Chapter 3 No.3

As he spoke, he used his fingers to pull open my collar and inspect it. The mate bond prevented me from resisting his touch. Every stroke sent tingles down my neck.

"P, Phillips..." I struggled, my face turning red. It had been a while since he had been this close to me, touching me. The mate bond felt like a curse, making it hard to resist his touch even if I felt upset deep inside.

He didn't halt his actions. He lowered his head and carefully examined my neck, searching for Devil Lycan's claim mark. His breath brushed against my ear, sending shivers down my spine. I gazed at his lips, mere inches away from me.

"I want to kiss him," Alyee whispered in my mind.

I gulped, attempting to lean in closer. I grabbed the hem of his clothes, wanting to pull him nearer.

However, he suddenly stepped back, his expression remaining cold and suspicious. "The scent of Devil Lycan is distinctive. It rarely appears on other werewolves except through a claim. What happened to you?"

"I've always been a little different from other werewolves, and you know that." I hesitated, withdrawing my hand, looking away, and replied, "Perhaps it's because I got injured in the battle today."

"While I'm aware of your unique constitution, having the Devil Scent as my Luna will make other packs think we're colluding with him. It's not advantageous for me. Do you understand?" he questioned.

"I understand." I lowered my head. The failed kiss left me feeling somewhat embarrassed. He didn't want to get close to me, nor did he care about my injuries. He only cared about his reputation as the Alpha.

"Since you understand, stay in your room for the next few days and don't leave," he commanded, grabbing my collar. He ordered with a deep wolf howl, "And keep your distance from Carlee!"

His towering figure and strong muscles almost lifted me off the floor. He was my Alpha, my mate, and I couldn't defy him, even though I was the most potent female Gamma in the pack.

"Alright, Alpha." I displayed a submissive posture and agreed. The thought of his protection towards Carlee and the clothes she wore nearly overwhelmed me. However, I clenched my fists and stood upright.

He released his hold on me, glanced at me, and departed without uttering another word. I smiled wryly. My once confident posture slumped, and I trudged back to my room, dragging my feet along the floor.

I closed the door, leaned against it, and slid down until I sat on the floor.

I curled my legs up and embraced myself.

"You've done well, Ophelia. It's not your fault," I consoled myself, patting my back gently, reminiscent of the woman who often appeared in my dreams. I had no memories before age five, but I presumed it was my mother.

"Mother, should I continue to persevere? Perhaps I should give up this position and this love, even though I love Phillips more than myself." I thought to myself.

"Ophelia..." A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. "It's Lorraine. Are you okay?"

It was my best friend, Lorraine. I took a deep breath to calm my emotions and opened the door for her.

She surveyed my room, wearing a disdainful expression. "Ophelia, your room is so plain. You have nothing like a girl at all." As she said that, she grabbed my hand, opened the first aid kit, and sat us down in front of the table.

She scolded me like this often, but I knew she cared for me more than anyone else in the pack. Every word she uttered was intended to help me achieve my desire to marry Phillips. We had known each other since we were young. She was two years older than me and more like a sister. She had been by my side during my first period, my first shift, and when I felt down due to Phillips' neglect and indifference.

"I've just been too busy," I murmured, removing my shirt and exposing my wound. The running and arguing earlier had caused the blood to clot and stick to my clothes. With gritted teeth, I peeled the fabric off my skin.

"You're seriously injured this time. Your wolf won't help you recover quickly if you don't care for yourself," she scolded, furrowing her brow as she applied ointment to my wound.

After bandaging it, she tidied the first aid kit, speaking with displeasure, "Everyone went to see Carlee just now. I even checked on her under Phillips' orders, and she wasn't injured!"

She slammed the lid of the first aid kit, expressing her frustration.

"Why didn't you tell everyone, especially Phillips, how serious your injury is?" she asked.

Her appearance made me smile, causing me to forget my previous grievances and sadness. It was good to have Lorraine by my side, no matter what.

I took Lorraine's new clothes, lowered my head to button them up, and smiled, playfully pinching her cheek. "I'm Luna, so I should be strong. Even if I told them, my injury wouldn't heal faster, right?"

"But as your fiancé, Phillips should've come to take care of you. He's so neglectful!" She let go of my hand, crossing her arms over her chest, looking indignant.

She was right. I couldn't explain it, so I could only softly retort, "Don't say that about him..."

Seeing my expression, Lorraine sighed and hurried over, embracing me tightly. "Oh, listen, Ophelia. You're the best shewolf. No one can match you, and no one deserves to be Luna than you. I'll always support you."

Thank the Moon Goddess, Lorraine was here with me at that moment. I hugged her tightly, drawing strength from my friend.

She frowned and asked, "Ophelia, you have a strange scent on you. It's not Phillips'. Something is off."

"It's the scent of Devil Lycan," I replied, my chin resting on her shoulder. "It must be because of my unique nature. I believe it will disappear soon. Phillips told me to stay in the room until the scent was gone."

"In that case, let's have a girls' night in your room tonight! How about we grab some beer and watch movies?" She suggested excitedly, shaking my shoulder. She was an adorable little drinker, and I knew she wanted to cheer me up.

"Alright, and I want some fries too!" I replied. I didn't enjoy fighting or guarding prisons, but I did everything to make Phillips happy. I wanted to indulge and let go of all those unhappy things tonight!

But the next moment, cries came from outside the window. I wasn't sure who it was, but someone shouted, "Quick, inform the Alpha! Carlee is being attacked by the guardian beasts at the border!"