Chapter twelve Selene povAfter Logan abruptly left the room, I felt a wave of self-doubt and insecurity wash over me. Did revealing my innocence scare him away? Didn't he desire me in the same primal way I yearned for him?"Ezra?" I called out to my inner wolf. "Do you think I scared him off? Does he... not like me anymore?"Ezra's reassuring presence enveloped my mind. "No, dear one. Perhaps he was simply surprised and taken aback. Give him time.""Maybe I should go talk to him," I mused aloud, already untangling myself from the sheets.But Ezra's gentle voice stayed me. "No, he needs this moment. Relax yourself."Resigning with a sigh, I settled back against the pillows, trying to ignore the gnawing sense that something wasn't quite right. My thoughts were interrupted by a firm knock at the door. Surely it was Logan returning.I rose swiftly and padded across the room, pulling open the door with an expectant smile...only to find Beta Luke standing before me, his expression unreada

Chapter 14Logan’s pov I left my mother's room with her typical nagging still ringing in my ears about finding a mate. As if I didn't have more important pack issues to deal with right now. Though...maybe taking Selene to this dinner with the council tomorrow night wouldn't be the worst idea.I could already hear Selene and Gina's laughter echoing from down the hall as I approached my house. A small smile tugged at the corners of my mouth. Those two seemed to really hit it off. Pushing open the door, I announced myself. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything."Selene looked up with a warm smile. "Not at all.""Did you tell your mother about what we discussed?" she asked curiously.I shook my head. "No, but she brought up another matter. There's a dinner tomorrow night with the whole council that she expects me to attend." I paused, wondering if I was being too presumptuous. "I think it might be a good time for you to meet them as well. And for them to meet you."Gina perked up from h

Chapter 16Selene's POVMy heart felt like it had shattered into a million jagged pieces. I couldn't breathe, couldn't think, as the mortifying sight before me burned into my mind's eye.Zara, brazenly undressed and draped across Logan's sofa like a seductive offering. The sickly-sweet scent of her perfume cloying in the air. And Logan, standing there looking...guilty? Shocked? I couldn't even tell.Bile rose in my throat as Zara's mocking purr cut through the roaring in my ears. "Why, hello there Selene. I was just waiting for the Alpha to...join me."Join her? As in...as in what, exactly? My gaze flew back to Logan, desperate for an explanation, any kind of denial. But he seemed stunned into silence, frozen as that haughty she-wolf openly propositioned him.It was too much. I couldn't be here, couldn't witness this...whatever this was. Not again. A lifetime of betrayals and false loyalties came crashing down on me all at once.Logan's voice calling after me sounded muffled and dista

Chapter 18Selene's POV"Come on, let's go in here!" Gina looped her arm through mine, practically vibrating with excitement as she towed me toward the ritzy clothing boutique.I couldn't help but laugh at her infectious enthusiasm, allowing myself to be swept up in the bubbly current of her energy. For someone initially so wary around me, Logan's younger sister had certainly warmed up quickly."Lead the way," I grinned, gesturing for Gina to take point.She flashed me a megawatt smile before barreling into the store, a whirlwind of nonstop chatter and brash confidence. I trailed dutifully in her wake, trying not to be too overwhelmed by the opulent surroundings. "Oh my god, Selene, you have to try this one on!" Gina was already zeroing in on a shimmering golden gown that looked more suitable for royalty than me.My eyes practically bugged out when I spotted the eye-wateringly high price tag dangling from the plunging neckline. "Uh, I'm not sure that's really...necessary," I hedged.

Chapter 20Nathan's POVWatching Logan and Selene drive off together, so wrapped up in their newfound mated bliss, felt like a gut punch. Seeing two people build a life and future with each other when that chance was ripped away from me...it's the hardest thing for any man to witness.If not for my foolishness and stubborn beliefs all those years ago, maybe it could have been me embracing my true mate with such unrestrained joy. But I'd squandered that precious gift through arrogance and pride."Mia, it's time to go." I reached for her hand, desperate to escape this torturous scenario before it carved any deeper into my fractured psyche. But Mia merely wrenched her arm away from my grasp, stormy eyes flashing defiance as she stalked toward the car without a backwards glance. She moved with jerky, angry motions, dropping her purse in a dramatic huff before wrenching open the driver's side door.I stood rooted to the spot, mouth slightly agape asI watched her unraveling tantrum play o