Chapter 2

The drama seemed to blow over just like that.

Music started playing again. People ate BBQ, drank beer, and played games.

But I felt like a ghost, completely detached from the world.

I watched them.

I noticed Liam and Jade purposely avoiding each other. They didn't even make eye contact.

But the way the others looked at me had changed.

It was subtle, but I caught it.

It was pity, mockery, and amusement.

They were probably laughing at me in their minds: *Look at Serena, the clueless Luna. Her mate is cheating on her, and she believes any stupid lie.*

Halfway through, I excused myself to the restroom. I stared at my pale face in the mirror.

Serena, you're pathetic.

There was a knock on the door.

It was Chad.

He handed me a glass of warm water, his playful smirk replaced by a patronizing look.

"Here, Serena. Have some water."

I didn't take it. I just looked at him coldly. "What do you want, Chad?"

Chad sighed, leaning against the doorframe, keeping his voice low. "Serena, look... we're all adults. Sometimes, it's better to play dumb."

My heart sank, but I kept my face blank. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"I mean, Liam still treats you well. He's an Alpha; sometimes they just need a little excitement. But in his heart, the pack is the pack, and you're still his Luna."

Chad looked at me with an air of superiority.

"I heard you're the Alpha King's least favorite daughter because your mother passed away when you were born. Even if you throw a fit, the Alpha King won't back you up. Liam is the Alpha of Moonridge now. Staying with him at least keeps you as Luna. Just turn a blind eye, and your life will still be comfortable. Don't you think?"

I got it now.

He wasn't here to comfort me.

He was here to warn me.

He was telling me: *We all know Liam is cheating, but you better pretend you don't. Play the good Luna, don't make a scene, and don't ruin our fun.*

Looking at Chad's smug face, I found it incredibly ridiculous.

"Chad, Jade was marked by my Alpha," I said, staring into his eyes. "And instead of being angry, you're telling me to be generous?"

Chad stiffened, looking uncomfortable for a second, but quickly shrugged it off.

"Serena, don't look at it that way. We're just trying to have fun. Besides, Jade..." He waved it off. "Anyway, I'm telling you this for your own good. Be smart. Don't push Liam too far, or you'll end up with nothing."

"For my own good?" I let out a cold laugh. "Well, thanks a lot."

I pushed past him and walked back to the living room.

I didn't blow up.

Because I knew that if I did now, they would just deny it and turn it on me.

They had the numbers. They were a united front.

I needed proof.

I needed solid, undeniable evidence to drag them all down.