Iris’s POV

I tugged at my turtleneck sweater for the tenth time, making sure it covered the marks on my neck as I approached the Stone family residence. My steps slowed with each foot closer to the door. The last thing I needed right now was another confrontation.

God, I was so stupid. How could I have believed anything would change between us? This morning’s conversation with Sebastien replayed in my head like a bad movie I couldn’t turn off. His cold eyes. The disgust in his voice. The way he’d tossed that pill at me like I was nothing.

“Take it. Now. I want to see you swallow it.”

I swallowed hard, the phantom bitterness of that pill still lingering in my throat. Tomorrow couldn’t come fast enough. I’d file for our Moon Cycle Cooling Period and finally end this charade of a marriage.

When I pushed open the front door, I nearly stumbled back at the sight that greeted me. Catherine and Kim were waiting in the entryway, both wearing uncharacteristically bright smiles.

“Iris! Finally, you’re home,” Catherine exclaimed, rushing forward to grab my arm. “We’ve been waiting for you.”

I tensed immediately. My mother showing enthusiasm about my arrival? Something was definitely wrong. My wolf senses prickled with warning.

“Why?” I asked, not bothering to hide my suspicion.

Catherine pulled me toward the living room, her grip uncomfortably tight. “Don’t be silly. We have preparations to discuss!”

As I stepped into the living room, I saw several designer catalogs spread across the coffee table. Kim sat on the couch, her eyes traveling over my turtleneck with a knowing smirk that made my skin crawl.

“Preparations for what?” I asked, remaining standing even as Catherine tried to push me onto the sofa.

“For your wedding, of course!” Catherine beamed. “Come sit down and look at these dress options. The Grey family sent them over for you to choose from.”

My feet froze to the floor. “Wedding? What wedding?”

Kim rolled her eyes, flipping her hair over her shoulder. “Don’t act dumb. The one happening at the next full moon. You know, where you’ll finally become Sebastien’s official Luna?” Her voice dripped with jealousy.

I stared at them both, my brain struggling to process what I was hearing. Sebastien had just told me this morning we were getting divorced. Why would he be planning a wedding?

“There must be some mistake,” I said slowly. “Sebastien and I… we’re not having a wedding.”

Catherine’s smile faltered slightly. “Don’t be ridiculous. The Grey family has already sent over everything. William Grey himself called to discuss arrangements.”

“When?” I demanded.

“Yesterday afternoon,” Catherine replied. “Everything’s been set in motion.”

My head spun. Yesterday? Before our night together? It might be William’s idea.

Kim slid something across the coffee table. “Is this why you’re acting weird? Embarrassed we saw your little performance?”

I picked up what I now realized was a photograph. My stomach dropped as I stared at the image.

I’d gone to the Moon Crescent bar last night after hearing Sebastien would be there with pack members. After two years of marriage, I still foolishly thought we could talk, maybe salvage something. Instead, I’d watched from a corner as Sebastien participated in some ridiculous wolf challenge game.

He lost the bet. The penalty: kiss a woman in the bar.

I remembered how my heart raced when his glazed eyes fell on me in the crowded room. He hadn’t recognized me at first—I’d changed my hair, worn makeup he’d never seen. Without hesitation, he’d pulled me against him, his lips crashing down on mine with an intensity that left me breathless.

When he finally realized who I was, there had been a moment—just a flash—of something like hunger in his eyes. Then he’d growled, “You’ll do,” and taken me home.

I threw the photo down, heat rising to my face. “Where did you get this?”

“Jennifer sent it to me,” Kim smirked. “Everyone’s talking about how the cold Grey heir finally showed some public affection for his wife. How romantic.”

“Catherine,” I said firmly, ignoring Kim. “I need to be clear. There won’t be a wedding. Sebastien and I are applying for a Moon Cycle Cooling Period tomorrow.”

The room went deadly silent. Catherine’s smile vanished completely.

“What did you just say?” she hissed, grabbing my wrist hard enough to bruise.

“We’re getting divorced,” I repeated, yanking my arm free. “So you can put away the catalogs.”

Catherine’s face contorted with rage. “You selfish, ungrateful girl! Do you have any idea what this marriage means for our family? For our position in the wolf community?”

“Oh, I know exactly what it means,” I snapped back. “It means using me as a bargaining chip so you can keep your social status.”

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