Chapter 5 Vanya's POV To my surprise , Theodore didn't press for further reasons . . I received a verbal commitment from him . Although I couldn't say I was completely reassured , I wasn't panicked either . I knew Theodore was a man of his word . Once he promised something , he was likely to follow through . As for me , I planned to keep Theodore's identity a deep secret , never to be revealed to others in the pack . After all that , I dragged my exhausted body to the bathtub , craving a good soak to ease my tense nerves . As the warm water gradually covered my body , my thoughts began to drift . After the initial panic , I gradually calmed down . After my bath , I locked the bedroom door . was well aware of where Cliff was at this hour . He was with Melinda , undoubtedly . Although my wolf was still restless , strangely , there was no pain from the betrayal of my mate . I knew Cliff wouldn't engage in overly intimate actions with Melinda just yet . But this restraint wouldn't last long . Soon , he would indulge his wolf and completely succumb to the allure of his true mate , even betraying our oath . However , at this moment , there was no pain in my heart . I couldn't help but wonder why I was so calm , even though Cliff and I hadn't rejected each other . His wolf seemed unable to affect me as it once had . Everything seemed so strange . The next day , I woke up to the faint light of dawn . I was still lying on the familiar bed , marveling at the miracle of the Moon Goddess . At that moment , there was a sound from the bedroom door , followed by urgent knocking and Cliff's angry voice , " What the hell , Vanya ! Why did you lock the door ? Open it now ! " I got up leisurely and opened the door . Cliff stood at the door , his face flushed with anger in his eyes . " What's the matter ? " I asked . He stared at me fiercely , then slowly approached me . I could feel his breathing becoming rapid . Suddenly , he lowered his head and sniffed at my neck , the warm breath making me slightly uncomfortable . " I think I can mark you again , to strengthen our bond . Maybe then , I'll have enough power to reject Melinda ," he said in a deep , husky voice , with a hint of probing . I rejected him without hesitation , even feeling a bit of disgust . " No need . Where were you yesterday , with Melinda ? " Chiff snorted impatiently and turned to leave . " None of your business . I have a werewolf gathering to attend in a few days ." " Should I be with you ? " I asked . " You don't need to , " he said without turning back . 1/2 P P Chapter 5 I watched his hurried departure and sneered inwardly . In the previous life , he took Melinda to the gathering . Since we had just become mates for less than a month , many werewolves didn't know that I was his Luna . They mistook Melinda for the Luna , causing me endless humiliation . But this time , I wouldn't let the same thing happen . I found my best friend , Maggie , one of the few people in Silver Moon I could trust . " Maggie , I want you to take me to get a dress made in your name , " I said . " I can't let Cliff know I'm going to the werewolf gathering ." Maggie looked at me , puzzled . " Vanya , why don't you just reject him? Why bother with all this ? " I sighed gently and looked into her eyes , " It's not that simple . He won't agree to my rejection . We've only been married for a month . It would also be a blow to my father's pack ." Maggie held my hand . Then I came to the Packhouse and just happened to meet the tailor leaving . Pretending to know nothing , I asked Jenny , " Jenny , what's going on ? " Jenný opened her mouth , seemingly wanting to tell me something , but helplessly closed it again . " It's Alpha Cliff . He saw that I was too pitiful , with no decent clothes . If I attend any gathering , it would embarrass the pack , so he had someone make a couple of dresses for me ," Melinda said weakly . I sneered inwardly . What chance did a rogue have to represent the pack at a gathering ? She just wanted to imply something to me . I walked up to Melinda with a friendly smile on my face . " That's great . You must choose well and dress beautifully . " Melinda was obviously taken aback by my actions . Other members of the pack around us also looked surprised . Some werewolves ' eyes widened in disbelief at what was happening ; others frowned , their faces full of confusion , clearly not understanding why I was so kind to this woman who openly broke my marriage . Pretending not to see their reactions , I continued to smile at Melinda . " Melinda , you're new here and may not be used to it yet . But don't worry , in our pack , everyone will take good care of you ." I gently patted her shoulder , my movements soft and natural . וד Melinda finally came to her senses , forcing a smile and saying , " Thank you … Thank you , Luna Vanya , for your concern . I just don't want to cause any trouble ," 2/2