The scent of rosemary and garlic filled Ruby's apartment as she stirred the simmering sauce one last time. Perfect. Three years together deserved something special, and Jacob's favorite lamb shanks would be the centerpiece of their anniversary dinner. Ruby glanced at the clock—6:45 PM. Jake would arrive in fifteen minutes, always punctual despite his condition.

Ruby wiped her hands on her apron and surveyed her handiwork. The small dining table was set with the good china—wedding gifts from Jake's pack members—and the candles were ready to be lit. She had spent all afternoon preparing, wanting everything to be perfect for their anniversary.

She caught her reflection in the hallway mirror and tucked a strand of auburn hair behind her ear. The emerald dress she wore was new, selected specifically to match the necklace Jake had given her on their first anniversary. Ruby's fingers reached up to touch the pendant at her throat, a simple silver wolf that symbolized his commitment to her despite her... difference.

Her smile faltered slightly as unwelcome thoughts intruded. *Wolfless.* That's what they called her behind her back in Jake's pack. An orphan who never manifested her wolf, a defect among werewolves. But Jake had seen beyond that. He had chosen her despite the whispers, despite the tradition that Alphas mated with strong she-wolves who could produce powerful offspring.

Ruby shook her head, dispelling the negative thoughts. Tonight was about celebration, not insecurity.

Her mind drifted back to three years ago, when Jake's truck had been hit by a drunk driver. The accident had left him partially paralyzed from the waist down. The pack had been in disarray, uncertain about a disabled Alpha leading them. But Ruby had never wavered.

"You'll heal," she had whispered each night as she massaged his unresponsive legs, applying the herbal remedies the pack healer had prescribed. "And until then, I'll be your strength."

For two years, she had been his legs, his support, and his advocate. She had run his business meetings when he couldn't attend, mediated pack disputes according to his instructions, and never once complained about the added responsibilities.

Ruby smiled at the memory of how Jake's eyes had filled with grateful tears one night, when he'd admitted, "I don't deserve you, Ruby."

The sound of a key in the lock pulled her from her reverie. Jake was early. Ruby quickly lit the candles and poured two glasses of the expensive red wine she'd splurged on.

"Jake! You're early. I was just—" The words died in her throat as Jake strode into the apartment.

*Strode.*

Ruby froze, wine bottle still tilted over the second glass. Jake wasn't using his wheelchair. He wasn't using his crutches either. He was walking—no, *strutting*—into their apartment with the confident gait of the Alpha he'd been before the accident.

"Jake?" Ruby whispered, setting down the bottle with trembling hands. "You're walking? But how...when...?"

Jake stood before her, tall and imposing as he'd been when they first met. His dark hair was freshly cut, his gray eyes avoiding hers as he surveyed the romantic setting with obvious discomfort.

"Experimental treatment," he said curtly. "Been going to a specialist in the city for the past six months."

"Six months?" Ruby echoed, stunned. "But you told me your trips to the city were for physical therapy. Why wouldn't you tell me about a treatment that could help you walk again?"

Something cold and unfamiliar settled in Jake's expression. "Because I needed to be sure it worked before I made any... decisions."

Ruby's chest tightened. "Decisions? What decisions?"

Jake finally met her gaze, and Ruby took an involuntary step back. There was no warmth in his eyes, none of the love she'd grown accustomed to seeing. Instead, there was something that looked alarmingly like pity.

"Ruby, you've been..." he searched for the word, "...adequate as a mate during my recovery. Your dedication has been noted and appreciated."

*Adequate?* Ruby felt as though she'd been slapped. "Adequate," she repeated, the word tasting bitter on her tongue.

Jake had the decency to look slightly uncomfortable as he glanced at the anniversary dinner preparations. "I wasn't aware today was... significant."

"It's our anniversary," Ruby said quietly. "Three years."