Chapter 3

I was watching the moving dot on my phone when my mother's call came through.

"Elara, how's the registration going?"

Her voice was warm as always. I could hear the kitchen in the background.

"I went to the market early this morning. Got the venison you loved when you were little. Had the kitchen put a stew on too."

"You said you'd come home after the registration, right? Lunch is all ready."

I held the phone. Went quiet for a few seconds before answering softly. "Mom, I'm not done here yet."

The other end went noticeably careful.

"Did something go wrong?"

"Is there a problem at the registry? Or... did Lucian get called away for pack business?"

"If today's not a good day, we'll just pick another moon phase. No rush. I'll talk to your father."

Hearing that, my nose stung out of nowhere.

"Mom, it's not about the date."

I fought to keep the roughness out of my voice.

"Just a small issue with the registration."

"Then don't worry about it."

She jumped in right away to comfort me.

"The Mate Bond can happen anytime. Don't fight with Lucian over this."

"If he's got pack business, let him go. Just be there for him."

I lowered my eyes. All these years, she'd always made excuses for Lucian. Always reminded me not to make things hard for him.

That's when a hand reached from behind me and took my phone.

I looked up. Lucian was standing behind me.

His expression was casual. Even had a hint of a smile.

"Ma'am, it's me."

"Don't worry, Elara's just being a little moody. If we can't make today's registration, we'll come back another time."

My mother rushed to agree. "Of course, of course. You two have your own plans."

"There's plenty of food. If you're late, I'll just keep it warm."

Lucian glanced at the time. Clearly getting impatient.

"We've still got things to handle here. I'll let you go."

He cut the call.

I watched him hand the phone back and felt the last bit of warmth in my chest go cold.

He didn't even know my mother hadn't finished her last sentence.

Someone nearby teased.

"Elara, your mom is so good to Lucian."

"She went all out for your Mate Bond, made all that food. If that were me, I'd be in tears."

Another young wolf chimed in.

"That's because Elara cares about Lucian so much. Everyone in Silver Moon knows she'd do anything to be his mate."

I listened quietly. Didn't argue. Because they weren't wrong.

At least, that's how it used to be.

Lucian put the phone back in my hand and grabbed my wrist in the same motion.

"Alright, enough. Let's go."

"If today doesn't work out, we'll come back tomorrow."

I looked at him. And suddenly that sentence cut deeper than it should have.

Tomorrow. Always tomorrow. Just like the past three years.

I'd postponed my family's alliance for him, over and over. And he'd never once asked what that cost me.

But today, no matter what, I had to honor the bet.

And Lucian still believed that a few sweet words would keep me standing right where I was.

I slowly pulled my hand free. "Lucian."

He looked down. "What?"

"Do you really think I'm going to stay no matter what?"

He frowned. "What are you talking about now?"

I smiled slightly. "Nothing."

"I just finally figured something out."

He looked like he wanted to ask, but I didn't explain.

My phone lit up again.

A message from my mother.

[Don't rush. Food's staying warm. Come home whenever you're ready. Mom's waiting for you.]

Below it, a photo.

The dining table covered with steaming dishes.

In the center, the roast she'd made especially for me.

I stared at that photo for a long time. Then I typed back.

[Mom, don't wait for us.]

I paused. Deleted it. Typed again.

[I'm bringing my mate home today.]