Chapter 3

I knew Carl hadn't cheated.

But I also knew that in his heart, I probably didn't even compare to a single strand of Bianca's hair.

It was a betrayal of the soul.

Pain made me tremble uncontrollably.

I realized Carl's love for me existed only in his words.

He didn't truly love me.

I clenched my fists tightly, letting my nails dig into my palms.

The pain kept me clear-headed.

After what felt like an eternity, I took a deep breath and relaxed my body.

I made a decision.

Since Carl cared more about someone else, I should step aside as Luna.

I looked at the phone, now disconnected by Carl, tossed it aside, and closed my eyes.

A moment later, a crisp, familiar scent drifted toward me.

The comforting smell instantly eased my nerves.

I turned and saw Arthur standing by the window, bathed in moonlight.

The hem of his white coat carried a faint trace of disinfectant, and his fingers held a bottle of pills.

"I brought you some painkillers. They'll take twenty minutes to kick in," he said, his voice softer than usual, his gaze fixed on my hand gripping the bedsheet. "You're sensitive to pain, so I got them for you."

As he spoke, his scent grew closer, almost tangible, wrapping around my wrist.

The lingering ache in my waist and abdomen seemed to dull.

I looked at Arthur, my feelings complicated. All these years, he hadn't changed a bit.

I instinctively pulled back, but he gently caught my wrist.

His fingertips were cool, his grip firm yet unyielding. "You know my pheromones can soothe pain faster than pills," he said, staring into my eyes, moonlight reflecting in his pupils.

"Want to try?" I shook my head immediately, my fingers tightening on the bedsheet.

"No, I'll wait for the pills."

His knuckles tightened briefly, a faint bitterness mixing with his cedar-like scent. "What are you afraid of?

Afraid Carl will find out if you accept my pheromones?"

I tried to pull my hand back, but he held on, drawing me half an inch closer.

Moonlight traced his sharp jawline, casting a shadow of obsession flickered in his eyes. "You're still thinking about him?" His breath brushed my ear, carrying the cedar scent of his pheromones. "You're in so much pain you're breaking out in a cold sweat. Does he know? It's just a little heartache for him.

Compared to your pain, his is nothing." "Arthur!" I struggled, my wrist aching under his grip. "Don't do this."

He suddenly smiled, though the smile didn't reach his eyes. "You're so sure Carl's your destined mate?"

His thumb grazed the inside of my wrist.

There, a faint pink mark remained, branded by Carl under the Moon Goddess's witness, the mark of a Luna.

"Maybe I'm your true mate."

His words froze me, my breath catching for half a beat.

I met his gaze, seeing unwillingness, probing, and a sincerity that unnerved me.

Arthur was my mentor's son. We'd known each other for years.

He never hid his feelings for me.

That was why I distanced myself from him.

I took a deep breath and yanked my hand free.

I scooted back to the pillow, my voice firm despite its tremble. "Arthur, don't say that again. The Moon Goddess never makes mistakes. This is Carl's mark, undeniable."

He stood still, his cedar scent fading, leaving only moonlight stretching his shadow long across the floor.

After a few seconds, he gave a low, bitter laugh. "The Moon Goddess doesn't make mistakes..."

I didn't respond, just swallowed the painkillers quickly.

I lay down, turned away from him, and pulled the blanket over my head.

I didn't know why Arthur said those things.

He didn't leave. He stood by my side, watching me silently.

Strangely, his presence made my body feel unusually at ease.

My wolf grew remarkably quiet.

Before I drifted into sleep, I heard Arthur's sigh. "Why won't you look at me?"