Chapter 4

He froze for two seconds, then chuckled.

He loosened his tie, his tone carrying a hint of irritation. "Still thinking about that bouquet? Don't be petty."

It was that same condescending tone he used when I was "throwing a tantrum."

"Fine, I'll order you a bigger bouquet tomorrow, okay? Go wash up. I have an important pack meeting tomorrow morning."

He turned toward the bathroom.

"Within a week," I said to his back, my voice quiet but crystal clear. "I am getting married."

His hand froze on the bathroom doorknob.

A few seconds later, he turned around.

His mask of casual patience was gone.

"Lyra, stop playing games." He rubbed his temples, his Alpha pressure slipping out slightly. "Marriage is a big deal. You don't just do it out of spite."

"October 28th," I added. "The venue is booked. The dress is ready."

He let out a cold laugh. "Did Lila get in your head again today? Just because she rushed into a marriage doesn't mean the whole world should be reckless."

"Lyra, wake up. Don't let her influence you. We've been together for so many years..."

"Caleb," I interrupted, looking him dead in the eye, my gaze completely calm. "The invitations are being printed tomorrow."

A muscle in his jaw twitched.

"Lyra, do you think this is going to work? It just makes you look childish and unreasonable!"

"My career is peaking right now. Securing the mining territory will elevate the Grayfang Pack. Marriage right now would only distract me and ruin my plans."

"Are you really that desperate to get married?"

His words were heavy, designed to suffocate.

In the past, this tone would have made me panic, make me apologize and back down.

But now, there was only peace.

His attention was indeed expensive.

He had to give it to the mining project, and to his sweet Omega secretary. Late-night texts, birthday surprises, and weekend spa trips under the guise of "business trips"...

What was left for me, his girlfriend, was practically nothing.

I met his gaze and nodded. "Yes. My friends are all married. I want a husband too."

With that, I walked into the bedroom.

On the nightstand lay a bridal magazine from six months ago. The cover read: The Perfect 3-Month Wedding Prep Guide.

I had bought it excitedly back then, but after he said "no rush," I never opened it again.

In the dark, I stared at the ceiling.

My phone buzzed. It was Lila on Snapchat:

Ugh, can't sleep. I'm so mad thinking about that Omega. What is wrong with Caleb?

We agreed our weddings would be a week apart, remember?

Who knew your man would be such a blockhead. The bouquet was literally in your hands and he still didn't get the hint! You've been together eight years, not eight months!

Whatever. This is the one time I'll let you break our promise.

My fingers hovered over the keyboard.

I typed: When have I ever broken a promise to you?

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