Chapter 2

Abruptly, Aaron's face lit up with a smile, and I instinctively knew it wasn't intended for me.

He spoke quietly, "We'll have to reschedule our outing. Hannah just sent me a mental message saying she's arrived, and we need to head to the pack office immediately."

I was about to respond, but noticed he had already left the room.

I got to my feet just as my enhanced werewolf hearing caught Hannah's voice, "There you are, Aaron!"

"My sweet Hannah," he said softly, and I realized their voices were growing fainter, indicating they were heading towards the car.

As the Alpha, nobody in the pack dared address him by name except me, so why did he allow it from her? Was their relationship truly professional?

"I brought these roses for you. I know they're your favorite," he said, his tone suggesting a wide grin.

So my suspicions were correct; the flowers were meant for her.

He had never gifted me roses before.

I let out a heavy sigh.

I understood they were going to the pack office for work, but why did I feel this unsettling sensation in my stomach?

I longed to join my mate at the pack office.

As Luna, I should be co-managing the pack with him, including administrative duties, but instead, he was doing this with Hannah.

My daily responsibilities involved checking on pack members, visiting the ill at the pack's medical facility, and preparing meals for everyone.

However, Hannah had taken over member check-ins and sometimes even the cooking.

"I've won the wager! Alpha Aaron gave Beta Hannah flowers! It's clear they'll be mates soon," I overheard Quinn, a female pack member, tell her friends as they entered the pack house.

"From what I've heard, they're already mates!" Jenny chimed in.

"How can that be when he already has a mate?" Kate questioned, her voice nearing the dining area.

Quinn muttered, "Well, I've heard Luna Zoe isn't his destined mate, but Beta Hannah is."

"And you believe that?" Kate asked, sounding skeptical.

Jenny and Quinn affirmed, "Yes!"

Jenny added excitedly, "I saw them running together in the forest last Friday night. How romantic!"

I gasped involuntarily as my legs gave out, causing me to collapse.

They rushed into the dining room, and Kate exclaimed, "Oh, Luna Zoe. We had no idea you were here."

That was the last thing I heard before losing consciousness.

When I regained awareness, I saw Aaron standing by the bed where I lay. The moment he noticed I was awake, he frowned, "Why weren't you responding to my mental messages?"

"Perhaps because I was unconscious," I replied quietly as I sat up.

His frown disappeared, replaced by a grimace. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a gold necklace, "I wanted to ask what type of necklace you prefer."

My heart didn't skip a beat, nor did I feel the usual flutter in my stomach when he used to give me gifts.

"I don't care for gold, I prefer diamonds," I said softly, recalling Jenny's words.

He scowled and tossed it onto the bed, "Fine, don't take it then."

He stormed out of the bedroom, slamming the door loudly behind him. His anger was evident, but I found myself indifferent.

The door opened again and Hannah entered. She was wearing a diamond necklace with matching earrings.

"How are you feeling, Zoe?" She asked with a smirk.

Before I could answer, she noticed the gold necklace on our bed and smiled widely, "Oh, did Aaron give you that necklace? He gave me one too, you can see it's quite valuable!"

She touched her necklace and let out a small chuckle. It seemed as if she was mocking me.

"I'm fine. Why are you still here? It's 9:00 pm," I asked, trying to keep my expression neutral.

"I had no idea it was so late! I'll leave now, bye!" She exclaimed before rushing out of the bedroom.

I got up from the bed and went to my closet.

Tears began to form in my eyes as I started packing.

Just as I finished, the door opened and Aaron walked in. He glanced at my empty closet and the suitcase beside it as I closed the closet door, but didn't comment on it.

"Zoey, I'll be traveling to another pack in a few weeks with Hannah for pack business. The pack is in the Philippines, what would you like me to bring back for you?"

"Nothing," I mumbled as I walked back to the bed.

He looked puzzled, "Are you still upset about the necklace? Don't be childish, I would have bought you a diamond one, but they were out of stock."

I ignored him, which angered him so much that he shouted, "You should be thankful I even bought you a gift!"

When I didn't respond, he added, "I'm going for a run!"

I looked up to see him leaving the bedroom.

Typically, when we argued, Aaron would say he was going for a run and I would follow, eventually apologizing to him.

However, I wouldn't fall for his tactic anymore. I didn't even care that he was mad at me.

He didn't return home that night.

Throughout the night, I kept wondering if Hannah had joined him on his run and if he had stayed at her place.

The next morning, I woke to the sound of the door opening.

Aaron walked in, looking disheveled.

He glanced at me with a scowl, "Make me two very elegant dresses before evening."