Chapter 5
Ethan’s face went dark.
He stared hard at me, like he was really seeing me–the Omega he had a mate bond with–for the first time.
“Aria, don’t forget,” his voice was low and icy, full of an Alpha’s warning, “we first bonded as a strategic alliance between our two packs. There were never any real feelings involved.”
“What do you want from me? An Alpha’s undying love?” he said coolly. “Sorry, I need to focus on protecting the whole pack.”
I actually laughed when I heard that.
But then the tears started, out of my control, mixing with the blood on my face.
Yeah, he was right.
I was the fool, so pathetic, thinking I could move an Alpha who only loved someone else.
I should have known all along.
“Ethan, honey…” Isabella stepped forward at just the right moment, her soft body leaning gently against Ethan’s arm. “The cubs are terrified. Let’s take them back to their room and calm them down. Aria… she probably just needs a moment to cool off.”
Ethan gave me one last, deep look, then finally turned away.
He picked up a still–sobbing cub in each arm and left with Isabella.
I watched them go, blood still dripping from my forehead.
This time around, I wouldn’t make the same mistakes. Never again.
From now on, I, Aria, would live only for myself.
To break free from this damned mate bond.
Three days later, it was Mason’s birthday party, and also our pack’s most important annual full moon celebration.
The celebration was held in the castle at the heart of our territory, the source of the pack’s power.
Huge moonstone pillars shimmered under the real moonlight, and drinks made from moonflower nectar glowed in cups carved from animal bone.
Ethan, as always, showed off his generosity as Alpha, throwing Mason a huge birthday bash.
I wore the moon–white ceremonial robes that marked me as Luna, but I was stuck in the most out–of–the–way corner.
Mason and Maya held Isabella’s hands, one on each side, like little birds safe under their mother’s wing, never leaving her side.
