Chapter 4

I almost gagged.

Last night, Aaron had been kissing another she-wolf in the hallway. And now, he stood here, acting as if he cared.

Still, I knew better than to push things too far. It wasn't the time yet.

I followed Aaron back to the room.

The door had barely shut before the warmth drained from his face.

"Take it off."

I looked up at him, my eyes already glossing over.

"Why are you being so harsh?"

"Didn't you say you were hurt?" He crouched in front of me, fingers resting lightly on my knee, his tone turning almost gentle. "Let me see how bad it is."

Every muscle in my body tightened.

For the past year, everyone in the pack envied me for becoming Aaron's fiancée.

Only I knew why I had agreed.

He needed someone presentable and obedient. Someone without a powerful family backing her up.

And I fit perfectly.

I taught herbal studies at the pack school. My parents were nothing more than ordinary workers tending the herb fields. I had no influence, which meant no trouble.

In the third month of his pursuing me, I overheard something by accident.

The she-wolf he had dated before me had tried to break things off. Not long after, she was "accidentally" struck by a silver arrow. It left her with a permanent limp.

That was the day I understood.

Saying no to Aaron wasn't brave. It was suicidal.

So I pretended. I pretended to be moved, pretended to rely on him, pretended I could become the Luna he wanted.

Until last night.

That was when I realized that, in his eyes, I wasn't even a candidate. I was just something he could show off.

Aaron's fingers slid slowly up along my leg.

A shiver ran through me.

Just as he started to lift the hem of my skirt, a knock sounded at the door.

"Aaron. The council's here."

It was Kevin's voice.

"Father wants you there. Now."

Aaron cursed under his breath, jaw tightening, but he still stood up.

Before leaving, he tossed a tube of ointment onto the bed. His eyes lingered on me, sharp, watchful, as if afraid I might bolt at any second.

"Don't go anywhere."

The door shut behind him.

I sat on the edge of the bed, my palms damp with cold sweat.

A few minutes later, my phone buzzed.

It was an unknown number.

[If you want to leave Aaron, go to the North Tower study at 8 p.m. tonight.]

There was just one initial at the end.

[K]

I stared at the message for a long time.

Then I smiled.

It looked like I wasn't the only one who knew how to turn last night into leverage.

-

At 8 p.m. sharp, I went to the North Tower.

The study was dim, lit by a single wall lamp. Kevin stood by the window, the dark stretch of forest behind him swallowing the light.

"You're straightforward," I said first.

"So are you." He turned to face me. "You don't want to marry Aaron."

"You're not innocent, either," I shot back, holding his gaze. "You knew exactly who I thought you were last night."

He was quiet for a moment. He had no excuses. "Yeah."

"So don't pretend you're here to save me." I let out a quiet laugh; there was no warmth in it. "You're just like him. You both want something from me. The only difference is that he takes it by force, while you think you're more refined about it."

Kevin watched me, his eyes dark.

"You're right, but I can give you a way out."

He slid a set of documents across the desk.

It was an exchange acceptance letter from Northland Academy and a recommendation for an overseas teaching position.

My chest tightened, but I didn't reach for them.

"What's the catch?"

"You stay here for now. Don't let Aaron suspect you're planning to leave."

Kevin's voice stayed even.

"In a month, Redwood Pack is negotiating an alliance with Silvermoon Pack. My father wants me to choose one of their candidates and finalize an engagement. I'm not interested in being managed, so I need a reason to stall it."

I understood. "You want me to play along."

"More precisely," he said, eyes fixed on me, "I'll publicly take you from Aaron under the excuse of protecting you. As long as you agree, the academy spot, the travel clearance, and your family's relocation, I'll handle them all."

I let out a quiet scoff. "So in the end, I'm still a bargaining chip."

He didn't deny it. Just added, "This time, you set the terms."

The room fell silent.

After a few seconds, I picked up the acceptance letter and slipped it into my bag.

"Fine. I'll work with you, but don't get it twisted. I'm not doing this for you. I'm leaving for myself."

Kevin gave a slow nod.

"I know."

As I reached the door, I paused and looked back at him.

"One more thing. Don't touch me again. What happened last night won't happen twice."

Kevin stood there for a long moment before answering, his voice low.

"Alright."