Chapter 1

Even though I knew it was Kaelen, I clicked on "Baby Wolf's" profile like some kind of masochist.

Day 300 of being spoiled by my Alpha. Blue moonflowers are my favorite, so he said he's going to fill the ceremony hall with them for his ceremony with the other woman. It's our little secret.

I remembered Kaelen insisting on handling the ceremony decorations himself. "This is our most important moment," he'd said. "I can't let anything go wrong."

"Elara, blue moonflowers symbolize a one-of-a-kind love. Just like you are to me."

One-of-a-kind. What a joke.

Day 240 of being spoiled by my Alpha. I whined about wanting the Pack Perfumer job, so he just took it from that other woman and gave it to me. He said I’m a better fit for it anyway.

My hands started to shake.

I was born with the gift of 'Scenting'—the ability to identify and create fragrances that could soothe a werewolf's spirit. The Pack Perfumer was my dream job.

When I was rejected, I thought I just wasn't good enough.

Kaelen had held me then, comforting me. "You're my Luna. Why would you need such a demanding job? I'm here. I'm all the support you need."

I thought he was protecting me. Turns out, he was just making room for his mistress.

Day 198 of being spoiled by my Alpha. I insisted on adding my name to his soul-bond mark with that woman. He called me naughty, but he didn't say no. ;)

The post showed two hands intertwined.

On the man's inner wrist was a circlet of sacred laurel leaves—the soul-bond mark the High Priest himself had inked on us at our engagement.

But in this photo, hidden in the veins of a single leaf, were three tiny, exquisitely tattooed letters: S.E.R.

I scrolled back to the very first post, from a year ago: “Just ran into the Alpha and his woman. He's so gentle and strong. I want a man like that… so I'm going to make him mine.”

A week later, her feed showed Kaelen’s bare torso: “Already got him. The Alpha is incredible in bed… He said I’m way better than that other woman.”

I couldn't read any more.

They had been together for a year. All those times I thought he was busy with pack business, he was with her.

My stomach churned. I ran to the bathroom and retched violently over the toilet, but only bitter bile came up.

I splashed cold water on my face and stared at the pale, hollowed-out woman in the mirror.

Just then, the bedroom door opened.

"Elara? Honey, what's wrong?"

Kaelen's voice was as gentle as ever. He walked in, holding a box of my favorite chocolates. He saw my red-rimmed eyes and froze for a second before rushing to cup my face in his hands.

"What is it? Are you feeling sick?"

He reached out to wipe away a tear.

I flinched back instinctively, avoiding his touch. "I'm fine."

Kaelen looked stunned for a moment, then gently pulled me into a hug. "Are you just nervous about the bonding ceremony? Don't worry, I'll take care of everything…"

Suddenly, the doorbell rang.

A flirtatious voice drifted up from downstairs.

"Alpha, it's the new perfumer. I have the 'Calming Scent' you ordered. You said you needed it for tonight."

That voice. It was the exact same one from an audio message "Baby Wolf" had posted.

Kaelen’s body went rigid.

He turned to look at me, his eyes flickering. "Oh, right. I ordered a new fragrance to help you sleep well tonight. I'll just go get it."

He turned and left, his steps rushed.

He was back in a flash, scent in hand, clearly not wanting to leave me alone with my thoughts.

"Kaelen."

I stopped him, staring directly into his eyes.

"Kaelen, is there anything you're hiding from me?"