Chapter 6 Blake realized that Zariah had only used the wrist-cutting act to manipulate him, and a trace of anger flickered in his eyes. But the softness of her chest pressed against his arm made him soften. His voice was cold as he spoke, "If you do this again, don't ever contact me." Zariah's eyes reddened and she raised her wrist to his face, a red mark stark against her fair skin. She looked at him with teary eyes, her voice a whimper. "I really did cut myself, but I was too afraid of never seeing you again to go through with it. Otherwise, you wouldn't be seeing me now. Without you, I truly don't want to live." A flicker of pity crossed Blake's face, but his words were harsh. "Buy a sharper knife next time. Seeing his anger, Zariah chuckled softly, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Alright. If there's a next time, I'll jump off a fifty-story building. I'll die for our love." She thought Blake would laugh along with her, but instead, he coldly pulled away from her embrace and turned toward the door. "Don't talk nonsense. There's no love between us. It's just mutual use." "I'm going back to find Layla," he continued, his voice steady. "If all goes well, we'll be holding the bonding ceremony this year. And when you see her, remember to call her Luna." Zariah's composure shattered in an instant. Grabbing the silver dinner knife that had just been set down, she pressed it to her vulnerable artery. Blake grew more frustrated but didn't dare provoke her. "I've never hidden anything from you. From the very beginning, you knew there was only one month. So what is this all about now?" Tears streamed down Zariah's face. "Didn't you break the rules last year? Why can't you do it again this year?" Chapter 6 60.00% Taking advantage of her distraction, Blake snatched the knife from her hand. "Layla was already upset last year. How could I make her sad again? She's my mate, my future Luna." Zariah collapsed to the floor, pleading desperately. "Just today, please? You said there are 31 days in this month, right?" Blake's heart softened with pity. He bit his lip and nodded. As Blake carefully prepared the cheeseburger, Zariah bit her lip in frustration. How could such a good man be Layla's? Why couldn't he be hers? She refused to believe that someone as young and beautiful as her couldn't steal him away. Besides, that man wasn't even all that difficult to get. Seeing Blake's phone on the coffee table, she decided to convince that old woman to step aside. During dinner, she clung to Blake, begging him to feed her. Blake was reluctant, but after shedding a few tears, she got her wish and ate. Zariah felt triumphant inside but showed none of it on her face. She pitifully begged Blake for one last sunrise. They arrived at the beach. The sand beneath their feet was soft and scorching, the waves crashing relentlessly against the reefs, and the western sky painted with the red glow of the setting sun. Zariah leaned in and kissed him. "I never took you to see the purple sunset. What a shame, huh? Maybe next year?" Blake's mind was in turmoil. What Zariah brought to him was a completely different kind of thrill than Layla. Every moment with her made him feel young and alive. Why couldn't he have two mates? Chapter 6 60.00% He thought back to Rosalie's warning. Layla had said that bet on not re-bonding and it was a sure win. Did she really have no faith in him? Blake grew serious. "After I have the bonding ceremony with Layla, I will be loyal to the mate bond. It will be over for us. There won't be any more next year or the year after." Zariah pouted and shrugged dismissively. Just then, Kendall suddenly called. Zariah muttered under her breath, "You've improved since last year. Now you're faking illness for attention." Blake felt relieved. This only proved that Layla still cared for him. The block was just a temporary outburst. When he returned to the pack house tomorrow, he would apologize and make it right. His mind was still on Layla, making him more absent-minded as he watched the sunrise. A red sun broke through the horizon, rising into the sky. Blake didn't even say goodbye before he rushed off to the pack. No matter how much Zariah pouted or stomped her feet, he didn't look back. Eager to get back to the pack house, Blake decided not to prepare any surprises. He would immediately tell Layla that he had hired a designer six months ago to work on the wedding dress and ring, and they were almost ready. Chapter 6 60.00% Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!