Chapter 1

I slid the leave request across the desk to Silas. He barely glanced at it before scribbling his signature at the bottom and going back to getting ready.

It was still half an hour before nine.

Nothing mattered more than their nightly talks.

I stared at the document for a long time.

I hadn't expected it to be this easy.

By the time I tucked the signed papers into my bag, Silas was coming out of the bathroom.

He noticed what I was doing and paused.

"It's just a document. You really had to bring it here yourself?"

I blinked, then shook my head.

"No."

He frowned and checked his watch.

"It's almost nine. Anything else you need to tell me?"

I hesitated for two seconds, then shook my head.

"No. Nothing."

He nodded, stepped closer, and pressed a kiss to my forehead.

"All right, my little moon. Goodnight."

Then he got up and headed to the study.

Ten minutes later, I opened the study door.

He was leaning back on the couch, eyes closed, a sweet smile on his face—he hadn't even noticed I'd walked in.

He didn't open his eyes even when I took the herbalism book my father had given me.

I went back to the bedroom and turned off the light.

In the dark, I glanced at the computer screen—the hospital report had come in.

I froze.

It said I was two months pregnant.

I lowered my head, pressed a hand to my belly, and sighed.

I'm sorry, little one.

Before you ever get to meet your father—Mommy's taking you away.

The next morning, Silas was up before me.

By the time I woke, he was about to leave.

I gathered the papers I needed to process my departure from Blackwood, glanced at him, and headed for the door.

But as I passed him, Silas called out:

"Ivy—aren't you going to tie my tie for me?"

I forced the corner of my mouth up.

"No. You should learn to do it yourself." I paused. "Or have the woman you're always talking to send one."

Silas set down what he was holding and walked over, frowning at me.

"You mean Leah?"

His expression softened a little at her name.

He said:

"She does know how to tie a tie—she's a very attentive girl, after all. But you're my mate. What does she have to do with tying my tie?"

I was silent for two seconds.

"Nothing. I just don't want to do it anymore."

Silas stepped closer and kissed my cheek.

"Ivy, you're my mate, my Luna. We'll always be together. As for Leah—her father once saved my life, and I promised him I'd look after her. Weak wolves always need someone to lean on. When this job is done, I'll take you on vacation. You pick the place. Anywhere. How's that?"

I nodded, and Silas deepened the kiss.

His kiss nearly knocked me off my feet, and then he pulled back.

"Oh, and don't bring me lunch today. Leah just messaged—she said she's got it covered."

My head cleared instantly. I stood there and heard myself say:

"Okay."

Because of work stress, Silas likes a special kind of venison that's incredibly hard to cook, so I've always made his meals myself.

If Leah can handle it, fine.

At least now I have enough time to finish my plan.

I turned and closed the door behind me.

I went back to the hospital for a prenatal check.

The baby was healthy.

After that, I went to the tribal council and submitted my leave request.

The elders were clearly surprised. They asked me:

"Does Alpha Silas know about this?"

I said:

"He does."

They just looked at me, unable to verify whether I was telling the truth.

Finally, they sighed.

Walking out of the Blackwood council hall, I looked up at the towering pines and let out a breath.

Three days left.

Then I'd disappear from Silas's life.