2. A Charm, Hot Best Friend

Savannah …

“Welcome back to our home, Savannah.”

Leah picked up the only bag I had brought with me from Rowan's residence. We arrived at our home, Crimson Moon Packhouse. All the time, I never told Rowan about my own path, fearing my status would bruise his fragile ego. I never lived in the pack since high school. I chose to wander and search for my life, only to get stuck in a toxic relationship with Rowan.

"Will Dad accept me back, Leah?"

Leah, my sister. She always supported me, even when my family opposed my wishes.

"You have always been his favorite, Savannah. He's angry because he wanted so much more for you. Don't worry. He's waiting inside."

I stopped for a while and turned to Leah.

"Did you tell Dad?"

"How could I not tell him that his daughter was finally coming home? He's so excited, Sister."

This was a good start. I had no more worries. So, I stepped inside to see my dad, who was waiting for me in the grand hall.

“My daughter. You came back.”

I ran to my dad, hugged him so tightly. With tears of joy blurred my vision as we embraced.

“I’m sorry for not listening to you all this time, Dad. Rowan is a real jerk.”

"I don't blame you. You were young back then. Now is the time to start over."

I hesitated whether I should tell my dad about my pregnancy, but …

"What's wrong, Savannah? Why do you look so gloomy?"

"I'm so sorry, Dad, but… I'm pregnant with Rowan's child."

“Fuck Rowan! All this time he thought you were barren, and it turns out he was the one wrong!”

“I don’t want Rowan to know about my pregnancy, Dad. I don’t want my child to have a father like him.”

My dad gently cubbed my face. Today I realized that there is no love as genuine as that from family.

“Don’t worry. That bastard Rowan will never know about your pregnancy. Are you ready to leave him for good, Honey?”

“I want a divorce, Dad.”

“Good. It's the best way for you, Honey. Our lawyer will take care of everything.”

I smiled so happily at my dad, who had handled everything so easily. I was relieved to finally be free from this tragic chapter of my life.

“Thanks, Dad.”

***

“Cillian?” I was surprised to hear Leah mention a name I hadn’t heard for a long time.

Cillian Blackwood, my childhood friend from the Crescent Moon Pack. He rose to become the most powerful Alpha on the continent.

“He’s not married and doesn’t have a mate yet. You have to come to the event.”

I smiled bitterly, shook my head. “It would be awkward. The last time we met, he was mad at me.”

Leah pulled me, directing my gaze to the large mirror in my room, which I hadn’t visited in a long time.

“What are you worried about? Cillian could have gotten married a long time ago, but he didn’t. He only loves one woman.”

I narrowed my eyes, shook my head.

"Don't speculate, Leah."

"That's because you're blind and covered by Rowan. Cillian is the perfect guy. The most powerful Alpha on this continent. Many women flirt with him, but his heart is like ice, cold and untouchable."

I tried to shrug Leah's arms from around my shoulders.

"That has nothing to do with me, Leah."

"Oh, come on, Savannah. Don't go back to being your careless and foolish self like before. Cillian didn't marry because of you. He loves you. That's why he was so angry when you left!"

Leah was emotional, and I didn't understand why she was reacting like that.

"Well..."

"I've prepared the best dress for you. You should come to the Crescent Moon Pack's annual party. That's final."

I had no right to refuse Leah's request. She had done so much for me.

"Alright, Sister."

***

I entered the venue of the annual party held by the Crescent Moon Pack. Leah came with me, but like most young wolves. She mingled with the other young wolves at this party. My dad came, but he certainly had other plans to meet with important pack members. I didn't want my dad to be distracted by me.

And here I am. Outsider. Alone in the middle of the party. I'm quite used to parties like this because Rowan often holds them, but he always ignores my presence.

I headed to one of the tables serving drinks. I couldn't drink alcohol while there was a life inside me that I had to protect.

I took some orange juice and turned around. However, I wasn't paying attention to my surroundings, so I couldn't avoid someone who was passing by. The orange juice I was holding immediately spilled onto his expensive gray suit.

"Oh, crap. I am so sorry..."

"Sav..."

A baritone voice, deep and heavy, greeted me softly. I looked up soon. A man's face was right in front of me. His blue eyes shone as he looked at me, his firm jaw contrasting with his thin lips, which curved into a sincere smile for me.

"Cillian..." For some reason, I felt lost for words when I saw my old friend.

Four years without knowing how he was doing. And now Cillian had turned into a mature man with deadly charm. Oh my god. He is not the boy I grew up with.

“You’re here.”

He shrugged his shoulders back, standing tall and distant. His gaze turned cold as he surveyed the surroundings.

“Where is your husband?”

I tried to smile, though it felt bitter.

“He’s not with me.”

"Oh, really? Aren't you always glued to him?" The sarcasm was clearly directed at me, who at that time chose to leave rather than stay here.

I didn't want to respond. Talking about Rowan felt like open to my wound.

"What's going on, Sav?"

"Huh?" I lifted my chin, trying to cheer myself up. "Nothing, just..."

"Cillian! I thought you were with the girls… "

Leah suddenly appeared, wrapped her arm easily around Cillian's as if he were her beloved younger sister.

"Have you heard the most spectacular news?"

Cillian snorted and then smiled. Occasionally his eyes stole a glance at me.

"What news?"

"My sister is about to be a free woman!"

Leah was so proud to announce my situation. Meanwhile, I wasn't ready for the roast. Cillian blinked several times and then looked at me again, but not just a glance. He looked at me longer.

"You’re getting divorced?"

I bit my lip. It was difficult to answer. The shame and regret instantly spread through me. Cillian was a friend who knew everything about me.

We had promised to remain friends even though we had mates. But I betrayed that promise. Not because I didn't want to be friends with him. It was because at that time Rowan wouldn't allow me to be friends with men.

Cillian approached me. He took my hand and led me away from here.

"Cillian, what are you doing? Where the hell are you taking me?"

"Shut up and tell me everything!"