Abandoned While Pregnant, Claimed by the Alpha

On the night of their third wedding anniversary, Ashley was ready to reveal a secret to her husband— She was pregnant. But moments after their passionate intimacy, her Alpha coldly delivered the blow—he wanted a divorce. His fated mate had returned. Stripped of her wolf spirit, abandoned by the pack, and carrying his child, Ashley was cast aside like a disposable Omega. Just as she prepared to leave alone— The boy she had once rejected had now risen as the most formidable Alpha King. The possessive hunger in his gaze sent shivers through her—did she dare face him? Was this vengeance, or something more? But did she even have a choice? Chapter 1 Ashley's POV "Do you want me, Ashley?" My hands gripped the edge of the bed as my husband took hold of my waist. He drove deeper into me, a jolt of electric pleasure surging through my entire body. I arched my back, a moan of pure satisfaction escaping my lips. "Yes... it feels so good." "My turn, baby," Brian chuckled low. He picked up the pace, his thrusts becoming more rhythmic and urgent. I lost all strength, leaving myself completely at the mercy of his powerful movements. After what felt like forever, Brian finally let out a primal growl of release. His heavy, muscular frame collapsed onto me, our bodies still intimately entwined. I reached out, aching to hold him against me, but he was up in an instant. He sat on the edge of the bed, running his hand through his dishevelled hair. I watched his profile. He was breathtaking, chiseled by the gods themselves. Every angle was flawless, especially that strong, square jawline; he looked like a living, breathing statue of David. I could hardly believe this perfect Alpha was mine. He was handsome, powerful, righteous, and the Alpha of one of the most formidable wolf packs on the East Coast—the Blackwood Pack. Meanwhile, I was just an Omega without a pack to call my own. He was good to me. He was gentle, respectful, and never once did he let me lose face before the pack. But I could feel it. Behind the heat of our intense lovemaking and his polite concern, there was always an invisible wall. Our marriage had begun as a political alliance, and though our bodies had been perfectly in sync for three years, his deepest heart remained out of my reach. That one lingering issue only made the distance between us more palpable: I hadn't conceived. The whispers within the pack were growing louder, questioning my ability to produce an Alpha heir. I'd been to the clinic countless times, and my best friend, who is the Pack Doctor, assured me that I was perfectly healthy, just under too much stress. But I couldn't explain that to the pack. And even though Brian never breathed a word of blame, his silence only deepened my crippling guilt. But after tonight, everything will change. Because just two weeks ago, I found out I'm finally pregnant. I gently caressed my still-flat stomach. Today was our third wedding anniversary, and I had deliberately chosen tonight to reveal my secret to him. I was betting everything on this, that Brian would finally, truly accept me and, at long last, fall in love with me. "Brian," I called softly, my voice still rough from pleasure. "Ashley, we need to talk." He cut me off, pulling away as a sudden emptiness washed over me. "What's wrong?" I asked, forcing a smile and trying to ignore the chilling tension that seemed to freeze the air around us. Brian sat up, grabbing the robe from the floor and tossing it over his shoulders. "We should get a divorce," he said, his tone devoid of emotion. It felt like the air had been stolen from the room, a sharp ringing filling my ears. My voice trembled as I choked out, "What... what are you saying?" "Silvia's back." His deep voice struck like a hammer. The name hit me with brutal precision, shattering any faint hope I had. Silvia, his fated mate, the daughter of his former Beta. They were meant to have a mating ceremony, destined to be together. But tragedy had struck instead. Silvia, trying to shield Brian from a rogue wolf's deadly attack, had taken a grave wound to her heart. Even after that, Brian hadn't abandoned the idea of mating with her. And yet, she had disappeared without a trace. With Silvia gone for three years with no news, I'd practically forgotten she even existed. I bit my lip hard, trying to hide the trembling. Brian glanced at me briefly before continuing, "Her wolf spirit was severely damaged in that attack, so she went into hiding to heal. But the healer told her..." His eyes filled with guilt. "She only has six months left to live." I froze. A damaged wolf spirit wasn't just about losing strength—it was like a slow death sentence for a werewolf. "I'm so sorry," I said sincerely, "We can take care of her together, find the best healers, herbalists—" "No need!" Brian cut me off harshly, his tone sharp and impatient. "She only has one last wish." He paused, his hesitance showing in that small moment. Then, with a determined look, he continued, "She wants to spend her last six months as my wife." "What?" My tears spilled over as I looked at Brian's cold, unyielding expression. "This is insane... Brian, I'm your mate. And besides, I—" "Ashley, the title of Luna always belonged to Silvia to begin with." Brian didn't let me finish. His gaze was stripped of all patience. "I expected your support in this." "Are you really going through with this?" I asked, my hand gently resting on my stomach, trying one last time to change his mind. I couldn't bear the thought of my child being born without a father. "Are you sure you won't regret this?" In the pack, children born out of wedlock were always looked down on. But Brian completely misread me. Brian's gaze grew colder. "You're such a disappointment, Ashley! I know exactly what you're worried about—you're scared of losing the pack's protection, worried you'll lose your cushy lifestyle? Here, I'll solve that problem for you: I'll give you a limitless credit card right now. If you can't even show a shred of compassion, then you're beyond saving. You're cold, selfish, unreasonable. You don't deserve love." As if the wounds in my heart weren't deep enough, Brian delivered the final blow: "And this is exactly why your father died—because he had a weak, useless, and self-centered daughter like you. You couldn't protect him, so he had to face those rogue wolves alone." My mind went blank. How could he say that? My father was killed by rogue wolves. He knew that after my father's death, I was on the verge of breaking down. He was the one who found me and brought me into the Blackwood Pack. Back then, he picked me up in his arms and said, "You'll be my Luna, the Luna of Blackwood Pack, one of the strongest packs on the East Coast. No one will ever hurt you again." I stared at his sharp profile, his chiseled jawline. For a moment, back then, I had thought I'd found a reason to keep going. But now, even the ghost of that tenderness had vanished. The love I'd imagined was a lie that never existed. In an instant, the air was ripped from my lungs. "I agree to the divorce." My voice sounded eerily calm. "No, I'll refuse your mark." Only by doing that, rejecting the mark, could we truly separate as wolves. Brian's eyes flared with sudden anger. "You think rejecting the mark will guilt-trip me? Not a chance. It's final." Right then, a phone left on the bedside table buzzed. It was Brian's, with that particular ringtone. Silvia's. He grabbed it immediately. The harsh expression on his face softened in an instant, his features glowing with a tenderness I'd never once seen from him. When the call ended, his face turned stone cold again. "Silvia said she would just be staying in the guest wing. She wasn't going to kick you out, Ashley. And I won't be bringing her into the master bedroom." "See? You'll never come close to being someone like her." Brian spat the words with disgust, then strode out of the room without looking back. I could no longer support myself. My knees buckled, and I slid down the cold wardrobe door, collapsing onto the floor in a broken heap. It was so ironic. I had actually convinced myself that tonight would be the turning point, the night Brian finally loved me back. Instead, it had become the most humiliating moment of my life. Tears blurred my vision once more, my heart feeling as though it had shattered into ten million jagged pieces. Shaking uncontrollably, I pressed my palm against my lower abdomen. There was a tiny life in here. My friend's warning at the hospital echoed in my mind: "Ashley, you don't have a wolf. Your emotional instability will put the baby at risk." I couldn't break down. And I sure as hell wouldn't accept Brian's absurd demands. He thought he was being "merciful" that I should be grateful I wouldn't be cast out to become a rogue. He knew as well as I did that for a wolf-less Omega, being packless was a death sentence. He was banking on my fear, betting that I wouldn't dare refuse him. As despair threatened to drown me, a familiar, low growl vibrated in my memory. "Ashley, remember... no matter how wayward you are, you'll always have me." No! I couldn't strike a bargain with the devil. It took thirty days to finalize a divorce. One month, it had to be enough time to find a way to survive. Suddenly, my phone buzzed. A message from Brian. "Be at the Pack Council Hall tomorrow at nine sharp to finalize the divorce papers." Chapter 2 I had no idea how I eventually drifted off. All night, my stomach felt as if it were being churned by a blender—a relentless, agonizing twisting. The sharp pain had only intensified since last night. Was it because my child could feel his father's coldness? Was he staging a silent protest on my behalf? Staring at the empty bedroom, the realization hit me—Brian never came back all night. So, he's been with Silvia the whole time? The thought of what they might be doing made the tears start again. How could he just erase everything I've done? I remember the moment he lifted me from the pool of my father's blood—that was when I fell completely in love with him. For the past three years, I had been entirely at his beck and call. I had managed the majority of the pack's administrative affairs—though I was just an Omega, I was sharp. From overseeing the orphanage for young pups to mediating internal disputes, managing the pack's finances, and meticulously safeguarding our reputation—I had often worked well into the dead of night. Blackwood's rise to power wasn't solely due to Brian's brute strength; it was built on my labor. I'd bet my life he would never acknowledge that, though. It was already nine-thirty. I had to hurry with my morning routine—I needed to end this marriage as quickly as possible. But when I finally reached the gates of the Council Hall, the sight stopped me cold. Brian was holding Silvia tightly in his arms, cradling her as if she were the most precious treasure in the world. And just last night, that same chest had been mine to lean on. It felt like all the air had been sucked out of my lungs—I couldn't breathe. But what really stopped my heart was what he said next. "Of course, Silvia, I've always loved you," Brian said, his voice softer than I'd ever heard before. "Even when I was making love to Ashley, it was your name I was whispering in my heart." At that moment, it felt like my entire world collapsed. The mark on my neck burned, like someone was holding a branding iron to my skin over and over again. The pain wasn't just physical—it came from somewhere deep in my soul, spreading like wildfire through my veins. My heart felt like it had been shot, shattering into a million jagged pieces that tore through my chest, slicing me apart from the inside. My face went pale, and my legs could barely hold me up. So this was the truth. Every heated night, every moment I thought we were close, every time I trembled in his arms and called out his name—he wasn't thinking of me. It was always Silvia. I was just a replacement. A pathetic stand-in. I caught the flash of a triumphant smirk on Silvia's lips—was she truly ill? A sharp unease swirled in my stomach, followed by a cramp that nearly doubled me over. No. I couldn't break down here. I couldn't let them see me weak, and I definitely couldn't reveal the secret of my pregnancy. Clenching my teeth, I forced myself to stay upright, mustering every ounce of strength I had left. Then, calmly, I said to him, "Let's go get this done." Brian's brow furrowed, his eyes scanning my face with a hint of suspicion. "Why do you look so deathly pale?" The moment I opened my mouth to respond, Silvia erupted into a fit of coughing. She spoke up, her voice soft. "Ashley, I know you're being forced into this." She leaned weakly against Brian's arm. "But I've already begged Brian... he's promised to let you keep the lifestyle of a Luna." Then, her tears spilled over. "Ashley, please... promise me you won't blame Brian for being so cruel. He's only doing this because he's terrified of leaving me with regrets once I'm... once I'm gone." So considerate. Every word out of her mouth highlighted how much Brian cared for her, each one a sharp reminder of my place: the clingy wife who didn't want to let go. Brian stood up, throwing a cold glance my way. "Let's go inside. Don't waste any more time." He couldn't wait to get this over with, to leave me behind as fast as possible. Six months from now, would he really still entertain the idea of rekindling anything with me? As I hesitated, Silvia chimed in again, her tone dripping with mock concern. "Ashley, it's not too late to change your mind—" Then she broke into another fit of violent coughing. I cut her off immediately. "Hesitate? For a jerk who thinks about another woman while we're having sex?" I watched as Brian's face turned angry again. "Shall we go, Alpha Brian?" I sneered. "Or do you want me to change my mind?" Fuming, Brian shoved Silvia ahead toward the office. I followed behind them. Watching their figures side by side, I felt like an unwanted outsider—I could feel my eyes welling up again. But I quickly pulled myself together. No point crying over someone who doesn't love you. The hall was practically empty. As soon as the staff saw Brian walk in, they scrambled to their feet, nervous. "Respected Alpha?" "Processing a divorce," Brian ordered bluntly. The staff froze for a second, their gaze bouncing between me and Silvia before finally landing on me. "Luna..." "Just do it," I said calmly, handing over my ID. Not daring to ask further, the staff hesitated, then started typing away nervously. The system's beeping filled the silent hall, grating against my ears. A few minutes later, the staff suddenly stopped, their expression troubled. "Alpha, according to the system... you and Luna Ashley are both registered as core pack members. Under Wolf Pack Law, Section 72, your divorce request requires a one-month cooling-off period." Brian frowned hard. "What do you mean?" "I mean, today you can only submit the application. After thirty days, if both sides still insist on divorce, then the mate bond can officially be dissolved." Thirty days. That meant I'd still have to wear the title of "Brian's wife" and watch him flaunt around with Silvia for a whole month. "Is there no other way?" I couldn't help but ask, the words slipping out despite knowing the answer would be no. The clerk wiped the cold sweat from his brow, his voice trembling. "I'm so sorry, Luna... these are the rules set by the Council. The system is locked; I don't have the authority to bypass the protocols." "Ashley, you're so desperate to leave me?" Brian strode over, his towering figure casting a large shadow over me, radiating that typical Alpha pressure. "Are you throwing a tantrum now? I've explained this to you so many times—this is temporary. In six months, we'll remarry, and you'll still be Luna. Who are you putting on this 'desperate to escape' act for? Trying to make me feel guilty?" He grit his teeth, each word practically pushed out from between them. I found it laughable. He was the one who forced me to divorce, brought his old lover to humiliate me, and now, when I'm giving him what he wanted, he doesn't like it? "Brian, you're way too full of yourself. Do you really think I'm some pet who comes and goes at your command? When you need me, I'm your Luna; when you don't, I'm just some placeholder you can discard?" I stepped back, putting some space between us. "There's no 'temporary.'" My voice echoed through the vast hall, sharp and firm. "Brian, the moment I sign, we're done. Forever." Brian reached out, trying to grasp for my arm, but Silvia's frail voice cut through the air. "Brian... the wind is so cold. I feel a chill..." I didn't stay to witness their intimacy. I turned and strode toward the exit of the Council Hall. I had to get to the hospital. I had to make sure my pup was okay. Chapter 3 I left the office in a hurry and headed straight to the hospital. After everything I went through yesterday, I needed to check on my pup's health. My best friend, Vicki, slammed her glittery diamond-encrusted iPad onto her desk with a loud thud. "These brainless idiots," she cursed, her white coat flying behind her as she moved sharply. "They have no clue what's really going on." I picked up the iPad, but the glare from the screen made my eyes sting. Social media was flooded with posts about "Alpha Brian's noble sacrifice." The top headline featured a photo of Brian pushing Silvia's wheelchair as they left the office. In the picture, he was gazing at Silvia with such tenderness, his expression full of warmth and care. And as for me? I only got a tiny footnote—"the ex-wife with no wolf spirit finally knows her place and steps aside." The comment section? Utterly brutal. "God bless Silvia, she's the true Luna. Poor thing, after all she's been through." "That Ashley? She should've been gone ages ago. She hogged the Luna title for three years and brought nothing to the pack. I mean, she can't even have kids." "I heard she dragged out the divorce to grab more money? What a greedy leech." "Alpha still hasn't stripped Ashley of her Luna title, probably because Silvia's too fragile. I bet he had no other choice." Every word hit me like a slap, stinging deep. "Stop looking at it." Vicki snatched the tablet from my hands and turned off the screen. "These keyboard warriors just love spouting garbage online." I leaned back on the examination table, staring at the fluorescent light on the ceiling. The comments kept echoing in my mind, like venomous snakes slowly gnawing away at the last bit of my pride. "It's fine, Vicki," I said, my voice oddly calm. "I don't care what those people say. They're irrelevant to me." But even I knew I was lying. When the whole world points fingers at you, it's nearly impossible not to care. Vicki studied my expression carefully—she knew me too well. "Ashley, listen. Even though Silvia might become Brian's wife, technically she's not yet. And think about it—Brian still hasn't officially removed you as Luna. Maybe if you told him the truth, told him about the baby, things could turn out differently. Plus, Brian's grandmother always adored you." I thought of her warm smile, her gentle words that used to comfort me: "Ashley, you are the kindest soul I've ever met. Brian needs a Luna like you." But that was all in the past now. "No," I cut Vicki off, the denial escaping my lips almost instinctively. "We're divorced now. His mind is all about Silvia. I don't want my child growing up in a toxic family." I couldn't stop the memory of Brian's words from resurfacing—"Even when I was making love to Ashley, it was your name I was whispering in my heart." That sentence, like a dagger, was still lodged deep in my heart. "Brian said he doesn't love me, Vicki. He even said..." My throat tightened, and my voice trembled slightly. "He said that even in bed, he wasn't thinking of me." Vicki's face turned dark with anger. "That bastard!" "If he finds out about this baby, he'll either see it as a burden or fight me for custody, only to dump the baby on some nanny. This child is mine. Only mine." Vicki stayed silent for a moment, then asked softly, "So, are you going to leave?" I had wrestled with this question all night. Leaving would mean cutting ties with everything here—my carefully decorated room, the orphanage I poured my heart into, even the people I once thought were friends. But staying? Staying meant enduring endless humiliation and rejection. "I have to leave." I nodded firmly. "For my pup's sake, I need to stay as far away from Brian as possible." "Where will you go? Your uncle's territory?" Vicki frowned. "Ashley, your uncle doesn't seem like someone you can trust. And with the Silvermoon Pack practically under his control now, going back might just be even more dangerous." I stayed quiet. Vicki was right. My uncle never liked me. If it weren't for my father's reputation back when he was alive, I'd have been kicked out of the Silvermoon Pack long ago. Now that I've lost everything, going back would only make me an easy target. Right then, the image of that man—as dangerous and feral as a beast—flashed through my mind again. No. No matter what, I would never step foot into another Alpha's territory again. I had a second option. As soon as I moved out of the Alpha Commissioner's residence, I would start re-mapping my future. "It's okay, Vicki. You know me," I said, offering her a small, reassuring smile. "I always find a way to get back on my feet." Vicki let out a deep sigh and grabbed the ultrasound machine, squeezing a generous amount of cold gel onto the probe. "Alright, lie down. Let's see how your little one is doing." Smiling softly, I lay back on the exam table, though I flinched at the sudden chill of the gel as the probe moved across my belly. A blurry black-and-white image flickered onto the monitor, accompanied by the steady, rapid thumping of a heartbeat that filled the room. Thump, thump, thump. It was the most beautiful sound I'd ever heard. Vicki's eyes stayed fixed on the monitor, and her brows relaxed as she gave me a small, professional smile. "Look here, Ashley." She pointed at a small glowing dot on the screen. "Your pup is developing perfectly. And..." She paused momentarily, then turned up the volume slightly. "Can you hear that? This heartbeat is much faster and stronger than a human baby's. You've got one healthy little wolf pup in there. Even though you don't have wolf traits yourself, Brian's Alpha genes are seriously overpowering." I stared at the tiny life on the screen, my eyes stinging with warmth. This is my child, my blood. My family. No matter where I end up or what I decide, this little life will be my driving force. Vicki set down the probe and handed me a few tissues to wipe my stomach. "Ashley, you need to think this through," she said seriously, her gaze steady. "You don't have a wolf spirit, and your body is just that of an ordinary human. Carrying a werewolf baby will be really tough on you. It's going to drain so much from you. And raising a little wolf pup as a single mom... you can't even imagine the challenges." "I can do it." I sat up, crumpling the tissue in my hand. "Vicki, I may not have a wolf, but that doesn't mean I'm weak." Vicki held my gaze for a moment, then finally nodded. "Alright, if that's your decision. As your friend and doctor, I'll support you. But there's one condition—you have to come for regular check-ups. And if your body can't handle it, you have to listen to me, no arguing. You know there's that nasty flu going around—" "Deal." After the exam, we talked a bit more about what I should keep in mind during pregnancy. Vicki prescribed me some vitamins and reminded me to get plenty of rest and stay calm as much as possible. Walking out of the hospital, I felt a little lighter inside. At least the baby was healthy, and that gave me the strength to keep going. On the drive back to the Alpha Manor, a plan began to take shape. I could move into the apartment near the orphanage—they were short-staffed due to a recent flu outbreak and desperately needed help. It was where I had lived before the marriage. I had exactly one month to arrange everything: to find a new pack and to slip away quietly, before Brian could even realize I was gone. As I parked the car in the driveway, I took a deep breath. This could very well be one of the last times I returned as the lady of this house. The thought was bittersweet, but I'd already made peace with it. But as I stepped into the Alpha Manor, the scene in front of me froze me in place. The staff were tossing my things out of the master bedroom. Brian had told me Silvia wouldn't take over my room. But now, my clothes, my books, and the hair clip Brian had once bought me were tossed out like trash, scattered across the lawn. I stared at the clip. It was snapped in two, crushed under an old sweater as if it had never been worth a thing. Brian had merely picked it up on a whim after an Alpha conference; it was a mere afterthought to him. But that day, I had cradled it in my hands for so long, believing it was the first time he'd truly thought of me. To me, it was more precious than any luxury. Now, seeing it splintered in the dirt, it felt like a reflection of myself—discarded. "What were you doing at the hospital?" Brian suddenly lunged forward, his grip tightening around my arm. There was no concern in his eyes, only suspicion. I tried to shake him off, but his strength was overwhelming. "We just signed the divorce papers, Brian," I replied coldly. "You should worry about your future wife, not an Omega who will be out of your life soon enough." "Oh my, Ashley, you're back." Silvia rolled her wheelchair toward us, her eyes glancing over my belongings strewn on the grass. She wore a mask of fake guilt. "I'm so sorry, Ashley. Brian insisted I needed a room with better ventilation for my recovery. You know how stubborn he can be." She sounded as if she were already the true Luna. A wave of nausea surged from my stomach to my throat. I waved a dismissive hand, finally shoving Brian away. "Don't bother," I said icily. "I don't plan on staying in the Alpha Residence anymore." I turned to leave, but Brian didn't let me go. He slammed me into a guest room, pinning me against the wall. His gaze was feral, filled with a rage that looked ready to tear me apart. A violent shudder ran through me— Chapter 4 Brian's POV "What is she saying?" A sudden jolt of panic surged through me at Ashley's cold, final tone. It felt as if she were actually slipping through my fingers. Did she hear what I said to Silvia this morning? It was just a comfort to a dying woman—doctors said emotional stability was key for Silvia's recovery. But Ashley's face was deathly pale, and her frantic urge to leave only fueled my rage. Silvia was right; Ashley was likely just terrified of losing her status and playing the guilt card. She's just an Omega—no power, no money. How dare she even dream of leaving the pack? I gripped her arm, my eyes searching hers, desperate to decipher what she was thinking. Why do I care so much about her feelings? Could I have fallen for her, just as Silvia said? No. Never. Not in this lifetime. Two hours ago, on the drive back, Silvia's hand had rested on mine. I'd instinctively wanted to pull away, but I stopped, seeing how frail she looked. "Brian, are you worried about Ashley?" Silvia had asked, her eyes brimming with tears. "Or... are you in love with her?" "No, don't be ridiculous. You're the one I love, Silvia," I'd snapped. "I could never love a selfish, weak Omega. No one is as brave as you were when you took that hit for me." Silvia's eyes flickered, but I brushed it off. She sighed, "Brian, I bet Ashley is just anxious about losing her financial security. I'm sure she'll eventually understand everything you're doing." "After all, I only have six months left... No matter how much I show my love for you, I can never have you forever." Silvia's chest heaved violently, her tears falling even harder. "Now, Ashley's attitude is making me feel like a goddamn villain!" "You're not!" I wiped her tears. "I'll make her apologize to you." "No! Brian, never do that. You know your attitude is the only thing I care about," Silvia said, quickly grabbing my arm. I lowered my voice. "I promise you, in just one month, you will be my wife." Silvia grew tired and fell asleep in my arms. Looking at how kind she was, my anger flared again at the thought of Ashley's attitude. Why couldn't she just accept this gracefully? Right now, I was only asking her to step back temporarily—it was only for six months. Once Silvia passed away peacefully, I would marry Ashley again, even giving her a grander wedding as compensation. She would still be the Luna of the Alpha Manor, still enjoying all the privilege and wealth. Not only was she unhappy, but she also acted as if I had betrayed her. She knew exactly why we were married. Back then, her father had been killed by rogue wolves, and her mother chose to abandon her and leave on her own. My grandfather was close friends with Ashley's grandfather, and he ordered me to help her. At that time, Silvia had just left me. When I saw Ashley looking like a fragile glass ball, I immediately picked her up off the ground. I promised her, "You'll be the Luna of Blackwood Pack. No one will ever hurt you again." She cried in my arms until she fainted. After she woke up, we performed the marking ceremony, but I told her clearly that this was just a business deal—I needed someone to fill the position of my Luna. She still accepted it happily. She took meticulous care of me every day. I told her she didn't need to do those things, but she insisted. Our sex was passionate; every time I saw her just sitting there, my dick would get hard. No, I can't keep thinking about Ashley. It must be my own attitude that gave her the delusion that she could refuse an Alpha. As the car came to a stop, Silvia looked at me with an exhausted face, her voice soft and pleading: "Brian, can you carry me up? I can't hold on much longer." "Of course." I picked her up and pushed open the manor doors. I grabbed a servant. "Which room has better ventilation?" The servant looked at me in a panic. "Alpha, the master bedroom has the best ventilation." I frowned immediately. I had promised Ashley I wouldn't move her out of the master bedroom. But Silvia suddenly coughed up a mouthful of blood. "Silvia! Get a doctor, now!" I roared at the servant. Silvia grabbed me instantly. "No, Brian, I don't want to hear any more hopeless medical advice. You know I've tried so many doctors already. Please." I looked at the servant and said coldly, "Go to the master bedroom and move all of Ashley's things out." I noticed Ashley hadn't returned. Where did she go? "Where is Luna Ashley?" I asked. "Luna Ashley went to the hospital," the servant replied. I immediately recalled how pale she had looked. Was she actually sick? I instantly mind-linked my Beta. "Go find out why Ashley went to the hospital." When she got back, I had to warn her that I would no longer tolerate her willfulness, or I would cut off her financial support. Before the Beta could even leave, Ashley had already returned to the estate. I rushed to the door and grabbed her immediately. "What were you doing at the hospital?" Ashley tried to shake me off, gritting her teeth. "We just signed the divorce papers. You should worry about your future wife, not an Omega who will be out of your life soon enough." "Oh my, Ashley, you're back." Silvia rolled her wheelchair over, glancing at Ashley's personal belongings scattered on the ground. She said guiltily, "I'm so sorry, Ashley. Brian insisted I needed a room with better ventilation for my recovery. You know how stubborn he can be." Ashley's gaze was fixed intently on her belongings. I saw a broken hair clip—one I had brought back once after an Alpha conference. I hadn't thought much of it; I just thought it wasn't expensive and was easy to buy. I remembered how passionate Ashley had been toward me that night, as if it were a luxury item worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. She was an Alpha's daughter; she had seen plenty of luxury goods, but her eyes that day looked as if she had received something more precious than anything in the world. I had enjoyed her "services" that night, and I didn't even remember the hair clip. Suddenly, the look in her eyes turned shattered— "Don't bother," Ashley said, snapping out of my grip and speaking coldly. "I don't plan on staying in the Alpha Residence anymore." "What are you saying?" I grabbed her wrist again. "Are you throwing another tantrum?" The resolve in her eyes was exactly the same as when she signed the divorce papers. No, I absolutely would not allow her to move out. She was an Omega; she could be attacked by rogue wolves at any moment. My true inner thought was that it felt as if once she left, she would never come back. I tightened my grip and immediately dragged her to the guest room next to the master bedroom. Without a second thought, I slammed her against the wall. I hissed at her, and she shuddered. Angrily, I bit her lip. She had to be punished. Ashley's POV In the room, I watched Brian's behavior in shock. The familiar scent on him left me dazed, and I couldn't suppress a moan. Only last night, our kisses had been just as heated as this, but my reason told me his first love—his fated mate—was right outside this door. In an instant, all my sadness and heartache transformed into a towering rage. So, I bit down hard on his lower lip. The taste of blood instantly filled my mouth. "Argh—" Brian let out a muffled groan of pain and instinctively loosened his grip on me. Now! Using all my strength, I raised my hand and gave him a resounding slap. Slap! The crisp sound echoed through the empty living room. Brian's eyes widened, and a second later, he angrily tried to grab me again. "Alpha Brian," I gasped, my words coming out one by one, "Why are you doing this? Do you regret me divorcing you? Have you fallen in love with me?" Brian immediately backed away, sneering coldly, "Do you really think I can't let go of your body? It's just my wolf's lingering interest in his marked female. Don't mistake this for love—that is something that will never exist." A cramp-like pain suddenly flared in my stomach. He had no idea how cruel his words were. It was like the man you loved most was negating everything you felt. I felt as if the floor had been pulled out from under me. I had to grab the doorknob to steady myself, then I looked up and feigned composure. "Wonderful, Alpha Brian. After all, your love means absolutely nothing to me." The air seemed to freeze. Brian's eyes turned red. But he finally let go of me. "Good. Otherwise, I would have to clarify that I don't love you, not even a little bit." A black hole. I felt like I was falling into a black hole again. When Brian personally spoke the truth that he didn't love me, it still hurt. I nearly collapsed to the ground. "Can I go now?" I gritted out. "That will never happen! You're staying here!" Brian roared. "You know that as an Omega alone outside, you'll be attacked! You'll be kidnapped! You'll be a waste of the pack's security resources." My heart was already numb with pain. I took a deep breath and said, "Reject me, and I will no longer be the pack's responsibility." "I know what you're plotting. You want to use pack gossip to attack Silvia. You want everyone to think Silvia is a villain because you were kicked out of the Alpha Manor while she's sick," Brian said coldly. I lost all my strength; my mind went blank. No matter what I did, I would be brutally humiliated by him. This was the difference between being loved and not. I touched my lower abdomen, just about to say I was only moving out temporarily, when Brian's tone suddenly softened. "The master bedroom is more suitable for Silvia's recovery," Brian explained. "I'll have the servants prepare a new bedroom for you on the west side of the second floor. The conditions are identical to the master bedroom." "I agree," I heard my voice trembling, but I struggled to control it. "But I have to move out now." Brian's eyes turned red again. Before he could explode once more, I quickly explained, "The orphanage has been very busy lately. Flu season is here, and the children need care. I need to stay in my own apartment so it's easier to look after the sick kids." Brian's brow furrowed. "You don't need to. You can drive there." I nodded. "No. I'm worried I'll bring the virus back home. That would be dangerous for Silvia's recovery." "Cough... cough, cough..." Just then, Silvia's signature frail coughing sounded from outside the door. She seemed to have overheard our conversation. "Brian..." Silvia's weak voice came through. "Ashley is right. My immune system is very fragile right now. If I catch the flu, I might..." She didn't finish, but the meaning was already clear. Brian's expression became complicated as he looked from me to Silvia outside the door, seemingly weighing his options. "Only temporarily," he finally said through gritted teeth. "When the situation at the orphanage improves, you must come back. That is an order. If you dare to use this as a chance to escape, I will personally hunt you down. Don't forget who you are, Ashley—you belong to the Blackwood Pack forever." I ignored him. A lot can change in a month. Moreover, Brian doesn't know that I am the owner of a gallery that frequently hosts Alpha councils. I can use this opportunity to find a pack that truly suits me. I picked up my luggage and drove toward the apartment near the orphanage. Chapter 5 Silvia's POV Ashley was gone. I stared at Brian, his hand pressing against his bloodied lips. My heart pounded like a drum in my chest. Yeah, I heard everything. Every word they said. I know Brian kissed her. Forced himself on her. And I can't help wondering—if I hadn't made myself out to be someone on the brink of death, would he even be standing here right now? Would he have agreed to this sham of a marriage, even if it's just for six months? No. He wouldn't have. It's so obvious how much Ashley means to him. She's not just some stand-in, and she's definitely not a toy he picked up to fill the emptiness. That woman... She spent three years carving her name into the walls of his otherwise impenetrable heart. Even when he threw those cruel words at her, his body gave him away. My grip on the wheelchair turned white-knuckled. Leaving Brian all those years ago—that was the dumbest choice I've ever made. And you know what's worse? I didn't even save him that night. It wasn't me. It was some random she-wolf who showed up and left as quickly as she came. But I was the first person he saw when he woke up. He thought I was the one who saved him. Everyone in the Blackwood Pack thought so too. Of course, I let them believe it. I was his girlfriend—who else would it have been, right? I lied. I told him my wolf was gone, just disappeared. I wanted him to feel guilty for me. And with that guilt, I could finally put my long-planned scheme into motion. I didn't want to spend my whole life as a Luna in the pack. I wanted to see the world beyond, to explore. Maybe out there, I'd find someone better than Brian. I deserved better. So, I left. To make my lies more convincing, I found a hospital—one that catered to different species. They even had witches working there. I had one of them seal my wolf and forged an entire medical history for me. But after dating humans and other male wolves, I realized something—none of them could even compare to Brian. When I heard about Brian's bonding, I wasn't worried. It didn't matter. As soon as I went to him and brought up my request, he didn't hesitate—he agreed immediately. I'll admit, when he said yes, my heart fluttered. I loved him. I knew that in that moment. But a few days later, I noticed something—Brian might've come back to me, but he wasn't happy. That's when it hit me. Brian had changed. His heart, his mind—they weren't completely mine anymore. It looked like he'd fallen for Ashley, even if he hadn't realized it himself yet. I couldn't let that happen. Before he truly figured it out, I had to reclaim everything that was mine. I needed to take back his heart completely. I'd already done my homework on Ashley. I knew everything about her. Sure, she didn't have a wolf, but she was the daughter of an Alpha—basically royalty. But her father's gone now, and that title means nothing anymore. Admittedly, she was highly praised during her time as Luna. She wasn't just some useless woman who only knew how to arrange flowers. She was outstanding—so outstanding that she was a threat. But so what? I'll erase every trace of her existence. I took a slow, deep breath, forcing myself to calm the storm inside. Carefully, I moved my wheelchair closer to Brian. Reaching out, my hand trembled slightly as I gently touched the cut on his lips. "Brian... did she hurt you?" I asked softly, my voice barely above a whisper. He snapped out of his thoughts, the storm in his eyes dimming slightly, though his expression remained dark. "She's lost her mind," he hissed through clenched teeth. "Don't say that, Brian," I said, lowering my gaze. "She's just heartbroken. No female wolf can handle sharing her mate like that. It's all my fault... I shouldn't have come back and messed things up for you two." I noticed his jaw tighten, his anger slowly fading, replaced by a conflicted expression—a mix of guilt and something else I couldn't quite name. "No, Silvia, this isn't your fault," he finally said, crouching down so we were at eye level, his tone noticeably softer. "This is my promise to you. It's what you deserve. Don't blame yourself." Hearing this, I felt a small sense of relief. For now, it seemed like Brian's heart leaned a little closer toward me. "Lunch is ready, Alpha Brian, Ms. Silvia," a servant called respectfully, breaking the moment. Brian straightened, and without hesitation, he began pushing my wheelchair toward the dining room like it was the most natural thing in the world. "You're hungry," he stated, not bothering to turn it into a question. "You need to eat something." I savored the moment. Sunlight streamed through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a soft glow over the pristine dining table. Everything felt just like it used to, like we'd been transported back to a time when it was just the two of us, untouched by everything that came after. The servants began placing dishes on the table, one by one. The rich aroma of creamy mushroom soup wafted up, tugging at my memory. "I remember this was—" "What is this?" Brian's cold voice sliced through the air, cutting me off. His sharp gaze locked onto the bowl of soup, brows furrowing as if it were some revolting concoction. "Didn't I make it clear? Don't serve this again." He glanced at the steak next to it, his expression darkening further. "And this? Medium? Are you trying to ruin my stomach?" The servant froze, trembling as they quickly lowered their head. Their voice quivered with panic. "I'm so sorry, Alpha! I... I'll take it away right now! It's just that... Luna used to prepare all your meals herself, and she said—" "What did she say?" Brian's tone shifted abruptly, his eyes narrowing. "Ma'am..." The servant answered nervously, "Luna said your stomach doesn't handle heavy food well, especially after long patrols. That's why she changed your diet three years ago. She's been personally cooking your steak medium-well, saying it's the best for you..." My chest tightened. Ashley actually changed his preferences! "Cough... cough, cough..." I let out a deliberate series of coughs to draw his attention. "Silvia!" Brian immediately looked over, alarmed, patting my back anxiously. "Are you okay?" I shook my head weakly, leaning against him as I caught my breath. Once the coughing eased, I raised my pale face and looked at him softly. "Brian, don't blame the servants. They're only trying to take care of you." I paused, summoning every ounce of strength to smile faintly. "From now on... let me make your meals. You used to love the sandwiches I made back then." Brian froze. "No," he responded firmly, "your health—" "The doctor suggested I do some light activity," I interjected, pushing on. "Besides, I hate the idea of you going hungry just because you're not enjoying your meals. Cooking for you... will make me happy, Brian. It makes me feel like... I'm still useful." He looked at me, guilt and tenderness almost overflowing in his eyes. "Silvia..." He sighed eventually, gently tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. "You're so kind—" I smiled warmly, all the while sneering inside. Replacing Ashley starts with the food. "Oh, by the way, Brian," I said like I'd just remembered something, my eyes lighting up with a hint of excitement. "There's something small I wanted to talk about. The Moonlight Salon is coming up, and... I was thinking about showcasing a few of my paintings." The Moonlight Salon held significant influence within the wolf pack. If I could get my artwork displayed at such an event, it would definitely help enhance my standing. Seeing his surprised expression, I added, "I want to do something meaningful for you and the Blackwood Pack. If... if by any chance my paintings sell, I'd like to donate all the proceeds to the pack's orphanage." The emotion in Brian's eyes deepened, practically overflowing. "Of course," he agreed immediately, his voice gentle, his smile kind. "Of course, Silvia. I'll have my Beta handle arranging the best spot for you. Whatever you want, I'll make it happen." Perfect. Just as I planned. Leaning into his embrace, I silently pieced together the next steps of my plan. Chapter 6 Ashley's POV After leaving the Alpha Manor, I headed straight to my apartment—the one I'd bought before marrying Brian. Brian knew about the place but had never set foot in it. There were no gardens here, no crystal chandeliers, and no swarms of servants. Just two simple rooms, a living area, and a kitchen, featuring a window that overlooked the city's neon lights. But it was mine. I no longer had to worry about what Brian wanted for dinner. I threw myself into the soft sofa, finally able to breathe freely. After a quick tidy-up, I began preparing dinner for myself. As the pan heated over the flame, I placed a steak inside. Subconsciously, I began timing it, preparing to sear it to medium-well—Brian's favorite. But the moment I realized what I was doing, I froze. This time, I was going to have it my way: medium-rare, the way I actually liked it. Just as I was about to enjoy the dinner I cooked for myself, there was a knock at the door. "Ashley! Open up! It's me!" Vicki burst in, the sharp smell of disinfectant following her. She hadn't even taken off her white coat. "Vicki?" I stared at her, surprised. "What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be on shift?" "That lying bitch!" She threw her Prada bag onto the coffee table with a loud thud. "And Brian—that brainless idiot thinking with his dick!" She flopped onto the couch, still catching her breath. Seeing my puzzled expression, she quickly explained, "I was worried about you. All afternoon, I kept thinking—how are you holding up all alone? So I jumped in my car as soon as I got off. I was scared you'd... you'd do something stupid... or just suffer quietly by yourself." Her words made my eyes sting. In this entire world, aside from the child inside me, maybe Vicki was the only person who truly cared about me. "You idiot," I said softly, "skipping work just for me? What if someone notices?" "I don't care about that!" Vicki gripped my hand tightly, her voice full of determination. "Ashley, you're my best friend. I can't just sit back and do nothing while you're hurting. Those jerks stomped all over your life! God, I swear, I wouldn't hesitate to take a scalpel to Silvia's two-faced, fake smile!" Her concern brought a rush of warmth to my heart. "I'm fine." I pointed toward the kitchen. "I just made dinner. Want to join? I can cook another steak for you." Vicki studied me closely, as if trying to see if I was really okay. "You... seem calmer than I expected." I shook my head and replied honestly, "I made the logical choice, but you know how it is... emotionally, it's still hard. But time heals everything." "You deserve so much better, Ashley. A thousand times better than that jerk." We sat down together at the small dining table, and I cooked her another medium-rare steak. She complimented the simple meal, but I could tell her mind was more on me than the food. "I know. Once the divorce with Brian is finalized, I'm leaving." I tried my best to stay composed and keep my emotions in check. Vicki's face was full of worry. "But what's your plan after that? You're alone, and... you've got the baby too. I mean, you can't go back to your uncle's pack right now." "I'm not alone, Vicki," I interrupted her, looking her straight in the eye. "And I'm not starting from nothing." Her confused expression told me it was time to come clean. "Do you remember the Rose Gallery?" Vicki's eyes widened instantly. "Of course! That's the most prestigious art space in the wolf community! They hold the 'Moonlight Salon' every six months, and even Alphas from the farthest territories compete for an invitation. Wait... what does that have to do with you?" "That gallery belongs to me." Vicki's mouth dropped open in shock, almost as if she could fit an egg in there. "What? But... Brian never allowed you to—" "Yeah, he hated it when I put myself out there," I cut her off with a sharp laugh. "He wanted his Luna to be this obedient, flower-arranging, smiling little trophy. So, I used a fake name. All these years, I've been secretly using the gallery's profits to cover up for the pack's financial mess—a result of his ridiculous decisions. But now? I don't have to sacrifice for his outdated, macho nonsense anymore." I stood up and walked over to the window, looking down at the busy city streets below. "Moonlight Salon, protected under the ancient Truce Accord, is the only place where wolf pack elites can safely exchange information, negotiate in secret, and even forge alliances. And I'm the one running the whole show. Leaving Brian? The only thing I lost was that meaningless title of being his Luna." Vicki rushed over and threw her arms around me from behind, practically bouncing with excitement. "Oh my god, Ashley! You absolute genius! I knew it! I knew you weren't some helpless little damsel. This is... incredible!" "Vicki." I placed a hand on my belly, my voice steady and full of resolve. "I'm going to make so much money, enough to make sure my pup grows up in a safe, comfortable, and abundant environment. He'll have nothing but the best. I swear it." "You will." Vicki rested her chin on my shoulder, her voice soft but full of conviction. "You're going to be an amazing mom." Just then, her phone rang—it was an emergency call from the hospital. She had to leave right away. "Don't forget your checkups!" She gave me a quick peck on the cheek. "You're eating for two now, so take care of yourself! And hey, if anything comes up, call me anytime, no matter how late it is!" After Vicki hurried off, my phone buzzed as well. It was the gallery assistant, Leo, a young, lively beta wolf. "Good evening, Ms. Rebecca." Rebecca was the alias I used for work. His voice was bright and energetic over the line. "Sorry to bother you, but a package arrived for you—no sender info. It seems kind of important. Should I deliver it to the Alpha Manor for you?" "No need, Leo," I replied immediately. "I'll come by myself. And while I'm at it, could you get started on the planning for the next Moonlight Salon? I've got some new ideas for that." After hanging up, I changed into a sleek black outfit and drove over to the Rose Gallery. The gallery, located in the priciest part of the city's financial district, was a striking blend of black steel and glass—modern, understated, but undeniably sophisticated. As I walked through the doors, the staff paused and nodded politely at me. "Good evening, Ms. Rebecca." Here, I wasn't someone's ex-wife. I wasn't the worthless one without a wolf spirit. Here, I was the boss. Leo hurried over and handed me a thick kraft paper envelope. "This is it, ma'am. Feels like documents inside." I took the mysterious package, and an uneasy feeling gripped my chest. I walked up to my top-floor office and tore the seal open. What fell out wasn't a contract or papers I expected, but a few thin sheets. They were hospital test reports. The moment my eyes landed on the "Patient Name" section, my blood ran cold. Silvia. My fingers trembled as I read line by line. Injury assessments, chest CT analysis, immune system evaluations... Every line, every clinical term, every piece of data spelled out one irrefutable truth. All of Silvia's test results were perfectly normal. The whole "only six months to live" story, the "too frail to handle the cold" tale... It was all a lie. Author's POV The Bloodmoon Pack Inside the expansive office, Alpha Hebert stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows, overlooking the city's nightscape. Behind him, Marcus, his Beta, leaned against the desk. "The package has been delivered to Luna Ashley's hands. Alpha, why not just go to her directly? You've been watching her for so long. You could walk right into that pack and take her back—no one would dare stand in your way." Hebert didn't turn around. "She's not like other females. She doesn't need any charity. Unless she's in grave danger, I will not show my face." Marcus shook his head. "If you keep this up, you'll never have her." Hebert turned, a sharp, lethal smile flickering in his eyes. He walked back to his desk, his fingers rhythmically tapping the surface. Ashley's image surfaced in his mind—the woman who had been trampled by the pack's gossip yet kept her spine perfectly straight. She had her pride, her secrets, and her own gallery empire. She wasn't a weakling in need of saving; she was a prize worthy of a conquest. He had known about Silvia's little game for a long time. He was the one who arranged for those lab results to end up in Ashley's hands. He wanted her to see the truth with her own eyes. He wanted her to realize, in her most vulnerable moment, that Brian could never give her the freedom and respect she craved. Only he could. He wouldn't appear just yet. He would wait. He would wait for her to be utterly disillusioned with Brian, wait for her to face the pack's pressure alone, and wait for her to realize she needed a truly powerful Alpha. Only then would he appear before her in his most dominant form. "No," Hebert's voice was resolute. "Soon, she will be mine." He had seen through Brian's weakness, Silvia's lies, and most of all, through Ashley's proud but lonely heart. "She will be mine," Hebert repeated. "No matter how long it takes, I will make her belong to me willingly. In the entire East Coast, no one can snatch her from my grasp." Outside, the night grew darker, stretching toward the direction of Ashley's apartment. A cold, predatory curve pulled at the corner of his lips. Soon, everything would go exactly according to his plan. Chapter 7 Ashley's POV Silvia faked her health issues to play the victim. And the idiotic, arrogant Alpha—my ex-husband—willingly became her sharpest weapon, discarding me without hesitation. My stomach churned violently, but this time, it wasn't because of pregnancy. No, it was pure, uncontrollable disgust. Brian, the Alpha of the Blackwood Pack, could have uncovered the truth in countless ways if he cared to. But he didn't. He didn't even doubt her for a second. He swallowed her lies whole because he wanted to believe them. Because those lies handed him the perfect excuse to dump me and rekindle his new flame. I was deceived. My husband, my marriage, the three years of effort and pain I endured—everything was built on a ridiculous lie. That woman, with her fake tears and fragile act, not only stole my husband but also turned me into the laughingstock of the entire pack. I bent down, picking up the papers one by one. I didn't rip them apart. Instead, I carefully placed them back into the brown envelope. Why expose her? No. I'm not going to do it. Brian deserves this. The best punishment for him is to let him stay deep in those lies, give everything for her, and then finally discover the truth. He should understand what it feels like to be betrayed by someone you thought you loved. I locked the file folder in the safe, taking a deep breath to force myself to calm down. Walking over to my desk, I pressed the intercom button. "Leo, come in. We need to go over the Moonlight Salon plans." A few seconds later, my assistant Leo knocked and stepped in. Full of energy and highly capable, he handed me a document. "Ms. Rebecca," he said, placing it in front of me, "here's the initial layout and guest list." I took the folder, but my mind was elsewhere. Then, suddenly, Leo's phone rang, its sharp tone cutting through the silence. He glanced at the caller ID, hesitation flashing across his face. "Ma'am, it's Alpha Brian." My heart clenched, tightening painfully in my chest. "Answer it," I said, my tone calm and devoid of any emotion. Leo hit the speaker button. "Good evening, Alpha Brian," he greeted politely. "I need your assistance," Brian's deep, commanding voice came through the line with that undeniable air of authority. "I want one of my wife's paintings to be showcased at the upcoming Moonlight Salon." My wife. For just a second, my breath caught in my throat. He still remembers that I love painting? That passion he once dismissed as a "pointless hobby," the one I buried deep in my heart—he remembers? A faint, almost laughable flicker of warmth stirred in my chest for half a second. "She's always loved painting," Brian's voice continued, carrying an uncharacteristic trace of gentleness. "Her work is incredibly talented." But the next moment, that flicker was extinguished completely, doused by a bucket of ice-cold water. Because I heard Silvia's frail yet overdone voice: "Oh, Brian, don't say that, you're making me blush..." So, the "wife" he spoke of was Silvia. The "incredibly talented work" he admired belonged to another woman. Leo, my assistant, responded with his usual professional tone, "I'm sorry, Alpha. All the submissions for this salon were finalized two weeks ago. If you're interested, you can apply for the next selection round." "The next one?" Brian's voice chilled instantly, dripping with arrogance, as though he couldn't believe someone dared to refuse him. "Do you know who you're talking to?" "Brian, don't be like this..." Silvia's voice came in right on cue, trembling as if she might break into sobs at any moment. "I... I might not make it to the next one... I just wanted... wanted to leave something behind before I go. Please, sir, just think of it as granting a dying woman's final wish, will you?" What a performance. The Oscars seriously owe her a trophy. Leo turned to me helplessly, his eyes filled with silent pleading for guidance. I took the phone from his hand, walked to the window, and lowered my voice, speaking in that cold and distant tone that belonged to "Rebecca": "Miss, we don't know you. The gallery has no obligation to fulfill the last wishes of a stranger. Rules are rules." There was a brief silence on the other end, and then Brian's anger erupted. "You're absolutely heartless! All she wants is to showcase one painting! Can't you have even a shred of compassion?!" "Compassion isn't a valid reason to break the rules, Alpha," I replied, completely unfazed. I had the final say in this matter, and I simply didn't want her painting displayed. "I command you!" Brian's Alpha authority came through the phone, his voice carrying that familiar dominance, trying to force me to comply. "Give her a spot now!" I let out a short, derisive laugh, dripping with disdain. "Let me remind you, Alpha Brian. The Rose Gallery, while under the wolf alliance, isn't part of Blackwood Pack. You have no authority to order me around." And with that, I ended the call. The world fell into silence. I leaned against the icy glass window, and memories came rushing back like a flood. I remembered, back then, when I shyly told him I loved painting. He'd barely reacted, just frowned a little and said, "You're the Luna now. Shouldn't you focus on more meaningful things?" From that day forward, I never picked up a paintbrush again. The grand Alpha Manor had a greenhouse, a gym, a home theater—but not a single space that could be called my studio. And now, for Silvia, this woman who only knew how to disguise herself with lies and tears, he, the Alpha, had set aside his pride to plead with a "stranger." The difference between love and indifference could really be that stark, that cruel. My chest felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand, the pain so sharp I could hardly breathe. I let out a bitter laugh. This was the man I had loved all these years. "Ms. Rebecca?" Leo finally broke the silence cautiously. "Alpha Brian sent a message... He said, no matter what, he hopes you'll take a look at his wife's artwork." Attached to the message was an image. I was ready to delete it without a second thought, but against all reason, I clicked on it. I froze. The moment I saw the painting, I changed my mind. I would accept Silvia's work for public display. Chapter 8 My fingertips slid across the cold screen of my phone. The painting Brian sent me—it was nothing more than a disgusting copy. The original piece? My artwork from three years ago, one I'd never shown anyone. A piece born from heartbreak. I have no clue how Silvia found out about it, but the painting she's now calling hers is identical to mine. Three years ago, one night. Brian and I had agreed to have dinner together. I waited, full of hope, counting down the minutes until he'd come back. But he didn't. I waited from day to night, and he never showed up. I ended up standing alone at the cliff behind the Blackwood Pack manor, the moonlight stretching my shadow long and thin. It wasn't until later I found out he'd been chasing after his first love—chasing a lie because the news he got that day wasn't even real. That moment wrecked me. I was completely shattered. So, I went back to my room and poured all that loneliness and despair onto a canvas. Now, Silvia's taken my pain and dressed it up as if it's her own masterpiece. No, not exactly the same. My painting, set where moonlight met the edge of the forest, held a small, curled-up wolf hidden in a deep, almost black shade of blue. That wolf was me—a soul without a wolf spirit, longing for a place to belong. But Silvia's painting? None of that. Hers was just an empty imitation, all surface-level moonlight and a wolf, no soul at all. She had no clue what the painting really meant. She wasn't anything more than a lousy thief—first stealing my husband, and now trying to steal my work. "Ms. Rebecca?" Leo's voice pulled me from those cold memories. His face showed a mix of confusion and hesitation. "Are we really... going to say no to Alpha Brian? He's the Alpha of the Blackwood Pack. Our gallery might be independent, but openly offending him..." "No." I turned off my phone, done looking at that sham of a painting. "We're not saying no." Leo's eyes widened in surprise. "You mean..." "Reply to him," I said, pausing for a moment before continuing, "tell him the Rose Gallery would be honored to showcase his wife's masterpiece. The painting can be part of the exhibit. "Not only that—give it the best spot. Right at the entrance, under the best lighting. Make sure it's the first thing every guest sees when they walk in." Leo's face was full of questions, but he didn't press further. He simply nodded and said, "Understood, ma'am. I'll take care of it right away." "Wait a second." I stopped him, the smile on my lips growing wider. "And one more thing—get that painting I did three years ago, 'The Waiting,' from my private collection. I'll be unveiling it myself." Leo froze for a moment, his entire body tensing. Then, in an instant, his confused look transformed into one of pure admiration and excitement. "Got it, Ms. Rebecca." Perfect. Silvia, didn't you want to leave your mark on this world? Didn't you want to show off your "talent" and "kindness" in front of all the elite wolves? Fine. I'll make it happen for you. I'll let you stand at the very top, and then I'll be the one to push you off. I could almost picture it now—the priceless look on her face when everything falls apart. After Leo left, silence returned to the office. I poured myself a glass of water. The icy liquid slid down my throat, but it did nothing to calm the storm raging inside me. Then, my phone buzzed again. The name flashing on the screen was one I could recognize in my sleep. Brian. I considered ignoring it entirely, but instead of calling, he'd sent a message. That familiar, commanding tone of his, like nothing had ever changed between us. "My grandmother is visiting the estate this weekend. She doesn't know about our divorce yet. You need to organize the family dinner. This is what you're supposed to do as Luna. Don't even think about running away from it." My... Luna... duties? A laugh, sharp and laced with disbelief, surged up from my chest before I could stop it. I laughed out loud. The sound echoed in the empty office, cold and cutting. He threw me out of our bedroom like garbage, dumped my belongings on the lawn for everyone to trample on. He choked me, crushed me with that Alpha dominance of his—all because of another woman. He humiliated me. This man. His selfishness and arrogance are unreal. My fingers hovered over the screen, countless biting, brutal words swirling in my mind, ready to pierce through him like a sharp blade. But in the end, not a single one made it to the text. Ignore him! I have to learn how to ignore him, like he's nothing.