Chapter 81

Zaiden POV“You’re at work,” I said quietly.“Yeah,” she replied. “Lunch rush. I stepped outside when I saw your name.”I could picture it perfectly — her standing in the alley behind the restaurant, apron still tied around her waist, hair pulled back, phone pressed to her ear like it mattered.“How are you?” I asked.There was a small pause.“I’m okay,” she said, but her voice softened. “How are you?”“I’m fine.”She didn’t respond immediately.“You don’t sound fine.”I leaned back against the wall, closing my eyes. “Mission’s over.”“Is everyone okay?”“Yeah.”Another pause.“And you?” she asked gently.I hesitated.“I’m still here.”She exhaled slowly, and I could hear the relief in it. “Don’t do that.”“Do what?”“Talk like you’re replaceable.”My jaw tightened slightly.“I just missed you,” I admitted, my voice lower now.Silence.Then, softer than before, “I missed you too.”Goddess.Those words hit harder than they should have.“I kept checking my phone,” she continued. “Every

Chapter 82

Nelissa POV I didn’t realize when it started happening. When being around Adrian stopped feeling… dangerous, and started feeling normal, I guess that was because Xavier was no longer around and there was nothing to fear, we've been fucking for close to two weeks not everyday though but enough to get acquainted to each other and to think Adrian was never interested, now he's been all over me. I pushed open the door to his room without knocking, already knowing he’d be there. He always was at this hour. He didn’t even look surprised. “You’re getting bold,” he muttered, glancing up from where he sat, sleeves rolled, hair slightly messy like he’d been running his hands through it. I leaned against the door, crossing my arms. “You don’t lock your door.” “You don’t knock.” “Same thing.” A faint smirk tugged at his lips. Goddess!! That smirk. I rolled my eyes and stepped inside anyway, closing the door behind me. The room felt warmer than mine. Or maybe it was just him.

Chapter 83

Nelissa's POVAfter going all lovey-dovey with Adrian, I left his room for mine. Then I got a text from my dad, telling me to come to his office. I was glad I hadn't reached my room yet.I got to his office and knocked, then I was allowed in.“Good day, Dad,” I said.I turned to the other side, seeing the elders of the council gathered. I wondered what was wrong.“Good day, elders,” I bowed.They nodded.“Have your seat,” my dad said. I sat.“Okay, we called you here because, as we all know, Xavier would be back anytime soon. We need to go ahead with the mating and marking rites.”“Dad, I don't think Xavier is ready for that.”“What more does he want to prepare for? Time is no longer on our side.”“Dad, he might be busy with Alpha duties. We know fully well that he's been busy going from pack to pack, inviting Alphas for alliances for the sake of protecting his pack. We need to give him some time, at least.”“It's fine, but that'd be anytime soon.”“Sure,” I replied, even though somet

Chapter 84

Zaiden POVWe actually intended on coming back in probably a week’s time or so. We only wanted to make sure everything was alright before we left. I personally didn't want to come back here. I needed to be with my mate soon and get the Luna ceremony and rites done as soon as possible.I remembered I hadn't spoken to Adrian, so I decided to put him on the line.“Hello.”“Alpha,” he greeted.“How's everything going?” I asked.“Pretty good,” he said. “I know you'll soon be back. Just a little touch-up remaining, I promise. Before you even make up your mind to come back, I’m done.”“You sound too confident,” I sighed.“Yes, I do. I've connected all the dots. I only have the last one remaining.”“Great. When I'm back, we'd be leaving immediately.”“Okay,” he replied.I went back into the house, going to my room. I saw Thelma and her brother.“Uncle Zai!” they screamed and ran towards me while I bent to pick them up.“How are you doing, kiddos?”“We’re good!” Thelma said happily. “Mom said

Chapter 85

Karen’s POV By the time I got home, everything felt… quiet again. I closed the door gently behind me, leaning against it for a second as I let out a small breath. The kind you don’t realize you’ve been holding all day. My eyes dropped to the flowers in my hand. I smiled. Walking slowly into my room, I placed them carefully on the table, adjusting them like they were something fragile… something important. Because they were. I sat on the edge of my bed, my fingers brushing lightly over the petals. “They’re beautiful,” I whispered, even though no one was there to hear it. I could still hear his voice in my head. “Do you like them?” I let out a soft laugh, shaking my head slightly. “You’re unbelievable…” The words came out quieter this time. I leaned back slowly, pulling my legs up onto the bed, my gaze still fixed on the flowers. Then my eyes drifted to the dress. Folded neatly where I had placed it earlier. I reached for it without thinking, my fingers curling into th

Chapter 86

Karen’s POV The next morning came. I woke up slowly, the soft light of the sun filtering through my window, warming my face. For a moment, I just lay there, doing nothing, just staring. Then I turned slightly. My eyes fell on the flowers. Right where I had left them. Fresh and beautiful. My chest tightened. Last night… was good, I thought. I sat up slowly, pulling the covers off me, my fingers brushing lightly against the dress beside me. I paused, holding it for a second. I remembered he called right after I felt that lonely feeling, when I saw my phone beside me. I exhaled slowly and stood up, forcing myself to move. Work didn’t wait for feelings. And neither did life. I first got to the bathroom and performed my morning ritual, then dressed up, carried my cross bag, and left for work. The chief maid had prepared something for me, which I ate and left. I went outside the gate only to see Charles waiting for me. I walked towards him with a smile. “Good morning, Luna,” he bowed. “