The Substitute Luna Chapter 06

The Substitute Luna Chapter 06

Catching sight of Taryn’s clenched fists, I smiled.

“Back in school,” I said, “even though we weren’t in the same class, you saw what she did to me, didn’t you?”

“If you want me to stay, make her pay for it. Then get her out. Right now.”

Taryn’s face crumpled. She grabbed Ronan’s sleeve, her voice breaking. “Ronan, I was young. It was just stupid rivalry, I didn’t mean half of what I did. If she’s angry, I’ll apologize, please…”

She clawed at the floor. “I have no one else. Don’t take him from me. Those debt collectors… you

saw what they did. Without you, I..”

Ronan’s jaw tightened. He held my gaze for a long moment. Then, quietly, “I’m sorry. I can’t.”

I laughed.

“I knew it.”

Something flickered in his eyes, then went cold. He released me.

He crossed the room and pulled Taryn into his arms.

“Shh. This is my fault. I shouldn’t have said those things.”

“I’m not leaving you. I swear.”

She beat weakly against his shoulder, sobbing, clinging to his neck.

On the day the bond was severed, Taryn came along. She clung to Ronan’s arm the whole time, as if afraid I might chant some spell and steal him back.

When the seal was broken and the parchment stamped, she let out a breath, like a weight she’d been carrying for years had finally been lifted.

When Ronan stepped away briefly, she moved closer and whispered, “Three years as Luna, consider it a parting gift. You’re welcome.”

“Don’t forget your place, Vivian. A pathetic mother breeds a pathetic daughter. That’s all you’ll ever

be.”

“Remember those photos from the bathroom? I still have them. I’ll ruin you.”

I grabbed her hair and wrenched it. She screamed.

I leaned in, low. “I have proof you killed someone.”

She froze, blood draining from her face.

I smiled. “Relax. I’m not as cruel as you. I don’t want you dead. I want you to wish you were.”

When news of the bond dissolution went public, Ronan’s reputation cratered.

He didn’t care. Alphas of his stature had weathered worse.

He took Taryn to gatherings, issued statements clearing her name, secured her a place in high-ranking families.

By the time I saw her again, she’d staged a grand comeback.

Tonight was the pack Elder’s birthday gala. I had no choice but to attend.

At the entrance, Taryn looped her arm through Ronan’s. “Vivian, long time no see.”

“Heard you’re working on some unknown project. Short on cash these days?”

In front of Ronan, she played innocent. She’d long forgotten my promise, dismissing it as empty

threats.

Jenna cut in coldly. “Small doesn’t mean insignificant. Vivian’s project spans three packs, all Alpha partners. Watch your mouth.”

Taryn’s smile twitched. She leaned into Ronan. “It’s okay. Whatever I do wrong, he’ll fix it for me.” “It’s always been this way. I cause trouble, he cleans it up. With him, I fear nothing.”

I signed the guest book and turned to leave.

She called after me, pulling out an ivory invitation.

“Forgot to mention, Ronan and I are holding our mating ceremony soon. You’ll come, won’t you?”

Ronan frowned. He smiled.

I glanced at her, took the invitation, and smiled back.

“Your ceremony sounds low-key, doesn’t it? Unlike mine, your mate insisted the entire territory watch us bond.”

“Looks magnificent. Feels exhausting.”

Her face darkened. I tossed the invitation into the brazier by the door.

Ronan Hale. Taryn Vire. May your ceremony be unforgettable.