scent of lavender she always kept in her vases. It was almost soothing, almost. B

?" Auntie Emilia's voice boomed thro

arly tripping over my own fee

. "What happened between you and Marco? I saw you both in the hospital lobby as I was leaving. You better not be in

uble, Auntie. Jus

embarrassment from Gianni was enough. And to add to it, y

xaggerated motions, hand on her hips, even holding her ears as if warding off further

aved her hand dismissively.

her to sit beside me. "Marco paid Daddy's bil

split second before launch

shining like I'd just won the lottery. I smiled weakly, nodding

her gaze narrowed on me.

me to ma

e gasped loudly. "Wait, Francesca. Do you mean to

plain what I didn't fully und

ly. "Do you know who Marco is? That man cannot inherit his father's wealth, Don Luc

ard, each syllable landin

es, I unders

a of one of the most powerful Lycan families in the entire territory. And he already respects

Gianni, the memories of his

remained firm. "This isn't just about Marco. It's about us. Your father, your future. A

isapproval, Auntie," I admitted,

ring complaints under her breath. The slam of her door echoed through the apartment

like a broken record. Every time I tried to think of a w

ills, and the shame Gianni had left me with bo

isted before the city woke up. I stared at Marco's number o

esse

y, but finally, his deep voice cut

ling out quickly before I could sec

st long enough for do

" he said, and

at evening, his towering frame filling the doorway. His presence was

ly, stepping inside withou

not to hover, quickly ushered herself

uch, his piercing gaze fixed on

es

ght of finality, but there was an

why me? Why not someone else from you

them.You've beenthrough hell and back, Francesca. You've seen the worst life ha

I didn't let it show. "And this i

doesn't mean you're not the right choice."Silence hu

catch?" I fi

play the part of my Luna, and in return, your father's hospital bills

at do y

matter-of-fact like it was the

f I sa

is voice dipping into a low growl. "But if y

ce for any sign of softness, any

ce steady despite the

, like a predator on the hunt. "We'll announce th