3

The next morning, Kieran dragged me to the pack's most luxurious hotel, claiming he was throwing me a makeup birthday party.

Within thirty minutes, the media was buzzing with the story. Shadow Pack's Alpha had spent one million dollars on a lavish celebration for his mate. Moonlight roses worth a thousand dollars each covered every surface of the hotel.

The Alpha had even commissioned the pack's witch to create a special healing elixir from century-old herbs—a miraculous potion that could cure any injury or illness. One injection would restore the body to perfect health.

By gifting this priceless elixir to his mate, the Alpha was giving her a second life, declaring to the world that Aria was his one and only love.

Kieran held me close, his eyes full of adoration as he whispered his apology. "Aria, I'm so sorry. I commissioned the witch six months ago, but even rushing, your gift was still a day late."

He carefully placed the ornate box containing the elixir in my hands, his gaze tender. "You're the love of my life. This potion is meant to save your life, but I hope you'll never need to use it."

The box gleamed under the lights, drawing envious stares from everyone present.

"I heard Alpha personally oversaw everything from harvesting the herbs to brewing the potion. A unique gift, a unique gesture, unique love—truly a 'true mate' bond."

"Remember when you doubted this relationship? You said Alpha was just infatuated, that they weren't suited for each other, that she'd get hurt? Look at them now—with real love, nothing else matters."

"I'm so jealous of Mrs. Blackwood. Having an Alpha whose world revolves around her. Unlike me—I spend every day dealing with my mate's mistresses."

Someone nudged her, nodding toward the entrance. "Speaking of mistresses, looks like one just walked in."

Everyone turned to look. Mrs. Blackwood smirked. "That one's not mine. My mate could never land someone that beautiful."

The crowd laughed, but no one noticed how pale I'd become.

Scarlett glided toward us in a slinky dress, completely ignoring me as she approached Kieran. She handed him a thermos container.

"Alpha, your old injury is acting up again. You haven't taken today's medicine yet. If you don't follow my treatment plan properly, there won't be a second healing elixir to save your life."

Her pointed words made Kieran freeze for several seconds before he awkwardly drained the container in one gulp.

Scarlett calmly took back the thermos. As she turned to leave, she made a show of adjusting her plunging neckline. The pack wives quickly noticed the ruby necklace at her throat.

"Oh, she's Shadow Pack's healer. But look at that ruby necklace—doesn't it look exactly like the healing stone Alpha Kieran bought at the auction?"

The speaker clapped a hand over her mouth too late. Everyone stared at Kieran and me in uncomfortable silence.

Scarlett smiled graciously. "Don't be silly. This is just a regular gemstone my boyfriend gave me. Nothing expensive—red is just my lucky color. I value the sentiment more than the cost. Though really, who could compete with Alpha's devotion? No gift compares to a life-saving elixir."

She paused at the door. "I won't keep you. I have a date tonight."

Kieran's voice carried clear displeasure. "Dr. White, in the future, please dress more appropriately when you come to see me. And don't comment on my relationship with my mate. You're not worthy."

His protective display quickly restored the party's cheerful atmosphere. But my heart had sunk to the ocean floor.

Standing close to Scarlett, I was the only one who could see the brilliant fire reflecting from the ruby at her throat.

My phone buzzed with new messages.

"He said this stone reminds him of my wolf's eyes. He was mesmerized the first time he saw them."

"I love it too. What about you, Luna?"

"The one and only life-saving elixir—want to bet whether there's really just one?"