Chapter 2

At first, I brushed off the ritual to reconnect with my inner wolf. Despite Ishaan, the pack healer, pushing hard for it, the thought of risking memory loss or amnesia made me shut it down instantly.

But now, there's nothing I crave more than to forget it all.

I slid the mate bond certificate back into the drawer, only for my eyes to catch the pregnancy test report tucked beside it. The paper was frayed from too many unfoldings. Staring at '12 weeks pregnant,' a laugh escaped me—sharp, involuntary.

Arlo, the Alpha of the Red Moon Pack, always swore he'd wait for me to be ready, claiming patience was his virtue. Turns out, his patience had a shelf life—and he moved on. It wasn’t about me conquering my fears; it was about him conquering his desires.

When Arlo entered, the report was already back in its spot. He pulled me into a tight hug. 'Sleep, don’t worry. I’ve got you.'

Overwhelmed by a storm of emotions, I muttered something incoherent and closed my eyes.

Minutes later, a gentle shake. I stayed still, feigning sleep, and he slipped out quietly. The soft click of the door echoed.

Biting my lip, I trailed him silently.

Leyla’s door was slightly open.

There he was, massaging pregnancy cream onto Leyla’s belly, his eyes soft with care.

'Your father-in-law mentioned earlier that once the baby’s born, all shares will go to the baby, so no worries about them going to an outsider,' Leyla chirped excitedly.

'Arlo’s smile was warm. 'That’s great news!'

His voice softened. 'It’s just unfair to you. You’ve done so much.'

'I’m sorry,' Leyla sniffled. 'If I hadn’t hired those rogues to torment Serena, your child wouldn’t have been lost, and Serena wouldn’t be barren. I owe you this debt.'

Arlo tenderly wiped her tears. 'It’s not your fault. It was my call. Besides, that child came at the wrong time.'

My nails dug into my palms, the pain barely registering over the heartache.

Arlo, were my child and I just obstacles in your pursuit of the Brown legacy? How could I have loved someone so callous for over a decade?

Suddenly, Leyla glanced up, locking eyes with me. I braced for panic—after all, we’d been like sisters for years. Instead, she smirked, turning to Arlo.

'Alpha,' she cooed, 'I know Serena’s the one you love, but you don’t see that I’m the one who loves you. In these last few months, let me have you.'

Their bodies tangled on the bed, stripped of any pretense.

Heavy-hearted, I retreated to the bedroom, tears streaming uncontrollably. I wept until dawn’s light crept in.

Only then did Arlo return. As he enveloped me in his arms, I pretended to stir.

He held me with a facade of deep affection, his grip firm on my shoulder. 'Honey, I love you.'

I swallowed the fury bubbling within.

His lips brushed my forehead. 'I’m off to work. Don’t forget, tonight’s Mom’s birthday party. She insisted on having you there.'

My heart felt hollow, lifeless.

I couldn’t wrap my head around why he treated me this way.

He was right—had I known he’d choose another, I’d have ended it!

But even now, the choice to leave was mine.

Quietly, I spent the day packing my things and booked the ritual with Ishaan.