chapter 6

"I'm not mad," Audrey said calmly, looking Ethan in the eye. She paused, then added, like she was afraid he might not buy it, "I've just been feeling kind of sick lately. My bond with my wolf has been dull. I didn't want to risk passing anything to you, so I didn't come see you these past few days."

"You're sick? Is it a cold? Is it bad?"

Instead of keeping his distance, Ethan instantly started fiddling with his communicator. "It's been getting chilly lately. Maybe you didn't dress warm enough. The Polar Pack just sent over some top-grade black bear furs—I'll have someone make you a winter coat."

He moved so fast she didn't even have time to stop him. But in the end, she let it go. If he wants to waste his energy, fine. I'm not planning to wear it anyway. When I'm gone, he can give it to his favorite person.

With that thought, she didn't stop him. "I'm fine. You should be worried about yourself. You're still recovering. Go back to the hospital and rest."

It sounded like concern, but her expressionless face made it seem as if she couldn't wait for him to leave. Ethan noticed something was off but brushed it aside.

He stood up like he was getting ready to go, but after a few steps, he turned around. She was still lying there, not moving.

He looked disappointed. "If you're not going with me, then I'm not going either."

After a long silence, she finally sighed and gave in. She got up, changed, and left the Moonshade Villa with him.

As soon as they got to the hospital, Ethan remembered her saying she was sick and called in a werewolf doctor. They examined her and said she was fine—just a small drop in pheromone levels. A little rest would fix it.

Since he still wasn't fully healed, Ethan stayed in the hospital for a few more days. During that time, he stuck to her like glue. Wherever she went, he followed. Even when she used the bathroom, he waited outside.

The hospital staff caught on quickly. Whenever they saw one of them, they knew the other was close by.

Audrey often overheard people whispering, "That's what true love looks like."

"They're perfect together. If I get reborn, I want a love like that too."

...

But Audrey felt nothing.

People were envious, thinking what she and Ethan had was true love.

But she knew it wasn't real. He didn't cling to her because he loved her. He was just worried she'd mess things up before the bonding ceremony.

If the ceremony didn't happen, she might run back to Jason—and if that happened, Lucy wouldn't get what she wanted.

A few more days went by. Thanks to his Alpha-level healing, Ethan finally recovered and got discharged.

As soon as they got into the car, his communicator lit up.

It was an invite from the Alpha of the Border Pack.

"There's a meteor shower tonight at Aurora Valley. Would you and your mate like to join us to watch it?"

Meteor showers were rare in Moonshade Pack territory. Since they asked for him and Audrey specifically, Ethan accepted without thinking twice.

Audrey didn't really want to go, but she didn't want him to notice anything was off, so she said yes.

When they showed up, they realized it wasn't just Alphas and their mates—Lucy was there too.

The second Audrey saw her, she noticed the flicker of excitement on Ethan's face. He tried to hide it fast, but she saw clearly how much he cared.

Night slowly fell, and stars dotted the sky.

Everyone gathered in little groups, watching the heavens and whispering their wishes. In the middle of the field, a wolf witch rolled a silver cart filled with glass bottles.

"Tonight is a special event. Legend says if you write your wish and seal it in a bottle, then hang it from a tree, the Moon Goddess will guard that wish for a whole year."

Lucy's eyes lit up, and she ran straight toward the witch. "Then we have to make one!"

The others followed, excited to get their own.

When Ethan stepped up, he didn't just buy one—he bought the whole cart.

"That's pretty expensive, Alpha."

"I'll take them all," he said casually, then looked at Audrey. "I'll need a lot of wishes if I'm gonna make Audrey happy all year."

People nearby laughed and teased, "He really spoils his mate so much. I wish I could find someone like that."

Audrey looked up at him, quiet.

Ethan wasn't joking. He really wrote out 99 wishes—one for each bottle. His face was serious the whole time.

Audrey picked one bottle for herself and scribbled the only thing she truly wanted that night.

I hope Audrey and Ethan never cross paths again—not in this life or the next.