Chapter 0150

"Sebastian!"

I was almost to my car, almost free from witnessing her choose him over me.

It had been a gamble. I knew Evelyn longed to find her fated mate. The odds grew slimmer when I realized Adrian was that man. But I had to try. She's extraordinary. She'll be a remarkable Luna. Just not mine.

I stop. I can't leave like this. She needs to know we can still be friends. Just not now. Not yet.

I turn back. Even in the dim light, her glistening tears are unmistakable. She just found her mate, yet here she stands, worrying about me. Of course she is. That's Evelyn—one of countless reasons I wanted her.

"I'm sor—"

I cut her off. "Don't." My voice is steady. "You were always honest with me. I knew you wanted this. I took the risk willingly."

My gaze lifts to Adrian. He's giving us space. More than I'd manage in his place.

Hands on her shoulders, I speak firmly. "You dreamed of finding your fated mate. Adrian is a good man. He'll lead well and love you right." My eyes flick to him, then back. "And if he doesn't—you know where to find me."

A shaky breath escapes her as she fights more tears. I brush them away with my thumbs before retrieving the small velvet box from my pocket. Hunting down those photos had taken weeks.

"Happy birthday."

The locket glimmers in her palm as she opens it. Her gasp is sharp when she sees the images—her parents radiant before her birth, then cradling her as an infant.

Her fingers fly to her lips. "Sebastian..."

I press a kiss to her forehead. "I need to leave for a while. Take care of yourself."

Adrian steps forward, arm circling her waist as he examines the gift. Surprise flickers across his face. "Thank you. This means everything to her. To us."

A nod is all I offer before turning away. The engine roars to life. In the rearview, they remain entwined, but I don't look back.

Now that my Luna is lost to me, there's only one mission left: hunting down Victor Blackwood. The Banished Beta will pay for my mother's blood.