Chapter 1

I had finished my work trip two days early. I thought about surprising Theron at home, but I heard the Pack hall was busy. Someone said there was a ceremony. I went there first.

That was my mistake. I stood behind a pillar in the corner of the hall, hidden in the shadows. Theron was at the front. He was adjusting the pin on his jacket. His friend Lucian stood beside him.

“The marking ceremony was so grand,” Lucian lowered his voice. “There is no way we can keep it from Elara. What if she finds out and causes a scene?”

Theron paused for a moment, then looked up with a helpless expression.

“There is nothing I can do. Nora is carrying my brother’s child. You know the rules. Without an Alpha to claim him, that child will have nothing. No name. No rights. He will grow up as an outcast. I cannot let that happen.”

He sighed. “Elara will understand. She just over thinks things sometimes and gets emotional.”

Two years ago, Theron chose me, a human, to be his future Luna. He said when the time was right, we would complete the marking. Then I would be the Luna of the entire Pack.

I held onto those words for two years.

Lucian did not say anything more. He just patted Theron on the shoulder.

I stood behind the pillar, my fingers gripping the hem of my shirt, trembling.

Nora was the widow of Theron’s deceased brother, carrying his child. Now she had become Theron’s marked mate. That child had become the rightful heir of the Pack.

And I was still the future Luna who had to wait a little longer.

I took out my phone and opened my chat with Theron. The screen was filled with my messages sharing bits of my life. He replied occasionally, barely.

I called him directly. Not far away, Theron was talking to Nora. He glanced at his phone and declined the call.

Lucian asked, “Why did not you answer?”

Theron shrugged indifferently. “It was Elara. I told her I was away for Pack business. She believed me. But what if she asks to video call later? I will have to think of another excuse.”

My chest felt tight. I could not listen anymore. I turned and walked out.

As soon as I got into a car, my phone rang. It was Theron.

“Elara, sorry I missed your call. I was in a meeting. When are you coming back?”

His voice was as gentle as ever, but it only made me feel cold. If I had not come back early, I would have never known that my partner had already marked someone else.

“I am already back,” I said. “I finished early.”

There was a pause. “Oh. I did not expect you until tomorrow. I will wait for you at home.”

The car stopped at the house. I walked in and saw Theron sitting on the couch.

“Elara, I missed you so much.” He opened his arms to hug me. I turned away and walked into the bedroom, pulling my suitcase behind me. The closet was filled with things that did not belong to me. Women’s clothes. Baby supplies.

“Nora left those here the last time she visited,” Theron said quickly. “I will return them to her when I get a chance.”

I pressed my lips together. I did not want to fight. I moved my things into the spare room.

That evening, Theron cooked dinner himself. He made a whole table of dishes.

He put a piece of meat on my plate. “Try it. It is your favorite.”

I did not move. I just looked at him.

I was allergic to werewolf food. I could only eat human food. The worst reaction I ever had nearly killed me. Theron was the one who took me to the hospital that time. But now he had forgotten. The person who loved this dish was Nora.

I opened my mouth to speak, but Theron’s phone rang, Nora’s name flashed on the screen.

Theron answered. Nora’s panicked voice came through the speaker. “Theron, I have sharp pains in my stomach. What if something is wrong with the baby? Please come. I am scared.”

Theron shot up from his chair. “Stay there. I am coming.”

He grabbed his keys and ran out. He did not look back at me once.