Chapter 1

On our wedding night, my werewolf fiancé, Declan Nightshade, stayed chaste for the she-wolf he truly loved. He called in his buddy to keep watch over me in his place.

I'd always been docile, head over heels in love with Declan. I fixed my gaze on the tall, burly man standing by the door. "What's the fun in merely keeping watch?

"It's such a long night. Are you bold enough to try something more exciting, Lord Silas?"

I only meant it as a bitter joke, but to my surprise, something dark flickered in Silas's golden eyes. "You said it yourself, Ms. Blackwood. Don't regret it."

*****

After the drawn-out wedding ceremony, my mate Declan walked me to our bridal suite. "My darling Lyla, something urgent has popped up with the pack. Wait for me patiently. I'll be right back.

"I've asked my buddy Silas to keep you company tonight. He's trustworthy, and he'll take good care of you."

I nodded sweetly like I always did. "Go handle your business. I'll wait here for you."

Declan brushed his fingers across my cheek with a smile. "You're still such a sensible, well-behaved girl, Lyla. I love you."

As he spoke, he pressed a kiss to my forehead. "Good girl. Wait for me."

But the moment he turned away, my smile faded. I remembered the conversation I'd overheard last night outside his door, and my lips curled into a cold smirk.

Declan said, "Buddy, I'm leaving Lyla in your hands tomorrow. You know Ivy needs me now."

Silas's deep voice answered, "Declan, aren't you worried that Ms. Blackwood will be upset if she finds out?"

"No. Lyla is crazy about me. Besides, if neither of us spills a word, she'll never catch wind of this.

"Don't worry. Lyla has been devoted to me since we were pups. Even if she finds out about Ivy, I'll sweet-talk her, and she'll forgive me easily."

"Really? You know Ms. Blackwood so well?"

"Of course I do. Lyla and I have known each other since we were pups. I know her better than anyone. Come on. Don't stress about it.

"Ivy fainted when she heard I was marrying Lyla. She was so heartbroken. I went to see her, and she was in really bad shape.

"I know she can't stand the thought of Lyla hooking up with me.

"I can't stand seeing her so upset, so I had to make this choice."

Silas frowned as he looked at his friend. "Declan, are you seriously going to ditch Ms. Blackwood to run off to Ivy? Ms. Blackwood is your mate."

"I understand. But you know, Lyla is not that privileged daughter of the count anymore.

"Given where she is now, she should be grateful I'm even willing to marry her."

When Silas didn't say anything, Declan smiled and clapped him on the shoulder. "Trust me. I know Lyla so well. She's totally obsessed with me. She's always been gentle and submissive, and she'd never hold it against me.

"Besides, her father, Count Lytell, is gone. She's got nobody backing her up. Who could she rely on but me? She wouldn't risk losing me by acting out.

"Werewolves only get one mate for life. I married Lyla, so she's my Luna. That's the greatest honor a she-wolf can enjoy. Lyla should be grateful.

"As for Ivy, I've slept with her, but she'll never be my Luna. Lyla has it way better by comparison."

Silas muttered under his breath, "Is that so? You really think Ms. Blackwood can't live without you?"

"What was that, buddy? I didn't catch it."

"I mean, since that's how it is, go ahead. I'll take care of Ms. Blackwood for you tomorrow."

Declan flashed a grateful smile. "Thank you, buddy."

Silas grinned. "You're my best friend. Helping you out is my honor."

Honestly, I had thought I would break down hearing what they said, yet I felt far less hurt than I'd expected.

Maybe after Declan kept ditching me for Ivy over and over, I stopped expecting anything from him.

Last night's conversation was simply the final push I needed to leave him for good.