Chapter 2

I walked out of the hospital building, intending to buy some fruit for Kaelen. But as soon as I reached the lobby on the first floor, I saw a crowd of people surrounding a familiar figure.

Damon Blackwood.

He wore an expensive custom suit, his tie hanging loose around his neck, his shirt unbuttoned down to his chest. Beside him, Kelly Moon smiled as she held his arm.

In her hand was a black leather collar embroidered with intricate dark patterns.

"That's Damon's favorite," someone teased beside them. "The rest of us couldn't get it even if we begged."

I froze in place.

I recognized that collar.

A week ago, Damon had shown it off to me, saying it was a special gift prepared for our wedding anniversary.

I had naively thought it was meant for us. I had even booked the most luxurious hotel suite, wanting to give him a perfect night.

Now it was in another woman's hand.

"Elara?" Damon finally noticed me, and disgust flashed across his face. "Are you stalking me again?"

Everyone around us turned their heads. Their curious gazes stabbed into me like knives.

"Are you disgusting or what?" Damon's voice grew louder and louder. "Why would the Moon Goddess make you my fated mate? You do nothing all day except spy on me."

Kelly covered her mouth and laughed softly, her foxlike eyes bright with smug satisfaction.

"Luna, don't be angry," she said sweetly. "Alpha Damon was just tired from work. I was helping him relax."

"Shut up," I said coldly, looking at her.

Damon's face changed instantly. "How dare you speak to my secretary like that? Apologize to her."

I did not apologize.

I simply turned and walked step by step toward the stairwell.

Behind me came Damon's furious shout. "Elara! Stop right there! If I catch you stalking me again, I will make you a slave of the pack."

I stopped, but I did not turn around.

"Damon," I said calmly, "you will regret this."

"Regret?" He sneered. "The thing I regret most is marrying a stupid, useless she-wolf like you."

I did not argue.

Because I knew he would soon understand who the real loser was.

—

When I returned to the ward, Kaelen was already awake.

He opened his eyes weakly and tried to smile when he saw me. "Mommy..."

My heart shattered in an instant.

"Be good, sweetheart. Mommy is here." I held his hand, my voice choking.

"Where's Daddy?" Kaelen asked, his blue eyes, so much like Damon's, full of expectation. "Did Daddy come to see me?"

I opened my mouth, but I could not get the words out.

"Daddy... is busy," I finally said.

The light in Kaelen's eyes dimmed.

"I know," he whispered. "Daddy doesn't like me. He only likes Kelly."

My head snapped up. "Who told you that?"

"I saw it myself." Kaelen's eyes reddened. "Last time I went to Daddy's studio, I saw him holding Aunt Kelly. He said I was extra. That it would be better if I didn't exist..."

In that moment, I felt my wolf roar inside me.

She was so angry and so hurt that she nearly tore my reason apart.

But I knew it was not time yet.

"Kaelen." I leaned down and looked directly into his eyes. "Mommy promises you that no one will ever bully you again."

"Including Daddy?"

"Including everyone."

Kaelen was silent for a long time. Then he nodded.

That night, I dialed a number I had not contacted in a very long time.

"Mr. Marcus, this is Elara Nightshade."

A surprised voice came from the other end. "Elara! You are finally willing to contact me. I have waited five whole years for this day."

"I need your help."

"Name it."

"I want a divorce," I said. "And I want to take back everything that belongs to me."

Marcus laughed. "I have waited five years to hear those words, too. Elara, do you know that ever since you left the design world, the entire industry has missed your work? If you are willing to return, I guarantee I can help make you the brightest designer in the world."

"I don't need to shine," I said. "I only need certain people to pay the price."