The beast everyone talks about is right in front of me. Hiding just behind those mesmerizing emerald green eyes. I was not terrified, even though I should have been.

Something about him and his child pulled me in.

"I would never be able to do that. Even though I hate Alia, I would never hurt a defenseless child in retribution."

He looks at me with that peculiar expression all the time. As though trying to see deep within me. To discover every one of my secrets.

Giving one final warning, he leaves. He took his commanding presence with him. As soon as he leaves, the space feels vacant.

I resume my work. Attempting to concentrate even though I knew it would be futile.

Trevor stormed into my office many hours later. He was enraged beyond measure and exhaled fire.

"Haven't you done enough damage, Adrianna? Stay very far away from my parents, please. His voice is angry and full of contempt. "He yelled, "I won't let you stick your filthy claws into them. I have no idea what you've told them to despise Alia to such an extent."

I laugh. "I doubt that I can control them in any way. They despise her for what she did to you, Trevor. Can't you see? She's here to ruin you again and you're letting her."

He gives me a glance. His eyes were filled with hate. How come hate has replaced all love? I just don't fucking get it.

"Please sign the darn documents and give my family some space. It would do me a lot of good if you just died and ceased to exist."

I'm even more broken by his statements. I fear that we may never be able to get past this, leaving Magenta and me both damaged.

He's ready to walk away when I stop him.

I cry out, "Hold on," but it only sounds like a whimper. "Please be sincere with me. Have you ever truly loved me? Did you truly love me over our eight years together, or was it all just pretend?

Despite the fact I was completely terrified of the response, I wanted to know. I'm hoping that at some point, he did love me. That at least he'd given me some thought. that he had found satisfaction in me. I needed it, but his response could destroy me.

He lets out a sigh and responds. "I don't believe so. My heart was always Alia's, and it never really belonged to you. I want to be with the only woman I've ever loved, so let's simply end this charade of a mating and she can peacefully own what belongs to her. It was never yours to begin with. Eight years is a very long time.

He walks away without saying anything else. It felt like he was leaving my life as he walked out the door.

I drop to my knees. My heart is hurting and tightening. I feel as though my soul has been split in two. I was never loved by him. Not even once. He was basically using me. He used me.

This information hurts more than anything. "Maggi, stop it. I beg you, please, take away my suffering."

She responds in a similarly broken tone. "If only I could, my dear human."

I was lying on the floor for an unknown amount of time when I heard her. "Adri."

When I look up, Cassandra, my best friend, is waiting at the entrance. She kneels next to me in a matter of seconds.

"Oh Adri, what has happened to you?"

And it only takes that for me to give up. I launch myself towards her. At last, a loud cry escapes me from the depths of my tormented spirit, and I finally shatter. I released the wrath, hurt, rage, and fury I had been holding inside.

The river bursts, releasing the tears I've been keeping in. I weep bitterly to the moon goddess. Sob over the dreadful treatment I've received. I am in excruciating anguish because of her. At the fractures I was certain could never be repaired in my wounded heart.

I feel empty by the time I'm through. Like there's a void where my soul was once.

I whimpered, the struggle utterly gone from me. "I apologize Maggie, but this is the only thing I can think of."

"I know." Whimpering, she withdraws to the recesses of our consciousness, uttering the words, "Do whatever it takes to preserve what's left of us."

I turn to look at Cassandra and croak out the words that stab me deep. "I'm tired and I'm done."

She merely nods without speaking. She wraps her arms around me, holding me close while she sheds tears.

*******

A few days later

I look in the mirror at myself and I'm amazed at the woman I see. She seemed worn out and dejected. She had pale skin, sparse hair, and dark circles under her eyes. The clothes she wore made her appear as though she was thrown inside, and she has lost weight. She appears to be a pale reflection of herself.

I shut my eyes. I'm hoping they will be clear when I open them up again, but that doesn't happen. The agony persists. Flowing still in their depths. lurking around the edges.

After inhaling deeply, I exit the restroom. I stand in what I have been referring to as my room. Funny how things can shift so drastically in a matter of months. How drastically things may turn bad in your life.

I look it over to make sure I haven't forgotten anything significant. I have everything I own packed. The remaining items Trevor provided me were either given out or burned. I've taken everything. Leaving no trace that I ever resided here.

"Magenta, are you prepared?" I gently ask my wolf.

"Yes." She answers, scarcely raising her voice above a whisper, "As prepared as I can possibly be."

She feels hurt and is becoming more and more withdrawn every day. I had to keep her from fading. I can't handle anything without her

I head directly to the airport when I leave. Everything is in order. I had signed the papers of divorce already. Additionally, I had custody papers drafted by my lawyer. giving Trevor complete custody of Cara.

Making the decision had shattered us. But we were certain that Cara would never voluntarily decide to live with us. She would only grow to detest us if we forced her.

I was clueless as to our destination. All we had to do was get away from it all. where our losses aren't continually brought to mind.

Where we stood aside, uninvited, we were unable to watch Trevor and Cara happy. Every day felt like we were getting closer to death, so we had to leave.

We had the impression that we were getting closer to being engulfed by the surrounding darkness every day.

"Maggie?" I called to her. She was essential to this next phase.

"Love, I'm here. "Go for it, let go," she prods me. granting me the necessary strength.

"I, Adrianna Wilson, sever my connection with White Moon Pack and Alpha Trevor Esteban. I hereby proclaim myself to be a lone wolf without a pack.

I can feel the pack link in my head starting to fade as soon as I finish those sentences. The constant buzzing in the back of my mind had stopped.

My cheek is wet with tears. As the pack connection disappears entirely.

I acknowledge that I have just cut off all communication with Trevor and my daughter, Cara.

I was really alone now. Magenta and I only had each other.

Two years have passed since I left my suffering behind. I had been mistaken to believe that my broken heart would be mended. I was still not healed. I had not achieved peace either. Rather, an even darker energy had been entrenched within me.

The Uber driver passes through the well-known streets. It brings back memories of the reason I fled this stupid place in the first place. It brings back memories.

With distaste, Magenta says, "I detest this city." mirroring my ideas.

We get to the hospital in a matter of minutes. I take a moment to stand. Observing the imposing building. I'm trying to calm down.

Only werewolves and lycanthropes are admitted to the hospital. It was in a remote and isolated place. We had Lycan government officials helping us hide it.

To tell the truth, I had no intention of returning at all. However, kidney stones had been identified in my godson. Cassandra had called me, sobbing, terrified, and inconsolable.

As I approach the hospital, I find the elevators and enter. I had been given the floor and ward number by Cassandra. I knew where to go because this was the same hospital where Cara was born.

A few minutes later, I entered Phillip's room.

He's watching TV on the bed. Despite the fact that an operation was waiting for him. He was at ease. Even laughing.

In contrast, Cassandra appeared exhausted and drained out. She was exhausted from managing our branch here and tending to her ailing son. This was my additional motive for being here. To look after the business, as she attended to Phillip.

"Aunt Adri, you've arrived!" The roar of excitement pulls me out of my reverie.

Cassandra jerks open her eyes. Her eyes show me relief and satisfaction.

"Hello, my darling," I say to him. Putting a kiss on his forehead, I moved away.

I turn to face Cassandra and throw open my arms. She practically collapses into them. Leaning back in calmness.

"Oh, Cassie."

She cries. "Adri, I have missed you terribly, you have no idea. Being here with you instead of over the phone is different and way better."

I mumble, "For as long as either of you needs me, I will remain here." giving her a comforting back rub.

She releases me and cleans her tears. She looks at me intently. As though examining me. Observing me.

"You have a certain something about you that I can't quite put my finger on."

I merely offer her a tiny, forced smile. She is unaware of how much I have changed.

I look back at Phillip and we both settle into our seats.

"How's the favorite godson of mine doing?" I inquire.

He drags the word "Favorite? I'm your only godson, Aunt Adri."

That makes me smile. In the end, he was correct.

"I really have missed you. I'm happy you came." The smile that lights up his face makes my heart race.

I make a constant effort to block out thoughts of Cara. I try not to think about the anguish that comes with those thoughts.

"Well, I arrived and brought you a ton of gifts."

"Really? That is really awesome. I've behaved well. I'm a really brave pup, says the doctor, and I'll get an ice cream reward once I recover fully. Any flavor I want.

There's an infectious joy and peace in his voice. I forget for a split second that my heart is iced. I let go and enjoy the conversation with him.

At the age of eleven, Phillip has a distinct perspective on life. He catches me up on everything I've been unaware of. Especially Wade, his new best friend, who pays him a daily visit.

I then give Cassandra a questioning glance. She confirms that it is Alia's son by nodding her head. We then engage in casual conversation.

When I ended my visit with them, I had been with them for almost four hours. I had to get to the company to know what was going on and handle things.

I met Trevor face-to-face as I was exiting the room. I didn't want to see this man for any fucking reason.

Uncertain, he asks, "Adrianna?" as when you see a ghost or whatever.

I don't respond to him. Simply give him a stern look. Besides, we had nothing on which to discuss.

Just as I turned to avoid him, a body crashed into me. My waist is encircled by tiny arms. I glance down and notice the center of my daughter's head.

Fuck! I was just not prepared for this. I love my daughter, so much, but I wasn't prepared for this. I was still lost in thought. And deep down in my heart, I was torn between great love and agony that my reason could not reconcile.

I was very happy to give her a hug. Even though I really wanted to, I couldn't bring myself to do it. I still feared that she might reject me. I was afraid she would push me away. I'm afraid she detests me still.

Her nasty words were still ringing in my head. I was unable to block out her voice. Her voice as she spoke to me negatively and used other derogatory terms. Even, when she declared she would ask the goddess to send me to hell and penalize me.

I free myself from her and walk away silently. That turns me into a fucking monster.

Leaving my baby in that manner, yet I can't get over the upsetting memories. I am unable to overcome my darkness. I run into someone while trying to flee from them.

"I'm really...," I try to apologize, but I get stuck.

Alia is in front of me. looking stunning as always. Like she hadn't ruined my life two years ago.

"Is that really you, Adrianna? Of course, it is. It's been a while, how are you?"

I look at her as if she's gone insane. Was this hoe for real at this moment?

"Is there a problem with you?" I inquire, utterly perplexed.

She responds incoherently. "Not that I know of. Why do you ask?"

"It appears that you believe us to be friends. Just to refresh your memory, we are not and we never will be. I'm back to pay you back for taking everything from. Karma is a cruel bitch. I will be your worst nightmare. I'll smash you, Alia, until you vanish completely. You will wish that you were dead by the time I'm finished." I threaten menacingly, my tone becoming icy and dangerous.

I give her a shoulder bump, which leaves her startled and trembling.

I hail a cab and head directly to our business.

I got there twenty minutes later. When I departed, Crystal was able to recover. We had succeeded in establishing an additional branch on the island where I had sought refuge.

Two guards stopped me just as I was ready to enter the building.

"What on earth do you think you are doing?" Gritting my teeth, I questioned.

"Well, what on earth does it look like we're doing?" One of them shot back.

I was feeling very bad after seeing Alia and Trevor.

"Do you even have any idea who you're speaking with?"

"The head of state? The other laughed, "Oh! I know, you're the governor."

Both Magenta and I were beginning to lose our cool. Since they were people, we were unable to hurt them.

"I'm this company's CEO," I growl. I was furious, my claws pressing into my palms.

I wanted to give them a swat. Give them a damn lesson.

Admittedly, I didn't look my best. I had faded pants, a rumpled top, and sunglasses. I didn't appear very put together because I had taken a direct flight without any breaks.

The other one scoffed in disgust, "I know you're a slut, you probably screwed one of the top dogs and now they don't want to do anything with you, so you're here to cause a scene."

I looked at them, astonished.

We were starting to draw notice. I tried to walk past the fools because I didn't want to deal with them.

The tall one takes a terrible hold on me and begins to drag me. At that point, I snap.

I yell, "Get your stupid stinking hands off me," and then I give him a hard slap with my other hand.

The room reverberates with the strike. A voice stops him just as his eyes grow menacing and he's about to lunge at me.

"What in the world is happening here?" Our general manager, Ned, yells.

One of them says, "This slut here is disturbing the peace of this place."

Ned gasps as he turns to face me.

"Ned, are these the kind of idiots you employ these days? Fools who treat women with disrespect and even abuse them?" My tone is reserved and icy.

"Oh my goodness, Adrianna, I'm so sorry. He said in a pleading tone, "I apologize on their behalf; it won't happen again."

When my name registers in their minds, I watch the guards' faces lose color.

"Oh, it won't happen again for sure, as they've been sacked. Remove them from my fucking presence."

I stroll by them. They humbly ask that I give them another opportunity. I don't pay them any attention.

"Why are all of you standing about waiting?" Everyone scrambles to return to their places as I yell, "Get back to work or suffer the same fate."

I'd had enough of being good. Done being kind. To be honest, I was going to be worse. It was my intention to become the antagonist they had labeled me as.

They have no idea what I have in store for them.

Alia and Trevor would suffer for what that did. I would unleash hellfire onto everyone who had wronged me. I'm going to watch as the fire devours them till they turn to ashes.

With a pile of documents in tow, my new secretary walks into my office. Within the stack are a magazine and a newspaper. Then, after getting me my coffee, she quietly departs.

We've only been working together for a few days. She's the best, though, I promise. She works quickly and effectively. She doesn't gossip and arrives on time. Which is just good with me.

In need of a diversion, I take up the magazine. I've been stuck at the office all day. Pursuing a work-related catch-up. I only leave when I have to go change into a new outfit and take a shower and when I have to go see Phillip.

Of course, I'm right there on the first page. I'm not sure if I should be grateful to them or upset with them. Grateful that they are creating awareness. I'm not here to be trodden on any more.

"Adrianna Wilson has returned, and her coldness rivals that of Antarctica." It was printed.

I'm shown slapping the guard in the photo below the headlines. The discussion of that day's events continues after that.

Most likely, someone sold the information and the picture. The idiot was getting sacked. As soon as I fucking discovered who it was.

Magenta said, "They don't realize how frigid our hearts have grown." That makes me laugh because it was the fucking truth. Our hearts are so icy now. Anyone trying to approach it would most likely get frozen.

That is, after all, what occurs when you're shattered? Either you get up or you stay broken. I did not want to stay shattered. I didn't want to keep deteriorating slowly from the hurt and heartache. I didn't like the woman I became. I had to get up.

I thus became heartless. Freezing the inner grief and agony. Where I was spared from feeling it.

You change with pain, and I did. I was such a simpleton. Showered my love and care on undeserving people. Gave my all for them.

I was ultimately utilized before being thrown away. The same people broke me by turning against me. I was determined to prevent that from happening in the future. It was necessary for me to eliminate the previous version of myself.

"I desperately need a run," whispered Magenta. Her voice was full of sadness.

"I'll find somewhere soon, I promise."

Because I was packless and a lone wolf. I found it difficult to run freely. Territories comprise most lands. Humans are the owners of those that are not territories. People who enjoy going hunting.

I was considering purchasing a home. One where we could run around in a huge backyard. One that was isolated as well. Where my neighbors wouldn't have to worry about coming across a lycan in my compound.

Someone knocked on my door. I motion for them to enter. The instant they did, my day was ruined with immediate effect.

"What is it that you want?" Angry, I ask.

Trevor is uncertain as he stands in my office.

He responds in a composed manner. "I came over to check on you."

I look at him, astonished. How come he and Alia believed we were kind of great friends?

"And what the fuck do you hope to achieve by doing that?"

"I still care about you even if we end up splitting up. I really would have preferred for us to stay friends."

I laugh this time. A hearty laugh. As I hear Magenta scoff.

He seemed so naive and bewildered. As though he couldn't comprehend my absurd laughter.

"Did you care for me when you called me a stupid asshole?" I snarl at him.

I cut him off as he started to say something. My voice grew icy. "Did you care for me when you refused to let me attend my daughter's party? or when you were piercing my neck with your claws? or the times you cheated on me?���

He doesn't respond to me. Simply looks as though he is at a loss for words. As though he is unable to determine where the woman he knew vanished.

His eyes flicker with something. It was too fast for me to read. It is irrelevant anyhow.

After a little while, I say, "Just leave."

I had had enough of him. I'm over his nonsense.

He starts to say, "Adri...," but I cut him off once more.

"Get out of here, Trevor. I followed your instructions to leave yours. I'm asking for the same fucking thing now. We are no longer meaningful to one another, and we never will be." I yell, "Now get out of here before I call the cops." My hands are being pricked by my claws.

That's what I do. when my anger is at its peak. So uncontrollable. I could kill someone in the next minute, like that. I am grounded by the suffering. Keeps me from becoming angry.

I am aware of what was happening to me. It was very clear. I was out of control and angry all the time. The thirst for blood. How I'm only a breath away from losing it all.

These were a few signs of lycans turning feral. They had diminished me to this. I had to bite my own hand to keep myself afloat.

With a gentle and worried tone, he says, "What is wrong, Adri?" Like he was unable to comprehend.

Oh, Goddess! Help me and help this idiot.

���You are, you and Alia are wrong with me. Now get out, before I do something I'll regret." I yell.

He glances at me again. Before departing, he declares, "This is not the end."

I sink into my chair when he does. Looking at the wall indifferently.

My phone rang, not quite sure how long I had been staring, but the spell on me broke instantly.

"You didn't seem like you had what it took, to be honest." A deep voice says. I had shivers down my spine from how husky it was.

"May I know who's speaking?" Not that I didn't know who it was. I decided to act to dumb conceal my surprise.

"You are very much aware of who it is. You're not so good at playing dumb, Blondie."

Screw it! I had been discovered. How humiliating.

"Mr. Davani, what can I do for you?" At last, I inquire.

I was clueless as to why he was calling. But if I claimed I wasn't interested, it would be a lie. Something about him captured my attention.

No one knew about the events surrounding him and Alia. We were only aware that it was he who had filed for divorce.

"Just Ares," he assertively says. Causing me to scoff.

"Ares, how may I help you?"

He says, "I need to talk to you about something very important." I frown.

I'm genuinely curious about this. Magenta even snorts in response. I'm dying to hear what he has to say. To be honest, I couldn't even imagine what the topic of discussion was going to be about.

In addition, I wasn't sure I wanted to get involved with someone so powerful. The energy he exuded the last time he was around was frightening as well as fascinating.

But my curiosity got the better of me.

"Go ahead then. I'm all ears."

Right when I believed he was going to go ahead and spill it out, he took an unexpected action. Something so obnoxious and with so much authority.

He says in a shrill voice. "I'd like to meet you tomorrow by two at Kincaid. I have a deal for you." And hangs up immediately after saying that.