Miranda's Point of View

After driving for about six or seven hours, the big gates to the Alpha King's palace finally came into view.

The Alpha King doesn't have a pack. His palace is built on neutral land, but there are werewolves other than the royals living there too—werewolves who were banished from their packs but didn't want to become rogues.

Vincenzo didn't talk to me throughout the drive. He was just sulking over the kiss Lorenzo gave me before we left. He threw his head back on his seat and closed his eyes.

"How do you feel after not saying a word up till now?" I asked.

"I feel good," he replied, still keeping his eyes closed.

I mimicked his expression and sniffled a laugh. He's definitely going to be a very jealous lover, no doubt.

"I know you're mocking me," he said.

I rolled my eyes. "Whatever."

We drove another few minutes before we arrived at the Alpha King's palace. My brows furrowed when I saw my heavily pregnant friend standing outside with some maids, as if they were waiting for someone.

She broke into a broad smile once she saw our car approaching, and she began waving happily at us.

"That must be your friend," Vincenzo said.

"Yes," I answered.

"She seems like she's down to earth."

"Of course," I agreed. "Anna is a shy person. She hates show-offs."

"Hm."

A guard directed our driver to park in a space in the parking lot, then we alighted from the car. Annalise rushed to me immediately and engulfed me in a hug.

"Oh my goodness, Mira!" she exclaimed happily. She hugged me as tight as she could, even though her big baby bump made it uncomfortable for us.

"How have you been?" I asked after we pulled away from the hug.

"I've been good."

"I can tell," I said, teasingly gesturing at her belly.

"Don't make fun of me, please," she said, slapping my shoulder. "Oh, girl, you're glowing!" she gushed as she stared admiringly at my skin.

I frowned slightly, looking at my skin, trying to see what she was seeing. She faced Vincenzo with a wider smile.

"You must be her mate. Hi, I'm Annalise," she introduced herself.

I wanted to correct her, but Vincenzo quickly spoke before me.

"Hi, I'm Vincenzo," he said with a satisfied smile.

His eyes suddenly lit up. He definitely loved how Annalise mistook him for my mate—actually, he's my real mate, so she's technically not wrong.

"I must commend you. You're doing a great job taking care of my friend."

I scoffed. "Trust me, my glow-up has nothing to do with him."

Honestly, I've been in great shape and mood since I stopped living for Lorenzo and started living for myself.

"You're just being ungrateful," she snapped at me, then faced Vincenzo with her ever-warming smile. "You're doing a great job. Don't listen to my ungrateful friend," she eyed me as she said the last part.

Vincenzo laughed. "I'm used to it."

Huh? Used to what? He surely deserves an Oscar for being a very good actor!

"Come on, I'll take you guys to your assigned apartment," she said.

I quickly grabbed her hand and stopped her.

"What?"

"You're too pregnant to be jumping around, Anna. Go and get some rest. The maids can take us," I said.

She shrugged my hand away, giving me a scolding glare.

"I'm taking you. We haven't seen each other in like... two years?" she tilted her head as she tried to recall. "Instead of you being happy that we're finally in the same space and can spend enough time together, you're chasing me away?"

She crossed her arms on her chest, let out a dramatic huff, and pouted her lips.

"I know you don't miss me. You're not a true friend!" she said.

I rolled my eyes.

"Don't try to do that emotional blackmailing thing with me. It's not going to work. Now, turn around and go inside."

"Fine! I won't stay long. I'll just show you to your apartment and come back right away. But you must promise me that you'll spend the whole of tomorrow with me," she said.

I sighed and reluctantly agreed. "Deal."

She linked our arms and pulled me along, telling me how much she's missed me and how lonely she's been without me here.

> > > > > > > 

"We're here," Anna said, stopping in front of a villa.

I gave her a surprised look as I stared at the villa with my mouth slightly open.

"This doesn't look like an apartment, Anna," I said.

She smiled. "Of course. My bestie isn't on the same level as the others. I'll surely reserve the best of the best for you."

I pulled her into a brief hug. "Good. Now, turn around and go back home!" I instructed her.

"You're so heartless, chasing me away already." She pouted again. "At least let me in for two minutes. Just two minutes," she pleaded.

"Nope," I replied adamantly, blocking the door with my body and preventing her from going in. "You wouldn't mind sleeping here tonight if I don't send you away."

She playfully glared at me for a moment, then burst into a very fake cry and began walking away.

"Let's hang out tomorrow," I said after her retreating back.

"Leave me alone!" she snapped, storming away and stomping her feet on the ground.

I could only laugh as I watched her leave.

"So... it's true what they say," Vincenzo said, coming closer to me until my shoulder was touching his arm.

"What?" I asked.

"Show me your friend, and I'll tell you who you are," he answered.

My brows furrowed as I tilted my head, trying to figure out why he'd suddenly say that, but he made it easier as he explained immediately.

"Your friend is as dramatic as you."

I nodded slowly. "Yeah. Anna wasn't as dramatic as this. I guess pregnancy hormones are playing a big role in influencing her playfulness."

"Hmm," he nodded. "In conclusion, you're both birds of a feather."

Before I could respond to him, my phone began ringing. Pulling it out, I realized it was Lorenzo calling, and just as I was about to receive the call, Vincenzo scoffed loudly.

"I should leave you be. Your darling is calling," he grumbled as he turned around and headed inside.

Jealousy will be the end of him.

Rolling my eyes, I answered the call. "Hello?"

"Hey, darling," Lorenzo's voice came up, and I shuddered in disgust.

He continued talking, but I tuned out his voice as I directed the servants where and how to keep our stuff.