Chapter 9
Spring in the Northern Territories arrived earlier than expected.
I stood by the floor–to–ceiling windows of my coffee shop, watching the snow gradually melt on the streets while cradling a freshly brewed cup of coffee. After leaving Cross Pack, my life had found its rhythm–peaceful and fulfilling. The coffee shop thrived, with members from neighboring packs regularly stopping by to sample traditional dishes from my homeland. Storm, my husky, and I had built a happy life together. Despite his tendency to wreak havoc, he filled my days with endless laughter and joy.
Most importantly, I’d rediscovered my love for music. What started as a way to pass time–placing a secondhand piano in the coffee shop–had awakened something dormant within me. When my fingers touched the keys again, forgotten melodies flooded back like a tide. Music helped me find my true self again.
Two years ago, I’d decided to enroll in advanced courses at the Northern Territories Music Academy while continuing to run my coffee shop. relearning music theory and performance techniques. I thought I’d never have another mate, but the Moon Goddess had other plans for me.
It was an ordinary Tuesday afternoon. I was practicing in one of the academy’s rehearsal rooms when the door suddenly opened.
“Sorry, I thought this practice room was empty…”
I looked up to see a tall man standing in the doorway. Deep blue eyes, a chiseled jawline, and that magnetic voice that drew you in. The moment our eyes met, I felt an unprecedented jolt.
This was the mate bond.
My wolf howled deep within me, every cell screaming that this was my destined mate. His scent filled the air–cedar and mint–threatening to drive me to distraction. The mate bond hummed between us, powerful and undeniable. From his slightly dilated pupils and trembling fingers, I knew he felt the same shocking recognition.
“Leo Cross,” he introduced himself. “I’m from the business school, but I’m auditing music appreciation classes.”
“Lyra,” I told him my name. “Lyra Hale.”
From that day forward, I began “coincidentally” running into Leo around campus. I’d appear outside his music appreciation classroom, inviting him to my coffee shop. I’d find him in the library and naturally strike up conversations about music. Leo initially seemed to be fighting the attraction the mate bond brought, but gradually, he began accepting my invitations.
“Your coffee is really special,” he said one day in my shop. “It tastes like home.”
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I crafted him a special Blue Mountain coffee blend with spices from my homeland. Leo watched me intently, the mate bond making every interaction
between us feel electric.
As time passed, we spent more and more time together. Leo would listen intently when I practiced piano, help me serve customers when I was busy, and clean up Storm’s messes. The mate bond made our relationship develop naturally. We didn’t need many words to feel each other’s emotions.
There was no formal confession, no dramatic declaration. One evening, as we sat on the bench outside my coffee shop stargazing, Leo naturally took my hand.
“Lyra,” he said softly, “I think we both feel this connection. Will you be with me?”
The mate bond had already given us our answer.
“Yes.”
We began our relationship as a couple. Though we hadn’t performed the formal mating ceremony yet, we both knew we were destined for each other. Leo was a gentle, caring boyfriend. He supported my coffee shop, would turn pages while I practiced piano, and walk Storm with me.
Several months later, Leo began discussing his career plans. “I want to start my own company, focusing on inter–pack business cooperation,” he said.
“I support you,” I replied. Through our emotional connection, I could feel how important this was to him.
Initially, Leo’s work progressed smoothly. He’d work from home, and we could still see each other every day, spending time together. But gradually he began needing to travel for business meetings and conferences.
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The Luna Marked with Lies, The Queen Crowned by Revenge
Chapter 9
“Important client meeting,” he’d say, then be gone all day. I understood work’s importance and could sense he wasn’t deliberately distancing himself
from me.
Three months later, Leo brought home a woman.
“Lyra, this is Aria, my new business partner,” Leo introduced her. “She’s the Ocean Heart Pack Alpha’s daughter, very talented in business.”.
The moment I saw Aria, my wolf went on high alert. She was beautiful, elegant, confident, but more importantly, she looked at Leo with a familiarity that suggested they’d known each other for a long time.
“You must be Leo’s girlfriend,” she smiled at me. “This coffee shop is adorable.”
Though her words were polite, my wolf instinctively sensed a threat.
From then on, Leo and Aria’s collaboration intensified. They traveled together constantly, attended meetings together, handled all business matters together. Leo came home less and less, and when he did, he was always on the phone with Aria discussing work.
I began feeling neglected
Chapter 10
Chapter 10
