Chapter 1

On the third anniversary of our bond, my mate showed up—with a pregnant woman.

He said she was chosen by the Moon Goddess.

That night, under the full moon, I knelt at the altar, one hand on my stomach.

There was a faint pulse.

I’d checked twice.Test results. And my healer instincts.

Same answer.I was pregnant.

I left my pack for him. Stayed three years. Tried to belong. Healed anyone who needed me.

And now… the Moon Goddess gave me this child.

Damon would be happy. Right?

Maybe he’d look at me the way he did the first time—eyes glowing gold.

I was about to stand—The moonstone exploded in silver light.

A voice cut through my mind.

“The one destined to lead the pack has arrived. They will guide you to glory.”

My heart slammed. I looked down at my stomach.

The prophecy. It matched. This child… wasn’t just ours.

This was the future Alpha. Chosen.

I grabbed my dress and ran. I had to tell Damon.

I saw him in the hall.Tall. Impossible to miss.

I opened my mouth—Then froze.

His arm was around a woman. Close. Careful. Gentle.

Too gentle. She leaned into him, her belly big—seven, maybe eight months.

Damon: “Vanessa, slow down. The steps are steep.”

Vanessa: “I’m not that fragile.”

He never spoke to me like that. Not once. Not even the night we bonded.

Back then, his voice was cold. Like he was finishing a task.

My chest tightened. I didn’t move. He saw me.

Damon: “Eva. Good. You’re here. This is Vanessa. She needs a prenatal check.”

Vanessa: “Hi, Eva. Damon said you’re the pack healer.”

He didn’t tell her I was his mate. My hand slipped into my pocket.

I held the test. Two pink lines. Maybe he forgot. Maybe she’s just someone new.

I forced a smile.“Hi. Follow me.”

I reached for her. Then I saw their hands.

Fingers locked. Tight. Not letting go.

The ring on his finger caught the light. Our bond ring.

The one that matched mine. The one he wore—while holding another woman.