~Grace~
Have you ever done something you regret? Well, l have.
My biggest regret was making my husband the alpha king and saving his ass from that group of rogues.
I knew this made me sound evil. But trust me. What he did to me after my injury was unforgivable. l will not forget the day my life turned upside down...
“We did what we could. Luna Grace.” the pack doctor announced solemnly, “But your reproductive abilities couldn't be healed entirly.”
My jaw tightened as l blinked back the tears pooling in my eyes.
“I understand.” I stared at the floor, instinctively touching my stomach.
Under my shirt, a long scar ran across my abdomen, where I had gotten injured while protecting Liam from rogues one week ago. But at that point, I didn't regret my decision.
No one would let the love of their life die in front of them. l would always choose to save Liam or any pack members in danger.
Left alone, I shifted uncomfortably on the hospital bed. As if the moon goddess knew what l was thinking, I heard Liam’s name, and looked up……
“Today, Alpha King, Liam Nightshade,” the anchorman on the hospital TV gestured toward the handsome man beside him, “has achieved the greatest accomplishment in werewolf history.” He paused for dramatic effect, and even though I knew what was coming, I still watched to hear what he would say. “The establishment of the largest pack ever: the Nightshade Pack!”
My eyes locked in on the Alpha’s face, his grey eyes commanding. I couldn't help but notice how much he had changed from the past.
I still remembered the day he had proposed to me three years ago. We took a walk by my favorite river in the Windsong woods and his hand was literally shaking in mine. He was too nervous to speak. When he got on one knee and asked me, my brain went completely blank. He pulled me in and pressed his lips against my own. I giggled like a stupid highschool girl.
Yeah, I was happy. So happy.
Liam was there for me after my parents passed away. l was in love with him so much that l agreed to merge my Windsong pack with the Nightshade pack 2 years ago.
Now he was there on the screen, as the perfect Alpha king, so close I could touch him with my fingertips...yet so far away.
“He has a pack to run, Grace.” l consoled myself within.
Our pack was throwing a banquet tonight in order to celebrate Liam's achievements as Alpha King.
So l left the pack hospital alone. Now that l thought about it, Liam leaving me alone in the hospital was definitely a red flag. But love is blind. l was too blinded to see all of this.
The banquet hall was dazzling. Silver mesh hung gracefully over the ceiling and the walls, and gorgeous, dark-purple flowers sat in centerpieces at each table. I was satisfied with the arrangement that I planned weeks ago.
People had already started gathering, enjoying the appetizers that sat out on a long, narrow table.
I leaned against a decorative support beam in a dark purple dress. My leg peeked through a long slit, and small, decorative nightshades adorned my hem. Dark brown hair spilled down my back in loose curls.
While people cheerfully discussed with one another, there was a palpable tension as countless pairs of eyes scanned the room.
Where was he?
I knew very well Liam was busy, but he wouldn’t miss his own celebration. I cast nervous glances around the room as well.
My heel rapidly tapped against the hardwood floor. I got up pouring myself a glass of dark red wine and nervously swirled the drink in my glass. When I had just raised the cup to my lips...
BAM!
The sound of the double doors bursting open broke through the hall. I stood, frozen, gripping the fabric of my dress so fiercely I might tear it.
Liam stood in the large double doorway, donning a silver suit, a dark curl falling over his grey eyes. He looked so dashing. Every pack member lowered their heads in respect.
But he wasn't the one l was looking at, it was the woman Next To him.
The dazzling woman grinned excitedly in the doorway before she made her way across the floor, a sparkling bright purple dress trailing out behind her. Her silver hair was put up in a beautiful bun, and a large, jeweled nightshade clip sat at the base.
My chest felt like a million pins were poking it as, Liam cheerfully announced, “I’d like to give a warm welcome to the newest member of my pack, Sophia Wood!”
What?! I was astounded as the news sent a wave of nausea over me. Cause l knew this woman. Sophia Wood was Liam’s fated mate and she had abandoned him three years ago saying he was too weak. Now she was back. l was not a fool and l knew there was something going on.
The crowd applauded, and Liam dismissed them to continue the party.
I bit the inside of my lip, glaring at the pair. Sophia leaned comfortably against Liam, laughing as they engaged in conversation, like a couple in some bad romance movie.
Liam knew she was coming back and deliberately chose not to tell me. Why? My heart raced with bewilderment. My wolf Nola howled in my head, aching to tear them apart.
Carefully composing my expression, I held my tongue, not wanting to make a scene in front of my pack members, as I had to remain dignified as Luna. However, this did not mean I would let this matter slide.
There better be a good explanation for this!
He was always telling me how busy he was, even after l saved his ass from that group of rogues and almost lost my fertility. But he found enough time to plan Sophia’s return and not even tell me about it.
I drank some wine and tried to pretend it didn't bother me. I decided my best course of action would be to ignore it for now, and question him tonight about it.
Liam didn’t seem interested in talking with me, now that Sophia was here.
“Grace,” I heard the unmistakable voice of my husband say, and I felt a pang of anger. Now you want to talk to me? At the end of the night, when half of the guests have already left?
I turned to face Liam. One pointed canine tooth peeked out from his smile.
Crap. I almost felt bad about being mad when my gaze moved to Sophia, who leaned cheekily against Liam’s shoulder.
I thrust my hand toward Sophia. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Grace. His Luna.”
Liam shoved my hand down and stepped in between us. He was protecting her from me.
I swallowed back an insult, looking darkly at Liam, and waited for him to apologize.
“Sophia has nowhere to stay. What do you think about letting her live with us?” Liam said, glancing at Sophia as he spoke.
l swore to Goddess l saw smirks on their faces.
I just got out of the hospital after getting hurt trying to protect him. And he said it in front of his Luna as if this was a completely acceptable request. While holding another woman?
I never openly turned him down during our three years of marriage, but he'd gone too far this time. I held my stare with Liam, daring him to challenge me.
“No,” I uttered my response loud and clear.
