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Chapter 3

Author: Shallow Teal
I grabbed my phone back. "A project for the institute. I have to travel."

"What project?"

I picked up a glass and drank some water to steady my voice. "I mentioned it to you before."

"No, you didn't."

"Maybe I forgot." I rubbed my forehead and stepped around him. "You've been so busy lately. There was no need to bother you with something this small."

"Talise, something's off with you today." Keane blocked my way and studied me. "Is this because I left early this morning? I can explain. The pup, he—"

"Alpha? Are you there?" a voice called out behind him.

"What's taking you so long?" Elara walked over and slipped her arm through Keane's like it was the most natural thing in the world. "The pup just kicked me. It's the first time he's moved. Do you want to feel?"

He crouched down at once and reverently laid his hand on her belly.

"He really is moving." Keane's face glowed as he felt the pup kick. "He's strong. He's going to be a powerful warrior someday. He'll be the best heir I could ask for."

I stood there like I was invisible.

Elara glanced up at me and tugged on Keane's sleeve. "Don't get too excited. Talise is still here."

I stopped and looked at her.

Her expression was soft and innocent.

The picture of a selfless woman, ready to sacrifice herself for the good of the pack.

"Oh, by the way, I heard Talise has the moonstone necklace," Elara said sweetly. "Could I have it for now? The moonlight energy in it is so strong. With it, I might be able to sleep better."

I looked at Keane, but he just stared at the floor and wouldn't meet my eyes.

After a long pause, he said, "Talise, go get the necklace."

I didn't know what he'd been thinking during that silence.

But I reminded him anyway. "That necklace is only for the Luna."

"But Elara needs it more right now." Keane's voice left no room for argument. "Go get it."

Everything went quiet.

They were both waiting to see what I'd do.

Maybe they expected me to get angry, cry, or make a scene.

But I just nodded.

The pain had gone so deep it had turned into a protective numbness.

I refused to give them the satisfaction of watching me fall apart.

Maybe I'd never really been one of them.

I took a deep breath, hurried back to my car for the velvet box, and handed it to Elara. "Here. If you want anything else, tell me now."

Elara clung to Keane's arm timidly. "Alpha, I think Talise is mad."

Keane frowned and fixed me with a stern look. "Talise, can you stop being so selfish? Is caring about power and status the only thing your human blood taught you?"

I stared at him in disbelief.

"You think I accepted your proposal because I wanted power?" I heard my own voice shaking.

Keane paused. "I didn't say that."

"You don't have to push back the mating ceremony," I said, swallowing past the burning ache in my throat. "Just cancel it."

"What did you say?" Keane looked stunned.

"Cancel the mating ceremony!"

"Are you out of your mind? Over a necklace?" Keane yanked my arm, his voice tight with anger. "What do you think a fated mate is? The Moon Goddess won't forgive this."

"And what about you? What do you think I am? A useless human girl? A fake Luna whose blood isn't pure enough to give you an heir?" I glared at him, my eyes red.

"That's not your fault." Keane faltered. After a long silence, he said, "Don't say things just because you're angry."

"I've never thought it was my fault." I lifted my chin and forced the tears back.

I was never going to cry in front of him again.

He wasn't worth it.

I tried to walk away, but Elara hurried after me and grabbed my wrist.

"The Elder Council agreed on the heir. It wasn't my choice. Could you... stop being mad at Keane?" She sounded so wounded.

"That has nothing to do with me," I said coldly. "Let go."

Instead, she pressed closer, putting herself between me and Keane. "Talise, you're smart. But you have to understand. Even if Keane loves you, that won't change your blood. I'm the one who can actually help him..."

I tried to pull my arm free.

But Elara stumbled back two steps as if I'd shoved her, and hit the wall.

She clutched her belly and cried, "Ah!"
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    Keane's POV:After settling Elara in bed, I wanted Talise to bring some of the blessing charms Elara needed to the clinic.But as I scrolled through my phone, it hit me. She hadn't called me once. Not a single message.A bad feeling came over me.Frowning, I called her.It didn't go through.I tried again. Nothing.What the hell is Talise doing?!I tapped my foot impatiently. I had to go back and check.I was about to leave when Elara grabbed the hem of my shirt. "Alpha, where are you going?""I can't get through to Talise," I said, turning to calm her down and trying to keep the impatience out of my voice. "I'm going back to the villa to check."She still wouldn't let go. She coughed weakly. "Talise must be mad at me. Let her cool off. Keane, the pup and I need you here."Before, when she said things like that, I'd have stayed without a second thought.But today, the unease churning in me was impossible to ignore.I pulled her hand away and tucked it under the blanket. "Get some rest.

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