Chapter 1

"Aria's coming back to the pack? How did I not know about this?"

Garrett's eyes went wide, and I could see the joy spreading across his face.

"She just decided recently. Didn't you give her that moonstone pendant blessed by the Moon Goddess last month?"

From their conversation, I learned so many things I'd never known.

After bringing me wildflowers, he would send Aria expensive gifts.

He reported his daily activities to her religiously.

He gave her special presents on every anniversary.

During our three years together, Aria had received his attention on every important occasion.

For all of my important days, he was completely absent.

"Sage, I'm sorry," Garrett said. "This is all for our future."

Everyone knew he had a mate.

But because of Garrett's deliberate secrecy, no one knew it was supposed to be me.

Only now did I understand.

Garrett had given all his open affection to Aria.

I remembered all the times Marcus had complained about Garrett to me.

He'd been frustrated that Garrett kept dumping pack duties on him because of his "relationship."

"Garrett's impossible. He abandons patrol shifts just to chase after some female."

"Garrett ordered flowers for that she-wolf again. Their lovesick behavior is nauseating."

"Garrett this, Garrett that..."

Every time Marcus vented, my heart had soared with sweetness.

I'd even defended Garrett, telling Marcus to be patient because finding a true mate wasn't easy.

Now I realized my understanding had been weaving a wedding dress for another she-wolf.

"What about that crazy female who's been chasing you? When she finds out about you and Aria, she'll probably lose her mind."

Someone posed the question to Garrett.

Garrett looked at me, his eyes flickering.

"She won't. I'll make things clear to her."

"The one I've loved from the beginning has always been Aria."

"She kept pursuing me, and I had no choice but to agree."

Like the pathetic she-wolf I was, I ran.