The night breeze carried the familiar scent of pine from my homeland, calming my nerves slightly.
“Yes.”
“But… but the groom’s name isn’t Rocco.” Clara’s voice went up an octave. “It’s… Damon? The Alpha of the Blackwood Pack?”
“That’s right.”
I heard Clara gasp, followed by the sound of something dropping.
“Oh my Goddess! Caterina, what on earth happened? What about you and Rocco? Weren’t you two planning to buy that house
1/2
by the sea just last year?”
“Rocco and I are over,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. “We completed the Rejection. I’m back with my pack.”
“What?!” Clara shrieked. “I thought you two were a match made in heaven.”
“It’s a long story,” I said, not wanting to rehash the painful details. Every word was like rubbing salt in the wound. “The bottom line is, I’m entering into a new partnership with Damon.”
The line was quiet for a moment, save for Clara’s ragged breathing.
“An alliance isn’t a true Mate Bond… Caterina, are you sure you want a life without love?” Clara’s voice turned cautious.
“I know,” I cut her off. “But some things are more important than love.”
“Okay,” Clara conceded. She knew me, once my mind was made up, I wouldn’t change it. “If this is your choice, I’ll support you. But Caterina, if you’re ever unhappy, you have to tell me.”
“I will,” I said, managing a grateful smile. “Clara, there’s something I need you to do for me.”
“Anything, Cat. You know that.”
“I want something back,” I said, taking a deep breath and gripping the railing. “The moonstone I gave Rocco. It was my grandmother’s.”
“The moonstone? The one engraved with the Silver Moon Pack’s sigil?”
“Yes, that’s the one.” My voice trembled slightly. “It’s the last piece of her I have left.”
“Consider it done,” Clara promised. “That bastard doesn’t deserve it. Don’t worry, I’m coming for the ceremony. I’ll get it back for you.”
