Chapter 1

Adrian didn't return until morning, reeking of alcohol.

The moment he walked in, I noticed the marks on his neck. My heart sank.

He didn't even register the look on my face. He just opened his arms and moved to embrace me from behind.

The overpowering scent of perfume hit me like a wall, and my stomach turned.

I shoved him away and pointed at the red marks on his neck. "What are those?"

Adrian froze. He glanced in the mirror, and the drunken haze vanished from his eyes in an instant.

But he recovered quickly, strolling toward me with an easy smile. "Oh, that? I was out drinking with the business partners last night. Must've bumped into something."

"I put in a lot of effort to close this deal. I'm the Alpha, after all — it's my responsibility."

He sounded so self-righteous. But I knew it was nothing but an excuse for his betrayal.

Since he wanted to lie to my face, I saw no point in pressing the matter.

There was another meeting that day, but my allergic reaction hadn't eased at all. My face was covered in blisters, and I had no choice but to wear a mask.

In the conference room, I pushed through the discomfort and discussed the project with the visiting Alpha, while across the table, Vivian draped herself over Adrian — poking his cheek one moment, playing with his hair the next.

In front of everyone. In front of Alphas from other packs. They were all over each other without a shred of shame.

Every time, Adrian would pretend to scold her, swatting her hand away with an indulgent smile. "Cut it out. We're in a meeting. Keep your hands to yourself."

Vivian pouted. "This meeting's been going on forever. I'm so bored."

"Be good. Once the meeting's over, I'll take you shopping for new clothes."

This negotiation was critical for the pack — whether we secured the partnership would shape its future.

So I pretended I hadn't seen their disgusting display and continued presenting to the other Alphas.

When I turned to gather my documents, a tear fell onto the back of my hand.

After our mating ceremony, Adrian had been devoted to me in every way — except one thing he would never compromise on: his pack.

His management was ruthless. He tolerated no mistakes. Even I, his Luna, was forbidden from disturbing him during business meetings.

Yet he let another she-wolf cling to him and whine, and he didn't mind at all — he actually seemed to enjoy it.

I pulled myself together and continued the presentation.

In the end, my pitch convinced a major pack to agree to a partnership.

But the moment I produced the contract, everyone's jaw dropped.

I stood there, frozen. Someone had scrawled "For sale — two dollars" across every page of the contract I'd prepared.

The handwriting was unmistakably Vivian's. And she was sitting right there, still looking pleased with herself, completely oblivious to the disaster she'd caused.

Adrian's expression darkened. He stood and told Vivian to apologize.

"Vivian. Apologize."

Vivian stamped her foot, throwing a tantrum. "Why should I apologize? I didn't know the contract was important! It was sitting on your desk — I thought it was scrap paper, so I doodled on it."

"You told me I could use anything in your office! And why aren't you blaming Sophia? If this contract was so important, why didn't she keep it safe? You're all ganging up on me!"

Adrian grabbed her wrist, trying to calm her down.

But Vivian yanked free, tears streaming down her face. "You promised you'd only bring me on this trip! Why did you have to add Sophia at the last minute? She's the Luna — she should stay home cooking and doing laundry. What business does she have meddling in pack affairs?"

"Since you've chosen Sophia over me, fine — I'll leave! You two can have your little meeting together!"

She spun around and stormed out.

"Vivian!"

Adrian panicked, rushing after her.

When he caught up and saw her trembling, his anger melted away. The harsh words on his lips dissolved into comfort. "Alright, alright. It's okay. It's not your fault. Don't cry."