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."

Katie woke up to the sound of her phone buzzing on the nightstand.

She groggily reached for it. Then rubbed the sleep from her eyes. The screen lit up.

A string of missed calls from Liam.

She sighed, feeling a knot form in her stomach. She had been avoiding him all night, but she knew she couldn't ignore him forever.

She picked up the call, her voice husky from sleep. "Hello?"

"Katie, where have you been? I've been trying to reach you all night!" Liam's voice was laced with concern and frustration.

Katie sat up in bed, her back straightening. "I've been busy," she said curtly, trying to keep her emotions in check.

"Busy? You've been avoiding me, haven't you?" Liam's tone turned accusatory.

Katie's grip on the phone tightened. "I've already packed my things and left, Liam. What more do you want?"

"Come back home, Katie. Let's talk this out. It's just a misunderstanding," he pleaded.

His voice softened.

Katie raised an eyebrow. "What is there to talk about,hmm?"

He sounded desperate.

"This year’s pack gala, Katie. You know how much work you've put into it. How can you just leave now, two days before the event? I need your help to host it. You're the one who's been driving this project forward,"

Katie's eyes narrowed.

He needed her help?

That was rich. "What about my birthday celebration?" she asked, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

"Well I would make it up to you, I promise. Just come back home and let's work together to make this gala a success. We'll celebrate your birthday when you get back," Liam said, his voice smooth as silk.

Katie's thoughts turned to the mate bond dissolution papers she needed him to sign. That was the real reason she was going back. She didn't care about the gala. Or her birthday celebration.

She just needed him to sign those papers.

"Okay, fine. I'll be home," she said, trying to sound convincing.

Liam's voice perked up. "I'll send a car for you. See you soon."

Katie hung up the phone. Then tossed it aside.

She had played along, but she knew she was in control.

She would get the papers signed. Then freedom.

Just then, Lucian walked into the room with a cup of steaming hot tea. "Hey, you, I brought you some tea. You look like you could use it,"

She took the cup from him gratefully. "Thanks, Lucian. I think I'm going to head back home,"

His eyes widened. "You're going back to him? Are you crazy?"

Katie sighed. "I need him to sign those papers. It's the only way I'll be free."

Lucian's expression softened. "I understand, but are you sure you're ready for this? He's not going to make it easy for you."

Katie's jaw set. “I’m ready. I actually have a plan."

Lucian's expression turned serious, his brow furrowed in concern. "Okay, so what's gonna happen now?"

Katie whispered in his ears.

Lucian nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Alright, I'll send someone to drive you back to the house. You should be safe."

Katie nodded.

The drive back to the house was quiet. Her thoughts raced.

When she arrived, Liam rushed over to her, his arms open wide. "Katie, I'm so glad you're back! I've missed you so much!"

Katie sidestepped him, her eyes flashing with annoyance. "Let's focus on the celebration, Liam. We don't have much time."

Liam's face fell, but he quickly recovered, a charming smile spreading across his face. "Of course, my love. Let's focus on the celebration."

As they entered the house, his eyes landed on the small bag Katie was carrying. "Is that all you brought? Where's the rest of your things?"

Her gaze was cool. Detached. "I'll bring the rest of my things back only if there's a reason to. Right now, I just want to focus on getting everything done for the pack celebration."

Liam's smile hitched a little. "Don't worry, my love. I'll make sure you don't have any reason to go back. We'll make this celebration one to remember."

As if.

If only he knew she was cutting him off completely. What an idiot.

As Liam reached out to take her hand, Katie pulled back, her movements swift and decisive. "Let's get to work, Liam. We have a lot to do before the celebration."

Liam's eyes flashed with annoyance, but he quickly masked it with a smile. "Of course, my love. Let's get to work."

Katie heard some noise in the kitchen just then.

She turned to see Dakota emerging with a tray.

Freshly baked pastries.

Dakota's smile was bright, but Katie's instincts told her otherwise.

"Oh, so you slept here," Katie said, her voice neutral.

Liam intervened, "Please, I don't want you misunderstanding. It was already too late last night. Dakota could not go back home."

Of course.

When they were both having a good time, how could she go back home?

Katie's gaze lingered on Dakota, who was busy arranging the pastries on a platter.

"I'm not misunderstanding anything," she said flatly.

Dakota turned around, a sweet smile on her face. "Oh, I'm so sorry. I wasn't trying to make Liam breakfast. Please don't take it to heart. You're not mad, are you?"

Katie raised an eyebrow. "Of course not. You can do whatever you want."

Dakota's smile faltered for a moment before she recovered. "Great! I'm glad we're clear."

Katie stood up, stretching slightly. "I'm really thirsty. I could really go for a cup of creamy coffee."

Liam immediately volunteered, "I'll go make it for you. I'll be right back."

How quick he was willing to help.

Just because his cheating ass was caught.

Pathetic.

As Liam left, Dakota's smile changed. Her eyes glinted with malice. "Why are you back here, Katie?”

“Isn’t this my home?”

“ You're just wasting your time, foolish girl. Once our baby is born, you'll be nothing. You'll be dumped, and I'll be the Luna of this pack."

Katie's expression remained calm, but her eyes flashed with anger. "No problem. I won't stand in the way of that. You should enjoy it while it lasts."