Chapter 3

Zoe's dad was Ethan's mentor, the wolf who guided him when he first stepped into the courthouse. That first day, Zoe laid eyes on him and didn't hold back—she chased him hard, like a she-wolf on the hunt. I got jealous once, told Ethan I'd confront her and set things straight.

He just pulled me into his arms, his voice soothing. "Her dad's my mentor, Melody. I don't want some petty drama messing up that bond. Trust me, I'll keep her at arm's length."

I believed him. Like a fool, I trusted every word. Until I stood in that courtroom, his betrayal cutting deeper than any knife, and realized he and Zoe had been way past "keeping distance" for a long time.

That night, I couldn't face our bedroom. Instead, I curled up in my pup's empty room, the cold floor my only refuge—no mattress, no warmth, just the last shred of my sanctuary.

When I woke, a thin blanket was draped over me. It had to be Ethan. Why bother with this act of care? No one was watching. I tossed the blanket aside like it was tainted, my stomach twisting.

Bella texted me: "I'm working fast on my end. You should look for clues too."

My eyes drifted to the master bedroom next door...

Laughter, bright and sharp like a bell, hit me as I came downstairs. In the open kitchen, Ethan and Zoe were tangled up in each other, every detail painfully clear. When Ethan heard my steps, he turned, a smear of Zoe's lipstick glaring on his cheek.

My whole body shook, my grip on the railing tightening until my knuckles whitened. "Zoe, what are you doing here?"

Ethan answered for her, his voice calm, like this was normal. "She heard you were out and wanted to check on you. These past three years, she's been a big help. She's gone to our pup's grave every year, bringing flowers."

My blood surged, pounding in my skull. "She has no right to visit his grave!"

No murderer in the history of any pack deserved to stand at their victim's tomb.

Ethan looked away, avoiding my eyes. "I had a ceremony done. He recognizes her as his godmother now."

The world went silent. My racing blood turned to blades, slicing through me, carving out my heart. The pain stole my voice.

Zoe stepped forward, holding out a bouquet of flowers, her smile mocking. "For you, Melody. Congrats on starting over."

The scent hit me, and my skin started to itch, a burning rash creeping up my arms. I slapped the flowers away, too drained to even call them out for their shamelessness.

I turned to leave, but a shout stopped me cold.

"0832!"

"Present!" I answered, reflex kicking in before I could stop myself.

Zoe's laugh cut through the air, sharp and cruel. "Sorry, Melody, I heard that's what they make you do in prison. Just thought I'd have some fun."

I spun around. Ethan's brow was furrowed, his hand on her arm. "That's enough, Zoe. No more jokes like that."

She batted her eyes, all playful innocence. "Fine, babe."

They were flirting right in front of me. My mind flashed to that opened box of condoms upstairs, and my heart froze over completely.

That evening, I met Bella at a diner. Her eyes widened when she saw me. "Melody, you look like hell. If it's too much, come stay with me."

"No," I said, my voice flat. "Just find the evidence fast." I'd promised Ethan I'd play along with this charade, and I couldn't let him suspect I was digging.

As Bella ordered a spread of food, insisting I eat, Zoe walked in, her pup in tow. My eyes lingered on the boy for a moment, my heart aching for my own.

Zoe yanked him behind her, blocking my view, and spoke loud enough for the whole diner to hear. "This place has a murderer, sweetie. She killed her own pup. Be good, or she'll come for you too."

She turned to me, smirking. "Melody, three years in a cage—how's real food treating you?"

Every eye in the diner turned to me, their stares like claws.