Chapter 3

I didn't rush back. Instead, I took my time browsing through the mall, picking out a few new outfits. It lifted my spirits considerably.

By the time I returned to the Blackwood Pack territory, evening had fallen.

The last rays of sunset streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, bathing the living room in a warm golden glow.

But the moment I pushed open the door, that warmth plummeted to freezing.

Lydia was curled up on the living room sofa, looking perfectly at home. She'd changed into loungewear—my sleepwear, the robe I'd just bought last week.

She clutched a throw pillow, a few golden strands falling lazily over her shoulders.

The picture of ease, as if she were the lady of the house.

Seeing me, she rubbed her temples and said sweetly, "Selene, Damon said I could stay here for a while. You don't mind, do you?"

I set my shopping bags by the door. "Your curfew's been lifted?"

Her expression froze for an instant, but she quickly recovered. "Yes, my father said I'm grown now. I should have more freedom."

"Interesting." I smiled. "Last night you said you've had a curfew since childhood, couldn't go out at night. Today it's suddenly lifted? Your father's timing is impeccable."

Lydia's face flushed slightly. Just as she opened her mouth to respond, Damon's voice cut in from behind. "Selene! Why are you here again?"

I turned. He stood at the foot of the stairs, fury written across his face.

Those amber eyes stared at me coldly, as if I were the unreasonable one.

"If you hadn't frightened her, she wouldn't have gotten hurt!" he continued, his voice laced with undeniable accusation.

I raised an eyebrow. "I frightened her?"

"Last night you smashed that cake in her face. She was so traumatized she couldn't sleep all night, and this morning she was so dizzy she nearly fell down the stairs!" Damon descended the stairs, each step feeling like it landed on my heart. "She'll be staying here to recover, and since you're responsible, you'll personally take care of her!"

If I stayed here, I'd be playing maid to this master manipulator? Not happening.

I picked up my handbag and headed for the door. "Fine then. I won't disturb you two. I'll go back to the Bloodmoon Pack."

"You!" Damon was left speechless.

Lydia gripped the armrest and stood, shaking her head weakly with exaggerated magnanimity. "Selene, forget it. It's not a big deal. I don't need your apology."

"Damon is a wonderful mate. I only hope you'll cherish him."

A flicker of tenderness crossed Damon's face—an expression I'd never seen before. Even in our most intimate moments in my past life, he'd never looked at me that way.

He quickly moved to Lydia's side, gently supporting her shoulder as if she might collapse at any moment.

"Are you alright? Should I call the doctor?" he asked softly.

"I'm fine..." Lydia shook her head but leaned into his embrace. "Just a little tired."

Damon looked up at the butler standing nearby. "Give her that south-facing room. Good natural light, perfect for recovery."

The butler hesitated. "Alpha, that room was prepared for Miss Selene..."

"That one!" Damon waved his hand impatiently.

Then he turned to me, eyes full of irritation. "You're not going to make a scene again, are you?"

I couldn't help but laugh. This scene was too familiar, reminding me of every argument in my past life.

Every time, he'd taken Lydia's side, accusing me of being "oversensitive" or "jealous."

And I'd compromised again and again, telling myself "he's just been deceived" or "he'll see the truth eventually."

But the truth was, he never had. Or rather, he simply didn't want to.

"Since you like Lydia so much, I'll have my father make you two official."

Lydia's body swayed, her face instantly draining of color.

She clutched Damon's sleeve, eyes brimming with tears. "Selene, I know you're still angry with me, but I truly see you as a sister..."

"Even if you don't understand me, you shouldn't slander me like this..." Her voice broke.

"Enough!" Damon interrupted protectively, turning on me. "Selene, do you have no conscience? After everything Lydia's done for you, you still want to smear her?!"

"What has she done for me?" I countered. "Help me 'test' the sexual prowess of twenty suitors?"

"You—" Damon was struck speechless.

Lydia finally snapped.

She broke free from Damon's embrace, sobbing loudly. "Selene Hunter! What will it take for you to leave me alone?!"

"Weren't we best friends? Now that you're getting married, you're starting to despise me, is that it?! You think I'm not good enough to appear at your wedding, not worthy of being your bridesmaid, so you want to drive me away?!"

She spoke through tears, her entire body trembling.

If I hadn't witnessed her true nature firsthand, I might have actually been moved by this performance.