Chapter 2

After returning to the villa, I buried myself under the covers and refused to move the slightest. However, my phone wouldn't stop ringing.

"Ms. Emberhowl, should the lights for the ceremony be white or a softer yellow?"

"Ms. Emberhowl, do you prefer lamb or venison for the main course?"

"Ms. Emberhowl, when should the flowers be delivered to the ballroom?"

I irritably interrupted them. "From now on, just decide everything yourselves and don't call me again."

I used to attach great significance to the mating ceremony and handled every issue myself—from the design of the ballroom to the order dishes would be served. I oversaw every detail and demanded perfection at every step.

But now, I no longer cared and muted the phone.

I didn't know how long I slept before sounds from the lower floor woke me up. When I arrived at the living room, Theron was with a young she-wolf and directing the housekeepers as they carried her suitcases in.

When he spotted me, he turned the she-wolf around and introduced her. "Arynn, this is Mirelle Hollowmaw. We grew up together, and our families are close.

"She's just returned from the Frostfang pack and hasn't found a place to stay yet, so I offered her a room here for a week."

He paused, then added, "Don't worry. She'll move out before our mating ceremony."

Mirelle gave me a gentle smile and politely apologized, "I'm sorry to disturb, Arynn. Were you taking a rest? I'll tell them to keep the noise down."

However, my wolf shouted her inner thoughts, "For fuck's sake, why is she still in bed? Why isn't she out preparing the ballroom? At this rate, when is she gonna finish the preparations?"

My expression must have been grim because after taking a look at my face, she seemed slightly taken aback. Her voice was tinged with hurt.

"Arynn, are you upset? You don't want me here, do you? Maybe I should move out before you and Theron start fighting over me."

Deep down, her thoughts were sharp with triumph. "No way I'm ever gonna move out. Once I'm in, you'll never get rid of me.

"This house and the Nightcrest pack's Alpha are all mine. What do you have to fight me with? Better walk away now, or I'll make sure you regret it!"

Theron stepped in and quickly soothed her. "Of course she's not. Arynn's kind, and she won't fight me over that. You're pregnant, so don't get too worked up."

Then, he turned to me with a displeased frown. "Don't give her attitude. Having her here doesn't affect you anyway.

"Mirelle lost her mate, and she came back only to find herself carrying a pup. Life's been tough on her, so let her stay."

He briefly hesitated and added, "You've worn yourself out these past two months and poured everything into the preparations. Since there isn't much left, let Mirelle handle the finishing touches, while you stay home and get some rest. Don't worry. She'll plan everything just the way you like."

My wolf whispered the truth behind his words in sorrow, "I should leave the final details to Mirelle. That way, she won't have to feel dissatisfied over Arynn's choices."

Their thoughts pierced into me like arrows.

I stayed silent for so long they both thought I'd refuse. And finally, I gently said, "I shall leave the rest to Mirelle then."

If she wanted my mating ceremony, she could have it. I wouldn't waste another breath on someone who no longer belonged to me.

She could have both the mating ceremony and Theron because I was getting out of here!