Chapter 2

Ever since Alexander and I became lovers, I stopped calling him by his name. Hearing it now clearly made him uncomfortable.

I had always been fiercely possessive of him. I never allowed him to be alone with other she-wolves, yet today, I told him to escort Stella home.

He parted his lips, a question forming, but Stella suddenly cried out and collapsed against him. "Alex, my stomach…"

His expression dropped instantly. He scooped her up and vanished from the tavern in a flash, his Alpha instincts taking over. Before disappearing, he reminded Christopher, "Don't let her wander around outside. Send her home early."

I watched his retreating figure, my heart aching as if pierced by needles. In my previous life, I had finally become Alexander's Luna as I wished, yet I never gained the happiness I longed for.

If he didn't love me anymore, I didn't want him either.

From that day on, I stopped acting the way I had in my previous life. I no longer sought Alexander out every day, nor did I deliberately ask about his whereabouts.

Instead, I threw myself into preparing the application materials for the studies at the Northmoon Academy.

Previously, I had given up that chance for the sake of becoming a Luna. I had stayed home obediently, tending to Alexander's daily needs, and abandoned everything to run toward love. Ultimately, I ended up alone in an empty den, dying a miserable death.

This time, I would never let that opportunity slip through my fingers again.

I figured that if I stopped taking the initiative, I would naturally never cross paths with Alexander again in such a large pack.

That evening, when I went to a restaurant with Cristopher, I saw Stella loop her arm through Alexander's, the two of them chatting and laughing as they ran into us.

When Alexander saw us, he instinctively shook off her hand.

Stella's expression stiffened for a split second before a gracious smile surfaced. "What a coincidence. Why don't we share a table now that we're all here?"

Before we could answer, Alexander had already taken a seat beside me. Christopher's eyes widened like saucers, and he immediately pulled me over to his side.

"What are you thinking?" he questioned Alexander. "Leaving me to sit with your childhood sweetheart? How's that appropriate?"

As I was dragged away, a trace of displeasure flashed through Alexander's eyes. He stared straight at me, as if waiting for me to say something.

In the past, I would've done everything I could to reclaim the seat by his side. Now, I had no intention of switching places. I sat calmly next to Christopher and passed Stella the menu.

"Ms. Lockhart, order whatever you like," I said politely. "Chris and I have already chosen."

She smiled as she took the menu, then suddenly said, "I'm sure the food here is wonderful, but I still much prefer the stewed meat Alex cooks for me."

My expression wavered for a brief second. As an Alpha, Alexander had never known how to cook, yet he loved the stewed meat I made. Every time I cooked it, he would finish every last bite.

I had once clung to him and asked him to make it for me. He had laughed and said, "Why would I ever need to learn how to cook? My Lolo is so capable. I'll be enjoying good food for the rest of my life."

So, it turned out he was willing to cook for other she-wolves.

Alexander looked a little uncomfortable and hurried to explain, "Stella's been away from the pack for too long. It's only right that I make some traditional food to welcome her. Besides, Lolo's the one who taught me the recipe. You should be thanking her."

Gratified, Christopher chimed in. "I don't know what happened to her some time ago, but she suddenly learned how to cook. She almost blew up the kitchen at first, but surprisingly, she proved herself talented after all. She picked it up right away.

"Whoever ends up with my sister will be one lucky wolf."

Alexander had been smiling, but when he heard that, the light in his eyes faded. "Is Lolo thinking about dating already?"

I paused slightly, brushed aside the bitterness on my tongue, and nodded. "I've reached mating age, after all. If you have any suitable candidates, I'd appreciate it if you could introduce them to me, Alexander."

As soon as I said that, Alexander's expression darkened. His eyes locked onto me like a hunting hawk, as if he were trying to read something hidden in my face.