Chapter 3

He turned his head, a trace of doubt flickering in his eyes, his brows knit together in frustration. "What’s today?"

The bitter taste of disappointment crept up my throat. He had sworn to the Moon Goddess that he would spend each of my birthdays with me. I knew this was Annabelle’s doing, her petty attempt to flaunt her hold over him. I waved it off casually, my voice steady despite the ache in my chest. "Nothing."

Sterling took my word without question and left, his footsteps echoing down the hall. Moments later, my phone buzzed incessantly. Annabelle’s messages flooded in, each one a dagger twisting deeper.

"Vanessa, have you ever seen Sterling so… passionate?"

Attached were photos of Sterling, his face flushed, his expression intense. This was a side of him I’d never seen. With me, he was always calculating, always thinking of himself first, never sparing a thought for my feelings.

"We’re planning to try out several looks for the ceremony tonight, so don’t bother waiting for him."

"Vanessa, if you want to be the Luna, you’d better step up your game. Stop being so naive. You can’t even hold onto your mate."

I pushed aside her provocations, my fingers trembling slightly as I typed, "If you want him, he’s all yours."

Then I blocked her.

Not long after, my phone rang again. It was Khaleesi, my father’s Beta and the most trusted advisor in the Hutchinson Pack. Her voice was calm but firm. "Your Highness, the private jet is ready and will pick you up tomorrow."

"Regarding Sterling’s position within the pack, we’ve already sought the council’s permission to strip him of his rank and freeze all his assets."

I thanked her and hung up, exhaustion weighing heavily on my shoulders. I was about to lie down when a sudden storm erupted outside, the winds howling like the cries of a wounded wolf. It wasn’t long before Sterling returned, drenched and carrying the chill of the rain with him.

The room was steeped in darkness as I huddled in the corner, my nerves on edge. When he pulled me from the blankets, his rain-soaked body drenched my pajamas.

"Vanessa, it’s me. I’m back. Don’t be scared."

I’ve always dreaded the dark. Once, during a pack gathering, the power went out, and I screamed in terror. Sterling had promised me then that he’d always come to find me if I were afraid, no matter what.

Later, he insisted on keeping the lights on in our quarters and even crafted a small bedside lamp for me. But over time, that lamp collected dust, and countless times I’ve stumbled home in the dark. I’ve since taught myself not to fear it.

I couldn’t understand his sudden return, and before I could speak, Sterling’s voice loomed above me, "Vanessa, I forgot it was your birthday. I’m sorry."

"I won’t leave you on your own anymore."

His eyes were brimming with a tenderness I hadn’t seen in years, but then his tone shifted abruptly, "I remember you know that renowned videographer. A friend of mine wants to hire him, but he’s fully booked. Can you reach out to him for me? We need him tomorrow!"

Sterling held my hand firmly, his gaze eager. It was then I realized he hadn’t returned because he thought I was scared of the dark or remembered my birthday to apologize.

He just wanted me to set up a videographer for their marking ceremony tomorrow.

Looking at Sterling’s perfect smile, my heart sank into utter emptiness. Still, I couldn’t help but ask, my voice barely above a whisper,

"Sterling, after all these years, did you ever really love me?"