Chapter 4

~Edward

I was deep in sleep, the kind where even dreams couldn’t reach you. But then my phone started ringing—over and over again. At first, I ignored it, my body sinking further into the mattress, but it kept going.  

Get up, Edward, my wolf growled. His name was Fenrir, a sarcastic bastard who never let me sleep in peace.  

"Go back to sleep, Fenrir," I muttered, burying my face in the pillow.  

You know I can’t do that, especially when your phone sounds like it’s about to explode. His voice was sharp. Maybe it’s important, or maybe it’s just karma for how rude you've been to me ever since Mildred disappeared.  

I groaned. “Shut up.”  

Fenrir laughed. You’re welcome.  

The ringing continued. Reluctantly, I opened my eyes, rubbing the sleep away. The sunlight filtered through the half-open blinds, reminding me of the headache I was going to have from last night’s drinking. I reached for the phone, but before answering, I noticed something.  

The girl from last night was gone.  

“As expected,” I muttered under my breath. Same old story. Pay for their drinks, take them home, and get them laid. They were all the same. Not that I cared.  

Not surprised, Fenrir quipped. You don’t exactly make an effort to seem like a long-term option.  

I ignored him and checked my phone. Fifty missed calls. My mother’s name glared at me like a threat.  

What now? Fenrir asked, his voice tinged with irritation.  

“Let me find out,” I grumbled, dialing her back.  

The line barely rang before her voice exploded through the speaker. “Edward! What the hell is wrong with you?!”  

“Good morning to you too, Mom,” I said, keeping my tone neutral. “What’s the emergency?”  

“What’s the emergency?!” she repeated, her voice rising. “You need to come home right now, or you can kiss the throne goodbye!”  

I clenched my jaw, muttering under my breath, “What do these people want from me?”  

You know exactly what they want, Fenrir chimed in.  

“I told you,” I said to her, ignoring Fenrir, “I’ll ascend the throne once I find someone decent to marry. I don’t have anyone yet.”  

“Well, you do now!” she snapped. “The council of elders has arranged everything. You’ll marry Daphne, the Silverwaters Alpha’s third daughter. She’ll be your Luna, and you’ll take your place as Alpha king.”  

I sat up straight, the frustration bubbling to the surface. “The council must be kidding. My father just died a few weeks ago. Can’t they give me time? Please?”  

“There’s no time, Edward. If you want the throne, you’ll be home this minute. Otherwise, prepare to watch it transferred to another Alpha family.”  

The call ended before I could argue further. I threw the phone onto the bed and stood up, only to hit my toe on the bed frame.  

“Shit!” I yelped, hopping on one foot.  

Get a grip, Fenrir said dryly.  

“Shut up,” I growled. “I need time, Fenrir. Time to wait for Mildred to return, I don't think I can love any other woman, even in marriage.”  

At the sound of her name, my chest tightened. I opened the drawer by my bed and pulled out a photograph of her. Mildred. My chosen mate. Her dark hair framed her face perfectly, and her smile… that smile had been my happiness. But she’d been missing for three years now.  

No trace, no leads, nothing. I’d scoured the entire werewolf kingdom, searching every pack for her. She was nowhere to be found. We’d made each other a promise. Our love was forever, no matter what.  

Forever? Fenrir asked skeptically. You’re risking the throne for a ghost, Edward. She’s gone, she could be dead right now. Meanwhile, the girl from last night—her wolf was fierce, strong. That’s the kind of Luna we need.  

“Enough,” I snapped, my voice laced with anger. “Mildred is my mate. She’s the only one I’ll ever choose. Whether you like it or not.”  

Then go find her, Fenrir said coldly. Or be ready to lose the throne.  

My temper flared, and before I knew it, I’d slammed my fist into the wall. “Get out of my head,” I growled. “And forget about the girl from last night. She’s not an option.”  

Fenrir went silent, but I could feel his disapproval lingering.  

I dressed quickly, grabbed my car keys, and stormed out of the house. 

I walked into the mansion, the familiar grandeur almost suffocating. The marble floors gleamed under the chandeliers, servants bowing as I passed.  

“Good evening, Alpha,” they murmured, heads lowered.  

I gave a curt nod, my mind too preoccupied to bother with pleasantries. The council’s demands, my mother’s incessant pushing—it was all too much.  

The dining room was where I found her, seated at the head of the table, poised as always. Across from her sat Lila, my sister, her smirk already grating on my nerves.  

“Well, well,” she said, setting her fork down dramatically. “Look who finally decided to show up. What happened? Did the council get tired of waiting and send Mom to yank you out of whatever bed you crawled into this time?”  

“Shut up, Lila,” I snapped, my patience already thin.  

“Oh, relax,” she said, leaning back in her chair. “I’m just saying, why don’t you pick one of those women you keep parading around and make her your Luna? It’s not like you’re picky.”  

My jaw tightened. “Don’t push me.”  

Her smirk widened. “What’s the problem, brother? So much for your undying love for Mildred, huh? Three years of her being ‘missing,’ yet you’ve managed to keep yourself very busy.”  

I slammed my hand on the table. “You don’t know what you’re talking about!” 

People think I’m a womanizer, but most of the women I’m with are those I’m helping. Last night was the first time I’d had sex with anyone since Mildred disappeared, and there was something about the girl from last night that I can’t explain.

“Enough!” My mother’s sharp voice cut through the tension,. “Both of you, stop it.”  

I stepped back, glaring at Lila, who just shrugged, clearly pleased with herself.  

“Edward,” my mother called, motioning to the seat next to her. “Come here. I have something to show you.”  

Reluctantly, I walked over. She slid a photo across the table.  

“This is Daphne,” she said. “The girl I told you about earlier —she will make an excellent Luna. Everything’s been arranged.”  

I didn’t even look at it. “I’m not interested,” I said, my voice flat. “Whatever arrangement you’ve made, undo it.”  

Her frown deepened. “Edward—”  

But I was already turning away, ignoring her protests and Lila’s smug look as I made my way upstairs.  

“Go ahead, my boy!” my mother called teasingly. “Come thank me later when you see the surprise, I'm sure you'd like it.”  

What is she up to this time, I frowned but didn’t respond, pushing open the door to my room.  

And then I froze.  

A woman sat on my bed, one leg crossed over the other, her posture relaxed but deliberate. Her long, dark hair fell in perfect waves over her shoulders, her lips painted a deep, inviting red. 

She stood slowly, her movements calculated, a sultry smile on her face. “My handsome Edward,” she purred. “Long time no see.”  

I laughed, though it was sharp and humorless. “So, you’re “the Daphne”?” I asked, my disbelief evident. “You must be joking. You’re supposed to be Mildred’s friend. She would never—” My voice caught, anger rising. “Why would you change your name just to pull this off?”  

She tilted her head, unfazed. “I didn’t change my name.” Her voice was soft, almost pitying. “You and Mildred always called me by my nickname. You never cared to ask for my real name.”  

The realization hit like a punch. “Cora,” I muttered, the nickname slipping out before I could stop it.  

She nodded, her eyes locking onto mine.  

I stood there, rooted in place, my mind reeling.  

“Edward,” she started again, stepping closer, her tone pleading now. “Mildred is gone. It’s been three years. You need to move on. I’m here now. I can—”  

“Stop.” My voice was cold, cutting her off mid-sentence.  

She faltered, watching me as I stepped closer.  

Without another word, I took her hands in mine. Her skin was warm, but I didn’t linger. I guided her toward the door, my grip firm but not harsh.  

“This won’t work,” I said quietly. “I’m not betraying Mildred. I know she’s alive. Somewhere. And I’m going to find her.”  

I opened the door, motioning for her to leave.  

“Edward,” she began again, her voice breaking slightly, but I shut the door behind her before she could finish.  

I leaned against it, running a hand through my hair. My chest felt tight, frustration clawing at me from every angle.  

Then, a thought crept in.  

A slow smile spread across my face. “I know what to do.”  

What now? Fenrir asked, his tone laced with curiosity.  

“You’ll see,” I murmured, determination settling over me like armor.