Chapter 77
Lisa’s POV
Rylan looked at me with those soft and steady eyes. He was still holding the phone in his hand. His thumb hovered over the screen before he finally pressed a button. “There,” he said. “Blocked.”
I let out a shaky breath. I was trying to hide the storm inside me. My thoughts were still tangled in those messages. The words I love you. You’re mine. I’ll never tell Lisa. They echoed like a curse in my head.
“I understand,” I said quietly while forcing calm into my voice. “Maybe she called the wrong number.
Maybe she thought you were someone else. It happens.”
He placed the phone on the table. “Lisa, I swear I would never lie to you. You mean too much to me. If I
knew who she was, I would tell you.”
I nodded slowly. Sierra’s voice whispered in my mind again. It was steady and reassuring. He is telling the
truth. His pulse didn’t spike. His energy was steady. He’s not hiding anything.
So I let it go. For now.
We stayed there for a few minutes, just talking. Nothing heavy. Nothing serious. He told me that the pack chef had tried a new twist with roasted boar tonight. He had mixed it with mountain herbs and sweet onions. I joked that I hoped it wasn’t the same boar that chased me through the training grounds last
week.
Rylan laughed. The sound was deep and warm. “That one? He deserved it. You kicked him in the snout. You probably hurt his pride more than his body.”
“I did not kick him! I tripped and flailed wildly. There’s a difference.”
“Sure, sweetheart. Whatever helps you sleep at night.”
I smiled. The tension was melting just a little.
That’s when Alexandra arrived.
She wore a deep emerald green dress that hugged her figure perfectly. It was shimmering like forest leaves under moonlight. Her lips were painted a rich wine red, and her eyes sparkled under thick lashes. A jeweled headband kept her dark curls swept back and a silver pendant dangled from her neck.
“Damn, Alex,” Rylan said with a low whistle. “You look amazing. Like a goddess from the old stories.”
She did a little twirl. “Why thank you, dear brother. I do aim to impress.”
“It’s working,” I added with a grin. “You’re stunning.”
She gave us a playful look. “What are you two doing hiding out here? Whispering secrets like pups?”
“Just talking,” I said, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.
“Nope! That ends now! Come on!” She grabbed both of our hands and dragged us toward the center of the
hall. This is a celebration! We need to dance!”
Rylan looked at me, his eyes were sparkling. “Dance with me?”
Thesitated and chewed on my lip. “I don’t feel like it.”
“Come on, sweetheart,” he said softly while pulling me just a bit closer. “Just one song. Then we can go back to being grumpy wolves in the corner.”
I laughed under my breath. “Fine. Only one.”
He led me onto the dance floor as the music changed. It was slow and sweet. It was a melody that made my heart ache with memories I couldn’t name. Rylan’s hands found my waist. They were firm and warm.
Mine rested on his shoulders.
“You always this stubborn?” he teased.
“Only when I’m being dragged into things.”
“I like it. It keeps me alert. Never know when my mate might tackle me.”
I chuckled. “Only if you deserve it.”
“Mmm, so… all the time then?”
I rolled my eyes, but I was smiling. He leaned closer. His lips were brushing the shell of my ear.
“You look beautiful tonight.”
I smoothed the fabric of the dress, feeling heat rise to my cheeks. “Well… you did choose the dress.
Maybe that’s why.”
He smiled. His eyes were gleaming. “No, sweetheart. The dress is lucky to be on you, not the other way
around.”
I ducked my head and laughed softly. “You’re ridiculous.”
“Only for you. Everyone else still gets the terrifying Alpha version.”
We danced slowly and we swayed in rhythm. His scent surrounded me-woodsy, warm, and comforting.
My heart beat in sync with his.
Alexandra reappeared, She was holding two tall glasses filled with a glowing pink-orange drink. Slices of citrus floated inside, along with sprigs of mint and tiny bubbles.
“These are amazing,” she said. “I already tasted one. Trust me, you’ll love it.”
She handed one to Rylan and the other to me.
“What is this?” I asked.
“Some kind of sparkling berry punch with wild herbs and citrus. Try it.”
I took a cautious sip. It was delicious. Light, tangy, and slightly sweet, with a cool fizz that tickled my
throat.
“Wow. This is really good.”
“Told you,” she said with a wink.
Rylan drank his too. “Mmm. Yeah, not bad.”
He nodded toward the buffet. “Looks like the food’s out. Hungry?”
“Starving.”
We walked over together. The long tables were filled with steaming trays of food: roasted meats, creamy potatoes, grilled vegetables, rich stews, and baskets of warm bread. There were even small desserts arranged like artwork: tiny tarts and sugared nuts.
Alexandra grabbed a plate. “You two seriously need to get out more. First you’re hiding, then you’re pouting, then you’re dancing like you’re at your fiftieth anniversary. You’re young. Be fun!”
Rylan grinned. “We’re just practicing.”
“Practicing for what?”
“Our future anniversary,” he said while nudging me. “We plan to be that couple who still slow-dances in the
kitchen.”
I laughed. “Speak for yourself. I plan to be a fearsome, brown-haired Luna who rules the house with an iron
spoon.”
“Oooh, scary,” Alexandra teased. “With little grandpups screaming through the halls.”
“No pups!” I said quickly, then flushed. “I mean…not yet. Maybe someday.”
Rylan raised a brow. “Someday… a dozen sounds about right.”
“Two,” I corrected. “Two max.”
“Two dozen. Got it.”
I reached for a roll. “I will throw this at you.”
He laughed. “Violent. I like it.”
Alexandra nearly choked on her drink. “You guys are insane. But kind of adorable. I love it.”
We sat down together and continued teasing and chatting while eating. The food was amazing. Every bite felt like a blessing, every moment was a small comfort. It was the first time in what felt like forever that I wasn’t completely on edge.
Then a guard walked up. He was tall and dressed in the usual dark Frostbane uniform. His expression was
tense.
“Alpha,” he said and leaned close to Rylan. “The others say that there is something strange by the back fence. Just for a moment. It might be nothing, but… it could be rogues.”
Rylan stood immediately. His body was tense and alert. “I’ll check it out. Stay here. Both of you. I’ll be back
soon.”
“Be careful,” I said. I started feeling worried.
He kissed my forehead lightly. “Always.”
He left with the guard.
Alexandra turned to me. “Don’t worry. It’s probably just some raccoons. He’ll be back before your drink
goes warm.”
I tried to smile, but something pulled at me. A strange unease.
Minutes passed. Then more.
Too many.
I stood. “I’m going to check.”
“Lisa, he told you to stay.”
“I know. But… I can’t sit still. I need to know that he is okay.”
She sighed but didn’t stop me. “Just be careful.”
I nodded and walked quickly out of the hall.
The air outside was cool and still. It was too quiet.
I moved in the direction of the back fence. My steps quickened. I looked around but saw no one.
Then I ran into Jared.
“Lisa? What are you doing here?”
“Rylan came this way. He was checking something near the fence.”
He frowned. “No one passed me. I’ve been on patrol here since the feast started.”
“But the guard said…”
“Maybe he went back to the mansion. To grab something or… use the washroom?”
That made sense. Sort of.
“Okay. Thanks, Jared.”
I turned and started walking fast. Something didn’t feel right. Sierra stirred in my mind.
Lisa… something’s wrong.
I know, I answered. I can feel it too.
I hurried toward the mansion, my heart thudding. I climbed the steps, taking them two at a time. The halls were silent. My footsteps echoed.
Then I saw it….the light under our bedroom door.
I froze.
My stomach turned. My hands were cold.
I took a step forward. Then another. My whole body felt heavy.
A sound. A low and breathless sound.
I stepped closer.
My fingers curled around the edge of the doorframe.
I peeked inside.
And what I saw…
My heart shattered.
It wasn’t pain.
It was betrayal.
