? 50%


    I think they could read my heartbreak on my face.


    Rory, though, couldn’t forgive me. My closest friend, my only opponent, fell into a deep slumber. I couldn’t wake him from his


    rest.


    He was heartbroken, too.


    I couldn’t stand staying at the home Amber had made for us. All of the effort I’d ignored when she was alive was amplified by her


    death. I couldn’t stand looking at the sofa cover I’d spent so many nights lounging on next to her, not appreciating her dedication


    to me and our home.


    I kept the house, of course, but I moved into a new one so I wouldn’t have to face the pain of my mistakes every day. The house


    would be a memorial to Amber, untouched in order to preserve her memory.


    After the funeral and Rory’s decision to go dormant, it became easier to bury myself in work and stifle the pain. I knew that the


    pain was still there, but it was buried underyers of obligation and duty to my pack.


    All of my sexual desire disappeared. I didn’t even want Olivia, but I knew I had to stay with her. After all the publicity, what would


    it look like if I abandoned my pregnant fated mate?


    Then,ter, I simply stayed with her because it was easier than trying to leave.


    And now, here, was Healer Amanda, who even through her hair and scars reminded me of Amber.


    I wanted to approach her, to cup her face and feel her warmth, to run my fingers up each side of her face and unhook her mask


    from her ears, revealing the delicate lips that part of me was sure belonged to Amber.


    Could it actually be her?


    Amber’s POV


    There was a knock on my office door. I sighed as I went over to open it.


    Of course, it was Olivia, back from her standard medical examination. I put on a cold, professional smile as she entered the room.


    I’d had an electric kettle set up in the office for my arrival, as I liked offering my patients tea to calm their nerves. Most of my


    patients were nervous, as they were likely suffering with something serious if they’de to seek my help.


    I was going to forgo the pleasantry with Olivia out of my own pettiness, but she surprised me, approaching the kettle herself and pouring a cup for us both. An attempt to ingratiate herself to me, I thought.


    “Healer, I know there are a lot of rumors swirling around Thorn Pack about me,” Olivia said, handing me my cup. “You may have even heard them over in Dawn Pack. People say that I’m just the agent Luma, not the true Luna, because I interfered in Alpha’s previous marriage. That isn’t true. Julian and I knew each other long before his previous marriage. He wants to prepare a ceremony of the appropriate grandeur before officially naming me Luna.”


    12:34 PM Tue 26 Aug


    50%


    My blood began to boil at Olivia’s words, but I stifled the feeling. Maybe Amber would be upset at Olivia’s story, but Healer Amanda was indifferent, only here to serve her patient.


    “I treat all my patients with the proper dignity and dedication to their care, whether they are Lunas or not,” I said dismissively. “Now, please tell me about your medical history, Olivia.”


    Olivia answered my questions, and I marked her history down on her chart. She fidgeted in her chair, something I’d never seen


    anyone as self-possessed and morous as Olivia do.


    “Thank you, Luna,” I said. “You may go. I’ll be in contact with you about the next steps ording to your treatment n.”


    Olivia headed to my office door, opening it. Before she stepped out into the office hallway, Julian appeared just outside the door.


    Olivia stopped in the doorway, turning to me. “I know you think I’m lying, but I’m not. Alpha’s ex-wife – Amber – was just a


    gold-digger looking to exploit his power and his finances. Ask him yourself. She was only good for cooking and cleaning.”


    “Olivia!” Julian scolded. “You will not talk about Amber that way, especially not in front of such importantpany.”


    “But ” Olivia started.


    –


    “I don’t want to hear your excuses. Please, go locate the driver.” Julian’s tone was firm.


    After Olivia finally relented and left to go find their driver, Julian turned to me, his blue eyes as dazzling as ever.


    “Thank you,” he said, sincerity flooding his words. “I know she isn’t the easiest client, and this isn’t the easiest case. It means a


    lot to us that you’ve taken it on.”


    Julian turned to leave. I thought of what Olivia had said. Ask him yourself. She was only good for cooking and cleaning.


    “Alpha Julian,” I said, his first name familiar on my tongue even after all these years. “Do you see your ex-wife that way as well?”


    GET IT N…


    12:34 PM Tue 26 Aug