Five years after our divorce, I was confused. "Why is he still so intrigued by that one thing?" I asked.

"We don't know," Auntie Grace replied. "Even when you were married, he was obedient. But after you left the pack, he changed."

Uncle Lucas, lost in thought, added, "He became a different man."

I took Auntie Grace's hand, rubbing her palm. "Everything will be fine. Don't cry."

She nodded, wiping her tears. "I'm just worried about my husband."

Uncle Lucas looked weak. Tears welled in my eyes, but I quickly wiped them away. I was emotional; I couldn't bear to see others suffer. I respected Alpha Lucas deeply. I remembered him in his prime, commanding presence, and now

Though I longed to return to my pack, I couldn't speak. I planned to leave the hospital secretly that night.

Later, Auntie Grace sat on the bed's edge, and I sat on a stool.

"Where were you all these years?" she asked.

I needed to answer carefully, concealing my true identity. I didn't want to reveal it, not yet. I especially didn't want them to know I'd found my wolf. If they asked about my mate, what could I say? I didn't want to lie, but how could I tell them my ex-husband, Adrian, was now my mate?

"I was with the Blue Blood Pack," I replied.

Uncle Lucas, engaging in the conversation, asked, "How did you get there?"

His question brought back memories of leaving the Crystal Blood Pack—memories I'd been pondering for a long time.

"My bro—" I stopped, realizing what I almost said.

"Your what?" Auntie Grace asked.

Clearing my throat, I said, "That day, luck was on my side. Alpha Jason found me entering their territory."

Shock registered on their faces. They wanted details.

"I was desperate," I continued, "and he, after questioning me, let me stay because I had nowhere else to go. He was a kind man." After mentioning my brother [presumably, a correction based on the later reference], a broad smile spread across my face. He was one of the most powerful Alphas.

Uncle Lucas, bewildered by my smile, asked, "Are you close to him?"

I chuckled. "Of course. Alpha Jason is highly respected, and I admire him greatly. Nothing more."

Auntie Grace smiled. "I've heard about your fiancé. I'm happy you're starting a new life with someone you like."

Her words surprised me. Fiancé? Then I understood—she was referring to Beta Eric. Had they seen his social media posts?

Uncle Lucas asked, "Does he treat you well?"

I considered this. Of course, Eric treated me well. For five years, he'd been there for me, helping me through everything.

"Yes," I mumbled.

I knew they misunderstood my relationship with Eric, but I couldn't lie about his treatment of me.

A hand stroked my hair. Auntie Grace grinned. "Don't worry about others. You're a wonderful woman. I have faith you'll find the happiness you seek."

I stared at her. She'd initially disliked me, but over time, had come to care for me. I shouldn't lie about Eric. I decided to clarify that he was only trying to help me.

"Actually, Eric and I—"

The door opened, and doctors entered. Auntie Grace and I stood. They bowed to Uncle Lucas and Auntie Grace, showing respect even in retirement.

My eyes met one doctor's—Doctor Harold. He looked amazed.

I smiled. "Doctor Harold."