Chapter 68

Chapter 68

Zoe Hawthorne's POV

I stared blankly at my phone. What I saw on the screen made me doubt my own eyes.

This was the first time Adrian had ever hung up on me! In the past, whenever I contacted him, he never did this!

I gripped my phone tightly.

He was only kind to people he cared about, completely cold to everyone else. That was exactly why I could act like we were close in front of others.

If I was now no different from anyone else, how could I maintain that image?

My hand throbbed with pain. But compared to the agony in my heart, it was nothing.

Was it just because I now had a scar on my face that Adrian no longer liked me?

I wouldn't accept it! I saved Adrian's life. Even considering that, he shouldn't treat me this way! I had to think of something!

"It must be that bitch Iris's doing! Why else would Adrian not answer your calls?" Briel shrieked beside me. Her shrill voice made my headache worse.

I had no energy left to deal with her.

"Stop talking," I closed my eyes and sighed softly.

Even without Iris, things probably wouldn't be much better. Adrian would never allow me to become his mate.

"She broke her promise and stole Adrian, who rightfully belonged to you. You helped her, yet she still hurt you like this! If I were you, I'd never tolerate it!"

She gripped my shoulder hard.

"Wake up, Zoe. She's carrying Bloodridge Pack's heir now. How could she possibly give up her position as Luna? Maybe Mrs. Stuart's deteriorating condition is part of her scheme!"

"Yes, Zoe, if she really wanted to keep her promise, why didn't she dare sign a contract with you? It only proves she has other plans!" my wolf suddenly spoke up.

I stared wide-eyed at Briel.

I suddenly realized she and my wolf were right. Why should I believe anything Iris said?

"Yes... I understand now." I lowered my head, looking at my hands.

In this situation, even if Iris truly didn't plan to honor our agreement, there was nothing I could do.

"Zoe, there's someone named Eric at the door looking for you," another friend pushed the door open.

"He says he's here to fulfill a contract? I don't understand—do you owe him something?"

Eric!

I clutched the blanket, frozen in place for a moment.

To become Adrian's Luna, I'd paid many prices. This was one of them. Even though I was back at Bloodridge Pack, I still couldn't fully repay what I owed him.

The only reason he hadn't retaliated was that I could still help him meet Iris.

Though last time didn't go smoothly, at least he still trusted me.

"Fine, let him in." I worked to adjust my expression.

"I do owe him money. But more importantly, he likes Iris. If he can deal with Iris, we won't need to worry about it."

"I see! I knew you were the smartest, Zoe." Briel suddenly laughed.

"As long as you're not too soft-hearted, I believe you can take care of yourself!"

She turned and left. I gripped the blanket corner, struggling to compose myself.

Moon Goddess! If I could help it, I'd never want to see this stupid wolf from Greenstone Pack again in my life!

"Zoe, I trust you haven't forgotten our agreement?" Eric walked in, eyeing me curiously.

"I heard you were injured. Seeing it now, the rumors are actually true! How surprising."

"Of course, I keep my word. It's just that her situation is a bit awkward now. She doesn't trust me." I carefully wiped away tears.

"I'm afraid you'll need to prove to her that you have enough power to protect Silvermoon Pack. Then even if she doesn't like you that much, she'll be willing to become your Luna."

"So you have a plan?" Eric's eyes widened.

I pretended to think seriously, pausing a few seconds before looking up at him.

"Of course. You should know that she became Adrian's Luna because he saved Silvermoon Pack from the rogue wolf threat. If you do the same thing, she'll definitely fall for you too."

"Tell me more about this, Zoe." He moved closer. I could even smell the blood on him. I couldn't help but wrinkle my nose.

"She hurt Zoe like this, yet you have the nerve to come here asking about her." Briel snorted coldly.

"Don't you see her injuries? She needs rest."

Eric turned to look her up and down. His expression was so cold that Briel's body trembled under his gaze.

"What's that got to do with me? Don't forget, Zoe and I have a contract. If she doesn't fulfill her responsibilities, I'm afraid it won't be as simple as a cut on her face." He wore a brilliant smile.

"You needn't worry about that. I'm someone who keeps my word." I struggled to maintain my smile.

He was the most vicious Alpha I'd ever met. If I'd had any other option, I never would have sought his help.

But precisely because of this, when I discovered he liked Iris, I was so happy I couldn't sleep all night.

What could be more terrifying than being pursued by him?

From that day on, I worked hard to create the illusion that Iris and I had a good relationship. As long as I could make Eric believe Iris liked him, Iris would never have a chance to escape him for the rest of her life.

"Generally speaking, Iris won't leave the pack recently, but soon she'll be taking Mrs. Stuart to the King's hospital for a checkup. Given her relationship with Adrian, she definitely won't stay by Adrian's side for long."

"I'll find my own opportunity. When they leave, let me know, will you?" Eric's tone noticeably softened.

I could only nod at him with a smile.

"Of course."

He laughed. Combined with that hideous scar at the corner of his eye, the smile looked absurd and comical. He stepped back, waved at me, and walked straight out the door.

"So that's it?" Briel turned to look at me. She raised her voice.

"He just believes you like that?"

"Yes, just wait. We'll achieve our goal soon." I stared coldly in the direction Eric had left.

I hadn't expected this to go so smoothly.

After all, this lie had obvious holes. My tone during my last negotiation with Iris wasn't friendly at all—nothing like friends.

But who would have thought he'd believe it just like that? It was all because of his obsession with Iris!

If Iris hadn't gotten involved with Adrian, I would almost bless their relationship!

But unfortunately, Iris did those things, so we were destined never to be friends.

But even if things went wrong in the end, I could pin it all on Briel. Adrian would only think it was all her plan and permanently ban her from Bloodridge Pack.

I had nothing to worry about.