6#06

6

The evening was cloaked in hushed stillness, punctuated only by Kade's exhausted exhale. His words rumbled softly in the darkness, intended to comfort but laced with deception. "My pack members have been neglecting their duties. When they fail to patrol properly, I'm forced to compensate."

I adjusted my position beside him, feigning worry. "There's no need to overexert yourself, Kade. You've already done so much for the pack."

His hold on my waist intensified, his voice gentle yet firm. "That's not accurate. I must provide the finest life possible for my Luna. Isn't that my responsibility as your mate?"

His seemingly sweet words felt like poison beneath my skin. I forced a grin as he persisted, his tone tinged with artificial affection. "By the way, did you appreciate the rose-colored diamond pendant? I've heard Lila discovered a collection of pink attire from the capital's finest designers. Shall I have them all delivered to you?"

"Of course," I replied, a faint, sardonic smile playing on my lips. Internally, resentment bubbled up.

Pink—his preferred guilt-driven gesture. What once seemed like a symbol of love now reeked of betrayal. Each necklace, gown, and bauble he lavished upon me was nothing more than an apology for his transgressions—a gaudy diversion from reality.

The next day, my suspicions were validated. A parade of wolves arrived at the Pack house, lugging crates of pink silk and velvet. Word spread rapidly, and the tale of Alpha Kade's devotion portrayed him as the ideal mate. Jealous female wolves fawned over his public display of affection, blissfully oblivious to the falsehoods concealed beneath.

At precisely ten o'clock, the doorbell chimed.

Lila stood at the entrance, overseeing the delivery. Her presence was as irritating as the cloying scent she wore, her smug gaze sweeping the packhouse as if she already possessed it.

I observed from the garden, pretending to be absorbed in a tattered novel. My wolf bristled at her proximity, but I maintained a neutral expression.

The servants passed by me, laden with bundles of pink fabric. Lila followed, her movements confident, a look of contentment gleaming in her eyes.

Abruptly, something minuscule slipped from her grasp and landed on the cobblestones without a sound.

A pair of emerald green lace undergarments.

Lila's face reddened as she stooped to retrieve it. Her laughter sounded forced and hollow. "Oh my! Luna Freya, I apologize. This must have been mixed up in the order. My partner purchased it for me—what a strange coincidence! The same boutique that created your new wardrobe must have confused things."

Her voice barely concealed the underlying taunt.

I glanced up briefly, my expression impassive. "It's of no consequence. Young wolves are often driven by passion."

Her eyes narrowed at my lack of response, the game she was playing embarrassingly obvious. She paused, then leaned closer, her tone sickeningly sweet.

"Actually, I have some thrilling news," she said, her voice dropping to a whisper. "But you must swear to keep it confidential."

I raised an eyebrow, though my wolf growled softly within me. "What news?"

Lila dramatically placed a hand on her abdomen, her face lighting up with fabricated joy. "I'm expecting."

The words struck like a blow, but I maintained my composure, offering her a strained smile. "Best wishes."

Her satisfaction wavered. She clearly anticipated a stronger reaction.

Leaning in further, she murmured, "But I haven't informed my mate yet. I want to wait until the pup is a bit more developed. Can I rely on you to keep this between us?"

Her eyes glinted with amusement, daring me to ask the question she desired.

I cocked my head, my tone deceptively calm. "And who is the father? If I'm not acquainted with him, how can I safeguard your secret?"

Her lips curved into a cunning smile. "Oh, I'm certain you do. He's quite memorable—tall, influential, and authoritative. Wherever he goes, wolves pause and stare."

The challenge in her voice was unmistakable, her words a weapon meant to provoke. But I refused to give her the satisfaction.

I simply gazed at her, unwavering, the turmoil inside me held in check. If she wanted to engage in games, I'd allow her to believe she was winning—for now.