Chapter 6-Lies Selene's POV: The door clicked shut behind me, and I leaned against it, releasing a long, shuddering breath. Finally, I was home-my sanctuary, my safe corner of the world. At last, I could let the day's chaos melt away. My cheeks still burned, and my heart pounded so fiercely that it felt as if it might leap from my chest. I had practically tail-between-legs fled from Aaron. Every inch of me had been tense during the drive, pretending to sleep, afraid that any word I uttered might betray me. The lies I had woven, one after another, now formed a tangled web-a snowball rolling ever larger, growing heavier with every falsehood I told. The only strategy that seemed to work was silence, careful, cautious silence. Thank the Moon Goddess I wouldn't have to see him again soon. I prayed I could notify him swiftly, formally reject him, and free us both to pursue our true mates. The pressure gnawed at me, an invisible vice constricting my chest. I felt as though I were teetering on the edge of exhaustion, my nerves taut and frayed. I took several long moments to calm myself, then moved toward the bathroom for a shower. As I walked, a luxurious suit jacket slipped from my shoulder, and I suddenly realized I had forgotten to return it to Aaron. Damn it. My palm thumped my forehead in frustration. Could I bring myself to return it on the day I intended to refuse him? I wasn't ready to face him again so soon. The faint, lingering scent of his cologne-cool, musky, subtly intoxicating-wafted through my senses, and I felt a shiver of both attraction and hesitation. It reminded me of his sharp green eyes, his sculpted, irresistible face. Something about him drew me in, yet I recoiled instinctively. Carefully, I bent down to retrieve the expensive jacket, brushing off a faint layer of dust. How had an Uber driver managed to acquire such wealth? Clearly, the cost of this garment could bankrupt me-or perhaps even serve as collateral for my first child. I hung the jacket reverently on a hanger, still considering how I might confess my true identity to Aaron one day, and reveal Lars' sordid schemes. After all, when his name appeared alongside another woman on the marriage certificate, remaining oblivious would be unfair. But could I trust him? He was still a stranger. I knew nothing of his personal life, only his name and profession. Even if he were to become a friend, burdening him with my problems felt inherently wrong. I weighed my options, realizing that I had very few. The best course-perhaps the only course-was to end this chaotic farce as quickly as possible. I placed the jacket on a chair and made my way to the shower. Steam rose around me as warm water cascaded over my body, washing away the tension of the day. I slipped into a simple camisole dress afterward and yawned, wide and unrestrained, the kind of weariness that sinks into your bones. Suddenly, darkness enveloped the room. My breath hitched. Was the power out? Gathering courage, I held a glass bottle in one hand as I stepped out of the bathroom. Anyone foolish enough to break into my home would regret it-severely. I whispered reassurances to myself with each cautious step. Then, a sudden beep startled me. My phone's screen glowed in the darkness. A rush of relief and mild embarrassment washed over me. It was a message from my landlord: "No rent, no power. Got it?" 15.12 114.80% Damn it! Today was the final deadline for rent. Just twenty-four hours ago, I had been daydreaming about moving into the Ice Moon Pack's territory and leaving rent worries behind. But reality remained inescapable. Worse, my paycheck from the café had yet to arrive, even though payday was a week past. This wasn't the first time my wages had been delayed. Anger bubbled inside me, and I shot off a message to my boss: "If I don't get paid today, I'll take legal action! You have three hours." My thumb hovered over the "send" button, reluctant, torn between righteous fury and self-preservation. After a long moment of internal debate, I deleted the harsh words one by one, rewriting a polite inquiry. I couldn't risk losing this job before finding another, despite my frustration. Sighing heavily, I collapsed onto the bed, burying my face in the pillow. The café wasn't terrible. The work wasn't bad. But it wasn't where I wanted to be forever. I dreamed of literature, of writing, of working at a publishing house. The problem? All required a bachelor's degree. I had studied at home, unable to afford tuition. Fiona, my grandmother, was wise beyond measure, and before my grandfather passed, she had been Luna of the Ice Moon Pack. My mother had been their only child, which left Lars to inherit the Alpha position. Fiona had taught me everything she knew. In her youth, she had been a skilled warrior. Before illness constrained her, she trained me in combat. My wanderer companion, Keanu, had been trained similarly. But without a wolf, the lessons were limited. Lifting my head, I gazed at the black velvet night beyond my window. The world was hushed, wrapped in the stillness of darkness. The full moon hung high, its silver light pouring through the window, bathing the room in a gentle, ethereal glow. Then came a sharp, resonant howl that pierced the silence. Bright, lively, and clear, it seemed to announce itself to the world, a joyful declaration, as if a wolf were greeting its mate across the expanse of the night. My heart lifted with the sound. Life was harsh, yes-but I would not succumb. The phone buzzed again. I hoped it was my boss confirming the delayed pay or my landlord acknowledging restored electricity. It wasn't. It was Lucian. Yet even so, my spirits lifted at seeing his message: "Hey, little pumpkin, I'm back! Meet tomorrow?" Keanu had been gone nearly a month. His bike shop had closed. His wolf pack had found him, demanding he return, as their Alpha had died in a fire. Keanu, as the rightful heir, needed to reclaim his position. He hadn't mentioned the pack's name, and I hadn't asked. From what I knew, Keanu's mother had been exiled while pregnant. I did not ask why-some things were private. If he wanted me to know, he would tell me. My thoughts were abruptly interrupted by a sharp BANG at the door. "Who's there?" I called, my voice trembling slightly. Another BANG followed, louder this time. I grabbed a small knife from the shoe rack, prying the door open just enough to peek through. The knife clattered to the floor. I pressed a hand over my mouth to stifle a scream. It wasn't a person standing there. It was a wolf. 15:12 16.224