Chapter 7

Aria didn’t return home until dawn. She had just lain down on the bed when Kane tiptoed back in. As always, he gently tucked the blanket around her before pulling her softly into his arms, planting a tender kiss on her forehead. "Little wolf, I truly love you. In just three days, you’ll be my mate, and we’ll be together forever." People said that an alpha’s sudden tenderness often stemmed from guilt after infidelity. She hadn’t understood it before, but now, she experienced its truth firsthand. All she wanted now was for time to move faster, for the day she could leave to come sooner. When Aria woke up, Kane and Julia were already downstairs, having breakfast. The moment she came down, Kane immediately pulled out a chair for her. He watched her eat quietly, a trace of guilt surfacing on his face. "Little wolf, I have to leave for a business trip for a few days. For the mate ceremony, just consult the planner. I’ll be back as soon as I can. After the ceremony, I’ll spend all my time with you. Wherever you want to go for the honeymoon, I’ll take you." Aria already knew his so-called business trip was just an excuse to be with his beta. But she no longer cared about his whereabouts. She simply nodded faintly. As Kane was about to leave, she stopped him one last time. "Kane." He paused, looking at her with slight surprise before affectionately stroking her face. "Little wolf, are you reluctant to let me go? It’s only a few days. Soon, we’ll be mates, and you’ll see me every day." Outside, Julia called out for him. Kane kissed her cheek lightly before hurrying off. She watched his figure disappear down the road. This would likely be the last time they ever saw each other.