Chapter 1:The Perfect Gift
(Audrey's POV)
I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the neckline of my emerald green dress. The color matched my eyes, eyes that always revealed a hint of my wolf, Grace. Tonight was supposed to be special - our third wedding anniversary.
I let out a shaky breath. Everything was ready. The table is set with our finest silverware, the candles flicker delicately, and the aroma of the dishes I've so carefully prepared fills the dining room. Wine braised lamb is set alongside a chocolate soufflé, a dish that took me several tries earlier in the day to create to perfection.
This was supposed to be a celebration. It was a reminder of the bond we'd shared for three years, a bond that, at least as far as the wolves were concerned, was strong and unshakable. Grace cooed softly in my head, but I sensed her unease.
I cut my hair one last time. The dress fit my figure perfectly. For a moment, a flicker of hope flashed through my chest. Maybe tonight, despite the odds, Arthur would surprise me.
At that moment, my cell phone "buzzed" like a knife cutting through the quiet anticipation. At first, I thought it was another congratulatory message from one of the members. But the name on the screen didn't belong to a well-wisher.
The text was from a Sarah, and my thumb hovered as Grace stirred uneasily.
My heart stopped when I opened the message.
Attached is a video. The image is shaky, but clear enough. It's Arthur, standing in a swanky jewelry store - the same store he and I walked by a few weeks ago, where I had admired the delicate moonstone necklace behind the glass.
I've never asked for it outright. It's not in my nature to ask for material things but Arthur noticed that my eyes stayed on it and for a moment I thought maybe ... maybe he could understand.
But the video tells a different story.
Arthur's large hands held the necklace carefully, the silver chain gleaming in the light. The warm smile on his face wasn't directed at me. Rather, it was directed at another woman.
Victoria Moonstone his stepsister.
The video switches to him tying the necklace around her neck." A new beginning," I heard him say in a low voice, as if the words had been burned into my mind.
My chest constricted in agony. Grace howled in my head, her pain echoing like a storm that I couldn't calm.
Not only is today our wedding anniversary, but today is also the day Victoria announced that she had successfully severed her partnership It's all like a cruel joke
I sat paralyzed in my dining room chair. The meal in front of me, the flickering candlelight - it all seemed like a cruel mockery now.
The betrayal burned hot and sharp, but I forced myself to stay calm. My hands shook as I picked up my cell phone again. The PACK forums were buzzing with celebratory posts. One headline stood out, "Alpha King Spends Huge Amount of Money to Please His Luna."
For a moment, my heart was filled with bitterness. The one they praised and admired was not the one who walked out of this house today. The one who was my partner.
Minutes turned into hours. I don't know if it was Grace's frantic pacing in my head that kept me awake, or the raging storm of questions I couldn't answer.
The food gets cold. The candlelight dimmed. Midnight came and the faint sound of a key turning a door lock.
Arthur walked in, his tall, imposing frame filling the doorway. His dark eyes were sharper than ever and as striking as ever. He paused when he saw me sitting there, still dressed and waiting.
"You're up late," he said casually, tossing his keys onto the counter.
I clenched my hands under the table and took a steadying breath." I'm waiting for my anniversary present."
For a moment, something flickered in his gaze-guilt? Shame? Maybe it was my imagination.
"Anniversary," he repeated, as if the notion was completely behind him.
"Yes," I said, meeting his gaze." Three years later."
He tugged at his tie and walked over to the bar, casually pouring himself a drink." I'm sorry, Luna. I've been busy with pack business. I forgot."
The calm in his tone gave Grace the creeps. He was lying. I knew it, and so did my wolf.
"I thought ..." I chose my words carefully. My voice didn't quiver, but there was an uncontrollable tightness in my throat." I thought I saw something special in you today."
Arthur didn't turn to face me." What do you mean?"
"The necklace," I said simply." Moonstone necklace."
"Oh," he said, finally turning to face me, leaning casually against the bar." That one. I bought it for a friend. A thank you gift."
My heart sank further, but I kept my expression neutral." I only wanted the necklace.
He frowned slightly, his wine reaching his mouth and stopping." I... I'll ask my friend," he finally said.
The air between us grew heavy. The lies were obvious, hanging between us like a wall I couldn't ignore.
Arthur proceeded to the table. His frown deepened when he saw the still untouched food." You worked all night for this," he said, pointing to the plate. There was a hint of disapproval in his tone, but it was masked by concern.
"I'm not hungry," I said simply.
Arthur began to clear his plate. He acted in a way that felt odd." Don't waste it tonight," he said with a sideways glance "I'll make something fresh for both of us"
He quickly rolled up his sleeves and pulled the ingredients out of the refrigerator. He knew exactly what to make - venison and pasta. My favorite.
There was a scent in the air, but I didn't speak. I barely moved as I watched him cook, the faint glimmer of hope from earlier resurfacing. But Grace disagreed. She fidgeted, her growl echoing in my head.
"Come on," he said after placing the plate in front of me.
I forced myself to take a few bites. The food was good as always, but I couldn't taste it.
After dinner, Arthur went to take a shower, and I sat in a chair in a daze of thought. Grace paced back and forth, her emotions confused. The image of Victoria with the necklace around her neck lingered in my mind.
Arthur's mood seemed relaxed as he got into bed. He lay on his side and ran his hand along my hip. His touch is usually comforting, and now it feels foreign.
I looked away slightly. "Not tonight, Arthur."
His hand paused." What's wrong?"
"It's just ... my stomach," I lied.
A flash of concern crossed his face." He said, "You haven't slept in a while." You should see someone else. Maybe Rebecca at the treatment center. You know she's great."
I rolled over and blinked back tears. His tone was caring, but it felt hollow. He couldn't see what the real problem was. Or rather, he refused to see it.
It's been five weeks and I've had pups and this is where I was at.
I haven't told him yet. The plan was to tell him the news at dinner, but now? Now everything hangs in the balance. The baby in my belly will change everything but if we don't resolve this necklace issue, this betrayal issue, can we still raise them together?
No.
I can't let them grow up in an illusion. If the necklace doesn't come back, I have a decision to make. A hard, heartbreaking decision.
I finally drifted into uneasy sleep, dreams filled with moonstone jewels and betrayal.
The morning came with a lingering sense of heaviness. Before I could think about it, there was a knock on the door.
"Luna?" Mary Bennett's soft voice came from the hallway.
I tightened my grip on my robe and opened the door. The butler bowed his head slightly.
"Miss Victoria Moonstone is here, and she says she's here to return something," Mary said, her voice low and calm." She's carrying a jewelry box."
I froze. Grace growled softly.
The moment of truth has arrived.
