I was confused. The mate bond was demanding that I find out this girl Theo turned soft for's identity right away. The crazy wolf in me was getting on edge. I wanted to ask so badly, but I refused to look like some jealous idiot.

Maybe I am that jealous idiot.

I clench and unclench my fists. I was definitely not liking having my feelings be in such a state of disorder.

He approaches her, a delicate expression on his face, and places a soft kiss on the top of her head.

I-I-is this what you call third wheeling?

I grit my teeth, losing patience and angered at the fact Theo was acting so lovingly to a girl that wasn't me.

Calm down you idiot, it could be a sister or a close friend or a cousin. Jealousy doesn't look good on you, hun.

I inhale and release a shaky breath. As if on cue, Theo and the stranger finally notices me.

Took you long enough.

I beam at them with my signature fake smile. None of them smiles back and Theo raises a brow, skeptical.

The woman, who I admit is indeed attractive, opens her mouth to ask, "W-who is she?"

I grin, finding her voice cute even though she was probably the same age as me.

Theo sends her a heartwarming smile and proudly states, "My mate."

His smile seemed so genuine, so valuable, and so delicate. I haven't seen that smile yet, and now that I've seen it, I wished I could take a picture and never forget that smile.

I snap out of my trance, only to be met by the unfamiliar woman's hands reaching for Theo's hand. Even though she hasn't done anything to me, I withstand the urge to smack her hands off of him.

Cute voice, my ass. I take back what I said.

"Yes, Cara?" He says with such a soft voice—just like he was talking to something so soft and fragile.

He didn't even let me hold his hands.

This perspective of him was unrecognizable and so unlike his mischievous personality. It was like watching a dispassionate father falling in love with a puppy. Only this time, it was Theo turning into some affectionate man at the sight of this woman named Cara.

I keep my mouth shut to hold myself back from saying something stupid.

"I'm tired. Let's go," she says abruptly and pulls him away.

Theo doesn't even spare any energy to resist and only gives me one last look before leaving with her.

I stiffen, a feeling of betrayal in the very depths of my heart.

I asked for trouble and now I was getting it. The reckless side of me was overlooking the danger I put myself into.

But the one thing I didn't dare miss and will never forget is the vile sneer Cara sent my way as she looked back at me.

I tilt my head side to side, my thoughts suddenly thrown in a pile of mess.

I might be putting myself in a hazardous situation, but what they didn't know was that I was the real danger.

Oh boy, this pack was definitely anything but

peaceful.

After I had went back to my room and slept the extra hours before breakfast, I wake up the same morning to the comfort of my bed.

The bed was something I really appreciated the day I came to this pack. It made me wonder how I ever had the audacity to sleep on dirt and rocks. Every time I had waken up in the morning, my back felt impaired.

Hopping off the bed, I dress into new clothes that I stole—again—and wear my little cloak over it like usual.

Today, I gained the courage to eat with my now pack members. Maybe this time, they'd look at me at a new light and not stray away from me.

If not, then they're the ones missing.

Who wouldn't want this out-of-this world beauty—.

I roam the huge mansion and finally find my way to the dining hall. And from the looks of it, my entrance was long-overdue.

I mean, what's different?

Hundreds of heads snapped to me as if I had disturbed their peaceful meals. Damn, what happened to a new light?

I clear my throat and avoid meeting anyone's eyes as I walk to an empty seat. The room returns to light chattering and a servant simultaneously places a plate of delicious food in front of me.

"Thank you," I mutter.

"You're welcome, Miss," the lady replies before walking away. She sported a surprised expression before a genuine smile reaches her face.

I stuff down the food down my throat gratefully. When I finished, I pat my mouth with a tissue before looking up to a pair of laser beam eyes that have been boring holes on the back of my head since I entered the room. It was a miracle I was able to ignore it.

I meet Beta Felix's furious gaze.

I narrow my eyes at him and mouthed, "Bitch, what are looking at?"

My gaze travels to the seat besides him, which was an unoccupied seat. I grin at the thought of not having to suffer under Talia's presence. My wolf made sure she couldn't get up comfortably until the next week or two. Even her wolf can't heal her any faster than that.

Then, at the side of my eye, I see Theo push his plate to Cara, willing her to eat. She sat next to him.

On the Luna's seat.

Wait let me restate that.

On my seat.

Theo, you jerk.

I growl as quietly as I possibly could. But apparently, my effort went to the trash when the family next to me tensed and shakily took another bite of their pancake.

Felix didn't miss my irritation and grabs the plate from Cara, taking a bite of his own. Theo turns his head to his friend, bewildered. After seeing Felix chomping down the meal like a wild animal, however, Theo's expression turns more fondly.

"Thank you," I mouth once again to Felix, slightly surprised by his actions. Seems like I've made my first friend despite his uncanny behavior.

At this point, I'd be okay with transforming into some Cinderella and start talking to birds.

Theo and the others were the first to leave. Beta Felix and Gamma Celestina, though, stayed behind. I ignore the slight ache in my heart knowing that Theo didn't even look at me once.

Soon, more and more people gradually scattered out of the dining room.

I decided to leave last, not knowing where else to go afterwards. No one mentioned if I should be training with the others and I happily took the chance of not having to attend it.

I was about to leave when I sensed the two present individuals who refused to leave. I pause, feeling two pairs of eyes shooting daggers on the back of my head.

I brushed it off aside and took a step to make my way out of the room. The atmosphere was becoming more tense and I was not way in hell staying here.

"Wait!" Celestina's voice calls out to me followed by heavy footsteps as both Felix and her found their way towards me.

I ignore them and continue to walk out, not exactly feeling like talking.

"I'm sorry!" I hear her soft voice squeak out. I stop on my tracks once again, bewildered. I turn to look at her sympathetic expression.

She bows her head and lifts her chin up, "I apologize for offending you on our first meeting—for calling you weak. In fact, you are quite the opposite. Although, looking down on you for your rogue status is something I won't apologize for."

Bitch.

I nod and accept her apology quickly, a realization settling in my mind. I took this chance to find out more about Theo, curiosity getting the best of me.

Although, at some point I felt like I was overdoing it. I was nodding my head furiously and excitedly said, "It's okay!" Then, more calmly, I ask, "Why do you hate rogues so much, anyways?"

"I—," Celestina speaks, but Felix places a hand on her shoulder to refrain her from speaking. A scowl reaches my face and disappeared in less than a second. "We have history. Bad history. It's not my story to tell."

I nod, not wanting to appear more overbearing than I already was.

"Well, I have training to do," Celestina clasps her hands together and gives me a small, uncertain smile. "We will take our leave. Acquaintances?"

"Acquaintances," I agree.

Celestina drags Felix out of the room, but suddenly he stops on his tracks. He reluctantly turns to me.

His eyes soften, as if a heartwarming memory entered his mind. Then, he hesitantly tells me, "Mates are valuable. Please don't break each other's hearts."

Assumptions barge into my brain when I hear the crack of his voice and the sincerity in his tone.

My smile brightens, feeling reassured that such an unemotional man have told me such a passionate advice. Words coming out of his mouth somehow felt more meaningful.

Felix stares at Celestina's remorseful eyes, willing her to say something. When she remained still, he flicked her forehead. His visage returns to a stony expression.

I almost let out a giggle.

"O-oh," she says, snapping out of her trance. She then walks towards me with a smile and whispers into my ear. I shiver as she tucked in a stray hair behind my ear. "I think you'd want to know this."

"What?"

"Carmela, or Cara, is Theo's sister."

Was I too obvious?

Flustered, I look down and mutter a small, "Thanks."

And with that, they finally take their leave.

With the weight on my shoulders lifted, I make a risky decision to take a stroll around the pack grounds.

I needed time to think. I had mixed feelings: I was glad, yet curious.

What was the reason behind the pack's strong hatred for rogues? And why did Celestina look at Felix with such misery?

Time will always somehow manage to reveal these secrets.

___

A/N I'll edit this chapter soon because it literally is bullshit but I have a fucking fever rn and it's annoying the shit outta me. Adios✌️