Chapter 5

"Yes. You're right about everything."

When I didn't argue, whatever Grayson had been about to say died on his lips.

But his pride as an Alpha wouldn't let him back down.

"Camille, you know that isn't what I meant."

I nodded. "I understand. You two grew up together. You've never crossed any lines."

Thinking I'd finally come around, he gave my head an approving pat.

"I knew you were the sensible one. Bianca meant well too. If she did anything that upset you, I'll talk to her later."

Talk to her? He treated Bianca like she was something precious. He'd never scold her because of me.

I knew that, but I nodded anyway.

"All right."

At the pack celebration, I was supposed to be the future Luna. Yet I wasn't even allowed to sit beside Grayson. Instead, he put me at a table in the corner.

Bianca swept in wearing an expensive couture gown and took the seat of honor like it belonged to her.

Everyone there knew it was a blatant provocation.

Grayson still rushed to defend her. "She's been sitting next to me since we were children. It's a habit. I can't embarrass her in front of everyone."

"You're going to be Luna. Try to be generous."

Later, when Bianca's lease ran out, she moved in with us. Grayson emptied out my bedroom and gave it to her, then moved me into the cramped guest room.

"Bianca has been sickly since she was little. She needs plenty of sunlight, and your room gets the most. It's just somewhere to sleep. You'll be fine in the guest room."

If a bedroom was really just somewhere to sleep, why couldn't Bianca take the guest room? Why was I always the one who had to give something up?

Every time I asked, Grayson gave me the same excuse.

"Bianca and I grew up together. I only see her as my sister. Are you seriously jealous of someone I consider my sister?

"If there were anything going on between us, do you think I'd be with you?"

This time, I didn't bother asking.

What is the point when I already know what he would say?

I swallowed hard. When I finally spoke, my voice was hoarse.

"Grayson, I don't want to go through with the mating ceremony."

"What did you say? You're canceling our ceremony over something this small?" Grayson stared at me, furious.

I opened my mouth, but before I could answer, Bianca's urgent voice came from behind me.

"Grayson, come here. The dance is about to start. You promised to be my dance partner. You're not going to leave me standing here alone, are you?"

She hurried over and took his arm.

"Sorry about this, Camille. He promised me first. I'm only borrowing him for a little while."

Grayson gave me an awkward look. "Camille, you're probably just tired. That's why you're saying things you don't mean. Go home and get some rest. I'm busy, so I can't take you home."

He didn't even ask why I'd said it. He simply decided I was talking nonsense and walked away without another thought.

I watched him leave, my heart sinking a little more with every step he took.

Grayson never broke a promise to Bianca.

But when it came to me, keeping his word was nothing more than another chore to cross off his list.

It didn't matter. I'd already seen him for who he was.