Chapter 2

When I returned to Sylvan's room, he had already cried himself to sleep.

In his dreams, he called out, "Dad… you promised you'd teach me how to shoot, so I could become the bravest warrior…"

My heart tightened as I held him close.

Poor little guy. He loved his father so much that he was still calling for him even in his sleep. But his father… his father was waiting for another pup. Sylvan had sat at the shooting range all night, hoping Kaelen would come back, but he never did.

As I recalled what had happened, I pulled out the phone I had carefully stolen earlier. It had taken a lot of effort, but I had managed. I opened the message my father had just sent me.

[Come to Silvercreek in seven days. I'll send someone to pick you up.]

Years ago, I had eloped with Kaelen. My father never approved of him. He had been furious, and he threatened to never speak to me again. But when I sent word and said I wanted to come home, my father agreed without question.

I kissed Sylvan's cheek gently.

"Sylvan, sweetheart, there's a better shooting range at Grandpa's house. You don't need a father like Kaelen."

And I was done with a mate like him.

-

In the middle of the night, I felt a pair of hands wrap around me. The familiar scent of birch and bloodrose—Lydia's favorite perfume—hit me like a wave.

"Violetta, I've missed you," Kaelen whispered.

I pushed him away violently, choking back a dry heave.

"Are you… with pup?" His eyes widened in shock.

I couldn't help but laugh bitterly. "Kaelen, it's been four months and 17 days since you last touched me."

I glanced at my flat stomach. "Or do the werewolves of Grayswood Pack have the ability to breed someone from a distance?"

Kaelen looked away, suddenly embarrassed.

"I've been neglecting you," he admitted, his voice softer. "I won't visit Lydia this week. I'll stay with you."

Lydia. He spoke her name so casually now. There was no longer any pretense, no more formal title like "Luna" that he used to use to show respect.

That facade had long since been ripped away.

His large hand began to slide across my body, a movement that made me instinctively want to stop him. But just as I was about to pull away, a loud knock came from the door.

"Mr. Kaelen, Luna's having heart palpitations. She wants you to come right away!"

Kaelen quickly got up, but then paused, as if remembering something. He turned back toward me, his face full of hesitation.

"Violetta, Luna's not feeling well. I need to…"

I didn't stop him. Instead, I handed him a flashlight. "It's dark outside. Don't trip on your way there."

He took the flashlight, his brow furrowed with confusion. He must have expected me to start another argument.

There was an inexplicable look in his eyes. "Violetta, you…"

Without waiting for him to finish, I shoved him out the door.

"You should go. Don't keep the precious Luna waiting."

I slammed the door shut behind him.