Two months after Alpha Aaron marked me, he kissed me and our unborn child goodbye and left with his pack to deal with the rogues harassing our borders. After he left, I became the Luna of the vast Silver Pack. I managed the pack’s affairs while caring day and night for his ailing mother. For five long years, I waited for his return with unwavering hope. But what I finally received was the devastating news of his death on the battlefield. The Beta who delivered the message was named Liam—he had a thick beard and dark skin, yet his eyes bore a striking resemblance to my mate’s. I often found myself staring at him in a daze. Until one day, while delivering medicine to Aaron’s mother, I overheard a hushed conversation behind the door. “Evelyn has waited for you all these years, and yet you’ve blocked the mate bond, disguised yourself as a Beta, refused to acknowledge her, and even were seen with other women in public. Don’t you think you owe her more than this?” There was a long silence before the man finally replied in a low voice. “Serena’s mate was my best friend. He died on the battlefield protecting me. I can’t abandon his wife and child.” “I promise—once Serena’s child turns ten, I’ll reclaim my true identity and reunite with Evelyn as her mate.” In that moment, my world shattered.