Chapter 46 Marcus nodded enthusiastically. Besides, now you can focus on what really matters." Their words hit exactly where I needed them to. The tight knot in my chest began to loosen. They're right. Sable was holding me back. You're absolutely right. I felt my confidence returning. 'She'll realize her mistake soon enough." "Of course she will. Tommy grinned. 'Where else is she going to find someone willing to put up with her attitude?" "And when she comes crawling back, Marcus added, 'make her work for it. No more mister nice guy." The alcohol was warming my blood, washing away the morning's doubts. These were my real friends. My pack brothers who understood what strength looked like. "She can beg all she wants," I said, feeling more like myself. "She made her choice." "Exactly! Jake raised his glass. "To your freedom, Alpha. May you never settle for less than you deserve again." By the time I stumbled out of the bar four hours later, the hollow feeling had been replaced by righteous indignation. Sable wanted to play games? Fine. Let her see how far her pride gets her. The house was dark when I made it home, swaying slightly as I fumbled with the door locks. Camila appeared in the living room, silhouetted against the warm lamp light. "Relly?" She moved toward me with obvious concern. "You drank too much." Her voice sounded faraway, muffled by the alcohol buzzing in my head. But she looked beautiful in the soft light. Hair loose around her shoulders, wearing one of my old t-shirts like a nightgown. "Camila." I reached for her, needing to feel something real. My mouth crashed against hers with desperate hunger. "Relly…" She gasped against my lips. "What's gotten into you?" I couldn't explain the frantic need clawing through my chest. Instead, I picked her up and carried her toward the bedroom. She didn't protest. Her arms wrapped around my neck as I laid her on the bed. My hands moved over her body with rough urgency. Pulling off clothes, mapping familiar curves, trying to lose myself in sensation. I pushed inside her with a groan. But as I moved above her, as her soft sounds filled the darkness, I found myself squeezing my eyes shut. And in that private blackness, another face appeared behind my eyelids. Amber eyes instead of green. Smaller hands. A different laugh. No. 1/3 Chapter 46 I opened my eyes, forcing myself to focus on Camila s face. Her pleasure. Her body responding to mine. But the phantom image lingered at the edges of my vision like a ghost refusing to be banished. Caelan's POV The Blackwood Manor's flower garden stretched before me under the golden light of early evening. I surveyed the outdoor setup one final time - white tablecloths fluttering in the breeze, crystal glasses catching the dying sunlight, silver platters arranged with geometric precision. Everything has to be perfect for her. My chest tightened with anticipation. Tonight would be different from all the other gatherings I'd hosted over the years. Tonight, Sable would be here. Not as the daughter of a visiting Alpha, but as my future queen. I wanted to announce it officially. Let every pack know she belonged to me now. But Sable had made it clear she preferred keeping things quiet for the moment. Respect her wishes. There will be plenty of time for announcements later. Still, the knowledge that she was mine - truly mine - sent warmth spreading through my chest like aged whiskey. I tugged at my shirt cuffs and checked my watch. The black timepiece caught the light, its subtle diamond accents glinting. My fingers traced the smooth metal surface without thinking. "Look at our king," Peter's voice boomed across the garden as he strode toward me with his characteristic swagger. "You're looking particularly… energetic tonight." Leon followed close behind, surveying the elaborate setup with raised eyebrows. He clapped my shoulder. "This is the most effort I've ever seen you put into a party." I straightened my jacket. 'I always ensure proper hospitality for my guests." "Right. Peter's grin turned wicked. "And I'm sure it has absolutely nothing to do with a certain lovely doctor we've heard whispers about." Leon's sharp eyes dropped to my wrist. "Speaking of lovely… that's a new watch." "Pretty sophisticated choice," he continued, moving closer for a better look. "Who gave it to you?" Peter leaned in with obvious curiosity. I couldn't stop the satisfied smile spreading across my face. "My fiancée." Peter's mouth fell open. "Holy shit. Our ice-cold king actually has someone buying him gifts?" Leon whistled low. "And look at that expression. Caelan, you look like a lovesick teenager who just got his first valentine." 'I do not- "You absolutely do." Peter's grin widened. "If I didn't know better, I'd say you were about to start writing poetry about her eyes." 'Or composing love ballads," Leon added helpfully. I crossed my arms. "Are you two finished?" 2/3 Chapter 46 "Not even close. Peter settled into one of the garden chairs like he was preparing for a show. We need details. All of them." Leon joined him, both of them watching me with the predatory focus of sharks scenting blood. There are no details to share. "Bullshit. Peter leaned forward. "Someone finally melted our frozen king's heart. That's front-page news." Leon's expression grew more serious. "But really, Caelan. Why Sable Crawford? Don't get me wrong - she's beautiful, intelligent, comes from good bloodlines. But you've had marriage proposals from every major pack in the region." He ticked off names on his fingers. "Blood Moon Pack's Alpha daughter. Silver Ridge's heiress. That stunning woman from the Pack Council- "Because it's her. It could only ever be her." My friends exchanged glances. "Actually, I continued, needing them to understand, "I was the one who proposed the arrangement to her father. Years ago."