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I focus on Dorothy, the elderly housekeeper of the pack. Her weathered face displays worry as she scans the surroundings anxiously. I need to
uncover details about Esther’s illness, and Dorothy could be my sole
source of insight.
“Dorothy,” I murmur, “are you aware of anything regarding Esther’s abrupt
sickness?”
The old she–wolf’s gaze flits to the door before she moves closer to me.
“That Wynthor she–wolf,” she whispers, her words barely reaching my ears.
“She visited Lady Esther on the day of her hospitalization.”
My heart skips a beat. “Cyrinne was here?”
Dorothy nods, her gray hair swaying slightly with the motion.
“I have been with the Riven family for forty years, and I have never
witnessed Lady Esther fall ill so unexpectedly,” Dorothy shares, her weary
eyes welling with concern. “That Wynthor she–wolf was in there just before
it occurred, and I heard shouting. I may be old, but my wolf’s hearing
remains sharp.”
My suspicions intensify. Cyrinne was the first one to find Esther when she
collapsed. Now, Dorothy is revealing that Cyrinne had an argument with
Esther right before the incident.
“Did you catch what they were arguing about?” I ask in a low voice.
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Dorothy shakes her head. “Not clearly. But Lady Esther was distressed. Very distressed.”
I share my suspicions with Dorothy, recounting Dr. Leyric’s theory that Esther could have been poisoned. Her expression shifts to one of horror,
but she doesn’t seem entirely shocked.
“I have been concerned,” she confesses. “The way she fell ill… it didn’t
seem natural.”
Dorothy’s expression softens as she gazes at me.
“I’ve heard about the mate bond severance, dear,” she states gently. “I’m
sorry it has come to this.”
The mention of the severance triggers an ache in my chest.
“It’s for the best,” I reply, trying to convey more assurance than I genuinely
feel.
“That Wynthor she–wolf,” Dorothy scorns, “she’s already making plans for
the marking ceremony, you know. It’s scheduled for the end of the month.”
I freeze in shock. “The end of the month?”
“The same day your mate bond severance becomes final,” Dorothy
confirms. “It’s not right,” she mutters, shaking her head. “That woman is
already setting up for the marking ceremony, even ordering special
moonsilver decorations for the pack house.”
The timing feels far too deliberate. Cyrinne ensures that there isn’t a single day when Alarion remains unmated. The idea churns my stomach.
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“She practically lives here now,” Dorothy continues, her disapproval clear.
“She acts as if she’s already Luna. You should take a look at the new silver-
gray luxury SUV she’s driving–complete with the Thunder Pack emblem!”
“Did Alarion buy her a car?” I inquire, caught off guard.
Dorothy scoffs. “Not Alarion. His father. Roderic Riven treats her like
family.”
Of course he does. Roderic Riven has always had a soft spot for Cyrinne.
“Is she here right now?” I ask, my wolf thrumming with agitation at the thought.
Dorothy nods, confirming my worst fears.
“She came an hour ago. She’s with Roderic in his study.”
I inhale deeply, striving to steady my nerves. My purpose here isn’t to
confront Cyrinne; I’m here to uncover details about Esther’s poisoning.
“Dorothy, can you assist me? I need to have my belongings packed and
sent to my apartment.”
Dorothy’s surprise is palpable. “You’re not taking anything with you?”
I shake my head. “Nothing. I’m starting anew.”
Dorothy agrees to make arrangements for my items to be packed and
delivered. As she departs to handle the details, I stand in what was once
my home, feeling like an outsider.
My hand instinctively travels to my belly, a protective motion that has
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become second nature. The life within me is my only priority now.
“Well, well,” a disturbingly familiar voice calls from behind. “What brings
Alarion’s soon–to–be ex–Luna back to the pack house? Here to pilfer
something before you leave for good?”
I turn slowly, facing Cyrinne Wynthor. Her emerald eyes glitter with scorn, while her wolf’s scent betrays her arrogance.
I force myself to remain composed, despite the growl rising within my wolf.
“I don’t need to take what’s rightfully mine,” I tell her coolly.
Cyrinne raises an elegantly arched eyebrow. “Nothing belongs to you here
anymore. You’re merely a guest.”
I straighten my posture, calling upon my wolf’s strength.
“Last I checked, I remain Luna of this pack for another twenty–seven days,”
I assert firmly.
Cyrinne’s face turns red with fury. “How dare you? Everyone knows your
title is merely ceremonial now.”
“And what is your role, exactly?” I ask, my tone deceptively light. “The other
woman?”
“You think you have any right to address me like that?” Cyrinne retorts,
indignation flashing through her wolf’s eyes. “I’ve known Alarion since we
were children. You’re just-”
“Just the she–wolf he chose to mate with for three years while you were,
what, his friend?” I interrupt her with a cold laugh.
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Cyrinne’s emerald eyes narrow.
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“Don’t act like you’re not here trying to win him back,” she hisses. “I know
you regret seeking the mate bond severance.”
I shake my head, nearly feeling pity for her delusions. “I think you’re the one
projecting, Cyrinne. I want nothing to do with Alarion.”
“Then why have you returned?” she presses.
“Just gathering some personal items,” I respond vaguely.
Cyrinne snorts, her disbelief apparent. “You’re not fooling anyone. You
came back for the belongings you left behind, just as you’ll try to return to
Alarion when you realize what you’ve lost.”
I can’t help but laugh at the ridiculousness of it all.
“Trust me, I have no desire to reclaim discarded things,” I say dismissively.
Cyrinne’s expression twists into a mask of fury.
“You ought to be thankful he even chose you as a mate in the first place,”
she spits out. “He only did it because he felt sorry for you.”
Although her words are meant to wound, they only serve to amuse me.
“Is that what he shared with you?” I reply. “While you were preoccupied
being his ‘childhood friend‘ during our mating?”
Cyrinne inches closer, her tone shifting to a menacing whisper.
“Don’t even consider trying to withdraw the application to sever the mate
bond. He’s been anticipating this moment,” Cyrinne hisses. “To finally be
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with me, his true choice.”
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I look at her, genuinely puzzled by her actions. What sort of wolf behaves
like this?
“Were you not taught pack etiquette by your parents?” I inquire, curious. “Or is this particular behavior something you save just for me?”
Cyrinne’s face flushes with fury. Before I can sidestep her, she seizes my
wrist, her claws extending slightly in aggression.
“We’re not done,” she growls.
I recoil in disgust, pulling my arm free. In that moment, I notice something on her exposed collarbone–a fresh mating bite, the kind shared during
intimate moments among wolves.
I can’t help but stare at it. Had Alarion already marked her? Before our
mate bond had officially ended? And especially during her pregnancy?
Every wolf with basic knowledge understands how risky mating bites can
be during this time.
My wolf snarls within me, furious at the lack of respect.
Cyrinne realizes where my gaze lingers and quickly covers the mark with
her hand. She appears flustered and guilty, akin to a pup caught in the act
of stealing moonberries.
Suddenly, I sense a strong Alpha presence. The familiar scent wafts
through the hallway just before Alarion turns the corner.
His amber eyes widen with surprise upon seeing me.
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“Aelira,” he exclaims, his voice blending surprise with what sounds like
genuine delight, “I didn’t expect to find you here.”
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The Pack’s Scandalous Luna
