Chapter 7: The Other Woman's Cruel Performance

I spun around. Damien was standing just outside the balcony door, his eyes like chips of ice.

The lingering pain from the energy clash had made me forget—an Alpha’s hearing could cut straight through walls.

Thank the Goddess, he hadn’t heard everything.

"A healer friend of mine," I answered calmly, stepping past him and back into the dining room. "She's going to South America to study new herbs."

Damien walked over and sat back down. "Which friend?"

"You don't know her."

"Her name."

"Why should I tell you?"

Seraphina coughed softly from the side. "Damien, don't be so hard on Isla. A girl's secrets are important."

Her words seemed to calm him down.

"Sorry," he said to me, though his eyes were still full of suspicion.

But he didn’t press further, seeming reluctant to sour the mood any more.

His gaze softened as he turned to Seraphina, pulling a beautiful box from his jacket.

"What's that?" Seraphina asked curiously.

"It's for you."

Inside was an obsidian pendant, carved with intricate runes.

I could read them clearly: Damien & Seraphina, Forever Bonded.

"It's gorgeous!" Seraphina exclaimed, putting it on. "Is this a mate's token?"

"Mmmhmm." Damien fastened the chain for her. "I've infused it with my Alpha energy. It will protect you and the pup."

He took out his phone and snapped a picture of her in the mirror.

"Smile."

She beamed like a child, her eyes shining with pure happiness.

Damien immediately sent her the photo with the caption: My precious one.

"It suits you," I commented.

Damien looked at me, a flicker of distance in his eyes.

The next afternoon, I went to the werewolf-exclusive apothecary to buy some last-minute travel supplies.

As I reached the door, I heard a familiar voice inside.

"Check the heartbeat again."

It was Damien.

Through the glass, I could see Seraphina lying on a treatment bed, with Damien standing nervously beside her.

"Everything's normal," the pack healer said. "The pup is very healthy."

"Thank you," Damien said, taking Seraphina's hand. "The healer says the pup will be very strong."

I turned to leave, but the chime of the door gave me away.

"Isla?" Seraphina called out from inside. "Are you here for herbs too?"

"Just passing by."

"Wait, we can leave together," she called back to Damien. "I'll be right out."

Ten minutes later, they came out together.

"How are the ceremony preparations going?" Seraphina asked innocently. "I hear it's going to be huge."

"The ceremony will proceed as planned," Damien answered for me. "It's just been delayed a bit."

I looked at them and said nothing.

"Isla, I know you must be feeling hurt," Seraphina said, stepping closer to me. "But I hope you don't give up on Damien. You're the one he truly loves."

Her voice was sincere, her eyes brimming with tears.

"I don't deserve such a good man. You're his fated mate."

Onlookers on the street started to whisper.

"That girl is so kind."

"She's willing to suffer for someone else's happiness."

"Why does that Isla woman look so cold?"

I turned and walked away.

"Isla!" Seraphina called after me. "Please don't misunderstand, I really don't want to take him from you!"

She ran up, trying to grab my arm.

"I know you're angry, but please, just give us a chance to explain—"

"Let go of me," I said, shaking her off.

The moment my hand made contact, she didn't just stumble.

She threw herself sideways with a theatrical gasp, aiming directly for the ancient laurel tree.

Laurel trees have a repulsive energy to weaker werewolves; she should have known that.

"Ah!" she screamed, slamming hard against the trunk before collapsing to the ground in a heap.

"Seraphina!" Damien roared, rushing to her side.

He saw her on the ground, then looked at my outstretched hand, and his eyes blazed with a fury I had never seen directed at me.

"What the hell did you do?!" he roared, dropping to his knees beside her. "How could you attack a pregnant she-wolf?!"

"I didn't—"

"Enough!" Damien cut me off. "In front of all these people, you will apologize to Seraphina! Now!"