Chapter 4

I was heading for the bedroom when Silas stopped me.

"Once we're officially mates, let's go to your mom's grave together and tell her the good news."

He still remembered. Ever since my mother passed, whenever something important happened to me, I'd go to her grave and tell her all about it.

Too bad. Once tonight's moon set, I wouldn't feel anything ever again.

I kept walking toward the bedroom, my voice flat. "There's no need."

When I got out of the shower, Silas was out on the balcony on the phone. Bits and pieces of what he said drifted in through the gap in the door.

"Don't worry. You know how Flora is. She gets mad at the drop of a hat. She's nothing like a real wolf...

"Relax. Tomorrow I'm still your Moon Escort. Nobody can change that."

I didn't say a word. I just quietly lay down in bed.

Silas would never understand why I got angry.

He thought I just couldn't stand Vivian.

All I wanted was for my future mate not to be that close to another woman.

But now, none of it mattered.

He could be the Moon Escort. He could be Vivian's mate.

I didn't care either way.

The doll my mother made me years ago was sitting on the bed. I hugged it to my chest, and it felt like being back in Mom's arms.

When my mother was alive, the election always seemed like something wonderful.

She used to hold me and tell me about the year she ran for Envoy.

She'd hidden off to one side and waited, wanting to see who would choose her.

Then she saw my father walk up first and drop his ballot into her box without a second's hesitation.

Every time she told that story, she glowed.

"After your brother's father betrayed me, I thought I'd be alone for the rest of my life.

"But the moment your dad cast the first vote for me, I knew he was the mate I wanted to spend my life with.

"When you grow up, you'll find a mate who chooses you without a second thought too."

Too bad I never found a wolf like that.

If Mom were still here, I'd have gotten at least one real vote. I wouldn't have been betrayed by everyone.

When Silas came back in from the balcony, Scott happened to call me.

"Flora, you're not still fighting with Silas, are you? Don't miss the procession just because you're mad."

Silas heard that and laughed.

"She has a temper. Once she's mad, forget the procession. She might even kick me out of the house.

"She has no idea how hard Vivian has it as a human."

He said that last part quietly, almost under his breath, but I still heard it.

"It's all I can do for Vivian, and Flora still has to fight me on it."

Scott laughed.

"Come on, tomorrow's Vivian's big day. Do it for us. Gotta go. Get some sleep."

I stared at the dark screen and didn't say anything.

Back when I thought I was loved, I really did get angry. I made scenes.

But now I knew no one cared when I was hurt, so why bother?

The next day, before the procession started, Silas texted me, "I have to take Vivian. I don't have time to pick you up. Just get a ride."

I locked my phone and didn't think much of his message.

After all, this wasn't the first time he'd put Vivian ahead of me.

Six months ago, right in the middle of his proposal, he got a call that Vivian had fallen and hurt her arm.

I looked at him, silently begging him to stay, but he still walked out. He left me alone to face our embarrassed friends and family.

In his heart, I would always come after Vivian.

Signing me up for the election probably wasn't about helping me get over my fear either. He just wanted to vote for Vivian so she could become Moon Envoy.

I was the only one foolish enough to think he was my last safety net. I'd thought my future mate would choose me without hesitation, just as Dad had chosen Mom.

As I neared the parade float, I heard people gossiping about Silas and Vivian, who stood on top of it.

"This year's Moon Envoy and Moon Escort look really close. I bet not long after the procession, the pack's going to have another pair of mates."

When Silas saw me, he raised an eyebrow.

"You're so late. The procession's about to start."

Vivian smiled at me.

"Thanks for taking our pictures today."

They were standing together in matching outfits, and they really did look like a pair of mates.

When I didn't answer, Silas softened his voice. "Did you hear something? Don't believe it. We're about to have our mating ceremony."

I answered flatly.

"You know exactly what the Moon Escort stands for, and you took the role anyway. Of course people are going to talk.

"Besides, so many are saying it that I can't help hearing it."

Silas froze for a second, looking a little embarrassed.

"I knew you'd read too much into it. But can you please not make a scene here?

"I asked you to take the pictures because we've got nothing to hide."

Nothing to hide?

He was about to take a mate, yet here he was, in front of everyone, joining another woman in a ritual that hinted at so much more. And he called that having nothing to hide.

Vivian tugged on Silas's sleeve.

"Okay, it's time to go."

Silas nodded. Without another look at me, he turned and left with Vivian.