Chapter 3
I didn’t sleep well last night and ended up nodding off in my studio. A phone call jolted me awake. It was Gianni.
“There’s a pack gathering tonight. Get ready; I’ll send someone to pick you up. And don’t dress like an old maid, don’t embarrass me.” He hung up before I could respond.
I stared at the phone in silence. As expected, the Alpha of the Silvermoon Pack ignored yesterday's events. I shrugged off his words and continued painting.
After a while, he called again: “Cleo Hudson! Are you ignoring me now? The driver’s downstairs, you’d better hurry up. Tonight’s gathering is crucial for the pack.” He hung up again.
Since it was a pack event, I quickly tidied myself and went downstairs. Gianni rarely invited me to these gatherings, almost as if he thought I wasn’t presentable. Maeve, his Delta secretary, was usually glued to his side during such occasions. Wolves who didn’t know better would jokingly call her Luna.
The driver took me to the venue, a grand estate on the outskirts of the city. “Ma’am, the Alpha will be here shortly.” Not knowing where to go, I waited in the corridor.
A black SUV pulled up, and Gianni stepped out from the driver’s seat, his broad frame commanding attention even from a distance. Maeve slid out from the passenger side, her eyes locking onto mine immediately, a smug smile plastered on her face. I ignored her completely.
Gianni approached me, his dark eyes scanning my outfit with disapproval. “Why are you dressed so plainly? People might think I don’t treat my mate well. You really aren't as good at dressing up as you used to be.”
Maeve, her makeup flawless and her dress clinging to her figure, sauntered over to Gianni, running her hand along his chest soothingly. “Don’t be upset, Alpha. Even without dressing up, she’s still pretty.” Gianni’s face softened as he looked down at her. “I don’t know what I’d do without you, Maeve.”
I watched the pair with cold detachment, feeling like the outsider in my own mate’s life. My clenched hands ached.
Inside the private room were a few familiar faces—all high-ranking members of the Silvermoon Pack, which only heightened my confusion about why I was here. But I soon found out.
After I sat down, Gianni leaned in and whispered, “When Gamma Williams arrives, be pleasant. Don’t sulk.” Right on cue, Mr. Williams—a portly middle-aged Gamma—walked in. Everyone stood up, his gaze landing on me. Though uncomfortable, I managed a polite smile and greeted him.
He beamed and extended his hand, but I pretended not to notice. Unfazed, Mr. Williams exchanged pleasantries with Gianni before sitting down. Throughout the dinner, I avoided conversations. I could feel Mr. Williams’ lingering gaze and attempts to steer the conversation toward me, but I deflected them all.
Gianni, noticing Williams’ displeasure, whispered angrily at me, “Why are you brushing him off? Don’t you know how important this alliance is for the pack? You’re only making things worse!”
His words gave me a hint of why I was invited. As the dinner wrapped up, I felt a wave of nausea, threatening to bring up the spiced honey cake I’d eaten. I excused myself to the restroom, unwilling to return to that unpleasant room, and stayed there for a long time.
Unsure how much time had passed, my phone rang. It was Gianni's arrogant voice, “Get back on your own. Maeve is drunk, and I’m taking her home.” I heard a woman’s soft whimper in the background. “Alpha...”
Suppressing my disgust, I retorted, “So Maeve is your Luna now, huh?” Gianni's voice rose, “What’s gotten into you? Did you do anything worthwhile tonight? Maeve drank so much for the pack, can’t I at least take her home?”
“Should I be the one sacrificing myself to make it worthwhile for you?” He was momentarily speechless, then snapped, “What nonsense are you talking? I’m taking Maeve home.”
The call ended abruptly. I let out a self-mocking laugh and was about to leave when I heard the restroom door creak open. Suddenly, a pair of hands encircled my waist, the person reeking of alcohol, nuzzling against my neck.
“Luna Cleo, why are you still here? Were you waiting for me?” It was Mr. Williams’ voice, sinking my heart to rock bottom. Fortunately, he was too drunk and not very strong; I managed to wriggle free and fled.
I ran for what felt like forever until I was far from the estate, my heart pounding, my hands trembling uncontrollably. My phone pinged with a message from Maeve: ‘The success of this alliance is thanks in no small part to you, Luna Cleo.’ Maeve knew, and she probably orchestrated it.
The estate was remote, and no taxis were in sight. Gianni hadn’t even left me a car. I walked along the road, surrounded by darkness and solitude. My heart felt as bleak as the night. I knew Gianni didn’t like me, didn’t love me, and even despised me. But I hadn’t expected him to stoop so low.
He had become a stranger. In the past, when someone harassed me, he’d fiercely defend me, regardless of the odds. The scar he bears is from that time. But now he was the one putting me in harm's way.
If I stayed in this mate bond any longer, it would only hurt me more. After a long walk, I finally hailed a cab. Gianni didn’t come home that night.
The next day, an ugly bouquet arrived. Without a second thought, I asked Lawson, the Beta delivery guy, to toss it out.
You may also like
