For the next few days, I stayed in a hotel downtown, taking care of my affairs.
Separating bank accounts, changing insurance beneficiaries, terminating contracts.
On the fourth day, I was in my father’s study discussing the final details of the marriage alliance when I got a call from Jessica, the receptionist at Rocco’s company.
“Luna Caterina, a package arrived for you, but since you weren’t home, the courier brought it to the office,” Jessica said, her voice bright with excitement. “It’s a huge, beautiful box!”
I frowned. “What is it?”
“It has the Blackwood Pack’s crest on it. It must be something important. The Alpha isn’t here, so we didn’t dare do anything with it.”
The Blackwood Pack?
It must be the ceremonial gown for the new Luna.
“I understand. Thank you.”
After hanging up, a sense of dread washed over me.
If Rocco saw that gown…
Sure enough, that afternoon, I received a furious call from him.
“Caterina!”
He was practically roaring, his Alpha’s rage so potent I could feel it through the phone.
“Get your ass to my office. Now.”
I could hear the sound of things shattering in the background. It sounded like he was destroying his office.
I glanced at my watch. Four days until my flight.
“Fine. I’m on my way.”
I threw the door to Rocco’s office open with a resounding crash.
He stood with his back to me, staring out the floor-to-ceiling window, radiating a dangerous aura.
On his desk, the exquisite white box had been torn open. Inside, the Luna’s ceremonial gown lay in a cascade of deep blue silk and silver embroidery, its patterns of moons and stars glittering in the light.
It was a gown worn only for the most sacred of Luna coronation ceremonies.
“What is this? A Luna gown?” Rocco turned slowly, his eyes blazing with fury. “Don’t play dumb, Caterina. Who is he? What Alpha do you think could possibly replace me?”
I remained calm. “That has nothing to do with you.”
“Nothing to do with me?” He sneered. “Then who are you wearing it for? That Damon?”
The name seemed to push him over the edge. He strode toward me, each step heavy with an Alpha’s absolute authority. “You think finding a replacement will threaten me? Caterina, you are so naive.”
“I’m telling you,” he seethed, “he would never take another Alpha’s marked woman. Not even if you were standing naked in front of him!”
I didn’t answer. I just watched him.
Even now, this man thought everything I was doing was just a desperate attempt to win him back.
“Who do you think you are?” Rocco advanced on me, his Alpha presence pressing down like a physical weight. “Without my permission, without the Elders’ blessing, you will never be with another man! You belong to me!”
His voice dropped to a low growl. “You think you can play games with me, Caterina? You are way out of your league.”
