Rejecting the Luna’s Hollow Vow

After shutting Arthur out of the packhouse, I headed into the kitchen to make myself something to eat.

The breakfast Arthur had prepared was now stone cold, much like our mate bond.

Usually, Arthur took care of the cooking at the packhouse, so I wasn’t used to spending much time in the kitchen. The last time I ventured in was when Livia came over, and I decided to make dessert for her.

Back then, Livia nudged Arthur playfully and teased, "Hey, isn’t it usually you cooking around here? How did Makenzie end up in the kitchen?"

Arthur, unfazed, explained to me, "Livia and I have some pack patrol routes to discuss, but I’ll join you in the kitchen later."

I nodded and poured them each a cup of coffee. Livia handed one to Arthur, and he accepted it without hesitation. Shortly afterward, Livia mistakenly picked up Arthur’s couple’s mug and took a sip. Realizing her mistake, she quickly apologized to me, "Sorry, Makenzie, I didn’t realize it was Arthur’s mug."

Arthur responded before I could, "Oh, it’s fine. A mug’s just a mug, right?"

I stood still, my mind in turmoil, and escaped into the kitchen, unsure of what to say.

Arthur soon joined me, asking, "Is there a lot to do?"

I shook my head, suggesting they focus on their work as I finished up. When Arthur left the kitchen, he casually turned on the exhaust fan and partially closed the kitchen door.

The doorbell rang, pulling me from my thoughts. Opening the door, I was surprised to see the delivery guy.

"I didn’t order takeout," I said, puzzled.

Following the arm holding the food upwards, I met Arthur’s gaze. "I saw you standing in the kitchen for ages on the monitor without eating. I went out and got us your favorite from our usual spot, plus ice cream. I’ll put it in the freezer so you can have it later," he explained as he stepped inside and closed the door.

It struck me that the packhouse indeed had cameras. Without them, I wouldn’t have seen Livia suddenly lean in and kiss Arthur when I was in the kitchen making dessert. Arthur gripped her wrist and pushed her onto the couch. I remember wondering why an exhaust fan was needed for making dessert.

Later, I discovered they’d messed up the bed in our master bedroom. Livia smirked at our marking photo and asked Arthur, "When’s Makenzie coming back?"

Catching his breath, Arthur replied, "She’ll be home soon; then we’ll head to the hotel."

That day, when I returned, Livia’s Victorian-style dress was rumpled, and there was a red mark on Arthur’s neck. I touched it and asked, "What happened here? Mosquito bite?"

He swiftly brushed my hand away, "It’s nothing. A little ointment will take care of it."

Livia laughed from the side, "Arthur, you really are pampered by Makenzie, not even noticing a mosquito bite."

Arthur always managed to keep things hidden; I was keenly aware of that.

So now, facing Arthur as he darted around in our packhouse, I said, "Thanks for bringing dinner over; you can leave now. Goodbye."

He ignored my request and moved further in, "Just need to use the bathroom."

I stood there, helpless, listening to the sounds from the restroom. As soon as I heard the toilet flush, I quickly opened the front door, ready to usher him out. Unexpectedly, the shower began running, and my heart skipped a beat.

"What are you doing, Arthur?"

"I broke into a sweat when you mentioned rejection; I need a shower."

I took a deep breath and began banging on the door, "You need to leave; I’ve already called the elevator for you."

The door swung open suddenly, causing me to lose balance, but Arthur caught me: "The rejection papers aren’t signed yet; you’re still my mate. So why can’t I shower at my mate’s place?"

Seeing my lack of response, Arthur’s demeanor became serious: "Why do you want to reject me? Didn’t you say you’d always love me when we marked each other?"

"I don’t love you anymore."

"If you don’t love me, why should I still love you?"

Arthur hastily defended himself, "Who said I don’t love you? If not you, then who?"

Arthur’s phone rang, and I glanced at the caller ID: "Livia."