The moment the door closed behind his Beta, Edward leaned against the wall and muttered to himself: “Did I just see the Lycan King… smile? Like, actually smile?”
***
Sable’s POV
I slipped the ring back into its velvet box. The jeweler would keep it safe until I was ready to leave Moonridge permanently.
‘I’ll arrange for secure storage,” the saleswoman assured me. ‘Call whenever you’re ready for pickup.”
Next door, the luxury shopping center housed Prestigious Timepieces. If I was accepting Caelan’s generosity, the least I could do was reciprocate.
The watch display cases gleamed under spotlights. I studied each piece carefully, trying to imagine what would suit him.
I thought back to the photos Dad had sent me recently – Caelan at various pack meetings and royal functions. The years had transformed him completely. In his place stood a man with sharp, commanding features. His jawline had become more defined, his cheekbones more prominent. Those dark eyebrows that used to furrow in concentration while he helped me with puzzles now looked almost severe above eyes that could freeze enemies with a single glance,
But in every photo, when I looked closely at those deep blue eyes, I could still catch glimpses of the patient big brother who had never once told me I was bothering him.
A simple black timepiece caught my attention. Understated elegance with a subtle line of diamonds around the bezel. Masculine but not ostentatious.
“Excellent choice, the salesman said. “That’s a limited edition. Very sophisticated.”
Perfect for a king who doesn’t need to show off.
I was signing the receipt when a familiar voice made me freeze.
‘Sable? What are you doing here…”
I turned slowly. Elizabeth Hawthorne stood in the doorway like she owned the place. Her silver hair was styled in that perfectly calculated way that I screamed old money.
But it was her eyes that made my blood run cold. Sharp. Calculating. Like a predator sizing up wounded prey.
My mind flashed back to the only time we’d met before. A year ago at Luna’s Caf?. Darrell had gone rigid when he spotted her across the room, introducing me hastily as “a friend” before practically dragging me out the back exit.
Even then, she looked at me like I was something stuck to her shoe.
‘Mrs. Hawthorne.” I kept my voice neutral. “How nice to see you again.”
She glided closer, her gaze dropping to the expensive watch box in my hands. “A timepiece from here? How… ambitious.
The word dripped with condescension.
“Just a gift for someone special.” I tucked the box into my purse.
Special?” She laughed, the sound like breaking glass. “A girl with your… background… shopping here? What are you really doing, Sable? Looking at display models?”
My jaw tightened, but I forced a smile. Breathe. Don’t give her the reaction she wants.
But memory struck like lightning. That phone call I’d overheard a year ago when Darrell thought I was sleeping.
“You what time will you break up with that low-class woman? She’s not worthy of being our pack’s Luna.”
“Mom, don’t worry. I know our difference. I’m just trying something new, definitely won’t take it seriously.”
“Make sure she knows her place. Women like that become very troublesome once they have delusions.”
“She’s very obedient, won’t cause us any trouble.”
I’d pressed my ear against the bathroom door, each word carving deeper wounds. Back then, I’d told myself it was a test. That Darrell would choose love over his mother’s prejudices. That time would change everything.
God, I was so fucking naive.
Elizabeth circled me like a shark. “Or maybe you found a new… benefactor? Women like you always seem to manage that.”
‘Women like me?”
“Poor. Desperate. Willing to do anything for a taste of the good life. Her smile turned vicious. “Did you think nobody would notice? A nobody trying to play dress-up?”
Heat flashed through my chest, but I kept my expression pleasant. “Your concern for my shopping habits is… touching.”
‘I’m concerned about my son’s reputation.” She stepped closer, invading my personal space. “Camila’s back now. She’s everything you could never be breeding, education, proper bloodlines.”
There it is. The real reason she’s here.
“Camila does seem… lovely.” I tilted my head. “Though I have to ask if she’s so perfect, why did she leave in the first place?”
–
Elizabeth’s eyes flashed. “Career opportunities. Unlike some people, she has actual talents beyond batting her eyelashes.”
“Mm.” I nodded thoughtfully. “And now she’s back for Darrell. How romantic.”
“It is romantic. True love always finds a way.” She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper meant for me alone. ‘Unlike whatever pathetic arrangement you have with my son.”
The words hit their mark, but instead of crumbling, I felt something cold and sharp settle in my chest.
“You know what’s funny, Mrs. Hawthorne?’ I matched her whisper. “You seem more invested in your son’s love life than he is.”
Her face darkened. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Just an observation. Most mothers want their children to be happy. You seem more concerned with… appearances.
“Happiness comes from suitable matches. Not from slumming with-
“With what?” I interrupted, my voice still honey-sweet. “Please, finish that thought.”
Elizabeth’s mouth snapped shut. Even she wouldn’t dare complete that sentence in public.
I glanced around the store, noting how other customers had started to stare. Her voice had been rising steadily.
“You’re causing a scene, Mrs. Hawthorne.”
She looked around and realized several people were watching with obvious interest. Her perfectly composed mask slipped back into place.
“Perhaps we should continue this conversation outside.”
‘Actually, I think we’ve said enough.” I adjusted the strap of my purse. “Besides, you seem confused about something important.”
“Which is?”
“You keep talking about Darrell like I’m trying to steal him from Camila.” I smiled, the expression sharp enough to cut glass. “But weren’t they the ones fucking in his car while I was home alone?”
Elizabeth’s face went ashen. “How dare you-“
“Speak the truth? Use crude language?” I shrugged. “Sorry if reality offends your delicate sensibilities.”
“You insolent little-“
“Careful.” My voice dropped to a deadly quiet. “We’re in public, remember? Wouldn’t want to damage that precious reputation.”
She was breathing hard now, her carefully constructed composure cracking. “You think you’re clever? Playing word games with me?”
‘I think I’m tired of being talked down to by someone whose son can’t even be faithful for twenty-four hours.”
“He was never unfaithful! Camila is his true mate!”
“Then what does that make me?”
The question hung between us like a loaded gun. Elizabeth’s mouth opened and closed soundlessly.
“That’s what I thought.” I picked up the gift bag from the counter. “Well, this has been… educational. But I really should go.”
“You listen to me, you little gold-digger-“
“No.” I turned back, and something in my expression made her take a step backward. “You listen to me, Elizabeth.
Using her first name instead of the respectful title felt like a small victory.
‘I don’t care what you think of me. I don’t care about your opinions, your threats, or your pathetic attempts to intimidate me.” I stepped closer, watching her eyes widen. “But most importantly, I don’t need your permission to live my life.”
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