Chapter 2：The Emerging Cracks
1057words
"Dear Luna, the full moon approaches. Your wolf pack needs you, while your 'family' will betray you. Be careful."
Who would know about my werewolf identity? Who would call me Luna?
Only members of the wolf pack would address me that way.
I dialed Marcus, the wolf pack elder, but no one answered.
Unease spread through my chest.
"Emma, you in there?" James pushed open the office door, interrupting my thoughts.
I quickly locked my phone screen. "Need something?"
"About Aria's birthday trip—have you decided?"
I looked up at him, searching for any hint of genuine concern in his eyes.
"James, it's nearly a full moon then. You know I can't..."
He sighed, his expression turning impatient.
"That excuse again. Emma, you always use this to get out of family activities."
Excuse? My transformation period is an excuse?
"This isn't an excuse, James. It's my nature—I can't control it."
"Can't you make just one sacrifice for Aria? She's been looking forward to this trip for weeks."
Sacrifice for Aria. Not for his wife, but for my sister.
"I'm pregnant, James. The transformation could be dangerous for the baby."
This statement finally made him hesitate.
"Then... you can stay at the resort and rest while we go to the lake."
We. Him, his family, and Aria. Not including me.
"What if I start transforming? Who will help me?"
"I'll be there," he said, taking my hand. "I promise I won't leave you alone."
His gaze seemed sincere, reminding me of the James I first fell for.
Maybe I was being too sensitive? Maybe it was all in my head?
"Alright," I finally agreed, "but you have to promise that if I feel even slightly unwell, we come back immediately."
"Of course," he kissed my forehead. "Thank you, Emma. Aria will be thrilled."
Aria again. Always Aria.
That evening, we had dinner at James's parents' house to celebrate finalizing the travel plans.
"Emma finally agreed!" James announced, as if he'd won some major victory.
"Wonderful!" Helen cheered, embracing Aria. "We'll have a perfect weekend."
"Thank you, Emma," Aria smiled sweetly. "This means so much to me."
I nodded reluctantly, my stomach churning with morning sickness.
"I need some water," I said, rising from the table.
In the kitchen, I leaned against the refrigerator, taking deep breaths to ease my discomfort.
"You okay?" Noah's voice came from the doorway.
I turned to see James's brother standing there, his expression unreadable.
"Just morning sickness," I replied.
He approached and handed me a glass of water.
"You shouldn't go on that trip," he said abruptly.
I looked at him in surprise. "Why not?"
"The full moon is approaching, and..." he hesitated. "I overheard Aria and James talking."
My heartbeat quickened. "What did they say?"
Noah looked uneasy. "Aria mentioned having 'special plans' to be alone with James in the lakeside cabin."
My fingers tightened around the water glass, knuckles turning white.
"Are you absolutely sure that's what you heard?"
"I'm certain," Noah nodded. "Emma, I know our family hasn't treated you well, but I don't want to see you hurt."
This was the first time Noah had shown any real concern for me.
"Thank you for telling me," I said softly.
"Will you cancel the trip?"
I thought for a moment, then shook my head.
"No. I need to see with my own eyes what they're planning."
Noah looked like he wanted to say more, but James's voice called from the dining room.
"Emma? Where'd you go?"
"We should head back," I said to Noah.
Back at the table, Aria was presenting the travel plans.
"This is the lakeside cabin," she said, pointing at a photo. "The scenery is spectacular—very private."
Her eyes met James's, and they exchanged a smile that lasted a beat too long.
My stomach churned again, and not just from morning sickness.
"When do we leave?" Victor asked.
"The day after tomorrow morning," Aria answered. "The forecast is perfect."
"So soon?" I asked, surprised.
"Is there a problem?" Helen frowned.
All eyes turned to me, waiting for me to be the party pooper again.
"No," I forced a smile. "I just need to rearrange some meetings."
"You always put work first," Helen shook her head. "No wonder James feels neglected."
I looked at James, waiting for him to defend me, but he just lowered his head and took a sip of his drink.
On the drive home, silence filled the car.
"What did Noah say to you?" James suddenly asked.
My heart skipped a beat. "What do you mean?"
"In the kitchen. You two were talking for quite a while."
"He just asked how I was feeling," I lied. "He was concerned about my morning sickness."
James gave me a suspicious look but didn't press further.
Back home, I went straight for a shower, needing time to think.
Hot water cascaded over my body, but it couldn't wash away the unease in my heart.
My phone chimed in the bedroom—another text message.
Wrapped in a towel, I walked out and grabbed my phone.
It was that strange number again:
"Luna, they plan to trap you on the full moon night. Your wolf pack has been attacked and needs your help. Trust no one."
My fingers trembling, I was about to reply when the bedroom door suddenly opened.
James stood in the doorway, my tablet in his hand.
"What is this?" His voice was ice-cold.
The screen displayed the resort map and full moon calendar I'd been studying.
"I was just preparing," I explained.
"Preparing for what? To run away?"
"No! I just wanted to know where I could go safely if I start transforming."
He walked closer, his eyes showing a coldness I'd never seen before.
"Emma, you're always like this. Always putting your 'special condition' first."
"Because it concerns my safety!" I raised my voice.
"You know what? Sometimes I really wish you were just normal."
Those words pierced my heart like a knife.
"Then why did you marry me?" I asked softly.
He didn't answer, just turned and stormed out of the bedroom.
I collapsed onto the bed, tears streaming down my face.
My phone vibrated again—a text from Noah:
"Be careful of Aria. She's not the sister you think she is."
