Chapter 3

I leaned against the wall, watching them.

Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, two people succumbed to their desires. His hand gripped her waist, and they kissed deeply.

My wolf howled inside me, a tearing sensation spreading from my chest to my limbs.

The mate bond felt like it was fraying.

Not a sudden break, but bit by bit, like a rusty chain slowly pulled apart.

I turned and walked away, my steps feeling strangely light.

Back in the car, I didn't start the engine right away.

I just sat there, staring at the club doors.

It was six thirty in the morning, and the streets were empty.

The city hadn't woken up yet, but betrayal had already taken root.

My phone buzzed again.

Liam: You don't need to pick up the custom suit for me. I'll go myself.

I stared at the message, not replying.

After a while, they drove away, heading toward the upscale shopping district downtown.

I parked far down the street, watching them walk hand-in-hand into a luxury boutique.

They looked like any real couple, laughing and acting the part.

Soon, they came out laden with bags, the sales associate bowing behind them.

My nose began to sting.

After five years together, Liam had never bought me a single gift.

I always thought he was just a guy, clueless about romance.

Every time, I had to bring it up, mentioning the bags or lipstick I wanted.

The items weren't expensive, just trendy brands. He would buy them, but he would also frown and lecture me about being frugal, as the pack's Luna.

But now, watching him spend so freely, I felt as though I never knew the mate I thought I did.

Finally, I followed them into a bespoke clothing store.

I stood in the display area near the entrance. Through the reflection in the mirror, I saw them in the VIP section.

In the women's section, Sophia just glanced at a few things, and Liam waved his hand, swiping his card for several dresses.

Sophia accepted them all. When they looked at men's clothing, she picked out a dark gray suit and held it up to Liam.

"This one's nice," her voice carried over. "It makes you look even handsomer."

Liam smiled. "You always have great taste."

"Of course."

She adjusted his collar, her movements smooth and practiced.

Then, her fingers traced the shape of his chest, sliding down his arm.

Lightly, she brushed over the 'S.'

It was the mark of our mate bond, formed naturally five years ago when we completed the ritual.

Everyone envied us then, calling us true mates, blessed by the Moon Goddess.

Lost in thought, Sophia leaned in and whispered something in his ear.

Liam didn't answer.

He simply took her hand and pulled her into a fitting room.

I stood in front of a mirror, the 'S' on my arm suddenly burning.

In five years together, I had never felt the Mind-link this strongly.

Liam's emotions came through the link, excitement, fondness, and an overwhelming…

Then, a sharp pain shot through my wolf's soul.

Biting my lip, I called Liam.

He answered on the third ring, sounding impatient.

"What is it?"

"I need you to come back." My voice was calm.

"Now?"

"Now."

"Selena, I'm handling pack business,"

"Through a Moon Goddess dream prophecy, I saw an ill omen," I interrupted. "The balance of the entire pack is collapsing. If you don't come back immediately, the consequences will be unpredictable."

There was silence on the other end for a few seconds.

Then, I heard Sophia's soft question, "What's wrong?"Liam realized I might hear and cleared his throat. "Selena, I'm really busy right now."

"More important than the pack's survival?"

"It'll be fine in a bit,"his tone became dismissive. "I'll be back this afternoon."

"Liam,"

"Gotta go."

He hung up.

I gripped my phone, standing by the fitting room's floor-to-ceiling window.

A moment later, I saw the fitting room door open.

Sophia emerged, fixing her hair.

Liam followed her, buttoning his shirt again.

The sales associate handed them the bill, and Sophia pulled out her credit card.

"Let's do it together,"she told the sales associate, "including that ladies' coat."

She pointed to a silver-gray coat hanging nearby, the color reserved for a Luna.

Liam didn't stop her.

He simply smiled indulgently, letting her swipe her card.

The sales associate bagged the clothes and handed them over.

Sophia linked her arm with Liam's, and they walked side-by-side toward the exit.

And me, standing behind the display rack.

They walked past me, less than ten feet away.

Liam didn't even sense me.

Or rather, in his perception, I no longer existed as his mate.

My hand holding the phone, my fingertips ice cold.

The last flicker of hope in my heart slowly died down.