Chapter 20 Giana's face crumpled on cue , tears welling in her eyes . " I knew it was a mistake to ask for help , " she said , her voice quivering perfectly . " I should just go . I don't want to cause problems between you and Aurora . " She started to turn away , a calculated move that worked exactly as intended . Raymond immediately caught her arm . " No , wait- " " Let her go , " I said . " She's manipulating you . " Raymond's expression hardened . " This is because I missed your discharge , isn't it ? You're still angry about that . " " This has nothing to do with- " " She nearly died , Aurora ," he hissed . " Are you really that petty that you'd put your pride over her safety ? " I glanced between Raymond's stubborn expression and Giana's tear - stained face . I could continue fighting , but it would only make me look like the villain . Besides , my head was throbbing mercilessly from my injury . " Fine , " I conceded , too exhausted to argue further . " She can stay in the Omega quarters . Not the main house . " Raymond's mouth opened to protest , but Giana squeezed his arm . " That's more than generous , Raymond , " she said sweetly . " Thank you , Aurora . " Her eyes told a different story - this was just the beginning of her incursion into pack territory . *** Kane's POV I watched Raymond pace across my office , his frustration evident in every rigid line of his body . We'd been discussing the upcoming trade agreement between our packs , but his mind was clearly elsewhere . " You seem distracted , " I observed , leaning back in my chair . " Wedding jitters ? " Raymond grimaced , running a hand through his hair . " About that . " He pulled an envelope from his jacket . " I want you to be my best man . " I accepted the invitation with a raised eyebrow . " An honor I didn't expect , given your obvious enthusiasm for the event . " " Don't start , " he warned , dropping heavily into the chair across from me . " This whole wedding is just ... necessary politics . " 1/2 Chapter 20 +15 BONUS " And Aurora knows this ? " He nodded . " It's a contract . Nothing more ." He sighed , staring out the window . " She's not the bride I want . " I studied him , hiding my irritation behind a casual expression . Raymond had everything - power, position , respect , and a woman who would walk through fire for him . Yet here he was , whining about it . " You know , I almost envy you , " he continued . " No pressure to find a Luna , no expectations . You're free to do as you please . " I twirled a pen between my fingers , thinking of Aurora . When I'd first met her , I'd dismissed her as pathetically lovesick over Raymond . But that night - the night she'd come to me with fire in her eyes and hunger in her touch - I'd glimpsed something else . Something that continued to intrigue me . " Perhaps , " I said carefully , " you don't truly understand Aurora . " Raymond frowned . " What's that supposed to mean ? I've known her my entire life . " I shrugged , not elaborating . The truth was , I wasn't sure why I'd said it or why the thought of Aurora trapped in a loveless marriage with Raymond bothered me so much . I'd never cared about such things before . " One day , " Raymond said , misreading my silence , " when you find your fated mate , you'll understand this pain . Being bound to someone you can't publicly claim ... " I laughed , genuinely amused . " Not likely . Marriage , mate bonds - that's not for me . I prefer to enjoy life without such ... complications . " A frantic knock interrupted us . The door flew open to reveal a young maid , her face flushed with excitement and anxiety . " Alpha heir , " she gasped , curtseying hastily . " The butler sent me . He found something in the Omega quarters - in that rogue girl's room . " Raymond stood , suddenly tense . " What is it ? " " A ring , sir ," the maid said , eyes wide . " A beautiful one that's a perfect match for your own . The butler thinks she must have stolen it from Miss Aurora . " Raymond went pale . I sat back , intrigued despite myself . A complication had just entered our little drama , and for once , I wasn't at the center of it . This was about to get very interesting indeed . 2/2 Chapter 21 +15 BONUS Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!