Chapter 4
Half an hour later, I watched from a distance as Martyna’s rose–gold chariot rocked beneath the moonlight, the open moonroof allowing the crisp night air to carry their scents across the lake.
Even from here, the betrayal was suffocating.
Nearby wolves murmured, casting knowing glances toward the shaking vehicle.
“Rich pack wolves really know how to live–lakeside trysts in luxury vehicles…”
I recorded these images with a moonstone.
With a steady breath, I contacted Maryia through the psychic link and tell her: “There is a
moonstone that records images. Play this at the mating ceremony.”
Then, I my mother in Ironclaw Pack through mind–link.
“Mom, I’m coming home in seven days.”
She caught the tremor in my voice instantly. “Is Adeleke coming?”
I closed my eyes, inhaling sharply. “I’m coming alone.”
A pause. Then, her voice softened. “Don’t grieve, sweetie. I’ll meet you at the border of the Iron Claw
Pack.”
That night, Adeleke returned under the cover of darkness, the bitter scent of blood wine clinging to his breath. His grip on me was desperate, his lips pressing against my forehead, my cheeks, my lips, as if he could erase the damage.
“My honey, I love you so much. Look, I’m rushing back even though I’m so busy.” he murmured, voice thick with drunken devotion. “Be angry with me, punish me, but never leave me. Please?”
His neck still bore Martyna’s crimson lipstick marks, yet the love in his gaze burned with heartbreaking sincerity.
I let him kiss me, let him whisper apologies that meant nothing, let him cling to the illusion that I was
still his.
Chapter 4
In the morning, he moved through his usual rituals–preparing my morning tea, selecting my clothing with care, pressing a warm kiss to my temple,
At breakfast, Beta delivers an encrypted piece of parchment,
“My Luna,” said Adeleke, who had played perfect Alpha and devoted mate all morning, I have a pack gathering tonight. I won’t be home.”
I could already smell Martyna on the parchment.
But I simply nodded.
Once he left, I followed his scent trail across the packlands, leading me straight to an upscale territory complex. Martyna, dressed in white moonsilk, practically bounced into his chariot. I trailed them silently, watching as they arrived at Wolf’s Heart Photography Studio.
The Omega attendant greeted them warmly. “Alpha Adeleke, Miss Martyna! We’ve cleared the studio. Let’s review the mating ceremony photo styles…”
A cold laugh built in my chest, but my mind flashes to the figure of a blonde beauty, and the next second a familiar voice rings in my ears.
Sarah. My best friend.
“Where are you?” she chirped. “Let’s have afternoon tea!”
I gave her the studio’s location.
“Five years mated, and you’re taking new ceremony photos? You and Adeleke are so romantic!” she gushed.
I closed my eyes, gripping the steering wheel tighter. “Sarah… he’s not with me.”
Twenty minutes later, I sat in Sarah’s vehicle, my voice steady as I recounted everything–Martyna’s return, the taunting message, the betrayal.
Inside the studio, Adeleke stood behind Martyna, adjusting the ceremonial robe around her shoulders with careful precision, his touch reverent.
I clenched my fists as Sarah let out a low growl, her wolf bristling with fury.
Chapter 4
“I’ll tear them apart,” she hissed.
I placed a hand on her arm. “Not yet. I need to see what happens next.”
We followed them to the lake. The private photography area had been secured against prying eyes, but it wasn’t enough to keep us out.
The photographer fawned over them. “Such a striking pair–the most beautiful mates I’ve ever photographed.”
Martyna preened, clutching Adeleke’s arm like she had a right to it. “I have excellent taste in males. My Alpha is gorgeous.”
They posed in three different ceremonial outfits. When Martyna shivered, Adeleke wrapped her in his ceremonial cloak. When she struggled with poses, he murmured words of encouragement, his touch gentle, familiar.
Then, before the sacred lake, Adeleke knelt on one knee.
I froze.
Sarah’s claws extended instinctively, her breaths coming in short, furious bursts.
At Adeleke’s feet, Martyna gasped as he presented her with blood roses and a moonstone ring.
“You wanted ceremony photos but insisted we skip the proper mating proposal,” he said, his voice warm, affectionate. “I can’t shortchange you, my love.”
He lifted the ring toward her.
affectionate. “I can’t shortchange you, my love.”
He lifted the ring toward her.
“Martyna, will you be my mate?”
♡ (1)
