Caught in a Web With No Way Out

My wolf had a rare mine-reading gift—she could hear the truth behind any lie. And that was how I could always tell who was being genuine.Beneath harmless fibs and malicious deceit, I could always find the ones worth trusting.But that was one exception—Theron Shadewound. From the day we met, he'd never lied to me, be it white lies or cruel deception. Throughout two years of knowing and loving him, my wolf heard nothing from his heart, until just a month before our mating ceremony. That was when my wolf heard his inner voice.I'd spend two months preparing the venue and pouring my heart into the details when Theron suddenly appeared at the ballroom. He'd given me a genuine compliment."This is stunning, Arynn. A month from now, our mating ceremony will leave everyone in awe."That was when my wolf screamed, "He's lying!"Then, his thoughts rang in my ears. "I had Arynn set it up according to Mirella's taste. She'll love the mating ceremony next week."Mirelle? Mating ceremon

After leaving the villa, I headed for the city hall to file my pack withdrawal request. In a week, I'd be free from the Nightcrest pack and leave this place for good.I handed over all the work at the ballroom and quietly started closing my affairs in the pack. Once I was out of here, I knew I was never coming back.Suddenly, Theron wasn't busy anymore and spent every day by Mirelle's side. Worried about her health, he hired two bodyguards to protect her at all times."Don't tire yourself out. The ballroom manager can handle the details. You like Cresthorn Bloom from The Obsidian Woods? I'll have them flown in."He gently, considerately arranged everything for her comfort, while I watched from the shadows and bitterly realized that two months of effort had been nothing but a joke.When I first took over the decoration of the ballroom, he'd frowned and dismissed my excessive concerns."The ballroom staff are way more familiar with the flow of the mating ceremony than you are. Ther

"What did you just say?"Theron's face was drained of color. The words tore out of him like a roar in disbelief, and his chest seized with so much pain it felt as though a hammer had struck his heart.He forced himself to calm down and staggered toward the door, only for his knees to nearly buckle. Harkon rushed to catch him before he collapsed to the floor.Lifting her gown, Mirelle appeared and blocked his way. "Where are you going, Theron? The mating ceremony is about to begin."She looked radiant in her wedding gown. It was an even grander version of mine that had been destroyed. It made her stand out almost like a stunning fairy, but Theron had no eyes for her beauty."Stop the mating ceremony for now. Arynn's plane went down, and I have to find her!"His face was unusually pale as he forced the words out to Mirelle. Toward the end of his words, his eyes welled up with tears.Mirelle's heart leapt. She'd just wanted me gone and hadn't dreamed I might be dead. Delight sparke

Mirelle assumed that playing weak would result in Theron being soft and pitying her like he used to. However, to her surprise, terror flashed across his face."Take off that wedding gown now! If Arynn sees you in it, she'll be furious!"He knew what that gown meant to me and couldn't imagine how much sorrow I'd be in if I saw another woman wearing it at his mating ceremony. Was that what drove me away—straight into the disaster of the plane crash?Theron crushed the thought as soon as it popped up in his mind. No way! He believed I was just hiding nearby, stewing in anger. I loved him too much to leave the Nightcrest pack. Almost immediately, his hand shot to Mirelle's throat, and his gaze flashed with a sharp, vicious glint. "I'll investigate whether this was your doing. You'd better pray that it wasn't. If it was, I'll make sure you regret it, though."Mirelle's face turned purple as she gasped for breath, only to have him throw her onto the floor. A fit of coughs broke out,

Theron's eyes widened in agitation. His words caught in his throat as he doubled over in a coughing fit until his eyes were red and bloodshot."Arynn, I swear there was never anything between me and Mirelle! I only helped her because we grew up together, and she lied to me! She was never carrying a pup!"Suddenly, Theron broke down and choked out. "Arynn, I've missed you so much… When your plane went down, I thought you were dead…"At first, I refused to believe it and searched everywhere for you for so long. But when the airline confirmed your name and details, I had no choice but to accept it…"Recalling that memory brought a sharp, throbbing pain to his chest as he continued, "They never found your body, and I've been living on with that sliver of hope all these years."His eyes locked on mine and brimmed with affection. "Arynn, you're the only one I've ever loved. I hurt you trying to help a friend, so could you forgive me for the sake of my love? Let's start over, shall we?"