Jack's silence cut deeper than any words could. I watched him move around our chambers, his jaw tight, his movements controlled. The Alpha King was still angry with me, and I had no one to blame but myself.
"Jack, please," I tried again, but he held up his hand.
"I need time, Aurora." His voice was flat, emotionless.
I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. The bond between us felt strained, like a thread pulled too tight. I had lied to him about meeting Ethan at my old apartment, and trust, once broken, was not easily repaired.
A knock on the door interrupted the tension. John, the Beta, stepped inside.
"Your Majesty, there's a situation with Ethan and Daisy. She's demanding to see you."
Jack rubbed his temples. "What now?"
"She's accusing Ethan of returning to his former mate. Claims she saw him at Aurora's apartment yesterday."
My stomach dropped. Of course Daisy would twist everything. I opened my mouth to explain, but Jack was already walking toward the door.
"Handle it, John. I don't have patience for their drama tonight."
After John left, the silence returned. I sat on the edge of our bed, my hands clasped in my lap. Somewhere in the pack house, Ethan was probably defending himself against Daisy's accusations. I knew how that felt.
"Richard resigned from the pack hospital today," Jack said suddenly, still not looking at me.
"What? Why would he resign?" I asked. Richard was one of the best healers in our kingdom. His dedication to saving lives was unmatched.
"He's your friend. Ask him yourself when we see him this weekend." Jack finally turned to face me. "He invited us to dinner at his family's estate. Both of us."
"His family's estate?"
"His father is Elder Delmark. The council member." Jack's tone was matter of fact, as if he were discussing pack finances rather than our strained relationship.
I felt a flutter of surprise. "I didn't know Richard was Elder Delmark's son. The Elder has always been fair, honest. I'd like to meet him."
"Mm." Jack's response was noncommittal.
I tried a different approach. "You mentioned I'd be starting my duties tomorrow. Will I work with John or directly with you?"
His eyes hardened. "You'll work with me. Directly."
The words should have brought me comfort, but his tone made them feel like a punishment. I understood. He wanted to keep me close, to watch me, to make sure I wouldn't lie again.
"Okay," I whispered.
The night stretched on in uncomfortable silence until finally, we both climbed into bed. Jack lay with his back to me, his spine rigid. I couldn't bear the distance anymore. Carefully, I moved closer and pressed myself against his back, my hand reaching up to run through his dark hair.
"I'm sorry, Jack. Please forgive me."
He sighed, the sound heavy with exhaustion and something else. Resignation, maybe.
"Do you love me?" he asked, his voice quiet.
"Yes. I've told you already. I love you, Jack."
"Do you lie to someone you love?"
The question pierced through me. "No."
He turned then, his green eyes searching mine in the darkness. "Then why did you lie to me?"
"I knew I was wrong the moment I did it." I reached up, my fingers tracing the sharp line of his jaw, feeling the slight stubble there. "I'm sorry."
Jack studied my face for a long moment. "It's alright. But don't do it again, Aurora. I mean it."
"I promise on my life," I said, meaning every word.
His expression softened, the hardness melting away. He pulled me closer, and when his lips met mine, I tasted forgiveness. Relief flooded through me, along with the familiar warmth of our bond strengthening again.
"You know you're acting like an emotional Luna right now," I teased gently, trying to lighten the mood.
"When you act like a stubborn Alpha, what choice do I have?" He was smiling now, really smiling, and I felt like I could breathe again.
He kissed me again, deeper this time, his hands tangling in my hair. The tension that had filled our chambers all evening finally dissipated, replaced by something warmer, more intimate.
When morning came, I took extra care getting ready for my first day working at the palace. I chose a deep blue dress that complemented my pale skin and dark hair, practical enough for work but elegant enough for the royal court. My wolf preened at the thought of standing beside our mate in his domain.
I pulled my hair back into a sleek ponytail and applied minimal makeup, just enough to look polished. When I emerged from the dressing room, I found Jack staring at me with an intensity that made my breath catch.
"What?" I asked, suddenly self conscious.
He didn't answer immediately. His gaze traveled over me slowly, as if seeing me for the first time. "Have you always been this beautiful?"
Heat crept up my neck. "Jack."
"I'm serious." He crossed the room, his movements predatory and graceful. "When you used to come to my office before we were mated, did you look like this?"
"I looked the same as always," I protested, but I couldn't help smiling at the wonder in his voice.
He reached out, his fingers brushing a stray strand of hair behind my ear. "No. You're different now. Or maybe I'm finally seeing clearly."
The Alpha King, the most powerful wolf in our kingdom, was looking at me like I hung the moon. My heart swelled with an emotion so strong it almost hurt.
"We should go," I said softly. "I don't want to be late on my first day."
"Let them wait," Jack murmured, but he stepped back, allowing me to pass.
As we walked through the corridors of the palace together, pack members bowed their heads in respect. I felt their curious glances, their whispered conversations. The Luna was finally taking her place beside the Alpha King, and everyone wanted to know what that would mean for the pack.
I straightened my shoulders, lifted my chin. Whatever challenges lay ahead, Jack and I would face them together. The lies were behind us now.
At least, that's what I believed as we reached the council chambers.
I had no idea how wrong I was.