Chapter 1

The day my mate chose to mark Emma Grayson over me, I almost drove my car into the venue to end us all.

It was a public ceremony, and they held it without shame. Everyone knew Thorn was my mate, not hers. Yet they never hesitated to give her everything that belonged to me.

I refused to let her have the one thing the goddess gave me, so I drove down at full speed, tears in my eyes and a heart breaking by the second.

The angry shrill of my ringtone blasted off in the background nonstop. I didn't want to talk to anyone, but one final goodbye to whoever it was wouldn't change my mind.

I grabbed the phone and just as I was about to speak, a loud cheerful voice came through, “Congratulations, Sofia! You're pregnant!”

I hit the brakes so fast. My tires screeched as I almost flew out of my seat.

“What?” My voice quivered, tears rolled down my eyes. I wouldn't stop shaking. I had almost ended my life and my pup's.

I’d gone for a routine checkup that morning. I thought I was sick. I didn't think I'd hear the word “pregnant.”

Joyful music floated from the hall. They were having the time of their lives while I cried my eyes out, hugging my stomach feeling guilty over what I'd thought about- over what I'd almost done.

With one final puff of air, I started the engine again and turned the car around heading straight for pack borders this time.

Fine. I'll do it. I'll do what they've all wanted me to do ever since Emma stepped into our little perfect family. I'll leave and never come back.

“I'm just running an errand for my brothers,” I said to the pack border leader who stopped my car to inquire why I was leaving the pack. “You know how they can be.”

My face was neutral. My demeanor, calm. “They're busy. It's Thorn’s big day. Wouldn't want to ruin it.”

His brows wrinkled, then he stepped aside, letting me through.

I drove out of the pack, leaving my past behind. Hugging my stomach as I softly made a promise to my pup. I'd be a great mom and a great dad.

Four years later I had a daughter who knew nothing about the people who broke me. She only knew my strength, my love and our little family.

Until I heard a voice I never thought I'd hear again.

“Sofia!”

It came from behind me. Loud and deep like before. I almost froze in my steps but I kept walking, clutching my daughter's hand tight.

My heart wouldn't stop hammering as his footsteps floated behind me.

“Sofia Dallas!” Oliver called again, louder this time. I could hear the disbelief in his voice.

I blinked a few times but not once did I stop. Not once did I acknowledge his presence.

Ana, my daughter, gently tugged at my arm, “Mummy, I think that man is following us. Why is he calling you Sofia Dallas?”

My chest tightened.

I wasn't Sofia Dallas anymore.

“He's got the wrong person, baby. Ignore it.”

I caught sight of my car in the parking lot and headed there. Just as I opened the car door to put Ana inside, someone grabbed my arm.

I was whirled around so fast, my eyes spun. Then I saw the familiar face.

Oliver's eyes were wide in shock. They were glassy and rimmed with red.

He panted heavily as he took me in, looked me over like he couldn't believe he'd ever see me again. Then his face dropped into that scornful look.

“Sofia... y-you're… actually alive?” he didn't sound relieved. Only the same bitterness I remembered, as if my disappearance was a crime I committed against him.

Without missing a beat, I looked him in the eye and asked, “Sorry, do I know you?”

His jaw dropped and his hand slipped from my arm. “Don't be ridiculous, Sofia! Drop the act! You know who I am!” He searched my face for something I wouldn't give.

Recognition.

“Mummy?” Ana whispered and his gaze dropped down. His brows jumped and I knew what he saw.

“She's his spitting image.” He scoffed, lifting his eyes back on me, judging and scornful. “Is that what this is?”

I gulped heavily but lifted my chin unaffected and gently stepped in front of my daughter. I didn't want my past laying evil eyes on her.

“She's my daughter.” I said calmly with no need to explain myself.

“She's his daughter!” He tried to correct me like he didn't hear me the first time. “You didn't think he'd run after you, did you? You wanted to use this child to get him back. Are you that lovesick? You haven't changed even after all these years?”

The accusation was a slap to my face and an insult to my resolve all these years. “I said she's my daughter,” I repeated firmly this time.

“I didn't spend four years away for you to accuse me of being a homewrecker. I never planned to return to the pack. I never planned to use a child to destroy your sister's home for a man, Oliver. You can relax and you can get out of my face. Next time you lay your hand on me again, I'll be suing.”

He blinked back in shock. He didn't believe I'd be so bold to stand up to him. I've been the quiet doormat for years. Taking whatever they gave me. Not anymore.

“Apart from blood, we're strangers. Remember that?” I threw his words back at him and it slapped him in the face like the cold wind. “I'm not interested in your life, so you don't have the right to tell me how to live mine.”

I turned and lifted Ana into the car, gently shut the door. Oliver stepped back, still reeling from the shock.

“Wait-” from the corner of my eye, I saw him reaching for me, but he stopped himself.

“I have nothing more to say to you,” I turned to leave.

He grabbed me again, gentler this time but it still irritated me. His mouth opened and closed as he struggled for words. “You… why did-”

“What?” I frowned, sounding very impatient on purpose.

“Why did you leave back then?“ he finally managed to ask.