Chapter 5

The rest went silent instantly. Serena was oblivious. "Damon, it just means the Luna has her charm. Why not let her go? You've still got me and the pup."

"Shut up!" Damon raised a hand to slap her and stopped at her cheek.

He watched her eyes redden, jaw clenched, and said through his teeth, "Go to Booth Thirty-One. Find out if it's Julian Hartwell."

I could feel Damon's eyes pinning me.

In the tension, his runner came back and whispered in his ear.

The heaviness around him lifted.

He laughed coldly. "Not Julian, then?"

He looked at me, mocking. "I thought he'd play the hero — bid on you to save you. Guess I overestimated him."

"Julian's been glued to the Ashford heiress lately. Word is wedding bells are close," his runner said smugly. "Why would he bother with damaged goods?"

"Did you hear that?"

He walked over, dragged me out of the case, and slapped my face back and forth.

"Evelyn. This is what you get for betraying real feelings. Cheaters get cheated."

"Glaring at me? Still defiant? Still think Julian just doesn't know you're here? That's why he didn't come save you?"

He laughed until he doubled over. His grip on my face tightened.

"I made sure he got the word. I told him I was selling you."

"Evelyn. What gives Julian the right to be loved like that? Loved enough that you humiliated me. Put me in the dirt over and over."

His eyes were wild and mournful. "I was good to you. Even now, I don't want to really hurt you."

"I even thought I'd set you free. If Julian placed the winning bid, I'd sign the severance. But in the end, he still chose the Ashford heiress."

"You're pathetic." He shoved me away with a half-smile.

I stayed on the floor, silent.

He seemed to tire of me. He waved a hand. "Send her to Booth Thirty-One. Thanks to him for taking out the garbage. Throw in a case of pills."

I was dragged out, leaving blood trails on the floor, Serena's laughter behind me.

I was shoved into Booth Thirty-One. I curled up and tried to cover myself.

In front of me stood an old man with a white beard.

He had his people verify the funds, then sent everyone out.

I tensed.

He said softly, "Hello, Lady Hartwell. You don't know me, but I came for you."

He draped a clean robe over me, then called for a healer.

The healer did what she could, then had me placed on a stretcher.

He saw my confusion. "I'm Edwin Ashford of the Ashford Pack. I'm here on Alpha King Julian's orders."

I nodded and murmured, "Thank him. And thank Lady Ashford."

I paused. "I won't make it to the Mating Ceremony between him and Lady Ashford. I'm sorry."

The old steward smiled. "You won't need to."

At my confusion, he went on. "Our Lady was Bonded long ago. A private Mating. Next month she's just holding a public ceremony. The rumors about her and Alpha King Julian are nothing."

"Alpha King Julian has already arranged your treatment and recovery in the Maple Northern Territories. We're on our way now."

"As for your Mate Bond with Sterling — Alpha King Julian gathered every proof of his abuse against you and submitted it to the Moon Council of the Hollow Realm. They severed the bond this morning. Congratulations. You're free."

My throat closed. "Thank the Moon."

"Could I ask you for something?"

"Name it."

"I carried ten pups for Damon. I terminated all ten. I kept them in the Healer's cold storage and honored them every year."

"Would you run a paternity test between all ten and Damon's sample, and send him the results."

I spoke gently. "And — Damon always believed I sold his Pack's trade secrets, that I was the reason his investments collapsed three years ago. Please find out who really sold those documents."

The medical team was escorting me to the panoramic elevator to take me up to the rooftop helipad.

Below, the auction had just ended. The celebrating had started.

Damon walked on stage with Serena in his arms and announced it to everyone.

"I, Damon Sterling, misloved for ten years. I've finally found the real mate of my life. With your blessing, I want to propose to Serena."

"Serena. Will you Mark me, and become my mate?"

Serena threw herself into his arms, eyes red.

Amid the cheering, Damon kissed her, showy and proud.

The elevator rose toward the roof. Through the glass, the gaudy lights of the Auction House fell away into open sky.

At the last moment, through the glass, my eyes met Damon's.

I looked away.

Goodbye, Damon.

"Damon," Serena cooed. "What are you staring at?"

"Nothing, Evelyn—" He felt Serena's face change and realized he'd slipped.

He rubbed his temple and soothed her. "I'm not used to anyone else calling me mate yet."

Seeing her tears starting, he swallowed his irritation and said softly, "Don't cry. You'll cry the pup out like you. Who'd want a crybaby pup?"

Serena laughed through her tears. "Then you have to buy me a yacht and name it after me. Otherwise I won't forgive you."

Damon agreed absently. His thoughts drifted.

Evelyn had been chased by half the wealthy Alphas in Ashcroft, and Julian had loved her since they were pups.

She had never asked him for anything.

Not once had she demanded something like a yacht.

Then he snapped back and mocked himself.

"I've been playing the simp too long."