2

His gaze fell on me, and he frowned deeply. "You're acting strange today. What's wrong? Are you so thrilled about becoming my mate that you've lost your mind?"

He had no idea how right he was.

Because finally, finally, I was seeing him alive again.

I smiled. "I think you're the best person in the world. Whoever becomes your mate will be very lucky."

He snorted coldly and turned to walk away. If I didn't know he didn't love me, I might have thought he was embarrassed.

Just then, a young couple nearby was chattering excitedly.

"There's going to be a blood moon tonight—once in a century! Legend says the blood moon is when the Moon Goddess descends. Mates who witness it together receive her blessing for health, peace, and love until they're old and gray. Honey, let's go see it together!"

My steps slowed.

I remembered this day from my past life. Full of foolish hope that he might learn to love me, I'd begged him to watch the blood moon with me.

His response had been cruel mockery. "Those legends are fairy tales for children. How old are you? Why do you still believe such nonsense? If two complete strangers happened to see a blood moon together, would they be bound for life too? There's only political advantage and obligation between us. No love. The Moon Goddess won't bless us."

Those words had shattered my beautiful fantasy.

This time, I had no such expectations.

But suddenly Ethan spoke up. "If you want to see the lunar eclipse, I can go with you. But don't expect a honeymoon afterward. I have Alpha heir training courses. I don't have time."

I stared at him in surprise. I hadn't expected him to offer.

But then I understood. Despite his sharp tongue, Ethan had always been kind at heart. Otherwise, he never would have risked his life to save me three times.

The first time was the year I first shifted. I couldn't fully control my wolf yet and nearly fell into a hunter's silver thorn trap. Ethan saved me, but fell into the trap himself and was covered in wounds. He almost lost his wolf permanently. His right hand still carried silver poisoning, leaving lasting damage that nearly cost him his inheritance of the Moon Creek pack.

The second time was during the territorial volcano eruption. The lava was lethal even for an Alpha, but he shifted into wolf form and wrapped himself around me. The molten rock splashed all over his body. If a healer hadn't been nearby, he would have died.

The third time, a rogue wolf had lost control and was attacking everyone in sight. Ethan threw himself between us. I escaped without a scratch, but the rogue's claws pierced straight through his chest.

Three times he'd saved my life. How could I not fall hopelessly in love with him?

Ethan didn't wait for my answer. His voice grew impatient. "Are you going to watch the blood moon or not?"

I snapped back to reality and smiled at him. "Yes. Tonight, let's watch it together."

His expression finally relaxed, and he hailed a taxi.

"I'll take you home first, then pick you up later to go to the valley."

Just then, Ethan's phone rang. His face darkened as he answered.

"Ivy's dog is sick. She's really worried and can't handle it alone. I need to go check on her. You head home by yourself."

I nodded. "Okay."

Of course. I probably ranked lower in Ethan's heart than Ivy's pet.

He looked puzzled. "You used to hate it when I went to see her. Why are you being so reasonable now?"

I opened my mouth to respond, but he laughed coldly before I could speak.

"Right. We're about to become mates anyway. She's no threat to you anymore. Text me when you get home. I'm leaving."