"""After I lost the baby, I gave up everything my mate, Alpha Rhydian, hated. I stopped using our bond to sense where he was. I could sleep soundly even when he didn't come back to our bedroom all night. I didn't even tell him when a rogue's silver blade sliced my arm during a border skirmish. The pack doctor told me to notify my family. I just answered calmly, """"I don't have a family."""" The doctor recognized me. """"You're the Luna. Alpha Rhydian is at headquarters. Should I inform him?"""" I shook my head gently. """"No, don't."""" But half an hour later, Rhydian came anyway. His tall frame cast a shadow over me, his voice ice-cold. """"You're hurt. Why didn't you call me through the mind link?"""" I lowered my eyes. """"It's just a scratch. No need to bother the Alpha."""" A low growl rumbled in his chest. The air crackled with his fury. He was about to speak when a guard whispered outside the door, """"The Alpha cares so much for Isla. She just pricked her finger on a rose thorn, and he gave her the pack's most precious moonlight herb."""" I saw his jaw clench. His gray-blue eyes shot to me, searching for the jealous rage I always used to show. I gave him nothing. Not even a blink. I just leaned back against the cheap hospital pillows and closed my eyes. But Rhydian's composure finally shattered.
"""
