Chapter 2

Lyra Moss was a liar.

I knew it the moment I saw her bare neck through the gap in her scarf.

A fated mate bond leaves a mark. Always. The Alpha's bite appears instantly, the moment mates recognize each other. It never fades.

Lyra had nothing.

But I didn't expose her. Not yet.

Three years ago, before our wedding, I'd made Cade sign a contract in front of the pack elders. Three conditions. Non-negotiable.

First: I wouldn't change my temper for anyone. My fire was my armor.

Second: He would put away his careless ways. Meet me halfway.

Third: If he ever found his fated mate, he had to ask me before marking her.

The elders had been furious. "This is unprecedented! A Luna demanding conditions?"

Cade had smiled, eyes bright. "Even if it were three hundred conditions, I'd agree to them all."

I'd stood at my parents' graves that night. "Dad, Mom. I'll protect myself this time. I won't stay where I'm not valued."

Now, watching Lyra perform her role, I understood why I'd been so careful.

She played the part well. The shy, grateful she-wolf who'd stumbled into true love.

"I'm so sorry, Luna Rhea." Tears streamed down her face the next morning. "I didn't mean to fall in love with your mate. But the bond—it's undeniable."

I poured tea. "I understand. Fated mates are sacred."

"You're so kind." She watched me carefully. "Most Lunas would hate me."

"Hate takes energy." I set the cup in front of her. "I'd rather spend mine elsewhere."

Over the next few days, I threw myself into planning the ceremony. Consulted with elders. Visited the ceremony grounds. Asked Lyra about her preferences.

Vivian cried when she heard. "Oh, Rhea, you're being so graceful about this."

Graceful. That's what they thought this was.

Lyra got bolder. She asked pack members questions. Casual. Innocent-sounding.

"What time does Luna Rhea usually wake up?"

"Does she have any habits? Routines?"

One afternoon, I heard her with Cade in the study.

"Luna Rhea seems so cold. Doesn't she miss you?"

"She's always been like that." Cade sounded tired. "Strong. Independent. Distant."

"A true mate would be warmer. More affectionate." A pause. "I can't imagine not wanting to be close to you every moment."

Two years ago, he'd held me on the roof and said, "Wherever I am, that's your home, Rhea. If I ever betray you, may the Moon Goddess abandon me."

Now he couldn't even look me in the eye.

Four days later, Lyra brought me a gift.

A small cloth bag. She presented it at breakfast with a sweet smile.

"Special herbs, Luna. To help you relax. This must be so stressful for you."

I opened the bag. Sniffed.

Wolfsbane. Mixed with other herbs to mask it. Not enough to kill. Enough to weaken. Drain my strength before the ceremony.

"How thoughtful." I smiled. "I'll brew some tonight."

That evening, I boiled water in the kitchen. Added the herbs. The scent of wolfsbane grew stronger.

Footsteps. Lyra appeared in the doorway. Perfect timing. She'd been waiting.

"Luna Rhea! You're trying the tea?"

"Yes." I lifted the cup. "It smells wonderful."

Her smile widened.

I drank it all.

Let her think she won. Let her get careless.