Chapter 3
When I was discharged and returned to the packhouse, Silan finally remembered to call me, his tone
filled with irritation.
“Laurel, where the hell have you been while I was on patrol? Don’t you know you’re supposed to pick up
our pup?”
I stayed silent. During his so–called “pack visit,” Flora White’s social updates had been buzzing with photos. The two of them were clearly having a great time in the Silver Coast Packlands, so much so that they didn’t even bother to hide it from me, the Luna.
I replied flatly, “I’ve been busy these past few days. I sent our pup to my mom’s den.”
He paused, clearly caught off guard. My attitude toward him had never been this cold before. Sensing my
mood, he softened his tone.
“I know I’ve been busy lately and haven’t spent much time with you. Once things settle down, I’ll take you
to the Crystal Ridge Pack for a retreat.”
I responded lightly. Early in our bond, I had eagerly suggested a trip to Crystal Ridge. It was a place I had always dreamed of visiting, but he had brushed me off impatiently,
“It’s too far. I don’t have time for such a long trip. Let’s just visit a nearby pack for a couple of days.”
Back then, I had sympathized with the challenges of his new role as Alpha and told myself that a short trip to the Redwoods would suffice. But as soon as we arrived, he took a call from Flora and left me there
alone.
This kind of thing happened countless times, and every time, like a fool, I forgave him and waited for him to come back. But in the end, I was the only one moved by my efforts.
He hesitated before adding, “Luna, the Bloodmoon Pack’s grand feast is coming up in a few days. I’d like
you to come with me.”
“There will be many allies and influential leaders there. Make sure you dress appropriately.”
I clenched my fists and replied, “Alright. I understand.”
Silan had been riding high on his role as Alpha for two years, convinced it was all his own doing. He had no idea that I had been silently supporting him in the background–investing resources from my family’s pack and using my parents‘ alliances to help him secure his position.
I had kept it from him to avoid bruising his ego. But now, it was time to take it all back.
21:18
