Switched Bride, True Luna - Chapter 16: Chapter 16

Emily
Applause erupted through the few reporters watching the live show, and the internet went crazy.
As soon as I realised what I’d done, the tips of my ears turned red. I’d lost myself in the moment, and somehow my impulse had been to kiss Logan.
I turned away quickly, trying to act casual and as if it was a perfectly normal thing to do. We were engaged, so everyone else would think it was normal.
Beside me, I heard Logan chuckle. Then his hand covered the back of my head, and he leaned down to kiss my forehead.
Yes, normal. Everything is perfectly normal.
Even if, in my head, my mind was reeling.
The press conference ended there, and I couldn’t be more relieved. I said a few words to the crowd, and we took a few more pictures, and then it was time to go. As we left the building, I hoped that Logan wouldn’t say anything.
He didn’t.
Somehow, that didn’t make me feel any better. A small part of me had hoped he might even take it to the next step.
Maybe he’d actually give me a kiss. A real kiss.
He didn’t.
I felt a strange and unusual sense of loss.
The car ride back to Titanfang’s office in the capital was awkwardly quiet. I’d spent the time in the passenger seat staring out the window, my left hand absent-mindedly tapping on the center console.
Suddenly, warmth enveloped my hand. I looked, and I was surprised to see that Logan had placed his hand on top of mine. With his eyes still on the road, I quickly looked away again.
I can’t bear to look at him. And I definitely don’t want to be caught staring.
When we made it back to the office, Logan held the door open for me. Upon entering, I saw a frail woman waiting in the sitting room. She had to have been around the same age as me, maybe a little older, and she had dark hair pulled into a bun. A few loose strands fell about her pale face.
She didn’t seem to be in good health. Her eyes had dark circles around them.
Despite that, she had on excellent clothes and an expensive handbag.
“Good afternoon, Luna Amy,” said Logan. She bowed her head to him.
“Alpha Logan, it is a pleasure to see you again,” said Amy.
“Allow me to introduce my fiancé, Emily,” said Logan, drawing me closer to his side. My face burned as I remember how I’d kissed him not too long ago.
“Emily, this is Amy, the Luna of Harvest Guard.” I bowed my head in greeting to her.
Harvest Guard was an important pack. They were one of the largest packs in all the world, and they were the packs’ primary source of fruit and vegetables. While many packs had their own small gardens, Harvest Guard had entire farms. They supplied a large amount of agriculture, from seeds to produce, to everyone.
“Yes, I was watching the livestream. Actually I was wondering if I might speak to you alone, Emily,” asked Amy.
“Of course,” I answered. Logan nodded to the both of us, then stepped out of the room to give us some privacy.
“Thank you for taking the time to talk to me,” said Amy. I smiled at her.
“I’m happy to. What did you want to speak about?” I asked.
“It’s more of a confession. I am grateful that you’ve spoken out today about such a sensitive topic. The truth is, I’m a wolf in dormancy as well.” I couldn’t contain my surprise as my eyebrows shot up.
To be honest, I’d never heard from another dormant wolf before besides my own mother. It was strange but comforting to meet someone who had experienced the same struggles as me.
Amy looked down at her feet as she continued to speak. “I’ve been taking a potion to hide it. It makes it seem like I have a wolf, but it’s been taking a toll on my health. I’ve always been too afraid to stop taking it though, even if it hurts me in the long run.”
“Why would you do that? If it’s making you sick, you should stop,” I said.
“I wish I could. My pack has a big reputation, and the damage it would receive if everyone learned the pack’s Luna was in wolf dormancy might be irreversible. If I can help my pack, then I will keep taking the potion to protect them.”
I knew nothing of potions that would affect a wolf in dormancy like that. I wondered why Logan had never said anything about them to me. It would have been the simplest way to silence anyone who would speak out about us.
Amy continued. “Truth is, I envy you. Alpha Logan must truly love you to support you at the risk of public opinion. Although today, I think you made me a little braver too.”
I took Amy’s hands in both of mine and found they were cold and clammy. I gave them a little squeeze.
“I truly hope so. You shouldn’t have to put yourself at risk like that. It’s one of the things I want to change. We don’t have to hide anymore,” I said to her. She smiled weakly at me.
“Thank you, Emily. I wish you all the best. If you ever need any help, I hope that you’ll reach out to me,” she said. She handed me a business card.
“Thanks, I will,” I replied. She gave one final bow of her head, and then she turned to leave. I looked down at the glossy card where her name was printed in embossed letters.
Having her approach me made me feel lighter than air. I was on the right track to helping people like me.
I decided to go and find Logan. I figured he might be in the office, as he usually was, and so I headed upstairs. As I took the steps, I started to hear two men talking up on the second floor.
It was Logan and his father. The two of them were talking in the office, and the door was slightly cracked open. As I walked closer, their words became clear.
“Was this your plan all along, son? You were using Emily’s identity to gain the public’s favor. That’s why you didn’t have her take the wolf potion.”
“All is going according to plan.” Logan’s words were a dagger straight through my heart. I couldn’t breathe.
Logan’s father laughed. “Well played. I didn’t believe those claims of true love anyway.”
“Yes, father.” Another cold stab dug its painful edge into my chest.
“You’re doing well. Keep it up, and seize this opportunity to keep growing your image. The Alpha King election is coming up soon, and the unsung masses will soon be shouting your name if you play your cards right.”
“I will do my best.”
“Still, you’d better be careful with that girl. Sooner or later, you’re going to have to reject her and find a proper mate. It’s possible that wolf dormancy is inherited. We can’t risk your pups having a deficiency, can we?”
Silence. For a long time. Too long. Then came Logan’s cold answer.
“Yes, father.”
That stab to the heart nearly brought me to my knees. Instead, I dug my fingernails into the palms of my hands. It managed to keep me on my feet.
From the beginning, our relationship was a contract. But his words cut me down to the core.
But why?