Miranda's Point of View

"Why are you smiling?" Lorenzo asked, his tone firm and serious.

I mentally rolled my eyes at his suspicious nature. He suspects everyone and everything around him because he's evil incarnate.

"I'm just excited. It's been ages since Anna and I saw each other," I lied—Lorenzo has turned me into a perpetual liar recently.

Although my words aren't entirely lies—Anna is my best friend, and we haven't seen each other since we found our mates.

"Hm. A lot has been going on in the pack recently. It's not a good time for me to travel," he explained—not that I needed his explanation.

"Em... It wouldn't be nice if I attend the event alone. Even though I'm your Luna, it'll be nice to have someone accompany and represent you over there," I said.

"Yes, I thought about that. Maurice is going with you."

"Maurice?"

My tone dropped in disappointment. I had thought Vincenzo would be the first person to cross his mind, since he's the Beta.

"You don't seem satisfied with my arrangement."

"No, I just thought you'd let Vincenzo accompany me," I replied.

He tilted his head and squinted his eyes. "Is there something going on between you and Vincenzo? Why should I let him accompany you?"

"What?" I shuddered in disgust. "Have you seen him? Nothing can ever go on between us."

I smirked at the sarcasm coated in every word, which fortunately, Lorenzo didn't notice. I cleared my throat.

"I know you're still searching for the escaped prisoner, and from what I've observed, Vincenzo always tries to interfere with your search. This is the perfect opportunity to send him away, so that you can freely search for the prisoner without any obstruction... You might find him before our return," I explained further. My tone was very persuasive.

He remained silent as he deeply thought about my suggestion.

He gave me a satisfied smirk. "You're a genius!" he said. "Alright, then. I'll make Vincenzo accompany you."

"Okay," I nodded, trying my hardest to hide my excitement. "I don't think it'll be easy to convince him, though."

"He doesn't have a choice. I'm the Alpha, and he must obey!"

I rolled my eyes. He's such an arrogant fool.

"You deserve a reward." He pulled me into his arms and kissed my cheek.

My brows furrowed as I wondered if that was the reward.

I was such a naive woman—how could something so fake move my heart in the past?

He pulled away from me. "I have other things to do. You can have dinner without me. I might sleep in my study today."

Other things to do, indeed. He's just going over to Mia's. They're going to celebrate their successful plan all night—if only they knew they are only dancing to our tune.

"Don't stay up too late," he said.

"You too," I replied with a dubious smile.

I watched as he walked out, then snatched my phone and dashed towards my room.

> > > > > > > 

On getting to my room, I hopped on my bed and quickly dialed Vincenzo's number. He picked up after three rings.

"Hello, babygirl," his deep baritone voice came through.

"Hey," my voice suddenly became soft and gentle. I couldn't deny the giddy feeling growing within me.

Hold on, what on earth is wrong with me? Why am I suddenly behaving like a teenage girl who's in love?

"Are you okay? Did Lorenzo give you a hard time?" he asked.

I shook my head, then remembered he can't see me.

"No." I let out a light cough to clear my throat. "It's finally time," I said.

"It's finally time? For what?"

"An invitation was sent to our pack. Next week is the Luna Queen's birthday party."

"Okay..."

"We're going together," I interrupted him excitedly.

Come on, Miranda, you've got to comport yourself—I mentally scolded myself.

"You convinced him?"

"Hm."

He chuckled. "That must have been hard."

"No, it's not," I answered quickly—too quickly.

"I know my brother. He's a hard nut to crack."

"He's not."

He might have been a hard nut in my previous life, but not anymore... I can make him do whatever I want in this life.

We were interrupted by a knock on the door. "Dinner is ready, Luna," Claire informed me.

"I'm not hungry yet," I replied, but my stomach didn't agree with me as it growled loudly.

My face turned red from embarrassment as I heard Vincenzo laughing.

"Stop laughing." I pouted my lips even though he couldn't see me.

"Go on, baby. You should eat," he said.

"But I'm not hungry. I want to keep talking to you."

What? Since when did I become so shameless? Vincenzo's influencing my behavior—I like it, though.

"Baby?"

"Yeah?"

"Go and eat. I'll always be here."

"But I can't talk to you every time. Have you forgotten that I share my room with your brother?"

He growled. "Don't remind me about that. I'm already having a hard time accepting that you're stuck being his mate... Don't make me imagine him holding you too."

I can't see him, but I can imagine his expression. He'd have a deep frown on his face and would be clenching his fists by now.

"Luna?" Claire called again.

I rolled my eyes. "What a killjoy!" I grumbled.

"Come on, we're leaving the pack next week. You will have me to yourself and do whatever you want with me. I will literally be at your mercy, babygirl," he said.

I narrowed my eyes. "You're making me feel like I'm being too clingy."

"No, that's not my intention. I just wanted you to eat," he explained.

I released an exaggerated and dramatic scoff. "I guess I've been doing too much." Then I hung up and tossed the phone randomly before heading out.

> > > > > > > 

The days went by slowly, but soon it was finally the day we left for the Alpha King's palace.

Vincenzo and I didn't contact each other during this period. I also tried as much as I could to avoid crossing paths with him—we can't risk Lorenzo finding out this trip was part of our plan.

"I'm going to miss you, my darling," Lorenzo said, hugging me from behind.

"No, you won't miss me," I replied.

"Why would you say that? Don't you know how long you'll be gone? Two weeks, darling."

I'm feeling so irritated by his pretense right now. I gently pushed him away and flashed him a forced smile.

"Mia would keep you company." I faced Mia. "Take care of him."

"I will," she replied, and I couldn't hold back my chuckle.

"I know you will."

She furrowed her brows, ready to say something rude, but Lorenzo gave her a disapproving look, and she stepped back.

"Call me when you arrive," he said as he kissed me on the cheek.

I simply nodded, then headed towards the car. Vincenzo was already holding the door open. His expression was neutral, but I could clearly see the jealousy burning in his eyes.

"Are you okay?" I whispered, obviously teasing him.

He didn't respond. I stifled a laugh as I got into the car. He got in after me and shut the door with a loud bang.

"I..."

He glared at my cheek where Lorenzo had kissed earlier. "Wipe it off."

"Wipe what off?"

Instead of responding, he pulled out a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped my cheek.

"Don't allow him to kiss you anymore," he said.

I rolled my eyes. "You know that's not possible. I'm still his wife, and..."

I stopped talking when Claire and the driver got into the passenger and driver's seats, respectively.

Looking outside, I saw Lorenzo waving at me with a smile... He's finally going to be with his love openly for two weeks.

"Let's go!" Vincenzo grumpily growled at the driver.

The driver quickly started the car and drove out. I guess Lorenzo and I are in a win-win situation right now—he gets to be with his love, and I get to be with mine too.