2

I sat on the floor, leaning against my bedroom door, for a full hour.

I didn't move until I heard Marcus's footsteps approaching from the hallway.

"Elena? Dinner is ready."

The gentle, caring tone I once cherished now made my stomach turn.

I wiped my tears and forced myself to stand.

"I'll be right there."

In the dining room, Marcus was already seated at the head of the table. A plate of my favorite roasted lamb chops sat before him.

When he saw me, he immediately stood to pull out my chair.

"How's the ankle?" he asked, his voice full of concern.

"It's fine." I sat down and looked him directly in the eye. "Marcus, there's something I want to ask you."

The knife in his hand paused for a fraction of a second. "What is it?"

"Do you remember that little toy wolf Rylan loved so much? The one he had before he died?"

The fork and knife in Marcus's hands trembled slightly.

"Of course, I do. The blue one." His voice was steady. "Why are you suddenly asking about that?"

"In the last few days of his illness, he wouldn't let it go." I held his gaze. "Do you remember the last thing he said?"

This time, Marcus froze.

A full three seconds passed before he spoke. "He said… he loved us."

A lie. Or maybe he'd just forgotten. Rylan's last words were, "Daddy, why does it hurt so much?"

I reached out to him through our mind-link, deliberately making my thoughts sound fragile. The healers said it was a genetic defect, but I can't help but feel… the illness came on so suddenly.

Marcus immediately put down his silverware and took my hand.

Elena, don't torture yourself with these thoughts. You know the mortality rate for pups is high. Some hereditary conditions can't be predicted or cured, not even by the witches.

His thoughts through the link were a flawless performance of grief and comfort. It wasn't anyone's fault. Especially not yours.

What a flawless performance.

"But Marcus…" I made my voice tremble. "I've been dreaming about Rylan lately."

"I dream that his death wasn't an illness." I stared hard into his eyes. "I dream that he was murdered."

The color drained from Marcus's face.

"Elena, you're exhausted. Stop this nonsense."

His Alpha command slammed into my mind, a wave of power that made my wolf instinctively whine in submission.

But I pushed on, prodding at the edges of his lies. "Do you think… it could be a sign from the Moon Goddess?"

"Enough!" He shot to his feet, his wolf rising close to the surface, his voice ringing with an authority that defied question. "I forbid you from speaking such nonsense again."

He loomed over me. "Get some rest. I have important negotiations with the Black Stone Pack tomorrow on their territory. As my Luna, you will accompany me."

"But I…"

"That is an Alpha's command," he said, his voice cold as ice. "Tomorrow's negotiations will determine the future of our pack's enterprises. You will be there, and you will play the part of the perfect Luna."

The harder he pushed, the more certain I was.

"Okay," I said, lowering my head in a show of submission.

Marcus sat back down, his expression softening slightly.

"I'm sorry, Elena. I was out of line." He reached out to touch my face. "I just… I don't want you to live in the shadow of the past."

I didn't pull away from his touch, but inside, I was frozen solid.

"I understand, Marcus."

"Wear the black formal suit tomorrow," he said, placing a perfectly cut piece of lamb on my plate. "And don't forget the sapphire necklace I gave you."

I nodded.

But for reasons I couldn't explain, a deep, unsettling dread began to coil in my gut.

Chapter 3 3

I woke the next morning to a violent wave of nausea.

I rushed to the bathroom, my stomach churning, but nothing came up.

"Elena? Are you alright?" Marcus's voice came from outside the door.

"I'm fine. I probably just slept poorly," I said, wiping my mouth and staring at my pale reflection in the mirror.

My wolf's instincts were screaming at me—don't go today.

Absolutely do not go.

Marcus pushed the door open, holding a steaming bowl of venison broth.

"Drink this. You need your strength," he said, his voice as gentle as ever.

"Marcus, I'm really not feeling well today," I said, testing him. "Could we possibly reschedule?"

His expression instantly turned to ice.

"Elena, this negotiation is crucial," he said, his tone hardening. "The Alpha of the Black Stone Pack is only available today."

"But I feel sick…"

"You are my Luna," he interrupted. "The pack's needs come first, Elena. Before your feelings, before anyone's."

A chill ran down my spine. This was not the same man who had so tenderly bandaged my ankle last night.

"Fine," I said, all energy to argue gone. "I'll get dressed."

An hour later, Marcus's convoy was waiting in the driveway.

Three black, armored SUVs, each manned by our pack's most elite warriors.

"Isn't this a bit much?" I asked, looking at the heavily armed guards.

"The packs in this territory are known for their savagery. I won't risk anything happening to you," Marcus said, helping me into the middle vehicle. "These are necessary precautions."

As he spoke, he leaned in and kissed my forehead. Just yesterday, I would have thought it was a gesture of love.

The convoy began to move. I glanced at the route on the navigation screen and frowned.

"Marcus, why aren't we taking the main road?"

"This route is faster," he said without looking up. "Less traffic. I won't keep the Black Stone Alpha waiting."

"But this route goes through the Deadlands," I pressed. "It's notorious for rogue attacks. The main road is heavily patrolled."

Marcus turned his head to look at me, his eyes glinting with danger.

"Elena, I am the Alpha. I know what is safe and what is not."

"But Marcus…"

"Quiet! I am your Alpha, and you will trust my judgment!"

The crushing weight of his command nearly stole my breath.

My wolf snarled with rage inside me.

"Are you questioning my judgment?" Marcus's voice was as sharp as a blade. "Or do you believe you know better how to protect this pack than an Alpha?"

"I didn't…"

"Then be quiet," he said, looking down at me with cold authority. "Remember your place, Elena. You are my Luna, not my Beta."

The car fell into a dead silence.

I felt the waves of unease rolling through my body, and the fear in my heart grew stronger.

It felt as though Marcus, my beloved Alpha husband, was personally delivering me into the jaws of a predator.

The convoy pressed onward, heading into the desolate expanse known as the Deadlands.

Marcus returned to his files as if our conflict had never happened.

"I told you before you got in the car," he said without looking up. "As my Luna, your duty is to obey."