Beside her , Kane's expression was unreadable , his amber eyes fixed on my neck where Raymond's mark now claimed me . Something like anger flashed across his features before he schooled them back to careful neutrality . The reception that followed was an elaborate blur - first dances , toasts , cake cutting . Raymond went through each motion with precision , never meeting my eyes for longer than necessary . His gaze constantly sought Giana , who hovered at the edge of the celebration . I was speaking with relatives when Kane appeared at my side , devastatingly handsome in his tailored suit . " May I borrow the bride for a moment ? " he asked , his voice a silky purr . Before I could object , Kane had guided me away to a quieter corner of the reception hall . " You look stunning , " he said , his eyes traveling over me with an intensity that made my skin warm . " A vision in white . Too bad it's wasted on a man who can't appreciate it . " " Kane- " I began , warning in my tone . " Just an observation , " he responded , his fingers brushing mine as he handed me a champagne flute . " Tell me , Luna , does it feel different now ? Having everything you thought you wanted ? " The question cut too close to the bone . " Don't . " His lips curved into a smile that didn't reach his eyes . " You know , there are other paths you could have chosen . Other wolves who might have valued what Raymond so carelessly discards . " My heart stuttered at his words . Before I could respond , Raymond materialized beside us , his expression dark . " Kane , " he said tightly , " I'd appreciate it if you remembered that Aurora is my wife now . " Kane's smile widened , turning sharp . " How could I forget ? You've made your claim quite ... visible . " His eyes dropped pointedly to my neck where Raymond's mark stood out against my skin . Raymond's arm slid possessively around my waist . " Then you'll understand why I need to steal her away . Pack business . " Kane inclined his head in mock deference . " Of course . Who am I to stand between an Alpha and his Luna ? " His eyes met mine one last time , something unspoken passing between us before he stepped back . I let Raymond lead me away , conscious of the eyes following us - particularly Giana's , filled with naked longing , and Kane's , burning with something I couldn't name . *** 1/2 Chapter 29 +15 BONUS Night had fallen by the time we reached the honeymoon suite . The room was another romantic fantasy- rose petals scattered across the bed , champagne chilling in an ice bucket , candles casting a golden glow over everything . Raymond stood awkwardly by the door . He cleared his throat . " Aurora , about today- " " Don't pretend it was anything but what it was , " I cut him off . " An act . For both of us . " " Yes , " he agreed quietly . " An act . " I turned away , beginning to unpin my hair , when his next words froze me in place . " I need you to cover for me again , " he said , his voice low and urgent . " Giana ... she's devastated after today . Watching me mark someone else - it's physically painful for her , because of our mate bond . " I turned slowly to face him . " What exactly are you asking , Raymond ? " He couldn't meet my gaze . " I need to comfort her tonight . She's in the east wing guest room . If you could ... swap places with her , just for tonight ... " The audacity stole my breath . " You want me to give up the bridal suite on my wedding night so you can spend it with your mistress ? " " She's not my mistress , she's my mate , " he corrected sharply . " And yes , I'm asking . Please , Aurora . She's suffering . " And I wasn't ? The request was so selfish , so utterly blind to my feelings , that I almost laughed . " Get out ," I whispered . " Aurora- " " Get . Out . " My voice shook with suppressed rage . " Go to her . I don't care . But don't insult me by asking me to facilitate it . " He hesitated , then nodded once before slipping out the door . I stood alone in the honeymoon suite , a bride abandoned on her wedding night , the mark on my neck a burning reminder of everything this marriage wasn't , and would never be . Chapter 30 +15 BONU Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!