Chapter 2
The words hit me like a physical blow—shock, disappointment, and grief flooded through me before I finally settled into a cold, detached calm.
Just yesterday, he had smiled at me with such tenderness, brushing a strand of hair from my face, murmuring how my scent outshone the fragrance of the forest.
Now, here he was, beneath the same tree, entangled with another woman.
Perhaps it was my uncharacteristic silence that unnerved Declan. He quickly left Romina’s side and strode toward me, a flicker of panic in his eyes.
“Loretta, I spoke out of turn. I didn’t mean it. Please, don’t…”
I stepped back, avoiding his outstretched hand, and met his gaze head-on.
“Is that really how you’ve always seen me?”
“The Queen has repeatedly demanded I conform to pack traditions, humiliating me time and again, and you’ve never once stood up for me.”
Of course, I should have known. Declan, the future Lycan King, so obsessed with appearances and hierarchy—why would he ever tolerate someone like me?
“Loretta, you’re misunderstanding. The Queen only wants what’s best for you. Harsh words can be a form of guidance. You should be grateful to her.”
“And Romina—she’s just my cousin. Today was a mistake. Let me make it up to you, alright?”
He pulled out a small box of my favorite frozen custard from his pocket, offering it with that familiar, affectionate ease.
Young hearts are easily swayed, and I couldn’t help but soften as I accepted it. The cool, creamy sweetness on my tongue eased the tension in my chest.
“Then why did you lie to me?”
“I didn’t lie. I just ran into Romina on my way out. We haven’t seen each other in years, and we got caught up talking about my mother…”
His voice wavered with a hint of sorrow, and I couldn’t bear to see him like that. I quickly reassured him.
“I overreacted. Don’t be upset.”
Romina chose that moment to approach, her voice trembling with feigned fragility. “Loretta, I’m so sorry for causing you distress. I’ve always been the outsider, sent away as a child and only finding solace in my cousin’s kindness. If my presence bothers you, I’ll… I’ll request to leave the pack again.”
She looked so frail, her voice quivering with tears, her expression pitiful.
Seeing this, Declan stepped away from me, lowering his voice to comfort her.
Though my chest ached with bitterness, I swallowed my feelings and held my tongue.
But my restraint only emboldened Romina.
From that day on, every outing, every visit to the King’s court, included her.
“We’re family, Loretta. Don’t overthink it.”
“You’re going to be Luna someday. You can’t afford to be jealous.”
“Don’t worry. You’ll always be my only mate.”
I chose to trust him unconditionally, but that trust only made him bolder.
Soon, he stopped inviting me altogether, only taking Romina with him.
She became the only woman by his side.
Whispers spread through the pack, mocking me for clinging to the delusion of becoming Luna, while Declan’s heart had already turned to Romina.
Before I could confront the gossiping pack members, Romina dropped her fragile facade and stormed into my territory, her words sharp and venomous.
“How can someone like you, with no pride, keep chasing after him like this?”
“Do you really think Declan loves you? He pities you, nothing more. He’s only grateful for your father’s loyalty. He’s told me countless times how much he despises your brutishness, how sick he is of you clinging to him like a parasite!”
I clenched my fists, refusing to engage with her theatrics.
But Romina sneered, “If you don’t believe me, wait until the Mark Ceremony. I’ll make sure you see the truth for yourself.”
You may also like
