Chapter 3

The past two days have been a blur. I haven’t visited the hospital since Katherine had several vials of blood drawn. I know she’s weak, but Anastasia’s condition is more pressing. My phone buzzes incessantly with messages from Anastasia, her tone playful yet demanding. She sends me photos—one of me half-kneeling in front of her, carefully putting on her shoes as if she’s the most precious thing in the world. I remember how Katherine used to joke about me doing the same for her, but I’d always brush her off, calling her childish.

The next photo is of me on one knee, holding a ring, proposing to Anastasia. She’s dressed in a lavish Victorian-style gown, her hand outstretched, her laughter captured perfectly. The caption reads, "This is like marrying the boy of my dreams." I frown, but before I can respond, Katherine sends me a screenshot of the photo, then blocks my number. I call her repeatedly, but she doesn’t answer.

I’m torn. Anastasia needs me, but Katherine… she’s my mate. Or was. The bond feels frayed, like a thread pulled too tight. My wolf stirs in the back of my mind, a low growl of discontent. I ignore it.

At the hospital, I overhear the nurses gossiping. "I think Luna Katherine is just a placeholder. She’s so sick, yet Alpha Marshall hasn’t even visited. He’s more concerned about that rogue, Anastasia." "Yesterday, Anastasia had a minor cough, and he had her brought in immediately."

I clench my fists. It’s not like that. Katherine is strong. She’ll understand. But when I finally return home, I find her pale and exhausted, carrying our pup, Milana, in her arms. She doesn’t meet my eyes.

The house is a mess. Tissues and clothes are strewn about, and in the master bedroom, Anastasia lounges in nothing but an oversized shirt—the one I’d claimed to treasure, a gift from Katherine on our first anniversary. My stomach churns, but I can’t bring myself to scold Anastasia. She’s fragile, after all.

"Katherine," I say, my voice sharp. "Did I say you could go in?" She doesn’t respond, her face blank as she carries Milana to the guest room. Anastasia smirks, her eyes gleaming with triumph. "Oh, Luna Katherine, you didn’t mention leaving the hospital. Otherwise, Marshall could have picked you up."

I pinch her waist teasingly, though the gesture feels hollow. "What are you talking about? I have to be with you. Where would I find the time?"

They flirt shamelessly in front of Katherine, but she doesn’t react. Her calmness irritates me. "Katherine, you seem fine. Clean up the master bedroom later. Anastasia needs to rest, and the housekeeper doesn’t clean thoroughly."

She doesn’t refuse, and I watch as she silently gathers her things. My chest tightens, but I push the feeling aside. Anastasia coughs, a harsh, wet sound that snaps my attention back to her. She doubles over, blood staining her lips. "Marshall… am I dying?"

Panic surges through me. "No, you’re not," I say, scooping her into my arms. I glance back at Katherine, but her expression is unreadable. "Clean up and come to the hospital to apologize to Anastasia," I bark before rushing out.

Later, I send Katherine a message. "Alright, you looked really unwell earlier. I’ve called a doctor to check on you later. Today’s events were a mistake; tomorrow is our anniversary. I’ll apologize properly." But she doesn’t respond. Instead, I hear from Ace that she’s left the pack, taking Milana with her.

My wolf howls in anguish, but I silence it. I’m the Alpha. I can’t show weakness. Yet, as I stare at the empty space where Katherine once stood, I feel the weight of my choices pressing down on me. The bond between us, once unbreakable, now feels like a distant memory. And I’m left wondering if I’ve made the biggest mistake of my life.