chapter 2

Seeing the gravity in Scarlett’s eyes, Zane felt a surge of panic rise within him.

“Scarlett, what’s made you bring this up all of a sudden?”

He couldn’t comprehend why she was speaking like this. After frowning in thought for a long moment, a realization seemed to strike him.

“Scarlett… did someone say something to you?”

Before she could answer, his expression hardened. He immediately sent a mental command to his beta, “Get to the dining room. Now.”

Within fifteen minutes, the beta arrived breathless and stood before Zane, his face tense.

“Use sign language. Explain to Scarlett everything—my recent business trips, all the pack affairs I’ve handled. Leave nothing out.”

The beta frowned, paused briefly to gather his thoughts, then stepped in front of Scarlett and began signing,

“Luna, the last time Alpha and I went on patrol was two months ago. When he heard you were ill, he dropped a critical territory negotiation and rushed back to prepare your medicine. He stayed by your side until you fully recovered."

“Over the years, countless omegas and betas have tried to approach Alpha—all kinds—but he never gave any of them a second glance. Worried you might misunderstand, he always had me escort them away.”

“And at last week’s pack gathering, Alpha drank too much and kept calling your name. He insisted on returning to be with you. Every time there’s a meeting, he reminds me again and again, if you message, I must tell him immediately. He never wants to keep you waiting.”

…

The beta’s hands grew tired from signing, yet every gesture reinforced the same message—Zane cherished and loved Scarlett deeply.

Seeing that Scarlett remained silent, Zane’s frown deepened, veins throbbing at his temples.

“Go back and deliver a warning to every female in the pack who’s overstepped. If they wish to remain under my protection, they must learn their place. If anyone dares disturb my mate again, there will be consequences.”

The beta nodded respectfully, bowed, and withdrew. Just then, the crisp sound of high heels echoed from the staircase. Zane looked up and saw Cecilia, her healer, dressed in a fitted red gown. His expression softened slightly.

“My apologies—am I interrupting?”

Having overheard part of the conversation and sensing the tension, Cecilia smiled warmly and walked toward Scarlett, signing,

“Luna, please don’t worry. Every time Alpha consults me, it’s only about your health. Everyone knows you hold his heart. Beyond discussing your condition, he hardly says a word to me.”

Scarlett remained silent, her eyes fixed on Cecilia. But the scent of her pheromones was overwhelming—identical to those that clung to Zane.

Cecilia’s eyes shone with a bright, disarming smile.

Had Scarlett not overheard that conversation earlier, she would never have suspected anything improper between Cecilia and Zane.

She might never have noticed the way Cecilia’s gaze lingered on him, brimming with unspoken affection, only to glance at Scarlett with a hint of scorn.

Scarlett’s unwavering stare made Zane uneasy. He stepped between the two women.

“What are you doing here?”

Cecilia offered a gentle smile.

“Today is Luna’s birthday. I came to offer my blessings.” She signed to Scarlett, “A new healing priest from the North has arrived. He’s mastered an ancient art that can restore hearing. Soon, you’ll be able to hear again.”

Overcome with emotion, Zane pulled Scarlett into a tight embrace. Tears glistened in his eyes.

“Scarlett, you’ll hear again. Your hearing… it’s finally coming back.”

She wasn’t sure if it was her imagination, but she could feel his entire body trembling.

“Once you’re better, let’s journey to the northern snow mountains—just like you’ve always dreamed. We’ll spend our lives together. Scarlett, promise me you won’t ever speak of leaving or disappearing again. The thought terrifies me.”