Chapter 3

When the news hit me, my grip on the cup slipped, sending it crashing to the floor. My colleague, catching the sudden pallor of my face, leaned in with concern, 'Are you okay?' I managed a shaky nod and murmured, 'Just... lost in thought for a sec.'

During lunch, the whispers about Alpha Mathias and Beta Rachel trying to dodge the pack's rumor mill unfolded. They were spotted locking lips on the street, sneaking into Rachel's den under the cover of night, and only emerging at dawn. I swallowed the storm brewing inside and, with a quiver in my voice, asked when exactly these sightings occurred. My colleague, puzzled by my interest, pondered and mentioned it was just last weekend.

That night, writhing in agony from a stomach ache, I dialed Alpha Mathias, who had claimed he was burning the midnight oil at the packhouse. Silence greeted me. Desperate, I summoned a healer and dragged myself to the pack’s infirmary. The next day, Alpha Mathias returned my call, rushing over with apologies, blaming his absence on a leadership brainstorm with his phone on silent. So that’s where his 'inspiration' had taken him.

Returning home post-dinner, I found Alpha Mathias lounging in the living room. Spotting me, he rose, concerned, 'Leanna, why didn’t you pick up? I thought of swinging by to pick you up.'

'No need,' I replied coolly, 'Wouldn’t want to complicate things if someone snapped a photo of us together.'

I recalled last year when my flight was delayed, and I landed amidst a torrential downpour. With no taxis in sight, I called Alpha Mathias, hoping for a lift. His response was curt, 'The airport’s too public; imagine if someone clicked a picture?' That night, I waited until dawn for a ride. Since then, I’ve never asked him again.

Alpha Mathias’s face paled as he remembered the incident. After freshening up, he handed me a gift box, 'Leanna, here’s your birthday gift.'

I eyed the familiar logo from the tabloid snapshots, accepting it with calm, 'Thanks, it’s lovely.'

His patience snapped as I headed to the guest room, grabbing my arm, 'Leanna, what’s your issue? It’s just a birthday! We’ve celebrated it for years, and yes, I forgot this time. Can’t you let it go?'

'I’ve told you, I was swamped with pack duties and forgot. Can’t you give me a break?'

In years past, he’d remember my birthday only after my subtle hints. But since Beta Rachel entered his life, he’s been meticulous about gifting her at the stroke of midnight. He couldn’t find time for a pack run with me, yet a mere suggestion from Rachel had him agreeing to any outing. His principles seemed to dissolve in her presence.

Beta Rachel had become the wedge in our relationship. Initially, Alpha Mathias would explain patiently, but now, he just turned cold.

I stared at him, emotionless, ready to demand he accept my rejection, when his phone buzzed.

'Hey Alpha Mathias, I’m home! I adore the marking ring you got me; I’ll definitely show it off tomorrow!'

Without skipping a beat, his voice softened, 'I’m glad you like it. I’ll get you another one soon.'

'Oh, and I picked out a watch for Leanna. Do you think she liked it? I spent forever choosing it since you were late for her birthday. Consider it an apology...'

Beta Rachel’s voice pierced through me, stirring my wolf, a low growl reverberating in my mind. But I buried the feeling, my face unreadable as Alpha Mathias continued the call.