Chapter 3
I just need to hold on a little longer. Soon, it will be revealed that I’m the daughter of the most powerful pack. But here I am, caught in this endless torment, wondering if I can endure the pain much longer.
Will Lucian treat me differently if he knew I’m carrying his child? My mother warned me–my body won’t survive. bearing his heir if he keeps treating me this
way.
If that happens, it will be his greatest
regret.
Earlier, I attended a dark pack ritual, a chilling conversation about removing the child before anyone finds out. The weight of their words still clings to me as I return home, only to hear laughter from the other side of the door.
“Do you like touching me down there?” Vlanche’s voice dripped with seduction,
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loud enough to pierce the thin walls of the Alpha‘ s quarters.
“Who wouldn’t like touching your soft he skin, Vlanche? I’ve missed you,” Lucian h replied, his voice low and intimate.
I.VOL
I froze, the door half–open, but their voices carried through the crack like knives the stabbing into my chest.
estra
pack
to m
ter fr
“Do you touch her the way you touch me?” she purred, her voice mocking.
“She’s disgusting. Every time I touch her, I think of you. I’m so glad you‘ re back,” he said, and they both laughed.
His words struck me like a dagger. But why was I even surprised? I knew this would happen the moment she returned. Still, hearing it… knowing it… was different. I forced myself to ignore it, retreating to the Small Omega quarters he‘ d assigned to me–my supposed place as his mate.
eda
But I’m not well.
with
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“You need him,” my wolf, Sia,
murmured, her voice faint, almost pleading.
“No, Sia,” I whispered, my voice trembling. “He needs me. But if he does, he‘ ll come.”
+
Even as I spoke, I didn’t believe it. Still, I reached out through our mind link, swallowing my pride. * “Will you come to my room? I’m not feeling well.” My hand instinctively rubbed my belly as I spoke, hoping–praying–for even a sliver of his compassion.
But I waited. And waited. And he never
came.
The morning light brought no comfort. I woke up alone, my hope fading like smoke dissipating into the sky.
Dragging myself to the kitchen, I found. him there, casually pouring a glass of water, his hair tousled like he‘ d just woken up after a peaceful night’s rest.
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“Oh, you’re awake, Freya,” he said without looking at me, his tone as casual as if we were mere acquaintances.
“I called you last night,” I said softly, my voice barely audible.
“I had to watch Vlanche. She’s been traumatized and sleepwalking,” he replied, not even trying to mask the indifference in his tone.
Sleepwalking? Vlanche? I swallowed the bitter laugh threatening to escape my lips.
“I needed you,” I whispered, but the words sounded weak even to my own ears.
He sighed, finally turning to look at me, his expression one of practiced patience.
“We’re fine,” he said, stepping closer to press a fleeting kiss on my cheek as if that would erase everything.
“Do you want me to call the healer to check on you?” he asked, his concern as fleeting as his touch. “I still need to keep an eye on Vlanche.”
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“No,” I replied, my voice sharper than I intended.
He tilted his head, studying me. “I hope you’re not mad at me, baby,” he murmured, leaning in again, pressing soft kisses to my cheek, his lips brushing against my skin like an empty promise. “You know I love you, despite everything, right?”
Before I could answer, a sharp voice rang out from the foyer.
“Lucian!” Vlanche‘ s voice was
commanding, almost shrill, cutting
through the air like a whip.
Without hesitation, he turned and walked away, carrying his glass of water and leaving me standing there as if I were nothing more than an afterthought.
I followed, unable to stop myself, only to freeze when I saw her. Vlanche stood in the center of the room, wearing *the* dress- the red evening dress Lucian always
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wanted me to wear, the one he said was meant for special occasions.
“Do you like it?” she asked, twirling as Lucian’s eyes gleamed with approval.
“You look stunning,” he said, his voice
filled with the warmth and affection he
never showed me.
I stayed silent. If I said anything, I knew it would only anger him.
But in that moment, something in me broke.
I realized I couldn’t keep giving myself up for someone who never cared. It was time to let go of everything–of Lucian, of the pack, of this life that had stripped me of my dignity.
Because if I stayed, there would be nothing left of me.
–
