Chapter 28

Aina While we were cozy in each other’s arms, Osborne’s phone rang, interrupting our time. He hissed in annoyance as he picked it up. “Seems my dad’s been calling me forever,” he muttered, pressing a quick kiss to my lips before answering. My face flushed red. No one had ever treated me like this before—like someone important. “Yes, Father, is there anything I can help with?” he said, and I heard the Alpha sigh on the other end. “Unfortunately, yes, Osborne. It’s regarding Alpha Hamilton.” Osborne froze for a heartbeat before regaining composure. “I’ll be with you in the office,” he replied, then ended the call. He sat down on the edge of the bed, his demeanor changed. “Is something wrong?” I asked, my voice cautious. I knew who Alpha Hamilton was—the Alpha of Waterford Pack, one of our allies. Osborne nodded apologetically. “Yes, but I promise when I get back, I’ll tell you everything, okay?” I smiled and nodded. He returned the smile, planting a quick kiss on my lips. “I have to go.” He hurriedly pulled on his shirt, then pointed toward the desk. “If you need anything at all, call 443, okay?” “Okay, I will.” He looked at me one last time before leaving. As the door closed, I sighed and relaxed back onto the bed. He had told me earlier that my mother and brother had come over, and that she had promised to bring my things. I couldn’t believe it—were they really driving me away before I was even married? But then again… maybe it was better this way. Staying here meant I could reach Osborne more easily if the heat came again. Because I could already feel it stirring inside me. If he hadn’t made love to me earlier I would have gone through heat again. It was already close to evening, and after the events of our lovemaking, hunger gnawed at me. My stomach grumbled loudly as I sat on the bed. Just then, a knock sounded at the door. Startled, I quickly pulled the blanket over myself. “Who is it?” I called. A familiar voice answered, “Your mother-in-law.” I froze because I was naked, my heart racing. “One minute, please!” I rushed over to the closet, fumbling for something to wear. Luckily, I found one of Osborne’s shirts and slipped it on in a hurry, running my fingers through my messy hair to tame it. Taking a deep breath, I called, “Come in.” The Luna opened the door and stepped inside. The moment her eyes landed on me, her lips curled into a knowing smile. “I hope I’m not disturbing anything?” she said, her gaze sweeping across the disheveled room. Embarrassment flooded me. I wanted the floor to swallow me whole. Shaking my head quickly, I replied, “Unfortunately, no.” She nodded, still smiling. “Osborne must have told you your mother came by today?” “Yes, he did,” I answered, nodding. But as I looked at her more closely, I noticed something strange—her eyes were puffy, like she had been crying. Before I could stop myself, the words slipped out. “Are you okay, Luna?” My voice carried genuine concern. Her eyes widened slightly. “Yes, I am,” she replied quickly. But something in me whispered that she wasn’t telling the truth. Still, I decided not to press her further. “Well, I came to check on you since Osborne seems to want to keep you all to himself,” she said lightly. I chuckled nervously. “Not really.” “Oh? But where is Osborne? Shouldn’t he be here keeping you company?” she asked, her tone curious and a little concerned. “The Alpha called him,” I explained. “There was a matter to discuss.” She nodded slowly, as if lost in thought. Then she lifted her gaze to me again. “If you don’t mind… would you like to spend some time with me?” I couldn’t refuse her—who would? So I smiled warmly and said, “I would, Mother. I was dying of boredom.” She laughed softly at that, the tension in her shoulders easing just a little. “But first, you need a pair of pants. I don’t think Osborne will like you walking around like this,” she said jokingly, as her eyes roamed my thick thighs. Heat rushed to my cheeks, and embarrassment washed over me all over again. Osborne “You don’t have to worry about them, Father. And besides, Bella doesn’t expect me to reject my mate for her. That’s impossible,” I said, my voice already rising with anger. I couldn’t believe he had wasted my time over something like this. “It might not seem like a big deal to you, but it is to me—and to the pack,” my father said firmly. My jaw tightened. “So what are you saying? You want me to reject Aina and wed Bella instead? Is that it?” Irritation burned hotter with every word. “You know very well that you and Bella were already betrothed. Why on earth would you go and claim another?” he shot back, his tone sharp with disappointment. I scoffed, refusing to back down. “Betrothed through words, Father—not through any written agreement. That means nothing.” He rubbed his forehead as if he’d had enough of me. “I know you love Aina, Osborne. But can’t you just let her go?” My fists clenched so tightly my knuckles whitened. “No, Father. I can’t. It would be better to cut ties with the Waterford Pack than for me to reject my mate.” And that was final. Aina was mine. We were to be wed —and with the way things are headed it would likely happen sooner than anyone anticipated. My father abruptly rose from his chair and moved to the window, staring out as though searching for the right words. Then, unexpectedly, he let out a laugh and tilted his head back, closing his eyes. “Indeed,” he murmured. “This is the way the Moon Goddess punishes me.” My brows furrowed. “You mean… choosing Mother over Aina’s mom?” I asked, my voice firm. I didn’t care about the old stories, the past, or mistakes made between them. None of that mattered. I wouldn’t allow anything to stand in the way of Aina being mine. He turned then, his expression hardened, his voice sharp. “You will wed Bella, and that is final.” I said nothing in response. No words, no protest. I only held his gaze, unflinching. He could see the truth for himself—what he demanded was impossible.