Before I could challenge him further, Janine took the opportunity to insert herself into the moment. She laid a soft, dainty hand on his chest, leaning into him with practiced vulnerability. “It’s alright, Jonathan,” she murmured, voice dripping with false compassion. “I suppose Natasha’s still hurting over the fact that Tim chose me, dissolving their bond. Maybe I had that slap coming. Let’s just consider it settled—I was only trying to make peace.”
She gave me a look that was meant to be sympathetic but came off as smug. Turning away, she took his arm. As they walked down the path together, she sighed dramatically. “If seeing me causes her this much pain, maybe we should just stop meeting altogether. I hate being the reason for tension between us, Jonathan.”
That was it. The last straw. The final crack in an already shattered heart. I was done with Jonathan Marsh.
I said nothing more. Instead, I resumed burning everything that symbolized our relationship—all the memories, the empty promises, the gifts he once gave me. I watched it all go up in flames. A few minutes later, my phone buzzed with a message.
I’m sorry, love. I know it hurt when I asked you to apologize. Janine is leading negotiations for the Crescent Moon alliance, and I didn’t want to risk any conflict. Once this deal is secured, I’ll make it up to you. I even got you a present. Please don’t be mad.
I didn’t bother to respond. I had finally understood the truth—Jonathan didn’t love me. He never did. I had merely been a stand-in, a convenient figure beside him.
I packed a small bag and left the packhouse without looking back. The guest lodge I retreated to was tucked away in a quiet part of the territory, far from prying eyes and lies. I hadn’t even unpacked when my phone rang. It was one of the secretaries from the pack’s administrative office.
“Luna, will you not be joining today’s meeting with the elder council?”
I was about to say no when a voice in the background halted me—Jonathan’s. He was giving instructions with urgency.
“Get the top healers. Spare no cost—I want Janine recovered as soon as possible.”
A bitter laugh escaped my lips. Just one minor wound, and he was willing to burn through pack funds to fix her up. Meanwhile, when my own mother bled out in agony, he hadn’t lifted a finger to help.
“I won’t be attending,” I replied flatly, and ended the call.