Chapter 2
“Mom, I’m taking Ophelia to the guest room to rest.”
Kiaan carried Ophelia in his arms as though she were a fragile treasure, her head nestled against his neck. As they passed me, I thought I caught a fleeting, self-assured smile on Ophelia’s lips. Could someone who had just escaped from a rogue pack really look so composed? I shook off the thought, convincing myself I was imagining things.
Lucille, the Luna of the Silver Crescent Pack, spoke to me warmly as we descended to the ground floor, but my mind was elsewhere.
“Lara, you’re truly a blessing. The Alpha is fortunate to have you by his side.”
She held my hand, her touch reassuring, but her words felt distant.
“He’s soft-hearted, especially when it comes to those he cares about. With Ophelia’s situation, he may have overstepped, but I hope you’ll understand.”
“The Luna asks for understanding on the Alpha’s behalf,” I replied, forcing a polite smile. “It’s alright, Luna Lucille.”
She continued discussing pack matters, her tone light, but my attention drifted. Kiaan didn’t return from the second floor until nearly dinner, his lips slightly chapped as though he’d been speaking for hours. A flicker of unease stirred in my chest, but I pushed it down. I wouldn’t let myself spiral into suspicion.
The dining hall was filled with the aroma of roasted meats and spiced honey cakes, but Kiaan barely touched his food. He stood abruptly, filling a plate with care.
“Ophelia just escaped from a rogue pack; she shouldn’t be alone,” he said, his voice firm. “I’ll go keep her company.”
My stomach clenched. This was the second time he’d left me to fend for myself. No matter how welcoming Lucille was, I was still just a Beta meeting the Luna for the first time. Where did that leave me?
Before I could respond, Lucille set her fork down with a sharp clatter, her tone cutting through the room like a command.
“Stop!” she snapped, her alpha tone reverberating. “You’re not going anywhere.”
Kiaan froze, his expression shifting from determination to disbelief. “Mom, don’t you think you’re being heartless?”
She rose from her seat, her presence commanding. “Is she missing an arm or a leg? If she needs support, she should see a healer. You’re not her mate, Kiaan. Your fiancée is right here, and you’re acting as though she’s invisible.”
Kiaan turned to me, his eyes searching for understanding. “Lara, do you… do you agree with her?”
I clenched my hand under the table, nails digging into my palm. After a moment of silence, I forced a smile, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me. “If that’s the case, I won’t eat either. I’ll join you to check on Ophelia. She’s been through a lot. As another woman, maybe she’d feel more comfortable.”
His eyes lit up with gratitude, and he nodded. “Alright.”
The words left a bitter taste in my mouth, but I kept my composure. As we walked together, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong. My wolf stirred uneasily in the back of my mind, but I silenced her. Now wasn’t the time for doubt.
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