Chapter 5: Secret Revealed

With a red face, Crema nodded and quickly sat beside Giovan.

She kept her eyes on her plate.

She didn't want to embarrass herself in front of her in-laws.

More importantly...

she needed to figure out how to win them over.

“By the way,” King Dior said, putting down his fork, “you'll be joining the leaders' meeting tomorrow evening.”

Crema looked up.

“The meeting will be held at the Blossoms.”

Now that she was part of the royal family, she had to take part in their discussions.

Especially those concerning the future of the pack.

“I trust you know how things work,” the king added.

Crema straightened her back.

“My parents prepared me well, Your Majesty.”

It was the truth.

Her mother had trained her her entire life.

How to speak.

How to lead.

How to become the perfect Luna.

King Dior smiled.

“Glad to hear that.”

A small sense of victory warmed Crema's chest.

At least she looked confident.

At least in front of Janine.

She hated comparing herself to her cousin.

But Janine had crossed too many lines lately.

She disrespected Crema openly.

And worse...

she seemed to enjoy hurting her.

Crema still couldn't believe how easily Janine had entered the royal mansion.

Of course, she used Crema as an excuse.

But her shamelessness was still shocking.

“Sorry to interrupt, My King,” Janine said sweetly.

“As Crema's assistant, should I also attend the meeting?”

Crema's stomach tightened.

Please say no.

“Of course,” King Dior replied casually.

The food in front of Crema suddenly lost all its taste.

Across the table, Janine smiled.

Inside...

she was celebrating.

Crema was getting frustrated.

And that was exactly what she wanted.

Janine wanted everyone to see Crema lose control.

She wanted the royal family to think Crema was unfit.

Then...

she would take her place.

Giovan's mate.

She would do anything to make it happen.

Janine acted innocent.

Helpful.

Kind.

And somehow...

most of the pack believed her.

If Crema reacted badly...

everyone would blame her instead.

Giovan knew exactly what Janine was planning.

But he remained silent.

He had his own plans.

Plans that required patience.

He felt sorry for Crema.

But he couldn't show it.

Not while King Dior was watching his every move.

After dinner, everyone went their separate ways.

Crema followed Giovan back to their room.

Janine watched them leave.

Her smile disappeared.

Anger flashed in her eyes.

King Dior remained seated.

Quiet.

Thoughtful.

He still had unfinished business.

One last mission.

After that...

he would retire.

And finally give his wife the justice she deserved.

“Damn it!”

Janine threw herself onto her bed.

Her room was right beside Giovan and Crema's.

Which only made things worse.

Every time she imagined them together...

jealousy burned inside her.

She had no idea that the drama had already happened before dinner.

“Ahhhh!”

She screamed into her pillow.

Her thoughts were driving her crazy.

Finally, she got up.

She needed air.

She left her room and headed for the garden.

The royal mansion was surrounded by a vast forest.

Tall trees.

Cool winds.

A place where wolves felt free.

But tonight...

Janine wasn't looking for peace.

She was looking for a way...

to steal what belonged to Crema.

Janine stayed in her human form.

Turning into a wolf wouldn't help.

She controlled her emotions better this way.

As a wolf, her anger could easily get out of control.

“You seem upset.”

Janine jumped.

She quickly turned around.

King Dior was standing behind her.

Her heart skipped a beat.

She hadn't even noticed him.

“Oh!” Janine forced a smile.

“I'm sorry, sir.”

“Did I disturb you?”

King Dior shook his head.

“I usually spend my evenings here.”

“I don't think you noticed me when you arrived.”

He looked at her carefully.

“Is there something bothering you?”

Janine felt her face grow warm.

No matter how upset she was, she couldn't tell the king the truth.

“No, sir.”

“I was just thinking.”

“I needed some fresh air.”

She stood up.

“I'm sorry for disturbing you.”

“I should go.”

“You can't fool me, young lady.”

Janine froze.

King Dior chuckled softly.

Slowly...

she turned back.

“What do you mean, sir?” she asked.

But her voice was no longer steady.

King Dior's expression became serious.

“I know you and Giovan used to be together.”

Janine's face lost all color.

She couldn't speak.

Couldn't breathe.

The king sighed.

“I know more than you think.”

His eyes sharpened.

“So tell me.”

“Why are you in my house?”

Janine's palms became sweaty.

Fear crawled up her spine.

She had prepared herself for Crema.

For Giovan.

Even for the servants.

But not for this.

Not for King Dior.

“Are you here to chase after my son?”

The question hit her like a slap.

Janine slowly sat back down.

There was no point pretending anymore.

“You don't understand, sir,” she said softly.

“I won't lie.”

“Giovan and I used to be together.”

“But that's not why I'm here.”

King Dior didn't say anything.

He simply stared at her.

Waiting.

Judging.

And for the first time since arriving at the royal mansion...

Janine felt something she hadn't expected.

Fear.

Real fear.

Because if King Dior already knew about her past with Giovan...

how much else did he know?