrete proof of that now. And whether E knew or not, one thing was abundantly clear: they had sent her here as a tool to manipte me.


    What if she was exactly what Gabriel suspected¨Ca perfectly trained weapon designed to make me fall in love with her?


    What if she did know and all of this was just a beautiful lie.


    The thought made my chest hurt, but I couldn¡¯t ignore the possibility. My parents had been killed by E¡¯s family. I couldn¡¯t risk letting the same thing happen to myself, or worse, if I opened myself up to her too easily.


    So instead of following E upstairs and showing her exactly how much I wanted her, I¡¯d locked myself in my office with a bottle of whiskey and tried to drown out my wolf¡¯s increasingly desperate demands.


    The whiskey wasn¡¯t helping much.


    I poured another ss and stared at the amber liquid, trying to focus on the way it caught the firelight in a desperate attempt to stop thinking about the way she had looked at me tonight.


    Like she might actually care about me.


    But that could all be part of the act, couldn¡¯t it? If her family had trained her from childhood to y this role, she¡¯d be good at making me believe whatever they wanted me to believe.


    I knocked back the whiskey and immediately poured another.


    Hours passed. The bottle grew lighter. My head grew fuzzier, but the ache in my chest only got worse.


    By the time I finally stumbled upstairs, the mansion was quiet and dark. E would be asleep by now, curled up in our bed wearing one of those silk nightgowns that drove me insane.


    But as I approached the door, I noticed a sliver of buttery light spilling across the corridor floor from inside. I heard E¡¯s soft voiceing from within.


    Goddess fucking dammit¡­¡±


    She sounded awfully frustrated.


    The door was cracked open just enough for me to see inside, so I quietly crept over and peered through, just to see what was going on.


    E was standing in front of the mirror, still in that midnight blue gown, but she was twisted around trying to reach theces of her corset. Her hair had fallen loose from its elegant updo, tumbling in waves down her back, and the sight of all that dark silk against her pale skin made my mouth go dry.


    She was struggling with the corset fastenings, her face scrunched up as she tried to contort her arms behind her back to reach theces. Every time she stretched, the bodice of her dress pulled tight across her breasts in an all¨Ctoo¨Cdelicious way, but it was the obvious frustration in her movements that really caught my attention.

 The Perfect 169

    ¡®Come on,¡± she muttered, twisting further and wincing. ¡°Stupid thing.¡±


    I took a step back, figuring I should probably leave instead of watching her undress like a creep. But the way she was struggling made me feel like an asshole for leaving. She had clearly been struggling with the corset by herself all this time. I couldn¡¯t just walk away when she obviously needed help.


    Before I could second¨Cguess myself, I pushed the door open and stepped into the room.


    ¡°Need help?¡±


    E spun around, eyes going wide. A flush crept up her neck.


    ¡°Alexander. I thought you were¡­ I thought you had business.¡±


    ¡°I did. It¡¯s finished.¡± The lie came easily. ¡°You look like you¡¯re having trouble.¡±


    She nced back at the mirror, then at me, uncertainty written all across her face. Finally, she sighed. ¡°I can¡¯t reach theces. They¡¯re too high up.¡±


    ¡°Turn around.¡±


    She slowly turned to face the mirror, moving her hair over her shoulder and presenting her back to me. Her pale skin and the sight of the beautiful nape of her neck practically made my mouth water.


    I stepped closer, close enough to smell the lingering scent of roses in her hair and the faint vani of her perfume. My fingers found the top of theces, and I began working them loose, one eyelet at a time.


    E was perfectly still as I worked, but I could see her watching me in the mirror.


    ¡°There,¡± I said quietly as the first few inches ofcing came free. ¡°Better?¡±


    She nodded, but when she reached behind her to continue on her own, her arms still didn¡¯t reach.


    So I continued working my way down, my knuckles asionally brushing against the smooth skin of her back through the gaps in thecing. Eachce was fucking torture. My wolf howled in my mind, begging me to take her right then and there, and it was hell trying to hold him back and focus on the task.


    Halfway down, the corset began to loosen significantly. The bodice of her dress sagged slightly, revealing more of that perfect


    skin.


    My fingers had started to tremble slightly. Just a few more eyelets and she¡¯d be able to step out of the corset entirely.


    It would be so easy to slide my hands around her waist, to turn her in my arms and kiss her the way I¡¯d been wanting to all night. To peel that dress off her body and carry her to bed.


    She was my mate. My wife. The mother of my child. I had every right to touch her, to im her, to make love to her until neither of us could think straight.


    But I also had every reason to doubt her.


    My hands stilled on thest set ofces. In the mirror, I could see E¡¯s face, flushed and expectant, lips slightly parted. With a deep inhale, her breasts strained against the top of her bodice, and¡­


    Dammit.


    I loosened the finalces and stepped back, sping my hands behind me to keep myself from touching her.


    ¡°There. You should be able to manage the rest.¡±


    E blinked, as ifing out of a trance. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    I turned around, giving her privacy to slip out of the dress. Behind me, I heard the whisper of silk against skin, then the soft rustle of fabric hitting the floor.


    Goddess fucking damn me straight to Hell, I thought, biting the inside of my cheek. She was undressed. Probably in somecy negligee or something. Or perhaps just panties and nothing else.


    But no matter how much I wanted to turn around, I kept my eyes fixed on the window until I heard her footsteps cross the room.


    The bathroom door clicked shut, and a momentter, the shower turned on.


    Only then did I allow myself to move, sinking onto the edge of the bed and burying my face in my hands.


    This was going to kill me.


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 The Perfect 170

    E


    The ultrasound appointment card was sitting on the breakfast table when Alexander walked into the kitchen three weekster. I¡¯d set it down for two seconds while I grabbed my coffee, and he had spotted it immediately.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± He picked up the small white card and inspected it


    ¡°My first ultrasound. It¡¯s today.¡± I reached for the card, but he held it just out of my reach. ¡°Can I have that back?¡±


    ¡°Were you nning to go alone?¡±


    I shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s just a routine checkup. Nothing exciting. We won¡¯t know the gender for another couple of months.¡±


    Alexander¡¯s eyebrows shot up. ¡°E, this is our baby¡¯s first ultrasound. Of course I¡¯ming with you.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to-


    >>


    ¡°I want to.¡± He set the card back down on the table and fixed me with that familiar look of his that said the discussion was over. ¡°I¡¯ll clear my schedule.¡±


    Despite myself, my chest warmed pleasantly at his insistence. I¡¯d gotten so used to doing things on my own over the years, especially anything rted to my health, that I hadn¡¯t even considered he might want to be there.


    ¡°Okay,¡± I said quietly. ¡°If you¡¯re sure.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure.¡± Green eyes flickered with something that I could have mistaken for the very same tenderness he showed me at the banquet three weeks ago. ¡°Get dressed. We¡¯ll head out soon.¡±


    I nodded, and once I finished my coffee and gobbled up a couple slices of toast with jam, I hurried upstairs to change. I threw on afortable sundress¨Csummer had brought with it a hot and humid spell that was not doing any favors for my early pregnancy difort¨Cand some sandals, then pulled my hair up into a simple bun and headed out.


    Alexander was waiting by the car when I found him. He opened my door for me like a perfect gentleman, and I tried to ignore the difort I felt when I saw Gabriel sitting in the driver¡¯s seat.


    The Beta didn¡¯t look at me, which I wasn¡¯tining about. I didn¡¯t want to look at him either after what he¡¯d done.


    Throughout the entire drive, Alexander¡¯s leg was bouncing in the seat beside me.


    ¡°You seem more anxious than I am,¡± I pointed out with a smirk as we pulled into the parking lot of the clinic a little whileter.


    ¡°I¡¯m not anxious.¡±


    ¡°Right. And I¡¯m the Alpha King.¡±


    He shot me a look, but I caught the hint of a smile tugging at his lips. It had been moremontely, that damn smile. He thought I didn¡¯t notice, but I did.


    I knew it wasn¡¯t because of me, necessarily. I knew he was just happy about the baby.


    But damn me if I didn¡¯t find it utterly captivating. How many times had Alexander smiled throughout our marriage? I wasn¡¯t even sure if I could count them on one hand. Not until now, when they were bing moremon than seeing him in a suit, which was every day.


    The appointment itself was everything I¡¯d hoped it would be. Dr. Evelyn squirted cold gel on my slightly swollen belly and moved the ultrasound wand around until a grainy ck and white uage appeared on the screen.


    ¡°There¡¯s your baby,¡± she said, pointing to a tiny blob that looked more like a bean than a little life. ¡°Everything looks perfect so


    far.<b>¡± </b>


    My eyes blurred with tears as I looked at the screen. That little blob was our child. Mine and Alexander¡¯s.


    ¡°Is that the heartbeat?¡± Alexander asked, pointing.


    ¡°It is. Strong and steady, exactly what we want to see.¡± Dr. Evelyn made some notes on her clipboard. ¡°The pregnancy is progressing beautifully, E, Your wolf¡¯s strength is clearly providing excellent support for the baby¡¯s development.¡±


    ¡°And my condition¡­?¡°.


    Evelyn beamed. ¡°It¡¯s remarkable, actually. Your wolf seems stronger than ever despite her dormancy. In fact, I dare say you¡¯re on track to have the healthiest pregnancy I¡¯ve ever seen.¡± She leaned forward and patted my hand. ¡°You look fantastic, E. I¡¯m so d to see you recovered.¡±


    Unbidden, my fingers fluttered toward the mark on my neck. It was a scar now, a raised patch of flesh in the shape of a crescent. Perhaps it wasn¡¯t evidence of Alexander¡¯s true love, but it was evidence that he¡¯d cared enough for our child to mark me.


    And that was something, wasn¡¯t it?


    We left the office with a strip of ultrasound photos and matching gins on our faces. I kept looking down at the pictures, trying to make sense of the tiny form that would be our son or daughter.

 The Perfect 171

    ¡°Home?¡± I asked as we got back in the car.


    ¡°Nope.¡± Alexander directed Gabriel to drive toward the shopping district. When the Beta parked outside of the biggest baby supply store in the territory, I turned to stare at Alexander.


    ¡°Alexander, what are we doing here?¡±


    ¡°Shopping for the baby.¡± He was already getting out of the car, and when he opened my door, he was in such a rush that I practically had to jog to catch up with him.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it a little early for that? I¡¯m barely three months along.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s never too early to be prepared. I¡¯m just being practical.¡± Rigl. Practical. As if I couldn¡¯t see the excitement in his green eyes. ¡°Besides, the good stuff takes time to order.¡±


    The store was massive, with different sections for furniture, clothes, toys, and feeding supplies. Everything was disyed in little mock nurseries that made my heart leap and my mind race with all kinds of ideas for our future baby¡¯s room.


    ¡°Alpha Alexander! Luna E!¡± A cheerful woman in her fifties approached us with a clipboard. ¡°I¡¯m so honored that you¡¯re considering my humble shop for your little heir.¡±


    ¡°Hardly humble,¡± Iughed, gesturing around at the massive space and making the woman blush.


    Alexander ced his arm around my shoulders, and now I was the one who was blushing. ¡°We¡¯re just looking for the essentials for now. Crib, changing table, that sort of thing. But I only want the best.¡±


    ¡°Wonderful! Congrattions. When are you due?¡±


    ¡°January,¡± I said.


    ¡°Perfect timing for our holiday sales.¡± She gestured for us to follow her toward the furniture section. ¡°Let me show you some of our most popr pieces.¡±


    For the next hour, we wandered through disys of cribs and dressers and rocking chairs. Alexander was surprisingly opinionated about everything, rejecting anything that looked ¡°flimsy¡± or ¡°impractical.¡±


    He spent twenty minutes examining the safety features on one crib before finally approving of the locking mechanism.


    ¡°This one<i>,</i>¡± he said decisively, running his hand along the smooth wood of a beautiful cherry crib. ¡°What do you think?¡±


    I had to admit it was gorgeous. ssic but not fussy, with clean lines and expert woodworking. ¡°I love it.¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>We¡¯ll </i>take it. And we¡¯ll need the matching changing table,¡± Alexander told the sales associate without hesitation, ¡°When can you deliver?¡±


    ¡°For the full set? About six weeks.¡±


    ¡°Perfect.¡±


    I was starting to understand why people said pregnant women nested. There was something deeply satisfying about picking out furniture for our baby, even if we wouldn¡¯t need it for months.


    There was also something deeply satisfying about seeing Alexander in such a state of glee.


    We were debating the merits of different rocking chairs when I heard amotion near the front of the store. Voices, car doors mming, the sound of running feet.


    ¡°Oh my Goddess, is that really them?¡±


    <b>¡°</b>I told you they were here!¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re buying baby stuff! This is so cute!¡±


    Alexander and I exchanged a look of horror as a group of about ten people burst through the store entrance, phones already out and recording.


    ¡°Luna E! Alpha Alexander! Can you tell us about the baby?¡±


    ¡°When are you due?¡±


    ¡°What are you hoping for, a boy or a girl?¡±


    The sales associate looked panicked as the fans swarmed toward us, knocking over a disy of stuffed animals in their


    excitement.


    ¡°Fuck,¡± Alexander muttered under his breath. He grabbed my hand and steered me toward the back of the store. ¡°Is there another exit?¡± he whispered to the associate.


    ¡°Service entrance,¡± the woman stammered. ¡°Through the stockroom.¡±


    We hurried through a door marked ¡°Employees Only<i>¡± </i>as the crowd grew louder behind us. I could hear the store manager trying to restore order, but it wasn¡¯t working.


    The service entrance led to an alley behind the building where Gabriel was already waiting with the car running.


    How did they know we were here?¡± I asked as we climbed into the backseat.


    ¡°Social media,¡± Gabriel said grimly, pulling out of the alley. ¡°Someone posted about seeing you at the doctor¡¯s office, and it spread from there.¡±


    ¡°Goddess.¡± Alexander¡¯s serene smile had been reced by a look of utter disappointment. ¡°Can¡¯t we buy baby furniture without it bing a spectacle?¡±


    ¡°Apparently not.¡± Gabriel nced at us in the rearview mirror, eyes briefly meeting mine. ¡°Maybe from now on you should just order everything from a catalog.¡±


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    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 The Perfect 172

    E


    Over the following weeks, we fell into a tentative yet strangelyfortable routine. I wouldn¡¯t go so far as to say that it felt like a real marriage, not by a long shot, but between the baby and the election, Alexander and I almost felt like¡­


    Partners.


    Mostly, Alexander just threw himself into election preparations, while I found myself caught between the excitement of preparing for our baby and the misery of morning sickness that seemed determined tost all day long.


    Morning sickness. What a joke. Try afternoon sickness, evening sickness, middle- of¨Cthe¨Cnight¨Cwake¨Cup¨Cand¨Csprint¨Cto¨Cthe¨Cbathroom sickness.


    But Alexander was always there when I was ill. And every night, even when I didn¡¯t see him all day because of the election, he came home for dinner. At every event, we were by each other¡¯s sides, quietly supporting each other.


    Again, it wasn¡¯t a real marriage by any stretch of the imagination. If anything, it felt more like a strange sort of limbo. But in an unexpected way, it was also sort offortable. And I found myself smiling a lot more during those days, although that could have been chalked up to the excitement of preparing for the baby.


    The baby preparations, in particr, were going smoothly. The cherry wood crib and matching furniture had arrived right on schedule, and we¡¯d spent an entire afternoon setting up the nursery.


    Alexander had insisted on assembling everything himself, muttering about proper safety protocols and refusing to let any of the pack members help.


    Watching him wrestle with the crib instructions, red hair falling across his forehead as he concentrated, had done something dangerous to my chest.


    He¡¯d looked so¡­ domestic. Like a real husband preparing for his first child.


    I tried not to think about what our life would be like if that were the case, but it wasn¡¯t easy. Especially not when his face lit up every time I mentioned the baby or when he would bring me ginger ale and crackers in the middle of the night when I


    was sick.


    The campaign, meanwhile, was going better than anyone had expected. Alexander¡¯s approval ratings had skyrocketed after our public announcement about the pregnancy. Apparently, voters loved the idea of a stable family man as their Alpha King.


    Surprise, surprise.


    The photos from our maternity shoot were still circting on social media, along with candid shots from various events where Alexander¡¯s hand could be seen resting protectively on my lower back. No one knew it was all an act. Sometimes, I forgot it was, too.


    By the time I was five months along, Alexander had taken the lead in the polls for the first time since the campaign had begun.


    ¡°I think I might actually win this thing,¡± he¡¯d said one evening, copsing into bed beside me while I sat up on my side, reading a book. I could feel a wave of sicknessing, so I knew it was pointless to try to sleep yet.


    I nced at him. ¡°You sound surprised.¡±


    ¡°I am, a little. When this whole thing started, it felt like such a long shot.¡± He shrugged. ¡°But the family man angle is working better than I expected.¡±


    The family man angle. Right. It was so easy to forget sometimes that that was what we were ying at. Sharing a bed had be so routine that I often needed a reminder that none of this was real.


    I forced a smile. ¡°Good. That¡¯s what you hoped for when we made the arrangement, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    Something flickered across Alexander¡¯s expression, too quick for me to interpret. But before I could ask about it, the sickness came, and that was the end of the


    discussion for the night.


    The following morning, I was passing by Alexander¡¯s office when I overheard him talking to Gabriel within.


    ¡°We need one final push,¡± Gabriel was saying. ¡°Something big and public that will cement your image as the candidate of family values, I¡¯m thinking a massive supporter pic, right here in our territory. Families wee, activities for children, the whole thing. Of course, E won¡¯t be able toe¡­¡±

 The Perfect 173

    Chapter <b>173 </b>


    I stepped into the room without thinking. ¡°Why can¡¯t Ie?¡±


    Both men jerked their heads up. I thought I saw a ghost of a smile cross Alexander¡¯s face as his eyes flicked down to where my hand was resting on the slight swell of my belly; I had taken to wearing my nightgown and robe in the morningstely, too sick and tired to worry about getting dressed so early in the day.


    Gabriel¡¯s brows lifted. ¡°Well, you¡¯re sick all the time. Surely you can¡¯t attend an event like this without having to run to the bathroom every five minutes.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not that bad,¡± I said, rolling my eyes.


    ¡°You threw up twice yesterday morning and barely ate anything at dinner.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I didn¡¯t know you were monitoring me, Gabriel.¡±


    The Beta¡¯s eyes shed, but I held his gaze steadily. I had be so used to our constant battle of wills that his remarks didn¡¯t even faze me anymore.


    Alexander cleared his throat. ¡°E, I know you want to support me, but you don¡¯t have toe if you¡¯re not feeling up to it.¡±


    The concern in his expression made my chest warm, but I shook my head. ¡°This is thest major event of the campaign, Alexander. Of course I¡¯m going to be there.¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s expression turned thunderous. ¡°Pregnant females need rest. It will only hurt the campaign if she¡¯s visibly sick at such an event-¡±


    ¡°She is standing right here,¡± I bit out. ¡°And I¡¯m perfectly capable of making my own decisions about what I can and can¡¯t handle. I¡¯m going to that pic, and I¡¯m going to smile and shake hands and do whatever needs to be done to help Alexander win this election. Because that¡¯s what our arrangement requires.¡±


    The moment the words left my mouth, I regretted them. Not because they weren¡¯t true, but because of the way Alexander¡¯s expression shuttered at the mention of


    our contract.


    ¡°The arrangement,¡± he repeated quietly.


    ¡°Yes.¡± My cheeks burned, but I forced myself to continue. ¡°We agreed that I would help you win the election. This is me holding up my end of the bargain.¡±


    Alexander was quiet for a long moment, studying my face with an intensity that made my pulse skip. Gabriel had gone very still, although I could practically scent his frustration.


    Finally, Alexander nodded. ¡°If you¡¯re sure you can handle it.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure.¡® >>


    ¡°Then we¡¯ll n on having you there.¡± He turned back to Gabriel. ¡°Set it up. I want this to be the kind of event that people remember.¡±


    Gabriel nodded and left to start making phone calls and coordinating vendors, leaving Alexander and me alone in his office. I expected him to dismiss me as well, but instead, he remained seated, looking at me with that same unreadable expression.


    ¡°Can I ask you something?¡± he finally asked.


    I nodded.


    ¡°What would you do?¡± Alexander¡¯s green eyes were fixed on mine. ¡°If there was no contract?¡±


    My heart stuttered to aplete stop. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°If there was no arrangement between us. No agreement about the election or anything else. What would you do then?¡±


    The question felt like a mockery. What would I do if there was no contract? If I was free to make my own choices about our marriage, about this campaign, about everything?


    I opened my mouth to answer, but no words came out. My chest felt tight, like I couldn¡¯t draw a full breath. Because the truth was, I didn¡¯t know. Without the contract, would Alexander even want me here? Would we still be married?


    What about our child?


    Before I could find the words, there was a sharp knock on the office door.


    ¡°Alpha?¡± Gabriel¡¯s voice called from the other side. ¡°I need to discuss the vendor contracts with you. It¡¯s urgent.¡±


    Alexander sighed and stood, and just like that, our conversation was over.


    <i>Yet </i>

 The Perfect 174

    Chapter <b>174 </b>


    E


    I hadn¡¯t realized how much I¡¯d missed spending one¨Con¨Cone time with Liam until we were sitting across from each other at a divey sports bar downtown, sharing a te of chips and dip while a group of rather rowdy men in ser jerseys cheered around a television at the bar.


    ¡°You look incredible,¡± he said, gesturing at me with a torti chip topped with chunky salsa. He popped the chip into his mouth and spoke around it. ¡°Seriously, E. There¡¯s something different about you.¡±


    I touched my face self¨Cconsciously. ¡°It¡¯s just the pregnancy glow everyone talks about. Dr. Evelyn says it¡¯s perfectly normal.¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s more than that.¡± Liam leaned back in his chair, studying me with those perceptive eyes of his.¡± You¡¯re¡­ I don¡¯t know how to exin it. You seem genuinely happy. Like, actually happy, not just putting on <i>a </i>show for the cameras.¡±


    The observation caught me off guard. Was I that transparent? I picked at the appetizer, trying to think of how to respond.


    ¡°Things have been goodtely,¡± I admitted after a few moments. ¡°The morning sickness is awful, but everything else¡­ Alexander and I have found a rhythm that works.¡±


    ¡°A rhythm.¡± Liam raised an eyebrow. ¡°Is that what we¡¯re calling it now?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡±


    ¡°E, I¡¯ve seen you two together at the campaign events. The way he looks at you, the way <b>you </b>lean into him when you think no one¡¯s watching¡­¡± He shrugged. ¡°You both seem happy.¡±


    My cheeks heated up immediately. ¡°We¡¯re just getting along better these days. For the baby¡¯s sake.¡±


    ¡°Right. For the baby.¡±


    I took a sip of my virgin daiquiri, trying to cool the flush that was spreading down my neck. The truth was, I had been happytely. Happier than I¡¯d been in¡­ well, maybe ever.


    But acknowledging that felt dangerous, like I might jinx whatever fragile thing Alexander and I had built


    between us.


    ¡°He asked me something the other day,¡± I found myself saying before I could stop myself.


    ¡°Oh?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°He wanted to know what I would do if there was no contract between us.¡± The words tumbled out of my mouth in a rush. ¡°What I would choose if there was no arrangement, no agreement about the election or anything else.¡±


    Liam set down his drink very carefully. ¡°And what did you tell him?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t get the chance to answer. Gabriel interrupted before I could say anything.¡± I fidgeted with my napkin. ¡°But sometimes I wonder if¡­ if maybe he¡¯s thinking about ending the contract. About us just being together as a real family.¡±


    ¡°And how would you feel about that?¡±


    I was quiet for a long moment, staring down at the cracked vinyl tabletop. ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± I finally admitted. ¡°I mean, I want to hope, but I don¡¯t want to give myself false hope, you know? What if I¡¯m reading too much into everything? What if he¡¯s just being nice because I¡¯m carrying his child?¡±


    Liam sighed. ¡°E, can I say something that might be hard to hear?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°I know you well enough to know that you¡¯d say it even if I said no,¡± Iughed wryly.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t let your goals change too much just because of a baby.¡± He folded his arms. ¡°If Alexander is never truly going to love you in a romantic way, you still need to think about yourself and what you


    want.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand what you mean.¡±


    ¡°Did you have a bucket list when you were sick?¡± Liam asked.


    The question made my chest tighten more than I expected. I¡¯d been so caught up in the excitement of everythingtely that I¡¯d nearly forgotten all about the months I¡¯d spent thinking I would die.


    All at once, a wave of memories washed over me. Thoughts of traveling. Running away to the coast. Drinking in bars. Dancing with handsome men.


    C

 The Perfect 175

    And then, when I found out I was pregnant, I had dreamed of leaving with Lilith and my child and starting fresh. Maybe having a little cottage with a garden and getting to see as many sunsets as possible before the end came.


    Most of all, just living life honestly, being dating, and doing the things that I¡¯d never had the courage to do before.


    ¡°Yes,¡± I whispered. ¡°I did have a bucket list.¡±


    ¡°Well, just because you¡¯re no longer actively dying doesn¡¯t mean you should push those dreams away.¡±


    He was right, of course. I had forgotten about most of those ns<b>, </b>caught up as I was in the strange domesticity of preparing for the baby and supporting Alexander¡¯s campaign.


    ¡°You should still enjoy your life,¡± Liam continued. ¡°Do what you¡¯ve always wanted to do. Don¡¯t just exist in the space Alexander makes for you.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not like that. I¡¯m not just¡­ existing.¡±


    Liam didn¡¯t look convinced. ¡°When was thest time you did something just for yourself? Something that had nothing to do with Alexander or the baby or the campaign?¡±


    I opened my mouth to argue, but no examples came to mind. Every decision I¡¯d made in the past few months had been filtered through the lens of what would be best for the pregnancy or what would help


    Alexander win the election.


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯m not happy,¡± I said weakly.


    ¡°I¡¯m not saying you¡¯re not happy. I¡¯m saying you deserve to be happy on your own terms, not just as an extension of someone else¡¯s life.¡± Liam tilted his head. ¡°Do you love Alexander?¡±


    Love<i>. </i>


    The word made a fire ignite in my chest. It was warm andforting for a moment, but then it burned so hot that it singed me from the inside out.


    ¡°No,¡± I blurted out.


    Liam, of course, never missed a beat. ¡°Your face is telling a very different story than your words, E.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not love. It¡¯s just¡­ chemistry. Biology. The mate bond makes everything feel more intense than it really is.¡±


    ¡°Mhm.¡±


    The truth was, I wasn¡¯t sure anymore where the mate bond ended and my actual feelings began. Once<b>, </b>I


    <b>1/3 </b>


    415 BONUS


    had certainly wanted to love Alexander, but he made it so fucking difficult. And then there was the fister surrounding my wolf¡¯s dormancy¡­


    Over that time, I supposed I had fallen out of love with him


    Buttely, ever since I found out I was pregnant with his child and he marked me, it was hard to feel the same way. I couldn¡¯t seem to decide if I truly felt love for him or if it was just abination of pregnancy hormones and the mate bond making me foolish.


    And yet, I couldn¡¯t help but think about Alexander¡¯s face as he built our baby¡¯s crib. About the way he rolled up his sleeves and focused wholly on preparing for our pup. About the feeling of his hand <b>resting </b>on the small of my back at every single campaign event.


    About how it was all a beautiful lie built to help him win the election.


    ¡°I can¡¯t love him,¡± I finally said. ¡°It would be too dangerous.¡±


    ¡°Dangerous things typically belong on a bucket list,¡± Liam replied. ¡°<b>You </b>won¡¯t know until you talk to him.¡± Talking to Alexander. Strangely, the thought of that still felt so fucking daunting despite everything. We had spent five years pointedly not talking to each other, so it felt like an impossible task now.


    Suddenly, a wave of nausea hit me that was more violent than anything I¡¯d experienced before. Bile rose in my throat, hot and acidic, and I found myself stumbling away from the table and toward the bathroom before Liam even had a chance to call after me.

 The Perfect 176

    Alexander


    I was knee¨Cdeep in vendor contracts for the supporter pic when my phone rang. Gabriel was pacing


    around my office, rattling off logistics about sound equipment and security protocols, but I barely heard him over the spreadsheet I was reviewing.


    The call disy showed Liam¡¯s name, which was strange. He rarely called me directly. We¡¯d settled into a distant sort of quasi¨Cfriendship since the time he¡¯d spent living here, mostly just for E¡¯s sake, but we weren¡¯t close enough to have random phone calls for catching up.


    ¡°Alexander, you need to get to Memorial Hospital right now,¡± Liam said the moment I answered.


    My blood instantly went cold. ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s E. She got sick while we were having lunch and copsed. The paramedics brought her in about twenty minutes ago.¡±


    The phone nearly slipped from my hand. ¡°Is she okay? Is the baby-<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°I don¡¯t know yet. They won¡¯t tell me anything because I¡¯m not family.¡± Liam¡¯s usually calm demeanor cracked audibly. <b>¡°</b>Just get here. Fast.¡±


    I was already reaching for my jacket before I¡¯d even hung up. Gabriel stopped mid¨Csentence, eyebrows


    raised.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°E fainted and went to the hospital,¡± I exined, tugging on my jacket. ¡°I have to go.¡±


    Gabriel just looked exasperated. ¡°Alpha, I¡¯m sure she¡¯s fine. Pregnant females get dizzy spells all the time. We still need to finalize these contracts-¡±


    I whirled around to re at him. ¡°Did you not hear me, Gabriel? My mate<b>¨C</b>your Luna¨Cis in the hospital. The contracts can fucking wait.¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s mouth snapped shut at the authority in my tone, but I was already halfway out the door, not bothering to dwell on his insubordinate reaction just yet.


    The drive to the hospital felt like it took hours instead of fifteen minutes, but finally, I arrived¨Cprobably breaking about two hundred trafficws in the process. I screeched into a parking space and barely even waited for the car to stop fully before I rushed inside, where Liam was waiting for me. He led me to her room, and I braced myself for the worst before entering.


    But when I walked into the room, E was sitting up in bed, looking surprisingly alert. She looked a little pale, but otherwise okay. On the outside, at least.


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    ¡°Alexander.¡± Her voice was shaky. My wolf instantly surged as I felt her fear through the mate bond, every instinct to protect her suddenly snapping into ce like a bomb had gone off in my chest.


    I was at her side in three steps, my hands immediately going to her face to check for injuries. I cupped her cheeks, turning her head this way and that, even running my fingers along her neck as if afraid I might find a seam where it was about to pop off.


    ¡°Are you hurt?¡± I blurted out. ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m okay. The baby¡¯s okay.¡± She covered my hands with hers and met my gaze with a thin smile. ¡°<b>I </b>just got really sick at lunch and passed out. They¡¯re running some tests to figure out what caused it.¡±


    Dr. Evelyn, who was standing nearby throughout this entire exchange, cleared her throat. ¡°E tells me she has been experiencing prolonged nausea and vomiting, which we initially attributed to typical pregnancy symptoms. However, our blood work revealed something concerning.¡±


    My stomach dropped and I whirled to face the doctor. ¡°Concerning how?¡±


    The doctor took a deep breath. ¡°We found elevated levels of mercury in her bloodstream. Not immediately dangerous levels, but high enough to cause the symptoms she¡¯s been experiencing.¡± Dr. Evelyn consulted her clipboard. ¡°It appears to be from dietary exposure, most likely fish consumption.¡±


    I looked at E, confused. ¡°But you¡¯ve been careful about what you eat. You haven¡¯t had any fish that would contain mercury<b>.</b>¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I told them.¡± E¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°I¡¯ve been following all the pregnancy guidelines. No raw fish, no high¨Cmercury species. Lilith¡¯s been making sure of that.¡±


    Dr. Evelyn sighed. ¡°Mercury poisoning during pregnancy can be tricky to diagnose because the symptoms mimic normal pregnancy difort. The levels we found suggest prolonged, low¨Cdose exposure over several weeks<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°What does that mean for the baby<b>?</b>¡± I blurted out.


    ¡°At current levels, no permanent damage has been done. However, if the exposure had continued for another few weeks, it could have caused seriousplications. Potentially even miscarriage.¡±


    The words practically made me stumble backwards. We could have lost our child, and we wouldn¡¯t have even known why.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand,¡± E said, scrubbing her hands over her face. ¡°I¡¯ve been so careful. Lilith checks everything before she cooks it. She knows what¡¯s safe and what¡¯s not. And I trust herpletely.¡±


    I trusted Lilith, too. With E¡¯s life, in fact.


    <b>¡°</b>Mercury can be found in unexpected ces,¡± Dr. Evelyn exined. ¡°Certain supplements, some imported foods, even contaminated cookware. We¡¯ll need to do some detective work to identify the source.¡±


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    Over the next few hours, more tests were run, all of them confirming exactly what Dr. Evelyn said. Low levels of mercury poisoning, likely consumed over a long period of time. Thankfully, both E and the baby were okay, although more exposure could have resulted in a miscarriage or more.


    I never thought I would say this, but E¡¯s fainting spell was probably the best thing that could have


    happened.


    By the time we were finally cleared to leave the hospital, it was nearly evening. E was steady on her feet but still looked exhausted.


    The drive home was quiet. E dozed in the passenger seat while I tried to process everything that had happened. Mercury poisoning. How the hell had mercury gotten into her system<b>? </b>


    Lilith was waiting for us when we got home, pacing the front hallway. The moment she saw E, she


    rushed forward.


    ¡°Oh, sweetheart, are you alright? I¡¯ve been worried sick since Liam called.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m okay,¡± E assured her. <b>¡°</b>Just tired.¡±


    ¡°What did the doctors say<b>?</b>¡±


    I exined about the mercury poisoning while Lilith¡¯s face grew increasingly concerned.


    ¡°But that¡¯s impossible,¡± she said when I was finished. ¡°I¡¯ve been so careful with everything I prepare for you. No fish except salmon and cod, and only from reputable sources. I check everybel, every ingredient.¡±


    ¡°We believe you,¡± E said gently. ¡°The doctor said it could be from anywhere. Maybe the water, or supplements, or-¡±


    <b>¡°</b>I taste everything before I serve it to you<i>,¡± </i>Lilith interrupted, looking almost frantic. <b>¡°</b>If there was contamination, I would have gotten sick too.¡±


    She had <i>a </i>point. Lilith had been preparing most of E¡¯s meals for months, and she¡¯d never shown any symptoms of mercury poisoning.


    ¡°We¡¯ll figure it out,¡± I said, although the whole situation felt¡­ off. ¡°I¡¯ll have the house tested just to be safe. But for now, let¡¯s just focus on making sure it doesn¡¯t happen again.¡± I turned to E. ¡°You must be famished. You should eat.¡±


    E nodded weakly. ¡°I threw up my lunch,¡± she admitted quietly, her hand moving to cover her stomach.


    Lilith moved forward and wrapped her arm around E. ¡°Come, dear. Let¡¯s get you settled on the sofa and I¡¯ll make you some broth.¡±


    <b>¡°</b>No, Lilith. Stay with E.¡± Without hesitating, I turned and began making my way toward the kitchen.


    60


    I¡¯ll make you something. In fact, E, <b>I¡¯ll </b>prepare all of your meals for the remainder of the pregnancy.<b>¡± </b>


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    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 The Perfect 177

    E


    I couldn¡¯t help butugh at Alexander¡¯s deration about cooking all of my meals. The man who had barely shared a meal with me, let alone set foot in our kitchen during our entire five¨Cyear marriage, was now nning to be my personal chef for the remainder of my pregnancy.


    ¡°Alexander,¡± I blurted out, ¡°When was thest time you actually cooked something?¡±


    He paused in the doorway, one hand on the frame. There was no hiding the way the tips of his ears reddened slightly. ¡°Define¡­ cooking.¡±


    ¡°Making food. From scratch. With ingredients.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡± He ran a hand through his red hair, looking almost sheepish. ¡°I can make coffee. And toast.¡±


    ¡°Toast.¡±


    ¡°Really good toast,¡± he insisted, which only made meugh harder.


    ¡°Alexander, you don¡¯t have to do this. Lilith can keep cooking for me, and we¡¯ll just figure out where the mercury came from¡ª¡±


    ¡°No.¡± The intensity in his voice took me by surprise. ¡°I need to do this, E. I need to know that what you¡¯re eating is safe.¡± He paused, and for a moment, the air was tight. I wasn¡¯t sure if I¡¯d ever seen him <b>so</b><b>¡­ </b>protective of me.


    It was for the baby, of course. But it was still sweet.


    ¡°But you¡¯re right,¡± he admitted. ¡°I¡¯ve never had to do much cooking for myself. As an Alpha, there were always servants around, people to take care of things like that.¡±


    There was something almost vulnerable about the admission, and it made myughter turn into a quiet


    smile.


    ¡°I¡¯m determined to learn, though. For our baby. For you.¡±


    The sincerity in his green gaze made my wolf purr with satisfaction. Lilith¡¯s hand tightened around my arm, and when I met her eyes, I thought I saw a hint of something that looked like a halfway point between amusement and tenderness there.


    A few minutester, I found myself perched on a stool at the kitchen ind, watching Alexander stare at a collection of ingredients. He¡¯d rolled up his sleeves in that way that I always liked, and was furrowing his brow. He and Lilith had both tried to get me to rest on the couch, but I couldn¡¯t help but want to watch.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been staring at the spice rack for fifteen minutes,¡± I snorted.


    Alexander shot me a sideways look. ¡°I¡¯m just¡­ formting.¡±


    ¡°Formting what, exactly?¡±


    ¡°Pasta.¡± He picked up a box of penne. ¡°How hard can pasta be?¡±


    ¡°Famousst words,¡± my wolf chuckled. I held back augh in response to her quip as I watched him fill a pot with water and ce it on the stove.


    ¡°You have to add salt to the water,¡± I offered.


    ¡°Salt?¡±


    <b>¡°</b><b>It </b>seasons the pasta while it cooks. Makes it taste better.¡±


    Alexander nodded seriously and grabbed the salt shaker, dumping what looked like half of it into the pot.


    ¡°Luna¡¯s teeth, Alexander, not that much!¡± I started to get up from my stool, but he waved me back down.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got it under control.¡±


    ¡°Right. And I¡¯m the Alpha King.¡±


    He shot me a look that was half annoyance, half amusement. ¡°Sit down, smartass.¡±


    That time, I couldn¡¯t help but let out augh.


    For the next twenty minutes, I watched Alexander cook. He managed to get the pasta cooking without any major disasters, and moved on to what he imed would be a ¡°simple¡± tomato sauce.


    ¡°Simple,¡± I repeated, watching him open four different cans of tomatoes. ¡°Uh¨Chuh.¡±


    ¡°Cooking shows make it look easy,¡± Alexander muttered.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been watching cooking shows?¡±


    His cheeks reddened again. ¡°It¡¯s a guilty pleasure.¡±


    My eyebrow cocked at that. ¡°I didn¡¯t know you even had any guilty pleasures.¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t everyone?¡± He crushed a garlic clove with the t side of a knife and dropped it into a pan.


    I shrugged. ¡°You just never struck me as much of the ¡®guilty pleasure¡® type.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, well, there¡¯s a lot you don¡¯t know about me.¡±


    ¡°Tell me about it,¡± I muttered, although Alexander didn¡¯t hear me over the sound of sizzling as he dumped a can of tomatoes into the pan with the garlic.


    Unbidden, my mind flitted back to what Liam had said earlier about doing something daring, thinking of myself for once, and just fucking talking to Alexander.


    And for a moment, I almost did. It would have been easy here, in the heart of the home, watching as Alexander moved around the kitchen.


    But it was <i>so </i>fucking scary. And in a stupid way, I hated the thought of potentially ruining this little bubble of domesticity with a conversation that could end poorly.


    Watching him like this¡­ It was another <b>one </b>of those dangerous fantasies that I kept finding myself slipping into. The one where this was real, where Alexander actually wanted to take care of me because he loved me,


    not because I was carrying his political heir.


    Maybe, just for a little while longer, I could just enjoy the fantasy.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Alexander announced after a while, turning to face me with a wooden spoon in his hand. ¡°I think it¡¯s ready.¡±


    He¡¯d ted the pasta quite nicely, even adding some fresh basil that he¡¯d found in Lilith¡¯s herb garden. It looked quite delicious.


    ¡°It smells amazing,¡± I admitted.


    ¡°Don¡¯t sound so surprised.¡± Alexander picked up the fork and twirled some pasta around it, then held it out toward me. ¡°Try it.¡±


    I leaned forward to take the bite, but instead of handing me the fork, Alexander kept hold of it, bringing it to my lips himself. I parted my lips and let him pop the fork into my mouth.


    The pasta was delicious. Rich and vorful and perfectly cooked, with just enough garlic and herbs to make my mouth water for more.


    ¡°Holy shit,¡± I said around the bite of food. ¡°This is actually really good.¡±


    Alexander¡¯s face lit up with pride, and the sight of his face cracking into a grin made my traitorous heart thump wildly in my chest. ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Really. I¡¯m impressed.¡±


    Still grinning, Alexander twirled a second forkful of pasta and popped it into his mouth. His eyes widened slightly as he came to the same conclusion I had. I couldn¡¯t stop myself from smiling as I watched him chew and swallow, and without meaning to, I began to lean forward¨Cbut not for another bite.


    For something else.


    I wanted to kiss him.


    The mate bond hummed to life between us, that electric current that I¡¯d been trying so hard to suppress. It pulsed with warmth and want and something that felt suspiciously like affection.


    Alexander¡¯s eyes dropped to my lips, and I found myself leaning closer without even realizing it. The fork was still in his hand, forgotten, and his free hand came up to cup my cheek.


    I couldn¡¯t think of a single reason to pull away. Not when he was looking at me like that. Not when Liam had urged me to do the things I always wanted to do.


    And right now, this¡­ This was what I wanted more than anything else.


    So instead of remembering all the reasons why this was a bad idea, I closed the distance between us and pressed my lips to his.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 The Perfect 178

    <b>Chapter 178 </b>


    E & Alexander


    E


    The moment our lips touched, the mate bond exploded to life. The kitchen could have lit on fire for <b>all </b><b>I </b>cared. The world could have imploded and it wouldn¡¯t have meant a thing.


    All that mattered was the feeling of Alexander¡¯s mouth moving against mine and the fact that he wasn¡¯t


    pulling away yet.


    His hand slid from my cheek into my hair, fingers tangling in the strands to tilt my head so he could deepen the kiss. I could taste the garlic and herbs from the pasta on his tongue, could smell his cologne mixed with the kitchen scents, and, Goddess, it was intoxicating.


    I pressed closer to him. My hands fisted in his shirt, desperate to feel all of him against me and never let <ol><li>go. </li></ol>


    The stool I¡¯d been sitting on was forgotten as Alexander lifted me up, my legs wrapping around his waist instinctively. He carried me the few steps to the kitchen ind, then gently set me down on the edge without breaking the kiss for even a second.


    We were so close to crossing a line that we couldn¡¯t uncross. So close to giving inpletely. So close to repeating the one perfect night we spent together.


    ¡°Alpha<b>?</b>¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s t voice cut through the haze just as Alexander¡¯s hand was brushing across the swell of my belly. Alexander jerked away from me so fast I nearly fell off the counter.


    ¡°Gabriel,¡± Alexander said roughly<b>. </b>¡°What do you want?¡±


    The Beta¡¯s eyes narrowed on me. ¡°You have a phone call. Campaign business. It¡¯s urgent.¡±


    I watched Alexander¡¯s expression shift from desire to something deeply guarded within moments. The mate bond, which had been humming just moments ago, suddenly felt muted again.


    He at least had the grace to look at me and hesitate for a moment.


    I forced a smile. ¡°Go ahead. I should eat this pasta before it gets cold.¡±


    Alexander nodded and left without another word.


    I ate dinner by myself, picking at the delicious food that now tasted like ash in my mouth. The domesticity of the evening felt like a cruel joke now. For a few minutes there, I¡¯d actually believed that maybe things between us were changing. That maybe Alexander might actually want me for more than just political convenience.


    4-


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    But reality had crashed back in, just like it always did.


    So much for taking risks and living my life to the fullest.


    I was only halfway through my meal when I heard the front door m and the sound of a car engine starting. I went to the window and watched Alexander¡¯s car disappear down the driveway, red taillights vanishing into the darkness.


    He didn¡¯te home that night.


    Alexander


    I strode into my office to find Gabriel standing beside my desk. As I suspected, there was no phone call.


    Just a man folder in his hands.


    He tossed the folder onto my desk. ¡°I have more information on the investigation.¡±


    I strode forward with a huff and snapped the folder open, revealing a photograph of a stocky middle¨Caged man with a mustache. The picture was grainy and I didn¡¯t recognize the man at all.


    ¡°Who the hell is this?¡± I asked. My wolf growled in frustration, furious that whatever had been about to happen with E had been cut short. And I had no doubt that Gabriel had chosen that time to do just that.


    ¡°That¡¯s the man who cut the brake lines on your parents¡® car.¡±


    I took a single staggering step backwards, feeling like someone had just stabbed me in the heart. That was the man who had caused my parents¡® car ident all those years ago.


    That was the man who had caused their deaths.


    ¡°Who is he?¡± I growled.


    ¡°Thomas ck. He¡¯s been working for the Stormhollow pack for fifteen years. Currently employed as a groundskeeper on their estate.¡±


    My hands clenched into fists. After all these years of wondering, I finally had a name. A face. Someone I could actually confront.


    ¡°Where is he now?¡±


    ¡°At home, most likely. He lives alone in a cottage on the outskirts of Stormhollow territory.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, then,¡± <b>I </b>said, already reaching for my keys. ¡°I¡¯d like to pay this Thomas ck a little visit.¡±


    The drive to Stormhollow territory took nearly two hours, and by the time we reached Thomas ck¡¯s cottage, it was well past midnight. The small house sat at the end of a dirt road, isted and perfect for the kind of conversation we needed to have.


    Gabriel had brought rope and a few other tools of persuasion, but I hoped we wouldn¡¯t need them. Fear could be just as effective as pain, and I wanted answers, not bloodshed.


    We didn¡¯t knock.


    Gabriel picked the lock in under thirty seconds, and we slipped inside without a sound. The cottage was sparse and tidy, indicating that Thomas was a bachelor living on his own.


    Thomas was asleep in his bed when we found him. He woke up to find me standing over him with Gabriel blocking the only exit, and before he could scream, I mmed my hand over his mouth.

 The Perfect 179

    Chapter <b>179 </b>


    ¡°Thomas ck,¡± I said quietly. ¡°We need to talk.¡±


    He tried to run, of course. But Gabriel caught him before he made it three steps, shoving him back onto the bed so hard the frame cracked.


    ¡°Please,¡± Thomas stammered, ¡°I¨CI don¡¯t know what you want, but I haven¡¯t done anything-<b>¡± </b>


    <b>¡°</b>You cut the brake lines on my parents¡® car.¡±


    The color drained from his face. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about.¡±


    Gabriel stepped forward, cracking his knuckles. ¡°Would you like me to refresh his memory, Alpha?¡±


    ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary<b>.</b>¡± I pulled up a chair and sat down, making myselffortable. ¡°We already know what you did. The question is whether you¡¯re going to tell us who paid you to do it, or whether my Beta is going to have to get creative.¡±


    Thomas¡¯s throat bobbed.


    ¡°Here¡¯s what¡¯s going to happen,¡± I continued. ¡°You¡¯re going to tell us everything. Who hired you, why they wanted my parents dead, and what else you know about their ns. And if you cooperate, I might let you live to see sunrise.¡±


    Thomas broke after another ten minutes of threats and Gabriel¡¯s increasingly creative descriptions of what he nned to do to him. The confession came tumbling out all at once.


    ¡°It was the Alpha of Stormhollow,¡± he sobbed. ¡°He said the Ashw pack was getting too powerful. He paid me fifty thousand to make it look like an ident.¡±


    ¡°What else?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°That¡¯s all, I swear. <b>I </b>cut the brake lines and left.¡±


    ¡°Bullshit.<i>¡± </i>Gabriel grabbed Thomas by the shirt and hauled him upright. ¡°There¡¯s more. What about the girl?¡±


    ¡°What girl?¡±


    ¡°E. The Alpha¡¯s daughter. What were their ns for her?<b>¡± </b>


    The mention of E made my wolf howl again. He didn¡¯t believe that E was a pawn. But I pushed him down, no matter how much I wanted to agree with him. We didn¡¯t know for certain yet.


    Which was precisely why Gabriel had cut our tryst in the kitchen short. Because for all I knew, I was about to make love to the enemy for a second time.


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    And it would have been just as delicious as the most addictive drug known to man.


    Thomas¡¯s eyes went wide with fresh terror. ¡°<b>I</b>¡­ I overheard them talking once. The Alpha and his second wife. They said something about using their daughter to get close to the Ashw heir. That¡¯s all I heard, I


    swear.¡±


    The words hit me like a punch to the gut. Everything Gabriel had been saying, every suspicion he¡¯d raised


    about E, suddenly felt just a little more real.


    ¡°When was this<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>I asked.


    ¡°Years ago. Maybe six or seven years. She was just a teenager then.¡±


    Six or seven years ago. Right around the time our marriage had been arranged.


    Gabriel shot me a meaningful look. ¡°That¡¯s enough proof for me, Alpha. She¡¯s been ying you from the beginning.¡±


    But I needed more. I needed concrete evidence, not just the overheard conversations of a guilty man desperate to save his own life.


    <b>¡°</b><b>No</b>,¡± I said. ¡°Hearsay isn¡¯t enough. Anyone could im they overheard something.¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s jaw tightened. ¡°Alexander-<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°I want solid proof,¡± <b>I </b>cut him off. ¡°Documentation. Recorded conversations. Something that can¡¯t be dismissed as the desperate lies of a murderer.¡±


    I turned back to Thomas. ¡°Here¡¯s the deal. You¡¯re going to go back to your life, and you¡¯re going to find me real evidence that E is a spy. Letters, recordings, anything that proves she¡¯s been knowingly working with her family against me. <b>If </b>you bring me that proof within the next month, I won¡¯t kill you for what you did to my parents.¡±


    Thomas nodded frantically. ¡°<b>Y</b>¨CYes, yes, I can do that. I still have a key to the main house. I can find something.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯d better. Because if you don¡¯t<b>, </b>or if you try to run, or if you warn anyone about this conversation¡­¡± I leaned forward until we were inches apart. ¡°I will hunt you down and make you pay for every day my parents didn¡¯t get to live.¡±


    ¡°I understand<i>,</i><i>¡± </i>Thomas whispered. <b>¡°I¡¯ll </b>find proof. <b>I </b>promise.¡±


    I stood up, suddenly needing to get out of this cramped cottage. I didn¡¯t know where I needed to go I just needed to <b>go</b>.


    Gabriel stayed behind to finish up with Thomas while I burst outside. The night air felt cool against my skin, but it did nothing to ease the pit that had opened up in my stomach. The taste of E¡¯s kiss was still


    on my lips, the memory of how right it had felt to hold her still burning in my chest.


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    But now, with Thomas¡¯s words echoing in my head, everything felt tainted. Had it all been a lie? Every smile, every blush, every moment of vulnerability<b>? </b>


    Had she truly been ying me like a fiddle all this time?

 The Perfect 180

    <b>Chapter </b>180


    E


    The day of the pic dawned bright and clear, with just enough of a breeze to keep the summer heat from being unbearable.


    I stood at the entrance to the pic, where there was arge archway set up with a wee sign, my hand resting on top of the small bump that now protruded from beneath the blue sundress I was wearing. The dress had an empire waist, ensuring that my belly was on more prominent disy than usual.


    Had to ensure everyone knew that the Ashw Alpha and Luna were expecting an heir, after all. But I wasn¡¯tining. Not today.


    Five and a half months pregnant, and I was finally starting to show properly. The sight of my rounded belly still caught me off guard sometimes, but in a good way.


    ¡°There you are.¡± Alexander appeared at my side, looking devastatingly handsome in dark jeans and a casual button¨Cdown shirt. The sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, and he¡¯d skipped the tie for once. Ready<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    <i>¡± </i>


    I nodded and took his extended arm, stering that practiced smile on my face as we made our way into the main event space.


    We¡¯d done this dance so many times now that slipping into our public roles felt like putting on a well- worn pair of shoes.


    Over the next few hours, I smiled until my cheeks ached, answered questions about the baby¡¯s due date at least fifty times, and let what felt like half the territory touch my belly for good luck. Alexander stayed close, his hand never straying far from my back or my arm, ying the devoted mate to perfection.


    But there were moments¨Cbrief shes when he thought no one was looking¨Cwhere his concern felt genuine. The way he steered me toward a chair when I¡¯d been standing for a little too long, or how he made sure I had water and something to eat every hour on the hour.


    It reminded me of the kitchen two nights ago, of how he¡¯d looked at me, how he¡¯d touched me¡­


    Right before Gabriel had interrupted us.


    I¡¯d been trying not <i>to </i>think about that kiss, but it was proving fucking impossible. Every time Alexander touched me, even casually<b>, </b>I remembered the feeling of his hands in my hair and the taste of him on my


    tongue.


    We hadn¡¯t finished what we¡¯d started that night<b>, </b>of course. I figured that he thought it was a mistake and just wanted to bury it. If he wasn¡¯t going to bring it up, then I wasn¡¯t going to humiliate myself by doing so, either.


    ¡°Ladies and gentlemen!¡± Gabriel¡¯s amplified voice cut through my wandering thoughts. He was standing on a small tform near the center of the festivities, holding a microphone. ¡°We have a special treat nned for this afternoon. A good old¨Cfashioned game of capture the g!¡±


    The crowd cheered, and I felt my pulse quicken. I hadn¡¯t yed capture the g since I was a teenager, back before I was forced into the role of Luna and, well¡­ before everything went to shit.


    ¡°We¡¯ll be dividing into two teams,¡± Gabriel continued. ¡°And our team captains will be Alpha Alexander and ¡­ Drumroll¡­<i>¡± </i>


    The crowd waited with anticipation. I pulled my shoulders back, assuming that the other captain would be me.


    ¡°Miranda Wilkes, captain of the Ashw training league!¡±


    I turned to Alexander with raised eyebrows. ¡°What about me?¡± I asked.


    ¡°You¡¯re pregnant.¡±


    ¡°So?¡± <b>I </b>couldn¡¯t help butugh. ¡°I¡¯m not about to pop right now. Besides, the game only allows shifted wolves. I¡¯ll be perfectly fine ying a game in wolf form.¡±


    Alexander looked like he wanted to argue, but before he could, I strode up to Gabriel and took the microphone away. ¡°Change of ns,¡± I said, ignoring the way both Alexander and Gabriel put their heads in their hands. ¡°I will be taking Miranda¡¯s ce.¡± I grinned and patted my belly. ¡°Although I¡¯m not sure if I should count for one yer or two.¡±


    The crowd cheered again as I handed the microphone back to Gabriel, who looked ready to burst. Alexander, however, seemed to be hiding the faintest of smiles as I made my way back to him.


    ¡°You¡¯re impossible,¡± he muttered.


    I smirked. ¡°I thought I was going to die five months ago. A game of capture the g is exactly what I need.¡±


    Alexander snorted. <b>¡°</b>Just behave for the rest of the day then, will you?¡±


    <b>¡°</b>No promises.¡±


    As Gabriel prattled off the rest of the rules, Alexander and I made our way to the game grounds. I rolled my shoulders, reaching deep within for my wolf¡¯s presence.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a while since we shifted,¡± she said, and I could hear the excitement in her voice.


    ¡°Looking forward to stretching your legs?¡±


    ¡°Something like that.¡±


    The teams formed quickly, with about twenty people on each side. Alexander¡¯s team imed the eastern edge of the property while mine took the west.


    As the others began to shift, I closed my eyes and reached for the familiar sensation. For a moment, nothing happened, and panic started to w at me. It had been so long, and I hadn¡¯t shifted since before


    my wolf had gone dormant; what if something was wrong?


    But then I felt that tingling, burning sensation as my bones began to lengthen and my muscles started to reshape themselves.

 The Perfect 181

    Chapter <b>181 </b>


    The shift was pure bliss.


    I¡¯d forgotten how fucking good it felt to be in my wolf form. Every sense was sharper, every scent and sound magnified tenfold..


    My wolf was a sleek silver¨Cgray, smaller than Alexander¡¯s massive ck form but built for speed and agility. I stretched, testing my muscles, and felt nothing but strength and vitality flowing through me.


    The game was everything I¡¯d hoped it would be and more. My team worked together like a well¨Coiled machine, using strategy and coordination to outmaneuver Alexander¡¯s group at every turn. I found myself falling back into tactics I¡¯d learned years ago, before my father had forced me to y the role of a perfect Luna.


    For a little while, I was a teenager again, running with the Stormhollow warriors. Wild and free and with the wind in my fur.


    It felt so good.


    At one point, I managed to sneak right past Alexander himself to snatch their g from its hiding spot. He caught sight of me as I was making my escape and gave chase, his massive form crashing through the underbrush behind me. But I was faster in a straight line, and I managed to cross back into our territory with the g clutched in my jaws.


    When I looked back, Alexander had shifted back to human form and was standing there in just his jeans, hands on his hips and an expression of bewildered admiration on his face.


    My team won decisively, much to the delight of the spectators who had gathered to watch. Even Gabriel looked begrudgingly impressed.


    I was still in wolf form, savoring thest few moments of freedom before I had to shift back and return to being the perfectly polite Luna E.


    Suddenly, I caught a scent that made my wolf gopletely still.


    It was familiar. Not just familiar, but¡­ family. The kind of scent that my wolf recognized on an instinctual level, like pack bonds and blood ties all rolled into one.


    My first thought was that my father had shown up to the event. I turned, trying to track the scent, expecting to see his face somewhere in the crowd.


    But the scent trail led in the opposite direction, toward the edge of the property where the staff had set up <b>a </b>small area for the servers and other workers.


    It led toward Lilith.


    I blinked, shaking my head, sure I was mistaken. Lilith wasn¡¯t family. She might as well have been, but


    we weren¡¯t rted, no matter how much I wished we were.


    But just as quickly as I¡¯d noticed it, the scent disappeared, carried away by the hot summer breeze. I stood there <b>for </b>a moment longer, confused and unsettled, before deciding I must have been wrong. The


    excitement of the game and the unfamiliar sensation of being in wolf form again were probably just


    making me hypersensitive to everything.


    I shifted back to human form, the transformation leaving me slightly dizzy but exhrated.


    Alexander was waiting for me when I emerged from the woods. He immediately rushed over to me,


    looking me over as if checking for injury.


    ¡°How do you feel? Any dizziness? Nausea?¡±


    ¡°Rx, Alexander.¡± His concern for the baby was touching, but a little over the top. ¡°The baby is fine,


    seriously. If anything, I think shifting was invigorating.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not just worried about the baby. I¡¯m worried about you, too.¡±


    I blinked, taken aback by the calm conviction in Alexander¡¯s voice. His green eyes were fixed intently on


    me, and the way he looked at me was a little too close forfort to the way he¡¯d looked at me in the


    kitchen the other night.


    But I had to have been mistaken. He wasn¡¯t¡­ He couldn¡¯t¡­


    Could he?


    ¡°We¡¯re fine,¡± I finally managed, throat bobbing with the effort of swallowing. ¡°Thank you for your


    concern.¡±


    Before he could say anything else, Gabriel appeared at his elbow with that usual sour expression on his


    face. He whispered something in Alexander¡¯s ear, and Alexander nodded, already turning to leave.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be right back. E, wait here for a few minutes while I handle this, okay? Don¡¯t go wandering off. I


    want you to rest after all that exertion.¡±


    I wanted to point out that I was perfectly capable of taking care of myself, especially after I¡¯d just proven my wolf was back in fighting form. But the concern in his green eyes stopped me from arguing.


    ¡°Fine.¡±


    Alexander looked like he wanted to say something else, but Gabriel was already tugging him toward the main house. I watched them go, then turned back toward the festivities.


    I was leaning against a lightpost, heavily debating getting a ratherrge ice cream cone, when the sound of music started up somewhere behind me.


    Curious, I looked around and spotted a group of women near a fiddle yer, all dancing and swishing their skirts, theirughter carrying across thewn. They looked carefree and happy, every bit the fantasy of myself that I¡¯d concocted when I thought I was dying.


    When one of them turned and beckoned to me, I couldn¡¯t help myself. I grinned and jogged over to join the dance without a second thought.

 The Perfect 182

    <b>Chapter </b>182


    Alexander


    Watching E sneak past me with our team¡¯s g clutched in her jaws had been one hell of a sight. I¡¯d given chase out of obligation more than anything else, but seeing her silver¨Cgray form streaking through the woods with thatpetitive fire zing in her eyes had stirred something in my chest that I wasn¡¯t prepared for.


    She¡¯d always been beautiful. I could never deny that, even during the days of our marriage that I had beenpletely hell bent on keeping my distance from her.


    But seeing this spirited side of her was something else entirely.


    This was my mate.


    My wolf purred with pride as I watched her team celebrate their victory. She belonged to us, and she was strong. Every part of me wanted to im that strength, to show her what I really thought of her, just as I had almost done that night in the kitchen.


    But then Thomas ck¡¯s words echoed in my head, and the warmth in my chest turned cold.


    Her parents were using her to get closer to me.


    I¡¯d been trying not to think about the investigation. But it was getting harder and harder to ignore the evidence, especially when moments like this made me realize just how much I¡¯d started to care about her.


    When had that happened? When had my hatred for E turned into something that felt suspiciously like¡­


    No. I didn¡¯t even want to think about that four¨Cletter word. Not until I knew for certain just who she really


    was.


    I needed Thomas to find something concrete, and I needed it soon. Because much more of this and I was going to do something monumentally stupid.


    After dealing with a minor event crisis, just a mix¨Cup between vendors, I scanned the crowd, looking for E. She wasn¡¯t standing where I¡¯d left her, and I couldn¡¯t resist the urge to sigh exasperatedly. Of course she wouldn¡¯t sit down and rest.


    The sound of lively music caught my attention next, and I followed the sound, weaving between families and campaign volunteers, until I spotted the source. A small group of women had formed an impromptu dance circle on the grass, their skirts swirling as they moved to the rhythm. And right in the center of it all was E.


    I stopped dead in my tracks.


    1


    I¡¯d never seen her like this. In five years of marriage, through dozens of formal events and campaign


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    functions, I¡¯d seen E dance very few times. Always careful, controlled ballroom dancing. Not¡­ this.


    This was something else entirely.


    Her blue dress billowed around her legs as she spun, arms raised above her head, face tilted toward <b>the </b>setting sun. Her hair hade loose from its style, and the golden light caught the strands as they <b>flew </b>around her shoulders. But it was her smile that stopped me cold¨Cradiant and uninhibited and utterly fucking beautiful.


    She looked free. Truly,pletely free, and the sight of it felt like someone had just punched me square in the gut.


    Because I knew, deep down, that I was a big reason as to why she¡¯d never looked like this before. My


    coldness, my distance, my cruelty at times¡­ All of it had slowly drained the light from her eyes over the


    years.


    Watching her now, seeing glimpses of who she must have been before her family¡¯s schemes destroyed


    any chance of a real rtionship between us, made something crack open in my chest.


    She deserved this. She deserved tough and dance and feel the sun on her face without worrying about campaign appearances or Luna duties or pleasing a husband who¡¯d spent five years treating her like an


    unwee obligation.


    For a few minutes, I just wanted to let her have this moment. I didn¡¯t want to interrupt or remind her of all theplicated shit hanging between us. I wanted to watch her be happy, even if I couldn¡¯t be the cause


    of it.


    But then she spotted me standing there like an idiot at the edge of the circle, and her face lit up.


    ¡°Alexander!¡± She broke away from the other women and rushed toward me, grabbing my hands before I could back away. ¡°Come dance with us!¡±


    ¡°E, I don¡¯t think-¡±


    ¡°Come on,¡± sheughed, already pulling me into the circle. ¡°It¡¯s just dancing.¡±


    Just dancing. Right.


    The problem was, I had no fucking clue how to do this kind of dancing. Formal waltzes at state dinners were one thing, but this was something else entirely.


    And being this close to E, with Thomas ck¡¯s usations still ringing in my ears and the memory of that kitchen kiss burning between us, felt dangerous as hell.


    But her hands were warm in mine, and her smile was so bright it made my chest ache, and my wolf was practically howling with joy at being close to our mate again.


    <b>+15 </b><b>BONUS </b>


    The fiddle music swept over us, and E started moving, trying to guide me through steps that <b>seemed </b><b>to </b>involve a lot more improvisation than I wasfortable with. I <b>felt </b>stiff and awkward, hyperaware <b>of </b>every brush of her fingers against mine, every time the movement brought us closer together.


    ¡°Rx,¡± E said,ughing at whatever expression was on my face. ¡°You look like you¡¯re about to <b>face </b>a firing squad.¡±


    ¡°I might prefer the firing squad.¡±


    ¡°Very funny.¡± She spun under my arm, the movement making her dress re out around her legs. <b>¡°</b><b>Just </b>move with the music. There are no wrong steps.¡±


    Something about the way she looked at me, her eyes glimmering in the light of the setting sun, started to loosen something in my chest. The music seemed to seep into my bones, and gradually I found myself moving with her instead of against her.


    My wolf stirred, responding to her proximity and the joy radiating from her through our mate bond. The political calctions and campaign strategies that usually upied my thoughts faded into background


    noise.


    For the first time in longer than I could remember, I was just¡­ present. In this moment, with this woman, letting myself feel the simple pleasure of moving together.


    I might have even smiled a little.


    E must have noticed, because her own smile got even brighter, and she spun closer to me, close enough that I could smell the sweet scent of her hair and feel the warmth radiating from her skin.


    The mate bond hummed between us, that electric current that I¡¯d been trying so hard to ignore. But here, with the setting sun turning everything golden and the music wrapping around us, it was impossible to


    shut out.


    We moved together like we¡¯d been doing this for years instead of minutes, and for a wild moment I let myself imagine what it would be like if this was real. If we were really just a happy couple, expecting our first child, celebrating with our pack without a million other things hanging over our heads.


    The fantasy was <b>so </b>vivid I could almost taste it.


    Without breaking our rhythm, E then took my hand and pressed it against the curve of her belly, her eyes shining as she looked up at me. I felt a flutter beneath my palm that made my breath catch.


    ¡°Baby¡¯s kicking,¡± she whispered.

 The Perfect 183

    Chapter <b>183 </b>


    E


    The flutter beneath my skin was so gentle I almost thought I¡¯d imagined it. But then it happened again, a little stronger this time, and I immediately snatched Alexander¡¯s hand and ced it there. His green eyes went wide as realization washed over him.


    This was the first time I¡¯d felt our child move. All those months of morning sickness and exhaustion and doctor¡¯s appointments, and this was the moment when it finally felt real.


    There was a tiny person growing inside of me, strong enough now to make their presence known.


    We did it.


    We survived.


    Alexander¡¯s hand stayed pressed against my belly, although both of us had stopped dancing. The others around us continued to twirl andugh, turning into a blur of shapes and colors.


    ¡°Right there,¡± I said as another little kicknded squarely under his palm. ¡°Do you feel that?¡±


    He nodded, green gaze never leaving mine. And for a long moment, nothing else existed except for us.


    Maybe it was the pregnancy hormones, or maybe it was the way he was looking at me like I was the most precious thing in the world, but standing there with his hand on my belly and the evening light turning everything golden, I couldn¡¯t fight the thought anymore.


    I might really love him.


    And the way Alexander was looking at me, the tenderness in his touch as he felt our baby move, made me wonder if he might be starting to feel the same way.


    The baby kicked again, and Alexander¡¯s face split into a smile.


    ¡°Little one¡¯s awfully strong,¡± he said quietly,


    ¡°Takes after their father.¡±


    Something flickered across his face at that, and for a second I thought he might say something important. Something that would finally give me a clue about where his head was at regarding us.


    But then Gabriel appeared at his shoulder, and the moment shattered.


    ¡°Alpha, we need to discuss the cleanup schedule,¡± Gabriel said. There wasn¡¯t a hint of remorse at the fact that he had clearly just interrupted a private moment.


    Alexander¡¯s walls went back up instantly, his hand dropping from my belly as he turned to his Beta.


    Something passed between them, a silent conversation that only they could hear.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Alexander said after a moment. His voice was rough.


    ¡°Can¡¯t it wait five minutes?¡± I blurted out.


    Gabriel didn¡¯t even look at me. ¡°The vendors need to know when they can start breaking down their


    booths.¡±


    My jaw worked, but I knew there was no chance I could convince Alexander <i>to </i>stay. Gabriel always had


    an uncanny way of getting between us, and it never seemed as if Alexander had an interest in stopping


    him.


    If anything, the way Gabriel always interrupted us seemed to relieve Alexander. Like he was afraid of


    what might happen if his Beta didn¡¯t show up at the perfect time.


    I watched them walk away with a bitter feeling in my chest. But I pushed that feeling away, refusing to


    let it spoil the beautiful thing I had just experienced: my baby kicking for the first time.


    A soft smile curved my lips as I ced my hand on my belly again. The baby had gone still, but my skin was still warm and tingling where I had just felt a little hand or foot.


    ¡°There you are, dear.¡± Lilith appeared beside me with a steaming mug and a concerned expression on her


    face. ¡°You look exhausted.¡±


    ¡°Just tired. And my feet are swollen.¡± I epted the mug gratefully, breathing in the scent of chamomile and something else I couldn¡¯t identify as I followed her over to a nearby table. ¡°What¡¯s in this?¡±


    ¡°Just some herbs that help with pregnancy swelling. Nothing the baby won¡¯t like.¡± Lilith settled into one of the chairs with a soft grunt. ¡°How are you feeling otherwise? You looked like you were having fun


    dancing.¡±


    ¡°I was. It felt good to move like that again.¡± I took a sip of the tea, surprised by how soothing it was. Actually, something weird happened while I was shifted earlier. My wolf picked up this scent that seemed familiar. Like family, but not my father.¡±


    I meant it as a joke, but Lilith went very still beside me. ¡°Family?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, it was the strangest thing. For a second I could have sworn the scent wasing from you, but that¡¯s impossible, right?¡± Iughed, expecting her tough with me.


    Instead, Lilith¡¯s grip tightened on her own mug, and I caught the briefest sh of something that looked like panic in her eyes before she forced a smile.

 The Perfect 184

    Chapter <b>184 </b>


    ¡°Of course it¡¯s impossible,¡± she said quickly. ¡°We¡¯re not rted, sweetheart. Your wolf was probably just confused from all the excitement.¡±


    But her voice sounded strained, and she wouldn¡¯t quite meet my eyes. Something was off about her reaction, but before I could ask about it, Alexander appeared at my elbow.


    ¡°Ready to head back to the house?¡± he asked, offering me his arm.


    I blinked, surprised he had returned so quickly. ¡°I thought you and Gabriel-<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°All finished,<i>¡± </i>Alexander cut me off, eyes flickering with something I couldn¡¯t quite read. ¡°Come on. Let¡¯s


    get you back inside. You look exhausted.¡±


    Truthfully, I was. I let Alexander help me to my feet, ncing over my shoulder to find Lilith gathering our mugs and scurrying away. She didn¡¯t look at me.


    Strange¡­


    The walk back to the mansion was quiet at first, both of us tired from the long day. The sun had finally setpletely, and the majority of the guests had already gone home.


    ¡°That went well,¡± I said, breaking the silence. ¡°The whole event, I mean.¡±


    ¡°Better than I expected,¡± Alexander agreed. ¡°Gabriel thinks we might have picked up some votes from the


    undecideds.¡±


    I resisted the urge to roll my eyes at the very mention of the Beta¡¯s name. ¡°The election¡¯s in what, three days now?¡±


    ¡°Monday. Voting opens at dawn and closes at sunset.¡± Alexander¡¯s jaw tightened slightly. ¡°Then the resultse in by midnight.¡±


    I nced at him sideways, taking in the tension in his shoulders. ¡°You¡¯re nervous.¡±


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t you be?¡±


    ¡°Probably.<i>¡± </i>We walked a few more steps before I worked up the courage to ask the question that had been nagging at me all evening. ¡°What happens to our contract if you win?¡±


    Alexander¡¯s steps faltered slightly, and I felt him tense beside me. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°I mean, the whole point of our arrangement was to help you get elected. If you actually be Alpha King¡­¡± I trailed off, suddenly unsure I wanted to hear the answer.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking about that,¡± Alexander said carefully. ¡°Like I said that day at the hospital, I was hoping we could extend the contract. Make it include provisions for raising our child together.¡±


    My stomach dropped. ¡°For how long?¡±


    ¡°Until they¡¯re eighteen, at least. An adult.¡±


    Eighteen years. He wanted to stay in a fake marriage with me for eighteen fucking years, all for the sake of our child¡¯s legitimacy.


    ¡°So you want to pretend to be happily married for the next eighteen years?¡±


    Alexander¡¯s jaw worked like he was struggling with something, but his response was frustratingly vague.


    ¡°It would be best for the child. Stability, legitimacy, a unified front.¡±


    ¡°Right. For the child.¡±


    I must not have done a good job hiding my disappointment, because Alexander shot me a sharp look. But


    instead of addressing it, he changed the subject entirely.


    ¡°I was thinking, for when the election resultse in, maybe you¡¯d like to have some friends over? Liam, maybe a few others? We can watch the results on the TV and celebrate if it¡¯s a win.¡±


    The abrupt topic change left me feeling off¨Ckilter, but I nodded anyway. ¡°Sure. That sounds nice.¡±


    We¡¯d reached the front door by then, and Alexander held it open for me. But instead of following me inside, he lingered on the threshold.


    ¡°Goodnight, E,¡± he said quietly, and there was something in the way he said it that made me turn back


    to look at him.


    His eyes were soft again, the way they¡¯d been when he felt the baby kick, and for a moment I thought he might say something more. Something that would exin the mixed signals he¡¯d been sending me all


    evening.


    But then he simply stepped back, letting the door close between us, and I was left standing alone in the


    foyer.


    I made my way upstairs slowly, my mind spinning. Nothing made sense anymore. The lines between what was real and what was performance had gotten so blurred that I couldn¡¯t tell the difference.


    But as I got ready for bed, reying the evening in my mind, I couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that something had fundamentally shifted between Alexander and me.


    Whether that was a good thing or a bad thing¡­ I couldn¡¯t be entirely sure.

 The Perfect 185

    E


    Election day came sooner than I anticipated. On the morning of, I woke to find Alexander already out of bed and nowhere to be found. I discovered through Lilith, as I scarfed down a te of toast and eggs, that he had left at the crack of dawn to handlest¨Cminute meetings and preparations.


    ¡°Do you think he¡¯s going to win?¡± I asked around a mouthful of eggs as Lilith sipped her coffee across from me.


    She shot me a look. ¡°Do you think he¡¯s going to win?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re deflecting,¡± I chuckled.


    Lilith sighed, then nodded. ¡°I think he has a very good chance. Thanks to you.¡±


    Right. Thanks to me. Not the baby I was carrying in my belly. ¡°Sometimes, I think the growing bump gave him a little push.¡±


    ¡°In more ways than one,¡± Lilithmented.


    My brows shot up. ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡±


    <b>¡°</b><b>You </b>don¡¯t think he¡¯s been acting differently?<i>¡± </i>Lilith asked. ¡°He certainly seems to be looking at <b>you </b>in a new light.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t help the blush that spread across my face at her words. It was true; things felt¡­ different between ustely. Even now, days after the pic, I could still picture the look on his face when he felt our kicking. He¡¯d looking almost¡­ loving.


    But of course, there was the matter of the contract. We hadn¡¯t had a chance to talk about it since that night, seeing as how busy he was preparing for the election, but thest conversation we had was nothing short of confusing.


    Alexander had said that he wanted to extend the contract to include the first eighteen years of our child¡¯s life. And yet, when I asked if he really intended to have a fake rtionship for that long, I could have sworn I saw something almost hesitant in his gaze.


    I didn¡¯t want to read too much into it, but it was easier said than done.


    <b>I </b>needed a distraction.


    Pushing away from the table, I said, ¡°Let¡¯s bake a cake.¡±


    Lilith looked surprised, but she wasn¡¯t the type to pass up the opportunity to bake something. For the next few hours, we worked side by side, measuring ingredients and mixing batter. The familiar rhythm of baking was soothing.


    ¡°You know,¡± Lilith said as she greased the cake pans<b>, </b>¡°I really haven¡¯t seen Alexander smile as much as


    he hastely.¡±


    I concentrated on folding chocte chips into the batter. ¡°The campaign¡¯s been going well.¡±


    ¡°Mm¨Chmm. I¡¯m sure that¡¯s all it is<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    I poured the batter into the prepared pans with a sigh. ¡°Listen, I just don¡¯t want to get my hopes up too much, alright? So maybe we should change the subject.¡±


    ¡°Very wise of you.¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s cold voice from the kitchen doorway made us both jump. I turned to find him leaning against the frame, arms crossed, watching us with that usual sour expression of his.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± I set down the mixing bowl and turned to him.


    <b>¡°</b>You¡¯re wise not to get your hopes up. About Alexander, I mean.<i>¡± </i>Gabriel¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t want to mistake political necessity for something more meaningful.¡±


    Something snapped inside of me. I¡¯d endured years of Gabriel¡¯s nonsense, and I was fucking done with it.


    ¡°You know what, Gabriel? I¡¯m getting really tired of your attitude.¡± <b>I </b>took a step closer, letting my Luna authority bleed into my voice without even meaning to. ¡°You seem to have some kind of problem with me, so why don¡¯t <b>you </b>just say what you really mean instead of dancing around it?¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s jaw tightened, and I could tell he was trying to resist my Luna Voice, just as he had that one time in the alleyway. But my wolf wasn¡¯t dormant anymore, rendering it nearly impossible for him.


    ¡°You don¡¯t deserve him,¡± he finally grit out. ¡°You¡¯ve never deserved him, and everyone in this pack knows


    it.¡±


    ¡°There it is.¡± I smiled sweetly. ¡°Was that so hard? Now everyone knows exactly what kind of Beta you really are.<i>¡± </i>


    Gabriel¡¯s face went red. Behind me, Lilith made a small sound that might have been a snort.


    ¡°At least I¡¯m loyal to this pack,¡± Gabriel snarled.


    ¡°Is that what we¡¯re calling it now?¡±


    Gabriel opened his mouth to respond, but no sound came out.


    After a moment, he recovered enough to sneer at me. ¡°We¡¯ll see who¡¯sughing when this is all <b>over</b>.¡±


    With that, he stalked out of the kitchen. Only once he was gone did I notice how my fists were shaking at my sides.


    ¡°Well,¡± Lilith said after a moment. ¡°That was overdue.¡±


    I shrugged, already dismissing the encounter. Gabriel had hated me since the day I¡¯d married Alexander, and his bitterments weren¡¯t anything new. If anything, I felt better for finally telling him exactly what I thought of him.


    ¡°Come on,¡± I said, sliding the cake pans into the oven. ¡°Let¡¯s finish getting ready for tonight.¡±


    By eight o¡¯clock, our guests had gathered in the living room. Liam had arrived with beer, and several


    other pack members had joined us to watch the resultse in.


    I¡¯d changed into a soft sweater and jeans. The chocte cake Lilith and I had baked was hidden in the


    kitchen, waiting for the right moment.


    Alexander was perched beside me on the couch, his leg bouncing as the news anchors discussed turnout


    numbers and early projections. I could feel the tension radiating through the bond, and without thinking,


    I reached over and touched his hand.


    He startled slightly, then looked down at our joined hands before his fingers tangled tightly with mine. I


    tried not to show just how shocked I was that he hadn¡¯t yanked his hand away.


    ¡°I think you¡¯ll win.¡±


    Alexander¡¯s eyes snapped toward mine, surprise briefly flickering through them at the fact that I¡¯d used


    our mindlink before it settled into something tender¨Csomething that was a little bit like the way he¡¯d looked at me at the pic.


    F


    ¡°Thank you,¡± he said aloud, looking away. ¡°I appreciate it.¡±


    ¡°Quiet, everyone!¡± Liam called out. ¡°They¡¯re about to announce the results!¡±


    The room fell silent as the news anchor appeared on screen, holding a piece of paper that would


    determine Alexander¡¯s future.


    ¡°After a record turnout and an incredibly close race,¡± the anchor began, ¡°we can now project the winner of


    this year¡¯s Alpha King election.¡±


    My heart hammered violently. I hadn¡¯t realized just how invested in this election I truly was, even now


    that our contract had been extended. But deep down, I knew this feeling. I did want Alexander to win.


    Despite everything, I knew he would be a good leader.


    ¡°The new Alpha King is¡­ Alpha Alexander of Ashw.¡±


    The room erupted. Pack members cheered and pped, and someone popped open a bottle of champagne, white foam spraying across the coffee table.


    But I only had eyes for Alexander. His face had gone nk with shock, mouth hanging open.


    ¡°Alexander, you did <b>it</b><b>!</b><b>¡± </b>I eximed. ¡°You really did it!¡±


    Alexander blinked, and then the reality of it seemed to hit him. He turned toward me, and before I could


    react, he¡¯d pulled me to <b>my </b>feet.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t have done it without you.¡±


    I didn¡¯t have a chance to respond before he was dipping me low and crashing his lips against mine.

 The Perfect 186

    Chapter <b>186 </b>


    E


    The kiss caught mepletely <b>off </b>guard, but <b>my </b>body responded before <b>my </b>brain <b>could </b>catch up. <b>Before </b><b>I </b>knew it, my mouth was moving against his<b>, </b>savoring the taste of his lips and tongue. For all I knew<b>, </b>this


    brief moment of unexpected passion might be ourst.


    <b>¡°</b>Congrattions<b>, </b>Alpha King.¡±


    Alexander¡¯s grip on me tightened at the use of the mindlink, and for a moment I felt like I was drowning


    in the connection between us. The mate bond hummed to life, warm and electric, and I almost¨Calmost-


    let the words slip out.


    Those three little words.


    But before I could do something I might regret, Alexander¡¯s phone started buzzing in his pocket. He broke


    away from me, straightening me on my feet, then slipped out his phone. Gabriel jogged after him as he


    hurried out of the room.


    ¡°Duty calls, I suppose,¡± Liam said, appearing at my side.


    I deliberately cooled the heat in my low belly. Whatever that kiss was¨Cit was just happenstance. Another


    brief moment that the excitement and the mate bond took over, not to mention an excellent opportunity for a good photograph of the ¡°family man¡± kissing his pregnant wife after hearing the good news.


    Nothing more.


    For the <b>rest </b>of the night, I barely saw Alexander. The living room filled and emptied as pack members and friends came to congratte the new Alpha King, but Alexander was either on the phone or huddled


    with Gabriel discussing transition procedures and immediate policy decisions. Every time I tried to approach him, someone else needed his attention.


    The chocte cake sat untouched in the kitchen while I yed the perfect hostess, epting


    congrattions and fielding questions about what this meant for the pack.


    By the time thest guest left around midnight, I was exhausted and more than a little disappointed. This


    was supposed to be Alexander¡¯s celebration, but it felt more like a preview of what our life was going to look like from now on.


    I found <b>myself </b>standing alone in the kitchen at one in the morning, staring at the cake that was supposed to be <b>a </b>surprise. Through the walls, <b>I </b>could hear Alexander¡¯s muffled voiceing from his office<b>, </b>still on another fucking phone call.


    With a sigh, I <b>cut a </b>generous slice and arranged it on one <b>of </b>the good tes, then padded down the hallway <b>toward </b>the glow of light spilling out from under his office <b>door</b>.


    I knocked softly before pushing it open. ¡°Alexander<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    He looked


    up from where he was hunched over his desk, phone pressed to his ear, papers scattered everywhere. His tie was gone<b>, </b>shirt wrinkled<b>, </b>red hair sticking up at odd angles where he¡¯d been running his hands through it. He lookedpletely frazzled.


    ¡°I¡¯ll call you back in the morning<b>,</b>¡± he said into the phone, then hung up and rubbed his eyes. ¡°Goddess, E, what time is it?¡±


    ¡°Late. Toote for you to still be working.¡± I stepped into the office and held up the te. ¡°I brought <b>you </b>cake.¡±


    Alexander¡¯s expression softened when he saw it. ¡°You made this?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Lilith and I did. This afternoon.¡± I walked over to his desk. ¡°I was going to surprise <b>you </b>earlier, but <b>you¡¯ve </b>been a little busy<b>.¡± </b>


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I know tonight didn¡¯t go the way we nned, but there¡¯s so much to figure out. The transition team wants to meet first thing tomorrow, and there are about fifty different policy briefs I need to review before then, <b>and-</b>¡±


    ¡°Alexander.¡± I cut him off gently. ¡°It¡¯s important to celebrate too. You just won the election. You¡¯re going to be Alpha King.¡±


    He stared at me for a moment, then leaned back in his chair with something that might have been the ghost of a smile. ¡°Alpha King. Fuck, that¡¯s going to take some getting used to.¡±


    ¡°Come here<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>I walked around to his side of the desk. ¡°You need to eat something.¡±


    Alexander swiveled his chair to face me, and I perched on the edge of his desk, holding out the fork with a bite of cake. He looked like he was going to protest, so I gave him my best stern look.


    X

 The Perfect 187

    ¡°Open your mouth.¡±


    ¡°E-¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t make me use my Luna Voice.¡±


    That got a genuineugh out of him, and he obediently opened his mouth. I fed him the bite of cake, trying to ignore how intimate the gesture felt in the quiet of his office. No one was here to watch or


    photograph the moment. It was just¡­ us.


    ¡°Good<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>I asked.


    ¡°Really good.¡± Alexander smiled, but there was a smudge of chocte frosting on his cheek that he¡¯d missed when he¡¯d wiped his mouth.


    Without thinking, I leaned forward and kissed it off.


    Alexander wentpletely still. Then he was pulling away from me so fast that I nearly fell off the desk.


    ¡°E, we can¡¯t-<b>¡± </b>


    The rejection hit me like a p to the face. I slid off the desk, embarrassment burning hot in my chest. ¡±


    Right. Sorry<b>, </b>I just¡­ I thought after tonight, with the kiss and everything¡­¡± I shook my head. ¡°I must have


    misread the situation.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not that simple.¡±


    ¡°I dunno. Seems pretty fucking simple to me. You kiss me when there are cameras around, or when you¡¯re


    caught up in the moment, but the second we¡¯re alone, you yank yourself away like I¡¯ve got some kind of


    disease.¡±


    Alexander flinched. ¡°That¡¯s not-<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Then what is it?¡± I demanded, suddenly feeling bold. ¡°What¡¯s so wrong with me that you can¡¯t stand the thought of actually wanting me? I know this marriage was arranged, I know I¡¯m not your first choice, but am I really that repulsive? Am I not good enough for you?¡±


    Thest question came out smaller than the others, and I hated how vulnerable I sounded. But I was tired


    of pretending it didn¡¯t hurt when he pulled away from me. Tired of wondering what I¡¯d done to deserve


    my own mate not wanting me.


    I turned to leave, but Alexander was on his feet and blocking my path before I¡¯d taken two steps.


    ¡°Stop,¡± he said firmly. His hands came down on either side of me and gripped the desk, effectively caging me in. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare say that. Don¡¯t you dare think that.¡±


    400


    ¡°Then exin it to me, because I don¡¯t understand.¡± I lifted my chin.


    Alexander¡¯s hands tightened on the desk until I heard the wood creak, and when he spoke, his eyes were zing. ¡°You want to know what¡¯s wrong? Nothing. Not a damn thing. You¡¯re so fucking beautiful it makes my chest burn just looking at you. I want <b>you </b>so badly that sometimes I can¡¯t even breathe when you¡¯re in the same room. The mate bond just makes it ten times worse because every instinct I have is screaming at me to im you.¡±


    I stared at him, heart pounding. ¡°Then why do you keep pulling away<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>Without thinking, I lifted my hand and syed my fingers against his chest. His skin was warm even through his shirt<b>, </b>and I could feel his heart beating against my palm.


    He stiffened, and I could tell he was about to pull away again. But I fisted my hand in his shirt, forcing him to stay close.


    ¡°Why<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>I repeated, my voice so low it was a whisper now. <b>¡°</b><b>If </b>you want me so bad, then why are <b>you </b>so resistant?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Because¡­¡±


    Alexander¡¯s eyes shed gold, and a low growl rumbled in his throat. No words came. For a long moment, I thought he¡¯d find another reason to push me away.


    But then he was kissing me. Hard.


    Without breaking the kiss, Alexander lifted me up and set me on his desk, his arm sweeping across the surface in one violent motion.


    ¡°Fine,¡± he muttered into my mouth as he pressed me against the desk. <b>¡°</b>I won¡¯t resist. Just for one night¡­¡±


    X

 The Perfect 188

    Alexander


    This was a horrible idea.


    I knew where this was leading the moment I swept everything off my desk and sent it ttering to the floor with a crash that reverberated throughout the house.


    I knew that this was going to end up entangling me even deeper with the woman who I was beginning to fall for.


    And it might just ruin everything.


    But I couldn¡¯t stop.


    I couldn¡¯t control myself as I lifted E and ced her on the desk. Her soft legs wrapped around my hips, tugging me closer, and I lost all sense of logic.


    As she tilted her head, giving me ess to her glorious, perfect mouth, I suddenly didn¡¯t care about the


    consequences. I didn¡¯t care if she was manipting me, if this was all a ploy to get me to do whatever


    she and her father wanted. All I cared about was feeling her.


    And so I did. Without coherent thought, I nipped at her lower lip,pped at her tongue like my life depended on it, kissed down the delicate line of her jaw and over the slender column of her neck.


    ¡°Alexander¡­¡±


    Her voice whispering my name was like the gentle beating of an angel¡¯s wings. So soft I almost couldn¡¯t


    hear it, and yet it was right there, hovering above me, around me, whispering on the wind like the


    sweetest melody I¡¯d ever heard.


    Alexander.


    Not Alex. Never Alex.


    Only my full name. Complete. The way I felt when she was near. Whole.


    I bit down gently into her soft neck, savoring the small whimper of excitement that fluttered on her lips


    as I grazed my fangs along the spot where I¡¯d marked her months ago. The sound made my cock


    instantly turn hot, hard, and throbbing, straining against my trousers in a desperate bid to escape.


    Goddess, how badly I wanted her.


    E was always beautiful, but something about seeing our child growing inside of her made her even


    more so. Her hips were wider, breasts full and tender, nipples peaking beneath the fabric of her blouse. Every desperate little breath she drew in as I wandered my lips lower made her chest tighten, practically popping the buttons one by one.


    Slowly, I ran my hand down her thigh. So soft. So perfect to dig my fingertips into. The feeling of her skin. bunching beneath my palms made me want to go feral, and without thinking, I bit down onto the flesh of


    her shoulder.


    She let out another surprised little cry.


    I ripped my head back, fearing I¡¯d hurt her, but her cheeks were flushed and her lips were parted. Goddess, she was fucking panting like an animal, and I hadn¡¯t even touched her sweet pussy yet.


    ¡°Why¡¯d¡­ you stop?¡± she whispered, sounding utterly desperate.


    The sound of her voice broke mepletely. A low growl rumbled in my chest before I could stop it, and I knelt down in front of the desk, cing one hand on either of her thighs. Her skirt lifted up of its own


    ord, bunching around her hips as I pushed her knees to the side, exposing a devilishlycy pair of


    panties that were already soaked through.


    ¡°Shit,¡± I whispered, passing a hand through my hair in exasperation. This woman was going to be the


    death of me.


    If she really was just putting on a show to get closer to me¡­ then she was a damn good actress.


    I pulled her panties to the side with one finger, exposing the slick sweetness of the apex of her thighs,


    and began to feast. No hesitation. Just my tongue sliding up and over the folds, into the small opening, suckling on the sweet bud.


    Each sound she made was music to my ears. When I slipped one finger in, then two, she cried out loud,


    head thrown back in ecstasy, hair cascading over my desk. I managed to fit another in before it seemed like she might burst, my tongue flicking circles over her clit as I worked her.


    Only once she splintered on me, turning into a puddle on my hand, did I withdraw my fingers and stand again. I didn¡¯t even bother to wipe her juices from my mouth¨Cjust unzipped my trousers, withdrew my


    desperate cock, and slipped into her in one fell swoop.


    E¡¯s nails dug into my back. ¡°Alexander¨Cfuck-¡± She couldn¡¯t even seem to get the words out. Just whimpered and clung onto me as I began to pump myself into her, eyes struggling not to roll back. Each


    flutter of her inner walls wasplete and utter torture.


    <b>If </b>I didn¡¯t keep a grasp on myself, this would be over far too soon. And considering the fact that I wasn¡¯t entirely sure if this would happen ever again, I wanted to savor it as much as possible.


    ¡°E,¡± I found myself saying as if saying her name out loud would somehow keep me tethered to reality as I worked myself into her. Goddess, every single thrust felt likeing home. I wanted to m myself deeper into her, but I had to restrain myself for fear ofpletely losing the grasp on thatst thread of


    control.


    Saying her name shattered her. She arched her back, clinging to my neck for support as the desk shook


    <i>2/4 </i>


    beneath us. Her cries could have broken the windows for all I cared. I just wanted to hear more of them.


    More.


    Perhaps I really was a fool for letting her seduce me again. This was a dangerous game we were ying- one of trust and uncertainty and a potential to ruin everything I had spent so many years working for.


    But right now¡­ Feeling my mate grip me, feeling her lips desperately wander my chest, my shoulders, my neck¡­ Hearing the sounds of pure pleasure that she made, pleasure that only I could give her¡­


    Nothing else mattered. Not Stormhollow. Not schemes. Not money or politics or any of it.


    Just us. Her. Trapped in this moment, clinging to each other, tasting the sweat on each other¡¯s skin and


    the sugar on our tongues and tangling my fingers in her hair.


    ¡°Fuck¨CAlexander,¡± E finally cried out, snapping me out of my thoughts, ¡°I¡¯m going to¡ª¡±


    ¡°Come?¡± I panted.


    E nodded, and my pulse spiked with excitement. I wanted toe with her. Wanted to feel her clench


    around me onest time while I spilled inside of her.


    Quickly but with efficient gentleness, I slipped out of her, lifting her off the desk and turning her around.


    She went willingly, palms pressing into the desk as I gripped her ass from behind. Goddess, even the arch


    of her back was nearly enough to make me spill right then and there.


    I pushed into her with another low groan, and then I was moving again, gripping her hips as if she might


    try to run away. She matched my thrusts with her own, hips and ass twisting and moving in tandem with


    each stroke.


    Lights danced across my vision. Everything in my world narrowed to that moment.


    I leaned over her, gently wrapping my fingers around her neck, and lifted her just enough to look her in


    the eye from above.


    We shattered together. It was like music, the sound of our dual release. Music to my fucking ears.


    And it was the second most beautiful mistake I¡¯d ever made¨Cthe first being the night I had conceived a


    child with this very woman.

 The Perfect 189

    E & Gabriel


    E


    Alexander and I had crossed a line that could never be uncrossed.


    I almost expected to wake and find him gone, too ashamed of our tryst to even spend the night with me, but he was there. I could feel his warmth tucked against my spine. His arm draped over my side and his hand gently resting on the swell of my belly while the morning sun warmed our faces.


    Careful not to wake him, I turned in his arms so I could look at him. Just one look to make sure it was


    real, that I hadn¡¯t imagined all of itst night.


    My breath caught faintly as I turned to find that he was already awake, green eyes wide and looking directly at me.


    ¡°E, aboutst night¡­¡±


    My stomach dropped. This was the part where he regretted everything and went back to treating me like a political necessity, wasn¡¯t it? The part where he painfully reminded me that whatever brief moments of passion we¡¯d had were unimportant and devoid of true feeling.


    ¡°What about it?¡± I managed around the sudden lump in my throat.


    Alexander opened his mouth, but no sound came out. That happened a few times before he shook his head and muttered, ¡°Nothing.¡±


    Nothing.


    I couldn¡¯t decide if that was worse than if he¡¯d simply told me it was a mistake. Now, more than ever, everything felt confusing and up in the air andpletely uncertain and yet¡­ It was also so, so delicious.


    For the time being, the ambiguity was almost afort. It meant that we could go either way¨Cone step forward or one step back. And for a few precious moments, I let myself imagine that it could be the former.


    Alexander was just beginning to shift a little closer, and I thought he might kiss me and confirm my hopes, when the bedroom door burst open.


    ¡°Alpha, the transition team wants to meet at-¡± Gabriel¡¯s voice died mid¨Csentence as he took in the sight of us tangled together in bed.


    Rage exploded in my chest so violently that I saw red. I was so tired of this shit, so fucking done with Gabriel¡¯s constant interruptions and hispleteck of respect for boundaries.


    Without thinking, I grabbed one of the pillows from behind my head and hurled it at him with all the


    strength I could muster.


    ¡°Get out!¡± I shouted, clutching the nkets to my bare chest. ¡°Get the fuck out of our bedroom, Gabriel!¡±


    The pillow hit him square in the face, and Gabriel stumbled backward, sputtering in shock.


    ¡°I¡­ The door wasn¡¯t locked¡­¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t give you the right to just barge in here! What the hell is wrong with you?¡±


    Behind me, I could hear Alexander making a choking sound. But I didn¡¯t look at him.


    ¡°This is important pack business-¡±


    ¡°Get! OUT!¡±


    My Luna authority bled into my voice, and the Beta¡¯s jaw feathered. He hesitated for a moment, but then nodded and spun on his heel and left without another word.


    Once the door was firmly shut behind him, I heard the soft chuckle escape from Alexander¡¯s lips. Then came another. And another.


    When I turned to look at him, I saw that his face was split with a wide smile. He wasying back against the pillow, eyes squeezed shut, fingers tangled in his red hair.


    Hisughter was like music to my ears, and soon, I found myselfughing, too.


    Gabriel


    Gabriel stalked through the hallways of the mansion with his hands clenched into fists at his sides. The humiliation of being pelted with a pillow by that imposter of a Luna still burned in his chest, but that was nothingpared to the dread that was twisting violently in his gut.


    Alexander and E were falling in love.


    He¡¯d seen it in the way Alexander had begun to look at hertely, the protective way he touched her, the way she always seemed to be at the forefront of his mind.

 The Perfect 190

    Chapter <b>190 </b>


    And now, after walking in on them this morning, there was no denying it anymore.


    The original n was falling apart. Everything he¡¯d worked for, everything he¡¯d sacrificed, was slipping through his fingers because Alexander couldn¡¯t keep his dick in his pants around that Stormhollow bitch.


    The mercury poisoning had been Gabriel¡¯s idea¨Ca subtle way to make E sick enough so that she lost the baby. Gabriel figured that Alexander¡¯s hormones were just raging because of his pregnant mate, and once she was no longer with child, he woulde back to his senses.


    Instead, they¡¯d discovered the poisoning before the baby could be lost. And as if that wasn¡¯t bad enough, the entire ordeal had just brought them closer together. Alexander had taken care of her, cooked for her, hovered over her like a lovesick fool.


    The whole thing had backfired spectacrly.


    Gabriel had run out of subtle options. It was time to ept that more drastic measures were necessary.


    He found Sophia exactly where he expected to¨Cin her private sitting room at her parents¡® estate, sipping tea and reading a trashy romance novel. She looked up when he entered and her cool gaze immediately caught onto the thunderous expression Gabriel was wearing.


    ¡°Well, well,¡± she said, dog¨Cearing the page she was on and setting aside her book. ¡°Someone looks troubled.<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°We have a problem<i>,</i><i>¡± </i>Gabriel said, shutting the door behind them. ¡°The mercury didn¡¯t work. If anything, it made things worse.¡±


    Sophia¡¯s perfectly sculpted eyebrow arched. ¡°Worse how?¡±


    <b>¡°</b>I think he¡¯s really falling in love.¡± The words tasted like ash in his mouth. ¡°I walked in on them this morning, and¡­¡± He shook his head, unable to bring himself to say it out loud.


    But he didn¡¯t have to. Sophia¡¯s eyes went as wide as saucers, and for a moment, her fingers tightened so much around her teacup that Alexander thought she might shatter it.


    Finally, she seemed topose herself by force, drawing in a deep breath through her nose and out through her mouth. She set aside her teacup before she could break it.


    ¡°You¡¯re right. We do have a problem.¡± Sophia pulled her shoulders back. ¡°But I can handle it. Not all is lost yet.¡±


    Gabriel studied her for a moment, uncertain. Sophia had pulled a couple of very desperate stunts in a bid to gain Alexander¡¯s affection, and it had only backfired for her. That was precisely why he had hesitated when she had approached him at the campaign banquet.


    But if there was anything she could do now, anything at all¡­


    They had no choice. They had to do something before Alexander and E grewpletely inseparable.


    Either they had to terminate that pregnancy, drive a wedge between Alexander and E<b>, </b>or¡­ worse.


    Far worse.


    <b>¡°</b><b>If </b>you eliminate her from the equation entirely,¡± Gabriel said, keeping his voice low, ¡°you¡¯d better be


    careful about it. Ensure it can¡¯t get tracked back to us.¡±


    ¡°Calm yourself, Beta.¡± Sophia sighed and pushed a lock of hair over her shoulder. <b>¡°</b>I¡¯ve already made the mistake of trying to have her harmed. No, I think the best course of action¨Cfor now, anyway¨Cis to simply


    make them hate each other again.¡±


    ¡°And how do you n to do that?¡± Gabriel asked.


    Sophia stood and sauntered over to hip, hips swinging. Gabriel had to force himself not to stare at her


    slender, perfect form.


    E had always been beautiful¨Ceven Gabriel couldn¡¯t deny that. But Sophia was nearly as attractive in Gabriel¡¯s eyes, and what was more important was the fact that she wasn¡¯t a fucking spy.


    She made such a better match for the Alpha than that Stormhollow whore.


    But Alexander¡¯s judgment was clouded by E¡¯s tricks. Poor sod.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you worry your pretty little head,¡± Sophia cooed, cing her hand on his shoulder as she passed. I¡¯ll handle everything from here.¡±


    <i>¡± </i>

 The Perfect 191

    <b>Chapter </b><b>191 </b>


    Alexander


    I couldn¡¯t concentrate on a damn thing.


    My coronation was just days away, and there was so much to do. Event preparations, transition


    documents, letters and emails and meeting after meeting. I wasn¡¯t going to be getting much sleep for the foreseeable future, and I knew I would have to buckle down and focus if I was going to be mentally


    present for any of it.


    But every time I tried to focus on anything of the smallest importance, my mind drifted back tost night.


    To E. To the feeling of her body beneath mine and her head thrown back and her hair cascading over


    this very desk that I was now sitting behind.


    We¡¯d made love once. Twice. Three times. First here, right on this desk, then on the sofa across the room,


    and then in bed. I would have done it again had we not both passed out from exhaustionst night, tangled up together beneath the sheets.


    Fuck. I scrubbed my hands over my face and tried again to read the same paragraph I¡¯d been staring at


    for the past ten minutes. Something about import tariffs on agricultural goods. Important stuff. Alpha


    King stuff.


    And yet my wolf stirred restlessly, wanting nothing more than to abandon this paperwork and go find


    our mate.


    But the coronation was in three days. I had just three days to prepare for the biggest responsibility I¡¯d


    ever taken on, and I was sitting here like some lovesick teenager who couldn¡¯t think past his cock.


    So I forced myself to pick up the next document, which was security protocols for the ceremony. This one I actually needed to pay attention to, considering how many important people would be in attendance.


    Any one of them could be a target, or worse, a threat.


    A knock on the door pulled me out of my thoughts. I looked up to see Gabriel entering with that look on


    his face that told me everything I needed to know.


    I tried not to smirk at the thought of E¡¯s pillow hitting him square in the face.


    When she¡¯d done that this morning¡­ I couldn¡¯t help it. I¡¯dughed so hard that my chest had nearly burst with it. I liked that fiery side of her, the way she always gave Gabriel a run for his money even though I knew he was mostly just trying to help me as my Beta.


    ¡°We need to talk,¡± Gabriel said, closing the door behind him and taking a seat across from my desk.


    I set down the security briefing and leaned back in my chair. ¡°Go ahead. Judge me all you want.¡±


    ¡°dly. You spent the night fucking the woman we¡¯re investigating for treason.¡± Gabriel¡¯s lip curled,


    revealing a sneer that spoke volumes of his hatred for E. ¡°Do you have any idea how dangerous that is<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    My jaw clenched, but I didn¡¯t answer.


    ¡°You¡¯re about to be Alpha King, and you¡¯re letting sex get in the way of your goals,¡± Gabriel went on.¡± What if she¡¯s using her body to manipte you? What if everything that happenedst night was just another part of her family¡¯s n?¡±


    He was right, of course. I hated that he was.


    ¡°I¡¯ll give her credit where credit is due; she¡¯s a smart woman who knows exactly how to use the mate


    bond to her advantage.¡± He stood with a huff and crossed over to the nearby window, looking out over the


    mansion grounds. ¡°But Alexander, I know you¡¯re smarter. I¡¯m appalled that you¡¯re letting her manipte


    you.¡±


    ¡°The pregnancy changed things,¡± I muttered.


    ¡°The pregnancy gave her leverage,<i>¡± </i>Gabriel corrected me. ¡°She runs around iming to be dying, gets pregnant at just the right moment, and convinces you to mark her. And now, right when you win the election and gain ess to state secrets, she¡¯s in your bed again.¡±


    The timing was suspicious. Even I had to admit that.


    ¡°Alexander, as your Beta and friend, I implore you to maintain some emotional distance until we know for certain whose side she¡¯s really on.¡± Gabriel¡¯s expression softened slightly. ¡°I¡¯m not trying to judge you. Mate bonds are strong, especially when one¡¯s mate is pregnant. I get it. But you have to be logical about


    this.<b>¡± </b>

 The Perfect 192

    My jaw clenched. I knew Gabriel was telling the truth. For five years, I had kept a careful distance from E because I couldn¡¯t trust her, and now I had even more concrete proof that her parents had used her to get closer to me. For all I knew, she really was a spy and was getting exactly what they all wanted.


    And yet¡­ The way she¡¯d looked at mest night¡­


    <b>If </b>she was pretending, then she was a hell of a good actress.


    And I was the fool who would buy right into it until the very end.


    ¡°The investigation,¡± I blurted out. ¡°Where do we stand?¡±


    ¡°Still waiting on concrete evidence. Promise me you won¡¯t let what happenedst night happen again


    until we know the truth.¡±


    Promise him I won¡¯t touch my own mate. The very idea made me feel sick.


    But Gabriel was right about one thing¨CI couldn¡¯t afford to be reckless. Not anymore.


    ¡°Fine,¡± I said. ¡°I¡¯ll be logical. But you should also watch yourself around her. If ites out that she¡¯s innocent and you¡¯ve been disrespecting your rightful Luna all this time-¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll cross that bridge if wee to it,<i>¡± </i>Gabriel cut me off.


    My Alpha authority bristled at his tone, but I forced myself to remain calm and simply nodded. ¡°Very well. Now get out of my office so I can get some actual work done.¡±


    After he left, I tried to return to the paperwork. But I made it through exactly two more pages before my mind was once again wandering.


    The truth was, I couldn¡¯t actually, truthfully promise Gabriel what he¡¯d asked for. Because no matter what the investigation turned up, no matter what evidence they found, my heart was bingpletely entangled with E¡¯s.


    Last night hadn¡¯t been just sex for me. It had been a iming, a surrendering, a recognition of something I¡¯d been fighting for five fucking years. And despite Gabriel¡¯s warnings, despite the logical voice in my head that said I should be careful, I didn¡¯t regret it.


    If anything, I wanted more.


    I needed air.


    A few minutester, I found myself wandering in the gardens. My feet carried me toward a familiar spot of their own ord, pulled toward a tantalizing scent by my wolf, and I didn¡¯t resist.


    Soon, I found her sitting beneath thergest cherry tree, perched on the edge of the stone bench she


    always sat on. She was wearing a soft yellow sundress that showed off her growing belly, and she was reading aloud from what looked like a children¡¯s book.


    I couldn¡¯t hear what she was saying, but judging from her soft voice and the way she kept ncing down


    with a furtive smile, I knew she was reading to our unborn child.


    I stayed back, watching her from the shadows. There was something so peaceful about the scene, so domestic and perfect, that it made me want to just observe for fear of shattering it.


    This woman who Gabriel thought might be a spy was sitting under a tree reading fairy tales to our baby. The same woman who¡¯d thrown a pillow at my Beta this morning for interrupting our private moment. The same woman who¡¯d fallen asleep in my armsst night like she¡¯d been waiting her whole life to feel


    safe.


    Lovesick fool. That was what I was. Completely head over heels for a woman I still wasn¡¯t sure I could


    trust.


    But watching her like this, seeing the gentle way she cradled her belly and the soft smile on her face as she read, I felt happier than I could remember being in years. Maybe ever.


    And that baby was mine. Ours. Growing strong and healthy inside the woman I was supposed to hate but couldn¡¯t seem to stop falling for instead.


    As if she could sense me watching, E looked up from her book. When she spotted me standing there, her face lit up with a smile that was so bright and radiant that it made my heart swell to three times its


    size.

 The Perfect 193

    Chapter <b>193 </b>


    E & Alexander


    E


    I woke up on the morning of the coronation to find three women standing in my bedroom. I gasped, bolting upright and clutching the nkets to my chest.


    ¡°Who the hell are you?¡± I blurted out.


    ¡°Luna E.¡± One of the women bowed her head sharply while the others¡® faces turned red with embarrassment. ¡°We¡¯re here to get you ready for the coronation. Alpha Alexander hired us¡­?¡±


    Right. I almost pped myself in the forehead¨Cdamn pregnancy brain making me forget things. It wasn¡¯t even seven o¡¯clock in the morning, but I had to get started on my preparations for the coronation already. I forgot to set my rmst night,, too.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± I managed with a small smile, swinging my legs over the edge of the bed. ¡°You just startled me, that¡¯s all. Let¡¯s begin.¡±


    The women, for their part, looked unfazed by my blunder. They just began setting up their styling tools and got right to work.


    For the next four hours, they washed and styled my hair into an borate updo, did my makeup, and picked out all of the right essories. It was actually kind of nice being pampered¨Cthey even painted my nails a pretty nude color that looked perfect against my skin, and by the time everything was


    finished, I felt like a more beautiful version of myself.


    But then they pulled out the dress, and my smile fell.


    The ceremonial Luna Queen coronation gown was¡­ a lot. Heavy midnight blue fabric with intricate gold


    embroidery, long sleeves, a high neckline, and an enormous train. It was beautiful, sure, but it was


    massive.


    And even more than that, when they put it on, the fabric stretched tight across my belly. The gown


    clearly wasn¡¯t tailored to a pregnant body.


    ¡°Are you sure this will fit?¡± I asked, gasping for breath as one of the stylists struggled to fasten the corset in the back, her motions tugging me this way and that. ¡°I thought I¡¯d wear something tailored to my


    current size.¡±


    The stylists exchanged looks in the mirror. ¡°It¡¯s tradition,¡± one said, wringing her hands nervously. ¡°Every Luna Queen for over a century has worn this exact gown for the coronations. If we were to tailor it¡­ Well, <b>it </b>could permanently affect the garment.¡±


    I sighed and shook my head, forcing a smile. ¡°It¡¯s alright. I don¡¯t want to alter such a historical piece. I just


    <b>1/5 </b>


    hope my belly doesn¡¯t tear it.¡±


    Finally, after at least twenty minutes of tugging and stuffing and holding my breath, they managed to fasten the corset withoutpletely restricting my belly. But when I turned to look at myself in the mirror, I couldn¡¯t help but feel my heart sink a little at my appearance.


    ¡°I look like a stuffed sausage,¡± I muttered, alone now that the stylists had left.


    ¡°You look radiant, dear,¡± Lilith¡¯s voice replied. I looked up to see her standing in the doorway in the mirror¡¯s reflection. There was a soft smile on her face.


    ¡°I look pregnant,¡± Iughed, smoothing my hands down over the bodice.


    <b>¡°</b>You are pregnant.¡± Lilith walked over and adjusted the neckline of my dress. ¡°And you¡¯re glowing. That¡¯s my grandchild you¡¯re carrying, after all, so be kind to yourself.¡±


    I blinked. ¡°What?¡±


    Lilith¡¯s hands stilled on my dress, and for a moment she looked almost panicked. ¡°I¡­ It¡¯s a figure of speech, sweetheart. You know how much I care about you and the baby.¡±


    ¡°Right.¡± I turned back to the mirror and nodded. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to insult myself, it¡¯s just¡­ I don¡¯t know. I guess I¡¯m still getting used to the idea of carrying this baby inside of me. And it¡¯s weird, seeing your body change before your eyes.¡±


    Lilith¡¯s face softened. ¡°Well, if it¡¯s any constion, you¡¯re going to be the most beautiful Luna Queen anyone¡¯s ever seen¨Cand your beautiful belly only adds to it. Alexander won¡¯t be able to take his eyes off


    <b>you</b>.¡±


    The mention of Alexander made my stomach flutter. We hadn¡¯t talked much since our night together- he¡¯d been buried in coronation preparations for the past three days, and I¡¯d been trying to give him space


    to focus.


    But I was hoping that today, after all the pomp and circumstance was over, we might finally have a chance to figure out what we were to each other. Maybe we could have a discussion about what had happened and things could begin to move forward.


    It felt like the natural progression of things at this point¨Csomething had clearly shifted in a positive direction since our night of passion.


    Before I could say anything else, one of the staff members knocked on the door and peeked her head in. ¡± Luna? I¡¯m afraid the Alpha has already left for the venue.¡±


    <b>My </b>heart sank. ¡°Already<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°He said¡­¡± The woman looked ufortable. ¡°He said you were taking too long and he couldn¡¯t wait any longer.¡±


    The words hit me like a p to the face. Taking too long. Like I was some kind of burden, some inconvenience that was holding up his big day.


    Maybe our night together hadn¡¯t meant as much to him as I¡¯d thought. Maybe he was already pulling away again, retreating back into that cold distance that had defined our marriage for five years.


    ¡°I see,¡± I managed. ¡°How am I supposed to get there?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°There¡¯s a car waiting for you downstairs. The driver will take you directly to the venue.¡±


    The car waiting for me was sleek and ck, but I didn¡¯t recognize the driver. Usually, Alexander and I were driven by Gabriel, but I assumed Gabriel had been the one to take him to the venue. I smiled at the


    new driver as I approached.


    ¡°Luna,¡± he said, opening the back door for me. ¡°Ready to go?¡±


    Nodding, I gathered up my skirts and climbed into the car, trying not to think about how Alexander had


    left without me.


    The drive to the venue should have taken about thirty minutes. For the first fifteen, everything went smoothly. I stared out the window at the countryside, trying to calm my nerves and prepare myself for what was going to be a very long, very public day.


    But then the engine started making a weird rattling sound. Then there was a grinding noise. Then, with a final shudder, the car rolled to a stop on the side of the road.


    ¡°Shit,¡± the driver muttered under his breath.


    ¡°What happened?¡±


    He turned the key in the ignition a few times, but the engine just sputtered and refused to turn on.


    <b>¡°</b>I think the engine seized<i>,</i><i>¡± </i>he said, rubbing his hands over my face. ¡°I¡¯m going to have to call for another


    car.¡±


    ¡°How long do you think that¡¯ll take?¡±


    ¡°Thirty minutes, at least.¡±


    I stared at him in disbelief. ¡°But the coronation is supposed to start in twenty minutes.¡±


    The driver winced. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Luna.¡±


    Sighing, I pulled out my phone to call Alexander, but we were in the middle of nowhere, so I had no signal.


    Great.


    Alexander


    I checked my watch again and frowned. We had fifteen minutes until the ceremony was supposed to


    start, and E wasn¡¯t here.


    The venue was packed. Alphas from across the territories filled the massive stone cathedral, along with


    their Lunas and Betas and various other pack dignitaries. Everyone was ready and waiting for the event


    to begin.


    But my Luna was missing, and she wasn¡¯t even answering her phone.


    I was starting to get worried.

 The Perfect 194

    <b>Chapter </b><b>194 </b>


    E


    ¡°Do you have service?¡± I asked the driver.


    He pulled out his phone, then cursed under his breath as the same realization hit him that had just hit me. He shook his head. ¡°Nothing. We¡¯re in a dead zone out here.¡±


    ¡°Shit,¡± I said out loud.


    The driver took his hat off and ran a hand through his hair. ¡°I can shift and run back to the mansion to get help. Do you mind waiting here? I¡¯ll be as fast as I can. Thirty minutes or so.¡±


    Thirty minutes. That wasn¡¯t enough time.


    ¡°Now hold on.¡± I climbed out of the car, gathering my heavy skirts as best I could. ¡°Let¡¯s look at the engine first. Maybe it¡¯s something simple we can fix ourselves.¡±


    The driver looked skeptical. ¡°Are you sure, miss? I¡¯m afraid I don¡¯t know anything about engines¡­¡±


    ¡°It won¡¯t hurt just to look will it?¡± The coronation was starting in fifteen minutes. There wasn¡¯t time to wait for him to run back to the house and return with help. ¡°I know a little about cars, so perhaps if we put our heads together, we can figure it out.¡±


    That was a stretch. I knew practically nothing about cars. But I was too desperate not to try.


    With a reluctant nod, the driver popped the hood, and we both peered into the enginepartment. Everything looked foreign to me, but then the driver pointed toward something near the back.


    ¡°There. I think that hose came loose.¡±


    I squinted at where he was pointing. There was definitely a disconnected hose hanging free, dripping some kind of fluid onto the ground below.


    ¡°Can we reattach it?¡± I asked, hope sparking in my chest.


    <b>¡°</b>Maybe. But I¡¯ll have to reach pretty far back to get to it.¡± He rolled up his sleeves and leaned into thepartment. ¡°You might want to stand back, Luna. This could get messy.¡±


    But before I had a chance to move, there was a hiss the second his hand touched the hose. Dark liquid spurted out of the hose, spraying across the poor driver¡¯s face¨Cand all over my dress.


    For a moment, neither of us moved or made a sound. The driver just froze, his face covered in ck oil, and I stood there with my arms syed out to the sides inplete shock.


    Finally, I looked down at myself in horror. The beautiful midnight blue fabric was now streaked with thick, ck oil. I didn¡¯t know much about cars, but I knew one thing: oil did not wash out. Especially not


    in fifteen minutes on an empty country road with no washing machine in sight.


    The historical gown that every Luna Queen had worn for over a century was ruined. Because of me.


    ¡°Luna, I¡¯m so sorry,¡± the driver stammered, straightening. ¡°I didn¡¯t know that would happen-¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault.¡± I shakily reached into the pocket of my dress and withdrew a handkerchief, which I handed to the driver so he could clean himself up. ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    He nodded and wiped his face. ¡°Yes, yes, I¡¯m fine. It¡¯s you I¡¯m worried about, miss. I think I should go get


    help now. Like I said, I think I can be back with another car in thirty minutes, maybe less if I hurry.¡±


    Thirty minutes. We¡¯d already wasted nearly ten trying to decide what to do. That meant that the


    coronation would be nearly over by the time we made it.


    I wanted to be by Alexander¡¯s side throughout the coronation. I hated the idea of not making it because of an engine failure.


    Suddenly, in the distance, I could hear the faint sound of a car engine. My heart leaped with renewed


    hope as headlights appeared around the bend in the road.


    I stepped out into the middle of the road, waving my arms frantically. ¡°Help!¡± I called out. ¡°Please stop!¡±


    The car was going fast, but surely they could see me. A woman in a fancy dress standing in the middle of


    the road next to a broken¨Cdown vehicle¨Cit was pretty obvious we needed assistance.


    But the car flew past without even slowing down.


    I stood there in the road, watching the taillights disappear around the corner. The driver hadn¡¯t even tapped on his brakes.


    Tears pricked at my eyes, but I blinked them away. Crying wasn¡¯t going to solve anything.


    ¡°That¡¯s it,¡± I said, turning back to the driver. ¡°I¡¯m not waiting.¡±


    ¡°Luna?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°I¡¯m going to shift and run to the venue myself.¡± The stained dress would be a problem, but it was certainly better than not showing up at all. ¡°It can¡¯t be more than ten miles from here.¡±


    ¡°But-¡±


    ¡°Thank you for your help,¡± I said, forcing a smile, ¡°but you should focus on getting help for the car. I¡¯ll get myself to the venue.¡±


    The driver looked like he wanted to argue, but I was already beginning to shift. A momentter, I stood there in wolf form, feeling the wind rustle through my fur. I shot the driver onest look over my shoulder, and he nodded, and then I took off.


    Ten miles had never felt so long or so short. My pregnant body wasn¡¯t quite as fast or as agile as thest time I shifted during the game of capture the g at the pic, but I still had little trouble running.


    Within fifteen minutes, I had arrived.


    Just barely enough time to spare.


    When I reached the cathedral, I could hear the ceremony already in progress. The sound of organ music and voices drifted out through the massive stone walls, but I was certain that the coronation had only just begun. It would likely start a bit of a stir when I walked inte, but it wouldn¡¯t be too much trouble.


    I shifted back to human form behind a cluster of trees near the entrance, taking a deep breath to steady


    myself. Okay. I¡¯d made it.


    But my heart sank as I looked down at my dress and saw what remained of it. The beautiful gown was now nothing more than strips of oil¨Cstained fabric hanging off my body. The corset had splitpletely down the back, held together by only a few stubborn threads. The skirt was torn in multiple ces,


    revealing my legs.


    ¡°Fuck,¡± I whispered, panic settling over me. I¡¯d shifted carelessly and ruined the dress even more.


    I looked like I¡¯d been in a fight with a pack of wild animals. I couldn¡¯t go in there like this!


    But there was no time to find something else to wear. The ceremony was happening now, and Alexander


    needed me there. Even if I looked like a disaster, even if everyone stared and whispered, I had to be by his


    side.


    I pulled the remaining fabric around me as best I could and walked toward the main entrance of the cathedral with my head held high. The massive wooden doors of the cathedral were nked by security


    guards in dark suits.


    As I approached, both of them stepped forward, blocking my path.


    ¡°Ceremony is closed to the public<i>,</i><i>¡± </i>one said, hardly even looking at me like I was some kind of vagrant.¡± I¡¯m going to have to ask you to leave, ma¡¯am.¡±

 The Perfect 195

    E


    The guards barely even looked at me. Their dismissal made my wolf bristle, and I lifted my chin higher, straightening my shoulders.


    ¡°I¡¯m the Luna Queen. I have to attend that coronation.¡±


    The guards nced at each other, then at me, eyes flicking distastefully over my disheveled appearance.


    I may have looked like a future queen thirty minutes ago, but not now. One guard held his hand out.


    <b>¡°</b>I need to see some identification.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have any identification with me.¡± Shit. It was in my purse, which I left in the car in my haste to get here on time. ¡°Where¡¯s Gabriel? The Beta. He¡¯ll confirm who I am.¡±


    Just as I was starting to move past them, one of the guards stepped in my way again, holding his arm out to the side to physically block me. ¡°Ma¡¯am, I¡¯m going to need you to step away from the entrance.¡±


    <b>¡°</b>No, I-¡±


    The second guard was already reaching for his radio. They were going to call for backup. They really thought I was some kind of crazy person trying to crash the coronation.


    <b>¡°</b>You don¡¯t understand-¡±


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, pleasee with us.¡± The first guard grabbed my arm and began to guide me away.


    ¡°Get your hands off me!¡± I yanked my arm away. ¡°I¡¯m Luna E of Ashw, and this is my mate¡¯s


    coronation!¡±


    The guards looked wholly unconvinced.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡± The guard reached for me again. ¡°You need to leave the premises immediately.¡±


    <b>¡°</b><b>No</b>! I¡¯m telling you, I belong here! Call Alexander, call Gabriel, call anyone who works for the pack¨Cthey¡¯ll tell you who I am!¡±


    By now, people were starting to turn and look. A few well¨Cdressed guests had gathered near the entrance, whispering and pointing at themotion. This was exactly the kind of scene I¡¯d been trying to avoid,


    but what choice did I have?


    <b>¡°</b>Ma¡¯am, you¡¯re creating a disturbance-<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°E?¡± I whipped around to see Lilith hurrying toward us, her face drawn and pale. When she saw me, she faltered, pressing her hand to her chest. ¡°Oh, your dress-¡±


    ¡°Lilith, thank the Goddess.¡± Relief flooded through me. ¡°Please tell them who I am.¡±


    ¡°What happened to you, dear?<b>¡± </b>Lilith¡¯s eyes were wide as she took in my torn, oil¨Cstained dress. ¡°Are you


    hurt<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°The car broke down, and then the engine-¡°I gestured helplessly at my ruined gown. ¡°It¡¯s a long story.


    But these guards won¡¯t let me in.¡±


    Lilith turned to the security guards, drawing herself up to her full height. ¡°This is Luna E of Ashw. She¡¯s the Alpha King¡¯s mate. Don¡¯t you recognize her?¡±


    The guard¡¯s eyebrows lifted. ¡°Looks like a vagrant to me. A vagrant who¡¯s trying to trespass during an


    important ceremony.¡±


    ¡°Trespassing?¡± Lilith¡¯s voice went sharper than I¡¯d ever heard it before. ¡°This is her mate¡¯s coronation.


    She has every right to be here.¡±


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, please-¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare ¡®ma¡¯am¡® me.¡± Lilith stormed forward and jabbed her finger at his chest. ¡°I¡¯ve worked for


    the Ashw family for over twenty years. I know exactly who this woman is, and if you don¡¯t let her into


    that cathedral right now-¡±


    ¡°Keep your hands off of me.¡± The guard shoved back at Lilith just as she went to poke him in the chest,


    and she stumbled backwards. Her feet tangled in her long dress, and before I could catch her, she was


    tumbling down onto the stone steps.


    ¡°Lilith!¡± I dropped to my knees beside her, the coronation immediately forgotten. ¡°Are you okay? Are you


    hurt?¡±


    She was lying on her side, one hand pressed to her temple where she¡¯d struck the ground. When she


    pulled her hand away, there was blood on her fingers.


    ¡°Oh, Goddess,¡± I breathed. ¡°You¡¯re bleeding.¡±


    <b>¡°</b>I¡¯m fine. Just a little bump.¡±


    <b>¡°</b>You are not fine.¡± I turned to re at the security guards, who were both looking horrified by what had


    just happened. ¡°Look what you did! Pushing an old woman like that. You should be ashamed of yourself!<b>¡± </b>

 The Perfect 196

    Chapter <b>196 </b>


    The guard¡¯s face paled. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean-¡®


    ¡°Get away from us.¡± I turned back to Lilith and helped her sit up slowly. ¡°Can you move? Does anything


    feel broken?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°I¡¯m alright, E. Really.¡± Lilith struggled to her feet with my help, wincing as she rotated her left ankle. But you need to get inside. The ceremony-<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°1


    ¡°Forget the ceremony.¡± I kept one arm around Lilith¡¯s waist and pulled her to her feet. ¡°We need to get you


    to a doctor.¡±


    ¡°E, no.¡± Lilith gripped my arm. ¡°This is Alexander¡¯s coronation. You cannot miss this.¡±


    ¡°I can and I will if it means making sure you¡¯re okay.¡± The cut on her temple was still bleeding, and I was


    pretty sure she¡¯d twisted her ankle when she fell. ¡°You¡¯re more important than any ceremony<b>.</b>¡±


    ¡°Sweetheart, please-<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°What¡¯s all thismotion?¡±


    I looked up to see two people approaching us¨Ca distinguished¨Clooking older man and an elegant woman with perfectly styled gray hair. I recognized them immediately: Sophia¡¯s parents.


    What the hell were they doing here?


    ¡°Alpha John, Luna Helen,¡± the security guard said, bowing at the waist and gesturing to me. ¡°We have a situation here. This woman is trying to gain entry to the ceremony, but she doesn¡¯t have proper


    identification-¡±


    ¡°This woman,¡± Alpha John said, ¡°is Luna E. She¡¯s the Alpha King¡¯s mate.¡±


    The security guards looked stunned. ¡°But sir, she doesn¡¯t look-¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care what she looks like,¡± Helen aid sharply. ¡°She belongs in that cathedral with her mate. Now


    step aside.¡±


    I stared at them in confusion. Why were Sophia¡¯s parents helping me? They had no reason to care whether <b>I </b>made it to the coronation or not. If anything, I would have expected them to enjoy seeing me


    humiliated like this.


    ¡°Luna E,¡± John said, turning to me. ¡°Are you injured? Do you need medical attention?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, but Lilith was hurt when the guard pushed her.¡±


    Helen hurried over and examined Lilith¡¯s head injuries. ¡°It¡¯s not serious, but you should have both looked at by a doctor. However¡­¡± She nced toward the cathedral doors. ¡°The coronation won¡¯t wait.¡±


    <b>¡°</b>I¡¯m not leaving Lilith,¡± I said firmly.


    ¡°E, please.¡± Lilith squeezed my hand. ¡°I¡¯m fine. Go to your mate.¡±


    ¡°But-<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°I¡¯ll take care of her,¡± Helen said with a smile. ¡°You should attend the ceremony.¡±


    I looked between Lilith and Sophia¡¯s parents, still trying to understand why they were helping me. But before I could make sense of it, Lilith gave me a gentle push toward the doors. ¡°Go, dear. I¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    I hesitated for another moment, but the bells had stopped, and I could hear a loud voice booming within the cathedral, indicating that the official ceremony had begun. If I was going to do this, it had to be now.


    ¡°Fine,¡± I muttered, gently disentangling myself from Lilith so she could lean on Helen and John. The security guards stepped aside without another word, and I walked through the massive wooden doors


    into the cathedral.


    The sight that greeted me made my steps falter.


    The cathedral was packed with hundreds of people, all turned toward the altar where Alexander was standing in full ceremonial robes. The Alpha King¡¯s crown was being lifted above his head by the High


    Priest, ready to be ced.


    And every single person in the cathedral turned to look at me.


    The silence was deafening. Hundreds of pairs of eyes taking in my torn, oil¨Cstained dress. My bare feet. My tangled hair.


    At the altar, Alexander had gonepletely still. The crown was frozen in the High Priest¡¯s hands as Alexander stared at me with his mouth agape.


    Without hesitation, I turned around and walked out,pletely humiliated.

 The Perfect 197

    <b>Chapter 197 </b>


    Alexander & E


    Alexander


    E looked like hell.


    Her dress was torn. Hair windswept. Feet bare. And she smelled like¡­ was that¡­ car oil?


    Before I could even process what was happening, she turned around and walked right out of the


    cathedral, leaving me with only one question swirling through my mind: what the fuck?


    The High Priest was still holding the crown above my head, frozen in ce. The entire cathedral was so


    silent you could hear a pin drop. Everyone had seen her. Everyone was staring at the doors she¡¯d just


    disappeared through.


    ¡°Your Majesty<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>the High Priest whispered. ¡°Shall we continue?¡±


    I looked at Gabriel, who was standing to my right with his face twisted in a scowl. He gave me a sharp


    shake of his head. A silent warning. I shouldn¡¯t go after her. Not when the coronation was already


    underway.


    But E had looked¡­ broken. Humiliated. And she was my mate, pregnant with my child. She¡¯d obviously been through something terrible to show up looking like that. I couldn¡¯t just let her walk off without checking on her.


    ¡°Hold off on the ceremony,¡± I said to the priest, stepping away. I then turned to Gabriel. ¡°Keep everyone


    upied. I¡¯ll be right back.¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s eyes went wide. ¡°Alexander, you can¡¯t seriously-<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°<b>I </b>can, and I will.¡±


    I didn¡¯t give Gabriel a chance to protest further before I stepped down from the altar. Crown be damned. The ceremony could wait five minutes.


    The cathedral erupted into shocked murmurs as I turned and walked down the aisle toward the doors E had fled through, ceremonial cape of fur and velvet billowing behind me. I could hear Gabriel calling my name behind me, but I ignored him and followed the distinct scent <b>of </b>cherries and vani.


    I found her in the women¡¯s bathroom just off the main foyer. Judging from the pool of silk and brocade spilling out from beneath thest stall door and the sound of muffled sniffling, she was crying <b>on </b>the


    floor<b>. </b>


    Indeed, when I carefully pushed the door open, I found her with her knees pulled up to her chest and her


    face buried in her hands.


    ¡°E?<b>¡± </b>


    She looked up when I said her name, and I could see she¡¯d been crying. Her makeup was smudged, and


    there were tracks down her cheeks.


    ¡°I ruined it,¡± she sniffled. ¡°I ruined your entire coronation.¡±


    I sat down on the floor beside her. ¡°You didn¡¯t ruin anything.¡±


    ¡°Alexander, everyone saw me. Everyone was staring at me like I was some kind of¡­¡± She gestured


    helplessly at her torn dress. ¡°Look at me. I look like I crawled out of a ditch.¡±


    ¡°You look like you¡¯ve had an adventure.¡± I reached over and tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. ¡°What


    happened?¡±


    ¡°The car broke down. The engine sprayed oil everywhere. I had to shift and run ten miles through the


    forest.¡± Sheughed, but it sounded more like a sob. ¡°And then security wouldn¡¯t let me in because they


    thought I was a vagrant.¡±


    ¡°Goddess, E.¡±


    ¡°I just wanted to be there for you. I wanted to support you on your big day, and instead I made aplete fool of myself in front of every important person in the territory. As if it wasn¡¯t bad enough already that I took too long to get ready this morning and you had to leave without me.¡±


    That made me furrow my brow. I recalled leaving a little early for the ceremony when I¡¯d received word


    that E would take longer¨Cthe staff attendant told me that E asked her to let me know that she would


    meet me there.


    ¡°E, I never-¡°I pinched the bridge of my nose and shook my head. Now wasn¡¯t the time to figure out misunderstandings. E was still crying and I could hear the voices in the cathedral even from here.¡±


    Hey. Look at me.¡±


    X

 The Perfect 198

    She met my eyes reluctantly.


    ¡°You ran ten miles to be at my coronation. You destroyed a priceless heirloom and probably scared the shit out of a lot of people, all because you wanted to be there for me.¡± I couldn¡¯t help but smile. ¡°That¡¯s the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me.¡±


    E blinked owlishly. ¡°Alexander, I wandered into your coronation barefoot.¡±


    ¡°Which ispletely insane,¡± I pointed out, ¡°and pretty memorable, if you ask me.¡±


    That got a smallugh out of her. She shook her head and looked away. ¡°You¡¯re just trying to tter me.¡±


    ¡°No, seriously. Everyone¡¯s going to be talking about this for years. The Luna who ran through the forest to make it to her mate¡¯s coronation. You just gave them the best story they¡¯ve had in decades.¡±


    E wiped her eyes, smearing her mascara even more. ¡°You think so?¡±


    ¡°I know so.¡± I stood up and held out my hand. ¡°Come on.


    ¡°Where are we going?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re starting over.¡± I pulled her to her feet. ¡°Wait here.¡±


    I left her in the bathroom and went to find one of the event coordinators. It took some convincing and a few phone calls, but twenty minutester I had what I needed.


    When I returned to the bathroom, E was trying to fix her hair in the mirror.


    ¡°I brought you something.¡± I held up a garment bag.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Open it and see.¡±


    E unzipped the bag and her mouth fell open. Inside was a midnight blue dress, simpler than the


    ceremonial gown but elegant. The fabric was soft and flowing¨Cthe best I could figure out right now


    considering that she had a pregnant belly to amodate.


    ¡°It¡¯s beautiful,¡± she murmured.


    ¡°Try it on. I¡¯ll wait outside.¡±


    Five minutester, E emerged from the bathroom, and I nearly forgot how to breathe. The dress fit her perfectly, the deep blue bringing out her eyes and the soft fabric draping gracefully over her curves.


    ¡°Better<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>she asked.


    Chapter <b>198 </b>


    ¡°Perfect.¡±


    We walked back into the cathedral together, and this time when people turned to look, it was with curiosity rather than shock. A few people even smiled and nodded approvingly.


    The High Priest was waiting patiently at the altar, crown still in hand. Gabriel looked like he wanted to murder me, but he stepped back into position withoutment.


    This time, when the crown was ced on my head and I was officially dered Alpha King, my mate was standing beside me.


    Right where she belonged.


    E


    The rest of the coronation went smoothly. I stood beside Alexander as he took his oath, my hand in his, wearing a borrowed dress that fit me better than the original gown ever had. When the High Priest dered him Alpha King, the cathedral erupted into cheers, and Alexander turned to me with the biggest


    smile I¡¯d ever seen.


    The reception afterwards was held in the cathedral¡¯s grand ballroom. Hundreds of people were already milling around when we entered, eating fancy food and drinking champagne and congratting


    Alexander on his victory.


    As we made our way toward our table at the head of the room, Alexander¡¯s hand firmly nted on my lower back, my heart felt soft and warm in a way it hadn¡¯t before. Alexander hade through for me in


    the end.


    That had to mean something, right?


    Alexander pulled my seat out for me, and I smiled, sinking gratefully into my chair. But something caught my eye, peeking out from beneath my te¨Ca small piece of paper.


    Curious, I unfolded it and found a note in Lilith¡¯s handwriting.


    ¡°E¨CI need to speak with you urgently. Meet me in the women¡¯s bathroom near the main lobby <b>at </b>9:30.


    It¡¯s important. ¨C L¡ä¡ä


    2/

 The Perfect 199

    E


    At 928, I quietly slipped away from the banquet to meet Lilith.


    I wasn¡¯t sure why she had asked me to meet in the women¡¯s bathroom, but if she had, then it had to be


    important.


    Of course, my mind immediately went to her condition after that security guard had shoved her¨Cwas she more hurt than I initially thought? Was she unable toe to the banquet? Or was it something else?


    No one noticed as I left the banquet hall. Thankfully, most people had hardly paid me any mind since the incident; I¡¯d received a fewments and someughs, but mostly everyone was too busy focusing on their new Alpha King to think about my blunder.


    I was d for it. Blending into the background on a night like tonight was ideal. Alexander hardly cast me more than a nce when I touched his arm and left him to continue his conversation about politics. with a group of Alphas who were clearly kissing his ass.


    Just before I slipped away, though, I couldn¡¯t help but pause to drink him in. Alexander looked incredibly handsome in his ceremonial crown and cape¨Can outfit I knew he would only wear for special asions, but still. It seemed to be made for him. He held himself like a true Alpha King, fitting into the role with. such ease that it stole my breath away every time I looked at him tonight.


    It also made me wonder where we stood.


    Officially, I was his Luna Queen. The woman who was meant to stand by his side throughout his time in


    office.


    But what were we, really? Alexander seemed confused when I mentioned how he left without me earlier, and he had gone to such lengths to make me feel better after the whole incident. He¡¯d said those sweet things in private, too, and that couldn¡¯t possibly just be an act for the cameras because we¡¯d been


    No, my heart said otherwise. Maybe, after our night of passion together, things really had begun to


    change.


    Maybe we could finally put this age of push¨Cand¨Cpull behind us and could simply be together. Mates.


    Husband and wife. Parents to a child who would be adored.


    The way things were supposed to be.


    Before I could dwell on it for long, though, I tore my gaze away from his perfect side profile and stepped into the hallway. A couple of minutester, at 9:30 on the dot, I found the bathroom Lilith had specified. It


    was the same one Alexander had found me crying in earlier.


    But when I stepped into the room, there was no one there. I frowned, looking around for Lilith, and even began opening the stall doors. The bathroom was empty.


    It was when I opened the final stall door, the very same one I¡¯d been crying in earlier, that I found the envelope. It wasrge and yellow and clearly thick as if it had a bunch of papers in it. And it had my


    name on it.


    ¡°Hello?¡± I looked around, wondering if Lilith was ying some kind of prank on me, but the bathroom.


    remained quiet.


    I stared at the envelope sitting on the top of the toilet for a moment before picking it up. My name was indeed printed on the front, although I couldn¡¯t discern whose handwriting it was. Definitely not Lilith¡¯s.


    Too curious to ignore it any longer, I shrugged to myself and tore the envelope open. Inside was a stack of papers, maybe twenty pages thick. The first page made my eyebrows shoot up.


    ¡°Subject: E of Stormhollow


    ssification: Ongoing Surveince


    Authorized by: Alpha Alexander Ashw¡±


    I blinked at the words, not quite processing what I was reading Surveince? What the hell was this?


    I flipped to the next page and found a detailed timeline of my entire life. My birth date, high school graduation, the day I found out I was mated to Alexander, even a copy of our wedding certificate.

 The Perfect 200

    ¡°What the fuck¡­?¡± I whispered, flipping to the next page.


    The third page was worse. It was a report on my family, going back years. My father¡¯s business dealings, my stepmother¡¯s social connections, even details about pack members I¡¯d grown up with.


    Someone had been digging into every aspect of my background, cataloging rtionships and looking


    for¡­ what? Evidence of something?


    My hands shook as I continued reading. There were photographs tucked between the pages¨Cpictures of


    me that I didn¡¯t even remember being taken. Walking through the garden. Sitting in the library. Talking to


    pack members at various events.


    Someone had been watching me. Documenting my every move.


    And Alexander had authorized it.


    I stared at the pages for a long time. I stared at them until the bathroom around them faded away and all


    that was left was me and that damning evidence, floating in a dark void.


    No matter how long I looked at it, I couldn¡¯t seem to find any indication that it wasn¡¯t real. This evidence


    ¡­ It was all urate. All of the information on me was correct. This felt like far more than a prank or a


    misunderstanding. It felt like a damning window into a world I was never meant to see.


    Alexander had been spying on me. On my family. This entire time.


    But why? What did he think he was going to find? What did he want?


    My stomach churned so violently that I thought I was going to be sick right then and there. I wasn¡¯t sure why, but Alexander was spying on me, potentially for the entire duration of our marriage.


    Was he trying <i>to </i>get closer to my family? Did he want something from my parents? It made no sense-


    Stormhollow had nothing left to give¨Cbut there must have been some reason. The packnd, perhaps. Or


    maybe the family jewels that my father kept locked up in the vault beneath the estate, although Ashw


    had plenty of wealth.


    Even our night together¨Chad that been part of the investigation too? Was he lying to me on top of it all, using me to get whatever information he wanted? Hell, had every moment where it seemed like he might be falling for me just been a lie to keep mecent while he spied on my family?


    And most of all¡­ What about our child?


    <b>I </b>pressed my hand to my belly, feeling the smallest sensation of movement beneath my skin. This baby that I already loved so much¨Cwhat if Alexander saw it as nothing more than a way to keep me tied to him while he continued his investigation?


    The thought made me actually gag so hard that I had to cover my mouth with my hand to keep down my


    dinner.


    Goddess, I¡¯d fallen in love with this man. Completely, utterly, stupidly in love. Despite everything, I¡¯d let myself believe that underneath it all, he might care about me too.


    What a fucking fool I was.


    I gathered up the papers with shaking hands and clutched them to my chest.


    A small voice in the back of my head urged me to crumple them up and flush them down the toilet as if that might make them not real, but I knew it was best if I held onto them. I might need to use them in the


    future.


    For now, though, I had to get out of here. I needed to think.


    But I couldn¡¯t go back to that ballroom and pretend everything was fine. I couldn¡¯t stand next to Alexander and smile for the cameras, knowing what I now knew.


    So instead of returning <i>to </i>the banquet, I rushed out of the bathroom and out the side door of the cathedral, disappearing into the night.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 The Perfect 201

    <b>+15 </b><b>BONUS </b>


    Chapter <b>201 </b>


    Alexander


    Around ten o¡¯clock, I turned back toward our table after finishing my conversation with one of the many Alphas in attendance about trade routes, expecting to find E sitting there picking at her dinner or chatting with someone. Instead, her chair was empty.


    I scanned the ballroom, looking for her midnight blue dress among the crowd of guests. Maybe she¡¯d gone to talk to someone, or was getting another ginger ale from the bar.


    But after a few minutes of searching, I still didn¡¯t see her anywhere.


    ¡°Gabriel,¡± I called to my Beta, who was standing a few feet away talking to some pack members. ¡°Have you seen E?<b>¡± </b>


    His jaw ticked at the mention of E¡¯s name, but he maintained his cool expression and shook his head.¡± Not recently. Why?¡±


    ¡°She must have slipped out.¡± I checked my watch. It had been more like twenty minutes since I hadst seen her. ¡°I¡¯m going to find her.¡±


    Before Gabriel could respond, a voice called out to me¨Cone that I hadn¡¯t heard in months.


    ¡°Alex<b>! </b>Congrattions on your coronation.¡±


    I stiffened, hands clenching. Honestly, I considered just pretending I hadn¡¯t heard her and leaving anyway, but I knew it was toote; and with so many people around, it wouldn¡¯t be very bing of the new Alpha King to snub someone at his own coronation.


    Finally<b>, </b>I turned to see Sophia approaching, wearing a form¨Cfitting red dress and a serene smile as if I hadn¡¯t punished her entire family just a few months ago.


    Her parents were nowhere to be seen, which was both a blessing and a curse. John and Helen were better at controlling her than anyone, but all three of them together was also a lot to handle.


    Not to mention the fact that I was still fucking pissed over what they had done. I didn¡¯t want any of theming anywhere near E and our unborn child, let aloneing to the coronation, but there was no way I could bar the entire family froming without causing a major scandal.


    So when the coronation nner had added them to the guest list, I hadn¡¯tined. Not out loud,


    anyway<b>. </b>


    ¡°Sophia.¡± I folded my arms, a clear sign that I wasn¡¯t interested in pleasant conversation with her. ¡°Thank you. I hope you¡¯re enjoying the reception.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I am. Your mate certainly made quite an entrance earlier.¡± Her smile turned sharp around the edges.


    Very memorable.¡±


    I wasn¡¯t in the mood for whatever game Sophia was ying. ¡°<b>If </b>you¡¯ll excuse me, I need to find E.¡±


    ¡°Actually, that¡¯s what I wanted to talk to you about.¡± Sophia stepped in my path and moved closer, lowering her voice so only I could hear. ¡°I think there¡¯s something you should know.¡±


    ¡°I really don¡¯t have time for whatever nonsense you¡¯re cooking up tonight, Sophia.¡± I didn¡¯t bother to hide the disdain in my voice. Part of me still often wondered how the hell I had ever seen her as a friend.


    ¡°Alex, please. Just listen to me for a moment.¡± She ced her hand on my arm. ¡°I¡¯m worried about you.¡±


    I looked down at her hand and back up at her face. As if she had the fucking right to touch me, let alone¡± worry¡± about me. ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°Your mate¡¯s behavior today. Don¡¯t you think it was a little¡­ suspicious?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°borate, or get the hell out of my way,¡± I growled, pulling my arm away.


    ¡°All business, even with your old friend.¡± Sophia straightened and gestured to two nearby men, who began striding over. One was shorter and younger in appearance, wearing what looked like a driver¡¯s uniform, and the other was tall and muscr and wearing one of the security guard uniforms for the event. ¡°Fine. We¡¯ll get right down to it, then.¡±


    I lifted my brows as they came to stop in front of me.


    ¡°This is James,<i>¡± </i>Sophia said, indicating the younger man. ¡°He was your mate¡¯s driver today. James, tell the Alpha King what you just told me.¡±


    James cleared his throat and wrung his cap in his hands when I turned to him. ¡°The Luna, she¡­ she jumped out of the car,¡± he whispered. ¡°While it was still running. And then she just started tearing at her dress, ripping it up on purpose. I tried to stop her, but she said something about needing to make it look convincing, and then she shifted and ran off.¡±

 The Perfect 202

    <b>Chapter </b><b>202 </b>


    ¡°What?¡± I blurted out, incredulous. Was this guy seriously saying that E intentionally showed up <b>at </b><b>the </b>coronation looking the way she did?


    It was almostughable.


    I¡¯d seen the tears on her face earlier. The humiliation in her eyes when she had entered that event looking like that. Even if E was a spy for Stormhollow, there was no way she would ever be caught dead in public like that without a very good reason.


    ¡°And just in case you don¡¯t believe James, this is Stephen,¡± Sophia went on, gesturing to the security guard. ¡°He has an interesting tidbit to add.¡±


    <b>I </b>resisted the urge to roll my eyes, but let the security guard speak, more out of curiosity than anything.


    The security guard stepped forward. ¡°When she showed up at the cathedral, she was acting really strange. Violent, even. She threw something at me and started screaming about how I¡¯d better let her inside or she would kill me. I thought she was having some kind of breakdown and I tried to escort her to safety, but she ignored me and insisted on entering anyway.¡±


    For a moment, I just looked between the two men, then at Sophia, who was watching me with those big doe eyes. This whole thing smacked of her typical bullshit, although I was so dumbfounded that she would start something like this on today of all days that I couldn¡¯t even speak.


    ¡°I care about you, Alex,<i>¡± </i>she said then, lowering her voice. ¡°And I think your mate might be unstable, which is why I¡¯m telling you this now. You have a right to know before things get too serious.¡±


    Unstable.


    As if E was the one who hired a rogue to kidnap and assault someone a few months ago. ¡°My mate¡¯s name is E,¡± I said, picking a piece of dust off of my coronation cape. ¡°And Sophia, tonight really isn¡¯t the night for your schemes. Unless you intend to be escorted out, maybe you should¡­ I don¡¯t know. Go pick at the hors d¡¯oeuvres or something? Now if you¡¯ll excuse me, I have somewhere to be.¡±


    Sophia¡¯s mouth dropped open, but I didn¡¯t linger to hear her response. I just turned and left her standing there, and mindlinked my Beta to handle the rest. This nonsense was not a priority for me tonight.


    I left the ballroom without another word to anyone after that. The cathedral¡¯s main lobby was mostly empty at this hour, just a few staff members cleaning up after the day¡¯s events.


    I checked the women¡¯s bathroom where I¡¯d found E earlier, but it was empty. The gardens behind the cathedral were dark and quiet, too, and she wasn¡¯t in the parking lot or the main courtyard.


    Where would she go?


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    I expanded my search, walking the streets around the cathedral. It was a nice area, well¨Clit and safe, with several small parks and cafes. Most ces were closed at this hour, but-


    There. In the small park across from the cathedral¡¯s side entrance, I spotted a figure sitting on a bench under one of the streetlights.


    Even from a distance, I recognized the midnight blue dress and the swell of her belly.


    ¡°E?<b>¡± </b>


    She looked up when I said her name, and I was surprised by the expression on her face. Not sadness or embarrassment like I¡¯d expected.


    Anger.


    ¡°What are you doing out here?¡± I asked, striding up to her. I began to remove my cape so I could put it around her shoulders. ¡°It¡¯s chilly out-¡±


    Before I could finish, E shoved something into my hands. I looked down to find that it was a man envelope that felt thick and heavy with whatever was inside.


    ¡°Are you spying on my family?¡± she hissed.

 The Perfect 203

    Chapter <b>203 </b>


    E


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    The look on Alexander¡¯s face when he opened that envelope told me everything I needed to know.


    He didn¡¯t deny it. He didn¡¯t look confused or shocked or angry that someone was trying to frame him. He just stared at the papers with an expression that was nothing short of guilty.


    I felt like such an idiot. All those moments I¡¯d treasured recently, all those little instances of tenderness that had led my foolish heart to believe that he was actually starting to fall for me, had been nothing but lies.


    It was all just a beautiful performance designed to keep me close while he gathered information on my family.


    And I¡¯d fallen for itpletely.


    <b>¡°</b>I need to go.¡±


    ¡°Wait.¡± Alexander suddenly moved to block my path. ¡°You need to let me exin.¡±


    ¡°Exin what? That you¡¯ve been spying on me since the day we got married? That everything between


    us has been fake?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not fake.¡±


    ¡°Bullshit.¡±


    I tried to walk around him, but he grabbed my arm.


    ¡°Please. Just let me exin.¡±


    There was something in his voice that made me stop. Alexander never sounded panicked. Ever. Especially not with me. But he sounded panicked now.


    ¡°Please,¡± my wolf sighed, sounding just as panicked as Alexander. ¡°He¡¯s our mate. Hear him out.¡±


    My jaw clenched, but I knew she was right. The least I could do was hear what he had to say. ¡°Fine,¡± I said. ¡°Exin.¡±


    Alexander hesitated for a long moment. So long, in fact, that I wondered if he was going to say anything at all or if he was just stalling for time. I considered leaving again, but then he finally blurted out, ¡°Your parents killed mine.¡±


    I blinked. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°My parents¡® car ident all those years ago. I found out that it wasn¡¯t an ident. Your father paid


    someone to cut the brake lines.¡±


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible,¡± Iughed incredulously. My father was a lot of things, but a murderer definitely wasn¡¯t one of them. Sure, he was cold and selfish and had never treated me like his real daughter, but to have another Alpha and Luna killed? What would he even stand to gain from that?


    But now that I thought of it¡­ The money my father was desperate to have¡­ The way he ignored my death sentence just so he could get more¡­


    I supposed that it wasn¡¯t that far¨Cfetched for him, was it?


    Alexander then pulled out his phone and showed me a photograph. In it was a man I didn¡¯t recognize, but the caption underneath read ¡°Thomas ck¨CGroundskeeper, Stormhollow Estate.¡±


    ¡°This man confessed,¡± Alexander exined. ¡°He¡¯s been working for your family for years. Your father was the one who paid him to cut the brake lines on my parents¡® car.¡±


    Furrowing my brow, I stared at the photo. The face meant nothing to me, but something about Alexander¡¯s certainty made my stomach twist with an ufortable feeling.


    I looked up, and found that Alexander¡¯s face was hard now, eyes glimmering like emeralds in the dim light. A muscle jumped in his jaw, indicating that he was controlling himself. And the way he was


    looking at me¡­


    He was testing me to see what my reaction was.


    He thought I was in on it somehow, wasn¡¯t he?


    ¡°Do you think¡­¡±


    ¡°Just tell me, E,¡± Alexander said quietly, eyes shing, ¡°if you¡¯re a spy.¡±


    The words felt like a gunshot in the quiet air.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you,¡± I muttered, taking a step back. ¡°You¡¯d actually think that I¡¯d be a spy after everything? You think I¡¯d willingly work for my family? My father and stepmother treat me like I¡¯m less than dirt. Even if they did send me with the intention of getting something out of you, I had no knowledge of it.¡±


    Alexander tilted his head. ¡°What about the checks I sent for five years?¡±


    ¡°My father just told me to stay married to you because Stormhollow needed the money. That¡¯s all I know about that.¡±


    ¡°So when you told me to stop sending money to Stormhollow-¡±


    ¡°That was because I didn¡¯t want to be attached to him anymore! I was tired of being stuck in a loveless marriage just so my father could get checks out of you!¡± My voice was rising now. ¡°Would a spy defy the


    orders of their spymaster so openly?¡°


    the


    orders of their spymaster so openly?¡±


    To his credit, Alexander didn¡¯t argue with that. What argument could he possibly have, anyway? Unless my father wanted something else and the money was just a red herring, I couldn¡¯t imagine a scenario in which it would make sense for his own spy to tell Alexander to stop sending the checks.

 The Perfect 204

    ¡°And what¡¯s more,¡± I went on, ¡°I got pregnant with your child, Alexander! Take one look at me and tell me that this-¡°I gestured to my swollen belly- ¡°was just a ploy!¡±


    Alexander stared at me for several moments as if searching for a lie in my words. I held my ground, lifting my chin defiantly.


    No. I would not let my father¡¯s alleged actions reflect on me.


    I was tired of living in that man¡¯s shadow.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know,¡± I finally said, my words quivering slightly as some of the anger deted from my body and was reced with sorrow. Sorrow that my own father would use me like that. ¡°Alexander, I swear to you, I had no idea about any of this.¡±


    <b>¡°</b><b>I </b>want to believe you.¡±


    ¡°Then believe me.¡±


    Alexander¡¯s lips parted. I half expected Gabriel toe out of the shadows now, just like he always did, although with silver handcuffs this time instead of cruel words. But he didn¡¯t.


    Finally, Alexander let out a sigh that made his shoulders sag. ¡°I¡¯m trying. It¡¯s not easy when you¡¯ve spent five years wondering-¡±


    ¡°Then you should have talked to me,¡± I cut him off. ¡°Years ago, when this all started. You should have told


    me what you suspected.¡±


    ¡°Would you have believed me then if I told you what your father had done?¡±


    I thought about that for a moment. If Alexander hade to me five years ago and used my father of murder, would I have listened? Or would I have thought he was trying to manipte me?


    Honestly, I probably would have run straight to my father and told him everything. Because I had spent so long wanting to be the perfect daughter that I had no sense of self anymore.


    But I wasn¡¯t that same person. I may have survived my illness, but that version of E was dead and gone.


    ¡°Maybe not,¡± I admitted. ¡°But you still should have tried.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right. I should have.¡±


    We stood there in silence for a moment. The sounds of the reception drifted across the streetughter and music and clinking sses. I looked down at my hands. At the wedding ring that had never felt real before, but had started totely. <b>¡°</b><b>I </b>want to help.¡±


    ¡°Help with what?¡±


    ¡°Whatever you¡¯re nning to do to my father. I want to help.¡±


    Alexander stared at me. ¡°You want to turn against your own family<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°They¡¯re not my family. Not anymore.¡± I pressed my hand to my belly, where our baby was growing. ¡°You are. This baby is. That¡¯s my family now.¡±


    ¡°E¡­¡±


    ¡°I only have one condition.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°My mother¡¯s belongings. My father keeps them locked in a trunk in his study. When <b>you</b>¡­ when you deal with him, I want that trunk. It¡¯s the only thing I have left of her.¡±


    Alexander nodded slowly. ¡°Done.¡±


    ¡°And the house. I know you¡¯re probably going to take the estate, but¡­ I grew up there. It¡¯s the only home I¡¯ve ever known.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t destroy it.¡±


    The relief that washed through me was so strong that my knees almost buckled out from beneath me.¡° Thank you.¡±


    There was another long silence. I wasn¡¯t sure what came next, and it seemed Alexander wasn¡¯t, either. Did he even trust me now? Or would I have to earn his trust?


    Right now¡­ Despite the pain of finding out that he had spent five years spying on me¡­ I wanted to earn it. For our baby.


    To my surprise, Alexander held out his hand to me. ¡°Will youe back to the reception with me now?¡±


    I looked at his outstretched hand. At the golden ring gleaming on his finger. At the man who¡¯d just be Alpha King and who¡¯d chosen to leave his own celebration to find me twice in one day.


    The future felt awfully uncertain, but right now, it felt like he was choosing to walk into the unknown with me. Even if we didn¡¯t fully trust each other, that had to mean something, right? I just had to take his hand and take that leap of faith with him.


    So I did.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 The Perfect 205

    <b>Chapter 206 </b>


    Alexander


    Gabriel stormed into my office the next morning without so much as a knock. The moment the door was shut behind him, he whirled on me, his face twisted with fury.


    <b>¡°</b>Are you out of your fucking mind?¡± he snarled.


    I slowly looked up from the budget reports I¡¯d been reviewing. ¡°Good morning to you too, Gabriel. What¡¯s got your panties in a twist today<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°You told her everything.¡± Gabriel¡¯s face was crimson with rage. ¡°You told E about the investigation. About her father. About all of it.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I did.¡±


    ¡°Do you have any idea what you¡¯ve done? Years of work, Alexander. Years of careful nning and surveince, and you just handed it all over to the enemy.¡±


    I carefully set down my pen and leaned back in my chair. ¡°She¡¯s not the enemy.¡±


    ¡°How can <b>you </b>possibly know that?¡±


    ¡°Because she¡¯s my mate. My wife. The mother of my child.¡± I stood up and gripped the edge of the desk so hard my knuckles turned white. ¡°And because I chose to trust her.¡±


    ¡°Trust her? Based on what? Sex<b>?</b>¡±


    <b>My </b>wolf bristled at his indignation, but I fought to maintain control. For now, at least. ¡°Based on the fact that she offered to help me take down her own father the moment she found out.¡±


    ¡°Which could be part of the n! Don¡¯t you see that?¡± Gabriel stormed up to me and jabbed his finger into the center of my chest, making my wolf growl. ¡°This could all be an borate setup. She gets caught with the evidence, ys the innocent victim, gains your sympathy, and now she¡¯s perfectly positioned to feed


    information back to Stormhollow.<i>¡± </i>


    Gabriel wasn¡¯t entirely wrong, but I recalledst night all too well. E¡¯s face when she¡¯d found the evidence, followed by the look of pain in her eyes when I exined everything¡­ Unless she was a


    phenomenal actress<b>, </b>I couldn¡¯t imagine that she was lying.


    <b>¡°</b><b>You </b>didn¡¯t see her, Gabriel. You didn¡¯t hear what she said.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need to. I know how these people operate.¡± Gabriel pinched the bridge of his nose and shut his eyes in exasperation. ¡°Alexander, you¡¯re letting your feelings cloud your judgment. Again.¡±


    <b>¡°</b><b>My </b>judgment is just fine.<b>¡± </b>


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    <b>¡°</b>You¡¯re being yed like a fiddle. That Stormhollow whore has you by the balls-¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡± My jaw clenched, every Alpha instinct in me fighting against the hold ofposure I had on myself. I wanted to leap across the desk and sink my teeth into the Beta¡¯s neck. Wanted to finally put him in his ce for insulting my mate, once and for all.


    Gabriel seemed unfazed by my fury. ¡°No, it¡¯s not enough. We need to continue the investigation. We need to dig deeper<b>, </b>find out what she¡¯s really up to.¡±


    ¡°The investigation is over.¡±


    ¡°Like hell it is.¡±


    ¡°<b>I </b>said it¡¯s over, Gabriel. We have what we need to move against her father. E is not a threat.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know that!¡±


    ¡°I know enough.¡± My voice was dangerously low. ¡°She¡¯s pregnant with my heir, for fuck¡¯s sake. <b>You </b>think she¡¯d risk her own child¡¯s life for some scheme?¡±


    ¡°I think she¡¯d do whatever it takes toplete her mission.¡±


    That was it. I¡¯d had enough.


    <b>¡°</b><b>You¡¯re </b>out of line, Gabriel.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m doing my job!¡±


    <b>¡°</b>Your job is to advise me, not to make decisions for me. Your job is to support my choices, not undermine them at every turn.¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s eyes shed. <b>¡°</b><b>My </b>job is to protect this pack from threats, even when you¡¯re too blind to see


    them.¡±


    ¡°Blind<b>?</b>¡± I stepped around my desk, getting in his face. ¡°I¡¯m blind?¡±


    ¡°When ites to her? Yes. Completely.<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°And I suppose you see everything clearly<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°I see a woman who showed up here at exactly the right time with exactly the right story. I see a woman who¡¯s managed to wrap the Alpha King around her little finger in a matter of months. I see a threat that <b>you¡¯re </b>ignoring because she¡¯s got nice tits and a pretty smile.¡±


    <b>2/3 </b>


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    <b>Chapter </b><b>207 </b>


    My fist connected with his face before I could control myself. Gabriel stumbled backward, mming into the coffee cart behind him. Cups and saucers went shattering across the floor, and blood immediately began to trickle from his broken nose.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you ever talk about my mate like that again,¡± I growled.


    Gabriel wiped the blood from his face and red at me. ¡°Hitting me doesn¡¯t make me wrong.¡±


    <b>¡°</b>No, but being an insubordinate asshole makes you useless to me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m trying to save you from making the biggest mistake of your life!¡±


    ¡°By constantly questioning my judgment? By whispering in my ear like I¡¯m some kind of idiot who can¡¯t think for himself?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Because you¡¯re acting like one!¡±


    The words were clear. Gabriel thought I was being a fool. And perhaps I was, but a Beta had no right to speak to me¨Cor his Luna¨Clike that. No matter what he thought about the situation, I was still his Alpha. His Alpha King.


    I would not tolerate it any longer.


    I should have stopped tolerating it that night in the alley all those months ago when I beat him within an inch of his life.


    ¡°Say that again,¡± I said quietly.


    Gabriel lifted his chin. ¡°You¡¯re being naive. Stupid. She¡¯s ying you, and you¡¯re too infatuated to see it.¡±


    ¡°Get out.¡±


    ¡°Alexander-¡±


    ¡°I said get out. You¡¯re demoted, effective immediately.¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s face went white. ¡°You can¡¯t be serious.¡±


    ¡°Dead serious. You¡¯ve questioned my authority one too many times. A Beta who doesn¡¯t respect his Alpha is no Beta <b>at </b>all.¡±


    <b>¡°</b>You¡¯re making a mistake.¡±


    ¡°The only mistake I made was keeping you in that position as long as I did.¡± I turned away from him, effectively dismissing him. ¡°And another thing¨Chow exactly did E get her hands on those investigation files<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Gabriel¡¯s silence was telling.


    ¡°Those were ssified materials, Gabriel. Top secret. The only way she could have found them is if someone left them somewhere they shouldn¡¯t have been.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re implying.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not implying anything. I¡¯m stating a fact. You were careless with sensitive information, and now it¡¯spromised.¡± I faced him again. ¡°I don¡¯t trust you anymore, Gabriel. I¡¯ll handle the Stormhollow situation myself from here on out. And if I¡¯m making a mistake, then it¡¯s my mistake to make.¡±


    Gabriel stared at me for a long moment, his jaw working like he wanted to say more. Finally, he straightened his jacket and walked to the door.


    ¡°You¡¯ll regret this,¡± he said without turning around.


    ¡°The only thing I regret is not doing it sooner.¡±


    The door mmed behind him, and I was alone.


    I stood there for a moment, adrenaline still coursing through my veins. Gabriel had been my Beta for as long as I¡¯d been an Alpha. We¡¯d fought together, nned together, built this pack together. And now it


    was over.


    But <b>I </b>couldn¡¯t bring myself to feel sorry about it. Gabriel had crossed too many lines, questioned too many decisions. A Beta was supposed to support his Alpha, not constantly undermine him.


    Especially not when it came to my mate.


    Suddenly, the door swung open again. I whirled around in a rage, mouth opening to tell Gabriel to get out before I made him really regret it. But it wasn¡¯t Gabriel who I found standing in the doorway.


    ¡°What do we think? Blue or green?¡±


    It was E, holding up two swatches for the baby¡¯s nursery.


    And the smile on her face made me soften in an instant.


    Without a second thought, I crossed the room in two long strides and pulled her into my arms. She stiffened, making a small squeak of surprise, but quickly rxed and rested her forehead against my


    chest.


    Perhaps this was a mistake. Perhaps she was ying me like a fiddle and Gabriel was right all along.


    But¡­ dammit. I couldn¡¯t keep myself away from her anymore.


    <b>If </b>this was a war, then I¡¯d just lost.

 The Perfect 206

    <b>Chapter 206 </b>


    Alexander


    Gabriel stormed into my office the next morning without so much as a knock. The moment the door was shut behind him, he whirled on me, his face twisted with fury.


    <b>¡°</b>Are you out of your fucking mind?¡± he snarled.


    I slowly looked up from the budget reports I¡¯d been reviewing. ¡°Good morning to you too, Gabriel. What¡¯s got your panties in a twist today<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°You told her everything.¡± Gabriel¡¯s face was crimson with rage. ¡°You told E about the investigation. About her father. About all of it.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I did.¡±


    ¡°Do you have any idea what you¡¯ve done? Years of work, Alexander. Years of careful nning and surveince, and you just handed it all over to the enemy.¡±


    I carefully set down my pen and leaned back in my chair. ¡°She¡¯s not the enemy.¡±


    ¡°How can <b>you </b>possibly know that?¡±


    ¡°Because she¡¯s my mate. My wife. The mother of my child.¡± I stood up and gripped the edge of the desk so hard my knuckles turned white. ¡°And because I chose to trust her.¡±


    ¡°Trust her? Based on what? Sex<b>?</b>¡±


    <b>My </b>wolf bristled at his indignation, but I fought to maintain control. For now, at least. ¡°Based on the fact that she offered to help me take down her own father the moment she found out.¡±


    ¡°Which could be part of the n! Don¡¯t you see that?¡± Gabriel stormed up to me and jabbed his finger into the center of my chest, making my wolf growl. ¡°This could all be an borate setup. She gets caught with the evidence, ys the innocent victim, gains your sympathy, and now she¡¯s perfectly positioned to feed


    information back to Stormhollow.<i>¡± </i>


    Gabriel wasn¡¯t entirely wrong, but I recalledst night all too well. E¡¯s face when she¡¯d found the evidence, followed by the look of pain in her eyes when I exined everything¡­ Unless she was a


    phenomenal actress<b>, </b>I couldn¡¯t imagine that she was lying.


    <b>¡°</b><b>You </b>didn¡¯t see her, Gabriel. You didn¡¯t hear what she said.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need to. I know how these people operate.¡± Gabriel pinched the bridge of his nose and shut his eyes in exasperation. ¡°Alexander, you¡¯re letting your feelings cloud your judgment. Again.¡±


    <b>¡°</b><b>My </b>judgment is just fine.<b>¡± </b>


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    <b>¡°</b>You¡¯re being yed like a fiddle. That Stormhollow whore has you by the balls-¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡± My jaw clenched, every Alpha instinct in me fighting against the hold ofposure I had on myself. I wanted to leap across the desk and sink my teeth into the Beta¡¯s neck. Wanted to finally put him in his ce for insulting my mate, once and for all.


    Gabriel seemed unfazed by my fury. ¡°No, it¡¯s not enough. We need to continue the investigation. We need to dig deeper<b>, </b>find out what she¡¯s really up to.¡±


    ¡°The investigation is over.¡±


    ¡°Like hell it is.¡±


    ¡°<b>I </b>said it¡¯s over, Gabriel. We have what we need to move against her father. E is not a threat.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know that!¡±


    ¡°I know enough.¡± My voice was dangerously low. ¡°She¡¯s pregnant with my heir, for fuck¡¯s sake. <b>You </b>think she¡¯d risk her own child¡¯s life for some scheme?¡±


    ¡°I think she¡¯d do whatever it takes toplete her mission.¡±


    That was it. I¡¯d had enough.


    <b>¡°</b><b>You¡¯re </b>out of line, Gabriel.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m doing my job!¡±


    <b>¡°</b>Your job is to advise me, not to make decisions for me. Your job is to support my choices, not undermine them at every turn.¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s eyes shed. <b>¡°</b><b>My </b>job is to protect this pack from threats, even when you¡¯re too blind to see


    them.¡±


    ¡°Blind<b>?</b>¡± I stepped around my desk, getting in his face. ¡°I¡¯m blind?¡±


    ¡°When ites to her? Yes. Completely.<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°And I suppose you see everything clearly<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°I see a woman who showed up here at exactly the right time with exactly the right story. I see a woman who¡¯s managed to wrap the Alpha King around her little finger in a matter of months. I see a threat that <b>you¡¯re </b>ignoring because she¡¯s got nice tits and a pretty smile.¡±


    <b>2/3 </b>


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    <b>Chapter </b><b>207 </b>


    My fist connected with his face before I could control myself. Gabriel stumbled backward, mming into the coffee cart behind him. Cups and saucers went shattering across the floor, and blood immediately began to trickle from his broken nose.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you ever talk about my mate like that again,¡± I growled.


    Gabriel wiped the blood from his face and red at me. ¡°Hitting me doesn¡¯t make me wrong.¡±


    <b>¡°</b>No, but being an insubordinate asshole makes you useless to me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m trying to save you from making the biggest mistake of your life!¡±


    ¡°By constantly questioning my judgment? By whispering in my ear like I¡¯m some kind of idiot who can¡¯t think for himself?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Because you¡¯re acting like one!¡±


    The words were clear. Gabriel thought I was being a fool. And perhaps I was, but a Beta had no right to speak to me¨Cor his Luna¨Clike that. No matter what he thought about the situation, I was still his Alpha. His Alpha King.


    I would not tolerate it any longer.


    I should have stopped tolerating it that night in the alley all those months ago when I beat him within an inch of his life.


    ¡°Say that again,¡± I said quietly.


    Gabriel lifted his chin. ¡°You¡¯re being naive. Stupid. She¡¯s ying you, and you¡¯re too infatuated to see it.¡±


    ¡°Get out.¡±


    ¡°Alexander-¡±


    ¡°I said get out. You¡¯re demoted, effective immediately.¡±


    Gabriel¡¯s face went white. ¡°You can¡¯t be serious.¡±


    ¡°Dead serious. You¡¯ve questioned my authority one too many times. A Beta who doesn¡¯t respect his Alpha is no Beta <b>at </b>all.¡±


    <b>¡°</b>You¡¯re making a mistake.¡±


    ¡°The only mistake I made was keeping you in that position as long as I did.¡± I turned away from him, effectively dismissing him. ¡°And another thing¨Chow exactly did E get her hands on those investigation files<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Gabriel¡¯s silence was telling.


    ¡°Those were ssified materials, Gabriel. Top secret. The only way she could have found them is if someone left them somewhere they shouldn¡¯t have been.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re implying.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not implying anything. I¡¯m stating a fact. You were careless with sensitive information, and now it¡¯spromised.¡± I faced him again. ¡°I don¡¯t trust you anymore, Gabriel. I¡¯ll handle the Stormhollow situation myself from here on out. And if I¡¯m making a mistake, then it¡¯s my mistake to make.¡±


    Gabriel stared at me for a long moment, his jaw working like he wanted to say more. Finally, he straightened his jacket and walked to the door.


    ¡°You¡¯ll regret this,¡± he said without turning around.


    ¡°The only thing I regret is not doing it sooner.¡±


    The door mmed behind him, and I was alone.


    I stood there for a moment, adrenaline still coursing through my veins. Gabriel had been my Beta for as long as I¡¯d been an Alpha. We¡¯d fought together, nned together, built this pack together. And now it


    was over.


    But <b>I </b>couldn¡¯t bring myself to feel sorry about it. Gabriel had crossed too many lines, questioned too many decisions. A Beta was supposed to support his Alpha, not constantly undermine him.


    Especially not when it came to my mate.


    Suddenly, the door swung open again. I whirled around in a rage, mouth opening to tell Gabriel to get out before I made him really regret it. But it wasn¡¯t Gabriel who I found standing in the doorway.


    ¡°What do we think? Blue or green?¡±


    It was E, holding up two swatches for the baby¡¯s nursery.


    And the smile on her face made me soften in an instant.


    Without a second thought, I crossed the room in two long strides and pulled her into my arms. She stiffened, making a small squeak of surprise, but quickly rxed and rested her forehead against my


    chest.


    Perhaps this was a mistake. Perhaps she was ying me like a fiddle and Gabriel was right all along.


    But¡­ dammit. I couldn¡¯t keep myself away from her anymore.


    <b>If </b>this was a war, then I¡¯d just lost.

 The Perfect 207

    Chapter <b>207 </b>


    My fist connected with his face before I could control myself. Gabriel stumbled backward, mming into the coffee cart behind him. Cups and saucers went shattering across the floor, and blood immediately began <b>to </b>trickle from his broken nose.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you ever talk about my mate like that again,¡± I growled.


    Gabriel wiped the blood from his face and red at me. ¡°Hitting me doesn¡¯t make me wrong.¡±


    ¡°No, but being an insubordinate asshole makes <b>you </b>useless to me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m trying to save you from making the biggest mistake of your life!¡±


    ¡°By constantly questioning my judgment? By whispering in my ear like I¡¯m some kind of idiot who can¡¯t think for himself?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Because you¡¯re acting like one!¡±


    The words were clear. Gabriel thought I was being a fool. And perhaps I was, but a Beta had no right to speak to me¨Cor his Luna¨Clike that. No matter what he thought about the situation, I was still his Alpha. His Alpha King.


    <b>I </b>would not tolerate it any longer.


    I should have stopped tolerating it that night in the alley all those months ago when I beat him within an


    inch of his life.


    ¡°Say that again,¡± I said quietly.


    Gabriel lifted his chin. ¡°You¡¯re being naive. Stupid. She¡¯s ying you, and you¡¯re too infatuated to see it.¡±


    ¡°Get out.¡±


    ¡°Alexander-¡±


    ¡°I said get out. You¡¯re demoted, effective immediately.<b>¡± </b>


    Gabriel¡¯s face went white. <b>¡°</b>You can¡¯t be serious.<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Dead serious. You¡¯ve questioned my authority one too many times. A Beta who doesn¡¯t respect his Alpha is no Beta at all.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re making a mistake.<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°The only mistake I made was keeping you in that position as long as I did.¡± I turned away from him, effectively dismissing him. ¡°And another thing¨Chow exactly did E get her hands on those investigation files<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Gabriel¡¯s silence was telling.


    ¡°Those were ssified materials, Gabriel. Top secret. The only way she could have found them is if


    someone left them somewhere they shouldn¡¯t have been<b>.</b>¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re implying.¡±


    <b>¡°</b>I¡¯m not implying anything. I¡¯m stating a fact. You were careless with sensitive information, and now it¡¯spromised.¡± I faced him again. ¡°I don¡¯t trust you anymore, Gabriel. I¡¯ll handle the Stormhollow situation myself from here on out. And if I¡¯m making a mistake, then it¡¯s my mistake to make.¡±


    Gabriel stared at me for a long moment, his jaw working like he wanted to say more. Finally, he straightened his jacket and walked to the door.


    <b>¡°</b>You¡¯ll regret this,¡± he said without turning around.


    ¡°The only thing I regret is not doing it sooner.¡±


    The door mmed behind him, and I was alone.


    I stood there for a moment, adrenaline still coursing through my veins. Gabriel had been my Beta for as


    long as I¡¯d been an Alpha. We¡¯d fought together, nned together, built this pack together. And now it


    was over.


    But I couldn¡¯t bring myself to feel sorry about it. Gabriel had crossed too many lines, questioned too many decisions. A Beta was supposed to support his Alpha, not constantly undermine him.


    Especially not when it came to my mate.


    Suddenly, the door swung open again. I whirled around in a rage, mouth opening to tell Gabriel to get out before I made him really regret it. But it wasn¡¯t Gabriel who I found standing in the doorway.


    ¡°What do we think? Blue or green?¡±


    It was E, holding up two swatches for the baby¡¯s nursery.


    And the smile on her face made me soften in an instant.


    Without a second thought, I crossed the room in two long strides and pulled her into my arms. She stiffened, making a small squeak of surprise, but quickly rxed and rested her forehead against my


    chest.


    Perhaps this was a mistake. Perhaps she was ying me like a fiddle and Gabriel was right all along.


    But¡­ dammit. I couldn¡¯t keep myself away from her anymore.


    If this was a war, then I¡¯d just lost.

 The Perfect 208

    E


    The sudden warmth of Alexander¡¯s arms around me made me let out an involuntary squeak of surprise. I hadn¡¯t expected him to hug me; he¡¯d maintained his usual polite distance sincest night.


    Once we had returned from the banquet, I¡¯d slipped away to check on Lilith¨Cwho was resting in her


    room, sleeping when I arrived¨Cand he had gone to his office to handle the onught of paperwork he¡¯d


    received after the coronation.


    And now he was hugging me like his life depended on it.


    But then I began to rx into him, and the fabric swatches slipped from my fingers.


    Goddess, he smelled good. Too good¨Clikeing home to a ce that you should have left long ago. I


    pressed my face against his chest and breathed him in like the fool I was, and for a moment, I could have


    sworn I felt his arms tightening around me.


    I wanted to ask what we were now. Because the way he was hugging me seemed far more intimate than I


    expected.


    But for now, I kept it to myself. Alexander still didn¡¯t fully trust me, and part of me was afraid to burst this brief little bubble of happiness.


    When we finally pulled apart, my heart was pounding in my chest. I hated the way my cheeks were a


    fiery red now. Hated the way his green eyes looking down at me made me want to crumple right then and


    there.


    ¡°What was that about?¡± <b>I </b>asked, stooping to pick up the forgotten color swatches.


    Alexander shook his head. ¡°Nothing. It was nothing.¡±


    It didn¡¯t seem like nothing; I¡¯d seen Gabriel storming out of the house just minutes prior<b>, </b>followed by the rev of his car engine as he sped away. It must have been another argument, and after what happenedst


    night, I had a feeling it had something to do with me.


    Certainly Gabriel wasn¡¯t happy about the fact that I knew everything now. For all I knew, Gabriel was hell bent on finding out if I was a spy for my father.


    What did Gabriel think of the fact that Alexander had told me the truth?


    More importantly, what was going through Alexander¡¯s head now?


    But I didn¡¯t want to press if Alexander wasn¡¯t willing to talk about it right now, so I held up the swatches again. ¡°So. Blue or green?<b>¡± </b>


    Alexander studied them both for a moment, then pointed to the soft sage green. ¡°Green. It¡¯s peaceful.¡±


    ¡°Green it is,¡± I said, nodding.


    And just like that, we¡¯d made our first real parenting decision together.


    The next few days passed in a blur. To my surprise, Alexander threw himself into getting ready for the baby with enthusiasm. Every minute he had to spare between Alpha King duties, he was the perfect expecting father. Always there when I needed him. Always focusing on preparing our child¡¯s room.


    If it was a distraction from the elephant in the room¨Cthe fact that my father had apparently killed Alexander¡¯s parents and used me as a pawn to get what he wanted¨Cthen it was a very sweet distraction indeed.


    On the second day, we painted the nursery walls that soft sage green, and Alexander insisted on doing that himself, too, even though the house staff would have dly taken the job considering how busy he was with his new Alpha King duties.


    But he wanted to do it. And no one could stop him.


    On the third day, we finally assembled the crib together. Mostly, I just sat on the floor and read off the instructions to him while he did everything else. I had tried to help, but he seemed intent on doing it himself just like everything else, and I couldn¡¯t find it in me to tell him to stop.


    Seeing him like this¡­ it made my chest warm. Even if he was just happily preparing for our baby¡¯s arrival and it had nothing to do with our future¨Corck thereof¨Cas a couple, seeing his constant smile and drive


    to be a good father was something that I didn¡¯t want to interrupt..


    ¡°Hand me that¡­ what the fuck is this thing?¡± Alexander held up a curved piece of wood with a furrowed


    brow.


    ¡°The instruction manual calls it a ¡®stabilizing dowel,¡± I read from the booklet.


    ¡°A what? Why can¡¯t they just call it a stick?¡±


    ¡°Because then how would they charge us three hundred dors for a pile of wood and some screws?¡±


    Alexander snorted. ¡°Fair point. Anyway, hand me the safety strap?¡±


    Nodding, I rifled through the pile of parts for the crib. But I couldn¡¯t seem to spot it.


    ¡°Shit,¡± I muttered, scratching my head. ¡°I think they forgot to pack it.¡±


    Alexander let out a sigh and passed his hand over his face. ¡°Are you serious?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Nope.¡± I stood. ¡°We¡¯ll have to get a recement.¡±


    ¡°I can run to the store.¡±


    The offer was sweet, but I shook my head. ¡°I could use some fresh air anyway. I¡¯ve been cooped up in this


    house for days.¡±


    The trip to the baby store took longer than expected. They didn¡¯t have the exact part I needed, so I had to go to two different locations before I found it.


    By the time I got back to the mansion, I was tired and my feet were aching, but I felt aplished. I had even made a secret pit stop to pick up some croissants from the bakery¨Ca recent pregnancy craving that I¡¯d found impossible to ignore.


    I had just kicked off my shoes in the foyer, crib part and bag of pastries in hand, when I heard the sound of music drifting from upstairs.


    Curious, I made my way up the stairs. The music wasing from the nursery, and when I carefully pushed the door open, my eyebrows shot up.


    Alexander was standing in front of the far wall with his back to me, carefully painting what looked like a


    tiny rabbit near the baseboards. He¡¯d changed into old jeans and a paint¨Cstained t¨Cshirt, and there were


    already several other small animals scattered across the wall¨Ca fox, a squirrel, a little owl perched on a


    branch.


    My heart clenched so hard it almost hurt.


    He looked so¡­ content. Peaceful. There was something about seeing him like this, sleeves rolled up and


    excitement.


    Alexander was nesting. Preparing for our pup.


    And humming to himself with a big smile on his face while he was at it.


    For a moment I just stood there watching him work, afraid to move and break the spell. I just wanted to


    observe him like this. I¡¯d never seen him look so serene, and I¡¯d certainly never heard him sing.


    He had a nice voice. Deep and rich with just the slightest rumble to his soft hums.


    Would he hum to our child like this, I wondered? Would he sing lubies in this very room,te at night


    when no one else was around?


    The very thought made tears spring to my eyes, unbidden. Damn pregnancy hormones. But I couldn¡¯t help it; the idea that Alexander really, truly wanted our child was so much more than I ever could have


    asked for.


    But without thinking, I sniffled, breaking the spell. Alexander jolted, apparently not expecting me to be


    there, leapt to his feet, and whirled around.


    And in his haste, he kicked the paint bucket on ident and sent paint sttering all across the floor. And in his haste, he kicked the paint bucket on ident and sent paint sttering all across the floor.

 The Perfect 209

    E


    ¡°Shit, shit, shit,¡± Alexander muttered, scrambling to grab some rags from the supply closet.


    I dropped my bag and the crib part on the dresser and rushed to help him. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. It¡¯s just paint.¡±


    But the paint seemed to have a mind of its own. Within moments of spilling, it had somehow already spread halfway across the floor and begun to seep into the hardwood.


    We spent the next twenty minutes trying to clean up the mess, but somehow we only made it worse.


    Every time we thought we had it contained, more paint seemed to appear. Alexander identally stepped in it and tracked green footprints across half the room. I knelt down to scrub at a particrly stubborn spot and managed to get paint all over my shirt sleeves.


    ¡°This is hopeless,¡± I said with a sigh, wiping sweat from my brow¨Cwhich only managed to smear more


    paint across my forehead. ¡°We¡¯re going to need professionals.¡±


    ¡°Or we could just tell everyone the baby¡¯s nursery has a modern art instation,¡± Alexander said,


    gesturing at the abstract green stters that were now decorating the walls and floor.


    I couldn¡¯t help it. I snorted, then startedughing, and once I started, I couldn¡¯t stop. Maybe it was the stress of everything that had happenedtely, or maybe it was just the ridiculousness of the situation, but something about the whole thing struck me as absolutely hrious.


    ¡°What¡¯s so funny<b>?</b>¡± Alexander tilted his head.


    ¡°You,¡± I said, wiping tears from my eyes. I gestured weakly at him. ¡°You look like shit.¡±


    The tips of Alexander¡¯s ears reddened. ¡°Hey! I can¡¯t possibly look that bad!¡± But when he looked down at himself and saw his paint¨Ccovered clothes and skin, his shoulders slumped with defeat. ¡°Yeah, well, you¡¯re one to talk. You¡¯ve got green paint in your hair.¡±


    I reached up to touch my hair, and sure enough, my fingers came away sticky. ¡°Fuck. How did that even get there?¡±


    ¡°me it on the artistic process,¡± Alexander said, one corner of his mouth lifting.


    I giggled again. Everything seemed funnier than it should have been. The paint fumes were pretty strong in the closed room, and I was starting to feel a little lightheaded.


    ¡°You know,¡± I said, crawling closer to where Alexander was crouched next to the overturned paint bucket, ¡°you¡¯re actually kind of attractive when you¡¯re covered in paint.¡±


    Alexander raised an eyebrow. ¡°Is that so?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Very rugged. Like a <i>sexy </i>construction worker.¡± I reached out and touched his cheek, leaving a small green handprint. ¡°There. Now you¡¯re perfect.¡±


    ¡°E, are <b>you </b>feeling alright?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m feeling fantastic.¡± And I was, sort of. Everything had a dreamy quality to it, like I was floating just a


    few inches above the ground. ¡°Have I ever told you that you have really nice shoulders?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ no. You haven¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Well, you do. Very broad. Very strong.¡± I leaned closer, breathing in his scent. ¡°I bet you could carry me


    anywhere you wanted, even though I¡¯m pregnant.¡±


    Alexander¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Okay, that¡¯s enough paint fumes for you.¡± He stood up and scooped me into his arms before I could protest.


    ¡°See?¡± I said, wrapping my arms around his neck. ¡°I knew you could carry me.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re acting strange.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m acting honest.¡± I traced a finger along his jaw. ¡°Do you know how long it¡¯s been since we kissed? Really kissed?¡±


    Alexander didn¡¯t answer, but his jaw ticked under my touch.


    ¡°Too long,¡± I continued. ¡°Way too long. We¡¯re married, you know. Married people kiss all the time.¡±


    ¡°E¡­¡±


    ¡°What? Don¡¯t you want to kiss me?¡± I stuck my lower lip out in a pout. ¡°Am I not pretty enough? Is it because I¡¯m getting so big with this baby inside of me?¡±


    Shaking his head, he carried me into our bedroom and set me down on the bed. ¡°I¡¯m calling the doctor.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t call the doctor. Call nobody. Just¡­e here.¡± I patted the bed beside me. ¡°Sit with me.¡±


    But Alexander was already pulling out his phone, and I felt a stab of frustrationnce through my chest. Why wasn¡¯t he paying attention to me? I was practically throwing myself at him, and he was worried about paint fumes?


    ¡°Hi, Dr. Evelyn? It¡¯s Alpha Alexander. Yes, I know it¡¯ste. E inhaled some paint fumes and she¡¯s acting ¡­¡± His eyes flicked to me. ¡°¡­Unusual.¡±


    I flopped back against the pillows with a dramatic sigh. ¡°I¡¯m not unusual. I¡¯m fantastic.¡±


    Alexander shot me a look that was equal parts amused and concerned. ¡°Can youe take a look at her?


    Just to be safe.¡±

 The Perfect 210

    After he hung up, he sat on the edge of the bed. ¡°The doctor will be here in thirty minutes.¡±


    ¡°Thirty minutes,¡± I repeated. ¡°That¡¯s a long time. We could do a lot of things in thirty minutes.¡±


    ¡°E.¡±


    ¡°What? I¡¯m just saying. We¡¯re alone. The baby won¡¯t care if we-<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°You inhaled toxic fumes. You need to rest.¡±


    I huffed and turned away from him. ¡°You¡¯re no fun.¡±


    Dr. Evelyn arrived exactly thirty minutester. While Alexander waited in the hall, she took my vitals, listened to the baby¡¯s heartbeat, and asked me a series of questions about how I was feeling.


    ¡°Everything looks normal,¡± she said when she was finished, packing up her stethoscope. ¡°The paint fumes might have made you a little dizzy, but you and the baby are perfectly healthy.¡±


    By now, I had sobered up. Humiliation had quickly burned through my earlier high, although I still felt a strange pull toward where Alexander was standing on the other side of the door. It felt like the mate bond


    was stronger. More¡­ potent.


    ¡°Evelyn,¡± I said, keeping my voice low, ¡°I feel¡­ strange. It doesn¡¯t feel like the paint fumes anymore, but¡­¡±


    I bit my lip, unsure of how to finish withoutpletely embarrassing myself.


    In short, I felt fucking horny.


    Evelyn seemed to understand right away. Perhaps it was the flush in my cheeks or the way I was squirming ufortably on the bed like I wanted to leap up and run out of the room.


    ¡°Ah. The full moon is in three days, you know,<i>¡± </i>she pointed out.


    I felt my stomach drop. I¡¯d been so focused on nursery preparations and whatever was happening


    between Alexander and me that I¡¯dpletely forgotten about the lunar cycle.


    ¡°Pregnant wolves can be more sensitive to the full moon¡¯s effects,¡± the doctor exined. ¡°Especially first- t¨ªme mothers. You might experience heightened emotions, restlessness, increased¡­ needs.¡±


    ¡°What can I¡­¡± I cleared my throat, suddenly feeling bashful. ¡°What can I do about it?¡±


    Dr. Evelyn¡¯s face softened. ¡°Physical intimacy with your mate can help regte the hormonal changes. It¡¯s perfectly safe for the baby, and it will make the full moon much easier for you to handle.¡±


    So she was saying I needed to have sex. With Alexander.


    Thest time we¡¯d been together like that felt like a lifetime ago, even though it had only been a couple of


    weeks. Everything had changed since then. We¡¯d reached some new level in our rtionship, but we were still dancing around each other<b>, </b>still figuring out what we meant <i>to </i>each other.


    And if I was beingpletely honest with myself, I¡¯d been thinking about him in that way more and moretely. When I watched him paint those little animals on the nursery wall. When he carried me to bed tonight. When heughed at my terrible jokes while we were assembling baby furniture.


    My body still remembered what it felt like to be with him. The way his hands felt on my skin. The way he looked at me, however briefly, like I was the woman he truly wanted.


    But would he even want that with me now? He¡¯d said he was trying to trust me, but that was different from actually trusting me. And I couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that somewhere in the back of his mind, he still wondered if I was working for my father.


    ¡°You should do something nice,¡± my wolf suddenly chimed in, reading my thoughts. ¡°Something to see


    how he feels.¡±


    I bit my lip as I watched the doctor finish packing up her things and leave. ¡°Like what?¡±


    ¡°A¡­ date?¡±


    A date. The very idea felt absurd.


    And yet¡­ it was what every mated pair did during the full moon. A night of closeness, of intimacy, a way to reconnect and feel the full extent of the mate bond.


    It was something we had never done in our five years of marriage. I hadn¡¯t even thought about it since the very beginning, before I had quickly learned that Alexander had no interest in being a real couple


    with me.


    But things were different now, weren¡¯t they? I was expecting his child. We¡¯d had sex twice. Heughed at my jokes and carried me and stayed by my side when I needed him. He¡¯d given me the benefit of the


    doubt.


    He had marked me.


    Maybe a date wasn¡¯t such a bad idea. But what to do?


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 The Perfect 211

    E


    nning a date turned out to be moreplicated than I¡¯d expected.


    Over the next two days, I found myself sneaking around the mansion whenever Alexander was gone, which was most of the time. He was often so buried in Alpha King business that he likely wouldn¡¯t have noticed my preparations even when he was home.


    It was strangely sort of fun at first, putting together a date like this. I tried not to think about whether or not Alexander would even want it and instead focused on the creative aspect of making sure everything was perfect.


    But every time I thought I had everything figured out, I realized there was something else I didn¡¯t <b>know </b>about my own husband, and my enjoyment started to turn into frustration.


    I started with the easy stuff. Food. I had to question the cook to find out what sorts of food Alexander liked, I discovered that he actually liked simple things¨Cgrilled meats, fresh bread, nothing too fancy<b>. </b><b>I </b>could handle that. I spent that very afternoon in the kitchen with the cook, learning how to make his favorite sandwich. Roast beef, sharp cheddar, mustard, no mayo.


    Next came the nkets and pillows. I dug through the linen closet until I found the softest ones we owned, then spent way too long trying to figure out which ones would look romantic without beingpletely obvious. Did we even have romantic nkets? What the fuck did that even mean?


    Lilith, who was sitting on the edge of the bed watching mement over cushions, let out a softugh.¡± You¡¯re more into this than I expected.¡±


    I shrugged and tossed a small throw pillow aside. ¡°I want it to be perfect.¡±


    Lilith tilted her head. I could sense her intrigue, although I appreciated that she didn¡¯t press the matter.


    Every time I looked at her, though, I still couldn¡¯t help but think about the evidence that had been left in the bathroom at the coronation. Lilith had told me that she didn¡¯t leave the note or the envelope, indicating that it must have been someone else.


    But who? And why? Alexander mentioned that Gabriel had been demoted for negligence, so was it him? Or was it someone else?


    I shook my head, dispelling the thoughts as I looked away. No. Now was not the time to be thinking about conspiracies. I had a date to n and a husband whose trust I wanted to earn.


    Which meant that, for now, pillows and nkets had to be a priority.


    Finally, I settled on a thick wool nket that would keep us warm and a couple of down pillows. Nothing fancy, butfortable. It just had to be nice enough to lounge on under the stars.


    Then I moved on to candles. Alexander seemed like the type who¡¯d appreciate something that smelled like pine of cedar, not flowers. I found a few scents that were pleasant and subtle and added those to the growing basket of supplies.


    By the third day, the day of the full moon, I was feeling pretty good about my progress. I had the food sorted, the atmosphere nned, and I¡¯d picked out a spot in the woods behind the mansion.


    But then I realized I had no idea what music to bring.


    It hit me, as I sat in our bedroom putting together a ylist, that I had absolutely no idea what kind of music Alexander liked.


    Did he like ssical? Rock? Country? Jazz? In our five years of marriage, I¡¯d only seen him listen to music on a handful of asions, and never for long. And if he did listen, it was usually with headphones.


    This was fucking embarrassing. What kind of wife didn¡¯t know what music her husband liked?


    The kind who¡¯d spent five years in a marriage that wasn¡¯t really a marriage, I supposed.


    It bothered me so much more than it probably should have. Music was such a basic thing. Couples were supposed to know stuff like that about each other. They were supposed to have songs that meant something, ylists they¡¯d made together, memories tied to certain albums.


    Alexander and I had none of that.


    We had a marriage built on a contract and no love. We had a few nights of incredible sex and a baby on the way. We had paint¨Cstained clothes and inside jokes about crib assembly.


    But we didn¡¯t have music.


    I flopped down on the bed and stared at the ceiling. Maybe this whole date idea was stupid. Maybe I was trying to force something that wasn¡¯t there, creating intimacy where none existed just because Dr. Evelyn had suggested physical contact during the full moon.


    Suddenly, I had an idea: his office.


    Alexander spent most of his time in that study. If he listened to music anywhere, it would be in his private office where no one could judge his choices or interrupt his concentration.


    I checked the clock. He¡¯d left for a meeting an hour ago and wouldn¡¯t be back untilte afternoon, which left me plenty of time to do a little investigating.


    I felt ridiculous sneaking down the hall to his office like I was in a spy movie, and after the fact that he¡¯d told me he thought I might be an actual spy, it hit a little close to home. But I slipped in anyway<b>, </b>surprised to find that the door was unlocked, and made a mental note just to check the bookshelves for any CDs or vinyls.


    Finally, after a couple of minutes of searching, I spotted a shelf in the corner that had various things sitting on it: some knick¨Cknacks, packets of random paperwork, a few personal books that didn¡¯t fit in with the other leatherbound books on politics and pack histories.


    And there, at the bottom of that shelf, was a small stack of CDs.


    Grinning, I crossed the room and crouched in front of the cab.


    The titles were eclectic. ssic rock mixed with blues, some jazz, a few country albums, even some ssical pieces. Nothing I would have expected, but somehow it made sense. Alexander had always been hard to categorize, I supposed.


    I opened the cab door and carefully pulled out a few CDs to get a better look. Some of the cases were especially well¨Cworn, indicating which ones were his favorite. One jazz CD seemed to be so worn that I could hardly read the originalbel.


    This was perfect. I stood, intending to just take this one CD for tonight, and turned to leave. But when I turned, I found that I wasn¡¯t alone.


    Alexander was standing in the doorway. And his face was nothing short of thunderous.


    Before I could react, he was crossing the room in three long strides. One hand gripped my wrist, pinning it above my head while the other came to press into the wall beside me. His chest heaved, eyes shing like he¡¯d caught me doing something terrible.


    Because he thought I was a fucking spy.


    And he had just caught me red¨Chanded in his office, going through his things without his knowledge.


    Goddess, how could I have been so stupid?


    ¡°I can exin-¡±


    ¡°Then exin.¡± Alexander¡¯s grip tightened around my wrist, not enough to be painful but just enough to ensure I couldn¡¯t slip away. ¡°Tell me what you¡¯re doing in my office without my permission, E.¡±

 The Perfect 212

    E


    ¡°I was looking for music,¡± I blurted out.


    Alexander blinked. His grip loosened ever so slightly on my wrist, although he didn¡¯t fully let go. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Music. I was trying to find out what kind of music you like.¡± My cheeks burned with embarrassment. For tonight. For the full moon. I wanted to¡­ I wanted to n something nice, but I realized I don¡¯t know what music you listen to, and it seemed stupid to ask because what kind of wife doesn¡¯t know that about


    her husband?<b>¡± </b>


    Alexander released my wrist. He hesitated for a moment in front of me, warm breath fanning across my face, before he nodded and took a step back.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± he said, taking me by surprise. ¡°<b>I </b>thought-<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°I know what you thought.¡± <b>I </b>lifted my chin and willed my face into a mask of calm even though it was so fucking heartbreaking that my own husband couldn¡¯t trust me in his office because of my father¡¯s actions. ¡°<b>You </b>thought I was spying.¡±


    Alexander¡¯s throat bobbed, a silent confirmation. I quickly looked away and held up the CD. ¡°Here. I¡¯m sorry I walked into your office without permission. I was just trying to surprise you.¡±


    Alexander stared at me for a moment, but didn¡¯t take the CD. ¡°It¡¯s alright. That one is actually one of my favorites.<i>¡± </i>His voice was a little softer now, and when I looked back at him, his mouth was lifted into the faintest of smiles. The sight made my heart flutter. ¡°I do wish you¡¯d asked me, but a surprise would have


    been nice.¡±


    Well, the surprise was ruined now. Not by mine or Alexander¡¯s fault, but my father¡¯s. I hadn¡¯t realized just how bitter about that whole situation I was until now¨Cwhen the reminder that Alexander couldn¡¯t fully trust me because of it came back in full force.


    Alexander looked at the CD I was still holding in my hand, then walked over to the shelf and pulled out several more. ¡°Here. Take these too.¡±


    <b>¡°</b>You don¡¯t have to¡­¡±


    He shoved the stack into my hands before I could keep protesting. ¡°I like a little variety,¡± he said.


    I stared at the albums in my hands. ¡°Thank you.¡± I took a deep breath, then said, ¡°Are you free tonight?<b>¡± </b>


    Alexander nodded.


    ¡°Good. Meet me by the old oak tree in the forest at ten o¡¯clock.¡±


    Before he could answer, I turned and fled out of the office with the CDs clutched to my chest like a


    lovesick schoolgirl


    The rest of the day dragged by agonizingly slow, I checked and rechecked everything at best three times The nkets were spread out perfectly under the oak tree in the forest clearing a short walk from the mansion. The food was packed and ready. The candles were arranged just right rd even made a ylist from Alexander¡¯s CDs and loaded it onto a small portable speaker.


    By nine¨Cthirty, I was pacing back and forth across the pic setup<i>, </i>wringing my hands


    I wasn¡¯t even sure if Alexander would show up tonight. Maybe he wouldn¡¯t. And I hated how sad it made me to think that he very well might note to see me.


    At five minutes to ten, I was seriously considering packing everything up and pretending this had never happened. But then I heard footsteps on the gravel path.


    Alexander appeared through the trees, and my heart nearly leapt out of my chest Held changed out of his work clothes into trousers and a dark sweater. He paused at the edge of the clearing hands stuffed in his pockets. Red brows shot up when he saw me standing next to the nket with the candles flickering around me.


    ¡°You came,¡± I blurted out, hating how small and vulnerable my voice sounded


    ¡°Of course I came.¡± Alexander looked around at the setup, and for a moment, he said nothing. I began wringing my hands nervously again.


    ¡°I swear I¡¯m not going to sacrifice you,¡± I muttered.


    <b>1 </b>


    Alexander snorted, and to my surprise, he crossed the clearing and took a seat on the nket. ¡°Well, it would be a very nice sacrifice,¡± he replied. ¡°Good night for it.¡± He gestured around. This is really lovely, E. You made this all yourself?¡±


    My cheeks heated. ¡°Yes, but it¡¯s nothing fancy. Just sandwiches and stuff.¡±


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s perfect.¡± Alexander scooched over on the nket and patted the space next to him. ¡°Come here.¡± I took a seat beside him, suddenly feeling like my heart was going to pound out of my chest. I was so silly -getting worked up like this over the man I¡¯d been married to for five years and made love with twice. I wanted to me my heightened emotions on the full moon or the pregnancy, although I knew that would be a lie.


    <b>X </b>

 The Perfect 213

    It was just¡­ we¡¯d never done things like this before. Dated. Romanced one another.


    And now that he was actually here, I wasn¡¯t sure what to do with myself. We¡¯d shared meals before, but never like this. Never with candles and the full moon hanging overhead.


    If only to have something to do with my hands, I quickly unwrapped one of the sandwiches I¡¯d made and handed it to Alexander. He took it, our fingers brushing, and took a big bite. His eyes lit up.


    ¡°This is my favorite,¡± he said around a mouthful. ¡°E, you really went all out.¡±


    ¡°I¡­ may have asked the cook what your favorite lunch is,¡± I muttered.


    ¡°Are you buttering me up?¡±


    ¡°Maybe a little.¡±


    Alexander shot me a look that was equal parts curiosity and amusement, although he didn¡¯t press further.


    We ate in silence for a little while after that, listening to the music and watching the moon climb higher in the sky. Soon, I began to rx a little, and found myself talking to Alexander about anything and everything¨Cart, music, books, our days in general.


    For a little while, it felt like we were back in the hospital all those months ago. Back during the few brief days when he used toe and y chess with me and we just felt¡­ normal.


    Or at least, as normal as we could be given our circumstances.


    But eventually, as the moon began to peek out from behind the clouds overhead, my wolf started to stir. I nced at Alexander, noticing the subtle gleam to his green eyes and the faint thrum across the bond that indicated that he, too, was feeling the effects of the full moon.


    Now was as good a time as any, I supposed.


    I took a deep breath. There was no point in being coy about it. ¡°Everything feels more intense tonight, you know. The mate bond is stronger. And I¡­¡± I looked down at my hands. <b>¡°</b>I want you. More than usual.¡±


    Alexander went very still beside me.


    <b>¡°</b>Dr. Evelyn said that physical intimacy would help regte the hormonal changes,¡± I continued. ¡°She said it was safe for the baby, and that it would make the full moon easier for me to handle. So I thought maybe we could¡­ <b>if </b>you wanted to¡­¡±


    I trailed off<b>, </b>mortified. I was basically propositioning my own husband, and doing <b>a </b>terrible job of it.


    ¡°E.¡± <b>My </b>name on his lips could have been a prayer or a curse. I wasn¡¯t entirely sure.


    Reluctantly, I raised my eyes to meet his fexpected to see juge here to in cas distance. I expected him to tell me that I was being silly, that the night we¡¯d th a cople it moderos was just another mistake, that I was barking up the wrong tran


    <b>But </b>he <b>didn¡¯t </b>say any of that.


    Instead, he leaned closer and kissed the


    I stiffened, eyes going wide. I hadn¡¯t expected Alexander to kiss me so suddenby, Wee it was for mod natural thing in the world. And I certainly didn¡¯t expect him to do what he was doing now¨Ctade his fingers in my hair and draw me closer


    <b>¡°</b><b>If </b>that¡¯s what you need,¡± his voice rumbled through the bond, ¡°then you¡¯ll have


    My wolf purred <b>with </b>satisfaction, and on instinct, my eyelids fluttered shat I melted into kim, my hands fisting in his sweater. The pull of the full moon sang through my veins, making every touch feel d


    This was what I¡¯d been craving, what my body had been demanding For my mate to desire me as <b>muc </b>as I desired <b>him</b>¨Cit was all I could have wanted


    Alexander¡¯s hand tilted my head to deepen the kiss. I couldn¡¯t help the soft moan that slipped from my throat and into his. The taste of his tongue was too delicious, too perfect


    I wanted him. More than anything


    But then a sudden gust of wind cut through the garden, extinguishing several of the candles. I looked up to see a dark storm cloud sliding across the face of the moon, blocking out its silver light


    The first fat raindrop hit my forehead, and within moments, it had begun to pour


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 The Perfect 214

    E


    The rain was cold and heavy. Within seconds, we were bothpletely soaked.


    Alexander grabbed my hand. ¡°Come on, we need to get inside.¡±


    We scrambled to pack up the pic as fast as we could, but it was useless. The rain wasing down so hard I could barely see two feet in front of me. Alexander shoved the soggy sandwiches and wet nkets into the basket while I tried to gather the sopping wet candles.


    ¡°Leave it,¡± Alexander said, taking my arm. ¡°We¡¯lle back for the rest tomorrow.¡±


    We took off running toward the mansion, but the forest floor was already turning into a mess of wet leaves and mud. My shoes had zero traction¨CI had foolishly chosen style over practicality¨Cand before we made it far, my ankle twisted in the mud.


    I went down with a cry. Pain shot up my leg, momentarily blinding me.


    ¡°E!¡± Alexander was beside me in an instant. ¡°Are you hurt?¡±


    ¡°My ankle.¡± I tried to stand and immediately sat back down with a hiss of pain. ¡°Fuck, that hurts.¡±


    Alexander gently probed my ankle with his fingers, and I had to bite my lip to keep from crying out. ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s broken, but it¡¯s definitely sprained,¡± he said, his voice nearly lost below the sound of the sudden summer storm. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t walk on it.¡±


    I looked around at the pouring rain and the muddy forest. ¡°How am I supposed to get back to the house?¡± <b>It </b>was a half mile walk.


    ¡°Easy.¡± Alexander stood up and turned around, crouching down in front of me. ¡°Hop on.¡±


    ¡°What? No. Alexander, I¡¯m too heavy, and you¡¯ll hurt your back, and-¡±


    ¡°E.¡± He looked at me over his shoulder. ¡°Get on my back before we both die of hypothermia.¡±


    I wanted to argue more, but another gust of wind sent rain directly into my face, and I gave up. Wrapping my arms around Alexander¡¯s neck, I let him hoist me up piggyback style.


    He was stronger than I¡¯d expected. Even with my added pregnancy weight, he didn¡¯t seem to have any trouble carrying me through the forest. But I still felt guilty about it.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± I muttered into his shoulder. ¡°This is all my fault. I should have checked the weather forecast before nning a stupid outdoor date.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not stupid. And it¡¯s not your fault that it started raining.¡± Alexander adjusted his grip on my legs. Besides, I was having a good time before the weather turned.¡±


    ¡°Really?


    ¡°Really.¡±


    We walked in silence for a few more minutes, Alexander navigating carefully through the trees while ! tried not to think about how much my ankle was throbbing. The rain wasn¡¯t letting up, and we were both shivering by now.


    ¡°There,¡± Alexander said suddenly, pointing through the trees. ¡°We can wait out the storm in there.¡±


    I squinted through the rain and saw what looked like a wooden structure built between tworge oak trees. It took me a moment to realize what it was.


    ¡°Is that a treehouse?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. I can¡¯t believe it¡¯s still standing.¡± Alexander carried me closer, and I could see that while the wood was weathered and old, the structure looked solid. ¡°I haven¡¯t been up there in probably fifteen years.*


    <b>¡°</b>You built this?¡±


    ¡°My father and I did. When I was maybe eight or nine.¡± Alexander set me down carefully at the base of the tree, keeping one arm around my waist so I could lean on him. ¡°Can you make it <b>up </b>thedder with your ankle?¡±


    I looked up at the ropedder hanging down from the treehouse. It wasn¡¯t that high, maybe ten feet off the ground, but with my twisted ankle, it might as well have been a mountain. But I nodded anyway, determined to get out of the rain.


    ¡°I can try.¡±


    It took some effort, but we managed to get me up thedder with Alexander basically pushing me from behind. The treehouse was bigger than I¡¯d expected, with enough room for both of us to sitfortably. There were even a few old cushions scattered around, although I personally wouldn¡¯t risk sitting on them.


    Alexander helped me sit on the floor, propped up against the wall. ¡°How does that feel?¡±


    ¡°Better. Thank you.¡±


    For a few minutes, we just sat there listening to the rain pound against the roof. It was actually kind of <b>cozy</b>, being tucked away in this little wooden shelter while the storm raged outside. If I had known this tree house was here, I would have nned to have our pic in it instead.

 The Perfect 215

    ¡°So you and your father built this?¡± I asked after a little bit when it seemed as though the rain had no intention of letting up.


    Alexander nodded as he fumbled to light one of the candles I¡¯d picked up. It actually managed to light after a few tries, and cast the small space in a warm golden glow.


    ¡°Every weekend for about two months. He said every boy needed a secret hideout.¡± He ran his hand along one of the support beams. ¡°I used toe up here all the time. Read books, y with my toys<b>.</b>¡±


    It was hard to picture the cold and stern Alpha King ying in a treehouse as a little boy, but the thought made me smile. Alexander, young and carefree and without the weight of a dark future ahead of him.


    If only that little boy knew what would happen to his parents.


    ¡°What happened?¡± I asked. ¡°Why did you stoping?¡±


    ¡°Alpha training got more intensive. Father said I needed to focus on my duties, not waste time ying in the woods.¡± Alexander shrugged, but I could hear the old disappointment in the way he said it. ¡°I guess I just outgrew it.¡±


    I thought about my own childhood, how different it had been. ¡°I never had anything like this. My father thought ying in the woods wasn¡¯tdylike. Said future Lunas needed to focus on more refined


    pursuits.¡±


    ¡°What did you do instead?¡±


    ¡°Snuck out to train with the warriors whenever I could.¡± I grinned at the memory. ¡°My father was furious every time he caught me, but I didn¡¯t care. I saw how free the warriors seemed, running through the forest every morning, and I wanted to be just like them.¡±


    Alexander¡¯s mouth lifted faintly. ¡°I bet you learned quickly just how rigorous a warrior training schedule


    really is.¡±


    <b>I </b>nodded and snorted. ¡°Yeah. They were extra hard on me too¨CI think to try to deter me. But for some reason, I kept showing up and demanding to participate.¡±


    We fell quiet again after that, both lost in our own thoughts. The rain was stilling down even harder now. It probably wouldn¡¯t stop for a long while longer.


    ¡°Do you think our kid will want a treehouse?¡± Alexander asked suddenly.


    The question caught me off guard. ¡°Our kid?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. I mean, assuming they¡¯re interested in that sort of thing. Not all kids are.¡± Alexander was looking around the treehouse again, but there was something different in his expression now. Something softer.¡±


    We could build them one. Somewhere safe where they could just be a kid for as long as they wanted.¡±


    The idea made me sit up straighter. ¡°You¡¯d really want to do that?¡±


    ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. I just¡­¡± I traced a pattern on the dusty floor with my finger. ¡°I want to be better than my father was, I want our child to have the childhood I never got. Freedom to explore, to make mistakes, to just be happy, I didn¡¯t know we¡¯d be on the same page about that.¡±


    To my surprise, Alexander reached over and took my hand. ¡°Well, we are. And for what it¡¯s worth, it sounds like you¡¯re going to be a great mother, E.¡±


    I looked up at him, surprised by the certainty in his words. ¡°You¡¯re just saying that¡ª<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°I¡¯m not. I mean it.¡± His green eyes caught the flickering candlelight, like two tiny wildfires burning in a spring forest. There was something else there, too, that had nothing to do with parental tenderness.


    It was the same desire I¡¯d seen earlier. The same desire I¡¯d felt in myself, being mirrored back at me.


    ¡°Alexander¡­¡±


    Suddenly, a lightning bolt shed across the sky outside, followed a few momentster by a loud boom of thunder that drowned out whatever Alexander said next. I jolted, instinctively moving toward him. Warm arms encircled me and drew me closer.


    And then, suddenly, we were kissing again.


    It wasn¡¯t soft. It wasn¡¯t tentative.


    It was in time with each strike of lightning outside, and as we tumbled <i>to </i>the floor together, my hurt ankle waspletely forgotten.

 The Perfect 216

    E


    Lightning struck again. And again. It lit up the sky like fireworks, each sh so bright if was as if the wan had risen outside, only to slip away again and cast us intoplete darkness


    And with each strike came another kiss. Another touch. Another whispered word that was lost amongst all the noise from the thunder.


    Alexander hovered gently above me, moving slowly, as if afraid he might break me. Which, I supposed, was a possibility¨Cmy ankle was still in pain, excruciatingly so if I tried to move it, but I had insisted on doing this anyway even if it was a bad idea.


    Right now, the pain or the consequences didn¡¯t matter. <b>I </b>just wanted to feel my mate on top of me, savor the sensation of his body gently pressing me against the floorboards before it was taken away.


    I didn¡¯t know for certain if we would get to have a moment like this again. Perhaps that was what made it so sweet¨Cthat not knowing, that uncertainty that this bubble could pop in a matter of minutes and we would never be the same again.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been wanting this for so long,¡± he murmured into my ear as he brushed a strand of rain soaked hair out of my eyes. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to admit it, maybe not even to myself, but I suppose it¡¯s because¡­


    ¡°Because of the full moon,¡± I quickly cut him off. After all, that had to be the only logical reason <b>why </b>he was with me now¨Cthe pull of the moon on our mate bond. The urge that all mated pairs felt during this phase of the lunar cycle. The desire to mate, or in my case, to ease the pregnancy symptoms.


    At least, that was what I told myself<b>. </b><b>It </b>was simpler that way. More¡­ ptable. Safer.


    Perhaps because I had be so used to whatever dance we¡¯d been doing for five years that it was easier to attribute Alexander¡¯s sudden tenderness to an external force. The mate bond. The full moon. Our


    wolves.


    Not just us. Never just us.


    For some reason, imagining that it was anything else felt dangerous. Probably because I knew, deep down, that he didn¡¯t really love me. And it was safer to pretend that we were on the same page, as if I wouldn¡¯t get hurt anyway in the end.


    Alexander didn¡¯t respond to that, although something flickered through his green eyes that I didn¡¯t have a chance to read before it was gone again.


    Wordlessly, he then dipped his head and peppered more kisses along my cor bone and shoulder, fingers brushing across my waist. When his hand moved upward, thumb flicking over the peaked nipple of my left breast, I couldn¡¯t help but shiver.


    ¡°You¡¯re cold.¡± Alexander sat up and shrugged off his jacket before I could stop him, and the tenderness of the gesture took my breath away. ¡°Here.¡± He gently lifted me, thenid the jacket back down on the floorboards and us on top of it. The warmth of his body on the jacket instantly soothed my chilled body, and I found myself letting out a contented sigh of pleasure.


    Slowly, painstakingly so, we moved together in the dim light of that single flickering candle and the asional lightning strike. Alexander pushed my skirt up around my hips, hand slipped up between my thighs where my sensitive bud was already warm and slick with need.


    The feeling of it must have alighted something in him, because his eyes glimmered when they met mine.


    ¡°Goddess, how are you always so wet?¡± heughed. ¡°Every time, you¡¯re fucking wet for me. Soaked. Like you¡¯re just walking around like this all the time.¡±


    ¡°Maybe I am.¡± I grinned and bucked my hips up a little so my pussy settled perfectly into the callused warmth of his palm. ¡°Would that be a problem?¡±


    Alexander made a low sound of pleasure mixed with something strained. I bit my lip to suppress my own whimper as his palm began to rub slow circles across my folds, just enough pressure to make my nerve endings sing while simultaneously yearning for more.


    ¡°I think so, actually,¡± he said. His voice was a low timbre now, husky with want. ¡°It would be a huge fucking problem, because if I knew you were walking around all day ready for me like this, I might never get anything done. I¡¯d be incapable of keeping my hands off of you.¡±


    I almost asked why he needed to keep his hands off of me, but I pushed the thought away¨Cbecause I knew the answer already. He didn¡¯t trust me. Not fully. Not even now.


    The thought ached through my chest like someone had lit a match in my lungs, but I quickly dispelled it with a deep exhale. No. I would not think about that right now.


    For now¡­ I just wanted to enjoy this. Enjoy him.


    When I was nearly climaxing on just his palm alone, only then did he pull his hand away. I watched with rapt fascination as he reached down and undid his trousers, just enough to slip his member out.


    Then, his eyes never leaving mine, he spat into the very palm he¡¯d just used to pleasure me and rubbed it along the length of his cock.


    I almost shattered right then and there. He didn¡¯t even have to touch me and I was already a mess.


    Alexander didn¡¯t lift his weight from me as he gently slipped into me. Didn¡¯t pull his warmth away. Just caged me against the floor, braced on his forearms, and filled me inch by inch.


    It was glorious, feeling my inner walls stretch like this. I let my eyelids flutter shut for a moment as he let me adjust to the sensations, simply enjoyed the feeling of him slipping into me and his heavy breathing in my ear.


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    I wanted this forever. Wanted him forever.


    I could have stayed in this treehouse until the end of my days. Luna¡¯s teeth, I hoped the rain never stopped. I hoped it stormed and stormed until the universe fractured and exploded and faded into dust.


    Alexander, for his part, didn¡¯t seem particrly keen on putting a stop to this soon, either. He moved with excruciating slowness, always ensuring he didn¡¯t hurt my ankle. He took his time. Lavished my neck, my ears, my shoulders. Brushed the wet hairs out of my eyes and held my gaze and¡­


    Goddess, he fucked me like he loved me.


    I knew he probably didn¡¯t. Not really. If he didn¡¯t trust me, then how could he love me? It felt like a beautiful fantasy, just like all the other ones we¡¯d lost ourselves in. I knew it wouldn¡¯tst beyond


    tomorrow morning but¡­ damn if it didn¡¯t feel like love.


    And for a little while, I let myself believe that it was.


    As Alexander moved above me with breathtaking care and tenderness, I let my foolish heart take the lead


    for once. I let my naive soul believe what it had wanted to believe for nearly six years now.


    That Alexander Sce, my mate, my husband, the father of my child¡­ My Alpha¡­


    That he truly loved me.

 The Perfect 217

    E


    Sunlight warmed the ground outside, making hot mist rise into the morning air. For the first few moments of waking, I let my eyes remain closed, just listening to the gentle sounds of cicadas droning in the distance and birds chirping in the treetops around us.


    The treetops.


    My eyes snapped open as I remembered where I was<b>¨C</b>not in bed with the curtains closed, but in an old treehouse,ying on the wooden floor. Notying miles away from Alexander on a mattress that was toorge, but rather tangled up in his arms with my head resting on his chest and the sound of his heartbeat beneath my ear.


    Andst night¡­


    We¡¯d made love again. Right here on this dusty floor with thunder crashing outside and rain beating against the roof. It had been different from the other times¨Cslower, more tender. Like we finally had all the time in the world instead of stolen moments and brief trysts that had toe and go before logic


    returned.


    Careful not to wake him just yet for fear of shattering the moment, I shifted slightly to look at Alexander¡¯s sleeping face. His red hair was still damp from the rain, and there was a peaceful expression written across his visage that I rarely saw when he was awake.


    He looked sopletely and utterly perfect.


    It hit me, then, that my ankle didn¡¯t hurt anymore, which was weird considering how much pain I¡¯d been inst night. I flexed it experimentally and felt no twinges at all. The mate bond must have kicked in during our intimacy, feeding off the energy of the full moon and elerating the healing process.


    Finally, Alexander stirred beside me, his eyes fluttering open. When he saw me watching him, I was surprised to see a slow smile spread across his face rather than any indication that he thoughtst night was a mistake.


    ¡°Sleep well?¡± He stretched, bones audibly cracking from a night spent on the hard wooden floor. He had it worse than I did; nofortable chest to lie on. No warm arm to prop himself on. And he hadn¡¯tined at all.


    ¡°Yes,¡± I admitted. ¡°Oh, and my ankle feels better.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Alexander sat up and inspected my ankle. Indeed, there wasn¡¯t even so much as a bruise marring the skin. It was as if the injury had never even happened. ¡°We should probably head back to the house. Have the healers look at it just to be safe.¡±


    I nodded and let Alexander pull me to my feet. We gathered the rest of our things and began making our


    way back to the house, not hand in hand but instead shoulders bumping as we walked quietly alongside one another.


    As we approached the mansion a little whileter, I found myself stealing nces at Alexander. Last night had changed something between us, shifted us into territory we¡¯d never explored before. And if my feelings weren¡¯t already intense before, they certainly were now.


    I was falling in love with my husband. Hell, maybe I already had fallen in love with him.


    The thought should have terrified me, but instead it just made my chest feel warm and full. For the first time in five years, I could actually picture a future where we were happy together. Where we raised our child in a house filled withughter and love.


    But would Alexander feel the same way?


    As we went inside and went our separate ways to shower and change, I made a decision. I would tell Alexander I loved him, but not yet. I¡¯d wait until the baby gender reveal. That seemed like the perfect time -when we found out whether we were having a son or daughter, when we took another step toward


    bing a real family.


    Even if he didn¡¯t reciprocate my feelings, I couldn¡¯t keep them in any longer.


    Over the next few weeks, Alexander was busier than ever, dealing with territorial disputes and trade negotiations, while I spent my time preparing for the baby. We hardly saw each other, and we certainly never talked about that night spent in the treehouse.


    But there were moments¨Cbrief nces, the sensation of our knees bumping under a table and the way he didn¡¯t pull away, his hand resting on my lower back¨Cthat made me think that Alexander¡¯s feelings might be deepening too. I tried not to instill myself with false hopes, but it became more difficult by the day.


    Finally, the day of the ultrasound arrived. I¡¯d been looking forward to this appointment for weeks, eager to find out whether we were having a boy or girl. Alexander had promised toe with me, but that morning he got called into an emergency meeting with the Alpha Council that he couldn¡¯t miss.


    I told him to go ahead. I would wait to find out the gender for myself until we were together.


    Lilith came with me instead, and the ultrasound appointment itself was routine. Dr. Evelyn spread the cold gel on my belly and moved the wand around, pointing out various body parts on the grainy ck¨Cand -white screen. Everything looked normal¨Cten fingers, ten toes, a strong heartbeat.


    ¡°And here,¡± Dr. Evelyn said, angling the wand slightly, ¡°we can see the gender. I know you want to wait, so I¡¯ll make sure you don¡¯t see it.¡±


    She turned the screen away and smiled, then wrote something on a piece of paper and sealed it in an envelope, which she handed to Lilith.


    ¡°One gender reveal cake,ing up,¡± I said, beaming at Lilith as Evelyn left us so I could clean myself up.


    ¡°You sure you don¡¯t mind doing this?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Are you kidding? I love baking.¡± Lilith clutched the envelope to her chest. ¡°This is going to be so wonderful. A little one running around¡­¡±


    There was something in the way she said it that reminded me of herment at the coronation. About how this was her grandchild. At the time, I¡¯d assumed it was just a figure of speech, but now¡­


    ¡°Lilith,¡± I said carefully, ¡°you said something at the coronation. About how this baby was your grandchild. What did you mean by that?¡±


    Lilith froze.


    ¡°I¡­ it was just an expression, sweetheart. You know how much I care about you and Alexander.¡±


    But I could see it in her eyes now. Lilith wasn¡¯t my biological mother, but she might as well have been. And it hit me then that when she¡¯d mentioned it on the day of the coronation, I had basically brushed her


    off.


    ¡°Lilith.¡± I reached over and took her hand. ¡°I hope you know that I don¡¯t care about blood or gics or any of that. You¡¯ve been more of a mother to me than anyone else ever has. And if you want to be this baby¡¯s grandmother, then that¡¯s what you¡¯ll be.¡±


    Lilith¡¯s face crumpled, and she pulled me into the tightest hug I¡¯d ever received. Her shoulders shook as she cried, and I found myself tearing up too.


    ¡°I love you so much, E,¡± she whispered. ¡°You and this baby. More than you know.¡±


    ¡°I love you too,¡± I said, holding her just as tightly. ¡°Friend. Grandma.¡± I pulled back just enough to look at her, and added in a whisper, ¡°Mom.¡±


    Lilithughed thickly and pulled me close again. We held each other like that until the nurses basically


    had to kick us out.

 The Perfect 218

    Alexander & E


    Alexander


    It was early on a Tuesday afternoon. I had a meeting to attend in less than an hour and so much to do. I should have been reviewing the budget reports spread across my desk before the meeting, but I couldn¡¯t


    focus.


    My mind kept drifting to other things. Better things.


    Like the way E looked when she was spread out beneath me like a buffet that was just for me. The taste of E¡¯s lips, sweet with rainwater from the storm. The sound of E¡¯s voice when she cried out my name, nearly lost beneath the sound of the thunder.


    E. E, E.


    She consumed my mind. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw her. Every time I inhaled, I smelled her. I couldn¡¯t even sleep properly anymore because I just wanted to fucking stare at her.


    Fuck. I was in deep, wasn¡¯t I?


    I was certainly in this far, far deeper than I¡¯d ever intended to be with anyone, let alone with the woman. I¡¯d married for political reasons five years ago. For all I knew, she might still be a spy and I really was the


    fool Gabriel said I was.


    But there was no denying it anymore¨CI was falling for E. Hard and fast and irreversibly. There was no going back from here. Not anymore.


    Maybe I¡¯d been falling for her longer than I cared to admit. Maybe it had started back when she was sick and I¡¯d found myself looking forward to our chess games in the hospital.


    Or maybe it was more recent, tied to the pregnancy and the way she stood up to Gabriel and the way everything had changed after I¡¯d marked her.


    Either way, it didn¡¯t matter when it had started. What mattered was what I was going to do about it now.


    Deep down, I really wanted to make this official. I wanted to tell her how I felt, wanted to stop pretending that there wasn¡¯t something between us. I wanted to show her that she wasn¡¯t just sex or convenience to me, but someone who truly mattered.


    I wanted to be a real husband to her, not just the Alpha King who happened to share a bed with her.


    The ultrasound appointment was this afternoon. Tonight, when she got home with news about our child, maybe that would be the right time to-


    Suddenly, a knock on my office door interrupted my thoughts.


    ¡°Come in,¡± I called out without looking up from the papers I was supposed to be reading.


    ¡°Alpha King.¡±


    I knew that voice. My head snapped up to see Thomas ck standing in my doorway, cap in his hands and that same nervous expression he¡¯d worn every time I¡¯d seen him over the past few months.


    Thomas ck. The groundskeeper from Stormhollow who¡¯d confessed to cutting the brake lines on my parents¡® car. The man who I had threatened into continuing the investigation.


    ¡°Thomas.¡± I set down my pen. ¡°I wasn¡¯t expecting you.¡±


    ¡°I know, sir. I¡¯m sorry to bother you without an appointment, but I had toe.¡± He stepped further into the room and closed the door behind him. ¡°I have something you need to see.¡±


    I sat up a little straighter. ¡°What is it?¡±


    Thomas reached into his jacket and pulled out a man envelope. ¡°I found this when I was snooping through some old files at the Stormhollow estate. It was hidden in the Alpha¡¯s study, behind some books.¡±


    He handed me the envelope, and I could feel how thick it was. Whatever was inside, there was a lot of it.


    I opened it and pulled out the contents. It was all legal documents. Contracts. And at the very top of the


    stack¡­


    My blood went cold.


    It was a contract dated less than a year ago. Six and a half months, in fact. The header read ¡°Agreement Between Alpha Richard Eden of Stormhollow and E Sce, Luna of Ashw, Regarding Strategic Maniption of Alpha Alexander Sce of Ashw.<i>¡± </i>


    And at the bottom of the page, clear as day, was E¡¯s signature.


    E


    Lilith had really outdone herself with the gender reveal cake.


    It was just a simple white cake with buttercream frosting, but she had gone all out with the decorations. Little flowers, each onepletely unique, were piped along the perimeter of the topyer. ¡°Boy or Girl? Which Will It Be?¡± was written across the front in pink and blue icing.


    And inside, hidden beneath the vani sponge, was either pink or blue filling that would reveal whether Alexander and I were having a son or daughter.


    The anticipation was killing me.


    I¡¯d set the cake on the dining room table with two tes and forks, and now I was pacing around the


    room dressed in a simple lc dress, checking the clock every few minutes. Alexander¡¯s emergency meeting had run long, but he¡¯d texted that he would be home soon.


    This was it. Tonight was the night we would find out our child¡¯s gender, but it was also the night I was going to tell him that I loved him.


    The words had been burning in my throat for weeks now, ever since that night in the treehouse when we¡¯d made love and I¡¯d fallen asleep in his arms. I couldn¡¯t keep them inside anymore.


    Whether he felt the same way or not, I couldn¡¯t let myself <i>go </i>on any longer without telling him how I truly felt. I had to just get the words out before I wentpletely insane.


    And if he did feel the same way¡­ well, finding out the gender of the baby we were having together seemed like the perfect backdrop for that conversation. It would be a happy night, one filled with the joy and love and trust that I¡¯d been dreaming of for so long.


    Finally, I heard the front door open and close, followed by familiar footsteps in the hallway. My heart started racing.


    ¡°Alexander?¡± I called out, hastily smoothing down my dress. ¡°I¡¯m in the dining room!¡±


    But when he appeared in the doorway, he didn¡¯t have the smile I expected to see¨Cthe smile I had grown used to seeingtely. Instead, his face was a mask of cold fury.


    ¡°We need to talk.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± I took a step toward him, but he held up a hand to stop me.


    ¡°Don¡¯t.¡± The word came out like a growl, and I froze, spine stiffening. He never spoke to me like that anymore<i>. </i>Never.


    My mouth opened and closed wordlessly. Alexander simply reached into his jacket and pulled out an envelope. From it, he extracted what looked like legal documents and threw them down on the table next to our perfect cake.


    ¡°Exin this,¡± he said.


    I looked down at the papers, confused. The top document was some kind of contract from the looks of it. I picked it up to get a better look, and my blood turned to ice.


    It was a contract between me and my father. An agreement stating that I would seduce Alexander, get pregnant with his child, and use that pregnancy to manipte him into signing Ashw¡¯s inheritance over <i>to </i>Stormhollow.


    And at the bottom of the page was my signature.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 The Perfect 219

    <b>Chapter </b>219


    E


    I had never seen that contract before in my entire life.


    ¡°Do you care to exin?¡± Alexander¡¯s face was red with fury, green eyes so dark that they were nearly


    ck.


    Exin myself? What was there to exin?


    ¡°Alexander,¡± I said, handing the contract back to him, ¡°I have no idea what this is. I¡¯ve never seen it


    before.¡±


    He blinked at me like I¡¯d just sprouted a second head or perhaps told him that the sky was purple instead of blue. ¡°It¡¯s got your signature on it.¡±


    Indeed, the contract did have my signature on it. But it wasn¡¯t mine. Not really. ¡°It¡¯s a forgery,¡± I said simply, frustration coiling low in my gut at the very notion¨CI wasn¡¯t angry with Alexander, but rather with whoever had stolen my identity <i>to </i>use in this facade. ¡°I swear to you, I never signed a contract like


    this.¡±


    Alexander snatched the contract away and studied it closely for a long time. I tried to keep my anxiety at bay, choosing instead to have faith that he would see it for what it was¨Ca fake¨Cand forgive me for the


    crime I¡¯d nevermitted.


    But when he looked at me again, the distrust was so evident on his face that it made my hearte screeching to a halt in my chest.


    No. No.


    Alexander couldn¡¯t seriously think that I¡¯d signed that contract, could he? After everything we¡¯d been through together, after all of the tenderness we had shared, after the fact that I was carrying his seven- month child in my belly¡­


    He seriously thought that I was heinous enough to sign a contract to deceive him.


    I ced my hand protectively on the swell of my stomach.


    ¡°Alexander-¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t trust you, E,¡± he cut me off. His voice was low, edged with barely contained anger¨Cand a pain


    so deep that it felt like my own rippling through the bond we shared.


    ¡°But I¡¯ve done nothing but prove myself to you.¡±


    ¡°I know<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>Alexander¡¯s jaw ticked. ¡°But I also spent five years believing you were a spy for your father, and now to find this in his possession¡­¡± He shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m going to have to look into this myself.¡±


    <b>¡°</b>I¡¯ll help-¡±


    ¡°Without your interference.¡±


    The words hung between us like a dark cloud, threatening to downpour in the very room we stood in. I


    swore I could feel the temperature drop by several degrees.


    ¡°What are you saying?¡± I whispered. I hardly dared to want to hear his response, because I had a sinking feeling I knew what it would be.


    Alexander hesitated for a long moment, and I could see the war of emotions on his face. Anger, pain,


    resentment, confusion. I could feel them through the bond, too,ing in waves like the ocean crashing violently against the shore.


    Finally, he managed, ¡°I¡¯m going to have to put you under house arrest until this is all sorted.¡±


    ¡°House arrest.¡± I lifted my chin. ¡°So you¡¯re going to keep your pregnant mate locked up over a forged


    document.¡±


    ¡°I have no choice,¡± Alexander replied curtly.


    My throat bobbed as the realization washed over me. I felt like I was caught in the middle of a witch hunt


    -either I would be forced to drown to prove I wasn¡¯t a witch, or I would float and wind up tied to a burning stake.


    This felt like a situation that I couldn¡¯t win. Alexander, my mate, husband, and father of my child, didn¡¯t


    trust me enough to listen to what I was saying.


    He was going to keep me prisoner until he ¡°decided¡± I was innocent.


    ¡°How long?¡± I blurted out.


    Alexander shrugged and carefully folded the document, tucking it into the inner pocket of his suit jacket. ¡°Until I¡¯m certain I can trust you.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t help but scoff. That could mean anywhere from a week to¡­ forever. ¡°And what if you decide I¡¯m guilty?<i>¡± </i>I asked.


    Alexander didn¡¯t respond <i>to </i>that, but the darkened look in his eyes told me all I needed to know. If he deemed me guilty for this crime that I didn¡¯tmit, then I would likely be locked up in the Ashw prison.


    Perhaps even for life.


    I didn¡¯t even want to think about what might happen to my baby. Would Alexander still name it his heir? Would he take it from my arms the moment I gave birth, never allowing me to see my child again?

 The Perfect 220

    Chapter <b>220 </b>


    Or would he denounce both of uspletely, leaving us to rot in a cell?


    The very thought made me sick.


    But with that sickness came a new wave of something far stronger: hope.


    ¡°You won¡¯t find me guilty,¡± I said, straightening. I refused to show the pain on my face even though it felt like I was being stabbed over and over again directly in my heart. And to think that I had just been considering telling him that I loved him¡­ I shoved that notion down for now, not wanting to dwell on it


    for too long.


    ¡°Perhaps not.¡± Alexander¡¯s face softened somewhat, and for the briefest second, it almost seemed like he might reach out to touch me. And, Goddess, I wanted him to.


    Any ounce of affection¨Canything¨Cto prove that, despite all of this, he still cared for me in some capacity


    ¡­ I needed that right now.


    But it never came. Alexander¡¯s hand twitched at his side, but then he sped both behind his back and took a step away from me as if physically restraining himself.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, E. I don¡¯t want to do this.¡± He began to turn. ¡°But I need to look into the matter myself before


    I can trust you again.¡±


    ¡°And you will,¡± I called after him. ¡°You will trust me. Because I never signed any contract with my father,


    let alone that one.¡±


    Alexander paused momentarily, his hand lingering on the doorknob. I could see the tension in his shoulders, the hard line of his jaw as his head faintly turned in my direction. Green eyes flicked to the gender reveal cake still sitting untouched on the dining room table, but only for a second.


    ¡°I hope you¡¯re right,¡± was all he said before stepping out of the room.


    A momentter, two Ashw guards came to escort me to my room. ¡°Don¡¯t touch me,¡± I snapped, pping their hands away as they reached for my arms. I lifted my chin. ¡°I¡¯ll go willingly.¡±


    The guards exchanged somewhat guilty looks before stepping aside to let me pass. Leaving the cake on the table, I held my head high and picked up my skirt, making my way upstairs to my room.


    Once I was inside, the guards took my phone away and shut the door. I heard the lock click from the other side. And then I waspletely alone.


    Only then did I allow a single tear to fall.


    Just one.


    I quickly wiped it away, though, refusing to let my sadness linger. No. Alexander would soon realize that


    that contract was bullshit¨Cmy father or someone else had likely forged it <i>to </i>frame me¨Cand he would


    return to apologize.


    For the rest of the night, I held onto that hope. Alexander didn¡¯te to see me all night, only sending a servant who wasn¡¯t Lilith to check on me and bring me dinner. I was lonely, but I still refused to let despair take over me.


    Come morning, I had somehow managed to sleep for a few hours.


    I woke to the sound of someone knocking on my door and sat up abruptly, heart leaping. ¡°Come in,¡± I called out, frantically smoothing down my sleep¨Cmussed hair and tugging on my robe over my


    nightgown.


    The doorknob turned, and the door creaked open. I managed a smile, hoping desperately that it was Alexandering to apologize and admit that I was right.


    But it wasn¡¯t Alexander. It was the same servant who had brought me dinnerst night.


    ¡°Breakfast for you, Luna,¡± she said, curtsying as she set a tray of tea and toast down on the table. Today¡¯s newspaper was folded up neatly on the tray as well.


    I suppressed a sigh and thanked the maid, dismissing her. Once she was gone, I plopped down into a chair at the table and took a sip of tea, then a bite of toast to quell the anxiety¨Cdriven morning sickness that was beginning to wash over me.


    That was when I noticed the headline at the top of the newspaper.


    ¡°BREAKING NEWS: STORMHOLLOW MANSION DESTROYED IN OVERNIGHT FIRE¡±

 The Perfect 221

    E


    ¡°At midnight, the esteemed Stormhollow Alpha manor went up in mes,¡± the newspaper article read. Detectives are still investigating the cause of the unexpected fire, but current evidence suggests that it was a freak ident caused by a faulty chimney flue. Thankfully there were no casualties, although nothing remains of the house itself.¡±


    My breakfast sat in a heap in front of me, tea having spilled across the tray and soaking the bread when


    the cup


    had slipped from my fingers. Broken shards of porcin littered the table, but I hardly noticed.


    My childhood home had been destroyed.


    Along with everything inside of it.


    Likely along with the trunk of my mother¡¯s possessions in the basement.


    Everything I had of her was probably gone, burned up in a ¡°freak¡± overnight fire thatpletely


    demolished the entire ce I had once called home.


    My hands shook as I read the article over and over again, as if rereading the words countless times might change them. But what was done was done. All of those memories, everything that I once held dear¡­ Was now simply ash in the wind.


    Suddenly, something small fell out of the newspaper. I didn¡¯t notice it at first, too focused on the words blurring before me on the page, but spotted it when it fell into myp. It was a small note written in


    familiar script.


    <b>¡°</b><b>If </b>you want to get out, put a candle in your window. -Lilith¡±


    Lilith. Dear, sweet Lilith¨Cshe was disobeying Alexander¡¯s orders againstmunicating with me. She must have seen the article and sent the newspaper, along with her note, to warn me.


    It was risky <i>to </i>consider breaking out, but I had no way of contacting Alexander without my phone and I was pretty sure he wasn¡¯t even home, which meant that it could be hours before the guard outside my room ryed my message to him.


    I had to see my childhood home. Even if only for a few minutes, to see if the trunk of my mother¡¯s belongings had somehow survived the fire.


    A few minutester, I had a candle burning in my window. Within ten minutes, there was a soft knock on my door and the sound of the key turning in the lock. Lilith found me standing there in dark jeans and a sweater with my hair pulled back, something nondescript to quickly travel in.


    ¡°I told the guard there was an incident in the west wing,¡± Lilith whispered, quickly ushering me out of the room and locking the door behind us as if I were still inside. ¡°He¡¯ll be back shortly, but we have enough


    time to slip out.¡±


    I nodded and followed Lilith quickly through the servants¡® quarters. Thankfully, everyone was busy


    elsewhere, so we were able to slip out the back door and into the forest without being seen.


    In wolf form, we hurriedly loped through the forest¨Ctaking a car was too risky. It took longer than I would


    have liked to travel all the way to Stormhollow on foot, but eventually, the scent of smoke burned my


    nostrils and I knew we were close.


    When we came upon the destruction that was once my family¡¯s home, the devastation was so great that I


    immediately shifted back to human form and dropped to my knees.


    ¡°No¡­¡±


    Lilith came to stand beside me, cing her hand on my shoulder. For a long time, from the edge of the


    forest where we couldn¡¯t be seen by the firefighters and detectives bustling around the scene, we just


    took in the scene like something out of a horrific movie.


    The once¨Cgrand manor was nothing but rubble now. Thick, ck plumes of smoke still curled up from the wreckage, some areas still actively being put out by firefighters. The entire structure was gone, save for a few pirs and beams that had somehow managed to stay upright.


    ck coals burned hot and red around the base of the foundation, and my eyes drifted over to where I knew the entrance to the cer once was. Severalrge beams had clearly fallen on top of it.


    ¡°My mother¡¯s trunk could still be down there,¡± I said abruptly, standing and moving toward the house.


    Lilith caught my arm and pulled me back. ¡°E, it¡¯s too dangerous. It could be an oven down there, and if


    Alexander knows you snuck out-¡±

 The Perfect 222

    Chapter <b>222 </b>


    The very mention of Alexander¡¯s name made my eyes gutter. I loathed the notion, but if he had anything


    to do with this¡­


    Would he have angrily caused the fire on my family¡¯s home after I specifically asked him not to destroy it? Could that forged contract have been the catalyst for him doing something so vengeful and heinous?


    I couldn¡¯t imagine the Alexander I knew doing something like that. But right now, I couldn¡¯t entirely rule


    it out.


    And Lilith was right; if he knew I had snuck out and was here, he might distrust me even more. Not to mention the fact that if he had anything to do with the fire, I might be putting myself in and my child in grave danger by showing myself here.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go,¡± Lilith said then, gently ushering me back into the shadows of the forest where I couldn¡¯t be spotted. ¡°I¡¯ll look around and ask someone. Stay here. I¡¯ll be right back.¡±


    I nodded, and Lilith gave my hand onest squeeze before hurrying over to the wreckage. I watched her the entire time, my hand pressed t against a nearby tree to steady myself. Her form blurred behind my tears, but I saw her jog up to a firefighter and ask something.


    The firefighter shook his head grimly. Lilith hesitated, and they exchanged a few more words before she


    returned to me.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say it,¡± I choked out, turning away. ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear it.¡±


    Lilith didn¡¯t say a word. Just pulled me close and held me tightly.


    I couldn¡¯t help it anymore. One tear came, then another, and soon I was sobbing openly into her shoulder, leaving behind damp marks on her shirt where my tears and saliva fell. Lilith held me the entire time,


    rubbing soothing circles on my back.


    ¡°It was all I had left of her,¡± I choked out between sobs. ¡°It was the one thing I wanted from that house.


    And now¡­ Now¡­<i>¡± </i>


    My voice was lost beneath another sob, and I began to crumple, knees trembling so hard they couldn¡¯t


    even hold me upright anymore. Lilith struggled to keep me on my feet and pulled back just enough to


    look at me.


    ¡°I know, dear,¡± she murmured, cupping my face in her hands. ¡°I know it hurts, but they¡¯re just things. And we really must get back before-¡±


    Before she finished, her words cut off in a sharp gasp. Her hand pped over her mouth, and she eximed from behind her palm, ¡°E¨CE! Your water¨Cit broke!¡±


    Sniffling, I pulled back and looked down at my legs. I hadn¡¯t realized it during my pathetic wailing, but


    my water had broken. Liquid was seeping down through my jeans. There was so much of it that it had


    begun to pool up in my boots.


    All I could do was stare in shock.


    <b>¡°</b>You¡¯re going into prematurebor,¡± Lilith said, gripping my shoulders. ¡°It must be from the stress. E,


    we have to get you to a hospital.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t bring myself to speak through the sudden wave of fear and confusion that was washing over me. My pregnancy was only seven months along¨Cit was still dangerous to give birth this early.


    But then the first contraction came like a freight train mming directly into my abdomen, and I cried


    out, copsing to my knees on the forest floor. My fingernails dug so hard into the base of the nearby tree


    that I was certain I¡¯d drawn blood.


    ¡°Oh¨Coh dear!¡± Lilith gasped, trying but failing to help me to my feet. The pain was too great, radiating down my legs until they felt paralyzed from it. Shit. I was going to give birth right here on the forest floor,


    wasn¡¯t I?


    ¡°Need some help?¡±


    Lilith and I both snapped our heads up at the sound of the familiar voice. Through the haze of pain and tears, a figure that I¡¯d hoped not to see again¨Cand especially not now¨Cstepped out from behind a copse


    of trees.


    Sophia.

 The Perfect 223

    <b>Chapter 223 </b>


    E


    Sophia was thest person who I would ept help from in a situation like this.


    <b>¡°</b><b>I¡¯m </b>fine, thanks,¡± I said, struggling to my feet. I tried to keep the look of pain off of my <b>face</b>, but it was no small feat. Thest contraction was still wreaking havoc on my body and making it nearly impossible to breathe. ¡°Lilith and I were just leaving.¡±


    With that, I grabbed Lilith¡¯s hand and began to pull her away, praying inwardly that Sophia wouldn¡¯t <b>tell </b>Alexander that she had seen me here. That was thest thing I needed right now.


    But before we could pass by Sophia, another wave of pain hit me, this time worse than thest. I immediately crumpled again with a cry.


    ¡°Woah!¡± Sophia quickly caught me in her arms and held me upright. ¡°Your contractions are really close together. We need to get you somewhere where you can deliver this baby.¡±


    ¡°The hospital is too far,¡± Lilith pointed out. ¡°Perhaps we should call an ambnce-¡±


    <b>¡°</b>No!¡± The word ripped out of Sophia, causing both Lilith and I to stiffen. Sophia cleared her throat andposed herself. ¡°My house isn¡¯t too far from here. I can drive you. You¡¯ll be able to give birth safely there.¡±


    Lilith and I exchanged wary nces at that. epting a ride from Sophia back to Ashw or to the hospital was bad enough, but going to her private residence? Where she could just do anything to me and likely get away with it thanks to her doting parents?


    ¡°No thanks,¡± I managed, even as another wave of pain made my voicee out as a mere croak. ¡°I¡¯ll take my chances-<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°E. Please.<i>¡± </i>Sophia stepped in front of me when I tried to hobble past her. Her eyes were softer than I¡¯d ever seen them, the look on her face imploring. ¡°I¡¯m trying to help you.¡±


    For a long moment, I didn¡¯t know what to think. Sophia, of all people, had never tried to help me a day in my life. In fact, she¡¯d always done theplete opposite, always doing everything in her power to make my life a living hell.


    And <b>yet, </b>when I looked into her eyes and saw the sincerity there, I couldn¡¯t help but wonder if she was being genuine right now.


    I straightened. ¡°Why do you want to help me all of a sudden<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>I asked bluntly. ¡°You¡¯ve always been cruel to me.¡±


    To her credit, Sophia didn¡¯t look angered by my usation. If anything, she looked somewhat resigned to it¨Candpletely guilt¨Cridden. Her shoulders sagged with a sigh. ¡°I was mean to you because I wanted


    <b>1/3 </b>


    <b>to </b>keep <b>you </b>away from Alexander.¡±


    <b>¡°</b><b>Yeah</b>. I¡¯ve known that for a long time now.¡± I folded my arms over my chest.


    ¡°But not for the reason you think,<b>¡± </b>she added quickly. <b>¡°</b><b>I </b>know what Alexander is capable of¨Cthe cruelty he inflicts on others. I loved him once, and he treated me like trash. Constantly ying with <b>my </b><b>mind</b><b>, </b>making me think he loved me back only to turn around five secondster and <b>act </b>like I was lower <b>than </b>


    dirt.¡±


    I blinked, taken aback. Sophia had never spoken out against Alexander in all the years I¡¯d known her<b>; </b>she had only ever treated him like a trophy on a pedestal.


    ¡°Where is thising from?¡± I asked.


    <b>¡°</b>Once, I did resent you for marrying Alexander,<i>¡± </i>Sophia admitted. ¡°It¡¯s true. I hated <b>you </b>because <b>you </b>got <b>to </b>marry him and I didn¡¯t. But then I started to realize how he treated <b>you</b>¡­¡± She shook her head. ¡°I tried and tried to drive a wedge between you two in the hopes of protecting you from suffering what I had suffered, but then you got pregnant.¡±


    Frowning, I looked at Lilith. She looked just as disbelieving as I felt, but Sophia¡¯s voice was trembling now as she went on, ¡°I think Alexander intends to kill you and the baby. He confided in me and told you he was poisoning you with mercury for a long time, but got caught before anything bad happened. I think this time, he¡¯ll make sure he doesn¡¯t get caught. The fire was just a distraction.¡±

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    <b>Chapter </b><b>224 </b>


    I felt a pang shoot through me, but I couldn¡¯t respond before another contraction took hold of me. <b>With </b>another yell, I pitched forward. This time, both Lilith and Sophia caught me by one <b>arm </b>each.


    <b>¡°</b>Take her to your home,¡± Lilithmanded Sophia with a fire in her eyes that would have stolen my breath away had I any left to steal. <b>¡°</b><b>If </b>you try anything funny, I¡¯ll slit your throat.¡±


    Sophia gulped but nodded. I wanted to protest, but the pain was too great, so I let them carefully lead <b>me </b>out of the forest and out to the road, where Sophia¡¯s car was parked.


    ¡°An ambnce or going to the hospital would just alert Alexander to the birth,¡± Sophia exined as she helped me into the backseat of the car and began to peel away from the side of the road. ¡°There¡¯s no telling what he¡¯ll do then. You¡¯ll have to give birth secretly at my house, then figure it out from there. <b>My </b>family will help you stay safe as long as you need.¡±


    I still wasn¡¯t sure if she was right about Alexander, but by now, thebor was bing too intense to think straight. The drive to Sophia¡¯s home was a blur, and before I knew it, I was being rushed into one of the guest rooms andid down on therge bed with several nkets and a bucket of warm water.


    What happened next was indescribable. The pain was so intense that I couldn¡¯t speak, couldn¡¯t think,


    could only scream and grip the nkets and pray that it would be over soon.


    And it was over quickly. Too quickly.


    First there was a series of waves of blinding pain, each one longer and more intense than thest, as figures who I didn¡¯t even recognize moved around me in a frantic blur.


    Then came the final push.


    Something warm and thick spurted out between my legs, and I looked up to see Lilith¡¯s face go pale.¡± Keep pushing, dear. You¡¯re almost there,¡± she whispered with a reassuring smile, but her voice was


    trembling.


    66


    I pushed with one final cry of agony. My entire body felt like it was ripping in half, but then the pressure released, and I felt my child slip out of me.


    Then¡­ silence.


    No lusty cry of a newborn. No tiny bundle being lifted into my arms. Just silence that was only, finally broken by a small choked sounding from Lilith beside me.


    ¡°Lilith¡­?¡± My voice sounded faraway even to my own ears as I turned to her imploringly. <b>¡°</b>Is my baby¡­¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re working on him,¡± she croaked out, reaching over with a shaking hand to push the sweat¨Csoaked hair out of my forehead. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, E. Your little boy will be just fine¡­¡±


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    A boy. I¡¯d had a boy.


    I should have been ted. My child had made it into the world. But all I felt was anguish and¡­ <b>pain</b>. <b>And </b>more of that warmth seeping from between my legs.


    <b>My </b>head was spinning as I managed a small, ¡°Lilith¡­? What about me¡­<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    <b>¡°</b>It¡¯s alright, E¡­ I¡¯m right here¡­ You¡¯ll be alright¡­¡±


    She didn¡¯t sound so certain. In fact, the tears in her eyes should have indicated to me that she waspletely lying. But I was rapidly growing warm, and everything suddenly felt fuzzy and pleasant and insignificant, and soon the room began to grow dark around the edges.


    Thest thing I heard before I lost consciousnesspletely was the first cry of a newborn child.

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    <b>Chapter </b><b>225 </b>


    Alexander


    I stormed into my office and mmed the door hard enough behind me to splinter the wood <b>in </b><b>the </b>frame<b>. </b>


    The <bst </b>thing I wanted to do was lock E up. After everything we had been through together, <b>I </b>had <b>truly </b>begun <b>to </b>trust her¡­ and more.


    I wanted to tell her how I truly felt about her. Today, I was going <b>to </be home and tell her <b>that </b>I wanted <b>to </b>make our rtionship real¨Cthat I¡­


    Goddess, I couldn¡¯t even think that four¨Cletter word anymore. I was so hurt and angry <b>by </b>this whole debacle that even the mere thought of love made me want to be sick.


    If this contract was real and not forged, if it was true that E had signed a legal document outlining her n to get pregnant with my child and manipte me emotionally, <b>I </b>wasn¡¯t sure what I would do next.


    Lock E up for life?


    <b>No. </b>No matter what she had done, I couldn¡¯t do that to the mother of my child. I couldn¡¯t let her rot <b>away </b>


    in a cell.


    And yet I couldn¡¯t think of another option. But for now, I tried to push the thought away<b>, </b>focusing instead on discovering whether the evidence was real or not first.


    <b>¡°</b><b>You </b>won¡¯t find me guilty,¡± she had said with so much conviction that it had almost made my heart crack right then and there. ¡°You will trust me.¡±


    Little did she know just how badly I wanted to trust her. All I had hoped for was a bright future with her and our child, but right now, I wasn¡¯t sure if that future would evere.


    For now, E was a prisoner in her own home.


    I spent hours that night trying to figure out what to do. With no Beta¨CI still hadn¡¯t appointed a new one since Gabriel betrayed me, although now I was beginning to wonder if firing him was a mistake after all- I waspletely alone in my investigation.


    I had no one to <b>turn </b>to. No one to guide me.


    By the time morning rolled around, the first rays of sunlight beginning to peek over the distant horizon, I hadn¡¯t slept a wink. And how could I? I had to decide what to do with my seven¨Cmonths pregnant wife, who was a spy all along for all I knew.


    At that point, my mind had begun to grow addled from theck of sleep. Every time I began to nod off for a brief moment, I would think of her. I could almost smell her hair, could almost feel her delicate fingers intertwining with mine.


    I even began to think foolishly that if she were truly a spy all this time, if my five¨Cyear hunch was correct, all I wanted now was for her to be honest about it.


    My foolish heart decided that if she could at least tell me the truth, I might be able to forgive her.


    <b>Not </b>today<b>. </b>Not tomorrow. Not for a very<b>, </b>very long time.


    But eventually, in some capacity, <b>I </b>could see myself moving on from this. Chalk <b>it </b>up to being groomed by her father. Realize that maybe she had changed since she had signed her name <b>at </b>the bottom of that


    page.


    Damn me and that fucking mate bond making me lovesick. Here I <b>was</b>, genuinely considering giving <b>a </b>traitor a second chance, and yet¡­ I couldn¡¯t seem to see the problem with <b>it</b>.


    <b>I </b>was still trying to snap myself out of it when a knock came on my door<b>. </b><b>¡°</b>Come in,¡± I called out, rubbing my eyes. A momentter, the door opened to reveal one of my subordinates holding a newspaper in his


    hands.


    ¡°This just arrived, Sir,¡± the young male in his twenties said, bowing sharply at the waist and handing me the newspaper. <b>¡°</b>I thought you might want to see it right away.<b>¡± </b>


    Frowning, I snatched the newspaper away, wondering what kind of breaking news could be important enough to interrupt me at this hour.


    But when I saw the text on the page, my stomach dropped.


    E¡¯s family¡¯s mansion¡­ It had been burned to the ground in the middle of the night.


    It really was of little consequence to me whether her traitorous family¡¯s home was destroyed, but unbidden, my mind flickered back to the day I had told her the truth about everything. E had immediately offered to stand by my side throughout my investigation into her family.

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    <b>Chapter </b><b>226 </b>


    She had also firmly asked me not to destroy her childhood home.


    I had nothing to do with this fire, of course. The newspaper article said it was a chimney flue malfunction that got out of hand.


    But I knew how important that house was to E, as well as her mother¡¯s only belongings, which were


    likely nothing but ashes now. E probably already knew about the fire and was devastated.


    Without hesitating, I stood and went straight to her room. Despite everything, this was a devastating blow. I wanted tofort her and assure her not only that I was unrted to this incident and would even help her look into it if she wished, but also that I was here for her. <b>It </b>was the least I could do.


    However, when I arrived at her room, it was empty.


    The guard¡¯s mouth went ck when I opened the door to reveal that E was gone. ¡°I¨CI don¡¯t know how that happened, Sir!¡± he eximed. ¡°The maid, Lilith I think her name was, said there was an incident in


    the west wing-¡±


    ¡°So basically you¡¯re telling me that you let a political prisoner escape.¡± My fury returned tenfold as I whirled on the guard, who began wagging his mouth and quite literally dropped to his knees before me.


    But it wasn¡¯t just him I was angry at. It was E.


    All pretense I¡¯d had before of forgiving her immediately vanished. Innocent, my ass¨Cwhy sneak out like that unless she was up to something? If she just wanted to visit her family home, she knew she could have asked and <b>I </b>would have escorted her there.


    With a low warning growl at the guard, I brushed past and immediately rushed out to my car. I was halfway down the driveway when the gates ahead swung open, and a familiar vehicle whipped into the driveway,ing to a screeching halt beside me.


    The window rolled down to reveal Sophia¡¯s parents.


    ¡°Alex,<i>¡± </i>John breathed, ¡°thank the Goddess you¡¯re here. Have you heard?¡±


    ¡°About the fire? Yes, but I don¡¯t have time for-<b>¡± </b>


    <b>¡°</b>No,¡± Helen cut me off. ¡°We¡¯re talking about E!¡±


    I frowned. ¡°What about her?<b>¡± </b>


    John and Helen exchanged panicked looks before Helen replied, ¡°She went into prematurebor. Sophia found her and brought her back to our house. You muste quickly!¡±


    Holy fucking shit.


    I <b>immediately </b>leapt into the backseat <b>of </b>John and Helen¡¯s car and let them drive me <b>to </b><b>their </b><b>home</b>. <b>The </b><b>entire </b><b>way </b>there<b>, </b>my mind was a blur of conflicting thoughts: anger, fear, hatred<b>, </b><b>love</b>, worry, <b>hope</b>.


    E was giving birth <b>to </b>our baby. Prematurely<b>. </b>Not in a hospital.


    The implications weren¡¯t lost on me. Both E¡¯s and the baby¡¯s lives could be in danger.


    As soon as John pulled up to the house, I jumped out of the car and bolted inside. A trembling <b>butler </b>pointed <b>at </b>the second floor with a gloved hand, and I took the steps two at a time, rushing toward <b>the </b>room where amotion was going on at the end of the hall.


    I heard screaming. Crying. Voices shouting.


    ¡°E!¡± <b>I </b>called out. ¡°E, I¡¯ming!¡±


    By the time I reached the door<b>, </b>all was quiet within. I hesitated, heart pounding. E¨Cthe baby<b>¨C</b>were they alright?


    And then I heard it. The faint sound of a newborn¡¯s cries. I let loose a deep breath of relief and swung the door open, immediately forgetting all about the betrayal I¡¯d felt before.


    ¡°E-¡±


    I froze. Lilith was hunched over E¡¯s still form, her shoulders shaking with sobs. E wasn¡¯t moving. Wasn¡¯t speaking. Wasn¡¯t reaching for our newborn child. And, Goddess, there was so much blood.


    Slowly, Sophia turned toward me, holding a wriggling infant against her chest. A little boy.


    <b>¡°</b>Your son arrived a little early,<i>¡± </i>Sophia whispered, cing the child in my arms. ¡°But E didn¡¯t make it.¡±

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    <b>Chapter </b><b>227 </b>


    E


    My eyes snapped open and I sat bolt upright with a gasp, clutching at my chest.


    My¡­ bare chest.


    I frowned, blinking. As my surroundings came back into focus, I realized with a start that I was no longerying in the guest bed in Sophia¡¯s home, but rather on the ground in a forest. My clothes had beenpletely stripped, leaving me nude and vulnerable in the middle of nowhere.


    Sophia had double¨Ccrossed me. What a fool I was, thinking that she had had a change of heart! If I hadn¡¯t been so consumed bybor, then I would have known-


    Wait. Labor.


    My son. I needed to know where he was, if he was safe¨Cand Lilith, too. I had to find them.


    Surprisingly, my body felt nimble and free of pain as I leapt to my feet and looked around, trying to collect my bearings. Only my wolf felt a little groggy when I reached deep down within myself in search of her presence.


    ¡°I¡¯m here,¡± she croaked, sounding as if she¡¯d just woken from another dormant state. ¡°I just feel¡­ funny<b>¡­</b>¡±


    I bit back a curse as I turned this way and that in search of a familiar tree orndmark. Unfortunately, all that stretched around me was untrodden forest.


    ¡°She must have drugged me,¡± I said, finding north based on the sun¡¯s position and heading in that direction. Ashw, where my son likely was, was that way.


    ¡°Hmm¡­ Maybe.¡± My wolf yawned and stretched. ¡°I¡¯ll just need some time before I can lend you my


    strength.¡±


    ¡°Take all the time you need. I feel plenty strong now, surprisingly.¡± I looked down at my hands as I walked, finding myself clean and free of blood or dirt. Strange, because thest thing I remembered was blood gushing out from between my legs.


    My belly was t, too, which was also odd. A pregnant belly rarely went down this quickly, not to mention the fact that I was free of the stretch marks I¡¯d grown throughout the pregnancy. Perhaps whatever drug Sophia had given me had put me into a sort of stasis where my wolf¡¯s healing abilities were inadvertently enhanced.


    But there was no time for specting on my condition. My son could be in danger, and I had to get to him before it was toote.


    I picked up my pace after that until I was all¨Cout running through the forest, trees and boulders rushing


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    by me on either side. Soon, I arrived at the edge of the treeline, where arge farmer¡¯s cornfieldy beyond. I saw a house sitting off in the distance and set my sights on it.


    I began carefully working my way through the rows of corn. Surely someone would help me, give me a ride back to Ashw. For all I knew, I was already marked as missing by now. Maybe Alexander was


    looking for me.


    Alexander.


    His name filled me with a strange mixture of hope and dread. I was almost certain now that Sophia had been lying when she told me about Alexander¡¯s intentions, but I couldn¡¯t be entirely sure. And then, of course, there was the matter of him locking me up in that house.


    What if he still thought I was a spy? What if he wouldn¡¯t let me see my son when I returned and just locked me up again?


    The very thought made my fists clench with rage.


    ¡°Hey! You there! Show yourself!¡±


    I looked up to see an old man in overalls stepping out onto the front porch of the house and raising the barrel of a shotgun. Cursing under my breath, I held my hands up and walked out of the cornfield.


    ¡°I mean no harm,¡± I called out. ¡°I was kidnapped and abandoned in the woods. I need help.


    <i>¡± </i>


    The man stared at me for a long moment as if in disbelief. Shrewd eyes scanned the field behind me for potential aplices like I might try to rob him, but when he found none, he sighed and held out his jacket.


    ¡°Put this on, youngdy. You¡¯ll catch a cold runnin¡® around like that.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± I hurriedly took the coat and shrugged it on. It was just long enough to cover all of the important bits. ¡°I don¡¯t suppose you could give me a ride back to Ashw?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Ashw pack?¡± The man furrowed his brow. ¡°That¡¯s a hundred miles from here.¡±


    A hundred miles? What the fuck? How did Sophia get me all this way before I woke up? Whatever she gave me must have been strong.


    ¡°Well, I have to get there,¡± I said firmly, lifting my chin. ¡°I¡¯m the Luna of Ashw, and there¡¯s probably a search party out already. I can pay you if you take me home.¡±


    The old man¡¯s bushy eyebrows lowered. ¡°Luna of Ashw, eh? Alpha King Alexander¡¯s wife?¡±

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    <b>Chapter </b><b>228 </b>


    <b>¡°</b>Yes, sir. He¡¯ll pay you handsomely if you-¡±


    ¡°Luna E was announced dead a week ago. Today¡¯s the day of her funeral.¡±


    I froze, unsure of what to say. Obviously I wasn¡¯t dead; I was standing right here, naked and confused but very much alive. But the man¡¯s face was solemn as he took off his hat and held it against his chest.


    ¡°Was a shame, I hear,¡± he said softly, shaking his head. ¡°Died during childbirth.¡± He nced up at me with one weathered old eye. ¡°Although you do look a bit like her¡­ But not quite. Eyes are different<b>, </b>and so is


    the hair.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible.¡± I stormed past the old man and walked over to the nearby window looking into the first floor of the house. ¡°I am Luna E. You must have false information.¡±


    But when I leaned forward and looked at my reflection, I froze.


    Because staring back at me¡­ Wasn¡¯t me.


    Well¡­ It was me, but different. As if I¡¯d put on a different skin, or perhaps an off¨Cbrand costume of myself. My nose was the same, a gentle slope with a slightly upward tilt at the point. But there were freckles dotted across it now, which I never had before, and my face was a little more oval¨Cshaped than it once


    was<b>. </b>


    The most striking differences were, indeed, my hair and eyes. My hair, once strawberry blonde, was now a deep almost burgundy color like the light glinting off a b of polished mahogany wood¨Cdeep chocte with reddish streaks that caught the sun.


    And my eyes, which used to be a bright blue, were now a cool silver. The irises were so close to white that they nearly blended in with my scleras.


    Trembling now, I reached up to touch my face and hair. I almost expected my hand to go right through it, like I was some kind of ghost, but my fingertips met solid flesh.


    This was real. <b>I </b>was real.


    But¡­ how?


    It didn¡¯t make any sense. I was convinced that Sophia was behind this somehow, though; perhaps she¡¯d dyed my hair and the drug she gave me somehow changed my eye color. But that didn¡¯t exin the freckles, or the face shape, or the fact that I was just now realizing that I was probably two inches taller than before.


    Still, it had to be her. I definitely wasn¡¯t dead. Whoever had imed I was dead was either lying or mistaken.


    ¡°Take me back to Ashw,¡± I repeated, turning toward the farmer once more. ¡°Please.¡±


    A couple of hourster, I found myself sitting in the passenger seat of the farmer¡¯s beat¨Cup old pickup truck, scarfing down the remnants of a sandwich he¡¯d prepared for me¨CI was shockingly hungry, likely another side effect of the drug¨Cand dressed in a spare pair of his overalls and a nnel.


    Finally, the farmer pulled up to the Ashw Alpha manor. He stopped a little ways down the road and put the truck in park.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid this is as far as I take you, littledy. The funeral is closed to the public and I don¡¯t want to get in no trouble for showin¡® up uninvited.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s alright.¡± I swung the door open and climbed out. His boots were several sizes too big on me but I¡¯d return them soon enough. ¡°Just wait here. When Ie back, you¡¯ll be paid well for bringing the Luna of Ashw home.¡±


    The old man harrumphed and shook his head disapprovingly, but I kept my head held high and shut the door, marching straight up to the gate. To my surprise, the gates were wide open and the guards were busily speaking to someone in another vehicle off to the side¨Cin fact, the entire driveway was full of cars -so they didn¡¯t see me walk right in.


    I hurried up the driveway, intending to walk straight through the front doors and see what all the fuss was about. My footsteps slowed when I noticed the hearse sitting at the top of the driveway, but I kept pushing on, figuring it was another one of Sophia¡¯s tricks.


    When I stepped inside, I found that the house was full of people dressed in ck. Some were sniffling and wiping their eyes, others holding tiny tes of hors d¡¯oeuvres and speaking quietly amongst themselves. A few looked my way, but most were too preupied with one another to notice me.


    ¡°Ridiculous,¡± I whispered, shaking my head as I pushed toward the parlor. Whoever had faked my death had certainly gone all out, hadn¡¯t they? But they¡¯d all be in for a surprise the moment I-


    I froze<i>. </i>


    My heart leapt into my throat.


    There,ying in a casket at the front of the room, was me. Dead as a doornail.

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    Chapter 229.


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    <b>Chapter </b><b>229 </b>


    Alexander


    E was dead.


    She¡¯d passed away duringbor a week ago, and it still didn¡¯t feel real. Not when the coroner came to <b>take </b>


    her away, not when the funeral director asked me to pick out a casket, and not even now, when her body wasying on disy just downstairs.


    She couldn¡¯t be dead. I refused to believe it. I swore my bond to her hadn¡¯t fully severed somehow<b>, </b>as if


    faint threads of it still existed in the ether¡­.


    And yet, she was truly gone.


    There was no going back now, no matter how badly <b>I </b>wanted to reverse time. Oh, how I desperately wished I could turn back the clock and never lock her up. Maybe if she hadn¡¯t felt the need to rush to her family¡¯s burnt home in secret, I could have been there to help her when she went intobor. Or maybe she wouldn¡¯t have gone intobor at all because of the stress.


    But what was done was done. E was dead, and she had left me with our son.


    Our son.


    I¡¯d named him Lucien, after the word ¡°light¡°. It wasn¡¯t a family name like I¡¯d hoped to give my firstborn, but it felt fitting. He was the only thing keeping me going at the moment¨Ca golden light at the end of a very dark and very long tunnel.


    The moment I lost E and held our son in my arms for the first time was when it finally hit me: I did love her. I¡¯d always tried not to fall for her, even to the point of refusing to think the word to myself, but I knew now that I had. I loved her. Too little, toote.


    All I could do now was regret not telling her in life. And ensure that Lucien, born too early and too small and without a mother, was safe and cared for. If I couldn¡¯t do anything else, then I had to do that.


    Just as I was adjusting my tie in the mirror with one hand, a sleeping Lucien bundled up safely in the crook of my other arm, a knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts.


    ¡°Come in.¡± I expected it to be Hunter, my new Beta. I¡¯d appointed him just three days ago, when my Alpha King advisors finally brought him to my office and insisted that I needed a Beta. I hardly knew him, but I was too exhausted to turn it down. Besides, I did need the help.


    But it wasn¡¯t him. It was Sophia.


    The sight of her still made my nerves tingle, but I suppressed the urge to send her away. She had been the one to find E in the forest and help her deliver Lucien; if she hadn¡¯t, both E and Lucien might have


    died.


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    I had to give her credit for what she had done, putting aside her past grievances to help E. So I <b>was </b>currently trying my best to forgive her, even if only a little bit.


    ¡°Hey,¡± Sophia said, stepping into the room and quietly shutting the door behind her. ¡°How are you feeling?¡±


    ¡°Fine.¡± That was a lie, but I kept my face neutral and returned my attention to the mirror.


    Sophia didn¡¯t believe it for a moment, and stepped closer, reaching for Lucien. ¡°You look exhausted, Alex. Let me take him for a little while-¡±


    ¡°No.¡± I pulled my sleeping son out of her reach. ¡°I¡¯ve got him.¡±


    Sophia sighed and dropped her hands back to her side. ¡°You¡¯ll have to getfortable with other people handling him soon. Once you hire a nanny<b>, </b>you¡¯ll have to return to your Alpha King duties.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± I adjusted Lucien in my arms and looked down at him, taking in that scrunched up little face of his and the way his tiny fists were curled around his swaddle.


    He was so small, too small, and even in sleep, his chest was stuttering with the effort of drawing in full breaths. He¡¯d spent most of this week in intensive care, hooked up to machines, and now that he was finally in my arms, I didn¡¯t want to put him down.

 The Perfect 230

    <b>Chapter </b><b>230 </b>


    He also cried like hell whenever I put him down, so there was that.


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    But Sophia was right; I was already searching for a nanny, and the world couldn¡¯t wait forever<b>. </b>I was still the Alpha King, even if I just wanted to be a grieving husband for the rest of my life. I couldn¡¯t let <b>my </b>duties fall to the wayside. I¡¯d already missed so much this week.


    ¡°My offer still stands, you know.¡± Sophia leaned closer to me. ¡°Hire me as the nanny. You don¡¯t even <b>have </b>to pay me. Just¡­¡± She swallowed hard. ¡°Let us go back to the way things once were. Friends.¡±


    My jaw clenched at that. Sophia had been practically begging me to hire her as Lucien¡¯s nanny since he was born, but I still didn¡¯t trust her enough for that. And¡­ friends? That notion felt so far¨Cfetched I <b>could </b>haveughed if I wasn¡¯t so exhausted.


    ¡°The ad has already gone out, and we¡¯ve received dozens of applications,¡± I replied curtly. ¡°At this point, <b>I </b>can¡¯t just halt the process. It wouldn¡¯t be fair to the qualified individuals who applied.¡±


    Sophia¡¯s face darkened. She was opening her mouth to say something else when a suddenmotioning from downstairs caught our attention¨Css breaking and raised voices. A momentter, Hunter


    burst into the room with wide eyes and disheveled hair and a cut across his cheek like he¡¯d been


    scratched.


    ¡°Alpha, there¡¯s been an incident downstairs. A homeless woman snuck in and is refusing to leave.¡±


    Cursing, I followed Hunter out of the room and downstairs. I found the woman in question immediately in the foyer, where a crowd had formed to watch the disy. Her back was turned to me, but I could see her wild auburn hair and dirty overalls and oversized boots from where I was standing.


    ¡°Let go of me!¡± she was shouting, fighting wildly against two guards who were trying to forcibly ¡°escort¡± her out by both arms. ¡°I live here!¡±


    ¡°Who are you?¡± I stepped forward and held Lucien tightly against my chest. ¡°My son is sleeping, so you¡¯d better lower your voice.¡±


    The room fell silent. The woman froze, then whipped around to look at me. Silver eyes, so silver they were nearly white, widened when they spotted the tiny bundle in my arms. Something protective came over me, and I held Lucien a little tighter.


    But with that protectiveness came something else.


    A¡­ familiarity. Faint but present, like the distant twang of a thread that reverberated in my chest.


    For a moment, just a moment, I swore I felt the slightest tug on my mate bond.


    Goddess, I really was going insane, wasn¡¯t I? I needed to sleep. Preferably for a week straight.


    ¡°I said, who are you?¡± I repeated,posing myself once more.


    The woman¡¯s eyes snapped back to mine. She threw her hands up in the air in exasperation. ¡°Don¡¯t you recognize me, Alexander?<b>¡± </b>


    I frowned. ¡°No. I don¡¯t.¡± Which was true¨CI had never seen this woman before in my life¨Calthough I couldn¡¯t help but think that she did look strikingly like E, just with different features. But that was ridiculous, of course; I was probably just imagining the likeness because of my grief.


    E was dead.


    The woman huffed and stormed closer to me, but the guards blocked her path. At a nod from me, they grabbed her arms again and began to haul her away.


    ¡°Alexander¨CTell them to let go of me!¡± she shrieked.


    ¡°Get this woman far away from the property, even if you have to buy her a train ticket out of the territory<b>,</b>¡± I ordered, ignoring her. ¡°I won¡¯t have anyone causing a scene on the day of my wife¡¯s funeral.¡±


    ¡°Wait! But I¡¯m-¡±


    ¡°Let me see her out, Sir.¡± Lilith suddenly stepped into the foyer with a grim expression on her face. She gestured to the woman. ¡°Follow me.¡±


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 The Perfect 231

    <b>+15 </b><b>BONUS </b>


    <b>Chapter </b><b>231 </b>


    E


    The moment I saw my bodyying there in that casket, lifeless and pale and not quite right¨Cthey could never get anyone¡¯s features right in the mortuary, lending everyone to a slightly off appearance in <b>death- </b>I snapped.


    The guards who had once kept me locked away in my room on Alexander¡¯s orders had found me on <b>my </b>knees right there in the middle of the parlor, horrified beyond all belief and on the verge of retching up what little I¡¯d eaten today.


    They didn¡¯t listen when I told them I needed to speak to Alexander. Just grabbed me forcefully by both arms, treating me like a rogue in my own home, and tried to drag me away while the people who were attending my wake had simply watched in shock.


    When Alexander arrived a few minutester, holding our child¨Cour son, beautiful and tiny and oh so precious¨Cin his arms, I had hoped he would recognize me.


    And for a moment, it had almost seemed like he did. His eyes had widened when I turned to reveal my face, and he had gone very, very still.


    I had tried to send a thrum down our mate bond, tried to prove to him that I was still me; still E, his mate and wife and mother of the child he was currently holding. Even if he still thought I was a spy, he had to believe me.


    But the bond felt muted. Dulled. As if the invisible thread that bound our souls to one another had somehow been whittled down, leaving an even thinner thread than before. Somehow, I feared that if I tugged too hard, it might snap entirely. Forever.


    If he felt that tentative tug, he didn¡¯t indicate it. He just coldly looked at me and told his guards to take me away like I was nothing more than a nuisance to be handled.


    ¡°I won¡¯t have anyone causing a scene on the day of my wife¡¯s funeral,¡± he said.


    The guards grabbed me by the arms again and tried to drag me away. ¡°Wait!¡± I cried out desperately. ¡°But


    I¡¯m-¡±


    Before I could finish saying my name, Lilith suddenly stepped into the room. Her face was just as cold as


    Alexander¡¯s as she said, ¡°Let me see her out, Sir.¡± The guards froze, and Lilith gestured to me. ¡°Follow me.¡±


    I stopped my thrashing, hope and fear warring inside of me in equal parts when I saw her face. Lilith. My dear, sweet Lilith; she had to recognize me, right? But why was she looking at me like I was a stranger?


    No, more than a stranger. An inconvenience.


    I held onto the hope, though, that she would believe me once I told her the truth¨CLilith always believed


    me, even when no one else would¨Cand forced myself to calm down. The guards looked at Alexander, who hesitated, tightening his hold on our son.


    Our son. Oh, how I wanted to hold my baby in my arms. He was alive and well from the looks of it, although he was so tiny from his premature birth. He needed his mother.


    Alexander turned to Lilith and whispered something to her that I couldn¡¯t quite make out. They exchanged a few words, and finally, he nodded and stepped back. The guards released me to Lilith, who grabbed my wrist tightly and yanked me out of the room with more force than I expected.


    I practically had to jog to keep up with her,pletely taken aback by how rough she was being. Lilith- my Lilith¨Ccouldn¡¯t possibly believe I was actually dead, could she?


    My heart sank as the realization hit me. If even Lilith wouldn¡¯t believe me when I told her who I really was, then what would I do? My son was still in that house, potentially in the arms of a man who intended for both of us to die. I couldn¡¯t just walk away, but I also couldn¡¯t get close to him. And now, <b>it </b>seemed like


    I had no allies.


    But then, when we stepped outside, Lilith pulled me around the side of the house and into one of the smaller gardens that was blocked in by high hedges. <fn1cd2> Original content can be found at ?ovelFind</fn1cd2>


    The moment we were alone, she turned toward me and threw her arms around me.


    ¡°E,<i>¡± </i>she whispered thickly into my neck. ¡°Oh, E¡­ My dear E¡­ I was wondering when you might


    I froze for a moment, arms syed out to the sides in surprise. Lilith didn¡¯t let go. Finally, a wave of relief so intense took over me that I nearly crumpled, and I threw my arms around her and tucked my face into her shoulder.


    ¡°You recognize me,¡± I choked out. ¡°I was worried you wouldn¡¯t. But¡­¡± I pulled back just enough to look her in the eye. ¡°How did you know it¡¯s me?¡±


    Lilith¡¯s eyes were full of tears as she reached up to brush her hand along my cheek. ¡°The resemnce in your new body is uncanny. Although I must say, these new features suit you. You¡¯re so¡­ striking.¡±


    I swallowed hard around the sudden lump in my throat. New body? Why did it seem like Lilith knew exactly what was going on? ¡°Lilith, what¡¯s happening?¡± I asked.


    Lilith nced around as if to make sure no one was listening to our conversation, then furtively pulled me deeper into the garden and over to a small stone bench beneath an oak tree. I didn¡¯t want to sit, but I


    did anyway.


    ¡°E, there¡¯s something you must know,¡± she began. ¡°Your family¡­ It¡¯s affected by a curse.¡±


    ¡°A¡­ curse?¡±


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    She nodded. ¡°Anyone in your family who dies will be reborn into a different body. <b>Just </b>once. A second


    and final chance at life.¡±


    I blinked,pletely taken aback. It didn¡¯t make any sense, it was totally absurd, and yet¡­ <b>It </b>did. I <b>could </b>think of no other exnation as to how the hell I had wound up like this, a hundred miles away from home, naked and in a different body.


    ¡°But that doesn¡¯t sound like a curse,¡± Iughed. ¡°It sounds like a blessing! I get a second chance at life<b>, </b>and I get to raise my son-¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a caveat,¡± Lilith cut me off, eyes darkening. ¡°E, if you tell anyone¨Cor at least<b>, </b>anyone who hasn¡¯t been reborn already¨Cwho you really are, they will face severe misfortune. Likely even death.¡±


    At first, I didn¡¯t want to believe Lilith. It felt like something out of a storybook, not real life. But Lilith¡¯s face was as hard as stone, her gaze so imploring that it made my heart stutter in my chest with a sudden


    realization.


    The farmer. Oh, Goddess, if this was all true, did that mean I had doomed an innocent man without even


    realizing?


    With that realization, though, came another one. One that was less grim, but also so incredibly unbelievable that for a long moment, I couldn¡¯t even speak.


    ¡°Lilith,¡± I finally said slowly, tentatively, hardly even daring to hear the response she might give, ¡°if I can¡¯t tell anyone who hasn¡¯t already been reborn, then how is it that I¡¯m telling you now?¡±


    Lilith¡¯s gaze dropped to our joined hands. A single tear rolled down her cheek.


    But when she looked back up at me, she was smiling.


    ¡°Because, my dear,<i>¡± </i>she whispered, ¡°I am your mother.¡±

 The Perfect 232

    I froze, too stunned to even speak.


    Lilith was¡­ my mother?


    My mother. As in¡­ my very much dead mother who I had never truly gotten to know because she had passed away when I was just a baby.


    For a moment, it seemed so absurd and impossible that I almostughed out loud. I nearly expected Alexander, Sophia, and anyone else who might have been in on the joke toe out from behind a bush and startughing with me, or perhaps at me.


    But then I thought back to the years I¡¯d spent with Lilith. Thete¨Cnight talks. The moments when I had felt so connected to my friend that I had genuinely thought of her as a mother to me. The times when I had literally told her that I saw her that way.


    Lilith had told me once that her daughter was still out there, alive and well, but she couldn¡¯t tell her that she had been watching over her for years.


    <b>„ì </b>


    At the time, I thought it was Lilith¡¯s nerves getting the best of her; perhaps she felt guilty for abandoning


    her daughter and feared that her daughter would turn her away if she revealed herself.


    But now¡­ Now, it all made sense in sickening rity.


    Lilith was my mother.


    I was the daughter she didn¡¯t reveal herself to¡­ Because she literally couldn¡¯t, otherwise I might suffer


    the consequences.


    ¡°Mom¡­?¡± <b>I </b>finally choked out. My voice sounded small, so small, like a child¡¯s voice. As if, for the briefest of seconds, I had reverted to the scared little girl who only ever wanted her mother back.


    Lilith let out augh that was part sob and pulled me close again. This time, I didn¡¯t hesitate. I wrapped my arms around her and held her tight.


    ¡°Mom,¡± I cried, ¡°I can¡¯t believe it¡¯s you¨Cafter all these years-¡±


    ¡°Shh.¡± Lilith rubbed soothing circles on my back, just as she had for years whenever I neededfort. No wonder it worked so well each time. Nothing could everpare to a mother¡¯s touch. ¡°I know, sweetheart. I always wished I could tell you, but I couldn¡¯t.¡±


    I sniffled and pulled back, wiping at my wet eyes. ¡°You knew the whole time who I really was?¡± I asked. Lilith had only known me as long as I had been married to Alexander, so as far as I knew, she had only seen me as an adult.


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    Lilith¡¯s face softened, and she nodded. ¡°<b>I </b>watched you since you were a little girl. Do you remember <b>when </b>you were five and nearly drowned<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    I furrowed my brow, thinking, and suddenly it hit me¨Ca familiar face peering down <b>at </b><b>me </b>through <b>the </b>water when I nearly drowned in ake on a summer vacation. My father and stepmother didn¡¯t <be </b><b>to </b>save me, but a strange woman did.


    I remembered her lifting me from the shallow water and cradling me in her arms briefly.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got you, dear,¡± the woman, beautiful and warm and safe, had whispered as she held me against her chest. ¡°I¡¯ve got you¡­¡±


    ¡°That was you?¡± I breathed.


    Lilith nodded, her eyes misting with tears again. ¡°Yes. And I would have swept you away from your father and his new wife that day if they hadn¡¯te running and ordered me to put you down.¡± Her face briefly darkened before she shook her head, seemingly dispelling the thought, and her smile returned.


    ¡°I spent years seeing you whenever I could,¡± Lilith went on. ¡°Eventually, I heard word that you were to be married off to Alpha Alexander. I knew it was nothing more than a political marriage that neither of you wanted, and I couldn¡¯t leave you in this big house to suffer on your own.¡±


    ¡°So you applied for a job,¡± I whispered.


    She nodded. ¡°Yes. Alexander hired me as a maid, and, well¡­ You know the rest. You and I became very close. For the first time, I finally got to truly be a part of your life. Perhaps not as your mother, but the closest thing to it.¡±


    Her smile turned wistful. ¡°Despite everything you endured growing up, you turned out to be a beautiful, kind, and intelligent young woman. I was so happy to see you like that that I was okay just being a maid in your eyes.¡±


    ¡°You were never just a maid to me.¡± I reached out andced my fingers with hers. ¡°You were a friend. And a mother<b>.</b>¡±


    Lilith¡¯s eyes went watery again, and she looked away. ¡°But Alexander was so cold to you. It broke my heart seeing you constantly yearn for his affection when he treated you like a stranger. And then your wolf went away, and you found out you were sick¡­ Goddess, it was so hard not to tell you the truth then.¡±


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you?¡± I asked. ¡°I was dying anyway, and you knew I would be reborn. You could have told me.¡± Lilith shook her head. ¡°I wasn¡¯t certain if the curse would still allow you to be reborn if I told you who I was. I couldn¡¯t risk the consequences, so I continued keeping the secret.¡± <fn82f3> Latest content published on F?ndNovel</fn82f3>

 The Perfect 233

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    That was fair, I supposed. It didn¡¯t make it hurt any less that my mother had been by my side <b>all </b>along, unable to tell me who she truly was even during my darkest moments, though.


    ¡°All those times Imented over having lost my mother,¡± I halfughed, half¨Csobbed. ¡°You were right


    there.¡±


    Lilith sighed and reached into her blouse, withdrawing the locket that she had once given me¨Cthe locket Sophia had crushed. The locket I¡¯d nearly died in the vault to retrieve. She unsped it and held <b>it </b>up, pressing the tiny button on the side to pop it open and reveal the cameo of the woman holding the baby.


    ¡°This cameo,¡± she said, ¡°is of us. It was a gift from my mother¨Cyour grandmother¨Cwhen you were born. It was the one thing I was able to retrieve from the house before your father sold most of my things and locked up the few valuables I had left.¡±


    ¡°Which are now burnt,¡± I whispered, tracing my fingers along the locket.


    Lilith sped the ne around my neck. ¡°They were only things. A few expensive jewels and some trinkets. But this¡­ this is yours, now. I wanted to give it to you before because I wanted you to feel connected to your mother in some way, even if you didn¡¯t know it. Now that you have your own son, I


    think it¡¯s even more fitting.¡±


    My sight went blurry again, but I blinked away the tears as I clutched the locket. ¡°My son-<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Alexander named him Lucien,¡± Lilith said gently.


    ¡°Lucien.¡± I couldn¡¯t help but smile at that, although it faded quickly. ¡°He needs his mother. I have to do


    something.¡±


    ¡°Trust me, E, I understand that you want to tell everyone who you really are. I understand more than anyone.¡± Lilith took me by both shoulders and looked at me sternly. ¡°But you mustn¡¯t. <b>If </b>you do, both Alexander and Lucien will face the consequences.¡±


    I gulped, suddenly and acutely aware of the weight of this whole ordeal. ¡°But what am I supposed to do?¡± <b>I </b>


    asked. ¡°No offense, but I¡¯m not sure if I can live like you did, always watching my child from the sidelines.


    It¡¯s so¡­ lonely<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    Lilith¡¯s face fell. ¡°I know.<i>¡± </i>She pulled away and stared at herp for a long moment before finally continuing, ¡°But it¡¯s all we can do. Losing a child¨Cit¡¯s far worse than the cards we¡¯ve been dealt.¡±


    She was right, of course. I hated that she was right.


    ¡°At least we have each other,¡± I whispered.


    ¡°Yes. And you have no idea how d I am for it, even if the circumstances could be better.¡±


    Chapter 233 <fn750c> ??? ????? ???????s ??? ?????s??? ?? F?nd-Novel</fn750c>


    A silence fell over us after that. I had so many questions, but one burned at the forefront of my mind like a wildfire. ¡°Lucien,¡± I said, ¡°is he healthy, at least? Is Alexander treating him well?¡±


    ¡°He was in intensive care until yesterday,¡± Lilith replied. ¡°Since then, Alexander hasn¡¯t put him down. Partially because he cries whenever he¡¯s not being held. And, E¡­¡± She met my gaze again. ¡°You should know that he¡¯s¡­ sickly. He was born too soon, and his lungs weren¡¯t fully developed. He might have trouble breathing for the rest of his life.¡±


    ¡°He needs his mother,¡± I said firmly, even as I felt my heart shatter a little more. This never should have happened.


    ¡°I stayed in Alexander¡¯s employ to remain close to Lucien,¡± Lilith went on. ¡°I don¡¯t fully trust Alexander after what happened.¡±


    ¡°But I still need to find a way to get close to my son,¡± I said.


    Just then, the sound of voices cut our conversation short. Lilith and I stood and crossed to the entrance of the garden, peering through the hedges to see the funeral procession beginning. My casket was being loaded into the back of the hearse while Alexander stood solemnly beside it, still cradling Lucien in his


    arms.


    ¡°I have to go. I¡¯m supposed to give your eulogy,¡± Lilith said, frantically smoothing down the skirt of her ck dress.


    ¡°Where am I supposed to go? I don¡¯t have any money, nowhere to stay¡­¡±


    Lilith hesitated, chewing her lip, then reached into her pocket and withdrew a small key. I recognized it as a key to the cer.


    ¡°I figured you would return, so I made up a bed for you in the cer for now<i>,</i><i>¡± </i>she said. ¡°There¡¯s a fresh change of clothes for you, water for bathing, and food. I¡¯lle to check on you after the funeral.¡±


    ¡°But what then?¡± I asked. ¡°I can¡¯t live down there forever-¡±


    ¡°Tomorrow,<i>¡± </i>she replied, ¡°you¡¯ll walk up to the front door of the house and ask to apply for the nanny position.¡±


    The nanny. I would have to be a nanny for my own son, but at least I would get to see him. ¡°And if Alexander recognizes me as the crazydy who disturbed his wife¡¯s funeral?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, dear. Men like him never pay that much attention to the help.¡±

 The Perfect 234

    <b>Chapter 234 </b>


    <b>Alexander </b>


    <b>E¡¯s </b>funeral <b>was </b>long <b>and </b>exhausting. And <b>yet</b><b>, </b><b>somehow</b><b>, </b><b>it </b>was all such <b>a </b><b>blur </b><b>that </b>it almost <b>seemed </b>to <b>go </b><b>by </b><b>too </b>quickly. <b>I </b><b>vaguely </b>recalled cing flowers on her <b>casket</b><b>, </b>watching as it got lowered into the ground, listening <b>to </b>the kind words spoken about her<b>¡­ </b>


    But if <b>anyone </b>were <b>to </b>ask me for specifics, I couldn¡¯t tell them.


    By the time I got home that night with Lucien still cradled in my arms, fussing now for milk, I felt <b>like </b><b>I</b><b>, </b>


    too, had been lowered into that grave beside E.


    Somehow, I managed to feed and change Lucien, then give him his medicine. He still had to be hooked up to an oxygen machine at night, so I carefully ced the tubes in his nostrils before settling in the rocking chair next to that beautiful crib I had built and rocked him to sleep.


    Lucien didn¡¯t like to sleep without being held. So I held him all night.


    The following morning, I had slept on and off, but not more than a few minutes here and there. Lucien


    was particrly fussy at night due to the strain on his lungs and the ufortable oxygen tubes, so I found myself pacing the nursery and gently bouncing him in my arms whenever he would start to cry.


    I wasn¡¯t expecting any visitors that day. Frankly, I was looking forward to that day¨Cafter¨Cthe¨Cfuneral


    quiet when everyone would stop giving me their fake condolences and would move on with their lives while I was left to pick up the pieces.


    That was how it always went, wasn¡¯t it? Everyone cared during the funeral process, but afterwards, you <fncb78> The source of th?s content is f?ndnovel</fncb78>


    were left to fend on your own.


    Strangely, though, I needed that loneliness. I had Lucien to focus on, and besides, I didn¡¯t need anyone¡¯s false sympathies. I just wanted to be alone with my son for as long as possible until my Alpha King duties


    ultimately forced me back into the spotlight.


    But that peace didn¡¯te. Because no sooner than six o¡¯clock in the morning, I heard a knock on the


    front door.


    I didn¡¯t answer, expecting it to be a newspaper delivery person or a final stragglering to bring me unnecessary food or a sympathy card.


    And yet, a few minutester, Hunter walked into the nursery. ¡°Sir, there¡¯s a visitor for you.¡±


    <b>¡°</b>Who is it?<b>¡± </b>I held back a yawn.


    ¡°It¡¯s a woman. She says she wants to apply for the nanny position.¡±


    My brows shot up at that. The applications were supposed to be submitted online, not in person. And who


    in their right mind would show up at a widower¡¯s house at six in the morning the day after his wife¡¯s funeral to apply for a job?


    Curiosity getting the better of me, I made my way downstairs with Lucien still sleeping soundly in my arms. The woman was seated in the parlor when I entered, her back turned to me.


    I recognized her immediately before she even turned around to reveal her face.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± I asked, frowning. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t havee back here<b>.¡± </b>


    The woman stiffened for a moment before slowly turning. Indeed, <b>it </b>was the woman from yesterday; although she was cleaner now, bathed with her auburn hairbed and neatly pulled back into a bun <b>at </b>the nape of her neck. She wore a simple gray dress and a pair of low ck heels. Nothing <b>at </b>all like the oversized boots and overalls from yesterday.


    ¡°Alpha,¡± she said, curtsying¨Cthere was a look on her face as if she didn¡¯t think I would recognize her, <b>¡°</b><b>I </b>wanted to apologize for my behavior yesterday. I¡­ I knew E when we were children and I¡¯m afraid her death came as such a shock that I forgot how to behave.¡±


    I blinked, finding that hard to believe. E had never mentioned any childhood friends¡­ But then again, I supposed there was a lot about E that I didn¡¯t know. Both because I had never really asked and because she had kept a lot from me, such as her dealings with her father.

 The Perfect 235

    <b>Chapter </b><b>235 </b>


    <b>¡°</b><b>My </b><b>Beta </b><b>told me </b><b>you¡¯re </b><b>here </b><b>to </b><b>apply </b><b>for </b><b>a </b><b>job</b><b>,</b>¡± <b>I </b><b>said </b>curtly.


    The <b>woman </b><b>nodded</b>. <b>¡°</b><b>Yes</b>. I heard <b>you¡¯re </b>looking <b>for </b>a nanny <b>for </b><b>your </b>son<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>Silver <b>eyes </b><b>flicked </b><b>to </b>the bundle in my arms<b>, </b>and something almost <b>like awe </b>crossed her <b>face </b>before she quickly schooled it. ¡°I <b>thought </b><b>I¡¯d </b><be </b>in person <b>to </b>apply<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    <b>¡°</b><b>Do </b><b>you </b><b>have </b><b>a </b>resume<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    <b>¡°</b>Well, no, but-<b>¡± </b>


    <b>¡°</b><b>Sorry</b><b>, </b>but I¡¯m only looking for qualified individuals.¡±


    With that, I turned to leave, but the woman called out, ¡°Wait! Please hear me out.¡±


    For some reason, the desperation in her voice gave me pause. Just for a moment. Just long enough for her to admit, ¡°I don¡¯t even have an ID. You see, I¡¯m a¡­ a rogue. I want to join Ashw pack.<b>¡± </b>


    I turned slowly and looked over the woman. She didn¡¯t appear like any rogue I¡¯d seen before; she was clean<b>¨C</b>or at least, now she was, although yesterday was a different story¨Cand well¨Cspoken and had even curtsied and referred to me as ¡°Alpha¡°.


    <b>¡°</b>You don¡¯t act like a rogue,¡± I said warily.


    Freckled cheeks reddened. I swore she almost looked like E just then, but I immediately shoved the


    notion away. ¡°I only became a rogue recently.¡±


    ¡°What happened?¡±


    The woman paused. Then: ¡°My house was destroyed and I woke up in the middle of the woods a week


    Strange. I¡¯d never heard of anything like that happening before. Her wolf must have taken over during whatever had happened. Perhaps, in her frenzied state, she had identally denounced her pack.


    ¡°Well,¡± I said, taking note of the woman¡¯s sincere expression, ¡°Ashw is open to all, but you have to apply to join the pack first. You¡¯ll have to fill out the proper paperwork and wait for it to be processed,


    which can take some time.¡± I tilted my head, admittedly intrigued by the woman¡¯s boldness ining


    here and being so honest. ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ um¡­<i>¡± </i>She bit her lip. ¡°Ste.¡±


    ¡°Ste. Do <b>you </b>have ast name?¡±


    She shook her head and replied quickly, <b>¡°</b>No. Or at least, I can¡¯t recall.¡±


    Also¡­ odd. I was beginning to wonder if maybe she wasn¡¯t telling the truth when Lilith suddenly swept


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    <b>into </b><b>the </b><b>room </b><b>and came </b><b>to </b><b>stand </b><b>beside </b><b>me</b><b>. </b>


    <b>¡°</b>Alpha<b>, </b>if I <b>may</b><b>,</b><b>¡± </b>she <b>said</b><b>, </b><b>looking </b><b>up </b><b>at </b><b>me</b><b>, </b><b>¡°</b><b>I </b><b>spoke </b><b>to </b>Miss <b>Ste </b><bst </b>night<b>, </b><b>and </b>she <b>really </b><b>does </b><b>seem </b><b>genuine</b><b>. </b><b>Couldn¡¯t </b><b>you </b><b>at </b><b>least </b><b>let </b>her <b>apply </b><b>for </b>the <b>job</b><b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Ah. So <b>that </b><b>was </b><b>what </b>this was<b>¨C</b>Lilith, in all her <b>good</b>¨Cnaturedness and her <b>grief</b>, hadtched <b>onto </b><b>a </b><b>young </b><b>girl </b>who <b>looked </b>like E and apparently <b>knew </b>E <b>as </b><b>a </b>child. Hell, her name was <b>even </b>the same<b>, </b><b>just </b>with <b>two </b>extra <b>letters</b>. Lilith had loved E like <b>a </b>daughter<b>, </b><b>so </b>it was no wonder that Lilith wanted <b>to </b><b>give this </b><b>woman </b><b>a </b><b>chance</b>.


    For <b>that </b>reason and that reason only, I decided to let her apply for the job.


    ¡°Fine. If <b>you </b>want <b>to </b>apply<b>, </be back tomorrow morning at eight o¡¯clock sharp. We¡¯ll be holding interviews then. Can you do that?¡±


    Ste nodded vehemently, face splitting into a wide grin. Lilith cleared her throat, and Ste flushed and curtsied again. ¡°Of course. Thank you, Alpha.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll see her out,¡± Lilith said before escorting Ste to the front door.


    I watched them go, feeling an odd sensation wash over me. I still swore she looked like E, just with slightly different features.


    But whatever strange pang my wolf felt in the lingering ghost thread of my mate bond was surely nothing more than a pang of grief. Not the bond being tugged by an invisible force.


    After all, E had just been buried hours ago. <fn8d28> ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???????s, ????s? ??s?? ?ovelFind</fn8d28>

 The Perfect 236

    E


    <b>¡°</b><b>Remember</b><b>,</b><b>¡± </b>Lilith said <b>as </b>she <b>stood </b>beside me in the <b>dusty mirror</b><b>, </b><b>¡°</b>always refer <b>to </b>him as ¡®<b>Alpha</b><b>¡®</b><b>, </b>and <b>always </b>curtsy when <b>you </b>enter and <b>leave </b><b>the </b><b>room </b>he¡¯s in. Oh, and don¡¯t look into his eyes <b>for </b><b>too </b>long.¡±


    I <b>pursed </b><b>my </b>lips<b>, </b>turning this way and that to inspect the subtle blue dress Lilith had loaned me today. <b>It </b>fit <b>perfectly </b>on my new body<b>, </b>although it was still difficult to get used to being two inches taller and a little <b>more </b>slender than before<b>. </b>


    <b>And </b>although my new hair and eyes were striking, I didn¡¯t like looking for too long because they were just


    a reminder <b>of </b>the situation <b>I </b>was in now.


    Once, I was thedy of this house. Even when Alexander and Gabriel had both treated me like dirt under their shoes, the staff had always deferred to me. I was the Luna of Ashw, whether anyone liked it <b>or </b>


    not.


    But now <b>I </b>was a nanny<b>. </b>


    No. I wasn¡¯t even a nanny yet. I was just a rogue applying to be a nanny. A face in a sea of other faces. Worst of all was the fact that I still didn¡¯t even fully recognize my own face. How could I be certain that


    Alexander would choose me over someone else? <fn7e97> N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on Find_Novel(.</fn7e97>


    Taking a deep breath, I turned to Lilith. ¡°I never realized there were so many rules to being a servant,¡± I


    pointed out with a small, wry smile.


    Lilith¡¯s face softened. ¡°I was in the same position as you when I was reborn all those years ago. Having to go from being a respected pack leader to the lowest of the low. But you get used to it, and it¡¯s not all bad.¡± She smiled forlornly. ¡°Besides, it¡¯s sort of nice going unnoticed. Less pressure.¡±


    ¡°I hope you¡¯re right,¡± I said softly. Frankly, I really didn¡¯t care about fancy dresses or gs or titles anymore. All that mattered to me now was being close to my son and being there to protect him if he


    needed me.


    Once I was ready, I carefully snuck out of the cer and around to the front of the house, where, to my surprise, lines of cars were parked in the driveway¨Cand not for a funeral this time.


    When I entered the house, I found that the parlor was packed full of women. All young, all beautiful, all


    elegant.


    This felt more like an application to be the Alpha King¡¯s next wife rather than a nanny.


    But truthfully, I couldn¡¯t me them. Alexander was young and handsome, and any woman with half a brain would be flocking to him now in the hopes of him noticing her. I tried not to let my jealousy take hold of me as I thought of any one of these women bing the future Luna.


    <b>For </b>a moment<b>, </b>just <b>a </b>moment, <b>I </b>wondered if <b>Alexander </b><b>was </b>truly even grieving <b>me</b><b>. </b><b>The </b><bst </b><b>time </b><b>we </b><b>had </b>spoken, he had <b>made </b>it abundantly clear that he didn¡¯t trust me. He still thought <b>I </b><b>was </b><b>a </b><b>spy </b><b>after </b><b>everything</b><b>, </b>and he had <b>gone </b><b>so </b>far <b>as </b><b>to </b><b>lock </b>me up in <b>my </b>own home.


    Furthermore, <b>I </b>couldn¡¯t help <b>but </b>think about Sophia¡¯s confession. She imed that Alexander <b>was </b>truly <b>a </b>bad <b>man</b>, that he had horrible intentions for me and our child and even that he¡¯d burned my <b>childhood </b><b>home </b><b>down </b>on purpose<b>. </b>


    I didn¡¯t trust Sophia as far as I could throw her, but I also couldn¡¯t entirely rule out her ims<b>. </b><b>Not </b><b>until </b>I had tangible proof. <i>So </i>for now, I had to ept the notion that one of these women could take my ce in <b>a </b>heartbeat.


    For right now<b>, </b>though, I needed to focus on getting this job so I could be close to my son. Nothing else mattered until then.


    I kept my head down as I made my way through the crowd of women, hoping to just get through the interview without incident. No one seemed to notice me, and if they did, it was only for a moment¨Clikely believing that I was another servant and not an applicant.


    But then a familiar voice drifted across the room, making my footsteps slow.


    ¡°Oh, Alex and I go way back,<i>¡± </i>Sophia was saying airily. ¡°We¡¯ve known each other since we were kids, and I love his son already as if he were my own. But I insisted on going through the regr application process because I wanted it to be fair. I told him he shouldn¡¯t y favorites.¡±


    A gaggle of women cooed in response to Sophia¡¯s words. I snapped my head up, spotting her sitting in the window seat in the corner, dressed elegantly in a burnt orange dress with her brte locks piled high on top of her head.


    She looked beautiful, even amongst the other finely dressed women here.


    I furrowed my brow as I watched her smile andugh with the other women. Sophia certainly didn¡¯t need a job, seeing as how wealthy her family was; was she really just applying because she loved Lucien?


    I wondered, briefly, if she had been telling the truth that day after all. Maybe she was trying to stay close


    to Lucien because she didn¡¯t trust Alexander. The thought softened me somewhat, but I still couldn¡¯t be


    sure. I decided to keep one eye on her from now on just in case.


    Sophia must have felt me watching, because she lifted her head before I could slip away and locked


    gazes with me from across the room. Her eyes swept over me, taking me in from head to toe before her


    lips curved into that familiar sharine smile.


    ¡°It¡¯s not polite to stare, rogue,<i>¡± </i>she said. ¡°And don¡¯t even think about stealing my jewelry.¡±


    Well then. I supposed Sophia was still her same old self at her core, whether she was telling the truth about Alexander or not. A little bit of the softness I¡¯d briefly felt quickly melted away.


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    The other women in the room snickered and whispered at each other behind their hands. I lifted my chin, opening my mouth to tell her off, but a sharp voice cut through the noise before <b>I </b>could speak.


    ¡°Thank <b>you </b>all <b>for </bing<b>.</b>¡±


    All heads turned at the sound of Alexander¡¯s voice. Even Sophia leapt to her <b>feet</b><b>, </b>primping her carefully styled curls and training her expression into a sweet, doe¨Ceyed smile. I turned, too<b>, </b>finding Alexander standing in the doorway with the baby still held in his arms.


    The sight of Alexander holding a wriggling Lucien made my heart ache. I wanted to go to my son more than anything and hold him close, but I couldn¡¯t. Not yet, at least. Maybe not ever if I didn¡¯t y my cards right, which was why it was probably for the best that Alexander interrupted before I could tell Sophia where to shove her precious jewels.


    ¡°We¡¯re going to begin the first round of interviews now,¡± Alexander went on, green eyes scanning the room. I straightened, feeling a glimmer of hope light in my chest when his gaze fell on me and held. I hoped he would call me first.


    But he looked away and gestured to another beautiful woman in a sleek ck dress. ¡°You¡¯re up first. Follow me.¡±

 The Perfect 237

    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    <b>Chapter </b>237


    E


    I waited.


    And waited.


    And¡­ waited.


    One by one, the other women in the room were called for their interviews. Slowly, the room began to drain, leaving me behind. Even Sophia got called before I did, strutting out of the room with her head held high and a triumphant smile on her face.


    Meanwhile, I was left to rot.


    I waited for so long that the exhaustion of the past few days finally began to catch up with me. Sitting on the plush sofa that I had once spent afternoons reading letsurely on made me realize how ufortable the cer room was, and the crackling fire in the firece began to lull me to sleep.


    Soon, I was beginning to nod off right there on the couch.


    I fell into dreams of blood and death.


    I dreamt of crimson liquid gushing from between my legs, washing my baby away in a red tide. I reached for him, trying to save him, but it was toote. He was drowning, being pulled beneath the bloody ocean by dark hands.


    By the time I made it to where he had been, he was gone. I dug through the thickening blood, so thick it was almost like mud now, but he wasn¡¯t there. Soon, those hands were pulling at me too, but pulling me


    away<b>. </b>


    Away from my son.


    Away from Lucien.


    And into the abyss.


    A mirror floated in front of my face, revealing silver eyes and burgundy hair. A face that was my own but not quite stared back at me. I screamed, wing at it until the flesh fell away to reveal another face.


    My old face. But not the one I remembered seeing in the mirror¨Crather, one that wasying in a casket with her hands folded over her chest. Everything about it was slightly off.


    I pulled at my hair, realizing that it was nothing more than a blonde wig that fell away the moment I touched it. Only thin wisps remained beneath. I wiped at my skin, peeling away theyers <i>of </i>thick makeup until I found the true color beneath.


    <b>1/3 </b>


    Pale. Pallid. Green.


    Rotting already.


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    Worms began to wriggle beneath my skin. I felt it at first rather than saw it, but then one poked its slimy


    head out from behind my eye, sending a milky blue eyeball rolling off into the bloody mud around me. I opened my mouth to scream, but only maggots fell out.


    I was decaying already. The mud was burying me alive, six feet deep, too deep for anyone to hear my


    cries.


    This time, there were no hands. Only the hard interior of a coffin, the wood splintering and cracking to let the earth and the bugs in, the cool, musky dampness bing the perfect environment to fester in.


    And then came the smell of a fire. The sound of crumbling timbers. The echoes of a baby crying beyond the mes. Behind my eyelids, I saw strong arms in a ck suit carrying my son away, away, away. The mes engulfed them.


    By then, all that was left of me was a locket. And soon, that, too, would rot.


    I woke with a start. Part of me hoped that I was back in my bed¨Cmy real bed, not a sofa or a cer or a coffin in the ground, but my bedroom just upstairs. For a second, I actually thought that I had dreamt all of this and that I would go back to the day before Alexander locked me up.


    But I was still on the sofa. And Alexander¡¯s new young Beta, whose name I didn¡¯t know, was standing


    over me.


    ¡°What are you still doing here?¡± he barked. ¡°The interviews ended hours ago.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± I sat bolt upright and scrubbed my hands over my face. My flesh was still intact, not rotting or bug- infested. ¡°But I never got called for my interview.¡±


    ¡°We called you, but you never answered.¡±


    ¡°You could have woken me.¡± I stood and folded my arms over my chest.


    The Beta scoffed. ¡°And why should I? You¡¯re not even a member of this pack, just a rogue who could have bitten my hand off if I tried to wake you. You should have done your due diligence and applied to be a pack member before showing up here.¡±


    X


    <fneec5> ??? ????? ???????s ??? ?????s??? ?? F¦ÉndNovel</fneec5>

 The Perfect 238

    <b>Chapter </b><b>238 </b>


    A righteous fury bubbled up in me at the Beta¡¯s indignant tone. Did he not realize who he was talking <b>to</b><b>? </b><b>I </b>was the Luna of Ashw, Alexander¡¯s wife, the mother of the Ashw heir! I was the fucking wife <b>of </b><b>the </b>Alpha King, for Goddess¡® sake!


    ¡°You will let meplete my interview,¡± I barked, opening that siphon deep within me to unleash my Luna power. ¡°And you will not speak to me like that.¡±


    The Beta¡¯s mouth dropped open, but I didn¡¯t stay to hear his response. I shoved past him with a huff<b>, </b>just as I had to Gabriel so many times in the past, and began storming toward Alexander¡¯s office.


    But I didn¡¯t make it out of the parlor.


    Because the Beta grabbed me by the hair and yanked me back so hard that my neck cracked and I fell <b>to </b>the floor, gasping in pain. <fn9d34> Fresh chapters posted on find?novel</fn9d34>


    ¡°Who do you think you are,dy?¡± he snarled, looming over me now. ¡°You¡¯re just a rogue. You don¡¯t ever get to speak to a Beta like that, do you understand?¡±


    My eyes widened as I realized what I had just done. Without meaning to, I had attempted to use my Luna Voice and my old status to get what I wanted. Only I wasn¡¯t Luna E anymore. I was Ste. A random rogue with no power over anyone.


    Just then, a stormy presence swept into the room. I didn¡¯t have to look to know who it was¨CI could sense


    Alexander¡¯s fury before I even saw him.


    This was likely the part where he grabbed me by my ear and threw me out on my ass, never to see my son


    again.


    But to my surprise, he came to stand between me and the Beta. He wasn¡¯t looking at me as he growled, ¡± Why did you justy your hands on this woman?¡±


    I blinked,pletely stunned. The Alexander I knew never would have stood up for a random rogue who he didn¡¯t even know, let alone one who had interrupted a funeral. Either my hunch about hisck of grief was correct, or he had suddenly be kinder than I expected after my death.


    The Beta¡¯s brows shot up. ¡°She¡¯s a rogue, sir. And she was insubordinate. Trying to boss me around and shoving me-¡±


    ¡°We still do not attack guests in this house.¡± Alexander turned around and crouched before me.


    alright?¡±


    ¡°Are you


    My neck actually hurt like hell, but I nodded. Alexander waved a hand to dismiss his Beta, then helped me to my feet. The scent of bourbon and woodfire smoke washed over me, instantly soothing me.


    Dammit. Even after everything, his scent was still familiar andforting as ever.


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    But this close, I could also see the exhaustion etched into every line on his face now. His eyes were ringed with dark circles, his cheeks looked gaunt as if he¡¯d lost weight just this week, and his hair, which was normally perfectly¨Cstyled, was slightly mussed. His suit was wrinkled, too, and his tie was done


    wrong.


    He looked like he had one foot in the grave, which was ironic considering the fact that all of me was in


    one.


    ¡°You never came for your interview earlier,¡± he said, releasing me and putting some space between us again. ¡°I had my Betae fetch you and he said you never answered.¡±


    ¡°I nodded off.¡± I gestured to the sofa. ¡°He didn¡¯t wake me.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± Alexander furrowed his brow. There was a resigned look about him that made something stir deep within me, although I pushed it away. ¡°Well, you¡¯ll have toe back for your interview another day. I have to put my son to sleep now.¡±


    Another day? It could be toote by then; Alexander could choose any of the other beautiful women for the position overnight, when I was the one who needed it the most!


    ¡°Let me do it,¡± I blurted out suddenly.


    Alexander looked at me in confusion.


    ¡°You look exhausted, and Lilith told me he¡¯s been fussy since he lost his mother,¡± I said. ¡°Let me prove myself this way in lieu of an interview.¡±

 The Perfect 239

    Alexander hesitated, looking down at me with a wary expression. But to my surprise, after considering for a moment, he nodded. ¡°Alright. Since it was partially my Beta¡¯s fault you missed your interview, I¡¯ll give you another chance.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± I puffed my chest out and went to walk past him, heading straight for the nursery.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Alexander called after me.


    I froze at the base of the stairway, cheeks reddening as it hit me¨CI wasn¡¯t supposed to know where the nursery was. I wasn¡¯t supposed to know anything about the house that had been my home for six years.


    Forcing a smile, I turned back to Alexander. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I assumed the nursery was on the second floor.¡±


    Alexander blinked in confusion. ¡°Well, it is, but¡­¡± His shoulders deted with a sigh, and for a second, I almost thought I could see the faintest flicker of amusement in his tired green eyes. <b>¡°</b>Nevermind. Right this way.¡±


    I let Alexander lead me upstairs and down the hall, where I knew the nursery was. The door was already cracked open when we approached. My heart thudded as the soft sounds of a luby ying on a speaker


    -the very speaker I¡¯d picked out, which had a spinning feature that cast shapes of stars and moons across the walls to the tempo of the music¨Cemanated from within.


    I wanted to run straight to my son and hold him in my arms so desperately. But I restrained myself, focusing instead on making a good impression.


    ¡°He¡¯s just in here,¡± Alexander said, his hand resting on the doorknob. ¡°I¡¯ll give you five minutes. After that, I¡¯m taking him back.¡±


    Five minutes. For all I knew, this could be the one and only time I would ever get to hold my son. The thought shot through me like a knife stabbing directly into my heart, but I maintained my cool smile on


    the outside.


    ¡°Of course. I can have him soundly asleep by then.¡±


    Alexander once again looked disbelieving, but swung the door open and gestured for me to enter. The moment I stepped into the nursery, I felt something inside of me crack. It had only been a week since I¡¯dst set foot in here, but it felt so¡­ different. Like stepping into a life that wasn¡¯t my own anymore.


    And I supposed, in a way, it was. I had built this nursery with my husband, intending to wee a child into our lives. Things had been different then. I had been different¨Cquite literally.


    Now, the little boy that was currently fussing in his crib would never get to know me as his mother. Only


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    his nanny. If I even got the job.


    Lucien was swaddled in the crib Alexander had built as I approached, little feet and hands straining against the soft blue fabric. His tiny face was scrunched up and red with frustration, and he was letting <b>out </b>little hups that weren¡¯t quite cries<b>¨C</b>more like croaks.


    ¡°Has he lost his voice?¡± I asked, ncing at Alexander over my shoulder. <fn2ff3> N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on Find_Novel(.</fn2ff3>


    Alexander ran a hand through his hair, mussing the red locks further, and nodded. ¡°He cries so much, plus the oxygen tubes dry out his sinuses. The doctor gave me drops for his throat, but he spits them out.


    ¡°Can I see them?<b>¡± </b>


    Alexander hesitated once more, then reached into his pocket and withdrew a small vial of medicinal drops for lubricating the throat. I took it and set it aside before gently reaching for Lucien.


    My hands shook as I took my son into my arms for the very first time.


    He was tiny, So, so tiny. Like a baby bird in my embrace, wiggling ufortably beneath my touch.


    ¡°There, there,¡± I whispered low enough so only he could hear, holding him close and inhaling his sweet newborn scent for the first time. ¡°It¡¯s alright. Mama¡¯s got you.¡±


    Slowly, I began to rock Lucien in my arms. The motion came naturally as I held him against my chest, like I¡¯d done this a million times before. Without even thinking, I began to hum along to the tune of the luby ying on the speaker, adding a few notes here or there as a flourish.


    It didn¡¯t take long for Lucien to calm down. His breathing, oncebored and raw from crying, began to even out. He stopped his thrashing and even opened his eyes to look up at me.


    Those eyes stole my breath away.


    One was green. The other blue.


    As if he had taken one of each of ours.

 The Perfect 240

    Chapter <b>240 </b>


    ¡°Heterochromia<b>,</b>¡± I murmured, looking up at Alexander again to find him still standing in the doorway. He didn¡¯t respond at first, too busy staring with wide eyes at his suddenly calm son.


    ¡°Sorry¡­¡± He shook his head. ¡°What did you say<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Heterochromia.¡± I shifted Lucien in my arms and patted his back gently when he began to fuss again. He¡¯s got two differently colored eyes.¡±


    ¡°Oh. Right.¡± I could have sworn I saw the faintest smile tug at Alexander¡¯s lips, but it was gone before it could fully take form. ¡°Yeah. One blue, one green. My wife¡¯s eyes are¡­ were¡­ blue.¡±


    My throat tightened at the softness in his voice and the way he almost seemed to forget I was dead. Briefly, I wondered if I had been wrong about him. But before I could dwell on it<b>, </b>Lucien huped,


    drawing my attention again.


    For the next few minutes, I gently paced across the room, bouncing Lucien and humming to him and speaking in hushed whispers. He calmed quickly, his hups and whimpers eventually turning into soft


    coos and curious eyes looking up at me.


    Finally, I lowered him into his crib. My five minutes was nearly up and it had felt all too short. To both mine and Alexander¡¯s surprise, Lucien didn¡¯t fuss when Iid him down. I uncapped the vial of drops and gently opened his mouth, dropping just one under his tongue. He scrunched up his face, but he didn¡¯t spit


    anything up.


    When I was finished, I pulled back to look at him. One of his tiny hands hade free from his swaddle, and before I could leave, he reached up and wrapped his entire fist around my index finger with a strong


    grip.


    ¡°You¡¯re good with him.¡± I hadn¡¯t even noticed that Alexander was now standing beside me, looking down at our son with a soft expression.


    Little did he know how badly I wanted to share this moment with him, the father of my child. Together. But I could never tell him. And I still felt cold toward him after everything that had happened, so I tried not to dwell on it too much.


    ¡°I know it¡¯s no interview,¡± I said, finally pulling my hand away and watching as Alexander gently fastened the oxygen tubes around Lucien¡¯s head, ¡°but I hope I proved myself to you tonight.¡±


    <b>¡°</b>You have.¡± Alexander ced his hand over Lucien¡¯s chest<b>, </b>seeming almost relieved when he felt its gentle rise and fall, then turned toward me. ¡°You¡¯re hired.¡± <fnd17a> ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? find¡¤novel</fnd17a>


    ¡°What?<b>¡± </b>I blurted out. ¡°Just like that?¡±


    ¡°Lucien seems to like you. Besides, you¡¯re the only applicant I¡¯ve spoken to so far who doesn¡¯t seem to have ulterior motives.¡±


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    I had to contain my squeal of excitement at that. Just like that, Alexander was hiring me¨Cwithout so much as an interview! Even if I could never tell him or Lucien who I really was, the fact that I would actually get a chance to be near my son was all I could ask for at this point.


    ¡°Thank you, Alpha,¡± I managed, curtsying just like Lilith showed me. ¡°I promise I won¡¯t disappoint you.


    Alexander grunted, then stepped away. ¡°I assume you don¡¯t have anywhere to stay. Since you¡¯ve been living in my cer.¡±


    My eyes widened. ¡°I-¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I figured you weren¡¯t hurting anyone by being down there for a couple of days.¡± Alexander turned away and gestured for me to follow. ¡°This way. I¡¯ll show you to your room.¡±


    I was still inplete shock, but jogged after Alexander and followed him through the vast mansion. He led me to the servants¡® quarters, a wing of the house I had visited rarely during my time as Luna, and stopped outside one of the doors.


    ¡°For now, you¡¯ll share a bunk with one of the other servants,¡± he said, reaching out to open the door.¡± Unless I find that Lucien needs you sleeping closer to him.¡±


    With that, he swung the door open and left without saying goodnight. I stepped into the doorway to find a small but well¨Cappointed room with a bunkbed, a desk, and <i>a </i>dresser.


    A girl was sitting on the top bunk, reading a book. When I entered, she snapped her book shut and looked at me warily. I forced a smile. ¡°Hello. I¡¯m St¡ª¡±


    ¡°I know who you are.¡± She pointed to a spot in the corner that I hadn¡¯t noticed before¨Ca single nket and a pillow on the hardwood floor. ¡°Your bed¡¯s over there.¡±


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 The Perfect 241

    Chapter <b>241 </b>


    E


    ¡°Very funny, but I¡¯m not sleeping on the floor.¡± I picked up the nket and pillows and marched over to the


    bunks<b>. </b>


    I expected the maid tough and admit that she was messing with me, being the new employee and all<b>, </b>but instead she leapt off the top bunk and blocked me.


    ¡°My room<b>, </b>my rules. Either you find another room to stay in<b>, </b>or you get used to sleeping with the rats.¡±


    I lifted a brow at that. ¡°You¡¯re joking, right? Do you even know who I am? I¡¯m the-¡±


    Before I could finish saying those words-¡°I¡¯m the Luna¡°-I snapped my mouth shut so hard it made my teeth ck. Dammit; I¡¯d forgotten again that I was no longer in my old body. And since I¡¯d only just gotten the job that might be the one thing to allow me to see my son ever again, I didn¡¯t want a repeat of what had happened with the Beta<i>. </i>


    ¡°You¡¯re who?¡± The maid tilted her head, cold eyes shing with malicious glee. ¡°You think you¡¯re thedy of the house now that the Luna is gone and you just happen to be somewhat attractive? No. You¡¯re a nobody. No matter what you think, the Alpha won¡¯t fuck you. So get. On. The. Floor.¡±


    Goddess, how I wanted to p this girl across the face. If only she knew who I really was.


    I studied her briefly, vaguely recalling a few incidents with a servant who kept stealing other people¡¯s food from the fridge. Some of the other staff hade to me on a couple of asions to makeints about this very maid.


    At the time, I didn¡¯t pay it much mind. There was plenty of food to go around, and I told them to find something else to eat or work it out amongst themselves. Besides, I had other things to worry about, like pleasing a man who didn¡¯t want me.


    What a fucking fool I was. So caught up in my own problems that I didn¡¯t handle household issues the way I should have. Part of a Luna¡¯s duty was to manage the household, and I had done¡­ what?


    Mope around and wish that Alexander would notice me?


    Well<b>, </b>no more of that. I may not have been the Luna anymore, but I could still do something about problematic staff<b>. </b>


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    For now, I smiled sweetly and turned away from the maid. ¡°Have it your way,¡± <b>I </b>said, walking back over to the corner andying down on my makeshift ¡°bed.¡±


    The maid¡¯s sneer was practically audible behind me.


    The following morning, I woke bright and early¨Cnot that I got much sleep at all on the floor. I quickly dressed


    in the gray uniform I¡¯d been given, then pulled my hair back into a neat bun and hurried upstairs to check on


    Lucien.


    ¡°Hey there, little one,¡± I whispered as I quietly approached his crib. He was awake already and fussing, but


    calmed down when I gently removed the oxygen tubes and cradled him in my arms. There was a tube of


    ointment on the nightstand, and I smeared some on the parts of his face where the tubes had irritated the skin.


    ¡°There. That feels better already, doesn¡¯t it?¡±


    Lucien cooed in response and shed me a toothless smile. The sight made my vision blur with tears, and for a


    moment, I just held him close and inhaled his sweet scent.


    After changing Lucien, I made my way downstairs. The kitchen was already bustling when I entered, staff rushing around to prepare breakfast. I nearly mmed headfirst into the cook as I walked over to the fridge.


    ¡°Hey! Watch it, newbie,¡± the cook growled.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± I muttered, face reddening. As Luna, I could walk through this kitchen whenever I wanted and everyone would move out of my way¨Cnot the other way around. This was going to take some getting used to.


    Taking care to avoid tripping anyone up after that, I prepared Lucien¡¯s milk with Lilith¡¯s help. She exined that he needed special medicine in his milk and showed me how to dose it out, then warm the mixture to the <fn4eee> Get full chapters from F¦ÉndNovel</fn4eee>


    right temperature.


    ¡°He¡¯d be healthier if I breastfed him,¡± I whispered as we sat in the corner, watching Lucien suckle at the bottle. It felt unfair¨Chaving that precious ability to feed my child taken from me. If <b>I </b>thought about it too long, I


    might cry.


    Lilith gave me a sympathetic look. ¡°If it¡¯s any constion, you¡¯ve been spared from months of chapped nipples and teething.¡±


    ¡°Still. I should be able to feed my son from my own breast. A mother¡¯s milk is healthiest for a newborn baby,


    especially a premature one.¡±


    ¡°Well, this is the lot we¡¯ve been given in life. Be grateful that you get to hold him at all.¡±


    <b>6:25 </b>PM <b>Wed </b><b>1 </b><b>Oct </b>

 The Perfect 242

    Chapter <b>242 </b>


    I nodded, knowing that Lilith was right. I couldn¡¯t afford to sit here and wallow in self¨Cpity. I needed to buck up and ept that this was my life now, whether I liked it or not, and just be d to be a part of my son¡¯s life.


    ¡°When I was a baby,¡± I asked, ncing at Lilith, ¡°what did you do? Surely you tried to see me.¡±


    Lilith¡¯s face darkened. ¡°By the time I realized what had happened to me and got my bearings, your father had


    already remarried. I recall showing up at his doorstep and begging him for a job, but he and his new wife quite


    literally threw me out on my ass.¡±


    Margaret. Just thinking about her made my mood turn sour.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t see them at the wake,¡± I pointed out.


    Lilith scoffed. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to say anything unless you brought it up, but they never showed. Apparently, they <fnb1b7> Th?s chapter is updated by f?ndnovel</fnb1b7>


    got a big insurance settlement when the house burned and went on a vacation.¡±


    ¡°A vacation.¡± I nced at Lilith. ¡°Do you think they were the ones who set fire to the estate? For the insurance


    payout?¡±


    ¡°I think¡­ That we shouldn¡¯t rule anything out at this point,¡± Lilith replied cautiously. ¡°Anyone could have done <ol><li>it. Or perhaps it really was an ident. Either way, our ancestral home is gone and your beloved father is a </li></ol>


    bastard who was too busy gvanting around with his gold¨Cdigger wife toe to his daughter¡¯s funeral.¡±


    Ancestral home. The words shot straight through my heart. ¡°Right. Stormhollow was your family¡¯s pack


    before¡­<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Before <b>I </b>married your father. Yes, if I had stayed unmarried, I would have inherited the pack and be the female Alpha. But fate had other ns.¡± She sighed wistfully, but then smiled and patted my knee. ¡°But if it weren¡¯t for your father, I wouldn¡¯t have you. So I¡¯m grateful in the end.¡±


    Personally, I found it hard to be grateful for anything that man had done. He¡¯d been nothing but a user and maniptor his entire life, too driven by greed to think about anyone but himself.


    ¡°Still<b>,</b><b>¡± </b>Lilith went on<b>, </b><b>¡°</b>it hurts to watch the pack that once belonged to my family crumble under a man who doesn¡¯t know how to manage money and who has no sympathy for his people. Often, I do wish I could take my rightful ce as Alpha. But¡­¡± She gestured to herself, indicating her situation. ¡°It¡¯s impossible.¡±


    I chewed on the inside of my cheek, considering this for a moment. Surely there had to be something we could


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    do¨Cif only we could break this curse and find a way to reveal our true identities without hurting anyone. Then, my mother and I could take back Stormhollow.


    Just then, my lovely bunkmate wandered into the kitchen, yawning and stretching. I watched her through myshes as she slumped over to the fridge and pulled out a container of leftovers.


    Satisfaction coursed through me as she took a bite, chewed, then made a sour face and spat the food out into the


    sink. ¡°Who tampered with the food?!¡± she shouted, holding up the container. ¡°Someone put vinegar all over


    this!¡±


    ¡°Vinegar?¡± Lilith whispered in my ear. ¡°Was that what I saw you dumping in that container earlier?¡±


    ¡°Sure was.¡± I resisted the urge to smile.


    Suddenly, the maid whirled on another servant nearby¨Ca young girl with enormous eyes and curly red ha was you, wasn¡¯t it?¡± the maid barked. ¡°You¡¯re trying to poison me, you vengeful bitch!¡±


    It


    The maid reached for the other servant¡¯s hair with a feral snarl despite the girl¡¯s protests. She began to drag the


    poor girl over to the back door.


    But before anything bad could happen, Alexander suddenly swept into the room with a thunderous expression.


    The moment he saw the maid holding the fistful of the other servant¡¯s hair, his green eyes darkened


    dangerously.


    ¡°What is going on here?¡± His voice was low and even, which I was just realizing for the first time to be even more terrifying now that I was a member of his staff and not his Luna.


    The maid immediately released the other servant¡¯s hair. ¡°Someone tampered with my food, Alpha. They¡¯re


    trying to poison me.¡±


    Alexander cocked an eyebrow. ¡°I¨CIt wasn¡¯t me, Sir,¡± the servant stammered, wringing her hands. ¡°But she did


    steal my food¡­¡±


    The maid looked around frantically before her eyesnded on me. ¡°If it wasn¡¯t you, then it must have been


    her,¡± she dered, pointing at me.


    Everyone turned to me. I handed Lucien to Lilith and stood calmly.


    ¡°Are you using me because you actually think I tampered with your food, or because you¡¯re just feeling guilty over forcing me to sleep on the floorst night?¡±

 The Perfect 243

    Chapter <b>243 </b>


    E


    The maid¡¯s face went as white as a sheet, mouth opening and closing wordlessly as she tried and failed toe


    up with a response to my usation.


    Alexander turned to me with a curious expression on his face. ¡°Is that true? She made you sleep on the floorst


    night?¡±


    I nodded. ¡°Yes. She said it was, and I quote, ¡°her room, her rules¡°. I¡¯d either need to find another room to sleep


    in or get used to sleeping with the rats. I didn¡¯t want to cause any trouble, so I obeyed and took the floor.¡±


    Murmurs rippled throughout the room. The maid¡¯s face went from white to beet red. Alexander raised his hand


    to silence the whispers and looked at the maid. The guilty expression on her face revealed everything. Alexander crossed his arms. ¡°That room has two bunks for a reason. Why did you make the new nanny sleep on the floor?¡±


    ¡°But I didn¡¯t-¡±


    ¡°Tell me the truth.¡±


    Alexander¡¯s Alpha Voice seeped into every word. The air seemed to turn thick with his authority, causing every


    head in the room¨Ceven mine¨Cto tilt and expose the neck. My body felt like it wasn¡¯t mine, as if an invisible


    hand were forcing my head to tilt.


    I ground my teeth together, trying but failing to resist the urge to submit. This felt wrong on so many levels.


    Was this how Gabriel felt when I used my Luna Voice on him again and again? Like a puppet, unable to fight the strings being held by his master?


    I knew I shouldn¡¯t feel guilty over using my Luna Voice on Gabriel, but right now¡­ It wasn¡¯t easy not to. Maybe


    I had abused my power by using it so often. Especially when I forced him to stay silent throughout my family¡¯s


    party.


    Finally, trembling, the maid admitted meekly, ¡°Y¨CYes, Alpha. It¡¯s true. I made the new nanny sleep on the floor because I was angry that I was forced to share a room with someone I don¡¯t even know.¡±


    Alexander held the maid¡¯s gaze for a moment longer, causing her to tremble and look down at her hands. Then, all at once<b>, </b>his power receded. The force of it suddenly ripping from the room¨Clike a tidal wave being sucked back into the ocean¨Cwas so great that I had to grip the table next to me to stay upright. <fn312a> This text is hosted at Find[?]ovel</fn312a>


    5:25 PM <b>Wed </b><b>1 </b><b>Oct </b>


    37%


    Finally, <b>I </b>could breathe again. I decided then and there that if I ever somehow managed to be Luna again, however unlikely that may be, that I would only use my Luna Voice if absolutely necessary.


    ¡°Thank you for telling me the truth.¡± He smoothed down the front of his suit jacket. ¡°I¡¯m relocating you to another room<i>. </i>Move your things immediately. And consider this a formal warning, not just to you, but to


    everyone.¡±


    Alexander turned to address the entire staff. Cold green eyes swept over the room beforending on me. After what just happened, I felt the urge to lower my gaze, but I didn¡¯t. I held onto his stare.


    ¡°If I hear of any one of you abusing your fellow staff again, you will be fired. I¡¯m not in the business of giving multiple chances these days. You.¡± He gestured to me. ¡°Come with me.¡±


    Heart pounding, I nced at Lilith, who simply nodded encouragingly and held Lucien tightly. I hated the idea of leaving my son behind, but I followed Alexander anyway.


    As he led me down the hall to his office, however, I began to fear that that was thest time I might see Lucien ever againn¨CAlexander knew I had tampered with the food and, since it was only my first day, he was probably going to fire me for causing trouble.


    When I entered his study, Alexander gestured to his desk and said, ¡°Take a seat. Your official pack paperwork is ready.¡±


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 The Perfect 244

    <b>6 </b><b>37</b><b>% </b>


    Chapter <b>244 </b><fn7d4d> Discover more novels at Find¡ïNovel</fn7d4d>


    Oh. Just my pack paperwork. A sigh of relief deted my shoulders. I took a seat and picked up the pen, scanning


    the documents that would make me an official member of Ashw.


    ¡°Status: Omega,¡± the papers read. My jaw clenched at the thought of going from being the head of the pack to


    the lowest status possible, but I didn¡¯t dwell on it. As long as I got to see my son and not be a rogue, that


    was all that mattered.


    I signed the papers with my fake name. Ste¡­ Ste¡­ I couldn¡¯t use my oldst name, of course, so I went for


    something generic: Ste Night. I signed that name and handed the papers back.


    Alexander took the papers and studied them for a moment before ncing up at me. ¡°Ste Night. Did you just


    ¡°I told you I forgot myst name,¡± I lied.


    To my relief, Alexander didn¡¯t say anything else about it. But he did say, ¡°You left the ¡®family¡® portion nk.


    You really don¡¯t have any rtives?¡±


    I pursed my lips. ¡°None that I care to mention.¡±


    Alexander looked a little confused by my response but didn¡¯t press. ¡°Very well.¡± He ced his signature under mine, then slipped the document into a folder in his filing cab. ¡°Wee to Ashw pack, Ste Night.¡±


    ¡°Thank you¡­ Alpha.¡± It was going to take some time to get used to having to use his honorifics every time I spoke to him, especially when he had been inside of me on this very desk not all that long ago. ¡°It¡¯s an honor.¡±


    Alexander bobbed his head once before turning back to look at me. ¡°Now, I need you to prepare for an uing banquet that will be held this weekend. Lucien will have to attend. I¡¯ll be naming him my heir that


    night, so I need you to be fully present.¡±


    His heir.


    My heart thumped wildly with a desperate kind of hope. Alexander was still going to name my son his heir- despite everything that Sophia had told me. I¡¯d often figured she was lying that day, but I still couldn¡¯t be sure until just now.


    Even if Alexander hated me in death, at least he still loved our son. That was all that mattered to me now.


    Still, one question burned at the forefront of my mind: the matter of Alexander¡¯s next steps regarding a Luna. It


    6:25 PM Wed <b>1 </b><b>Oct </b>


    was umon for an Alpha to name a child his heir without a Luna by his side.


    <b>37</b><b>% </b>


    Normally, the heir¨Cnaming ceremony involved both the Alpha and Luna, who each had to give their blessing to allow the child to fully be the pack¡¯s heir. I¡¯d never heard of an Alpha naming a child his heir without his


    Luna present.


    Curious, I asked, ¡°What about your Luna? Do you intend to name a new one that night, too?¡±


    The question slipped out of me before I could remember my new ce in this pack. Alexander¡¯s eyes shed


    dangerously.


    ¡°An Omega shouldn¡¯t ask such questions,¡± Alexander growled, pointing at the door. ¡°Leave me now. I have


    work to do.¡±


    My throat bobbed, but I quickly curtsied and left. Once I was alone in the corridor, though, I paused, brow furrowing. Alexander¡¯s response was unexpected for a man who shouldn¡¯t be bothered by my death. Last I knew, he still thought I was a spy. I thought he hated me, that he was barely grieving me after what he thought I


    had done.


    Or was I wrong about him after all?


    It didn¡¯t matter anymore, though, I decided. In Alexander¡¯s eyes, I was dead.


    And thanks to this awful curse, <i>I </i>would never be able to tell him¨Cor anyone else, for that matter¨Cthe truth.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 The Perfect 245

    Chapter <b>245 </b>


    E


    Lucien looked positively adorable in his little suit. ¡°Like a little Alpha in the making,<i>¡± </i>Lilith cooed, ying with his tiny socked feet.


    I couldn¡¯t contain the smile that spread across my face at the sight of them together. My mother and my son- two things I thought I would never have.


    For a little while, I felt¡­ happy. Maybe this wasn¡¯t the life I thought I would have, but it was more than I could


    have asked for. The curse certainly made life difficult, but if it weren¡¯t for the curse, then there wouldn¡¯t be a


    life at all.


    ¡°I just can¡¯t believe he¡¯s naming Lucien his heir,¡± I said as I adjusted my hair in the mirror. It was pulled back neatly as usual, and I was wearing my typical gray uniform despite preparing for a banquet. ¡°After what Sophia


    said, I was so worried¡­¡±


    ¡°Sophia is a liar.¡± Lilith straightened, picking Lucien up, and handed him to me. He blew a bubble and made a


    little sound of contentment as I settled him into my arms.


    ¡°Does that mean you trust Alexander instead?¡± I asked.


    Lilith hesitated at that. Deciding who to trustpletely felt like a fool¡¯s game right now. There was still so


    much uncertainty about everything, and I had no way of having a real heart¨Cto¨Cheart with Alexander to find out


    more.


    To Alexander, I was just the new Omega in the pack and his son¡¯s nanny. The one time I¡¯d tried to ask him a


    personal question, he¡¯d seen to it that I remembered my ce. <fn3b30> Content originallyes from Find_Novel(.</fn3b30>


    Finally, Lilith smiled faintly and pinched my cheek. ¡°Let¡¯s just focus on what we know, hm? For example, Alexander is naming your son his heir. Lucien¡¯s future will be set in stone tonight.¡±


    The thought warmed me, even if it made everything feel more uncertain. Alexander still had no Luna to speak. of, and I couldn¡¯t help but think back on my past with my father and stepmother. I hoped Lucien wouldn¡¯t meet the same fate I had¨Cbeing treated as lesser once a new spouse came into the picture.


    But Lilith was right. We needed to focus on the present, on the positive. I might not have been the Luna of Ashw anymore, but at least I was by my son¡¯s side. Not only that, but I was witnessing Alexander make him his heir tonight.


    3:58 PM


    Thu z OCT


    <b>64</b>%


    That was something, right?


    +35 BONUS


    I met Alexander outside the banquet hall at six o¡¯clock sharp. In my past life, this was the moment I would have


    walked down the stairs in my elegant ballgown and Alexander might have turned, eyes widening upon seeing


    me look so radiant.


    Now, when he turned, his gaze immediately went to Lucien.


    ¡°Good. He¡¯s all dressed.¡± Alexander held his arms out. <b>¡°</b>I¡¯ll carry him into the banquet hall.¡±


    My heart cracked a little, but I handed Lucien to Alexander. To my surprise and delight, Lucien began to squirm


    and whimper immediately, little hands reaching for me.


    It seemed that my son recognized me as his mother, just as I had recognized Lilith. It was aforting thought that he would feel so connected to me, even if he could never fully understand why.


    ¡°Seems you two have formed quite the bond already,¡± Alexander noted. His green¨Ceyed gaze flickered with something I couldn¡¯t quite ce as he looked at me. ¡°You¡¯ve only been his nanny for a week.¡±


    I managed a watery smile. ¡°That¡¯s because I¡¯m-¡±


    ¡°No,<i>¡± </i>my wolf growled, reminding me to keep my mouth shut. I¡¯d almost revealed my identity again.


    ¡°Because you¡¯re what?¡± Alexander tilted his head.


    I opened my mouth to respond, but before I could, Hunter arrived to speak privately to Alexander. I was no longer the Luna, just an Omega, so I didn¡¯t have the privilege of listening in. They walked away and disappeared into the banquet hall without a second nce at me.

 The Perfect 246

    I sighed, staying there for a few moments topose myself before I slipped into the party.


    The banquet was exactly what I expected: grand and opulent, filled with finely dressed guests. The smell of decadent food made my mouth water, and waiters passed by with trays of champagne.


    I reached out to take a flute of champagne without thinking, and the server pped my hand away.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± he hissed. ¡°Drinks are for guests only.¡±


    Right. ¡°Sorry,¡± I muttered. The waiter was already gone.


    I stood there briefly, unsure of what to do now that I couldn¡¯t eat, drink, or even mingle at the party. It was strange, having gone from being the Luna¨Cthe center of attention¨Cto invisible like this.


    It was oddly calming, though, knowing that there wasn¡¯t really any pressure for me to behave a certain way. I


    didn¡¯t have to pretend tough at people¡¯s jokes or y the perfect host or participate in games of social


    maniption.


    For a little while, I just wandered, listening in on conversations. No one noticed me, so I heard some juicy


    gossip¨Cwhose husband was cheating on who, who was secretly pregnant (and, shocker, it wasn¡¯t her mate¡¯s pup), who was going to throw the best winter solstice celebration.


    My ears pricked, however, when I overheard a familiar female voice whispering near the bar.


    ¡°He¡¯ll announce it soon,¡± Sophia was saying. ¡°It shoulde out any day now. Maybe even tonight.¡±


    I froze upon hearing that. An announcement? What kind? And was she talking about Alexander? <fn5bd0> ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???????s, ????s? ??s?? find?novel</fn5bd0>


    Curious, I moved a little closer.


    ¡°Omega,¡± Sophia said, holding out her ss, ¡°refill my cup.¡±


    I blinked, face flushing at her tone. Who the hell did she think she was, bossing me around like¨Coh. Right.


    Despite every instinct in my body screaming at me not to, I picked up a nearby pitcher of wine and filled


    Sophia¡¯s cup. She didn¡¯t even look at me. Just kept talking to her friend.


    ¡°I think he¡¯ll keep the trial open to the public to boost his image,¡± she went on. ¡°But really, only the best of the best will make it to the final round. And between you and me¡­ He really ns to pick me.¡±


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    I didn¡¯t know what Sophia was talking about, but it definitely seemed to be about Alexander. I finished filling her cup and rushed off before she could boss me around even more.


    She didn¡¯t notice me slipping away. Just like everyone else.


    Eventually, I found myself standing by the windows, looking out over the estate grounds. The sun had nearly finished setting, casting the gardens in the final shades of gold and purple of the day. My favorite cherry tree sat proudly at the center. From here, I could see that the cobblestones had weeds poking up through them.


    ¡°There you are. Can you take him for a bit? I think he¡¯s hungry and I have some matters to handle.¡±


    I turned to see Alexander approaching with Lucien squirming in his arms, little face scrunched up in difort. The moment I took him, he calmed down. Alexander thanked me and walked away without another word, leaving me standing there alone again.


    Smiling now, I looked down at my son and bounced him in my arms. ¡°Hungry, little guy?¡± I cooed as I began making my way toward the exit. ¡°It¡¯s past your dinnertime, isn¡¯t it-¡±


    ¡°E?¡±


    I froze. My head whipped up at the sound of the familiar voice, and it was then that I saw another face I¡¯d been dreading to see heading my way. Not forck of wanting to see him, no, but because I knew¡­


    I knew that if we saw each other, it would make it that much harder to keep my secret.


    Liam.

 The Perfect 247

    Chapter <b>247 </b>


    E & Alexander


    E


    My blood turned to ice in my veins as I turned to see Liam standing in front of me, saying my name. My real


    name.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Liam said, shaking his head and rubbing his temples. ¡°I thought you were¡­ Goddess, I must be losing my mind.¡±


    My throat bobbed. ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m sorry, do we know each other?¡±


    The lie tasted bitter on my tongue. Of course we knew each other. I wanted to run to him and throw my arms around him and hold him close, but I couldn¡¯t. And that was even more painful than I expected.


    ¡°No, we don¡¯t,¡± Liam replied, but his eyes never left my face. He studied me with an intensity that made my skin prickle. ¡°It¡¯s just¡­ you look exactly like someone I used to know. Someone who¡­¡± His face crumpled slightly. ¡°Someone who died recently.¡±


    My heart shattered into a thousand pieces right there in my chest.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry for your loss,¡± I managed to choke out.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Liam¡¯s shoulders sagged, and for a moment, he looked so lost that I wanted nothing more than to tell him everything. Tell him that I was right here, that I wasn¡¯t really dead, that he didn¡¯t have to grieve for me.


    But I couldn¡¯t. The curse wouldn¡¯t let me.


    The very thought of what might happen to Liam if I revealed the truth made my stomach clench with fear. I¡¯d already put one innocent person at risk¨Cthe farmer who¡¯d helped me get home. I couldn¡¯t bear the thought of Liam facing the same consequences.


    ¡°She was¡­ she was my closest friend growing up,¡± Liam continued. ¡°I should have seen her more, but you always think you have more time than you have¡­¡± He shook his head again. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. You don¡¯t need to hear about my problems.¡±


    ¡°No, please,¡± I said quickly. ¡°I¡­ I understand what it¡¯s like to lose someone important to you.¡±


    That much was true, even if he didn¡¯t know I was talking about myself.


    Liam managed a sad smile. ¡°You¡¯re very kind. What did you say your name was?¡±


    ¡°Ste,¡± I replied. ¡°Ste Night.¡±


    ¡°Ste.¡± He repeated my fake name slowly, as if testing it on his tongue. ¡°You really do look remarkably like her. Even your voice¡­ You¡¯re not rted to E, are you?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± I said quickly, perhaps a bit too quickly. Then, on a whim, I added, ¡°But I did know her when we were children.¡±


    Liam¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°You knew E?¡±


    This was dangerous territory, but there was no going back now. ¡°I did,¡± I said, biting the inside of my cheek. We yed together sometimes when our¡­ packs had gatherings.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Liam stepped closer, his face lighting up with a smile. ¡°Did she ever mention me?¡±


    My heart cracked all over again at the desperate hope in his eyes. I shouldn¡¯t have said anything, but seeing him like this made me want to say something. Anything.


    ¡°She did,¡± I said softly. ¡°She talked about you often, actually.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    I nodded, blinking back tears. ¡°She always said you were her closest friend. That you were the one person who truly understood her, who saw her for who she really was instead of what others expected her to be.¡±


    Liam¡¯s breath caught. ¡°She said that?¡±


    ¡°More than once.¡± I bounced Lucien gently as he began to fuss, but my eyes never left Liam¡¯s face. ¡°She told me she never stopped thinking about you, not for even a single day. That she wished things could have been different.¡±


    The tears in Liam¡¯s eyes finally spilled over. He wiped them away quickly, but not before I saw them.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± he whispered. ¡°You have no idea how much it means to hear that.¡±


    Liam reached out as if to hug me, then seemed to remember himself and stepped back. ¡°I should let you get back to your duties. Thank you, Ste. Truly. You¡¯ve given me a gift tonight.¡±


    I watched him walk away, my vision blurring with unshed tears. Letting him go like that might have been the hardest part of all of this.


    But then Lucien began fussing more, pulling me back to the present. He was hungry, and I¡¯d been standing here far too long already.


    ¡°Alright, little one,¡± I murmured, pressing a kiss to his forehead. ¡°Let¡¯s get you fed.¡±


    Alexander


    ¡°The contracts should be finalized by the end of the week. The new trade agreements will benefit both our packs significantly.¡± <fn2a82> ?????? ???? fin?novel</fn2a82>


    I nodded absently, only half¨Clistening to the conversation between the two Alphas in front of me. My mind kept drifting to other matters¨CLucien, the uing heir ceremony, the mountain of paperwork waiting for me back in my office.


    And¡­ her.


    E. And the nanny who looked eerily like her.


    Ste had E¡¯s face. Her build. Even her voice. There were small differences, like the hair and eye color, but she could have been E¡¯s twin otherwise. It was weird and unsettling and filled my chest with a hope that shouldn¡¯t have been there.


    ¡°Alexander?¡± A nudge on my shoulder pulled me out of my thoughts. ¡°Did you hear what I said about the shipping routes?¡±


    ¡°Of course. That sounds-


    Suddenly, a sharp tug in my chest cut off my words mid¨Csentence.


    I froze, my hand instinctively moving to press against my sternum where the sensation had originated. It felt like someone had grabbed an invisible rope tied around my heart and yanked it hard.


    Like the mate bond.


    But that was impossible. E was dead. I¡¯d watched them lower her casket into the ground just over a week ago. I¡¯d thrown dirt on top of it with my own hands.


    And yet¡­


    I couldn¡¯t ignore it. The sensation felt so familiar and tantalizing that I had to follow it, even if I logically knew that it would lead me nowhere except to a freshly covered grave that was still warm with my mate¡¯s body.


    ¡°I¡­ excuse me,¡± I managed, stepping away from the conversation. ¡°I need to check on something.¡±


    I didn¡¯t wait for anyone to respond before I turned and followed the pull. To my surprise, it wasn¡¯t leading me outside, but rather away from the banquet hall, and down the corridor toward the back of the house.


    My heart pounded as I walked, each step bringing another flutter of sensation through what should have been a severed bond. It didn¡¯t make sense. None of this made sense.


    But Goddess help me, for a moment, just a moment, I let myself hope that I wasn¡¯t crazy with grief. As if that would bring her back or change a damn thing.


    What if E wasn¡¯t really dead? What if somehow, by some miracle, she was alive? What if there had been some terrible mistake and she was here, in this house, looking for me?


    The bond pulled me onward, past the library, past the sitting rooms, toward the kitchen. My pace quickened with each step, my stupid, naive heart fluttering with excitement.


    But then I pushed through the swinging doors of the kitchen and immediately froze when I spotted the source of the disturbance.


    The nanny was sitting in the chair by the woodstove, tears streaming down her face as she fed my son.

 The Perfect 248

    E


    A creak in the floorboards behind me made me jerk my head up to find Alexander standing in the doorway, looking at me with a strange expression.


    I quickly wiped my eyes with the back of my hand and forced a smile, hoping he hadn¡¯t seen me crying. ¡°Alex- Alpha Alexander. What do you need?¡±


    Alexander stared at me for a moment longer, green eyes flickering with something I couldn¡¯t decipher, then let out a sigh that made his shoulders sag. He looked even more exhausted than before.


    ¡°I¡­¡± He ran a hand through his hair and shook his head. ¡°Nothing. I¡¯m going mad, I think. This whole week has been¡­¡±


    He didn¡¯t finish the sentence, but my heart ached for him nheless. Despite everything, he had still lost his Luna and been left with a child all on his own. I couldn¡¯t help but pity him for that.


    ¡°You should sit down,¡± I said, gesturing to the chair across from me. ¡°You look like you haven¡¯t slept in days.¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t.¡± Alexander slumped into the chair. ¡°I thought I¡¯d be up for tonight¡¯s banquet, but all the mingling and small talk and politics are making myck of sleep catch up to me.¡± <fnfd5f> ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???????s, ????s? ??s?? FindN()vel</fnfd5f>


    I stood and propped Lucien on one hip. ¡°Let me make you something. Warm milk with honey¨Cit might help you sleepter.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to-<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°It¡¯s no trouble,¡± I said, pulling a mug from the cab. ¡°Really.¡±


    I warmed the milk on the stove, stirring in a generous spoonful of honey. The familiar ritual was soothing, reminding me of nights when Lilith had made the same drink for me during my pregnancy when the nausea and back pain became too much to handle.


    Lucien had finished his bottle and was starting to drift off in my arms. I bounced him gently as I carried the mug over to Alexander.


    But as I went to hand him the cup, my foot caught on the leg of the chair, and I stumbled forward. I prioritized my grip on Lucien, so the mug slipped from my hand, and hot milk sshed everywhere¨Cacross the table, onto the floor, and all over Alexander¡¯s expensive ck suit.


    ¡°Oh, Goddess,¡± I gasped once I realized what I¡¯d done. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Alpha. I¡¯m so sorry. Let me clean it up.¡± ¡°Ste.¡± Alexander stood up slowly, milk still dripping from his shirt. ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡±


    But I was already on my knees, dabbing at the spilled milk on the floor with a dish towel clutched in my shaking hand. This couldn¡¯t happen. I couldn¡¯t lose this job. I couldn¡¯t lose my chance to be near my son.


    ¡°Please, Alpha, I¡¯m so clumsy, I don¡¯t know what happened-¡±


    ¡°Ste.¡± Alexander¡¯s hand closed around my wrist and stopped my frantic cleaning. ¡°Stop.¡±


    I looked up at him from where I was kneeling on the floor, still holding Lucien against my chest with one <b>arm</b>. Alexander¡¯s green eyes were soft, not angry like I¡¯d expected. He helped me to my feet with his hand still wrapped around my wrist.


    We stood there for a moment, close enough that I could smell his famir scent of bourbon and woodfire smoke beneath the sweet smell of spilled milk. Close enough that I could see the flecks of gold in his green eyes. Close enough that if I leaned forward just a little¡­


    My throat bobbed. This was dangerous territory.


    I went to pull away, needing to put some space between us, but Alexander held fast to my wrist. My eyes widened as I looked up at him and saw recognition in his gaze.


    ¡°You look so much like her,¡± he whispered.


    My stomach dropped. ¡°Like who?¡± I asked. But of course I already knew the answer.


    ¡°My wife. E.¡± Alexander¡¯s grip on my wrist tightened slightly. ¡°The resemnce is¡­ uncanny. Are you rted to her somehow? Cousins, perhaps?¡±


    I forced myself to meet his gaze, even though every instinct screamed at me to look away. ¡°No, Alpha. We¡¯re not rted.¡±


    ¡°Are you certain? The bone structure, the way you move¡­¡± Alexander tilted his head, studying me. ¡°Even your scent is simr.¡±


    Panic wed at my insides. If Alexander kept digging, kept asking questions, would he figure out the truth? And if he did, what would happen to him? To Lucien?


    ¡°I¡¯m certain,¡± I said firmly. ¡°Some people just look alike, I suppose.¡±


    Alexander stared at me for another long moment, then finally released my wrist. ¡°I suppose they do.¡± He stepped back and looked down at his ruined suit. ¡°I should change before returning to the banquet.¡±


    ¡°Of course. Again, I¡¯m so sorry about-¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, Ste. idents happen.¡± Alexander paused at the door. ¡°Bring Lucien back to the banquet hall in fifteen minutes. It¡¯s almost time for the ceremony.¡±


    After he left, I sank back into the chair, my legs suddenly too weak to support me. That had been too close. Much too close.


    Lucien stirred in my arms, and I looked down at his sweet face. One green eye, one blue, half and half of his parents. ¡°We have to be more careful, little one,¡± I whispered. ¡°Your father is too smart for his own good.¡±


    Fifteen minutester, I slipped back into the banquet hall with Lucien in my arms. The crowd had gathered near the front of the room, where a small tform had been set up. Alexander stood at the center, no longer wearing his milk¨Cstained suit. He¡¯d changed into a fresh ck jacket and tie, still looking every inch the powerful Alpha King.


    ¡°Thank you all for being here tonight,¡± Alexander began. ¡°As you know, this has been a difficult time for our pack. We¡¯ve lost someone very dear to us.¡±


    A murmur went through the crowd. I spotted Sophia near the front, her eyes fixed on Alexander with an intensity that made my skin crawl. I tried not to look at her.


    ¡°But tonight, we also celebrate new life,¡± Alexander continued. ¡°Tonight, I name my son, Lucien, as my heir and future Alpha of Ashw.¡±


    The room erupted into cheers and apuse. I found myself smiling despite everything as Alexander took Lucien and held him up. The cheers exploded further as he held Lucien for all to see.


    ¡°Lucien will be raised to serve this pack with honor and strength,¡± Alexander said. <b>¡°</b><b>To </b>protect our people and uphold our values. And when the timees, he will lead Ashw into the future.¡±


    More apuse. I wiped away a tear as I watched my son being formally recognized as the heir. Whatever else happened, at least Lucien¡¯s future was secure.


    But then Sophia¡¯s parents stepped forward, and my smile faded.


    ¡°Congrattions, Alexander,¡± John said. ¡°The boy is strong. He¡¯ll make a fine Alpha.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°However,¡± Helen added, ¡°there is the matter of the pack¡¯s future leadership structure. A young heir needs guidance. He needs a Luna.¡±


    ¡°E was a wonderful Luna,¡± John continued. ¡°But she¡¯s gone now, and the pack needs stability. Lucien needs a mother figure.¡±


    ¡°The council has expressed simr concerns,¡± another voice called out from the crowd. ¡°An Alpha without a Luna creates¡­plications.¡±


    Alexander nodded. ¡°I understand the concerns. And I¡¯ve given this matter considerable thought.¡±


    My stomach dropped as he turned to address the entire room. ¡°Therefore, I am also announcing that Ashw. will be hosting a Luna Trial to select my next Luna.¡±

 The Perfect 249

    Chapter <b>249 </b>


    E


    A Luna Trial. Alexander was going to host a Luna Trial to rece me less than a month after my death.


    The crowd went wild, cheers and apuse turning into a din in the space. Meanwhile, my heart was cracking inside my chest. For a moment, when Alexander had been so gentle with me in the kitchen, I¡¯d thought that maybe he did love me after all.


    Maybe he was grieving me the same way Liam was. Maybe this whole week had been as hard for him as it had been for me.


    But no. Here he was, barely a week after burying me, announcing to a room full of people that he was ready to find my recement.


    ¡°Applications will be open starting tomorrow,¡± Alexander continued. ¡°The trial will consist of several rounds of varying tasks, and the winner will be Luna of Ashw and adoptive mother to my heir.¡±


    Adoptive mother. Some stranger was going to raise my son. Some stranger was going to take my ce in Alexander¡¯s bed, in his life, in everything that had once been mine, even if only for a little while.


    My hands began to shake as the rage built up within me like a pot about to boil over. How dare he? How fucking dare he move on this quickly?


    Before I could stop myself, I was pushing through the crowd toward the tform.


    I had to tell him. I had to tell him the truth-


    ¡°E. No.¡± Lilith suddenly stepped in my way and grabbed my wrist. Her eyes were cold and fierce.


    She dragged me out of the banquet hall before I could take another step further.


    ¡°Let go of me,¡± I hissed once we were in the hallway.


    Lilith didn¡¯t release my arm until we were safely in her room with the door locked, far away from any prying eyes or ears. Then she whirled on me with a fire in her gaze that I¡¯d never seen before.


    ¡°What were you thinking?¡± she snapped. ¡°You almost revealed yourself in front of an entire room full of people!¡±


    ¡°So what if I did?¡± I shot back. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s time everyone knew the truth.¡±


    ¡°E-¡±


    ¡°What if you¡¯re wrong about all of this? What if there really is no punishment for telling people who I am? What if you¡¯re just being superstitious?¡±


    Lilith¡¯s face went pale. ¡°Superstitious. That¡¯s what you think this is. Superstition.¡±


    ¡°How do you actually know that someone could die if I tell them the truth?¡± I bit out. ¡°Have you ever tested it? Have you ever told anyone who you really are?¡±


    +25 <b>BONUS </b>


    Lilith stared at me for a long moment. Then she walked over to an old trunk at the end of the bed, opened it, and pulled out a man folder. She handed it to me without a word.


    I opened it and found newspaper clippings inside. Old ones dated over twenty years ago.


    The first headline read: ¡°LOCAL SHOP OWNER DIES IN FREAK ACCIDENT.¡±


    ¡°Maxwell Webb, 45, died yesterday when a delivery truck lost control and crashed into his store. ording to employees and eye witnesses, Mr. Webb had been speaking with a customer when the ident urred. The customer, who has not been identified, fled the scene before authorities arrived¡­¡±


    My stomach dropped, all pretense of righteous anger slipping away from me as the implications set in. ¡°Mom ¡­?¡± I whispered in a suddenly small voice.


    <b>¡°</b>I was desperate,¡± Lilith said quietly. ¡°I¡¯d only been reborn for a few months, and I was trying to figure out what had happened to me. I found someone who had known me in my previous life¨CMaxwell had been a friend of my family¡¯s. I thought¡­ I thought if I told him who I was, maybe he could help me understand.¡±


    Tears blurred my vision as I looked at the third clipping. ¡°SHOP OWNER¡¯S DAUGHTER DIES IN SUSPICIOUS FIRE.¡±


    ¡°Sarah Webb, <b>22</b><b>, </b>diedst night when her apartment caught fire. The ze appears to have started from faulty wiring, but investigators are puzzled by the rapid spread of the mes. Miss Webb had recently inherited her father¡¯s shop following his death in a traffic ident¡­¡±


    ¡°Two people,¡± Lilith said. ¡°Two people died because I told them the truth about who I was. I naively went to his daughter after his death and told her my identity, and she died dayster.¡±


    I sank into the chair behind me, still holding the clippings. ¡°But that could have been a coincidence-¡±


    ¡°No, E. It wasn¡¯t a coincidence.¡± Lilith pulled out more clippings. ¡°Because there was a third person. Maxwell¡¯s business partner. He died right after I told him. Heart attack. He was thirty¨Ctwo years old and perfectly healthy.¡±


    I stared at the clippings spread out in front of me. Three people. All dead within a week of Lilith telling them her true identity. <fn9442> This update is avable on Find1Novel</fn9442>


    ¡°That was when I realized what the curse really meant,¡± Lilith said. ¡°It¡¯s not just that we get a second chance at life. It¡¯s that we have to stay dead to everyone from our first life. If we don¡¯t¡­ people suffer for it.¡±


    My throat constricted. ¡°But you don¡¯t know for sure that it was because you told him-¡±


    ¡°I tested it.¡± Lilith¡¯s voice was t. ¡°Five yearster, I was lonely and depressed and desperate. I found another friend from my old life. I thought maybe the first three had been flukes. So I told her who I was.¡±


    She handed me another clipping. This one was from five yearster. ¡°TEACHER DIES IN SCHOOL FIRE.¡± ¡°She died the next day,¡± Lilith said. ¡°Along with two of her students who tried to help her escape.¡±


    I felt sick. Five people. Five people had died because Lilith had tried to reim her old identity.


    But then another thought hit me. A thought that made my blood run cold.


    The farmer.


    I¡¯d told the farmer who I was. I¡¯d insisted that I was Luna E of Ashw when he¡¯d said I was dead.


    ¡°Oh, Goddess,¡± I whispered. ¡°The farmer.¡±


    ¡°What farmer?¡± Lilith asked.


    ¡°The one who drove me back to Ashw. I told him who I was. I argued with him about it.¡± I looked up at Lilith with growing panic. ¡°If what you¡¯re saying is true, then he could die. He could die because of me. He could already be dead.¡±


    Lilith¡¯s face went ashen. She didn¡¯t need to confirm it with words for me to know that my hunch was likely


    correct.


    Later that night, long after I had put Lucien to bed and the banquet had ended, I found myself pacing my tiny servants¡® room with my heart leaping in my chest. I couldn¡¯t sleep, couldn¡¯t think, and it had nothing to do with the Luna Trial.


    That poor farmer¡­ He was an innocent man. If I had condemned him to an irreversible fate, then I could never forgive myself.


    But I had to know. I couldn¡¯t rest until I did.


    The house was quiet as I made my way through the corridors. The banquet guests had gone home and most of the staff was asleep for the night, having already cleaned up. Only one light was on in the parlor¡ªI heard Alexander¡¯s deep voice within, although I didn¡¯t hear what he was saying as I quickly tiptoed past.


    No one noticed me slip out the back door and run off into the woods.

 The Perfect 250

    Chapter <b>250 </b>


    E


    When I finally reached the familiar cornfields a few hourster, I slowed to a trot and then stopped at the edge of the property.


    The old farmhouse sat in the distance, and to my relief, lights were on in the windows. Yellow light spilled out onto the front porch, and I could see the faint glow of what looked like a television through the living room window.


    He was alive. He had to be alive if the lights were on.


    I shifted back to human form before walking up to the front door and knocking.


    To my relief, heavy, booted footsteps approached from inside. But when the door swung open, it wasn¡¯t the farmer standing there¨Cbut rather a woman in her forties with graying hair and tired eyes. She was holding a shotgun. The same shotgun that the farmer had been holding thest time I¡¯d been here.


    ¡°Who the hell are you?¡± She made sure to hold the gun where I could see it, although she didn¡¯t point it at me. It¡¯s past midnight.¡±


    My heart lurched, but I held onto hope and forced a smile. ¡°I¡¯m looking for the farmer who lives here,¡± I said. ¡° Is he avable?¡±


    ¡°What do you want with my father?¡± A younger man appeared behind the woman, crossing his arms over his chest. ¡°It¡¯ste, and he¡¯s not well.¡±


    Not well. Fuck.


    ¡°I just need to speak with him for a moment. It¡¯s important.¡±


    ¡°Look,dy, whatever you¡¯re selling, we¡¯re not interested,¡± the woman said, adjusting the gun in her grip. ¡°And if you¡¯re here about the farm debts, you¡¯ll have toe back another time. Dad¡¯s too sick to deal with business right now.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not selling anything,¡± I said quickly. ¡°And I¡¯m not here about money. I just¡­ He helped me about a week ago, and I wanted to check on him.¡±


    The woman and man exchanged nces. ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± the man asked.


    I hesitated. I couldn¡¯t give them my real name, but I also couldn¡¯t lie about having met their father. ¡°Ste,¡± I finally said.


    ¡°Who¡¯s at the door?¡± A weak voice called from inside the house. I immediately recognized it as the farmer¡¯s voice, although it sounded much frailer than I remembered.


    ¡°Some girl named Ste,¡± the woman called back. ¡°Says you helped her outst week.¡±


    ¡°Ste¡­ Ste¡­ Sounds familiar¡­¡± There was a pause, then: ¡°Let her in.¡±


    ¡°Dad, you need to rest-¡±


    ¡°Let her in, Mary. I remember her.¡±


    The woman¡ªMary¨Csighed and stepped aside reluctantly. ¡°Five minutes,¡± she said to me. ¡°That¡¯s it.¡±


    I nodded and followed her into the house. The living room was small and cluttered but cozy and well¨Clived¨Cin, and there was a little girl sitting on the old id sofa, watching a ck and white movie <b>on </b>the TV. She didn¡¯t look up as I entered¨Cjust kept eating her bowl of ice cream.


    ¡°He¡¯s in the back bedroom,¡± Mary said, gesturing down a short hallway. ¡°But he tires easily, so please keep it brief.¡±


    I walked down the hallway, my heart pounding harder and harder the closer I came. The bedroom door was cracked open, and I could see the edge of a hospital bed inside.


    I knocked softly and pushed the door open.


    The farmer was lying in the bed, propped up on several pillows. He looked older than I remembered even though it had only been a couple of weeks, his face gaunt and his breathingbored. An oxygen tube was tucked under his nose.


    ¡°It¡¯s you,¡± he said, smiling faintly when I stepped into the room. ¡°You¡¯re much prettier when you ain¡¯t covered in mud.¡±


    I would haveughed if it weren¡¯t for the circumstances. Instead, I stepped into the room and closed the door behind me. ¡°What happened? You were fine when I saw youst week.¡± <fn7c57> Find the newest release on find?novel</fn7c57>


    The farmer chuckled, although it turned into a cough. ¡°Been better, I¡¯ll give you that. Doctors say it¡¯s my lungs. Started gettin¡® sick about three days after I gave you that ride to Ashw.¡±


    Three days. Three fucking days since I told him my true identity.


    My throat bobbed. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry.¡±


    ¡°What? Nothin¡® for you to be sorry about,¡± the farmer said. ¡°These things happen. I¡¯m seventy¨Cthree years old -not exactly a spring chicken.¡±


    1

 The Perfect 251

    But I knew the truth. This wasn¡¯t just something that happened. This was because of me. Because I¡¯d told him who I really was.


    ¡°Actually,¡± I said, moving closer to the bed, ¡°there is something I need to tell you. Something about what I said to you that day.¡±


    The farmer tilted his head. ¡°What about it?¡±


    I took a deep breath. ¡°When I told you I was Luna E of Ashw, I was telling the truth. I know it doesn¡¯t make sense, and I know you don¡¯t believe me, but I really am-¡± I shut my eyes briefly before correcting myself. ¡°Was her. I died giving birth and was reborn in a different body.¡±


    The farmer stared at me for a long moment. Then he chuckled again. ¡°Is that so?¡±


    ¡°I know how it sounds,¡± I said quickly. ¡°But there¡¯s a curse on my family. Anyone who dies gets one chance toe back, but if we tell people from our old life who we really are, they get hurt. Or worse.¡±


    ¡°And you think telling me made me sick?¡±


    I nodded, unable to meet his eyes. ¡°I think I killed you.¡®


    ¡°Well,¡± he said, reaching out to pat my hand, ¡°if that¡¯s true, then I suppose I should thank you.¡±


    I looked up at him in surprise. ¡°Thank you?¡±


    ¡°My wife died two years ago,¡± he said. ¡°Cancer. I¡¯ve been pretty lonely since then. If your curse is what¡¯s sendin¡® me to meet her in the Moon Goddess¡¯s domain, then I¡¯d say it¡¯s doin¡® me a favor.¡±


    Tears stung my eyes. ¡°You don¡¯t understand. You¡¯re dying because of me. Because I was selfish and stupid and didn¡¯t consider the consequences.¡±


    ¡°Ah, I lived a good long life,¡± the farmer said. ¡°Raised three kids, ran this farm for fifty years, loved a woman who loved me back. That¡¯s more¡¯n most people get. Even if what you¡¯re saying is true, I wouldn¡¯t me you for it. You were scared and confused, and you needed help. I was d to give it.¡± <fn96a8> ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? ?ovelFind</fn96a8>


    His kindness only made the guilt worse. This man was dying because of me, and he was trying tofort me


    about it.


    ¡°I should go,¡± I said, standing up. ¡°Your family is worried about you.¡±


    ¡°Take care of yourself, Ste,¡± the farmer said. ¡°Or E. Whoever you are.¡±


    I squeezed his hand one more time, then left the room. Mary and her brother were waiting in the living room, and they walked me to the door without saying much.


    By the time I reached the manorter, dawn was only a few hours away. The house was dark except for a few scattered lights, and I slipped in through the back door as quietly as I could.


    I was making my way toward the servants¡® quarters when I heard Alexander¡¯s voiceing from his office. The door was cracked open<b>, </b>spilling light out into the hallway. Curious as to why I wasn¡¯t the only one still up at this


    hour, I crept closer and peered through the crack.


    Alexander was inside. He was standing in the middle of the room, swaying slightly with a ss of what looked like bourbon in his hand. His tie was loose and his hair was messed up.


    He was drunk. Very drunk, from the looks of it.


    I was about to push the door open and go in when I heard another voice.


    ¡°Dance with me, Alex.¡± Sophia¡¯s voice. Her pale hand came into view from behind the door, stretched toward him. ¡°Like we used to when we were younger.¡±


    Alexander nced at her hand. For a moment, I thought he might ignore it.


    But he didn¡¯t. He took it and led her into a slow, wobbly waltz. Sophia was grinning from ear to ear, her arms draped around his neck and her body pressed flush against his, as they swayed together in the middle of the


    room.


    I felt sick. Even though my body wanted to burst in there and break them apart, I knew I couldn¡¯t¨Cnot after what had happened to the farmer. And not after Alexander had announced his Luna Trial to rece me. So I ran. I ran before they could see me and I didn¡¯t stop until I was locked safely in my servants¡® room.

 The Perfect 252

    Alexander & Sophia <fn2a5b> Original content can be found at FindN()vel</fn2a5b>


    Alexander


    I couldn¡¯t sleep that night. The banquet had ended hours ago, but I was still in my office, nursing my third ss of bourbon. Maybe my fourth. I¡¯d lost count by the time my head had grown fuzzy and the room had begun to spin.


    Even still, I kept drinking long after I probably should have stopped. Dawn wasn¡¯t far off, and yet my night was far from over.


    Because E was dead. She was fucking dead, and I was hosting a Luna Trial to rece her like she¡¯d never mattered at all.


    The tug I¡¯d felt on the mate bond earlier had nearly killed me. For one stupid moment, I¡¯d thought¡­ I¡¯d thought that maybe she was alive somehow. Maybe there had been some mistake. Maybe she wasing back to me, spy


    <b>or </b>not.


    But it was just the nanny. Just some rogue who looked like my dead wife.


    And then I had to go and fucking announce the Luna Trial that I never wanted.


    ¡°You¡¯re thinking about her again,¡± Sophia suddenly said from the other side of the room. When she¡¯d invited herself to drink with me, I¡¯d been too lonely and exhausted to say no even though I really didn¡¯t want to look at her tonight.


    ¡°I¡¯m not thinking about anyone,¡± I replied, taking another swig.


    ¡°Liar.¡± Sophia stood and walked toward me, extending her hand. ¡°Come on. Dance with me, Alex. Like we used to when we were younger.¡±


    I didn¡¯t want to, but before I could protest, she grabbed my hand and pulled me closer. I was too drunk to resist at first, so she managed to pull me into a stumbling waltz for a few long moments before I finally managed to push myself away from her grip and stagger over to the window.


    Sophia sighed from behind me. ¡°She¡¯s noting back, you know. And she was a spy. You saw the evidence.¡±


    My jaw clenched. ¡°I know.¡± I knew both of those things, but it didn¡¯t make the grief I was feeling any less potent. ¡°She was still my fated mate.¡±


    ¡°You can find another. A chosen mate bond will subdue the pain of the broken one that fate gave you. Besides, you never really wanted her, did you? It¡¯ll be easy to find someone new. Someone better.¡±


    But I did want E. I wanted E more than I should have. Even when I found out she¡¯d signed that contract with her father, I still wanted her. Because I had begun to love her.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a week, Sophia,¡± I finally said, not bothering to hide the bitterness in my voice.


    ¡°I know. But you can¡¯t grieve forever.¡± Sophia¡¯s hand moved to touch my arm. I hadn¡¯t realized how close she was standing now. ¡°You need someone who understands you. Someone who¡¯s always been there for you.¡±


    +25 <b>BONUS </b>


    Suddenly, Sophia gripped my arm and turned me to face her. Before I could react, she leaned up on her tiptoes <b>as </b>if to kiss me, but I shoved her back hard enough that she stumbled and nearly mmed into the wall.


    ¡°What the fuck do you think you¡¯re doing?¡± I hissed. ¡°If you want to be with me so badly, enter the Luna Trial like everyone else.¡±


    The words were out before I could stop them. I immediately regretting being so harsh<b>, </b>but Sophia¡¯s eyes went wide, and it wasn¡¯t with hurt or anger. It was hope.


    ¡°You mean that?¡± she whispered.


    I rolled my eyes and turned back to the window. ¡°Take it however you will. Regardless, you should stop throwing yourself at a grieving widower and show some fucking respect for the dead.¡±


    Sophia set her wine ss down on the desk. ¡°So you want me to enter the Luna Trial. You¡¯re serious.<i>¡± </i>Of course she wouldn¡¯tment on the other thing.

 The Perfect 253

    <b>Chapter </b><b>253 </b>


    ¡°Whatever you want to think.¡± I turned away from her and walked back to my chair. ¡°Applications open in two weeks. You can submit yours with everyone else¡¯s.¡±


    The truth was, I didn¡¯t want to host the trial at all. The whole thing had been forced on me by my Alpha King advisors. They¡¯d cornered me three days after E¡¯s funeral andid it out in terms I couldn¡¯t ignore.


    An Alpha King without a Luna was vulnerable. Other Alphas could challenge my position if they thought I was weakened by my loss. The packs needed stability, and stability meant a mated Alpha with a strong Luna by his side.


    I¡¯d argued with them for hours, but they wouldn¡¯t budge. Host a Luna Trial or risk losing everything I¡¯d worked for.


    The irony wasn¡¯t lost on me, of course. I¡¯d spent years treating E like she didn¡¯t matter, and now that she was gone, her absence was threatening to destroy everything.


    I never wanted to marry again, truthfully.


    But what I wanted didn¡¯t matter anymore. It never had. I was the Alpha King, and the Alpha King did what was best for his people, not what was best for himself. Furthermore, I needed to secure Lucien¡¯s future, and I couldn¡¯t do that if I let myself get beaten out of my position. I could lose Ashw entirely if that happened. <fn66e7> Newest update provided by F¦Énd£Îovel</fn66e7>


    So I decided that I¡¯d marry whoever won the trial. But I¡¯d never be intimate with whoever became my new Luna. Lucien would be my one and only heir, and I would never produce another child with anyone.


    With E gone, I would never love again.


    Sophia


    Sophia was on cloud nine.


    Alex had given her permission to enter the Luna Trial. He¡¯d practically invited her topete for his hand in marriage.


    If circumstances had been different, Sophia might have smiled. But for now, she had to hide her smile¨Chad to y the part of an understanding friend who would never celebrate Alex¡¯s wife¡¯s death.


    But¡­ This was it. Finally, after all this time, this was her real chance!


    For years, Sophia had schemed and plotted and tried to drive a wedge between Alexander and E in every way possible. She¡¯d been cruel and maniptive and desperate, clinging to a man who was obsessed with a worthless woman.


    But now E was dead, and Alex couldn¡¯t cling to E anymore¨Cat least not for much longer. Soon, her grave would grow cold and he would have no choice but to move on. He needed a Luna and a mother for his son, and besides, he was still a man; he couldn¡¯t remain celibate forever.


    Finally, Sophia¡¯s long years of nning woulde to fruition. All the careful timing, being in the right ce at


    the right time, positioning herself as the heroine who saved his child even if she ¡°couldn¡¯t¡± save his wife¡­


    Alex would soon turn to someone forfort. And that someone would be Sophia.


    And finally, Sophia could do this the right way. She could enter the trial and prove herself worthy of being Luna. She could show Alex that she was strong enough, smart enough, capable enough to stand by his side.


    All it would take was a little more patience. And once she got that ring on her finger¡­


    It would only be a matter of time before Sophia showed Alex that she was the one who had been here all along. The one who truly deserved his love.


    Soon, Sophia would truly hold Alex¡¯s heart in her hands¡­ And he would forget all about E and that son of theirs.

 The Perfect 254

    The news had spread throughout the pack by the next morning, of course. Every woman in Ashw¨Cno, the entire territories¨Cwas likely gushing about their chance to be the next Luna of Ashw. The Luna Queen, standing proud and tall beside the oh¨Cso¨Cillustrious and handsome Luna King Alexander.


    The very thought made me want to gag, but I ignored the sensation as best I could and focused on my tasks.


    I woke up bright and early and put on my gray Omega uniform. Oddly, I found that I wasn¡¯t missing thevish dresses and silk sets of my previous status; my uniform was practical andfortable, and it allowed me to blend into the background when I didn¡¯t want to be seen or heard.


    That was a luxury that I didn¡¯t have in my previous life. I was always the center of attention everywhere I went, and usually not in a good way.


    Now¡­ I was just the Omega nanny. A nobody. And I could focus on my job and my son.


    After waking up Lucien, changing his diaper and dressing him in a cute little pair of corduroy overalls, I made my way downstairs to the kitchen to feed him. The kitchen was already buzzing as I approached, filled with voices all talking at once.


    Normally, I didn¡¯t pay much mind to the conversations and gossip of the household staff. I had made a couple of friends in passing, but I hadn¡¯t gotten close with anyone and mostly kept to myself. It was easier that way because if I got too entrenched in conversation, I might identally say something that would give me away.


    And I could not have a repeat of what happened to that poor old farmer.


    ¡°Anyone can enter,¡± one of the maids was saying as I walked into the kitchen with Lucien perched on my hip. ¡° Not just pack leaders¡® daughters. Any unmarked female between the ages of eighteen and thirty can apply.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not how it usually works,¡± another maid replied with a furrowed brow. ¡°Luna Trials are usually restricted to nobility.¡±


    ¡°Well, this one isn¡¯t. The Alpha King wants to give everyone a fair chance.¡±


    Resisting the urge to roll my eyes, I tuned out their chatter as I prepared Lucien¡¯s morning bottle. The Luna Trial. Alexander¡¯s grand n to rece me with some stranger who would raise my son and sleep in my bed.


    My wolf stirred restlessly, angry and bitter that another woman might have a chance at being with our mate, but I ignored her. Alexander had made it clear that he was ready to move on. He¡¯d barely grieved me for a week before announcing he was looking for my recement. <fn6b9e> Discover more novels at find{n}ovel</fn6b9e>


    Besides, even if I could enter the trial without revealing who I was, what would be the point? Alexander had never loved me. He¡¯d thought I was a spy up until the very end. He had locked me in my room like a prisoner. Why would I lower myself topete for a man like that?


    ¡°Ste!¡± One of the maids called out to me. ¡°You should enter.¡±


    I looked up to find Anya, the young eighteen¨Cyear¨Cold maid with curly red hair who had been bullied by my former bunkmate. Anya was one of the few people I¡¯d be quasi¨Cfriends withtely; she was a nice girl and


    didn¡¯t ask too many questions. She was grinning at me over her cup of tea.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so,¡± I said coolly as I tested the temperature of Lucien¡¯s milk on my wrist.


    Anya tilted her head, sending a cascade of tiny red curls across her forehead, ¡°Why not? You¡¯re beautiful, and you¡¯re good with the heir. The Alpha clearly trusts you.¡±


    I almostughed out loud at that. If Alexander trusted me, it was only because he didn¡¯t know who I really was.


    ¡°Are you nning to enter?¡± I asked, deflecting the attention from me.


    Anya¡¯s cheeks turned pink. ¡°Well, I¡­ I¡¯m thinking about it,¡± she admitted. ¡°I mean, I know it¡¯s a long shot, but¡­¡± She shrugged. ¡°What if it¡¯s not that long of a shot after all?¡±

 The Perfect 255

    ¡°Then you should do it,¡± I said, even as I felt my wolf w at my insides like she was going insane<b>. </b>¡°If that¡¯s what you truly want.¡±


    ¡°Really? You don¡¯t think it¡¯s foolish?¡±


    I studied her eager face for a moment, considering her question. Anya was pretty in a wholesome way, with bright eyes and a quick smile. She was kind and hardworking, and she seemed to care about the pack. Maybe she was too good for Alexander, but she would make a good Luna with the proper training.


    ¡°I think you¡¯d make a good Luna,¡± I said with a slight smile, which was true. I also didn¡¯t think that much of it; after all, just because Alexander was allowing anyone to join didn¡¯t necessarily mean he would let anyone but the nobility make it to the next round.


    He was only opening the applications to the public to help his image. I was sure of it. But I didn¡¯t want to hurt anyone¡¯s feelings, so I decided not to say that to Anya.


    Anya beamed. ¡°Thank you. That means a loting from you.¡±


    ¡°From me?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re soposed and confident. I¡¯ve seen how you handle the heir when he¡¯s fussy. You have this¡­ presence about you. Like you were born to be in charge.¡±


    If only she knew.


    ¡°But seriously,¡± Anya continued, ¡°you should consider entering. You¡¯d have a real chance.¡±


    I shook my head. ¡°I¡¯m not interested.¡±


    ¡°But why not? You¡¯re single, you¡¯re the right age, and like I said, you¡¯re beautiful. Plus you already have a rtionship with Lucien.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just not interested,¡± I repeated firmly.


    Anya looked like she wanted to push the issue, but Lucien tactfully chose that moment to start fussing. I used the distraction to escape the conversation and took my son to the quiet sitting room to feed him.


    The rest of the day passed quickly and without incident. Lucien was getting stronger every day, but he was still so small. He still needed his oxygen tubes at night.


    As I cared for my son, I tried not to think about the Luna Trial. I tried not to picture some stranger holding my son, singing him lubies, tucking him into the crib Alexander had built.


    My wolf was inconsble, though. Every time I pushed down thoughts of the trial, she pushed back harder.


    Eventually, I grew so frustrated with her that I blocked her out entirely. I would not waste what precious few days I had left with my son worrying about the trial, and that was that. I wouldn¡¯t enter, I wouldn¡¯t dwell on it, and I certainly wouldn¡¯t pine for a man who couldn¡¯t even be bothered to grieve me.


    That night, I was walking back to my room after checking on Lucien onest time when I nearly collided with


    Alexander in the hallway. He wasing out of his office, looking tired and rumpled as usual.


    ¡°Ste,¡± he said, steadying me with a hand on my arm. ¡°I was hoping I¡¯d run into you.¡±


    I pulled my arm away before my wolf could surge again. ¡°Is everything alright? Does Lucien need something?¡± i asked curtly, not wanting to continue the conversation any longer than I needed to,


    ¡°No, he¡¯s fine. I wanted to talk to you about something else.¡± Alexander pulled a piece of paper out of his pocket and held it up so I could see it. It had my name written across the top¨Cor at least, my fake name. Ste Night.


    And next to my name was the header written in bold font: ¡°Application for Luna Trial¡°.


    Alexander waved the application in front of my face. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me you were going to sign up for the Luna Trial?¡± he asked.


    Ch <fnf1d8> Checktest chapters at find?novel</fnf1d8>

 The Perfect 256

    apter 256


    E & Alexander


    E


    I blinked at the paper in Alexander¡¯s hand. That was my fake name written across the top, that was for certain, but I had never signed up to enter the Luna Trial. I had already made the decision that would never lower myself like that again.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t sign up for anything,¡± I said quickly. ¡°There must have been a mistake.¡± <fnbf7c> ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???????s, ????s? ??s?? FindN()vel</fnbf7c>


    Alexander frowned. ¡°If you didn¡¯t sign up, then who did?¡±


    Who did indeed? My mind raced for a moment in search of an answer, and suddenly, I realized that it must have been Anya; she probably thought she was helping me by signing up for me, thinking that I was too shy or something to do it myself, even though I had made it abundantly clear that I had no intention of entering.


    Poor, sweet girl. Little did she know that thest fucking thing I wanted in the entire world was to be Alexander¡¯s Luna again.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. Just take my name off the list,¡± I finally said,posing myself.


    Alexander stared at me like I had just spontaneously sprouted a second head. ¡°You really want your name taken out of the running?¡±


    I wasn¡¯t sure why it was so inconceivable to him, but I nodded and said, ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t mind me asking¡­ Why?¡± He lowered the application and furrowed his brow. ¡°The signups are open to anyone regardless of social status or background. You¡¯re unmarked from the looks of things, you¡¯re the right age, and you¡¯re already good with Lucien. This is your chance to move up in the world.¡±


    I almostughed at the irony of that statement. Move up in the world. If only he knew that I was actually moving in the opposite direction and kind of liking it.


    ¡°I told you, I¡¯m not interested.¡±


    ¡°But you were a rogue. You had nothing. No pack, no status, no security. Now you have a chance to be Luna of Ashw. Luna Queen, technically, since I¡¯m the Alpha King. Why wouldn¡¯t you want that?¡±


    Because I¡¯d already been Luna. Because I¡¯d already lived that life and knew exactly how miserable it could be. Because I¡¯d spent years trying to please a man who thought I was a spy, and in the end, he couldn¡¯t even grieve me for a week before he was looking for a recement.


    I tilted my head. ¡°Why do you even care?¡± I asked, briefly letting my bitterness get the best of me. ¡°I don¡¯t mean to be disrespectful, but no one of my status would stand a chance against the higher¨Cssdies who would enter.¡±


    A muscle feathered in Alexander¡¯s jaw, but he nodded. ¡°Fair point. I¡¯m just surprised, that¡¯s all. Most Omegas would jump at an opportunity like this.¡±


    That was when I didugh. I couldn¡¯t help it. The sound bubbled out of me before I could stop it. ¡°You think


    <b>. </b>


    every woman dreams of being your Luna,¡± I blurted out, ¡°but I much prefer being invisible. Unlike how I was before, always the center of attention. I prefer this quiet life.¡±


    Alexander¡¯s brows shot up and he studied my face. ¡°Unlike how you were before? Is there something you didn¡¯t tell me about your old life?¡±


    my


    Suddenly, what I¡¯d just said hit me like a p in the face, and I snapped my mouth shut so hard it made teeth ck. Fuck. I¡¯d almost revealed information about my curse. I needed to deflect quickly before he started asking more questions.


    ¡°I just meant¡­¡± I cleared my throat. ¡°I was noticed too much as a rogue. People staring, whispering about the homeless girl with no pack. Now I have a quiet, simple life taking care of Lucien. I don¡¯t want anything more than that.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t entirely a lie. I did enjoy the simplicity of my current role. I hadn¡¯t realized how much I¡¯d despised politics and social maneuvering until I suddenly wasn¡¯t forced to do it anymore, even if going from being a Luna to an Omega servant came with its own set of hurdles to ovee


    ¡°Besides,¡± I added, ¡°I¡¯m sure you have plenty of qualified candidates already. You don¡¯t need an Omega cluttering up your trial.¡±


    Alexander was still staring at me with that confused expression, but I didn¡¯t give him a chance to say anything


    else.


    ¡°Just¡­ take my name off the list,¡± I said, turning to leave. ¡°Thank you for considering me, though.¡±


    With that, I hurried away. Alexander didn¡¯t call after me, and I didn¡¯t look back to see if he was still staring.


    Alexander


    I felt strangely frozen in ce as I watched Ste walk away. Something about the conversation we¡¯d just had left me feeling unsettled.


    Most Omegas would jump at the chance to be Luna. Hell, most women of any rank would. A Luna Trial was an opportunity that came around maybe once in a generation, if that. And this rogue turned Omega was saying that she didn¡¯t want to participate.


    Strange¡­


    Her reasoning didn¡¯t makeplete sense either. She¡¯d said she preferred being invisible, that she¡¯d been the center of attention ¡°before¡± and didn¡¯t want that again. But when I¡¯d asked her to rify, she¡¯d quickly changed her story to being about her time as a rogue.


    It felt like she¡¯d almost said something else. Something she¡¯d had to cover up.


    And the way she¡¯dughed when I suggested she should want to move up in the world¡­ There had been something bitter about it. Like the idea of bing Luna was amusing to her rather than appealing.


    Most rogues I¡¯d encountered were desperate for stability and a ce to belong. They¡¯d do almost anything to improve their station. But Ste seemed content with her role as a nanny. More than content¨Cshe seemed to


    actively prefer it.


    It was strange. Everything about her was strange.


    The way she carried herself, like she was used to being in charge. The way she spoke to me without the deference most Omegas showed to an Alpha King. The way she handled Lucien with such natural confidence, like she was caring for her own child.


    And then there was the way she looked. But I didn¡¯t want to think about that.


    E was dead. Dead and gone. And she wasn¡¯t fuckinging back, no matter how many nights Iid awake wishing she would or how often I saw her ghost in the face of a woman I barely knew.


    With a sigh, I walked back into my office and set the application on the pile of paperwork covering my desk. I¡¯d deal with removing Ste¡¯s name from the running tomorrow, along with all the other trial¨Crted tasks that were piling up.


    For now, I needed to sleep. Badly. The weeks of hardly any sleep were beginning to catch up to me, andst night¡¯s hangover wasn¡¯t helping any, either. Choosing to save work for tomorrow, I trudged up to my room, showered, and prepared to bed.


    If only I could sleep properly. But that night, I kept waking with a start every time I drifted off; and whenever I did manage to sleep, all I dreamt of was her.


    E. E with auburn hair and silver eyes and freckles that she never had before.


    Her name was Ste now, and there was something she wasn¡¯t telling me.

 The Perfect 257

    Three weeks passed by after that night without a hitch.


    My life slowly evolved into a simple butforting routine. Each day was the same¨Csomething that might have given me anxiety before but now served as a pleasant reminder that I got to spend every waking moment with my son.


    Each day, I woke up at dawn. I would change Lucien¡¯s diaper. Feed him his morning bottle while he blinked up at me with those mismatched eyes. Take him downstairs for some fresh air in the garden while the other servants prepared breakfast. Put him down for his morning nap. Clean his nursery. Repeat.


    It was simple work, but it was work that mattered. And every day, I was lucky enough to watch as Lucien grew a little stronger. His breathing was lessbored. He cried less at night. The oxygen tubes were only needed for a few hours instead of all night long.


    And every day, he seemed to recognize me more. He¡¯d calm down the moment I picked him up. He¡¯d follow my movements with his big, mismatched eyes when I walked around the room. And sometimes, when I was feeding him, he would wrap his tiny fist around my finger and hold on tight.


    Those moments made everything else bearable. The cramped servants¡® quarters, the gray uniform that marked me as the lowest rank in the pack, the fact that I had to answer to a new name.


    Nothing could fully blot out the constant chatter about Alexander¡¯s fucking Luna Trial, though. Because that was all anyone could talk about anymore. It quickly became the talk of the territories, and even wound up all over the news. I couldn¡¯t even turn on the television in the servants¡® den anymore without seeing live coverage of the iing applications.


    As the weeks passed, the applications kept rolling in from all over the territories until there had to be thousands. Every eligible bachelorette within reasonable distance of Ashw was apparently vying for a ce in the trial. Everyone except for me.


    Of course, I¡¯d told Alexander to remove my name from the list and I was d I did. I had already spent six years trying to be the woman he wanted, and I wasn¡¯t about to do that again.


    Not for the man who couldn¡¯t even grieve me for a week before he announced his ns to rece me.


    My heart turned more and more bitter each day, although my wolf grew more agitated and desperate each time the trial was mentioned. I did my best to ignore her, choosing instead to focus on Lucien and the time we¡¯d been blessed to have together.


    But eventually, I couldn¡¯t ignore it anymore. The day the application results¨Cwhen the list of one hundred bachelorettes who made it to the first round of the actual trial would be released¨Cfinally arrived, dawning gray and dreary with a constant rain drizzling against the window.


    The weather was very fitting for how I felt on the inside, at least.


    ¡°Will youe with me to check the results?¡± Anya asked as I fed Lucien in the kitchen that morning, just as I did every morning. ¡°I don¡¯t think I can look by myself.¡±


    I hesitated, biting down hard on the inside of my cheek to keep myself from saying ¡°Fuck no!¡± out loud. Thest thing I wanted was to be anywhere near that stupid fucking list.


    But Anya looked so hopeful, and she¡¯d be one of the few people in this house who actually treated me like a friend rather than just an unwanted rogue in the pack. I knew she was excited for the results; she had been working hard on her etiquette skills and had even saved up to buy a new dress specifically for today.


    If only she knew what I knew: that no one was good enough for the great Alpha King Alexander. He was probably just doing this for his image and would choose Sophia or some other dilettante to be my recement.


    But for Anya¡¯s sake, I forced a smile and said, ¡°Sure. Let me just finish my morning chores and we¡¯ll head down together.¡±


    Anya let out a breath of relief. ¡°Oh, thank you. I hope we both get in.¡±


    ¡°Both of us?¡± My eyebrows shot up in mock confusion. I hadn¡¯t mentioned that I knew she¡¯d been the one to secretly put my name in the running, because I knew she was just trying to help. I also hadn¡¯t told her that I¡¯d found out and that I promptly told Alexander to remove my name.


    Anya¡¯s cheeks flushed. ¡°Well¡­ I mean¡­ Figure of speech¡­¡±


    ¡°Right,¡± I smirked, finishing Lucien¡¯s bottle and standing. ¡°Well, put on your new dress. We¡¯ll head down soon.¡±


    My friend beamed and scurried off, and I shook my head good¨Cnaturedly as I watched her go. Lilith, who was sitting on the other side of the table working on mending a hole in a pair of pants, shot me an arch look. I simply shrugged and made my way up to Lucien¡¯s nursery.


    A little while after noon, Anya and I headed down to the foyer together, where the results were posted. A crowd of young women had already gathered and were swarming the sheet of paper on the wall. Their excited voices were rising to a din.


    ¡°Come on,¡± Anya said, grabbing my hand and pulling me closer. ¡°Let¡¯s get to the front!¡±


    I let her lead me to the bulletin board, shoving our way through the mass of bodies to see the results. I was surprised to find that there were a lot of names on the list; maybe Alexander hadn¡¯t just chosen socialites after


    all.


    But that was probably just another ploy for his public image and only the cream of the crop would make it to the final round. It had to be Sophia, anyway. I still couldn¡¯t get the picture of them drunkenly waltzing out of my head even now, weekster, and I loathed to think of what happened after that.


    Fucking liars. Both of them.


    The list was organized alphabetically byst name. Anya traced her finger along the list in search of her name, then let out a squeal and jumped up and down excitedly.


    ¡°I made it, Ste!¡± she cried, gripping both of my hands in hers. ¡°I made it to the next round!¡±


    My wolf howled in anger and frustration, but I shoved her down. It didn¡¯t matter. It shouldn¡¯t matter. Alexander wasn¡¯t our mate anymore, not technically now that I had a new, unmarked body, and besides¡­ He¡¯d never


    wanted me anyway.


    I forced a smile and pinched my friend¡¯s cheek. ¡°I¡¯m so proud of you. You¡¯re going to do great.¡± Anya beamed. ¡°Even if I only make it this far, it¡¯s still something. I can¡¯t wait to tell my family.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯ll be proud,¡± I said, then turned to leave so the next wave of applications could shove forward in search of their names. But I was just stepping away when something caught my eye further up the list and made my footsteps halt.


    There. In the N section.


    Night, Ste. Omega, Ashw Pack.


    I froze. My name was on the list¡­ The list that I¡¯d specifically asked Alexander to remove me from three weeks


    ago.


    That chauvinistic ass¡­


    ¡°Ste!¡± Anya threw her arm around my shoulders and gave me a squeeze. ¡°You made it to the next round, too!¡± <fn6fbb> ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? f¦É?dn¦Ïvel</fn6fbb>


    Chapter <b>258 </b>


    E

 The Perfect 258

    Chapter <b>258 </b>


    E


    +25 <b>BONUS </b>


    The moment Anya released me from her embrace, I turned on my heel and marched straight out of the foyer.


    Alexander had deliberately left my name on that list after I¡¯d specifically asked him to remove it. He¡¯d ignored my direct request and entered me into his stupid trial anyway, like my opinion didn¡¯t matter. Like I was some prize to be won instead of a person with my own choices.


    I was thest person who wanted to be his Luna. I¡¯d done it once before, and it had been five years of misery and being ignored by the one man I wanted. It had been nice only for a little while before he had to go and lock me up over false evidence.


    And even if that weren¡¯t the case, why would I want topete for the man who had only grieved me for a week before moving on?


    I made it to Alexander¡¯s office a few momentster. Voices were speaking inside, but I didn¡¯t hesitate. Momentarily forgetting my station, I reached for the door handle, just as I had in my past life.


    A hand shot out and grabbed my wrist.


    ¡°What the hell do you think you¡¯re doing, Omega?¡± It was Hunter, the new Beta who looked to be no older than eighteen. Hardly old enough to boss me around. ¡°The Alpha King is in a meeting.¡±


    I whirled toward the Beta, eyes shing, but stopped myself just as I was about to tell him where he could shove his newfound authority.


    Right. I was an Omega now, not the Luna. Thest time I¡¯d tried to show Hunter who was boss, I was sorely reminded of the fact that I had no authority over anyone anymore. Not even the Beta.


    ¡°I need to speak with him,¡± I said curtly. ¡°It¡¯s important.¡±


    Hunter¡¯s lip curled. ¡°Like I said, he¡¯s busy. If it¡¯s really that important, you can make an appointment. But he¡¯s scheduling out several months right now.¡±


    My hands clenched into fists at my sides. ¡°I don¡¯t have time to schedule an appointment. I want to speak with him now.¡±


    Hunter¡¯s eyebrows shot up. ¡°And you are?¡±


    ¡°Ste Night. The nanny. The one you shoved, remember?¡±


    ¡°Ah.¡± Hunter blinked like he didn¡¯t remember the entire incident, which was bullshit. How could he not remember shoving a woman? Was my status really that low now that the Beta couldn¡¯t even recall having a physical altercation with me? ¡°Well, too bad. You have to schedule an appointment if you want to speak with the Alpha King.¡±


    My jaw ticked. The urge to barge past Hunter and pound on Alexander¡¯s office door was almost overwhelming.


    In my previous life, I could have done exactly that. As Luna, I had the authority to interrupt Alexander¡¯s meetings whenever I needed to. The council would have stood and bowed when I entered. Hunter would have


    stepped aside the moment I used my Luna Voice on him.


    But I wasn¡¯t Luna anymore. I was an Omega nanny, and Omega nannies didn¡¯t get to demand audiences <b>with </b><b>the </b>Alpha King, and they certainly didn¡¯t have Luna Voices.


    ¡°Can I just wait here?¡± I asked through gritted teeth. ¡°What I have to say will only take a moment.¡±


    Hunter checked his watch. ¡°The meeting will run for another hour, maybe two. But if you¡¯re so desperate, <b>you </b>can sit over there and wait.¡± He gestured to a hard bench in the hallway.


    I lifted my chin and stormed over to the bench and plopped down, arms folded over my chest. Hunter rolled his eyes<b>, </b>making no effort to hide his disdain, and returned to his post beside the door.


    And so I waited. <fnb383> The source of th?s content is findnovel</fnb383>


    And waited.


    Hunter was right: it was a couple of hours. More than that, in fact.


    I waited for three hours to talk to Alexander.


    I knew I could have waited to talk to Alexanderter that night, and that Lucien probably needed me, but now it was a matter of principle. If I got up now, then Hunter¡¯s point would only be proved. And I couldn¡¯t let that happen.


    Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I heard voicesing from inside the office. The door opened and several men in expensive suits filed out, chatting amongst themselves. I shot to my feet and rushed over.


    <b>2/3 </b>

 The Perfect 259

    Chapter <b>259 </b>


    ¡°Watch it, Omega,¡± one man growled without even looking at me as he nearly mmed into me. I sidestepped out of his way and opened my mouth to say something<b>, </b>but he was already gone.


    I turned to see Alexander standing there with a curious expression on his face. Finally. Now was my chance. <fnf69f> Get full chapters from find?novel</fnf69f>


    ¡°I need to talk to you,¡± I said without a curtsy or a greeting, storming right up to him.


    Alexander looked somewhat taken aback. ¡°About what?¡±


    ¡°About why my name is still on the trial list even though I specifically told you to take me off of it.¡±


    Alexander¡¯s eyebrows went up. ¡°You saw the results?¡±


    ¡°Of course I saw the results. Everyone saw the results. Why did you leave my name on the list when I told you I wasn¡¯t interested?¡±


    ¡°Right.¡± To my surprise, the tips of his ears reddened faintly. ¡°About that¡­ I forgot.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t believe him. He forgot. He forgot.


    Even though I had made it abundantly clear that I wanted no part in this Luna Trial, he had forgotten that I had said anything. Like my words didn¡¯t matter at all.


    ¡°Are you serious?¡± I blurted out.


    He simply shrugged. ¡°Life happens.¡±


    My teeth ground together so hard I thought I might crack them. ¡°Well, you can remove it now,¡± I said curtly. ¡°I already told you I¡¯m not interested in your Luna Trial.¡±


    Alexander studied my face for a moment. I swore I saw the faintest tug of a smile at one corner of his mouth before he said, ¡°Actually, I don¡¯t think I will.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    ¡°Your attitude is indignant and irritating,¡± Alexander said, gesturing at me. ¡°Which is exactly the kind of quality a Luna needs. You¡¯re not intimidated by authority and you speak your mind.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t believe what I was hearing. ¡°I don¡¯t care. I don¡¯t want¡ª¡±


    ¡°I just think you should try making it to the next round of the trial,¡± Alexander cut me off.


    I blinked,pletely taken aback. He was ignoring me. Ignoring what I wanted. I had no intention of running in the trial, and the fact that he was insisting I do it anyway just made the bitterness that had been building in my chest for weeks fester even more.


    ¡°No. I don¡¯t want to enter your stupid¡ª¡±


    ¡°Alpha King?¡± Hunter appeared at Alexander¡¯s elbow before I could finish. ¡°Your four o¡¯clock appointment is here.¡±


    Alexander nced at his watch. ¡°Already? Send them to the conference room. I¡¯ll be right there.¡± He turned back to me. ¡°Good luck in the trial, Ste.¡±


    And just like that, he walked away before I could say another word, leaving me standing in the hallway with my mouth hanging open.


    That arrogant, dismissive bastard. He¡¯dpletely ignored everything I¡¯d said and made the decision for me, like I was a child who didn¡¯t know what was best for herself.


    Fine. If Alexander wanted me in his precious trial so badly, then I¡¯d participate. But I sure as hell wasn¡¯t going to make it easy for him.


    I was going to be the worst candidate in the history of Luna Trials. I was going to embarrass myself so thoroughly that Alexander would have no choice but to eliminate me in the first round. I¡¯d make such a spectacle that he¡¯d regret ever keeping my name on that list.


    The next morning, I was in the kitchen feeding Lucien when I heard the news from Anya., ?


    ¡°The first round of the trial is going to be a hunt,¡± she said, handing me an envelope with my name on it. ¡°Isn¡¯t that fun? I¡¯ve never participated in a hunt before!¡±


    I took the envelope and tore it open, finding the first details of the trial inside. Indeed, the first round would be a hunt held right here on the estate grounds. All one hundred participants wouldpete in the forest, hunting down prey, to make it to the next round of the trial.


    This couldn¡¯t have been more perfect, I realized with a faint smile. I¡¯d spent years walking in these very forests when I was Luna. I knew every trail, every hiding spot, every trick for tracking prey. I could probablyplete this challenge with my eyes closed.


    Which meant I knew exactly how to fail spectacrly.


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