Colette's heart leaped as she spun into Charles's embrace, pressing herself close, rising on her toes to kiss him. But before their lips could meet, Charles pushed her away.
"It's you!" His voice was sharp, his eyes brimming with disappointment.
Colette froze, stunned he'd seen through her so quickly. "How… how did you know?" she stammered. She'd mimicked Isabel perfectly—every gesture, every detail—under the dim moonlight. She'd stooped so low, yet it still wasn't enough.
"No wolf mistakes his own mate," Charles said, his tone like ice.
"Colette, you said you'd moved on. That's the only reason I left the pups with you. Clearly, that was a mistake. We're done—no more contact. I don't want Isabel getting the wrong idea. Leave."
He turned to head upstairs.
Colette knew his decisions we
