Iris’s POV

I curled into a tight ball on the massive bed in the Grey family master bedroom, clutching my stomach as waves of pain rolled through it. The “wedding” celebration without a groom had been a special kind of humiliation I never wanted to experience again.

I shouldn’t have tried to be so damn brave today, I thought, pressing my palm against my churning stomach. I hadn’t eaten anything all day, too anxious about fitting into that stupid dress Catherine had insisted was “perfect for a wedding.”

What a joke!

I’d stood alone at the ceremonial clearing for over an hour, forcing myself to smile while serving drinks to every important wolf in the community who had come to witness our marking. All while they whispered behind my back about being stood up by my own husband.

My stomach cramped again, and I wasn’t sure which pain was worse—the physical one or the ache that had taken permanent residence in my chest. I closed my eyes, trying to breathe through it. Just a few more hours and this horrible day would be over.

The bedroom door suddenly flew open, banging against the wall hard enough to make me jump. The sharp scent of whiskey and expensive perfume—distinctly female—hit my sensitive nose before I even saw him.

He didn’t come to our ceremony, but he had time to drink with another she-wolf? My wolf bristled with indignation even as my human heart sank further.

The bed dipped as a heavy weight dropped onto it. Sebastien hadn’t even noticed I was here. I lay perfectly still, hoping he might just pass out and leave me in peace.

No such luck.

The bedside lamp flicked on, flooding the room with harsh light. I squeezed my eyes shut against the sudden brightness. Before I could adjust, strong fingers dug into my shoulder, yanking me onto my back.

When I opened my eyes, I found myself staring into Sebastien’s cold silver-gray eyes—the eyes that would turn completely wolf-like during the full moon. Right now, they were filled with fury.

“Who the hell gave you permission to sleep here?” he demanded, his voice a low, dangerous growl.

I winced as another cramp twisted through my stomach. “Your grandfather is already furious enough,” I whispered, trying to keep my voice steady. If we cause another scene tonight, it’ll just make things worse for the whole pack.

Something flickered across Sebastien’s face at the mention of William. Even as the next Alpha, he still respected his grandfather’s authority—it was instinct for any wolf.

But instead of explaining why he’d humiliated me in front of the entire wolf community, he sneered, “So now you’re hiding behind William?”

I frowned, a rush of hurt washing through me. “This has nothing to do with me,” I said softly.

His laugh was cruel. “Nothing to do with you? If it weren’t for you, my grandfather wouldn’t ask for a wedding.” His words cut like knives. “Playing the innocent victim now, are we?”

I stared at him in disbelief. How could he twist everything around like this? “I didn’t—”

“Stop lying, Iris Stone,” he cut me off. “The innocent act is getting old.”

I felt sick with exhaustion. Why bother explaining? He never believed me anyway. In his mind, I was always the schemer, the gold-digger, the opportunist. Just like every other female who’d tried to become his Luna.

“I never pushed for anything,” I said quietly. “I’ve only ever done what your family asked of me.”

His face hardened. “Get your things and get out of this room. Now.”

The pain in my stomach intensified, cold sweat breaking out across my forehead. I bit my lip to keep from making a sound as he turned and stalked into the bathroom, slamming the door behind him.

I sat up slowly, waiting for the wave of nausea to pass. I need to leave this place. I can’t take another night of this.

After several deep breaths, I pushed myself off the bed and made my way to the door on shaky legs. When I tried the handle, it wouldn’t budge. I jiggled it harder, then noticed the lock mechanism above the handle—specialized fixtures designed specifically to prevent wolves from breaking doors with their enhanced strength.

I tried again, desperation growing. It was definitely locked. He’s trapped me in here. He won’t even give me the dignity of walking away.

I closed my eyes, suddenly too exhausted to fight. It doesn’t matter what I say. In his mind, I’m always lying, always scheming. He’s never once seen me as his true mate.

I rinsed my mouth, trying to appear calmer than I felt. “I just drank too much,” I lied, forcing a weak smile. “Besides, I took that pill you gave me, remember?” My heart raced as I remembered the truth—I’d accidentally thrown up the pill that morning, but he didn’t need to know that.

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