Chapter 3

The next day, Rowan came.

My father deliberately sent him alone so Vivian and Bella wouldn't ruin the mood.

He entered my sitting room, spotted my white gown hanging on its rack, and frowned.

"Are you still upset about the gown?"

"Who told you that?"

"Vivian."

He continued slowly. "She said you don't hate me. You only think the Alpha favors your sisters and gives them the best of everything.

"She asked me to be patient and try to understand you."

I twisted a fistful of fabric in my hand and lowered my voice. "What else did she say?"

"That you need to be coddled and that arguing with you is pointless."

Rowan's voice remained calm. "But I don't coddle people. Once we're mates, I'll take care of you. If you want something and I can give it to you, I will."

I looked into his calm eyes. I saw my reflection there, but his heart was fixed on someone else.

"Why are you doing this? I know I'm not the one you love."

He was quiet for a moment.

"Who I love doesn't matter. What matters is that I'll treat you right. I'll never betray you."

In my past life, he hadn't betrayed me. But his heart had never belonged to me.

When I didn't answer, he frowned.

"Lily, the Alpha cares about you, and your sisters are worried about your future. You need to be reasonable and appreciate that they only want what's best for you."

"Can't you think about them for once?"

I clenched my hands until my nails bit into my palms. I remembered everything from my past life. Wasn't this exactly where putting them first had gotten me?

This time, I would live for myself.

"Rowan, you should leave."

"Are you sure? If I walk out now, I won't come back. How will you explain that to the Alpha and your sisters?"

I laughed.

"Why should I have to explain myself to them?

"You're only pretending to care because you know Vivian's listening outside."

"Take her with you, and don't bother me again."

Rowan's expression soured.

"I'd already convinced myself to go through with this. I figured we could learn to love each other in time. I didn't expect you to be so ungrateful."

"I guess Vivian was right. You're too proud, and no one could tolerate that temper."

He opened the door and smiled at Vivian.

"Let's go. I did everything you asked."

She gave me a nervous look but said nothing.

I waved them away. "Just leave."

After they left, my phone lit up with an announcement from the Moon Shadow Pack.

[Moon Shadow Fashion is accepting applications for a limited time. Applicants must bring original clothing designs to the assessment. Those who pass will join the company, receive a competitive salary, and gain the protection of the Moon Shadow Pack.]

My eyes lit up as I read it. The Moon Shadow Pack was a major power in the region, and many smaller packs answered to it.

For the next two days, I shut myself in my room and worked on my designs, determined to pass the assessment.

My father and the others were busy preparing for Bella's bonding ceremony, so no one bothered me.

When I finished my designs, I sent them to the person in charge of the assessment.

My hard work paid off. I received a message saying I'd passed and asking when I could come in to meet with them.

I replied, "Tomorrow. I'll let you know when I arrive."

"Sounds good."

By dinner, the preparations were finally complete. Bella's bonding ceremony was scheduled for the day after tomorrow.

My father sat at the table, beaming as he celebrated his second daughter's upcoming bonding ceremony.

Then he looked at me with a puzzled frown. "Lily, what have you been doing these past two days? You barely leave your room except to eat."

He paused, then continued. "I'll have to count on you from now on, Lily. Your sisters both have mates, so they won't have time to keep their old father company.

"But you should apologize to Rowan soon. Men have their pride. Sweet-talk him a little, and he'll forgive you.

"Otherwise, what will become of you?"

My father looked at me with concern.

I remained silent and nodded. If I told him I was leaving for the Moon Shadow Pack, he'd forbid it and have someone watch me day and night. Escaping after that would be much harder.

That night, I packed a bag. So little in that house belonged to me that it didn't take long. Then I slipped out through the yard.

I glanced back as the front gate swung shut. A few seconds later, I turned and walked through the falling snow toward the car I'd arranged in advance.

The car eased away as snowflakes brushed the windows. I looked down at the flakes scattered across my clothes. For the first time, it felt as though someone had set gems on them. As the house disappeared behind me, I kept my eyes forward.