Chapter 2

I turned to meet Adrian's amber eyes, which had instantly sharpened with suspicion, and put on my usual gentle smile.

I lowered my voice, as if sharing a secret with him, just as I always had. "Oh, I was just talking to a friend about a pack in the Eastern territories. Some Alpha rejected his mate for a human girl."

Adrian's gaze was still so full of devotion. No wonder I could never bring myself to believe he didn't love me.

Since he loved to act so much, I decided to play along.

Adrian's wolf was on high alert, his sharp gaze scanning my face.

He was searching for any flicker of suspicion in my expression.

Only after sensing my calm through our mate bond did his tense shoulders finally relax.

His large, battle-scarred hand slid around my waist and gently caressed my temple.

"Foolish. The bond granted by the Moon Goddess is sacred. No Alpha should ever betray it."

"Camilla, you'll never have to worry about that happening to us."

"Is that so?" I stared into his eyes, deliberately pushing. "But what if it did happen?"

"What if you betrayed me?"

"Camilla, there is no 'what if.'"

Adrian cut me off without hesitation, his voice low and devout.

"I, Adrian Blackwood, swear on my wolf soul to the Moon Goddess that I will never betray you."

"Of course," I replied softly. "I was just imagining."

"If I ever did something so despicable…" Adrian mused for a moment, then rubbed his slightly rough chin against my cheek.

It was ironic. He was carrying on with my sister while showing such a strong, possessive desire for me.

"Then let the Moon Goddess punish me. Let me be unable to find you for all eternity."

"You know, Camilla, you're my life. Without you, my wolf would be destroyed."

I smiled without responding and gently pulled away from his embrace.

Because I already knew his vows were nothing but empty promises.

In three days, I would leave this embrace I once cherished.

Adrian, the punishment you asked the Moon Goddess for is about to be granted.

He was about to say more, but a voice interrupted him.

"Alpha, everything is ready."

Adrian nodded, then gave me a mysterious smile and pulled me by the hand toward the edge of the terrace.

He suddenly covered my eyes and whispered in my ear.

"My Luna, I have a special gift for you."

"Five, four, three…"

The moment the countdown finished, he uncovered my eyes.

The sight before me still took my breath away.

At the stroke of midnight, the giant LED screens on every skyscraper downtown lit up simultaneously.

The flashing lights resolved into the image of a wolf running beneath a starry sky.

As the image shifted, the silver wolf gradually transformed, its form melting into my own silhouette.

In the starry sky, the face slowly turned forward, the entire galaxy reflected in its eyes.

"Camilla."

Adrian pulled me into his arms from behind, his voice as gentle as ever.

"My love, time flies. It's already been five years since our marking. But my love for you still grows more with each passing day. "

"If I could, I would give you all of myself."

I stared at the glittering lights in the night sky, feeling a world away.

Yes, five years.

From an innocent Beta she-wolf to the Luna of the Blackwood pack.

These five years had changed me so much.

Enough to turn deep love into betrayal, a mate's vow into a lie.

Adrian turned me to face him, his amber wolf eyes so focused they felt like they could melt me.

"Five years, and every day I've wanted to give you the best of everything."

He slowly leaned in to kiss me.

If I hadn't smelled Zoe's white musk in his study yesterday, I might have been fooled by his masterful act until the day I died.

Just as his lips were about to touch mine, his expression suddenly changed.

I clearly saw him receive a message through his mind-link.

I was all too familiar with the look of anticipation that flickered in his wolf eyes.

But it was a relief. Now I didn't have to find an excuse to pull away.

"Damn it, I gave specific orders that we were not to be disturbed tonight."

But as he processed the message from the mind-link, his face changed instantly.

I clearly saw a flash of panic in his eyes, followed by raw, naked desire.

Sure enough, the next second he turned to me, a perfectly guilty expression on his face.

"What's wrong?" I asked casually, though my nails were digging deep into my palms.

The truth was obvious, but I still held onto a sliver of hope that this time, he would choose me.

"There's an urgent pack matter I need to handle," he said, reining in the desire in his eyes, a hint of apology flashing in them.

"My love, I might have to leave for a little while."

"What's so urgent?"

"Rogues are active on the border. I need to handle it myself."

Rogues again. It was becoming his favorite excuse.

"I'm sorry. I know tonight is important, but this really can't wait."

He kissed my forehead.

"You go back to our room and get some rest. I'll be back to join you as soon as I'm done."

"I understand. Pack business always comes first."

I nodded, playing the part of the understanding Luna.

Hearing my answer, Adrian visibly relaxed.

He gave me a quick hug before turning and leaving in a rush.

I stood on the terrace, watching his convoy drive out of the manor gates.

After their taillights had completely disappeared, I turned and walked to the garage.

Tonight, I was going to see for myself what this "urgent business" was all about.

The engine purred softly in the night as I started the car and quietly followed the direction his convoy had gone.