Chapter 3

Damien hesitated for a moment before finally speaking. “The mating ceremony is already planned. Since you’re still recovering, you might have to…”

“Find someone to stand in for me so the Silvercrest Pack doesn’t lose face,” I cut in, already knowing what he was getting at.

Rather than waiting for him to put me in a weaker position, I took control. At least this way, I could keep some dignity.

His golden eyes flickered with something unreadable before he masked it with a sigh. “You don’t have to say it like that, Selene. The pack needs a Luna, and with your condition…”

I let out a humorless chuckle. “My condition? You mean the injuries from the accident? Or the fact that I can’t shift anymore?”

He looked away, not answering. That was answer enough.

Then my phone buzzed.

Damien’s ears twitched as he caught the sound. His gaze flickered to the screen, and his brows furrowed. “Selene, what documents did you cancel?”

I quickly deleted the message and kept my voice steady. “Nothing important. Just some old pack records. I updated them online.”

He didn’t question it, just pulled me closer, his voice full of concern. “You’re still recovering. If you need anything, just tell me. I’ll handle it for you.”

I looked up at him and smiled. “Damien, I want to be discharged.”

His expression darkened instantly. “No. You’re not fully healed yet. I can’t agree to that.”

I tugged on his arm, forcing my voice to be light and playful. “Didn’t you say we should adopt a pup? There’s a caretaker at home, I’ll be fine. I just want to visit the orphaned pups at the sanctuary and look around, okay?”

In five years, this was the first time I had ever acted sweet with him.

Damien hesitated, then gave in. On the way, he reached into the backseat and pulled out a bag of wrapped treats, placing them in front of me one by one.

“I got these just for you,” he said, but then I noticed the packaging—soft biscuits and honeyed treats, things that young pups would love.

I closed the bag, tossed it aside, and leaned back. “My stomach feels off,” I muttered, shutting my eyes.

This five-year lie had gone on long enough. It was time to end it.

As soon as we stepped into the sanctuary, I sat in a wheelchair, playing the role of the fragile Luna-to-be. A little girl with silver-streaked hair came bounding over, her scent warm with familiarity. She threw her arms around Damien’s legs, clinging to him like she had known him forever.

“Dad!” she called out excitedly.

Damien stiffened. His expression changed for a split second before he quickly composed himself. Worried I might get suspicious, he rushed to explain. “Don’t get the wrong idea. I sponsor this sanctuary and have visited a few times. She’s just a pup who started calling me that.”

I inhaled sharply, taking in the girl’s scent again. There it was—his scent, mingled with hers in a way that only blood ties could explain.

She wasn’t just some orphaned pup.

She was his.