The Lie Everyone Knew But Me

That's a widely circulated saying in the werewolf upper circles.

I'm Irene Chandler. Because of one game, I've decided to dissolve the mate bond with Carlen Alvarado.

During the game, he says drunkenly, "I love resting my head on the belly of an expecting she-wolf and listening to the pup's heartbeat."

The room falls silent. Every werewolf turns to look at me.

There's no surprise in their eyes. What I see is their pity for me, the rightful Luna, and a flicker of…