Luke pulled Alina into his arms, holding her tightly. “Drinking that potion would hurt you too much. I can’t let you do that.”
Then he turned to me, his expression dark and resolute.
“But someone has to face the consequences of their actions. As the Alpha, I’ll carry out the punishment myself. Watch closely.”
Before I could react, Luke grabbed the silver knife from the ground and swung it toward me.
I was too stunned to move, standing frozen as the blade slashed across my arm.
The dagger clattered to the ground, and blood poured from the deep gash in my arm.
Luke stared at me like a grim reaper. “You didn’t even try to dodge. That proves you know you’re guilty.”
Guilt? I was too shocked to expect him to actually follow through.
“Emma Klein, this blade should’ve pierced your heart. I only cut your arm as a small punishment.”
“I can tolerate your pettiness, your scheming, your sharp tongue. But I can’t forgive you for being so jealous that you attacking a dying woman.”
“Your parents sacrificed their lives for the Wildfire Pack, so I won’t kill you. And since my mother forced me to marry you, I’ll comply.”
“While you recover, I hope you reflect on your actions. When Alina forgives you, we’ll bond.”
I glanced at my bleeding arm — the cut was so deep I could see the bone. Then, I passed out in a pool of my own blood.
When I woke up, I was in a hospital bed. The person sitting beside me was Sophia, my best friend.
“Emma Klein, you’re finally awake. You’ve been unconscious for days.”
I looked around.
“Who are you looking for? Luke? He hasn’t come. I’m the only one here for you.”
I checked the date. Today was supposed to be my marking ceremony with Luke at the Moonlight Chapel. Instead, it had become Monica’s funeral.
Sophia had come to pick me up as promised, and with her and a team of bodyguards, I left the Wildfire Pack, the place I’d called home for over 20 years.
Since I’d been unconscious for days, my phone had died. When I finally charged it and turned it on, my inbox was flooded with messages.
“Emma Klein, I’m still waiting for your apology to Alina and her mother. But out of respect for my dying mother’s wish for us to bond, I’ll reluctantly attend the ceremony.”
“Why aren’t you responding? Tomorrow is our marking day. The chapel is booked, all the guests are invited. Don’t be late.”
“Emma Klein, where the hell are you? I’m at the chapel
now.”
“Why the hell is this set up like a funeral!? This was supposed to be my wedding! The wedding my mother waited so long for!”
“Whose funeral is this?!”
