The stalking had returned, but Luna did not scent mark her again.

Over a week and a half, Darcy realised there was something to her touch in front of others that was different. Less lover and more bodyguard. And not Whitney Houston bodyguard. The sweet words were bland if there were people passing by. She was clearly embarrassed to be seen touching and flirting with her by anyone and everyone. Apparently Luna had come to her senses overnight. Perhaps Darcy should be glad for it. That’s what she told herself. She was doing her best to ignore her bully, after all.

Luna had kissed her on the cheek twice, patted her on the head, and given her backside a squeeze. Always only when they were completely alone. Every touch, graze, and gentle word made Darcy’s knees weak. She pretended to hate it. Luna called Darcy her mate a handful of times. She pretended not to hear the ‘m’ word. Luna made stupid promises to her. She pretended to believe them. Darcy felt like her mistress.

It wasn’t shockingly hurtful.

She still had the constant underlying belief that Luna was teasing her. This was a long-game prank, or the beta did half-believe her mate fortune and was simply keeping Darcy in the wings in case MYSTIKA really did turn out to be psychic. In front of others, she would only watch and follow.

Maybe it hurt a little.

The sugary side of Luna was addictive. And now she had had a taste of how her mate could treat her, if she felt so inclined, it was difficult to wean herself back off. But necessary. It wasn’t as though she had made the decision to try it, it was not her mistake. It was a slippery slope she was pulled down by Luna. Her bully was to blame.

It hurt more by the day.

Darcy steeled herself. It was time to put real effort into her push-back against Luna’s clinging. Maybe if she was feeling really courageous, she might even find the strength to tell her to back-off. If not, it was time to go undercover. Or at least, wear a hoodie and loose jeans. Maybe even take out her signature hair clip for the first time in five years. Blending into crowds would be most important for avoiding Luna. As soon as she got her alone, Darcy crumbled.

And as soon as she was truly alone, lying beneath her bed covers where even Luna couldn’t get to her, was when it hurt most.