Chapter 2
Iris's POV
I tugged at my turtleneck sweater for the tenth time, making sure it covered the marks on my neck as I approached the Stone family residence. My steps slowed with each foot closer to the door. The last thing I needed right now was another confrontation.
God, I was so stupid. How could I have believed anything would change between us? This morning's conversation with Sebastien replayed in my head like a bad movie I couldn't turn off. His cold eyes. The disgust in his voice. The way he'd tossed that pill at me like I was nothing.
"Take it. Now. I want to see you swallow it."
I swallowed hard, the phantom bitterness of that pill still lingering in my throat. Tomorrow couldn't come fast enough. I'd file for our Moon Cycle Cooling Period and finally end this charade of a marriage.
When I pushed open the front door, I nearly stumbled back at the sight that greeted me. Catherine and Kim were waiting in the entryway, both wearing uncharacteristically bright smiles.
"Iris! Finally, you're home," Catherine exclaimed, rushing forward to grab my arm. "We've been waiting for you."
I tensed immediately. My mother showing enthusiasm about my arrival? Something was definitely wrong. My wolf senses prickled with warning.
"Why?" I asked, not bothering to hide my suspicion.
Catherine pulled me toward the living room, her grip uncomfortably tight. "Don't be silly. We have preparations to discuss!"
As I stepped into the living room, I saw several designer catalogs spread across the coffee table. Kim sat on the couch, her eyes traveling over my turtleneck with a knowing smirk that made my skin crawl.
"Preparations for what?" I asked, remaining standing even as Catherine tried to push me onto the sofa.
"For your wedding, of course!" Catherine beamed. "Come sit down and look at these dress options. The Grey family sent them over for you to choose from."
My feet froze to the floor. "Wedding? What wedding?"
Kim rolled her eyes, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "Don't act dumb. The one happening at the next full moon. You know, where you'll finally become Sebastien's official Luna?" Her voice dripped with jealousy.
I stared at them both, my brain struggling to process what I was hearing. Sebastien had just told me this morning we were getting divorced. Why would he be planning a wedding?
"There must be some mistake," I said slowly. "Sebastien and I... we're not having a wedding."
Catherine's smile faltered slightly. "Don't be ridiculous. The Grey family has already sent over everything. William Grey himself called to discuss arrangements."
"When?" I demanded.
"Yesterday afternoon," Catherine replied. "Everything's been set in motion."
My head spun. Yesterday? Before our night together? It might be William's idea.
Kim slid something across the coffee table. "Is this why you're acting weird? Embarrassed we saw your little performance?"
I picked up what I now realized was a photograph. My stomach dropped as I stared at the image.
I'd gone to the Moon Crescent bar last night after hearing Sebastien would be there with pack members. After two years of marriage, I still foolishly thought we could talk, maybe salvage something. Instead, I'd watched from a corner as Sebastien participated in some ridiculous wolf challenge game.
He lost the bet. The penalty: kiss a woman in the bar.
I remembered how my heart raced when his glazed eyes fell on me in the crowded room. He hadn't recognized me at first—I'd changed my hair, worn makeup he'd never seen. Without hesitation, he'd pulled me against him, his lips crashing down on mine with an intensity that left me breathless.
When he finally realized who I was, there had been a moment—just a flash—of something like hunger in his eyes. Then he'd growled, "You'll do," and taken me home.
I threw the photo down, heat rising to my face. "Where did you get this?"
"Jennifer sent it to me," Kim smirked. "Everyone's talking about how the cold Grey heir finally showed some public affection for his wife. How romantic."
"Catherine," I said firmly, ignoring Kim. "I need to be clear. There won't be a wedding. Sebastien and I are applying for a Moon Cycle Cooling Period tomorrow."
The room went deadly silent. Catherine's smile vanished completely.
"What did you just say?" she hissed, grabbing my wrist hard enough to bruise.
"We're getting divorced," I repeated, yanking my arm free. "So you can put away the catalogs."
Catherine's face contorted with rage. "You selfish, ungrateful girl! Do you have any idea what this marriage means for our family? For our position in the wolf community?"
"Oh, I know exactly what it means," I snapped back. "It means using me as a bargaining chip so you can keep your social status."
"Our pack is barely hanging on!" Catherine shouted. "The Grey family's protection is the only thing keeping other wolves from absorbing what's left of the Stone territory!"
"Don't pretend this is about protection," I said coldly. "You just want access to their money and power."
Catherine's hand flew up, aiming for my face, but I caught her wrist mid-air. The sudden movement sent a wave of nausea through me. Before I could stop it, I doubled over and vomited on her expensive shoes.
"You disgusting—" she started, jumping back.
I wiped my mouth, straightening up. "I'm not doing this anymore. I'm filing for divorce tomorrow."
Catherine's eyes narrowed dangerously. "If you break this marriage, you'll lose your father's territory rights. Everything he left specifically to you will revert to the pack under my control. Is that what you want?"
I froze. My father's special hunting grounds—the only thing I had left of him—would be lost.
"The ceremony is in four weeks," Catherine continued, seeing my hesitation. "Be there, or lose everything."
The next morning, I arrived at the Wolf Council Office an hour early. I'd spent extra time getting ready, telling myself it was to look dignified, not to impress Sebastien one last time.
One hour passed. Then two. I called Sebastien repeatedly, but he never answered. My messages went unread.
As the office prepared to close, I finally accepted the truth: he wasn't coming.
That night, my phone buzzed with a text:
"Wedding proceeds as planned. Will file for Cooling Period after. -S"
I stared at the message, tears of frustration burning my eyes. What kind of sick game was he playing? I typed a quick reply:
"There's no need for this charade. Let's file the Cooling Period now."
I waited for hours, phone clutched in my hand, but no response came. Just like always.
For the next month, I lived in a special kind of hell. Catherine took over the ceremony preparations with frightening enthusiasm, treating me like a mannequin rather than a bride.
"Stand still," she snapped one afternoon, as the Grey family's seamstress pinned the ceremonial dress around me. "This is the most important dress you'll ever wear."
"For the most important rejection of my life," I muttered.
Catherine dug her nails into my arm. "You will not embarrass this family,"
"Why?" I demanded. "Why is Sebastien doing this if he plans to divorce me anyway?"
Her smile was thin. "Perhaps he's finally recognized your value."
But I knew better. This was punishment, not reconciliation.
Every few days, I'd see him in photos on wolf community news sites. Sebastien Grey attending a business dinner with a stunning redhead on his arm. Sebastien at a charity gala, whispering in a blonde's ear. Always with different women, always looking completely untroubled by the upcoming ceremony with his actual wife.
"It doesn't matter," I whispered to myself, gathering my resolve. "Let him have his public spectacle. When it's over, I'll be free."
On the day of the ceremony, I stood in my silver-white dress, staring at my reflection. The irony wasn't lost on me—looking like the perfect wolf bride for a ceremony that would lead to divorce.
As distinguished pack representatives filled the ceremonial clearing, I felt their stares—some sympathetic, others gleeful at the drama unfolding. The appointed time came and went. The Elder conducting the ceremony cleared his throat awkwardly.
"Where is the Grey heir?" he finally asked.
The crowd began to murmur. I stood alone in the moonlight, the ceremonial circle feeling more like a stage for my humiliation with each passing minute.
Finally, Daniel, Sebastien's assistant, rushed in. His face was flushed with embarrassment as he approached the Elder, then turned to face me.
"Miss Stone," he said, voice strained. "Mr. Grey sends his regrets. He... he will not be attending the ceremony tonight."
William Grey rose from his seat, his face dark with fury. The crowd erupted in shocked whispers.
I stood perfectly still as understanding washed over me like ice water. This was never about reconciliation.
He might've just agreed for his grandfather, our Alpha.

















































