Chapter 1 Chapter 1

When the call came in, Aiden Rothschild had only taken two bites of his steak. I saw his expression shift to one of worry and heartache before he abruptly stood up. "What? I’ll be right there!" His entire attention seemed to be consumed by that call. It wasn’t until he reached the door that he suddenly paused, appearing to remember I was still sitting at the table. He turned back and said, "Sorry, Chloe, there’s an emergency in the pack. I need to step out for a bit.""Mm, go ahead." I turned my head away, lowered my gaze, and placed a small piece of steak into my mouth. It tasted delicious, yet bitter, as my tears streamed down and blended with each bite. Aiden couldn’t see my expression. He hadn’t expected me to be so calm, and furrowed his brows uneasily. He came back and hugged me from behind. "Be good and wait for me. I’ll bring you a gift." With that, he rushed off. Swallowing my grief, I finished the meal bite by bite. In the end, we couldn't even spend our tenth anniversary happily together. I waited for a long time, but Aiden never came back. My wolf shifted from anticipation to loneliness, eventually letting out a soft, choked whimper. To lift my mood, I picked up my phone, only to see a photo and caption Lana Owens had just posted. In the photo, Aiden was kneeling on one knee, gently holding Lana’s foot. He was completely focused while carefully applying medicine. Meanwhile, Lana was half-reclined on the sofa, her eyes shining with moved tears. A warm floor lamp bathed them in golden light, casting an intimate, cozy glow over the scene. [Twisted my ankle while cleaning the roof. It got better quickly, but Aiden still rushed over the moment he heard. You're always there when I need you, no matter what. I sure am luckier than any other woman!] I stared at those words, my fingertips trembling slightly. The moment Lana suffered a minor injury, Aiden rushed to her side immediately. On the other hand, I waited the whole night and did not even receive a single message from him. I closed my eyes and curled up in the corner of the bed. My chest felt heavy, like something was blocking my breath. I don’t like crying, but the tears kept falling uncontrollably. Late that night, I heard familiar footsteps. He slipped into bed and gently pulled me into his arms, placing a guilty kiss on my forehead. Sometimes I wondered if I had ever truly known what he was thinking... The next morning, I made breakfast for myself. As I brought the cooked meat and juice to the table, Aiden walked into the dining room. He looked at the food and frowned slightly. "Why didn’t you make mine?" He’d always preferred heavy-flavored breakfasts, and I usually made a separate portion just for him. "Sorry, I forgot today. You can go eat at the pack’s dining hall." I quickly finished my meal and got ready to head to pack headquarters for work. Aiden didn’t look pleased, but suddenly seemed to remember something and looked at me with concern. "I know you’re mad about last night. But you’ve always had issues with Lana, so I…""I’m not mad.""Lana’s an Omega living alone. Of course, I was worried when something happened to her…""I’m really not mad.""Stop this, Chloe. I’ve told you over and over—I only see Lana as a sister. Why can’t you understand that?""I said I’m not mad!" My voice rose without me realizing it. Seeing the shock on his face, I quickly quelled my emotions. "I really do understand. But I have to go to headquarters now. We can talk later." With that, I ignored the complicated expression on his face and stumbled out the door.

Chapter 2 Chapter 2

At the pack headquarters, my job was to treat severely injured warriors. As the most gifted chief healer of the pack, my healing abilities were known throughout the entire werewolf alliance. My hands could mend injuries that other healers found hopeless, even bringing back warriors on the brink of death from silver poisoning. Even heavily wounded patients from other packs often traveled great distances to seek my help. Every time I watched a gravely wounded soldier stand up again and embrace their mate after my treatment, I felt a deep sense of fulfillment. That was why, even as a Luna, I still chose to keep studying the healing arts. My hands hovered over a patient’s wound, and a gentle healing light flowed slowly from them. Shattered bones began to knit back together under the guidance of my energy. "Chloe, I knew you’d be here." At the sound of that voice, my hands trembled slightly. It was my mentor, Elder Healer Maureen Sawyer, the most respected healer in the pack. She hadn’t come to me personally in years. "Master," I greeted her respectfully. Maureen glanced at the warrior I had just treated and nodded approvingly. "Your healing techniques have become even more refined. At this point, you’ve likely surpassed me." I shook my head. "Only because I had a good teacher.""That’s exactly why I’ve come to you today." Her voice suddenly grew heavy. "There’s been a severe silver dust leak in the Northern Territory. It’s caused massive casualties, and the entire area is under lockdown. At this point, only you have the ability to save the critically injured." I looked up and saw my mentor had set aside all pride, her tone urgent and pleading. "Chloe, I know how hard it is for a Luna to leave her Alpha. But the pack—your people—they truly need you.""How long will I be gone?""At least three years. The area is part of the border’s restricted zone. To prevent further contamination, the whole region will be completely sealed off. No one can enter or leave. There will be no communication with the outside world until the mission ends." Maureen’s voice turned hoarse. "For your safety, you’ll have to give up your Luna identity temporarily and go undercover as a common healer. This will be a top-secret medical assignment; not even your Alpha can know your location." I’d never seen her like this before. There was no authority in her eyes, only pain and desperation. She wasn’t ordering me. She was begging. In that moment, I realized the situation was far more serious than I’d imagined. I stayed silent, my heart torn in two. On one side, there was my Alpha, who swore I was his only one. On the other hand, there were my people—those bound to me by blood. In the end, I let out a bitter smile. "Master, may I think about it?" Maureen sighed. "Of course. But the injured are waiting for you, Chloe. We don’t know how much longer they can hold on…" After anxiously finishing the rest of my work, I unexpectedly received a message from Aiden saying he was going to cook dinner. [I’ll be cooking tonight. Wait for me to come home and eat together.] The message surprised me. Ever since we became mates, I had always been the one preparing every meal. I remember when I was exhausted from work, I had jokingly asked him to cook just once. At the time, he had held me gently and said, "My cooking’s terrible. I’m afraid you won’t like it. Besides, I love eating the food you make." His words touched me deeply. Determined to ensure he always enjoyed delicious food, I dedicated myself to learning how to cook. Despite occasional burns, I persevered without complaint. Until one day, Lana proudly bragged in front of me, "Aiden’s cooking is amazing! He always makes my favorite dishes just for me. Chloe, I’m sure you eat his cooking all the time too, right?" We fought after that. As always, Aiden used his usual tone of indifference to say, "Lana can’t cook. Her health isn’t great either. She’s prone to allergies, and she can’t always eat out. She’s not like you. You can do everything. As a mature Luna, you shouldn’t be fussing over these little things." Later, I forgave him again under his tender persuasion. Love is like poison—it robs me of reason. Still, I couldn’t help replying to his message. [Okay.] When I stepped through the door, I was greeted by the aroma of food. Aiden’s voice called from the kitchen, "Chloe, go wash your hands. It’s almost ready." I quietly sat at the table, emotions surging in my chest. I didn’t expect him to actually cook. If this had happened on any other day in the past, I would’ve been overjoyed. Aiden soon brought out four dishes and a soup. Though it was simple homestyle food, I could tell from the first bite that his cooking was actually quite good. "Chloe," he said, his voice uneasy, "why have you been ignoring me these past few days? I know you’re upset about Lana. But she just twisted her ankle that day. That’s why I went to take care of her. I wasn’t trying to deceive you." Not trying? My heart ached violently, but I still replied calmly, "Mm. Okay." His face darkened at my indifference. He thought I was still sulking. "Chloe McCarthy, can’t you calm down? Don’t always be so emotional. Lana and I grew up together. Her parents died for the pack, and I promised them I’d take care of her. Besides, she doesn’t even have her wolf yet..." I could feel his frustration building, but I only smiled gently. "I understand. You don’t need to explain.""Can you just tell me what you really think?" he snapped. "How many times do I have to say it? Lana is just like a sister to me. Why can’t you believe me?" Lana. Always Lana. Somehow, every conversation between us had become about her. And now, he was even raising his voice at me for that so-called "sister". There was nothing left to say. Aiden’s actions already said it all. I felt all my strength drain away. Even my hand holding the chopsticks felt numb. I’d message my mentor soon and accept the assignment. After all, I no longer felt like Aiden’s "only one".

Chapter 3 Chapter 3

On a stormy night, three days later, Aiden stumbled through the front door. He was soaked head to toe, water dripping from his clothes, and his lips were pale from the cold. His whole body was shivering slightly. He looked at me straight on, eyes filled with raw anticipation. "I just fought off an intruder in the pouring rain. Not a scratch on me." I looked at him quietly and said in a soft voice, "Then, go take a hot shower." Something about the way he looked reminded me of the day I first fell in love with him. Back then, I had gotten lost alone in the woods near the border. My foot was bleeding and swollen from being caught in a trap. The night was pitch black with no moon, just the distant growls of wild animals and the wind cutting through the trees. As I was curled up on the ground, pain and fear crashed over me like a wave. Then, Aiden showed up. He had tracked me by scent, fought off two rogues with nothing but his bare hands, and carried me all the way back to the pack without stopping. His forehead was scratched up, and his arm was bleeding, but he never let go of me, not even for a second. It was as though he was afraid that if he loosened his grip, I’d disappear. That night, his eyes shone just like they did now. Snapping out of the memory, I caught a flicker of hurt in his gaze. "I just fought for five hours in that storm, and you didn’t ask me once how I was doing? You used to track me through the mate link every time I was out. You’d be waiting at the door before I even got home. But today, nothing. Not even a single check-in. Chloe, you’ve changed." 'Have I? Or were you the one who changed first?' His words cut deep, but I forced myself to stay calm. "You’re the strongest Alpha in the whole pack now," I said. "I trust that you can take care of yourself. And honestly, I didn’t want the rest of the pack thinking that your mate doesn’t trust you." Aiden froze. I could see it—he remembered what he had once said to me. "Why are you always like this? I’m not a kid anymore. I can take care of myself. You calling me all the time? People are starting to laugh at me." That day, I had spent hours trying to track him down, just to make sure he was safe. Instead of being grateful, he had lashed out at me like I was a burden. I didn’t want to go down that road again. With the upcoming assignment to treat the northern pack members, I needed my mind and heart to stay clear. I turned to leave, but he grabbed my arm. His hand was still cold, but his grip was surprisingly strong. "Chloe, I think we need to talk. You and I—" Just then, his phone started ringing. I caught a glimpse of the name lighting up the screen: Lana. Bitterness rose in my throat. Aiden looked at the caller ID, then declined the call without a word. However, the phone almost immediately rang again, relentlessly. I saw the hesitation in his eyes, the internal struggle. Then, he sighed, offering me an apologetic look. "She must really need something. Just give me one minute, okay?" I gently pulled my arm from his grasp without saying a word. He stayed there, frozen with his eyes fixed on me as I walked away, watching until I disappeared into the other room.

Chapter 4 Chapter 4

Lately, Aiden seemed frustrated with how distant I had become. He started leaving early in the morning and coming home late at night, deliberately avoiding me. He even severed our mate link. Just like that. I sat by the window, watching moonlight spill across the floor, a dull ache blooming in my chest. Part of me wanted to chase after him and demand answers like I used to. However, with our impending separation, maybe this quiet distance was for the best. Then, five nights later, he suddenly asked, "Will you go with me to the Full Moon Gathering this time?" I nearly bit my tongue. When I looked up, there was actual hope in his eyes. Sure, Aiden had brought me to pack events before, but this wasn’t just another gathering. This was the Full Moon ritual, a private circle reserved only for the ones closest to him. It wasn’t about the ceremony itself; it was about who got to be there. Only a few of his oldest, most trusted friends were allowed to join. Even their mates weren’t usually invited. Long ago, I had tried to attend once. At first, he gave vague excuses, but when I insisted, he exploded, "Chloe, can you please give me some space? Your jealousy is suffocating me! This is my time with my friends. Can’t you let me have anything that’s just mine?" I remember asking why Lana was allowed to attend. His voice turned icy. "Lana’s different. We grew up together, so everyone there knows her. She doesn’t even have a wolf yet. Most of them still don’t accept her. I won’t let her sit there alone. God, Chloe, stop being paranoid." And now, here he was. Asking me to go with him. I almost said yes, but I had a mission coming up, one that required my full attention and preparation. Not to mention, I’d never really fit in with his group. We rubbed each other the wrong way, and always had. So, I shook my head. "With how hectic things have been lately, I don’t think I’ll have time." Aiden suddenly stood, grabbing my hand. "Chloe, what’s going on with you?" His voice held both confusion and frustration. "I know you’re upset about Lana. I’ve been giving you space all week, but I’m losing my mind here. You’re not just distant. You’re cold. You’re my Luna. You’re supposed to trust me. Unconditionally." I gently pulled my hand free. "You’re overthinking. Pack matters have kept me busy, that’s all.""Fine. Whatever." His voice went sharp, hard. That familiar Alpha edge—the pride, the dominance—surfaced again. We didn’t speak for the rest of dinner. Just finished the meal in silence. A few nights later, Aiden went to the Full Moon Gathering with Lana. Unfortunately, the full moon accelerated the silver infection that was already creeping through the Northern Territory. Suddenly, everything changed. I had to leave early. Urgently. The car was packed and waiting to take me to a classified mission zone deep in the restricted Northern Territory. Before departure, Elder Healer Maureen turned to say to me in a gentle voice, "Chloe, even though this mission is under strict confidentiality, you can still call someone to say goodbye. Three years is a long time." I hesitated, then picked up my phone. Maybe, just maybe, Aiden deserved one last chance. Just as I unlocked the screen, it buzzed in my hand. My heart skipped as I thought maybe it was him. Alas, it wasn’t. It was a video from Lana. In it, she and Aiden sat beside the bonfire at the Full Moon Gathering. She wore a flowy white dress, the flames dancing in her hair. She leaned in close, almost too close. "Truth or dare?" someone asked. "Dare," Aiden said, smiling, his voice softer than I’d heard in a long time. Lana gave him a playful look. "Well, call me 'baby'." The crowd laughed and cheered. Lana smirked at the camera, her eyes shining with smug triumph. "Baby," Aiden murmured, barely audible, but filled with a tenderness I didn’t recognize. She immediately nestled against his shoulder and giggled. "Aww… Aiden’s being shy!" The video cut off. Lana's message followed: [Sorry, Chloe! We were just playing truth or dare. It was all in good fun. Hope you don’t mind!] My grip tightened on the phone until my knuckles went white. I stared at her draped against him. I saw how he let her. The way he looked at her. The ease. The warmth. Everything blurred. I couldn’t breathe. Still, I wiped away my tears, forced a smile, and typed back: [No worries. Have fun tonight.] Moments later, texts from Aiden poured in like a storm: [Chloe, why would you say that? It was a dumb game. It didn’t mean anything.] [Where are you? Why aren’t you picking up?] [Come see me. Right now. Please.] I didn’t respond. I powered off the phone and set it aside. Then, I looked up at Elder Healer Maureen, who was watching me with concern. "We can go now," I said. "There’s no one I need to call." The car pulled out into the misty rain, driving toward the sealed-off area of the Northern Territory where no one could follow us. No one would find me there.