Chapter 1 Chapter 1

Though I was saved again from suicide, the despair inside me was so heavy that I couldn’t even fall asleep. So I went to Louise’s house and locked myself in Aden’s childhood bedroom, hoping to sense his lingering scent. That’s when I overheard Louise and James arguing in hushed voices. “Aden, Emily tried to kill herself three times because of you! Are you really going to keep lying to her?”“Mom, I promised James I’d take care of Ivy. She’s fragile. If she finds out it was James who died, she won’t survive it.”“My plan, now that I’ve faked my death, is to give Ivy a child. That way, she has a reason to live other than James. As for Emily, I haven’t formed a mate bond with her. She won’t sense who I truly am. Once Ivy has the baby, I’ll tell her everything.” My mind went completely blank, and I could hear buzzing in my ears. All the blood in my body froze. The obsidian pendant in my hand dug deep into my palm, but I couldn’t feel the pain. Louise sounded panicked as she tried to reason with him. “But you’re with Ivy every day! Have you ever thought about how Emily must feel?” Aden looked down. “She’ll be okay. Emily’s stronger than Ivy…” Sorrow cut straight through my heart like a blade. I stumbled back, accidentally knocking over a broom leaning against the wall. Instantly, the house was silent. I clamped a hand over my mouth and bolted until I was far from the house. That was when I realized I was still holding Aden’s keepsake. It was the one thing that had kept me going through all those nights—a token of our love. Five years ago, when we had just made our relationship official, he had slipped the pendant around my neck and pulled me into his arms. He told me obsidian could counter the strength of werewolves, and he’d shaped it into a pendant as a vow. From that moment on, I was his only one, and he’d spent forever protecting and cherishing me. Before he left for the war, I had taken it off, red-eyed, and placed it in his hand. I told him to come home safe and that I would wait. When he returned, we’d hold our Marking Ceremony together. And he did come back. Only to fake his death, take James’ place, spend every day with Ivy, and plan to have a pup with her. All that while he watched in silence as I grieved and lost all my will to live. I had never imagined the man I loved most would be the one to hurt me the deepest. It was just like this obsidian pendant. Made to protect me, but now dug into my palm, making me bleed. I felt like a fool. I could no longer hold back as I looked at my bleeding hand and cried. When I finally pulled myself together and made it back to my own home, my phone rang. It was my brother, Marco. “Emily, the Silver Spring Pack is moving to Southland in a week. You know how much we’ve missed you. We just want you to let go of the past and start fresh…” Since Aden’s “death”, my family had been calling me again and again. They hoped I could come home and move on. However, I had refused every time. In my heart, life without Aden wasn’t life at all. I’d rather be buried in the ground with him. Now… Hearing the longing in Marco’s voice, I wiped away my tears and spoke, my voice steady. “Okay. I’ll come.” Marco was shocked by my answer. Suddenly, the front door burst open. Aden stormed in, his face dark. “Emily, where are you going?” I quickly hung up the call. The way he stood there demanding answers almost made me laugh. “I couldn’t sleep. So I was going to head to the church at sunrise.” At that, he visibly relaxed. He then took a step closer to me, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed hard. “Emily, even though Aden is gone, you can still stay here in the Moon Forest Pack. I’ll take care of you. You don’t need to go anywhere. Stay with me… with us, okay?” The absurdity of it all hit me like a wave. For the past three months, he’d lived a lie. He’d been by Ivy’s side every day, loving her, building a life with her, while I broke apart right in front of him. Now he wanted me to stay? I didn’t expose his hypocrisy. Instead, I buried my feelings and nodded quietly. It didn’t matter. In a week, I’d be gone for good. Later, as I was packing my things in the bedroom, I heard Ivy’s sudden scream. “Oh, crap!” Her shriek tore through the night. I ran out of the room just in time to see a disheveled Aden carrying a pale Ivy out the door. Her nightgown was soaked red, a stark contrast under the moonlight. Aden looked completely panicked. Bitterness swelled in my chest. My eyes burned. Ivy was rushed to the treatment room. Outside, Aden paced anxiously back and forth, and when he saw me, he paused, clearly startled. He opened his mouth to say something when the healer came out. “James, relax. Ivy’s going to be okay. She’s pregnant and will need to be careful from now on.”

Chapter 2 Chapter 2

I froze. The healer’s words hit me like a sledgehammer to the skull. Aden was stunned, too. Then, a bright, joyful smile spread across his face. He muttered under his breath, “This is perfect… Everything can go back to the way it was!” I lowered my eyes and pretended I didn’t hear him. Of course, I knew exactly what he meant. However, I no longer hoped he'd reclaim his identity or come back to me. The healer interrupted his celebration. “Ivy’s wolf is on the weaker side. That’s why the pup isn’t stable and she’s experiencing bleeding and anemia. We suggest treating her with bloodroot. The problem is, it’s extremely rare…”“I don’t care how much it costs!” Aden said immediately. “I’ll buy it.”“It’s not about money. Bloodroot only grows in Southland. Even in ten years, you might not find a single one.” Suddenly, Aden remembered something and turned toward me. My parents were renowned herbalists, specializing in the herbs of Southland. Before they passed, they left me two stalks of bloodroot and warned me never to tell anyone except Marco. Before Aden left for war, I had wrapped one stalk with the obsidian pendant, asking only for his safe return. Aden looked at me, eyes wavering. “Emily, I’ve been dreaming about this child for so long. Would you be willing to give Ivy the last stalk? Once the baby’s born, I promise I’ll make it up to you.” Make it up to me? What’s that supposed to mean? Return to me like some sort of savior? “I’ll give it to you. I don’t need your compensation, though,” I said calmly. I didn’t even acknowledge the guilty expression on his face. My parents had told me bloodroot could instantly heal wounds, even save lives in emergencies. Aden knew it was a treasure they left behind for me. He had cried when he found the herb in his pack before going to war. Then he held me tight and promised he would never betray me. Now, the promise was broken. That same herb would flow into another werewolf’s body to nourish their pup. I decided to consider it the price of everything he’d once given me—a final repayment of his love and protection. Maybe it’ll make it easier for me to leave one week from now. Aden was absolutely overjoyed about Ivy’s pregnancy. After bringing her back from the healer’s, he started planning a celebration party, inviting every member of the Moon Forest Pack. As he handed out the invitations, his usually cold, sharp eyes were glowing. He couldn’t stop smiling, showing everyone how thrilled he was to become a father. However, when he reached me, that smile froze. He hesitated with the invitation in hand, unsure if he should offer it. “Emily… “The party’s in a week.” I took the card from him and glanced at the time and date printed on it, then smiled faintly. “Congratulations. I hope you, Ivy, and your pup have a beautiful life together.” Aden blinked at me, stunned. He frowned, clearly thrown off by how calm I was. It was true that I hadn’t smiled like this since “he” died, nor had I been this composed. Ivy appeared beside him and slipped her hand through his arm, beaming. “James, inviting Emily to the party isn’t enough. She saved our child. We should treat her to dinner!” The two of them looked so close and sweet, standing there arm in arm. Aden glanced away but nodded. I tried turning them down several times. Eventually, I ended up going with them to the restaurant Aden and I used to love. As soon as we walked in, the owner recognized us and came over with a big grin. “Hey, Emily! Out for dinner with Aden again?” Aden’s body went rigid, and Ivy’s face immediately darkened. She tightened her grip on his hand like she was making a point. The owner looked between the three of us, eyes darting to Ivy and Aden’s joined hands, trying to figure out our relationship. Aden cleared his throat. His voice lowered as he glanced at me, trying to explain himself. “You’ve got the wrong person. I’m not her mate, Aden. I’m James. Emily is my…”“Sister-in-law,” I cut in smoothly, smiling at the owner. “I’m their sister-in-law.” I didn’t even bother looking at Aden’s stunned face.

Chapter 3 Chapter 3

Once we sat down, Aden ordered fluently from the menu, filling the table with all of Ivy’s favorites. I had no appetite. I didn’t want to see them acting all sweet and affectionate across the table, either. So I kept my head down and ate mechanically. It wasn’t until my throat suddenly tightened that I realized there were bits of minced shrimp in my pasta. I was allergic to seafood! Aden used to remember everything I liked and couldn’t have. He even used to tell restaurants to keep every trace of seafood, especially shrimp, out of my meals. Now he had ordered a full plate of seafood pasta. Aden noticed something was wrong with my expression. When he saw the food in my hand, he suddenly shouted, “Emily, did you eat shrimp?!” However, by then, my throat was already swelling. It was as if I were being choked, and my breathing got harder and harder. The people and lights around me began to blur. I saw Aden get up and rush toward me, but Ivy stepped in his way, frowning. “James, my stomach really hurts…” Aden froze. His expression twisted in conflict as he looked between Ivy and me. In the end, he picked her up in his arms and shouted to the restaurant owner on his way out, “Please take my sister-in-law to the hospital!” I watched as they left. Then everything went black. When I woke up, I was in a hospital room. The healer stood over me, frowning. “Good thing the restaurant brought you in quickly. Do you know how dangerous anaphylactic shock is? You could’ve died! You’re severely allergic to seafood, yet you’re not being careful! What a waste of the pack’s medical resources!” I wanted to explain that I wasn’t alone. However, looking around the empty room, I realized how pointless that would be. After the healer left, I heard two nurses whispering outside the door. “Some people really are lucky! That pregnant lady who just came in? Barely had a stomach cramp, and her beta mate was freaking out, ready to call the entire pack of healers. “Unlike this one. Nearly died from an allergic reaction, and her mate didn’t even show up. Might as well be dead…” I thought I could hold back all the bitterness until the day I left. However, at that moment, my grief crashed down on me. Loneliness flooded in and crashed on me like a tidal wave. Of course, my mate had died. He died on the battlefield three months ago, the moment he chose to live under his brother’s name. I buried my face in the blanket and let the tears soak my pillow in silence. The day I was discharged, Ivy was also leaving the hospital. From far away, I saw Aden carefully supporting her, murmuring reminders from the healer. The tenderness on his face looked exactly like how he used to be when he whispered sweet things to me. They got into his car and left, never once looking back at the hospital or me behind them. It’s okay, though. I wiped away the tears from the corners of my eyes. Just three more days till I was free. I pulled myself together and went home alone. Before I could reach the door, a few of my friendly neighborhood ladies gathered around. They looked worried and sighed. “Emily, you’ve been living alone for so long. Have you thought about finding someone new?”“Yeah, it’s been a while since Aden passed. You deserve a fresh start. If you bond with a nice male wolf, he can take care of you. Actually, my nephew’s a great guy!” I froze, unsure how to tell them I’d be gone soon. Before I could speak, a lady pulled out her phone and started shoving pictures of her nephew in my face. “Look! Isn’t he handsome? So strong, too!” A figure suddenly rushed forward and snatched her phone out of her hand, slamming it to the ground. Everyone was stunned. I frowned and looked up. Only to see Aden standing there, eyes red with fury. “Emily is my family! I’ll take care of her. Mind your own business!”

Chapter 4 Chapter 4

The neighbors exchanged glances, then quickly scattered. I held back my anger and avoided his gaze, not even wanting to look at Aden, when he grabbed my arm. His chest was heaving, and his voice was caught between pleading and demanding as he asked, “Emily, you’re not going anywhere, right? You’re not going to mate bond with another wolf, are you?” All I wanted to do was scoff. “Why are you meddling?” I shook off his hand and calmly smoothed down my sleeve. “There’s nothing between us. What I do and where I go have nothing to do with you.” Then I turned and walked into my house, ignoring the shame and frustration festering behind me. That night, I accidentally fell asleep on the couch. In the dark, a hot, naked body suddenly pressed against me, reeking of alcohol. Aden crashed his lips against mine. His kiss was wild, rough, and full of possessiveness, as if he were trying to swallow me whole. I struggled to push him away. However, he pinned my wrists. “Don’t leave me…” He was intoxicated, and tears spilled from his eyes to my eyes as he begged. “You know I can’t help it! Emily, you’re mine! Don’t bond with anyone else. I’m begging you…”“Aden, have you lost your mind?! What the hell are you saying?! You’re Ivy’s mate now!”“I’m not!” he cried, pulling me into his arms and nuzzling into my neck. “Just wait for me. Once Ivy gives birth…”“Let go of me!” I couldn’t take it anymore. I wrenched free from his arms, knocking a glass off the table and shattering it. Startled, Ivy walked into the living room, only to find Aden standing there with nothing but his underwear. Her gaze was filled with fury and loathing as they flicked to me. I avoided her eyes and let my hair fall forward, hiding the bite Aden had left on my lip. “James drank too much and mistook me for someone else. Why don’t you take him back to your room?” Aden staggered as Ivy led him out, eyes full of disappointment and pain. Why was he the one in pain, though? He was the one who chose Ivy. I closed my eyes to block out the look on his face. Silently, I prayed that the day I had agreed on with my brother would come sooner. A tear slid down my cheek. I hoped it would be the last one I ever shed for him. At dawn the next day, I called my brother and told him I wanted to leave early. He agreed right away, even promising a surprise for when he picked me up. As soon as I hung up, my body felt weak all over. The door suddenly burst open with a loud bang. Ivy stormed in, her pregnant belly visible, and threw a handful of silver dust all over me. “Emily, you really are a bitch. Your mate dies, and you come sniffing around mine? You really think you're the family's favorite, don’t you?!” Her eyes were full of venom. She sneered and took out a lighter, setting fire to the curtains. “I already called James before I came. Let’s see who he saves first. Me and the baby, or you?” The fire spread instantly. Smoke stung my eyes, causing me to tear up. The silver she used was suppressing my wolf, choking my breath. Even struggling felt like a losing battle. I could hear footsteps rushing toward the house. Ivy let out a cold laugh, then deliberately smeared more silver dust into my palm. In my ears, she whispered, “There’s a price for not seeing the truth. Good luck, bitch!” When Aden finally burst through the door, I thought of the night he gave me the obsidian pendant. He’d said he would always love and protect me. I was supposed to be his one and only. However, this time, he didn’t hesitate for even a second and ran straight to Ivy. “James! Emily said the baby was stealing your attention and wanted to kill us both with silver and fire!”“I didn’t…” I lay on the floor, reaching out to him in despair. He didn’t even glance at me. He carried Ivy in his arms and rushed out the door. A falling beam crashed down onto my outstretched arm, scorching my skin. Right before I blacked out, I saw the obsidian pendant again. This time, it didn’t pierce my palm, but straight into my heart.

Chapter 5 Chapter 5

The next time I woke up was because of the searing pain in my arm. My eyes instantly welled up when I saw the raw, blistered burn stretched across my skin. “Do you feel wronged? You almost killed Ivy and her baby. A burn on your arm is nothing. If anything, you should be grateful that you got off easy.” Aden’s cold voice cut through the room. I looked up and saw his face twisted in anger. “I told you to wait! Why couldn’t you stay patient? Don’t tell me you tried to hurt my and Ivy’s baby because you’re jealous?” I bit my lip so hard that it turned white, staring at him like he was my enemy. “She said I did it, and you just believed her?”“Of course I did. She’s my mate now. Who the hell am I supposed to believe if not her?”“Then what are you doing, standing by my hospital bed? Get out!” I couldn’t hold my anger in any longer. I grabbed the pillow and hurled it at him. Aden dodged easily, his irritation only deepening. He didn’t even notice my red, swollen eyes. “Fine. Cool your head and think about what you’ve done. I’ll come back tonight.” It wasn’t until the door slammed shut behind him that I let out a shaking breath, trying to calm down. When someone did not love you, it did not matter how much hope, emotion, or tears you threw their way. All you would get was a version of yourself you no longer recognized. I swore I wouldn’t keep destroying myself like this. Aden didn’t visit again until I was discharged. Not that I cared, though. Today was the day my brother and I had agreed on. I went home alone, packed my things, and got ready to leave for the border, where we were supposed to meet. However, as soon as I stepped out of the house, I ran into Aden, who was rushing back. He grabbed my wrist and used the same reprimanding voice as before. “You should be grateful Ivy’s okay enough to go home today. I stayed by her side for two full days. Our baby almost didn’t make it.” He hadn’t even remembered that today was my discharge date. When I stayed silent, he frowned again. “Why are you still so jealous? Why can’t you just get along with Ivy? She’s my mate now.” I quietly pulled my hand out of his grip. Only then did he notice the suitcase beside me. “You’re already packed? How’d you know I wanted to ask you to move out?”“Move out?” He rubbed his temples, his voice and face worn out. “Yeah. Ivy said you were in a bad mental state and was afraid you might affect the baby. You should stay in the forest cabin near the border for a while. Just until she’s settled back in.” Seeing I didn’t object, he assumed we were in agreement. Then he softened. “Be good and stay there for now. After Ivy gives birth to my pup, I’ll come get you and tell everyone the truth. We’ll both apologize to Ivy together.” Apologize? What did I do wrong? Why should I be the one to apologize? I pressed my lips together and turned my head to avoid his hand when he reached out to touch my hair. He grabbed my suitcase. “I’ll take you to the forest cabin.”“No need.” I took my suitcase back with a blank look on my face. “I can leave on my own.” However, Aden still followed me until we reached the border. It was as if he were afraid I’d change my mind. As we parted ways, he sighed. “You’re recovering well, so I’ll leave you here. I need to go pick Ivy up from the hospital. She’s fragile right now and needs me with her all the time.” He threw out a few more instructions, then turned and hurried away. I stared after him, feeling empty. Fine, go ahead. Be James forever and take care of Ivy. “Goodbye.” Aden, see you never!