Chapter 6: I Suspend the Mating Ceremony

Five days until the ceremony.

I walked into the Pack Council chamber, dressed in a black power suit.

All the Elders were waiting for me.

"Isla, are you certain about this?" the Head Elder asked, his voice grave.

"I am." I placed the formal request on the table. "I am petitioning to suspend the Mating Ceremony."

The chamber fell silent.

"Why?" the Second Elder asked.

"Personal reasons."

"Personal reasons?" The Third Elder stood up. "This is about an alliance between two powerful families!"

"That's your concern," I said, turning to leave. "My decision is final."

Furious discussion erupted behind me, but I didn't look back.

When I got back to the apartment building, I saw the familiar black sedan.

They were back.

The elevator doors opened, and Damien and Seraphina were standing inside.

Seraphina looked well, a healthy flush on her cheeks.

Damien's arm was still wrapped protectively around her waist.

"Isla?" Damien's eyes widened in surprise when he saw me. "Where have you been?"

"Taking care of some business."

We rode up together in a tense, suffocating silence.

"You cleared out the herb garden?" Damien asked as he pushed open our apartment door and saw the empty balcony.

"Gave it away."

"Why?"

"I don't need it anymore."

Damien frowned but didn't press further.

Seraphina walked onto the balcony, feigning surprise. "Wow, it's so empty. I bet it was beautiful before."

"It was fine."

"Isla, I'm so grateful for your understanding," Seraphina said, turning to me, a strange light in her eyes.

"Why don't we all have dinner together tonight? I'd love to thank you properly."

I just stared at her.

Seeing my coldness, Seraphina's expression immediately changed, her eyes welling up with tears.

"Did... did I say something wrong?" She turned to Damien, her voice trembling. "I just wanted to show my gratitude..."

Damien's face instantly darkened.

"Isla," he growled, his voice laced with the Alpha command. "Control yourself. Seraphina is our guest. You are making her uncomfortable."

I looked at him calmly. "Fine."

At dinner, the nutrient broth arrived.

Damien had ordered it specially for Seraphina.

I recognized the scent immediately: Heart-leaf, an herb whose properties only activate for a she-wolf bonded to the Alpha who serves it.

He served a bowl and handed it to me. "You should have some too. It's good for you."

I took the bowl and sipped.

A foreign, repulsive energy instantly warred with my own.

My body recoiled, the rejection a physical, agonizing proof of his betrayal.

Damien froze.

He had forgotten.

That herb no longer worked for me.

My phone rang.

Ignoring Damien, I stepped out onto the balcony, sliding the glass door shut behind me before answering in a hushed voice.

"Miss Isla? This is the secretary from the Laurel Guild. Your flight has been confirmed."

"Good," I said, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me. "The ceremony is off. I'm ready to leave."

Just as I hung up, a deep, commanding voice came from behind me.

"Who's leaving?"