A Curse of Moonsilver and Heartstone

A pang of guilt shot through me.

This collaborative research project was originally designed specifically for me.

But before, I'd been so obsessed with Archer that I hadn't given it a second thought.

The director had no choice but to find a replacement.

But because they couldn't find a suitable candidate, the entire project had been delayed.

Just as I finished the last of the paperwork, I heard a sob from outside my office.

"I worked so hard, and Faye just swoops in and snatches the position right from under me."

"All my effort this past month... it was all for nothing."

It was Lorelei... the woman Archer had deeply loved in our past life.

The she-wolf who had sown discord between us for thirty years.

I opened the door to find Archer standing there, his expression grim.

He glared down at me, his potent Alpha dominance washing over me in waves, stealing the air from my lungs.

"Faye, give up this project."

I shook my head. "No chance."

"Faye..."

Archer's face was a mask of disbelief.

"I already agreed to our bonding. You've even arranged the ceremony venue."

"You don't even want this project. You're just doing this to spite Lorelei!"

Lorelei stepped forward, her eyes red and swollen.

"Faye, I worked so hard for this position. I won't be in your way after I leave, you don't have to worry..."

"Effort doesn't equal competence. We both know you falsified your research data. You aren't qualified for this role, period."

Lorelei froze, her eyes growing redder.

She had applied for the project, hoping Archer would go with her. But I had used every desperate trick in the book, even hurting myself, to force Archer to bond with me. Mindful of the debt he owed my father, Archer had reluctantly agreed. In a fit of pique, Lorelei had decided to leave on her own.

But she wasn't capable enough. In my last life, her application failed.

But Archer frowned.

"You won't even give her a chance. How can you be so sure she can't handle it?"

I brandished the transfer papers in my hand.

"Because the director has already signed and stamped them. For me."

"Faye..."

Archer clenched his fists, his eyes filled with deep disappointment.

"I knew you were spoiled, Faye, but I never thought you were this malicious."

"You have plenty of opportunities. This one means everything to Lorelei!"

"You'd rather waste a valuable position just to spite her!"

He looked at me coldly.

"Listen to me. We can have the ceremony, but my wolf will never, ever acknowledge you."

"I know."

I nodded calmly.

I had already been through this once.

Archer ignored me. He wrapped an arm around Lorelei’s shoulders and turned to leave, his voice a low, comforting murmur.

"It's okay. I'll help you find other opportunities. Don't cry."

That was the kind of gentleness I had yearned for my entire past life but never received.

I couldn't have it then, and I wouldn't beg for it now.

I thought I wouldn't see him again for a while.

But when I opened the door to my lab, he was there.