---- Chapter 7 The Ethan I used to know was always untouchable -aloof and cold, like a mountain wolf watching the world from above. For years, I stood by his side, but never once did I feel warmth from him. Emotions rarely surfaced. As an Alpha werewolf, pride and dominance came naturally to him, forming an impenetrable barrier between us. In all the time I knew him, I only saw him show tenderness a few times-and those were always for Sarah. Between us, it was always me chasing, me compromising, me trying to earn his approval. I believed his heart was permanently frozen, and just as I was about to give up, he changed- suddenly, inexplicably. He started inviting me to dinner, sending me rare ---- moonstone necklaces. But what shocked me most was that, on the night of a full moon, the Moon Goddess chose me as his lifelong mate. I was ecstatic. I never once stopped to wonder why the change, why the sudden affection. Turns out, I was just too naive. So naive that I destroyed my family. After our downfall, the very people who once praised us came pointing fingers. They called mea curse. Said I dragged my parents down with me. Told me to go die. And maybe they were right. Maybe I deserved to die. But if I did, who would take care of my parents? How would they survive without me? So, no-I couldn't die. Not until they forgave me. Not until I could leave this world with some sliver ---- of peace. And that's why I could never give Ethan another chance. The yacht docked soon after. Ethan carried me straight to his car. It was warm inside, the heat already on. His assistant, tactful as ever, called me "Luna." ignored it. Ethan wanted to take me to the pack hospital. I refused. "If I disgust you, Ethan, you can drop me off anywhere." He sighed. "Joy, don't say things like that." I said nothing more. The car pulled into a hotel-a place Ethan was using as his temporary base. The penthouse was filled with his belongings. He must have been here