Moving on from My Mate

We spent the morning at one of the pack’s favorite cafes, sharing pastries and tea. From there, he dragged me to a theater to see a film I had little interest in, and then we wandered through the town square.

At one point, while I waited outside a shop, I saw him on his phone, speaking in hushed tones. My wolf perked up, uneasy at his body language. Ezra didn’t seem to notice me watching as he arranged for something to be delivered—a necklace I had admired in a catalog weeks ago.

I clenched my fists, my claws threatening to extend. He remembered the necklace but had forgotten my birthday. The thought stung more than I wanted to admit.

I tried to keep a neutral expression as the day wore on, but my lack of enthusiasm must have been obvious. Ezra tousled my hair playfully, his tone light. “Why does the birthday girl seem so down? Not happy with the plans?”

I forced a smile, but his words grated on me. Looking back, it was clear Ezra never truly saw me as an equal partner. He treated me like a younger wolf to be protected, a sister to be coddled rather than a mate to be cherished.

As we prepared to head back, he suddenly turned and flagged down a taxi. “Wait,” he said, raising an eyebrow at my puzzled look. “I have one more surprise. You’ve always wanted to meet my packmates, right? Well, today’s the day.”

The surprise left me stunned. For years, Ezra had avoided introducing me to his friends, always brushing off the idea with vague excuses. Now, guilt seemed to drive him into including me, as if this gesture would erase everything else.

The cab climbed the winding hill toward a secluded lodge. By the time we arrived, my wolf was on edge, sensing something I couldn’t quite place. Ezra pushed open the heavy door, and a burst of confetti rained down as voices shouted, “Happy Birthday!”

A group of wolves emerged from the shadows, their smiles wide and welcoming. Ezra grinned, clearly pleased with himself, and pulled me close, his arm draped protectively over my shoulders.

“Careful,” he teased his packmates. “Don’t scare her. She’s...”

His words trailed off as his eyes locked onto someone in the crowd. His entire demeanor shifted, the light in his expression dimming as his grip on me loosened.

She stepped forward confidently, her presence commanding. Lyra.

“I hope I’m not intruding,” she said with a faint smile, her tone smooth and unbothered. “I heard you were hosting a birthday celebration for your girlfriend, Ezra. I thought I’d join in. It’s been so long since we’ve all been together.”

Ezra’s packmates shifted uncomfortably under his icy glare, clearly regretting whatever had led to this situation.

Feeling the tension rise, I extended my hand to Lyra, forcing a polite smile. “Welcome,” I said evenly. “Nice to meet you. I’m Cressida.”

Lyra studied me with a faint smirk before taking my hand. Her eyes gleamed with something I couldn’t quite place—amusement, perhaps? Or pity?

“Lyra,” she introduced herself. “I’m an old... friend of Ezra’s.”

She tilted her head slightly, her eyes narrowing as she took a step back. “Has anyone ever told you, Cressida, that we look a bit alike?”