Her smirk widened. “Because I wanted to remind you who holds the real power here. You’re just a figurehead, Lilian. I’m the one everyone listens to. And soon, you will be nothing.”
I raised an unimpressed brow. “Is that all? Or do you have something new to share?”
For a moment, surprise flickered in her eyes, but she quickly masked it with her practiced smile. “Actually, yes. Mason wanted me to tell you that the mating anniversary celebration…”
I stilled, every nerve in my body on edge.
“… won’t be happening here in the pack.”
The words hit me like a punch to the gut. I froze. I knew that Mason would celebrate our anniversary even though this year it would be a mockery to me but it hadn’t mattered because I needed the chaos that would come with the celebration.
Everything I had planned hinged on that celebration taking place and it happening. Without it, my escape—my freedom—would be impossible.
Claire’s eyes gleamed like she could sense my turmoil. She took a step closer, her voice dropping to a venomous whisper.
“And one more thing, Lilian…”
She leaned in, her lips curling into a sinister smile, “Mason plans to announce his decision to formally reject you at the celebration… right before naming me as his true mate and Luna."
LILIAN
The door slammed shut behind me as Claire walked out, leaving me standing with a finality that echoed in my bones. Her words rattled through my head. "Mason plans to announce his decision to formally reject you..."
I couldn’t breathe.
I had to think fast, not just because my plan was about to fall apart, but because if Mason went through with it, it was truly over.
I had only dared him because I knew he would never do it. He would never let me go, even if I rejected him. I would only be demoted and forced to remain in the pack. No other pack would take me in—my weakness would be too obvious. I’d be vulnerable, exposed.
And if I didn’t leave... he would find out and my child would be taken away.
I felt the pounding in my head and couldn’t stop my hands from shaking. I fumbled for my phone and dialed the number of the only other person apart from Mirra who knew about my plans—Alpha Dexter. As much as I hated getting involved with someone whose reputation was as bad as his, he was the one person I knew could help me pull this off. And he couldn’t double-cross me—he owed me a favor, and he was a man of his word.