Raymond really was trying his absolute best to make our relationship work. I had to give him credit for that.
Two weeks in, he was still making romantic gestures with determined effort. More candlelit dinners appeared in our private chambers regularly, complete with my favorite foods. Fresh flowers appeared on my desk every single morning. He'd even had some jeweler craft a delicate silver necklace with a pendant showcasing our pack symbol—probably cost him a fortune.
The romantic settings were absolutely perfect. The food was incredible. Perfect romantic atmosphere. But my mind kept wandering during these dinners, floating off to places Raymond would never be invited.
"That pendant looks beautiful on you," Raymond said over dinner, nodding at the necklace around my throat. I wore it be
