Chapter 2

"Halen, your applicationhas been approved. In seven days, you can leave the Blood Claw Pack and head to the North."

I stared at the transfer order from the Healer’s Association on my phone and wiped the last of the tears from my eyes. Leaving was my only choice. I still had my father to think about. He was old and frail, living on my salary in a small cabin on the pack’s outskirts.

I knew how Domine operated. A man like him wasn't someone a person like me could fight. If he was determined to ruin me, I was too small to stop him. All I could do was take my father and run. I booked our border passes immediately. In seven days, I would be gone for good.

When I pushed open the door to our rental, Domine was busy in the kitchen.

"Halen, you’re back?" he said without looking up. "Dinner’s almost ready."

I looked at the dishes on the table. Every single one was a favorite of mine. Now, they just made me feel sick. The man in front of me wore a standard Delta warrior uniform, sleeves rolled up to reveal his powerful forearms. He looked so ordinary. It was impossible to reconcile this man with the Alpha of the Moonlight Pack.

"Halen, why are you just standing there?" He gently guided me into a chair, his eyes full of warmth and expectation. I coldly pushed away the plate he handed me.

"I’m not hungry."

Domine immediately dropped his chopsticks and reached out to touch my forehead. "What’s wrong? Are you feeling okay?"

I looked him straight in the eyes and spoke. "Domine, I want you to mark me."

Not some grand ceremony. Right here. Right now. One bite to let everyone know I belonged to him.

The air in the room turned to ice. Domine pulled his hand back, his expression hardening. "Halen, stop it. I told you,I've invited all my friends and family; the entire Moonlight Pack will witness our ceremony. This is exactly what I wanted."

His tone was commanding, leaving no room for argument. Since when did a Delta warrior carry that kind of authority?

Perhaps realizing he was being too harsh, Domine softened his voice and placed a piece of fish in my bowl. "Halen, I’ll give you anything you want... anything except marking you right now."

Buzz—Buzz—

Domine’s phone vibrated. His entire body went rigid. I saw the flash of guilt in his eyes. My heart sank.

"Halen, there’s an emergency at the pack. A rogue sighting at the border. I have to go." Domine scrambled to his feet, grabbing his jacket. "Eat without me. I’ll be back as soon as I can."

He practically bolted out the door. As it slammed shut, I looked at the dinner he’d made and laughed. It was a bitter, hollow sound. I had seen the caller ID clearly. It wasn't an emergency. It was a message from Ella.

I’d heard from my friend at the Moonlight Pack several weeks ago that Ella had returned. She claimed she’d been studying abroad. Now I understood. Domine had been with me for three years just waiting for her to come back.

Ever since Ella returned, Domine had been "working late" constantly. We hadn't had a real conversation in two weeks. We hadn't touched each other at all.

I went into the bedroom and pulled an old crate from under the bed.

It held everything of value I owned: a few rare healing potions, some silver coins, and a Moonlight Herb. I had found the herb by chance on patrol; it was worth a fortune.

I had planned to give it to Domine as a mating gift. Now, I’d have to sell it to fund our escape.

Seven days. That’s all I had. I had to get my father out of here before the Mating Ceremony.

I heard footsteps outside. Domine was back. I shoved the crate back under the bed.

"Halen?" Domine walked in, holding a small box. "I got you something."

He handed it to me. In the market, it was worth at least five thousand gold coins.

"I remember you saying you wanted one," he whispered.

But I knew the truth. This gift was likely just to keep me healthy enough to keep "providing" for Ella.

"Thanks," I forced a smile. "I love it."

Domine looked relieved and reached out to hug me. I instinctively flinched away. His arms froze in mid-air, a flash of hurt crossing his face.

"Halen, what’s going on?" he asked. "You’ve been acting strange all night. Are you sick? Should I take you to the medical center?"

I shook my head. "No, I’m just tired. You should get some rest too."

"Halen." Domine grabbed my hand, looking at me with dead seriousness. "Trust me, our Mating Ceremony will be incomparable."

"I know," I said flatly. "I 'believe' you."

Satisfied, Domine kissed my forehead. "Goodnight, my Halen."

He stepped out and closed the door. I heard him on the phone in the living room. His voice was low, but my hearing was sharp.

"Everything is going according to plan... she doesn't suspect a thing... in seven days, I’ll mark you in front of everyone... yes, I love you, Ella..."

I closed my eyes. Tears fell silently into the dark.

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