Chapter 1

Today was supposed to be my bonding ceremony with Felix.

I stood at the altar, watching him in his black formal wear.

His gaze was drifting. Not really on me.

He opened his mouth to speak, and his phone buzzed violently in his pocket.

I knew his number was impossible to reach for most people. Except Willow Perkins.

Willow's brother Hugo was Felix's best friend. After Hugo died saving Felix, Felix took Willow in. Took care of her himself. Down to the smallest detail.

And sure enough, the second that ringtone hit, Felix's brow snapped tight. He didn't even glance at me. Just pulled out his phone.

Willow's name flashed on the screen.

He answered. The voice on the other end came through clear, thick with tears.

"Felix, I'm hurt. My leg hurts so bad, there's so much blood. Please, you have to come save me."

The moment he heard she was injured, his face went white.

Not a second of hesitation. He shoved the Moonstone token, the one meant for my finger, back into his pocket. His voice came out rushed.

"Willow's hurt. We're postponing the ceremony. One more week."

Then he turned and bolted toward the chapel doors.

The hall erupted. Guests whispered, pointed, murmured.

"That's the fifth time now. Something always happens at their bonding ceremony."

"Poor Esme. Her future mate has another woman in his heart."

The mockery and pity hit me like a tidal wave. I stood on the platform, the red carpet beneath me suddenly too bright.

The Elder of Darkmoon Pack hurried over, apologetic. "Esme, Felix is just rushing to help. Willow is the last blood of his fallen comrade. He has a duty to her."

I clenched my empty hand, nails digging deep into my palm. "I understand, Elder."

Back at the new house Darkmoon Pack had prepared for us, the air was thick with vanilla. Willow's favorite scent. Definitely not mine.

I sank into the couch, exhausted. After a long moment, I dialed Felix. It took a few tries before he picked up.

Biting back my anger, I asked, "How is she?"

A weary sigh came through the speaker. "The doctor's still working on her. Esme, can you not grill me like this? Willow's leg is bad. She's been crying nonstop. I don't have the energy to fight with you right now."

He missed our bonding ceremony. And now I was the one being too sensitive.

My chest tightened. "Felix. Today was supposed to be our bonding ceremony. You left me standing on that altar alone. Did you even think about how I felt?"

His voice went cold.

"Here we go again. Every time Willow comes up, you start acting irrational. I told you I'll make it up to you next week. Can you please stop being so petty, Esme? Willow is an Omega. She has no family. She only has me. I need you to be understanding. Is that too much to ask?"

Then the line went dead.

I stared at the ceiling. My eyes felt dry.

I'd given up my own territory for Felix. Given up my inheritance. All because five years ago, he pulled me out of an icy cave and saved my life.

I told myself one more time. Just one more time.