TRADING MY CHEATING HUSBAND FOR THE LYCAN KING novel Chapter 26

CHAPTER 17: WHO’S CELESTE?-3

“Who’s Celeste?” I ask her.

Queenie’s face does something complicated. She glances at Knox, who’s now in a low, tense conversation with Nathaniel about something involving pack council votes.

“Celeste was Knox’s mate,” Queenie whispers. “His true mate. She died a few years ago.”

The words land like a punch. “He had a mate?”

“Yeah. It’s not a secret, but people don’t bring her up around him. It’s… complicated.”

“How did she die?”

Queenie’s expression goes carefully neutral. “That’s Knox’s story to tell, not mine.”

“But-”

“Ember.” Queenie’s voice is gentle but firm. “Some things you need to hear from him. Not me.

I want to push, but Queenie’s right. This isn’t her story to tell. I look at Knox, still deep in conversation with Nathaniel, jaw tight, shoulders tense.

He had a mate. A true mate. And she died.

And he never told me.

Before I can process this, Gale stands up across the room, tapping his fork against his wine glass.

Oh no.

He’s drunk–face flushed, eyes glassy, swaying slightly. The room goes quiet.

“I’d like to make a toast, he announces, voice slurring.

Knox goes very still beside me.

Gale clears his throat, suddenly looking broken and contrite.

“I want to apologize for earlier. I was inappropriate. Out of line. And I’m deeply sorry for any distress I caused my wife, Ember.”

His voice cracks on my name like he’s holding back tears. My stomach drops.

“I also need to address something.” His voice gets stronger, more confident. “There have

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HAPTER 17 WHO’S CELESTE?-3

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