Chapter 3

I sat numbly on the windowsill.

I watched the snow fall outside, slowly blanketing the world in pure white.

A text from James popped up:

[Honey, the blizzard shut down the mountain passes. I won't be able to make it back for a couple of days.]

A moment later, Lily updated her Instagram again.

[The blizzard is a gift of love from the heavens.]

The photo showed her bare shoulder.

Even covered in foundation, the deep red bite marks and bruises were unmistakable.

Draped around her neck was a sparkling ruby necklace.

I recognized that necklace immediately.

Chloe had texted me about it just this morning.

She heard James had dipped into the pack reserves to trade for an exquisite ruby pendant.

She assumed it was my New Year's gift and asked if I had gotten it yet.

She had even mentioned wanting to save up for it herself, but stepped aside when she saw James bought it, thinking it was for his Luna.

Without a word, I forwarded Lily's post to Chloe.

Her call came through instantly.

I answered.

"Holy shit! The Alpha went all out on you last night?!"

"That's not me," I said, gazing at the frozen wasteland outside. "He's cheating on me."

Silence fell over the line. Then Chloe hung up.

Seconds later, a text arrived from her:

[When I broke away from my old pack, I had to swear a blood oath in front of everyone never to return before the Alpha let me go. If you want to leave, you have to do the same—but first, you need solid proof that James broke his vows first.]

Staring at her words, my heart pounded violently against my ribs.

I replied: [I don't want the kid anymore.]

I sent her the audio recording.

She texted back furiously: [Where is the bitch? I'm going to rip her apart!]

[Western District of Oak Bay.]

[Wait for me!]

I managed to get Lily's exact address from Chloe.

It was the cabin by the creek in the Western District, shaded by two ancient oaks.

One of the most coveted plots in the entire pack. James and I had inspected it six months ago.

I had mentioned wanting to build a greenhouse there to grow winter herbs.

James had told me the land was reserved as a supply depot for the hunting party.

What a joke.

He lied to my face, only to hand it over to Lily.

Chloe met me, and we crept behind the cabin.

Hiding behind a stack of firewood, we spotted James and Lily in the distance.

"How do we get in?" Chloe whispered.

I pointed to a narrow trail leading toward the creek. "Circle around that way. Let's see what's happening first."

We staked out behind the woodpile for nearly an hour.

Finally, James walked out with Emma. Lily walked them to the door, lingering as she held his hand.

Once they disappeared into the trees, I walked up to the front porch and knocked.

A middle-aged werewolf answered, wearing a bloodstained leather apron and holding a meat cleaver.

"Who are you looking for?"

"I'm the pack's inventory manager," I lied smoothly. "I'm here to audit winter reserves. This property is registered as a communal supply post. I need to take inventory."

The man eyed me suspiciously, then glanced at Chloe behind me.

"Hold on. Let me call Jim."

He turned inside to grab his phone.

Chloe tugged at my sleeve. "He's calling James."

"I know," I muttered. That was the whole point.

Sure enough, after a brief exchange on the phone, the man's expression changed.

He hung up, walked back to the doorway, and puffed his chest out.

"Sorry. This is a private residence, not a communal depot. You've got the wrong place."

"Is that so?" I offered a cold smile. "Then please let Jim know that the Luna stopped by."

I turned on my heel and left.

Chloe hurried after me. "We're just leaving like that?"

"No rush." I glanced back at the cabin. "I already have all the proof I need."