HIS APOLOGIES CAME TOO LATE

CHAPTER 3

Dominic appeared in the doorway, his face lighting up at the sight of me. In three long steps, he crossed the kitchen and wrapped his arms around me.

"I missed you so much," he whispered against my hair.

I returned his embrace, ignoring the way my wolf recoiled inside me. As he held me close, I caught the unmistakable scent of honeysuckle and jasmine perfume clinging to his skin. Selena's scent.

I pulled back while keeping my smile intact. "How was your trip? I thought you said you'd be back tomorrow night."

"The negotiations went faster than expected," he replied, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "Alpha Marcus was very... accommodating."

I nodded, pretending to believe the lie. "That's wonderful. Are you hungry? I made your favorite."

His eyes brightened. "Starving."

I served him a plate of the venison stew I'd prepared earlier, watching as he devoured it with enthusiasm. I sat across from him, nursing a cup of tea and waiting.

"Speaking of news," Dominic said between bites, "we're going to have a guest staying with us for a while."

I raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Who?"

"Selena," he said. "Her father's territory is dealing with some rogue attacks near their borders. I offered our protection until things settle down."

I gripped my teacup tighter, the glass nearly cracking under my fingers. "You mean your ex will be staying here? In our home?"

"Former ex," he corrected. "Now she's just an ally. Her father is an important pack leader, Reina. We need their allegiance."

I took a sip of tea to hide my reaction. How much more would they infiltrate my life? How much longer would they mock me under my own roof?

I forced myself to take a deep breath. "When will she arrive?"

"In two days," he replied, pushing his empty plate away. "I need to head out for another pack meeting. Can you prepare the blue guest room for her?"

I nodded, watching as he stood, dropped a quick kiss on my forehead and left without another backward glance.

After Dominic left, I went to the guest bedroom at the far end of the house. If Selena was going to stay with us, I wanted her as far from our bedroom as possible. I changed the linens and placed fresh towels in the adjoining bathroom.

As I smoothed down the comforter, I pulled out the untraceable phone Mira had given me. My thumb hovered over the single number saved in its contacts. Not yet, I told myself. I needed more evidence and more allies. When I struck, it would be decisive.

I slipped the phone back into my pocket and continued preparing for our unwelcome guest.

Two days later, I heard a car pull into the driveway. I stood at the top of the grand staircase, watching as the front door opened.

Selena entered and stood in the doorway, surveying our home like she already owned it. She was still the same as I remembered—beautiful, with her long blonde hair cascading over her shoulders.

"Reina," she said. "It's been so long."

"Selena," I replied coolly. "Welcome to our home."

She glanced around with her calculative gazs. "Where's the Alpha? He said he would receive me personally."

The way she said "personally" made my blood boil, but I maintained my composure.

"He had an urgent matter to attend to," I lied. "He should be back soon. Would you like something to drink while you wait?"

"Water would be fine," she said dismissively, moving past me to enter the living room. She sat on the couch, my usual spot and crossed her legs, looking completely at home.

I brought her water, setting it on the coffee table without a word. Finally, the sound of Dominic's car broke the tension. The front door opened, and he appeared, his eyes immediately seeking out Selena.

I stood, intending to greet my husband as any dutiful Luna would, but he walked right past me. He crossed the room and pulled Selena into a tight embrace that lasted far too long.

"You made it safely," he said with genuine concern. "I was worried."

Selena smiled up at him. "The journey was fine. Though my hands are hurting from carrying my bags. They're still outside."

Only then did Dominic seem to notice me standing there, watching their reunion with anger. He had the decency to look slightly embarrassed.

"Reina," he said. "Could you help Selena bring her bags in? Put them in the blue guest room."

I stared at him, unable to believe what I was hearing. My husband, the Alpha, was asking me,his Luna to act as a servant for his mistress.