Chapter 11
Maybe Ariel had known all along that he was cheating.
The realization hit Damon like a bolt of lightning.
He had thought he was hiding it well–believed he could drift effortlessly
between two women, balancing Ariel and Isabelle without either ever
noticing.
He thought he was careful. Every time he met up with Isabelle, he made sure
it was on the opposite side of Thornfang Pack, far from the home he shared
with Ariel.
He thought he was thorough. Before going home, he always double–checked
that Isabelle’s scent was completely gone from his body.
He thought his Ariel would never find out.
But now he realized–she knew everything.
Chapter 11 Betration
When did it start? he wondered. How long had she known?
She hadn’t said a single word. No tears. No confrontation.
Just… vanished.
Completely and utterly disappeared from his world.
His vision blurred. Tears welled up and spilled down his cheeks.
And then, like a blow to the chest, he remembered what Ariel had once told
him, back when she’d finally accepted him as her mate:
“I’ll do my best to be your Luna, but I will never tolerate betrayal.
If you ever betray me, I’ll disappear from your world forever.”
Back then, Damon had been so sure of himself. So convinced he’d never hurt
her.
He would’ve cut his own heart out and laid it bare for her if that’s what it took.
He loved her that much.
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Chapter 11 Realization
How could he ever betray her?
G
But somewhere along the way… something changed.
Was it his friends, constantly nudging and teasing him?
Was it the dull repetition of married life?
Was it the endless line of seductive she–wolves constantly throwing
themselves at him?
Little by little, he had lost the heart that once beat only for Ariel.
Chasing thrills, he’d given in to Isabelle’s cheap manipulations.
All the while, Ariel–still unaware–had continued loving him as she always
had. That comfort, that warmth, lulled him into a dream.
He thought he had everything.
He was the most powerful Alpha in the western packs, with unmatched
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Chapter 11 Realization
strength and influence.
He thought he could control it all.
But he had forgotten–Ariel was never someone who tolerated betrayal.
She’d told him from the beginning she didn’t want to repeat her parents‘
mistakes.
She would never accept a faithless mate.
And once she found out–there would be no second chances.
Ariel had her pride. And once her heart shattered, it couldn’t be put back
together.
She must’ve thought: Better to end it now than become a bitter, broken
couple like my parents.
She knew him well.
Well enough to know that if she told him she was leaving, he’d never let her
Chapter 11 Realization
- go. He’d do anything to make her stay.
So she had given up everything–her identity, her past, her title in Thornfang
Pack.
And disappeared.
Just like that.
Now that Damon finally understood everything, he still couldn’t stop the
anguish boiling in his chest.
“Ariel… no. I’m not letting you go. Never!”
