Katie answered bluntly. "I'm sorry but I won’t cook today. I'm not feeling too well."

Liam's countenance went from composed to shocked. "You don't feel good? "What's wrong?"

With a shrug, Katie got to her feet. "It's simply a headache, nothing more. Go take care of your pack business."

Before now, she had never turned down any of his requests, even when it was inconvenient.

Liam looked puzzled, his eyes searching hers for any sign of what was really going on. "You usually want to tag along when I go out or want me home with you. Now it seems like you want me to leave."

"The pack needs you and I need my rest."

She excused herself without saying anything more and left the room, leaving Liam looking perplexed and worried.

She took out her phone and called the clinic as soon as she was out of sight. "Hello, I'd like to schedule an appointment for an abortion,"

"We have an opening tomorrow morning, Luna. Can you come in at 10 am?"

"Yes, that works. I'll be there."

There was no way she was having Liam’s baby.

Liam left the house that night but didn’t return home. For the first time, Katie didn’t care.

Her 26th birthday arrived the following morning. She wasn't shocked when Liam didn't call or message her because she hadn't thought he would remember.

He always forgot her birthdays. Their anniversaries. Any important event really.

She freshened up and dressed in a black lace dress, taking a mirror photo. She shared it on Instagram with a caption: "Another new year."

The comments flooded immediately, with friends and acquaintances wishing her a happy birthday.

But Liam didn't even see the post, let alone comment.

Katie sighed and made her way to the hospital.

Before long, her fingers were gripped together as she sat in the waiting chair. Suddenly, a pregnant lady and a woman who appeared to be her mother sat next to her.

The pregnant lady's mother gushed about how she couldn't wait to be a first-time grandma.

Something changed inside Katie as she listened and her maternal instinct took over.

So when the doctor called her name, she stood up and shook her head. "I'd like to keep the baby,"

She already lost Ruby, but she was going to protect this little one with her life. And Liam had no right to know about it.

As she left the clinic, she came across Dakota’s internet post.

It was a celebration for her new makeup line. In the background, Liam could be seen.

She drove to the venue and found Liam and Dakota in a secluded spot. Liam's hand was on Dakota's stomach. Their cheeks were beaming with joy as they laughed.

Dakota praised Liam for organizing the “awesome party," and Liam said that she should be celebrated more since she was carrying his heir.

Katie’s disgust grew. So he forgot her birthday and threw a party for his mistress?

She cleared her throat to draw their attention. They were startled.

Dakota began, "Katie, please don’t misunderstand. My own fiancé isn't in town yet, so Liam came just to help."

Katie folded her arms across her chest. "So you could invite my husband yet you didn't invite your cousin?”

"I apologize for forgetting. I assumed you were gonna be busy.”

Katie raised her brows. "The Alpha himself isn't busy, so why would the Luna be busy?"

Liam was quick to contribute. "I really didn't want to bother you, you said you were unwell. I only came because Dakota is delicate, being pregnant."

Katie pretended to be surprised. "Oh, really? Congratulations, Dakota."

Dakota gave her best smile. "Thanks cousin."

Then she added, "Oh, isn't it your birthday today?"

"Yes, why?"

Dakota grabbed the cake from the nearby table. "How about you have this? It was supposed to be mine for the celebration, but the flavor isn't good for the baby. Liam has already sent for another of my choice."

With a cheesy smile she handed the cake to Katie.

Katie's eyes shifted from the cake to Liam’s face.

Liam took a step closer. "I was actually going to send you a birthday surprise, but now you've ruined everything."

Katie knew he was lying. He hadn't remembered her birthday.

She forced a wry smile. "Thanks, Dakota. I'll take it."

She had to hold back from smearing her doll-like face with the white buttery cake.

"I'll be on my way home." she announced.

Liam called after her. "I'll join you soon."

Her eyes rolled in exasperation as she reached the exit. She quickly tossed the cake in the bin then went home.

Afterwards, Liam showed up with a lot of pricey presents. Katie looked around the room, uninterested.

Liam’s smile was as broad as a Cheshire cat's. "Kate, happy birthday. I chose these presents just for you. I hope you love them.”

Katie stared at him dead in the eye and stated calmly, "I don't want them. I don't want anything from you."

Liam's face scrunched in amazement as Katie declined the gifts.

"What's wrong with you?" he asked, irritated. "You're being paranoid because I went to support your own cousin?"

Katie shot him an icy glare. "You're missing the important part – you both had a freaking relationship."

"That was such a long time ago." He growled.

The tense moment was broken when Dakota suddenly arrived.

With a sweet smile, she held a modest wrapped gift. "It wasn’t nice that I found the cake in the trash. Perhaps you didn’t like it? I came with another gift you might want."

"Oh goddess, what do you want?" Katie asked dryly. "I might have to disinfect this house now that a pest got in."

"Hey, be nice." Liam cautioned.

Just then, his phone rang, so he excused himself to the other side of the room.

Dakota’s attitude changed instantly.

"Aren’t you just a worthless bitch? You’re pained Liam didn’t acknowledge your birthday right?"

Scoffing, Katie folded her arms. "Oh, so you couldn't keep up the pretense of a good girl for long, right?"

Dakota shot daggers at her. "Can you stop talking? Liam was mine first, and I'm only taking him back."

Katie took the small box from her and threw it at her face. "Get out with your gift. I don't accept gifts from snakes."

Dakota shot her an evil smirk as she pierced her sharp fingernails into her own wrist. Then she started screaming for help as her blood dropped on the marble floor.

Liam rushed back, his face furious.

"What's going on?"

Dakota’s voice was shaking as she pretended to cry. "Your wife just came at me for nothing. I was only trying to give her a gift."

Liam grabbed Katie by the neck, almost choking her. "You're cruel," he yelled. "How could you hurt a pregnant woman?"

Katie struggled to breathe, her eyes bulging as she tried to pry Liam's hands off her neck. He released her abruptly and pushed her carelessly.

Katie fell, her stomach striking the staircase hard.

As she yelped in pain, Liam put his arm around Dakota. "Let's get that checked."

Katie was horrified as she felt blood trickling down her thighs.

She called out to Liam, but he didn't spare her a glance. His attention focused solely on Dakota.

Her eyes began to blur as she slowly lost strength.

Desperate for help, she mind linked with the gamma of the pack. "Please, come help me," she whispered, before losing consciousness.

When she woke up, the doctor sadly announced that she lost the baby. The impact of the fall was too severe.

Katy sobbed uncontrollably till she went numb.

This was the saddest birthday ever. No kids. No mate. No love.

She walked idly out of the hospital after being discharged.

She didn't realize a car was approaching until she heard the blaring horns. The owner ran out, and his face came into view.

It was Dakota's arranged fiancé, Lucian Knight, Alpha of the Blue Moon Pack!

Previously, she had only seen pictures of him. This was their first meeting in person.

He was so tall, ridiculously handsome and had this powerful aura.

As Lucian grabbed her hand, Katie felt an electric connection. "Are you okay? Were you planning to get yourself killed?" he asked, concerned.

Her wolf stirred in her head, and it hit her that they were mates!

She had given up on her real fated mate, thinking he was dead, and had fallen in love with Liam instead.

Lucian, too, had felt the connection. He had spent years searching for his mate, and now, here she was.

"Get into the car," he said gently. "I'll take you home. You look like a mess."

Katie didn't resist, getting into the limo's seats.

The silence between them was quite heavy until Lucian spoke up. "Isn't it your birthday today? I saw your photo on Instagram."

Katie nodded quietly. "Yes."

Lucian's eyes narrowed. "Why didn't your husband celebrate with you?"

"That's because my husband was busy with your own fiancée, Dakota."

Lucian pinched his nose bridge and exhaled.

"Dakota isn’t who I thought she was."

Katie gazed at him. "You know about it?"

He drummed his fingers on his lap, looking away. "Even though I've been busy with my pack and other businesses, I made my findings, and I knew for like a few days now."

Katie scrubbed a hand over her face. "Well, I found out yesterday. And my husband is actually a monster."

There was a short pause before Lucian spoke up again.

"Do you feel the mate bond between us?" he asked with an intense stare now.

Katie gave a stiff nod. "Yes. Crazy, right?"

Lucian's face broke into a smile, and he leaned in closer. "How about an even crazier proposal?"

Liam.

But when she arrived at Liam's office, she found him pacing back and forth, his face twisted with worry. "No news," he muttered to himself. "I've been out all day looking for Katie, and I haven't gotten any news about her."

"What's really going on?" she asked, trying to sound concerned. "Where can she be?"

"I don't know," he admitted. "And she's not picking up her phone. I'm starting to get worried."

Just then, the TV in the corner of the room caught their attention.

News was spreading like wildfire.

Katie was announcing her divorce from Liam.

And in a shocking twist, a video of Lucian getting down on one knee and giving Katie a ring in Vegas played on the screen.

Dakota's jaw dropped as she stared at the TV in shock.

Liam's face turned white with rage and hurt. "What the hell is this?"

As he was trying to process it, his phone suddenly rang. Startling him.

He answered it just to hear his grandfather's stern voice on the other end.

"You better go and get back your Luna, or be kicked out of the pack," Grandpa Russell said, harshly. "If you don’t, your half-brother will take over as Alpha. He even has a stable family and is more level-headed than you."

Liam's anger flared up. "Grandpa, what the heck?" How would you say something like that? Richard is nothing compared to me!"

"You're a disgrace to the family, Liam. You better fix your mess, or else I cannot guarantee what's going to happen next."

The call disconnected.

Liam brushed his hands over his face.

What in the goddess name?

He turned to Dakota. “We have to leave for Vegas.”

***

Meanwhile, Katie was exiting the restaurant with Lucian, surrounded by a swarm of reporters and camera crews.

One of them shoved a microphone. "Alpha Lucian, can you comment on your relationship with Katie?"

"We heard you were involved with Dakota. Is that true!"

"No comment, no comment," Lucian said with a ghost of a smile.

Then he kissed Katie’s lips. Suddenly.

Gently.

Her face flushed.

He then ushered her quickly over to his car.

As they drove away, Katie gazed at the sparkling diamond ring on her finger.

It all felt surreal.

Lucien noticed her gaze and smiled, holding her shoulders tenderly.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," she said, trying to smile. "But why did you have to kiss me?"

He grinned. "Gotta make it believable. Don’t you think?."

Katie said nothing as tried to hide the blush creeping up her cheeks.

He drove to his mansion, the trees lining the driveway swaying gently in the breeze. He helped Katie out of the car, her hand touching his as she stepped onto the pavement.

"Thank you for doing this," Katie said, her voice soft.

"No need to thank me," he replied, his smile wry. "We're having a revenge marriage, remember? We're both doing each other a favor. You're helping me get back at Dakota, and I'm helping you get back at Liam."

"That’s right, I guess."

Lucien's smile grew wider. "Welcome to my humble abode," he said, ushering her into the house.

As they stepped inside, Liam tried to mindlink Katie, but she swiftly cut him off.

Lucian noticed the brief flash of tension on her face and raised an eyebrow. But said nothing.

Instead, he gestured expansively around the foyer. "Make yourself at home," he said. "I'll give you a tour later. But for now, there's something I need to tell you."

"What's that?"

"There's an important auction tomorrow evening. Most of the prominent pack members will be attending. I'd like you to come with me."

"Why?"

"We can make a statement. Show them that we're a united front. What do you say?"

Katie gave a nod and smiled slightly. "Okay, I’d be happy to be your date."

By the next morning, Lucian arranged for a wedding planner to meet with Katie.

When the planner arrived, Katie raised an eyebrow. "Is there really a need for a wedding planner? It's not even a real marriage."

Lucian’s expression was firm. "You're my mate, and you deserve the best wedding ever, even if it's not a real one."

Her heart skipped a beat at his words. But she pushed aside the flutter in her chest.

She sat down to discuss the wedding details with the planner, who was bubbling with enthusiasm.

The planner asked Katie about her preferences. What kind of gown she wanted. The colors of the flowers. The theme of the wedding.

Katie hesitated, unsure of what to say.

Lucien intervened, his voice smooth. "Whatever she wants is fine with me. Ask her what she likes, and we'll go with that."

The planner beamed and turned to Katie. "Let's start with the gown. Do you have any ideas in mind?"

Katie shrugged. "I don't know. Something simple, maybe?"

When it was all over, Lucian took Katie to a luxurious bridal salon for her dress fitting.

The designer presented her with several stunning gowns, and Katie tried on each one, twirling in front of the mirror.

Lucian’s eyes widened as he admired her in each dress.

"You look gorgeous in all of them,"

When she put on the final dress, a strapless mermaid gown, Lucien's eyes locked onto hers. "You look like a gorgeous bride," he said, his voice low and husky.

Katie's cheeks flushed, and she looked away, trying to hide her smile.

After the fitting, Lucien said, "We still need to shop for a few more things for the wedding. Let's go to the wedding shop."

As they walked into the shop, they were surrounded by press members, cameras flashing as they took pictures.

The photos were already online, and people were gushing about the "hottest couple in town" going wedding shopping.

Meanwhile, on a private jet flying to Vegas, Liam and Dakota saw the news online.

Liam's face darkened with anger. "A wedding already? Didn't she just get engaged yesterday?"

Dakota's eyes narrowed. "What if they get married before we get there?"

"Shut up," he half snapped.

"We have to stop them, Liam."

Liam's expression turned calculating. "You bet we will."