Chapter 9

Agatha’s POV

Thank goodness he didn’t accept my mom’s offer.

Fenrik and his annoying behavior... always popping up where I don’t need him.

Why is he here, anyway? It should be Rhunar taking care of me. He’s the one who’s supposed to protect me. But instead, he’s off… with his in-laws.

Ugh. Did I really just think that?

No. No way. Lya is not taking Rhunar from me.

He’s mine.

My destined mate.

My forever mate.

The Moon Goddess doesn’t make mistakes. She chose us to be together. That should mean something… right?

If only Rhunar had accepted the bond. If he saw me as more than just a friend, none of this would’ve happened. I wouldn’t be stuck in this mess, I wouldn’t have kissed Fenrik, and there wouldn’t have been a fight at Lya’s birthday.

“Honey, do you want me to help you up to your room?” my mom’s voice cut through my thoughts.

“Yes, mom,” I said quietly, letting her offer her hand as we slowly made our way up the stairs.

“Poor Fenrik,” she said, her tone soft. “I wonder how he’s feeling now. He must be so lonely at the pack house…”

I rolled my eyes, holding onto the railing. “Mom, Fenrik’s not a child. And he’s not your responsibility anymore. You don’t work at the pack house anymore, remember?”

We reached the hallway, and I opened my bedroom door. The familiar scent of home greeted me. I stepped inside and smiled a little. Everything was exactly as I left it—my bed, my books, my soft pillow waiting.

“Mmm, I missed this,” I murmured, sinking onto the bed.

But my mom stayed by the door, her hand still on the knob, her expression thoughtful.

“Still, Agatha… that boy has been through a lot. I see it in his eyes. He might smile and joke around, but deep down?” Her voice softened even more. “He’s hiding something. Something heavy. He needs someone who can be there for him.”

I pulled the blanket over my legs. “Fenrik isn’t in pain, Mom. He just acts like a clown. That’s probably why he’s not Alpha.”

She didn’t answer. Just stood there, staring ahead like she was remembering something. Something that hurt.

Her eyes looked glassy, like they held back old tears.

“Mom?” I asked, sitting up slightly. “Are you okay?”

She wiped her face quickly and gave a small smile. “Yes, sweetie. I’m fine. You rest, alright? I’ll go make something for you to eat.”

Before I could ask again, she turned and left the room in a hurry.

She was definitely hiding something.

The way she looked just now… like a memory had cut her deep.

Does she know something about Fenrik?

Or the pack house?

Something I don’t?

For a whole week, I was stuck in bed.

No visitors. No surprises. No Rhunar.

He didn’t come to see me.

Not even once.

I sent him messages. He read them—but never replied.

Not even a simple “I’m busy.”

The only people who checked on me were Linda and Ryan—two of my coursemates. And then… there was that one unknown number.

Whoever it was kept sending me funny little emojis. Random, silly ones. A dancing cat. A grinning wolf. A clumsy penguin tripping over ice. I never replied, but somehow, those messages made me smile. They made my days feel less quiet. Less empty.

But today, I couldn’t stay home.

My course exam was scheduled for today. No excuses. I couldn’t miss it, not with the next semester coming fast.

I adjusted my bag over my shoulder and called out, “Mom, I’m heading out!”

From the kitchen, she replied, “Wait! I already called a ride for you—it’ll be here soon.”

“What? Mom, I’m fine now, I swear,” I said, standing by the door.

“No,” she said firmly, appearing with a cup of tea in her hand. “I need someone to watch over you. What if something happens again?”

I sighed, annoyed. “You’re wasting money calling rides!”

“It’s not a ride. It’s a favor,” she said, not even blinking. “Someone offered to drive you to school.”

I narrowed my eyes. “Who, Mom?”

She smiled and sipped her tea. “Somebody.”

“Mom…” I repeated slowly. “Who?”

I already had a feeling.

A very annoying feeling.

Before she could speak again, a loud honk echoed outside the house.

I froze.

I knew that sound.

Fenrik.

I groaned, stepping away from the door like it had betrayed me. “Why, Mom?” I said, turning toward her with a frustrated stomp of my foot.

She set her cup down calmly. “He said he wants to help. He’s going to be your chauffeur until you fully recover.”

“Seriously? I’m already better. I don’t need a driver, especially him.”

The door swung open before she could answer.

“Oh wow,” a familiar voice said. “Trying to be independent now, are we?”

I turned and saw Fenrik walk right in like he owned the place. His black hoodie was half-zipped, his messy hair pushed back, and that usual smirk sitting on his face.

I glared at him. “Ever heard of knocking?”

He looked me straight in the eyes. “Of course. But why knock when your mom told me I’m always welcome here?”

He winked at her. My mom giggled and waved her hand like he was her favorite child.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” I muttered, folding my arms tightly across my chest.

But somehow, a few minutes later, I found myself sitting in the passenger seat of Fenrik’s car, heading straight to school. Against my will.

I glared at the window, refusing to look at him.

“Seriously, this is not fair. What are you trying to do here, Fenrik?” I asked, my voice sharper than I intended.

“Easy,” he said, eyes fixed on the road. “Just doing your mom a favor, omega.”

“Mom a favor? What kind of favor? I told you—I’m fine now.”

He didn’t answer. He just kept driving like this was the most normal thing in the world.

I crossed my arms again. “And why is your brother too busy to pick up my calls, huh? He reads them, ignores them. What’s going on?”

Fenrik let out a dry laugh. “Do I look like my brother’s keeper? Must I remind him, Hey Rhunar, your precious crush is texting—please respond?”

I huffed. “Ugh, you’re impossible—wait, my phone’s ringing.”

“Pick it up,” he said, not even glancing my way. “Could be Prince Charming.”

I reached into my bag, but the screen had already gone black. Missed call. Course mate Linda . Just great.

I shoved the phone back.

Then, Fenrik spoke again—this time with a calmness that made the next words hit like a punch.

“Oh. Almost forgot. Congrats.”

I blinked. “What?”

“Your prince and Lya? They’re engaged,” he said casually, like he was reading the weather.

My heart dropped. “What?!”

I sat up straight, staring at him. “Are you serious right now?!”

“Oh boy,” he muttered under his breath.

And just like that, he reached forward and turned up the music—loud.

Too loud.

He stared at the road, pretending not to hear the sound of my world shattering beside him.