Chapter 2

I had every intention of leaving for good and never returning to the Crimson Fang Pack’s territory. But I remembered I had left something important there—something that tied me to the past I was desperate to leave behind. Swallowing my pride, I decided to visit the Wallace residence one last time.

As soon as I pushed open the heavy wooden door, the scent of pine and wolf musk hit me. The living room was awash with warmth from the crackling fireplace, but the cozy scene inside made my stomach churn. Scarlet Austin, the Omega with her golden hair and doe eyes, was perched on Rex Wallace’s lap, her laughter tinkling like wind chimes. Rex, still as imposing as ever in his Delta uniform, was feeding her grapes—a gesture that once belonged to me.

Rex’s sharp gaze cut through the room as he noticed me standing in the doorway. His lips curled into a sneer, and his voice dripped with condescension. “Couldn’t stay away, could you, Julianna? Here for that measly three thousand silver coins? I must’ve overestimated you. Thought you’d have more self-respect than to crawl back.”

I clenched my fists, the sting of his words like claws raking across my skin. But I refused to let him see how much it hurt. Ignoring his taunts, I strode past him, my boots echoing against the polished wood floor as I headed for the bedroom.

The moment I pushed the door open, my breath caught in my throat.

The room that once held so many memories—our memories—had been gutted. The walls, once adorned with photos of our pack runs and moonlit ceremonies, were bare. Our wedding photo, a symbol of the bond we once shared, lay shattered on the floor, the glass splattered with red wine like blood. In its place was a nursery, the scent of fresh paint and baby powder assaulting my senses. Baby clothes and toys were scattered everywhere, a cruel reminder of the life Rex had chosen over me.

My chest tightened, and I felt my wolf stir in the back of my mind, her growl low and protective. I swallowed hard, forcing myself to stay composed.

Ailani Gordon, the pack’s Omega housekeeper, approached me with a bowed head, her voice trembling with apology. “I’m sorry, Miss Patterson. Delta Rex ordered us to clear the room. He said you wouldn’t be living here anymore and wanted it prepared for... for her nursery.”

I laughed bitterly, the sound hollow even to my own ears. Stepping closer to Rex, I met his gaze, my voice steady despite the storm raging inside me. “Where are my things?”

He didn’t even look up, his attention focused on peeling an apple for Scarlet. After a long, deliberate pause, he finally glanced at me, his expression dismissive. “In the black trash bags by the back door. Figured it was all useless junk, so I had Ailani toss it.”

My heart sank, but I didn’t waste a second. I hurried to the pile of black plastic bags, my hands trembling as I sifted through the contents. My vintage wedding dress—the one my grandmother, Monica Scott, had hand-stitched for me—was missing. That dress was supposed to make me the most beautiful Luna on my wedding day. But Rex had been injured in a rogue attack that very morning, and I never got to wear it. Grandma passed away soon after, leaving the dress as a bittersweet reminder of what could have been.

“Who gave you the right to touch my wedding dress?” I demanded, my voice sharp enough to cut through the tension in the room.

Scarlet’s sweet, saccharine voice cut in before Rex could respond. “Oh, sis,” she said, her eyes wide with feigned innocence, “are you talking about that old, yellowed thing? It looked so worn out and useless, so I... I made a dog bed out of it for Buddy.”

My blood ran cold. I turned toward the corner of the room where Buddy, the pack’s golden retriever, lay curled up on what used to be my wedding dress. The once-pristine fabric was now stained with urine and shredded beyond recognition.

I trembled as I reached for the ruined dress, Buddy growling at me as I pulled it away. My vision blurred with tears, but I refused to let them fall.

Scarlet’s voice broke through my haze, her tone dripping with false remorse. “I’m so sorry, sis. I didn’t realize it meant so much to you. It’s my fault. Please don’t take it out on Buddy. If you’re angry, take it out on me.”

She turned to Rex, her eyes glistening with crocodile tears. “Rex, she’s punishing Buddy because of me. The dog doesn’t usually bark at anyone unless they’re being cruel. Please don’t blame her. She’s just... heartbroken. It’s all my fault—I couldn’t help falling for you...”

Her words were like poison, and I could feel my wolf’s growl growing louder in my mind. But I held my ground, my eyes locking with Rex’s. For a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of something—regret, maybe?—but it was gone as quickly as it came, replaced by that familiar coldness.

I straightened my shoulders, the ruined dress clutched in my hands. “You’ve made your choice, Rex,” I said, my voice steady despite the pain. “But don’t think for a second that I’ll let you or her break me.”

With that, I turned on my heel and walked out of the house, the weight of the past and the promise of a future without him pressing down on my shoulders. My wolf’s presence in my mind was a quiet comfort, her fierce loyalty reminding me that I wasn’t alone. And as I stepped into the cool night air, I knew one thing for certain: I was done being the Omega in this story.