Chapter 2

He called Bianca his mate so naturally. Just like he used to when he spoke of me.

But the ache in my soul would have to wait.

Now, my spirit followed Killian's car through the night, back to the home we once shared.

The penthouse apartment at the top of the packhouse.

Killian's private elevator went straight to the top floor. I was met with a jarring sight: gaudy pink decor.

This used to be our cozy home, the one I had decorated with care. Now it looked like a cheap princess room.

"Killian? You're back?"

A sugary sweet voice came from the kitchen.

Bianca Wright ran out, wearing a pink lace apron. She was the picture of fragile beauty that males craved. Slender and delicate, with golden curls and wide, watery blue eyes that always looked as if she might cry at any moment.

"Baby," Killian opened his arms, and Bianca flew into his embrace.

My spirit roared.

That hug used to be mine.

That "baby" used to be me.

"What took you so long?" Bianca cooed, feigning concern as she stroked his chest. "Was there trouble with the pack?"

"Nothing important," Killian said, kissing her forehead. "Just taking out the trash."

Trash.

He was talking about me.

"I made your favorite steak," Bianca said, standing on her toes to give him a light kiss. "And I opened a bottle of red wine. We should celebrate tonight. The mating ceremony is the day after tomorrow. I'm so excited."

Just then, Killian noticed a faint scar on her wrist.

His expression immediately softened with pity. He gently caressed the scar.

"Is it hurting again?" His voice was so tender it made me want to gag.

"It's okay," Bianca said, pretending to be brave, but her eyes filled with tears. "I just... I still remember that day she pushed me. She was so rough. My hand was pierced by a silver blade, there was so much blood…"

I watched her pitiful act, sick with irony.

Bianca. The girl I had saved from rogues, brought back to the pack, and treated like a little sister.

Killian had always been kind to her, for my sake.

I never thought my kindness would nurture a viper at my breast.

I remembered that rainy night three years ago. She was the one who lured me to the cliff's edge with a fake distress call, a rival wolf pack waiting in the shadows behind her.

She was the one who, while I was exhausted from fighting, stabbed her own hand with a silver dagger to frame me.

As I lay dying, my consciousness fading, she stood over me with that same silver dagger.

She dragged it across my face again and again, her voice dripping with venom.

"Die, Selena! I'm so much more beautiful than you. The Moon Goddess must be blind to make you Killian's fated mate. But it doesn't matter. After you're dead, I have plenty of ways to make him choose me."

"Don't worry," Killian said now, kissing her scar, his eyes filled with pain. "It's my fault. I failed to protect you. I didn't see her for who she really was."

"It's not your fault, Killian," Bianca mumbled, burying her face in his chest. "Who would have thought Selena would abandon the pack just to run off with that rogue? When the pack was attacked that day, everyone rushed back to defend it. Only she..."

"Don't say her name," Killian's voice turned to ice.

He pulled the necklace he'd ripped from my body out of his pocket and tossed it on the table.

It landed with a sharp clatter.

The moment Bianca saw the necklace, her eyes widened. She froze.

"Is… is that her crest?" she stammered. "Did you find her?"

"No." Killian poured himself a glass of whiskey and downed it in one gulp. "Found it on a dead rogue's body. Selena probably gave it to her. Too bad she didn't live long enough to wear it."

He said it so casually. But I saw his fist clench under the table, his nails digging into his own flesh.

He was using the most vicious words possible to describe the betrayal he imagined.

Bianca visibly relaxed, then put on a sad face. "How could Selena do that…? This is the honor of the Reynolds family. When she cut me and ran, I should have grabbed her leg and never let go."

Killian stared at the necklace, his expression dark, as if seeing the woman he both loved and hated.

"She has no honor left. Not since she betrayed me and severed our mate bond."

He turned to Bianca, forcing his gaze to soften. "Only you, Bianca. You've been by my side for three years, helping me pick up the pieces, helping the pack recover."

"At the ceremony, I will make you the most honored Luna."

"As for Selena…" Killian closed his eyes, hiding the red glint within. "When I find her, I will make her pay for every scar you have."

I watched, numb with pain.

You'll never find me, Killian.

I'm in that cold morgue, waiting for your order to be turned into a pile of ash.

#