Chapter 2

Lilith immediately panicked and grabbed my sleeve.

"How can that work? If the Alpha and his mate aren't there, can it even be called a ceremony?

"If Ronan isn't there, then how am I supposed to–"

She abruptly stopped herself.

I looked at her.

"Why'd you stop talking?"

Her eyes darted away before she enthusiastically took my hand.

"How about this? I won't make things difficult for you.

"As long as I can have a meal with the new Luna and share in their happiness, I'll be satisfied.

"Mirabel, we've been coworkers for so long. Can't you do me this one favor?"

She looked ready to cry again.

I smiled.

"Sure. I'll make it happen."

After returning to Silver Moon Pack territory, I took her straight to the best restaurant in town and reserved a private room.

Lilith froze.

"Aren't we going to your house?"

I shook my head.

"I thought all you wanted was dinner. Ronan and Iris will be here soon.

"Or is it Ronan's bedroom you're really interested in?"

Her expression stiffened instantly.

"W-What are you talking about?

"Why would I want anything to do with Ronan?"

Smiling, I felt nothing but disgust as I ushered her into the private room.

"Then there's no problem. You'll have dinner with them, and my job will be done."

As soon as the meal was over, I'd book her onto the earliest train back to the city.

I refused to believe she could still drag Ronan into disaster this way.

After ordering the food, I excused myself for some air and intercepted Ronan and Iris outside the restaurant.

"Ronan, during dinner, don't say a single word to my coworker. And whatever you do, don't go anywhere near her. Got it?"

Ronan scratched his head.

"Huh? Why?"

"Don't ask. Just do what I say."

Then I took Iris' hand.

"Iris, no matter what happens tonight, you have to stay with Ronan. Okay?"

Her face instantly turned red.

"Mirabel, why are you suddenly saying stuff like this?"

"Iris, I'm not joking."

Looking her straight in the eyes, I spoke seriously.

"Just listen to me. Whatever happens tonight, stay with Ronan. Don't leave his side for even a moment.

"I'll explain everything later, but you have to trust me for now."

Seeing how serious I was, Iris nodded, but she was still blushing.

"Okay. I'll do as you say."

Only then did I finally relax and lead them into the private room.

Throughout dinner, Lilith behaved exactly as I expected. She kept trying to get close to Ronan.

She even motioned for him to sit beside her.

I cleared my throat. Ronan immediately chose the seat farthest from her that was right next to Iris.

Lilith tried serving him food in what she clearly thought was a seductive manner.

Iris frowned. Without hesitation, Ronan pushed away the entire plate and called a server over for fresh tableware.

Lilith then brought up the money Ronan had spent on Iris.

"Iris, you're so lucky to have such a powerful and generous Alpha.

"Unlike me, I haven't even held hands with another werewolf before."

Iris blinked in surprise before silently mouthing to me, "No wonder you told me to be careful."

I chuckled bitterly.

Recalling how Iris had miscarried in my previous life after being driven into a rage, my nose stung, and I nearly burst into tears.

Dinner finally ended. Ronan looked thoroughly uncomfortable and quickly left with Iris.

I also booked Lilith a ticket back to the city.

Only after personally watching her board the train did I finally let out a sigh of relief.

This time, things should be different.

That night, I didn't dare return to my cabin. Instead, I spent the night in the station waiting hall.

The next morning, at exactly eight o'clock, my phone vibrated frantically.

It was Mom. Her voice trembled with panic.

"Mirabel, something happened to Ronan!"