Adele's POV
A sharp knock echoed through the room, dragging me from restless sleep.
I blinked, disoriented—then panic surged when I realized I couldn't move.
A heavy arm was wrapped tightly around my waist, locking me against a solid, unmoving body radiating heat. My breath caught before my mind caught up.
Caden.
The possessive way he held me as though I might disappear if he loosened his grip. What confused me wasn't who held me, but why.
He despised me. At least, that was what his words and actions always made clear.
So why was he holding me like this?
Had the moon driven him into a deeper sleep than usual? Or had last night blurred something between us that shouldn't have existed at all?
Carefully, I shifted just enough to glance back at him.
Caden Wayne, Alpha of the Western Packs, looked nothing like the ruthless wolf the world feared. In sleep, his face was calm—almost peaceful. His strong arms, marked with dark runic tattoos and scars from battles long past, were wrapped around me instinctively, like a loyal wolf guarding its mate from danger.
His chest rose and fell steadily behind me, warm and solid. One of his legs was hooked over mine, anchoring me there. My traitorous heart thudded painfully as I took him in.
Moonlight brushed over his sharp jawline, the proud slope of his nose, the firm curve of his lips. His eyes—those piercing blue eyes that could silence a room or command an entire pack—were closed now, hidden behind dark lashes.
I remembered the first time I saw him.
Our mating ceremony.
I'd been eighteen, trembling, hopeful… foolish enough to fall in love at first sight.
I hadn't known then that I was offering my heart to a man who no longer believed in love.
Or loyalty.
Or women.
The knock came again, louder this time.
Fear tightened my chest. If Caden woke up irritated, the entire pack would feel it. Three years at his side had taught me how to read his moods before he even spoke, how to anticipate his needs before he demanded them. Not because he asked—but because loving him had turned into survival.
Slowly, gently, I lifted his arm from my waist and eased myself out of his hold. He shifted but didn't wake, only growling faintly in his sleep.
I dressed quickly and padded to the door.
When it slid open, Luna Sylvia stood there—Caden's stepmother, the Alpha's mate in name only. Her smile was soft, almost sympathetic.
"Is Caden awake?" she asked quietly.
"No," I replied. "He's still sleeping."
She sighed. "He'll be furious if he misses his morning briefing." Then she squeezed my hand gently. "Go prepare his breakfast. You know how his temper gets when things aren't on time."
I nodded and turned toward the stairs, my chest heavy.
Behind me, Sylvia stepped into the room.
She closed the door.
Her steps were slow, deliberate.
As she moved closer to the bed, something on the floor caught her attention. I didn't see it—but later, I would know what it was. Torn fabric. Proof of last night.
Her pleasant expression darkened.
Sylvia had never wanted this mating to succeed. From the moment I'd joined the pack, she'd made sure doubt and resentment found their way into Caden's mind. And he trusted her completely.
I went to the kitchen, unaware that the day was already being poisoned.
***
Caden woke to Sylvia's touch—and shoved her away on instinct, a warning snarl leaving his throat.
She cried out softly.
"Mother," he muttered when he recognized her, sitting up abruptly. His voice was rough, emotionless. Years of bitterness had stripped it of warmth.
Sylvia smiled gently, rubbing her wrist. "I was worried. You rarely sleep in."
"I came back late," he said flatly, pulling on a shirt. "I don't have pack business until later."
She laughed lightly. "Of course. Forgive me." Then, hesitating, she added, "I thought you might be upset about Adele spending so much yesterday."
Caden frowned. "Why would I be? She's my mate."
Jealousy flashed briefly across Sylvia's eyes—but it vanished beneath practiced sweetness.
"You're too kind," she murmured. "I just worry… she's young. Easily influenced."
Caden said nothing.
Sylvia lowered her voice. "I hate to say this… but I don't think she respects the bond the way she should."
His eyes snapped to hers.
"What do you mean?"
"I shouldn't have said anything," she whispered, stepping back. "Forget it."
"No," Caden growled. "Tell me."
She sighed, as if burdened. "Yesterday, while we were shopping, she spent quite a bit of time with a young male. Laughing. Flirting. I tried to remind her of her place, but…"
That was all it took.
Caden's wolf surged forward, jealousy and rage igniting his blood. He stormed out of the room, Alpha dominance rolling off him in suffocating waves.
He was already searching for his wife.
And she had no idea the storm heading her way had been carefully crafted—piece by piece—by the woman he trusted most.