I didn’t end up meeting Noah that night. I couldn’t bear to look him in the eyes and tell him that I had accepted Alpha Jacob as my mate.

There was no explanation that would make him believe it. No words could make this right. I still felt like I was losing my mind over it. Noah had proposed to me, and now here I was—bound to a man known for his cruelty, a man feared by everyone, and somehow… my mate.

Alpha Jacob’s palace gate swung open, revealing the view of the castle. As the driver drove in, I took in my view, starting with the front garden and then the waterfall. The palace is intimidating, tall gates, guards everywhere, and walls that scream “you’re trapped.”

The driver pulled the car to a stop in front of the mansion. Alpha Jacob stepped out and I did too.

He placed his hand on my waist and I quickly tugged it away. He growled silently as if trying to tell me I belong to him.

As we walked up the stairs, he leaned in and whispered "From this moment on, this is your home."

"For sixty days only." I remind him

He scoffed "Sure." It didn’t sound right at all but I have too much going on to worry about this.

Walking into the mansion, we were welcomed by the servants, all having a forced smile on their faces. But in between them was a man I knew I had to meet sooner or later.

Noah.

He wore Alpha Jacob’s crest, his posture confident, but his expression faltered the moment his eyes met mine.

My heart sank as my eyes followed Noah’s footsteps. I couldn’t stop looking at him. Every step he took closer to me twisted something inside me.

Alpha Jacob stepped forward, his voice steady. "This is my second-ranking Beta, Noah Musk. He’ll be living here with us and will assist you if needed."

Then, with the same calm tone, he added, "And Noah, this is Osline. My wife and your Luna. You are commanded to give her the same level of respect you give me."

Noah bowed his head to me, his gaze holding mine for just a moment too long.

I didn’t move. I didn’t speak.

I couldn’t.

My chest ached, my hands tightening as I tried my hardest to control the pooling tension inside of me. Now I felt worse because I put him in this position. I know he’s hurting inside, I can see it and I wish I wasn’t the cause of it.

Jacob and I walked to the room to settle in while the other servants went about their tasks.

All day, I couldn’t stop thinking about Noah. I felt terrible. I had to talk to him, explain everything, and somehow make him understand.

At dinner, Jacob and I sat across from each other, but I couldn’t enjoy my meal. My mind kept drifting. What if Noah hates me now? I knew he probably doesn’t, but what if he does? It would all be my fault.

He loves me so much, and here I was betraying him with another man.

"You’re not eating," Alpha Jacob said, noticing my hand hovering over the fork.

"I’m not hungry," I muttered.

"You have to eat something," He said, though his tone was softer than usual, almost like he cared.

I was about to respond when a voice called out, "Luna."

I turned to see a man with the same striking build as Jacob, only taller and more muscular.

Jacob’s gaze snapped to him, sharp and dangerous. "What the hell are you doing in my house?"

"Your house?" The man scoffed. "Don’t forget this belongs to me too, bro."

Bro? Was he Jacob’s brother?

As if reading my thoughts, he turned to me, a confident smile spreading across his face. "Your hard work finally paid off, I see you finally got what you wanted, Jacob."

Then he lifted his hand to shake mine. "You are definitely the new Luna right?"

"Yeah," I responded unsure. What did he mean by Jacob’s hard work paid off, was it about the contract?

When I placed my hand in his, he pressed a soft kiss to it. "It’s a real pleasure to meet you." He said charmingly

"Thanks," I replied forcing a smile

"I think it’s time you leave Dom." Jacob snorted

He disregarded him and pulled a chair next to mine "By the way, I am the twin brother of this loser you’re mated to." He said grinning "I’m kidding though, he’s not a loser but he’s no better than me."

I didn’t say a thing and just smiled

"What’s your name?" He asked

"Osline," I said

"That’s a beautiful name."

"I think it’s time you leave, Dom," Jacob snorted

"But why? I want to talk to my Luna," Dominic said, his tone teasing but smooth.

"Mine!" Jacob growled, his voice sharp, almost dangerous. "Not yours. She’s mine!"

Dominic laughed, unfazed, and turned back to me. "You’re so protected," He said, flashing a smile. "I’ll see you later, Luna."

He walked away with Jacob, who shot me a glare as they left. Jacob really had issues with everyone not just outsiders, even his own family.

After dinner, I couldn’t bring myself to go to my room. I just wanted to find Noah and talk, to clear everything up.

As I wandered through the house looking for him, I heard a hammering noise vibrating through the walls. I tried to ignore it and kept walking, but it came again, louder this time. It sounded like a radio crackling, with a voice I didn’t recognize.

Curious, I followed the sound down the hallway until I noticed a door unlike the others—its color was different, almost hidden.

My brows furrowed and I took a step closer

"Curious Luna?" Dominic asked making me turn my attention to him as he walked up the stairs

"Did you hear it too?" I asked

"Of course! It’s coming from the room down the hallway."

"Yeah.. what is that noise?"

"I don’t know. Jacob will never say but you should ask him what’s inside… that’s if he would even tell you."

I nodded and walked towards the door. Just as I was about to reach the handle, Jacob appeared from nowhere clasped my hand, and pushed me away.

I stumbled backwards in shock, he hovered over me, angry "Don’t you dare!" His voice was low but dangerous

"I heard noises inside," I said

"It doesn’t matter what you think you heard. Don’t you dare come close to this door or even dare to go in." The way he said it made me wonder if something was going on in there.

I opened my mouth to speak but no words came out of it.

Jacob took another step closer. "Go to your room," He instructed.

I nodded, a wave of fear washing over me as I turned to leave. As I walked down the hall, I noticed Dominic’s casual expression, as if this was completely normal, like Jacob chasing someone away from the room was just part of everyday life.

What could be in that room that he didn’t want anyone near?