Chapter 3

Selina's POV

Luka stood in front of me, his smile warm and shiny.

I was surprised that he was home so early and mumbled, "You're home early..."

"Yeah. I missed our anniversary last night. So, I wanna make it up to you today. Babe, sorry about it." He looked serious as he said so.

"Where's Nora? Don't tell me you forgot about her, huh?" He arched his brow.

I suddenly realized that I was so caught up with my thoughts that I even forgot to pick up Nora from the Cubs' House!

"Oh! I..." I felt so guilty forgetting about her.

"Never mind. I'll go get her now. I left the groceries on the kitchen table. But don't start cooking before I get back. This time, I'll cook your favorite dishes," he said as he put on his coat, grabbed the car key, and rushed out the door.

A while later, the door opened and closed again.

I thought Luka and Nora were home.

"Selina, it's me. I had such a long day, and I'm starving now. Is dinner ready?"

A languid voice reached my ear.

I turned back and saw Abby leaning against the kitchen table.

With her arms folded over her chest, she gazed at me beneath her long lashes. A cascade of raven-black hair reached to her waist.

I forgot that she also had our home key, and so she could "visit" us whenever she wanted.

I complained about it to Luka.

But nothing changed since her parents and Luka spoiled her so much.

As the so-called "Victim" from the rogue attack years ago in her pack, everyone in that family tried to make it up to her in such a way.

"Hey, I'm not your mom. Plus, this isn't your home, get it? If you're so hungry, you'd better go home."

I was normally an easy-going person, but I wouldn't "spoil" her as her family did.

She pouted and walked away. And I could feel her anger.

"Mommy, I'm home!" Nora ran into the kitchen and hugged my thigh.

"Sweetie, how was your sleepover with your best friend yesterday?" I cupped her face.

"It was good. And Daddy picked me up today. He said it was a surprise." She stared at me with her naive eyes.

Luka walked into the kitchen with both hands in his pockets, looking handsome, as usual.

"Luka! You're home." Abby trotted over with a big smile on her face.

"Abby? What are you doing here? I thought you were with Mom and Dad."

As he said so, he walked behind me and left a kiss on my neck.

"Babe, I'll cook. You look tired. Just go have a rest, OK?"

"Gee! Get a room! You two are making me sick." Abby rolled her eyes.

"Luka, I wanna help you cook." She offered.

"I'm fine doing it myself. It'll be faster." Luka said with a straight face. "And, you should probably go home now."

"Why?"

"It's our anniversary. OK?"

"I thought it was yesterday."

"It's none of your business, and just go home. Now!"

"I don't wanna go home. Plus, I'm starving. Just let me stay for dinner. I promise I'll leave right after it." She pulled Luka's arm and begged.

"You heard me, didn't you? And stop acting like a child while you're a grown woman!" He said in a harsh tone and released Alpha aura.

Abby took a step back, and she swallowed hard.

"Fine. Let her stay for dinner." I cut in. "She's right at one point. Our anniversary was yesterday." I stared at Luka, and my voice was cold.

I could feel the fluctuation in his pheromones. He tried to stay calm, yet I knew he was getting irritated.

Right. I wanted to get under his skin.

At this time, Elise called back.

I grabbed my phone and rushed to our bedroom as quickly as I could.

"Hey, you? Where the hell have you been?"

I couldn't wait to continue our unfinished conversation at the coffee shop.

"You said you ran into Luka the other day." I took a deep breath.

"Where? And when?" I could feel Violet snarling beneath my skin.

"Gee, just slow down. I'm calling you to talk about it." Elise sounded startled.

Yeah, she should be, given that she had no idea what I had been wondering about for the past few hours.

But it didn't matter anymore. I just needed to know what she saw the other day.

"Then, go ahead!"

"Well, I was driving in the northern territory, and I saw Luka walking on the street with a woman. But I drove past so quickly, and I didn't see the woman's face." She stuttered, trying to recall the scene.

"Was that woman dressed in a red coat?" I could feel my voice shiver slightly.