Chapter 2

Tess' POV

I gave a bitter laugh. He was right, of course. But this medicine was private. I didn't want anyone in the pack to know, which was why I planned to buy it myself.

"Relax, Harold. I have zero interest in your whereabouts right now."

His face instantly stiffened.

In the car, he frantically ordered "blueberry muffins" on his phone—Shirley's favorite.

I reached the pharmacy entrance, opened the door, and got out.

He glanced at me. His tone was dismissive, like a favor, "I'll be back to get you later."

The next second, he roared the engine and sped away. Muddy water splashed all over my legs.

I bought the medicine and waited outside for two hours.

The wind turned colder and colder. The late autumn night air cut through me like knives.

I had major surgery only three days ago. My damaged uterus made my wolf tremble weakly.

Suddenly, there was thunder and lightning. The rain poured down. I couldn't hold on. I crouched down and hugged myself.

The pain tore at my uterus like claws. My abdomen cramped in waves.

If that patrol guard hadn't spotted me, I don't know how long I would have been unconscious.

I was brought home. I had just taken the medicine when the front door was slammed open.

Harold was exploding with rage.

"Why didn't you tell me you were home?! Do you know how long I looked for you in that rain? A whole hour!"

It was ridiculous. He was the one who blocked my mind-link.

I spoke calmly, "You need to unblock me first if you want me to contact you."

He froze, as if he'd just remembered. He held a paper bag, water dripping from his hands.

"It was too late. All the shops were closed. I ran several blocks just to find this."

I opened it. It was a common matcha energy jerky favored by werewolves.

But I'd quickly checked my phone. Shirley's latest post on the pack feed showed, a pristine, perfect blueberry muffin, sitting in front of a warm fireplace.

"Even the storm can't stop my Alpha's company."

The deep ache in my abdomen intertwined with the tearing pain in my heart. My voice was barely a whisper. I didn't even recognize it.

"Thanks. Just throw it out."

Harold's rage detonated. His fangs flashed.

"Are you insane?! I worked my butt off to buy this for you, and you just say throw it away?! What do you take me for? A servant you can summon anytime?"

My head felt like it was splitting open.

My wolf was extremely fragile after losing the pup. I desperately needed his Alpha scent to calm me.

But his scent was mixed with another she-wolf's, like needles stabbing my heart.

I forced the words out, "I'm not being dramatic."

He cut me off violently. "Shut the fuck up! You always do this! You could get jealous even over some omega!"

I gave a bitter smile. In the past, I argued with him countless times over small things. I was desperate and humble, wanting to hear him say I was his only Luna, his fated mate.

As his mate, I craved his mark and protection. I once saw that as an honor. Now it felt like a cruel joke.

I didn't feel that way anymore.

If our feelings were this polluted, was this demanding love even worth keeping?

I knew he wouldn't believe me if I said I had a miscarriage.

I just said, "If that's what you choose to believe, I can't change it."

I stood up and walked toward the bedroom.

He threw the paper bag into the trash. Then he walked into the bathroom, likely busy calling to soothe someone.

I took a clean set of sheets from the closet and headed for the guest room. I ran right into him coming out of the bathroom.

A flash of offended anger crossed his eyes.

"What? Sleeping in separate rooms? I haven't even complained about the blood and medicine smell on you. Do you think I can't control myself? I'm telling you, you don't even arouse me at all!"

"Don't text me tonight if you can't sleep. I'll be busy."

That bloody scent was the price of losing our pup, but I wouldn't explain myself now.

I went into the guest room and locked the door.

He used to come home late sometimes. Without his calming Alpha scent, I would toss and turn, unable to sleep.

Once, I couldn't bear it and called him. The next day, he threw a bottle of powerful tranquilizers at me.

After that, I depended on the pills to sleep.

Tonight, following the doctor's orders, I didn't take the tranquilizer. I actually slept soundly.

It turns out if your heart is hard enough, the pain from the mating bond isn't so hard to bear.

Early the next morning, I emailed my lawyer. I requested a meeting to discuss ending the mating bond and dividing assets.

Meanwhile, a video was posted in the city's werewolf community, announced by the Blood Howl pack, which Harold led. It proclaimed an alliance with the neighboring Nightclaw pack.

In the footage, golden crystal chandeliers shone on a long table set with platinum silverware.

Harold smoothly popped a champagne cork. Fine bubbles shot toward the ceiling like tiny fireworks, instantly raising a cheer.

Shirley leaned close to Harold's side. Her eyes sparkled with triumph and coquettishness. Her laughter was clear like a bell, drawing many eyes.

The contrast with the Nightclaw Alpha standing next to him was stark. He had brought his Luna.

Of course. No Alpha would bring another she-wolf to such a formal event. It was absurd.

Furthermore, I had secretly negotiated Nightclaw myself months ago. I used my old connection with the Nightclaw Luna to resolve years of pack bad blood, making today's alliance possible.

And I was the only member who wasn't invited today.

I looked closely. I recognized the suit Harold was wearing. It was my gift to him for our anniversary last year.

Now I only felt lucky. I had already returned this year's gift.