Chapter 3

The next day, Marcus told me the ritual with the pack Healer was already scheduled:

"Luna, are you really not going to discuss this with Alpha Damien? Your pup is already this far along..."

"No need."

I touched my belly. The pup seemed to sense I didn't want him anymore and was unusually quiet.

Actually, until yesterday, I had been living in a bubble of false happiness.

With Alpha Damien's abilities, hiding his relationship with Clarissa from me would be child's play.

But he slipped up.

I guess it's because the pregnancy is so far along now, he figured even if I found out the truth, I wouldn't leave him.

But I'm tired.

I've been waiting for him to love me - from sixteen to twenty-six, from secret crush to pregnancy, even willingly staying in an unmarked relationship for three years.

I could accept waiting, but I can't accept being used as a breeding vessel to help another she-wolf claim her position as Luna.

Before going to the Healer's den, I walked into the central marketplace next door, wanting to grab something to eat.

Then I heard a familiar deep voice in the distance.

"This area deserves special attention, especially domestic luxury brands. Their market share is growing."

I looked up sharply. Through a row of shelves, Alpha Damien stood not far away with Clarissa beside him.

Both wore sharp business attire, looking like they were doing territory research.

My heart clenched. I was about to turn and leave when I heard a light laugh.

"Oh my, if it isn't Seraphina. What a coincidence."

Clarissa clicked over in her heels, her eyes gleaming with fake warmth.

Before I could speak, Corbin approached respectfully, smiling: "Alpha Damien, future Luna, this is our new exhibition area..."

"Just call me Designer Clarissa. We need to keep business and personal separate."

Clarissa corrected with a smile, her voice sweet as honey, but she seemed to glance at me deliberately.

I clenched my fists. I never expected that Alpha Damien, who kept me hidden away, was already introducing Clarissa to pack members as the future Luna before our pup was even born.

"Seraphina, you have to help me keep this secret. Others in the pack don't know about my relationship with Alpha Damien yet. We plan to go public after our Mating Ceremony. You won't say anything, right?"

She smiled at me as if she had no idea I was Alpha Damien's current lover.

Alpha Damien's expression was stiff. He looked at me with guilt in his eyes, but he kept frowning at me frantically, wanting me to keep quiet.

My heart felt like it was being crushed. I forced a smile: "I won't say anything."

After I reject the pup, I'll break the bond with Alpha Damien anyway. Why would I get involved in their business?

"I knew you were reliable, Seraphina. Why are you at the marketplace alone? Where's your mate?"

Clarissa's eyes flashed with triumph. She moved closer and linked her arm through mine like an old friend.

"I'm so nervous here with all these men talking numbers. Will you keep me company?"

I felt uncomfortable and gently pushed her away, not looking at Alpha Damien: "I don't have a mate."

Alpha Damien's face darkened for a moment when he heard this. The guilt on his face was quickly masked, and he said stiffly:

"Since you're here, show Clarissa around. She's still not familiar with the territory."

Without waiting for my refusal, he hurried off to talk with Corbin.

I frowned, trying to pull away from Clarissa's grip on my arm, but she held on tightly and whispered in my ear:

"Actually, I know you're Damien's current lover. But so what? Let me be straight with you - you're nothing but a breeding vessel. Damien is mine. After you give birth, I'll be his Luna."

My body stiffened. I said coldly: "Let go!"

I pushed her, but I barely used any force.

She suddenly cried "Oh!" and swayed, then lunged toward the side.

Talia carrying her pup Fawn happened to be walking by. Clarissa crashed into them, sending both mother and child tumbling to the ground.

The pup wailed. Talia was shocked and furious:

"Are you crazy? Why are you pushing people? You knocked us down! How can someone pregnant be so vicious? Are you trying to kill someone?"

I stepped forward to explain, but Clarissa blocked me. Tears squeezed from her eyes as she sobbed:

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry. It's all my fault. Seraphina didn't mean to push me. I'm sorry, please don't blame her."