19.32 % Chapter 4 " I was wondering why your balm stopped showing up and why my head kept spinning . So that's it - I got hooked . Seraphina , you really are heartless . " Atticus's fingers clamped around my throat . His eyes bulged with fury . Air vanished . He waited for me to beg . I refused . He didn't know that without the incense I made to shield his body , he wouldn't last a month . I didn't say it . He wouldn't have believed me anyway . When I stayed silent , his grip tightened - until a low , warning bark cut through the room . Milo stood with his tail up , lips peeled back , a rumble building in his chest as he faced Atticus . " Backstabbing mutt . " } Atticus kicked out . Milo slipped aside and darted clear . We'd gotten the dog when Atticus and I first got together . The Alpha stayed busy with training and pack business , so Milo bonded with Ime . I gasped for air , crouched to stroke Milo's head , and sent him to the garden . Then I turned and went to pack . One suitcase was enough to hold my life . A knock . Anya swept in and looped her arm through mine with practiced sweetness . " Luna , I was out of line today . I cooked a full dinner as an apology . Please ? " She steered me to the dining table . The spread was generous , the smell rich and warm . Yet the meat glistening on the plate sent a ripple of unease through me . Smiling , Anya picked up a piece and held it to my lips . " Try it , Luna . " I didn't move . Her gaze slid to Atticus . He cleared his throat . " Once we finish , I'm moving out with Anya . After that , we leave each other alone . " } There was nothing left to say . I took a bite . The moment the meat touched my tongue , Anya slapped the table and burst out laughing . " Seraphina , doesn't it taste familiar ? It's your favorite - Milo . " My stomach heaved . I doubled over the table and retched until there was nothing left , not even bile , then stumbled for the garden . Milo wasn't there . Only a heap of blood - soaked remains . A few warriors were rinsing the hide and chatting idly . " Alpha really went all out . Killed the dog just to make Ms. Wetherell smile . " " She said she wanted a rug . He said yes . If the Luna finds out , she'll lose it . " " Open your eyes . The future lady of the house is Ms. Wetherell . " Tears tore loose . Pain shook me apart . I ran back in and swung my hand , My slap cracked across Anya's cheek , " Bitch . " Atticus shoved me hard , rage spiking . " Anya was joking with you . Did you have to hit her ? The dog was eight years old - how much longer would it have lived ? I'll buy you another . " My forehead smashed the table's edge . Blood slid hot down my cheek . Chapter 4 44 44 % I stared at him through a haze , shaking with fury . He reached for me , as if some half - buried instinct had twitched . Anya clutched her belly and shrieked , " It hurts ! My stomach - Seraphina , how can you be so cruel ! " I had slapped her face . She pinned it on the child . Atticus swallowed it whole . He scooped her up and charged for the hospital . At the door he threw one last line over his shoulder . " If anything happens to our pup , you'll pay . " When they returned to the old house , the Elders of Nightfall Pack had already gathered ... Atticus's glare was winter - cold . " Another stunt , Seraphina ? Did you rally them to back you up ? " Before I could answer , Elder Soren rose and slammed the table . " We came on our own . " He looked around the room of elders , then spoke , measured and grave . " After deliberation , we are unanimous . Atticus and Seraphina will break the mate bond . "