They left me at his house, and he didn't even turn around to wave goodbye or offer a comforting gesture. From the moment I saw the blonde girl, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease settle in my stomach. Meeting Leon's parents was already making me anxious, and her presence only added to my discomfort.

Leon, seemingly aware of my growing apprehension, urged me to join him. "Come on, let's go," he said, his voice softening with understanding.

However, my unease only deepened when someone else called out, "Wait for me!" I turned to see the blonde girl hurrying toward us. She was coming along too?

"Kenzie, you're going as well?" Leon asked, almost as if he could read my mind. It occurred to me that he might have sensed my reservations about her presence.

"Yeah," Kenzie replied casually. "Your mom wanted to see me." She then took Leon's arm possessively and dragged him toward the car, casting a hostile glance in my direction.

I walked slowly to the car, acutely aware of Kenzie's threatening aura. She took a seat on the opposite side of Leon, never breaking her hold on his arm. Throughout the ride, she continued to flirt with him shamelessly.

I didn't want to interfere or draw Kenzie's attention in my direction. The atmosphere in the car was tense, and I feared she might retaliate against me or even target Leon if provoked. So, when Leon asked what was bothering me, I deflected his concern.

As the car journey continued, I gazed out of the window, my mind overwhelmed with the sense that my life had spiraled into chaos.

 It felt like no one truly cared about me. My parents had essentially pushed me into the arms of my mate, who now seemed to care little for my well-being. To make matters worse, I had an ex-mate who took pleasure in tormenting me.

The weight of these emotions became too much to bear, and eventually, I broke down in the middle of the car ride. I tried to stifle my sobs, but my body shook with the effort, and silent tears streamed down my cheeks, leaving a trail of despair in their wake.

I sat in the car sandwiched between Kenzie and Charlotte, feeling increasingly uncomfortable as Kenzie seemed unable to keep her hands to herself. She persistently touched me, and I attempted to brush her hand away a few times, but it soon became apparent that my efforts were futile.

Amidst this awkward situation, we were in the middle of the trip when I heard Charlotte's muffled sobs. Concern welled up within me, and I turned my head around to find her trembling and quietly crying. It was a heart-wrenching sight, and I couldn't fathom what had brought her to this state.

My heart ached at the sight of her distress, and without a second thought, I moved closer to her and enfolded her in my embrace. She clung to me as if I were her lifeline, her tears soaking into my chest. In that moment, I realized just how vulnerable my mate could be, and it struck me that I had been neglecting her.

Each of her sobs felt like a blow to my heart, but before I could address her emotional turmoil, Kenzie decided to make her presence felt.

"So pathetic, crying like a baby. Please, you're a Luna, not a baby," Kenzie taunted, her words dripping with disdain.

The comment incensed me, and I snapped at Kenzie using my alpha tone, "Keep quiet, Kenzie."

I shifted my attention back to Charlotte, who had managed to calm down somewhat. I held her close and gently asked her what was wrong, concerned for her well-being. However, she insisted that it was nothing, and seeing that she was not ready to share, I didn't press the matter further, though my worry for her remained.

The car came to an abrupt stop, and I glanced out of the window, spotting a marvelous house that exuded beauty and elegance. My heart raced with anticipation. I desperately hoped that Leon's parents would like me.

"Mom! Dad!" Leon called out with excitement.

"Oh my god! You guys are finally here!" A youthful-looking woman exclaimed. She bore a striking resemblance to Leon and appeared exceptionally put-together in her jeans.

She approached Kenzie and hugged her warmly. "Anna, it's so nice to see you again. I'm finally back here for good," Kenzie said, returning the embrace.

"That's great! I would love for you to come and visit me frequently. We can chat about how you were doing abroad," Anna, Leon's mother, responded warmly.

"Mum, this is my mate Charlotte," Leon introduced me.

Anna smiled at me, and Leon guided us to the dining table, where a sumptuous spread of food awaited us.

We all took our seats, and Leon's father initiated the conversation, asking me, "So, Charlotte, which pack are you from again?"

I chewed my food thoughtfully before responding, "I'm from the Red Blood Pack."

Several more questions followed, such as the location of my pack and other inquiries. Leon's mother, however, remained relatively quiet, engrossed in her meal.

Then, out of nowhere, she asked me, "So, Charlotte, could you tell me a bit about your past? I heard you had a mate before?"

I choked on my food, gasping for breath as Leon came to my aid. Her question was a painful one, and it was something I had been avoiding discussing.

"I... I... my mate..." I stuttered, struggling to find the right words.

Leon noticed my distress and quickly intervened, saying, "Mom, she doesn't feel comfortable sharing her past, so please don't press her."

I felt immense gratitude toward him as I resumed eating, trying to regain my composure.

We eventually finished our dinner, and at that point, Leon's father asked him to join him for a discussion about pack matters. I was left in the company of Leon's mother and Kenzie.

I nervously fiddled with my fingers while Leon's mother and Kenzie conversed.

Suddenly, their attention shifted to me, and Anna, Leon's mother, stated firmly, "All right, I don't like to beat around the bush. I'm going to be direct. I don't like you, Charlotte. There's something very mysterious about your past. The rightful Luna should and always will be Kenzie. I think I've made my point quite clear."

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