Chapter 3

When I returned to the research institute, I suddenly realized there were far more werewolves here than usual.

The auditorium in particular was packed.

The crowd was mostly made up of young faces. They were all excitedly discussing something.

I was carrying a stack of documents and trying to get to the research room, but the crowd had blocked the entrance to the lobby.

"Mr. Blake is here! Hurry, let's go take a look!"

"I heard the topic of his speech is the latest research on wolf spirit trauma recovery. It's incredible!"

"Is that the Blood Moon Pack's healer, Mia, standing beside him? I heard she was mainly responsible for the research!"

My footsteps came to a halt.

That's when I recalled that Fenrir had invested in research within the healing industry. He was probably here because of that.

I looked up and through the gaps in the crowd.

Fenrir and Mia were standing in the interview area onstage.

Fenrir was dressed in an impeccably tailored suit. He looked tall and strikingly handsome.

Mia stood slightly behind him. She was smiling gently.

She glanced at him, pulled a tie from her pocket, and naturally put it around Fenrir's neck.

Soft gasps rippled through the crowd.

Fenrir naturally leaned closer to Mia. It was as if he didn't see anything inappropriate about it.

A reporter immediately held a microphone out to him. "Mr. Blake, I've heard that you and Ms. Lovegood work extremely well together. This research is incredibly significant to the werewolf community. Could you tell us what it's been like working with her?"

Fenrir turned slightly and glanced at Mia. There was a gentle smile on his lips that I rarely saw.

"Mia is my mother's most prized apprentice and the best healer in the healer's den. Her contribution to the success of this research was indispensable."

Fenrir's voice carried clearly through the crowd.

"She's not only our pack's healer, but also an indispensable assistant in my career. She's meticulous and focused. I've always believed that Betas tend to have more talent in the healing industry than Alphas because their perception is more sensitive."

The reporter chuckled. "Mr. Blake, you're speaking so highly of Ms. Lovegood. Aren't you worried people might get the wrong idea?"

Fenrir smiled. "There's nothing to get the wrong idea about. I have a mate."

My grip tightened around the documents in my hands.

He didn't say anything more. He didn't even say my name.

After telling everyone he had a mate, he immediately shifted the conversation back to the research.

Mia stood beside him and smiled. Her cheeks turned red.

Whispers began spreading through the crowd.

"Does Mr. Blake actually have a mate? Who is she?"

"I don't know. I've never heard him mention her."

"I bet it's Ms. Lovegood. Look at how perfect they look together."

I didn't want to hear any more. I turned around and walked away.

I'd once thought I didn't need him to publicly acknowledge me. I didn't need him to prove our relationship to anyone.

Being his fated mate and staying by his side had been enough to make me happy.

But when I saw him standing beside Mia, praising her without the slightest hesitation, I finally understood that perhaps, in his mind, I wasn't even worth mentioning.

'It's okay, Ellia!' I silently comforted myself. 'Three days from now, everything about Fenrir will have nothing to do with you.'

When I returned home that evening, Fenrir was reading through some documents in the living room.

The moment he heard me come in, he questioned me without even looking up. "Why are you home so late again?"

"I was at the research institute." I was too tired to explain myself.

"Okay." He lowered his head and continued reading the documents in his hands. "By the way, our marking ceremony is in three days. Mom said she wants to help us choose the restaurant and venue. Let's go back to the main residence this weekend."

"Okay."

"Also–" He turned to another page. "I asked Mia to help with the arrangements. She has a great eye for aesthetics, and she's very familiar with the ceremony procedures."

"Okay."

He finally looked up at me. There was a hint of confusion in his eyes. "Why did you agree so quickly? Don't you have anything to ask? When did you become so obedient?"

I looked at him calmly. "I trust Mia's abilities. Besides, you've always thought very highly of her, haven't you?"

"But–" It seemed like he wanted to say something.

"It's late." I cut him off and headed for the bedroom. "I need to sleep. Please don't disturb me."