Chapter 5

Vanya's POV

To my surprise, Theodore didn't press for further reasons.

I received a verbal commitment from him. Although I couldn't say I was completely reassured, I wasn't panicked either.

I knew Theodore was a man of his word. Once he promised something, he was likely to follow through.

As for me, I planned to keep Theodore's identity a deep secret, never to be revealed to others in the pack.

After all that, I dragged my exhausted body to the bathtub, craving a good soak to ease my tense nerves.

As the warm water gradually covered my body, my thoughts began to drift.

After the initial panic, I gradually calmed down.

After my bath, I locked the bedroom door.

I was well aware of where Cliff was at this hour. He was with Melinda, undoubtedly.

Although my wolf was still restless, strangely, there was no pain from the betrayal of my mate.

I knew Cliff wouldn't engage in overly intimate actions with Melinda just yet.

But this restraint wouldn't last long.

Soon, he would indulge his wolf and completely succumb to the allure of his true mate, even betraying our oath.

However, at this moment, there was no pain in my heart.

I couldn't help but wonder why I was so calm, even though Cliff and I hadn't rejected each other.

His wolf seemed unable to affect me as it once had. Everything seemed so strange.

The next day, I woke up to the faint light of dawn.

I was still lying on the familiar bed, marveling at the miracle of the Moon Goddess.

At that moment, there was a sound from the bedroom door, followed by urgent knocking and Cliff's angry voice, "What the hell, Vanya! Why did you lock the door? Open it now!"

I got up leisurely and opened the door.

Cliff stood at the door, his face flushed with anger in his eyes.

"What's the matter?" I asked.

He stared at me fiercely, then slowly approached me.

I could feel his breathing becoming rapid.

Suddenly, he lowered his head and sniffed at my neck, the warm breath making me slightly uncomfortable.

"I think I can mark you again, to strengthen our bond. Maybe then, I'll have enough power to reject Melinda," he said in a deep, husky voice, with a hint of probing.

I rejected him without hesitation, even feeling a bit of disgust. "No need. Where were you yesterday, with Melinda?"

Cliff snorted impatiently and turned to leave. "None of your business. I have a werewolf gathering to attend in a few days."

"Should I be with you?" I asked.

"You don't need to," he said without turning back.

I watched his hurried departure and sneered inwardly.

In the previous life, he took Melinda to the gathering. Since we had just become mates for less than a month, many werewolves didn't know that I was his Luna.

They mistook Melinda for the Luna, causing me endless humiliation.

But this time, I wouldn't let the same thing happen.

I found my best friend, Maggie, one of the few people in Silver Moon I could trust.

"Maggie, I want you to take me to get a dress made in your name," I said. "I can't let Cliff know I'm going to the werewolf gathering."

Maggie looked at me, puzzled. "Vanya, why don't you just reject him? Why bother with all this?"

I sighed gently and looked into her eyes, "It's not that simple. He won't agree to my rejection. We've only been married for a month. It would also be a blow to my father's pack."

Maggie held my hand.

Then I came to the Packhouse and just happened to meet the tailor leaving.

Pretending to know nothing, I asked Jenny, "Jenny, what's going on?"

Jenny opened her mouth, seemingly wanting to tell me something, but helplessly closed it again.

"It's Alpha Cliff. He saw that I was too pitiful, with no decent clothes. If I attend any gathering, it would embarrass the pack, so he had someone make a couple of dresses for me," Melinda said weakly.

I sneered inwardly.

What chance did a rogue have to represent the pack at a gathering? She just wanted to imply something to me.

I walked up to Melinda with a friendly smile on my face. "That's great. You must choose well and dress beautifully."

Melinda was obviously taken aback by my actions.

Other members of the pack around us also looked surprised.

Some werewolves' eyes widened in disbelief at what was happening; others frowned, their faces full of confusion, clearly not understanding why I was so kind to this woman who openly broke my marriage.

Pretending not to see their reactions, I continued to smile at Melinda. "Melinda, you're new here and may not be used to it yet. But don't worry, in our pack, everyone will take good care of you."

I gently patted her shoulder, my movements soft and natural.

Melinda finally came to her senses, forcing a smile and saying, "Thank you... Thank you, Luna Vanya, for your concern. I just don't want to cause any trouble."