Chapter 2

The wolf in me didn't sleep much anymore.

Not since the mate bond started fraying.

Still, I tried to fake it. I really did. Eyes shut, breathing slow, my inner wolf curled tight like a pup in the corner of my mind. But when the mattress dipped and a familiar warmth pressed against my back, I knew the jig was up.

Arms slid around my waist, and Alpha Martin—my so-called mate, the one who used to make my wolf purr—nuzzled my hair like everything was just peachy.

"Simona," he murmured, his voice all velvet and guilt. "Why aren't you asleep yet?"

"Are you mad at me for missing your birthday today?"

I mumbled, "Got a bit of a headache. Can't fall asleep."

He tensed slightly. After six years together, he could sniff out my lies . But he played along, maybe to soothe his own conscience.

"A headache again?" he asked softly, placing his fingers on my temples. "Let me help."

He started massaging gently, and I hated how good it felt. I hated even more that the gardenia scent clinging to him made my wolf sneeze inside my head.

I could no longer smell our mate bond on him—

the rose and chocolate scent that once drove me crazy with longing was completely gone.

I'd heard that just a few days ago, Alpha Martin had a custom perfume made—he'd asked for something sweet, with a gardenia note, not too cloying.

But I was allergic to my mate's new mistress's favorite flower.

"Martin," I said, swatting his hand away as my skin started to itch. I wrapped myself tightly in the blanket, shielding myself from the scent. "I'm fine. Go rest."

He pulled back. "Simona, are you really mad at me for missing your birthday?"

"I'm just tired," I said. "Don't overthink it. You know I love you."

He looked at me like I was his salvation. Like I still mattered.

"I love you too," he whispered, and then he pulled a little velvet box from his pocket.

Inside was a sapphire bracelet, gleaming under the moonlight. He clasped it around my wrist like it was a promise instead of a bribe.

"There was an important event at the Packhouse today," he said. "I couldn't miss it."

He meant the celebration. The one where everyone toasted him and Luna Yvonne.

My wolf growled low, but I kept her leashed.

Barely.

"Right," I murmured. "Can't miss a public coronation."

He didn't catch the bite in my words. Instead, he leaned in, trailing kisses down my neck, hand brushing over the scar on my stomach.

"Simona," he whispered, "let's have a pup."

My blood turned to ice.

He realized his mistake too late.

Of course he forgot.

Five years ago, Martin was nearly torn apart by rogues. I led the retaliation. I shifted mid-run, leading the Shadow Crown warriors into battle. I found him bleeding under a crumbled wall, a rogue's silver dagger raised above his chest.

I didn't hesitate. I dove in front of him.

That blade didn't hit his heart—but it did destroy my womb.

No shifting could heal it. No wolf magic. Not even the Moon Goddess herself could reverse the price I'd paid to save him.

I couldn't bear pups. Not the natural way, anyway.

But I'd prepared. I'd had my eggs frozen years ago—back when Martin still brought me wildflowers and made my heart race.

Now?

Now he kissed the scar reverently, whispering, "Having you is enough."

Liar.

Minutes later, he fell asleep . His breathing slowed. His hold around me loosened.

I carefully lifted his phone and unlocked it.

Same passcode—my birthday.

The screen lit up, and there I was. Lock screen. Chat pin. Profile photo.

Everyone always said Alpha Martin worshipped me like I was the moon herself.

Yeah, well. Apparently, he prayed at two altars now.

I opened his private photo album.

My wolf let out a low snarl the second the first image loaded.

Martin. Yvonne. Laughing. Hugging. Kissing.

I scrolled through them like I was stabbing myself with every swipe.

"Martin, the pup and I miss you," read Yvonne's last message.

Three months pregnant. And she'd already claimed my Luna crown before the baby even had claws.

I returned his phone, tucked myself into the covers, and turned my back to him.

Then, I booked a ticket to the witch's gathering.

Since the vow was broken,

it was time for me to reclaim what was mine.