---- sharp. I narrowed my eyes. "Something you need to say?" He bowed low. "No, Luna. I merely wished to ensure you were not overwhelmed tending to the young one." My gaze flicked to Alpha Michael, who was busy tugging at the buttons of his shirt like they were secret treasures. "We're managing just fine," I said, voice cool. Still, the butler's eyes clung to the boy with too much interest. Something about it scratched at the edge of my wolf's awareness. Iran a hand through my hair, sighing. "Take him outside. Let him feel the earth, the wind. ll prepare food." He hesitated. "But Luna, we have kitchen staff-" "?ll cook," I cut in, my voice edged in steel. " ---- Myself." Another bow. "As you command." The pack house kitchen was empty, save for the steady rhythm of blade against board. Each chop echoed like a heartbeat, grounding me. Vegetables fell into neat piles, colors vivid against the granite counter. For the first time since my bonded marriage to Alpha David Grimsbane, I felt like I could breathe. No politics. No whispers of betrayal. Just me, the food, and the illusion of peace. That illusion shattered the moment my phone buzzed. I wiped my hands and picked it up. A message. Not from a packmate. Not from a council envoy. But from Kiera. My stomach twisted. ---- I unlocked the screen. Instantly, photos assaulted my eyes. A gathering under golden lights. Laughter frozen in time. Alpha David, looking every bit the Alpha heir in his tailored suit, his arm looped around Kiera, who wore a dress designed to lure attention-and perhaps envy. The image screamed perfection. Power. Victory. Beneath the photo, her message burned: How does it feel knowing Alpha David never mated you after eight years... and within days of your departure, he's already claimed me as his Luna? My hands trembled slightly as I placed the phone down. My wolf stirred inside me, teeth bared. Of course she sent that. Of course she wanted to draw blood. I could've ignored her. Should've. Should've blocked her scent from my mental path entirely.