Chapter 3

When Viggo walked back in, the ghost of a smile from my call was still on my lips.

He stopped.

His deep, gray eyes stared at me, as if trying to burn the expression into his memory.

I hadn’t smiled like that—so genuinely happy—in front of him for a very long time.

And this smile wasn’t for him.

His lips tightened. He looked like he wanted to ask something, but in the end, he just picked up the medical report from the table.

“Rest well,” his voice was a bit stiff. “You are still the Luna of this pack.”

Then he turned and left without another glance.

After all, the pup he had to care for was waiting for him.

For the next four days, Viggo didn’t come back.

Instead, my phone buzzed constantly with notifications from the pack’s social feed.

Video after video.

Viggo taking Odette to various alliance dinners.

He even scented her in public—pressing his gland to her neck to claim her. A possessive act reserved only for a true mate.

His arm was wrapped around her waist as he introduced her to other Alphas.

He draped his jacket over her shoulders and nuzzled her neck.

The entire pack was buzzing. They were so in love.

The day I was discharged, Viggo posted nine photos online.

On his private jet, his suit jacket was draped over Odette’s shoulders as they held hands, looking down at the city lights.

The caption was simple: The future is bright.

I left a comment: Congratulations to the Alpha and his future Luna. May you bring glory to the pack.

After posting, I turned off my phone.

Ten minutes later, it started vibrating like crazy.

Call after call from Viggo.

I didn't answer a single one.

After finishing my discharge paperwork, I was passing the pup-rearing center when I heard familiar voices.

Through the half-open door, I saw Viggo and Odette getting a routine check-up.

The nurses were gathered around, watching with envy.

“The Alpha is so considerate. He even carries you everywhere.”

“I heard he rushes to your side the moment you feel the slightest discomfort.”

“A true model mate.”

I didn’t have the strength to correct them—Odette wasn’t his official mate yet.

But she would be soon, wouldn’t she?

Without thinking, my hand drifted to rest on my stomach.

My pups… they don’t need a father like him. Do they?

I was about to slip away when a voice behind me cut through the air.

“What are you doing here?”

I turned. Viggo was staring at me, his eyes sharp, as if interrogating an intruder with bad intentions.

I knew what he was really asking.

Why didn’t I answer his calls? Why did I leave that comment?

But I didn’t want to explain anymore.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to be here.” I instinctively lowered my head. “I was just passing by. I wasn’t following you.”

It was a habit. A submissive posture honed over nine years of shame.

I started to turn away, but his cold voice stopped me.

“Wait.”

I stopped.

Odette peeked her head out of the exam room. When she saw me, a flash of dark triumph crossed her eyes.

It was immediately replaced by a gentle expression.

“Nyxia? Oh, good, I’m so glad I ran into you!” She leaned weakly against the doorframe. “Why don’t you come back to the main house with us? I’ve been wanting to thank you in person.”

She gently stroked her stomach, her voice filled with gratitude.

“If you hadn’t transferred your life force to me and the pup, I don’t know what would have happened to us.”

Then she turned to Viggo, her eyes pleading.

“Viggo, can Nyxia come back with us? I’d love to host her properly.”

As if she were the true lady of the house.

Viggo nodded.

Even though a dull ache spread through my chest, I didn’t refuse.

It was perfect, actually. I needed to go back and pack the rest of my things.

In the car, I took my usual seat in the far corner.

Odette leaned against Viggo’s shoulder, the two of them whispering to each other.

I stared out the window at the passing scenery, the warm voice from my phone call replaying in my mind.

After a few minutes, my foot hit something.

I looked down.

A suppression collar, the kind used during an Omega’s heat. It reeked of her sickeningly sweet scent. And it was covered in bite marks.

“Oh, my goodness!” Odette suddenly gasped dramatically, playfully tapping Viggo’s chest. “How could you not put something so private away? Honestly!”

Her tone was full of flirtatious teasing, like a new wife who had just discovered her husband’s little secret.

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to ignore what I’d just seen and the bile rising in my throat from the biological repulsion.

Viggo chuckled, feigning embarrassment. “I just forgot.”

But I could feel his eyes on me, secretly watching my reaction.

He wanted to see if I was shocked, angry, or jealous.

I lifted my head and met his gaze, my face a blank mask.

No emotion at all.

He was the one who reacted. The moment our eyes met, a flicker of awkwardness crossed his face, quickly replaced by the irritation of a hunter whose prey has slipped its leash.

His smile froze for a second, as if his little performance hadn't gotten the reaction he wanted, and he suddenly lost interest.

Halfway through the drive, he turned to me, his voice sharp with annoyance.

“What are you staring at? Can’t you just sit still?”