Chapter 2

Marcus is gone three days. No call. No mindlink. Nothing.

I know exactly where he is, though. Because Cassie won't stop posting on the pack feed.

While I'm collapsed in bed shaking with fever, Marcus is at the infirmary holding Cassie's hand all night. She posts a photo of their fingers laced together. Caption: Because of you, I have the strength to fight fate.

While I'm dragging two slices of moldy bread out of the fridge, Marcus is taking Cassie out for a feast. Nine photos of food. Caption: He heard I'd never been to a real restaurant as a pup. So he said he'd take me to every one in the territory.

While I'm rolling on the floor in pain, Cassie posts from a moon shrine. Caption: Someone came with me to pray for my mom. But honestly, I should thank the Moon Goddess for sending me this guardian angel.

The pain comes in waves.

Then I realize—today is my silver purge day.

Marcus forgot. Of course he did. He's too busy with his maid.

When I took that silver blade meant for him and almost died in his arms, Marcus cried into my chest. He swore that if I died, he'd follow me into the next life. He wouldn't break pack law for me, but he'd remember every dose, every appointment, every wave of pain.

When did it change?

When Cassie became his maid.

He used to roll his eyes when he mentioned her.

"Dumb little thing. Can't do anything right. Cries every time I correct her. Exhausting."

Then it shifted.

"Poor pup. Just her and her mom. She's clawing her way up from nothing. Tough situation."

Then the corner of his mouth would lift when her name came up.

"My maid—not the brightest, but she's got grit. You know what I love about her, Ivy? She's so full of life. I come home every day to a Luna who can barely sit up. It's rare to see someone who—"

He caught my eyes.

"I didn't mean you, Ivy. Don't take it like that. Once you're healthy again, you'll have all that energy too."

He said that. And then he started coming home later. And later. And later.

Too busy. Always too busy. Too busy doing pack rounds. Too busy training Cassie. Too busy to spend Christmas with his mate. But not too busy to pull strings for Cassie's family. Not too busy to give away the heart I'd waited three years for.

I drift in and out of consciousness. At some point I think I hear Marcus's voice. Ivy, are you feeling any better?

A girl peeks out from behind him.

I jolt awake.

It's not a dream.

Marcus is home. He brought Cassie with him.