A mocking smile touched my lips. "Is that so? Then you'd better keep your word."

Jaxon followed, seemingly oblivious. He pulled me into a crushing embrace, as if trying to merge me into his very being.

"Of course. Cora, you're more important to me than my own life."

I closed my eyes, saying nothing. If I were truly that important, how could he have betrayed our sacred mate bond?

But it didn't matter anymore. I no longer needed answers.

I didn't need a connection built on lies. There was no future for us.

I closed my eyes against a wave of nausea, the filthy scent of his betrayal threatening to consume me.

Jaxon stiffened, his arms still around me.

"Cora, what's wrong?" he asked, a hint of panic in his voice. "Are you not feeling well?"

Every word dripped with affection, utterly sincere. Yet less than an hour ago, he had been holding another woman, lost in passion.

The image flashed in my mind, and my stomach churned violently. I shoved him away and rushed to the bathroom, dry-heaving over the sink.

He hurried in after me, patting my back and offering me a glass of water. "What is it? Are you sick?"

"I'm fine. I must have eaten something that disagreed with me. I just need to lie down," I replied, forcing a bitter smile.

With that, I retreated to the bedroom.

From the open door, I could hear the guests gossiping, their voices thick with envy. "I heard Cora gave up her birthright in her ancient clan for Alpha Jaxon. He must love her so much."

"Of course! He built the Moonlight Garden just for her, a perfect replica of her homeland."

"Gods, Alpha Jaxon spoils her rotten!" another she-wolf gushed.

"Exactly! They haven't had any pups in all these years, but he's not worried at all. He's always telling Luna Cora not to rush."

"And did you know? To ensure her health, the Alpha personally hunts the most powerful prey for her every time."

"He's too good to her!" one wolf exclaimed.

"And Luna Cora loves him just as much. She gave up her powerful bloodline and her status in the clan to be with him."

"It's unbelievable! They've both given up everything for each other! Their love is stronger than the bond between fated mates."

In the past, hearing those words would have filled me with joy. Now, they were just dripping with irony.

…

Just as I stepped into the main hall, a servant rushed toward me. He deliberately bumped into me, and my arm was jostled hard.

The tray clattered to the floor. Cocktails splashed onto my arm, and a searing pain shot through it.

"I'm so sorry, Luna Cora! I didn't mean to!"

The servant apologized tearfully, but I caught the flash of triumph in his eyes.

Jaxon was at my side in an instant, cradling my arm, his eyes filled with worry. "Cora, does it hurt?"

Then, his head whipped toward the servant, and he roared, "Get the pack's healer!"

His voice thundered through the hall, so loud the crystal glasses on the tables trembled.

A moment later, he turned on the servant. His gaze sharpened as he viciously gripped the man’s throat. "You useless thing! What the hell were you doing? If anything happens to Cora, I'll tear you to shreds!"

The servant, Lilah's accomplice, choked, his face turning purple as he clawed at Jaxon’s hand.

A cold dread seized me. Jaxon's panic, his fear, the love he showed when I was hurt—it was all real. But his betrayal was just as real.

How could a man love a woman so deeply, yet still betray her?

…

After the healer bandaged my hand, Jaxon stayed by my side. Only after I feigned sleep did he quietly slip out of the room.

I trailed him silently, my heart a stone in my chest, as he headed toward the singles' dorms.

Lilah was slumped on the ground, her face streaked with tears. The moment she saw Jaxon, she sobbed even harder.

She rushed toward him, trying to throw herself into his arms, but he shoved her away. "I warned you not to pull any more stunts! You're done here. Get out!"

Lilah wailed, "I missed you so much, Alpha Jaxon. I couldn't control myself, so I had someone… Please… don't make me leave."

"You hurt Cora. You have to leave. Get out on your own, or I'll have you banished from the pack."

Lilah blurted out, "I just wanted to tell you—I'm pregnant. Please don't make me leave!"

For a split second, Jaxon's expression wavered—a flicker of an Alpha’s primal desire for an heir crossing his face.

"Really? Fine. For the pup's sake, you get one last chance. But don't you ever appear in front of Cora again, or I won't hesitate to throw you out of this pack for good."

Lilah nodded obediently.

Seeing this, I turned and left. For a fleeting moment, a foolish thought had crossed my mind.

If Jaxon had kicked her out, I could have pretended none of this ever happened. After loving him for so many years, the thought of letting go was an agony I couldn't bear.

But he didn't. And worse, she was carrying his pup. What was the point of me staying?

…