I left the office in a hurry and headed straight to the hospital. After everything I went through yesterday, I needed to check on my pup's health.

My best friend, Vicki, slammed her glittery diamond-encrusted iPad onto her desk with a loud thud.

"These brainless idiots," she cursed, her white coat flying behind her as she moved sharply. "They have no clue what's really going on."

I picked up the iPad, but the glare from the screen made my eyes sting.

Social media was flooded with posts about "Alpha Brian's noble sacrifice." The top headline featured a photo of Brian pushing Silvia's wheelchair as they left the office. In the picture, he was gazing at Silvia with such tenderness, his expression full of warmth and care. And as for me? I only got a tiny footnote-"the ex-wife with no wolf spirit finally knows her place and steps aside."

The comment section? Utterly brutal.

"God bless Silvia, she's the true Luna. Poor thing, after all she's been through."

"That Ashley? She should've been gone ages ago. She hogged the Luna title for three years and brought nothing to the pack. I mean, she can't even have kids."

"I heard she dragged out the divorce to grab more money? What a greedy leech."

"Alpha still hasn't stripped Ashley of her Luna title, probably because Silvia's too fragile. I bet he had no other choice."

Every word hit me like a slap, stinging deep.

"Stop looking at it." Vicki snatched the tablet from my hands and turned off the screen. "These keyboard warriors just love spouting garbage online."

I leaned back on the examination table, staring at the fluorescent light on the ceiling. The comments kept echoing in my mind, like venomous snakes slowly gnawing away at the last bit of my pride.

"It's fine, Vicki," I said, my voice oddly calm. "I don't care what those people say. They're irrelevant to me."

But even I knew I was lying. When the whole world points fingers at you, it's nearly impossible not to care.

Vicki studied my expression carefully-she knew me too well. "Ashley, listen. Even though Silvia might become Brian's wife, technically she's not yet. And think about it-Brian still hasn't officially removed you as Luna. Maybe if you told him the truth, told him about the baby, things could turn out differently. Plus, Brian's grandmother always adored you."

I thought of her warm smile, her gentle words that used to comfort me: "Ashley, you are the kindest soul I've ever met. Brian needs a Luna like you."

But that was all in the past now.

"No," I cut Vicki off, the denial escaping my lips almost instinctively. "We're divorced now. His mind is all about Silvia. I don't want my child growing up in a toxic family."

I couldn't stop the memory of Brian's words from resurfacing-"Even when I was making love to Ashley, it was your name I was whispering in my heart."

That sentence, like a dagger, was still lodged deep in my heart.

"Brian said he doesn't love me, Vicki. He even said..." My throat tightened, and my voice trembled slightly. "He said that even in bed, he wasn't thinking of me."

Vicki's face turned dark with anger. "That bastard!"

"If he finds out about this baby, he'll either see it as a burden or fight me for custody, only to dump the baby on some nanny. This child is mine. Only mine."

Vicki stayed silent for a moment, then asked softly, "So, are you going to leave?"

I had wrestled with this question all night. Leaving would mean cutting ties with everything here-my carefully decorated room, the orphanage I poured my heart into, even the people I once thought were friends. But staying? Staying meant enduring endless humiliation and rejection.

"I have to leave." I nodded firmly. "For my pup's sake, I need to stay as far away from Brian as possible."

"Where will you go? Your uncle's territory?" Vicki frowned. "Ashley, your uncle doesn't seem like someone you can trust. And with the Silvermoon Pack practically under his control now, going back might just be even more dangerous."

I stayed quiet. Vicki was right. My uncle never liked me. If it weren't for my father's reputation back when he was alive, I'd have been kicked out of the Silvermoon Pack long ago. Now that I've lost everything, going back would only make me an easy target.

Right then, the image of that man-as dangerous and feral as a beast-flashed through my mind again.

No. No matter what, I would never step foot into another Alpha's territory again. I had a second option. As soon as I moved out of the Alpha Commissioner's residence, I would start re-mapping my future.

"It's okay, Vicki. You know me," I said, offering her a small, reassuring smile. "I always find a way to get back on my feet."

Vicki let out a deep sigh and grabbed the ultrasound machine, squeezing a generous amount of cold gel onto the probe.

"Alright, lie down. Let's see how your little one is doing."

Smiling softly, I lay back on the exam table, though I flinched at the sudden chill of the gel as the probe moved across my belly.

A blurry black-and-white image flickered onto the monitor, accompanied by the steady, rapid thumping of a heartbeat that filled the room.

Thump, thump, thump.

It was the most beautiful sound I'd ever heard.

Vicki's eyes stayed fixed on the monitor, and her brows relaxed as she gave me a small, professional smile.

"Look here, Ashley." She pointed at a small glowing dot on the screen. "Your pup is developing perfectly. And..."

She paused momentarily, then turned up the volume slightly.

"Can you hear that? This heartbeat is much faster and stronger than a human baby's. You've got one healthy little wolf pup in there. Even though you don't have wolf traits yourself, Brian's Alpha genes are seriously overpowering."

I stared at the tiny life on the screen, my eyes stinging with warmth.

This is my child, my blood. My family.

No matter where I end up or what I decide, this little life will be my driving force.

Vicki set down the probe and handed me a few tissues to wipe my stomach.

"Ashley, you need to think this through," she said seriously, her gaze steady. "You don't have a wolf spirit, and your body is just that of an ordinary human. Carrying a werewolf baby will be really tough on you. It's going to drain so much from you. And raising a little wolf pup as a single mom... you can't even imagine the challenges."

"I can do it." I sat up, crumpling the tissue in my hand. "Vicki, I may not have a wolf, but that doesn't mean I'm weak."

Vicki held my gaze for a moment, then finally nodded.

"Alright, if that's your decision. As your friend and doctor, I'll support you. But there's one condition-you have to come for regular check-ups. And if your body can't handle it, you have to listen to me, no arguing. You know there's that nasty flu going around-"

"Deal."

After the exam, we talked a bit more about what I should keep in mind during pregnancy. Vicki prescribed me some vitamins and reminded me to get plenty of rest and stay calm as much as possible.

Walking out of the hospital, I felt a little lighter inside. At least the baby was healthy, and that gave me the strength to keep going.

On the drive back to the Alpha Manor, a plan began to take shape. I could move into the apartment near the orphanage-they were short-staffed due to a recent flu outbreak and desperately needed help.

It was where I had lived before the marriage. I had exactly one month to arrange everything: to find a new pack and to slip away quietly, before Brian could even realize I was gone.

As I parked the car in the driveway, I took a deep breath. This could very well be one of the last times I returned as the lady of this house. The thought was bittersweet, but I'd already made peace with it.

But as I stepped into the Alpha Manor, the scene in front of me froze me in place.

The staff were tossing my things out of the master bedroom. Brian had told me Silvia wouldn't take over my room.

But now, my clothes, my books, and the hair clip Brian had once bought me were tossed out like trash, scattered across the lawn.

I stared at the clip. It was snapped in two, crushed under an old sweater as if it had never been worth a thing. Brian had merely picked it up on a whim after an Alpha conference; it was a mere afterthought to him. But that day, I had cradled it in my hands for so long, believing it was the first time he'd truly thought of me. To me, it was more precious than any luxury.

Now, seeing it splintered in the dirt, it felt like a reflection of myself-discarded.

"What were you doing at the hospital?" Brian suddenly lunged forward, his grip tightening around my arm. There was no concern in his eyes, only suspicion.

I tried to shake him off, but his strength was overwhelming. "We just signed the divorce papers, Brian," I replied coldly. "You should worry about your future wife, not an Omega who will be out of your life soon enough."

"Oh my, Ashley, you're back." Silvia rolled her wheelchair toward us, her eyes glancing over my belongings strewn on the grass. She wore a mask of fake guilt. "I'm so sorry, Ashley. Brian insisted I needed a room with better ventilation for my recovery. You know how stubborn he can be."

She sounded as if she were already the true Luna.

A wave of nausea surged from my stomach to my throat. I waved a dismissive hand, finally shoving Brian away. "Don't bother," I said icily. "I don't plan on staying in the Alpha Residence anymore."

I turned to leave, but Brian didn't let me go. He slammed me into a guest room, pinning me against the wall. His gaze was feral, filled with a rage that looked ready to tear me apart.

A violent shudder ran through me-

Brian's POV

"What is she saying?"

A sudden jolt of panic surged through me at Ashley's cold, final tone. It felt as if she were actually slipping through my fingers. Did she hear what I said to Silvia this morning? It was just a comfort to a dying woman-doctors said emotional stability was key for Silvia's recovery.

But Ashley's face was deathly pale, and her frantic urge to leave only fueled my rage. Silvia was right; Ashley was likely just terrified of losing her status and playing the guilt card. She's just an Omega-no power, no money. How dare she even dream of leaving the pack?

I gripped her arm, my eyes searching hers, desperate to decipher what she was thinking. Why do I care so much about her feelings? Could I have fallen for her, just as Silvia said? No. Never. Not in this lifetime.

Two hours ago, on the drive back, Silvia's hand had rested on mine. I'd instinctively wanted to pull away, but I stopped, seeing how frail she looked.

"Brian, are you worried about Ashley?" Silvia had asked, her eyes brimming with tears. "Or... are you in love with her?"

"No, don't be ridiculous. You're the one I love, Silvia," I'd snapped. "I could never love a selfish, weak Omega. No one is as brave as you were when you took that hit for me."

Silvia's eyes flickered, but I brushed it off. She sighed, "Brian, I bet Ashley is just anxious about losing her financial security. I'm sure she'll eventually understand everything you're doing."

"After all, I only have six months left... No matter how much I show my love for you, I can never have you forever." Silvia's chest heaved violently, her tears falling even harder. "Now, Ashley's attitude is making me feel like a goddamn villain!"

"You're not!" I wiped her tears. "I'll make her apologize to you."

"No! Brian, never do that. You know your attitude is the only thing I care about," Silvia said, quickly grabbing my arm.

I lowered my voice. "I promise you, in just one month, you will be my wife."

Silvia grew tired and fell asleep in my arms. Looking at how kind she was, my anger flared again at the thought of Ashley's attitude.

Why couldn't she just accept this gracefully? Right now, I was only asking her to step back temporarily-it was only for six months.

Once Silvia passed away peacefully, I would marry Ashley again, even giving her a grander wedding as compensation. She would still be the Luna of the Alpha Manor, still enjoying all the privilege and wealth.

Not only was she unhappy, but she also acted as if I had betrayed her.

She knew exactly why we were married.

Back then, her father had been killed by rogue wolves, and her mother chose to abandon her and leave on her own. My grandfather was close friends with Ashley's grandfather, and he ordered me to help her.

At that time, Silvia had just left me. When I saw Ashley looking like a fragile glass ball, I immediately picked her up off the ground.

I promised her, "You'll be the Luna of Blackwood Pack. No one will ever hurt you again." She cried in my arms until she fainted.

After she woke up, we performed the marking ceremony, but I told her clearly that this was just a business deal-I needed someone to fill the position of my Luna.

She still accepted it happily. She took meticulous care of me every day. I told her she didn't need to do those things, but she insisted. Our sex was passionate; every time I saw her just sitting there, my dick would get hard.

No, I can't keep thinking about Ashley. It must be my own attitude that gave her the delusion that she could refuse an Alpha.

As the car came to a stop, Silvia looked at me with an exhausted face, her voice soft and pleading: "Brian, can you carry me up? I can't hold on much longer."

"Of course." I picked her up and pushed open the manor doors. I grabbed a servant. "Which room has better ventilation?"

The servant looked at me in a panic. "Alpha, the master bedroom has the best ventilation."

I frowned immediately. I had promised Ashley I wouldn't move her out of the master bedroom. But Silvia suddenly coughed up a mouthful of blood. "Silvia! Get a doctor, now!" I roared at the servant.

Silvia grabbed me instantly. "No, Brian, I don't want to hear any more hopeless medical advice. You know I've tried so many doctors already. Please."

I looked at the servant and said coldly, "Go to the master bedroom and move all of Ashley's things out." I noticed Ashley hadn't returned. Where did she go?

"Where is Luna Ashley?" I asked.

"Luna Ashley went to the hospital," the servant replied.

I immediately recalled how pale she had looked. Was she actually sick? I instantly mind-linked my Beta. "Go find out why Ashley went to the hospital."

When she got back, I had to warn her that I would no longer tolerate her willfulness, or I would cut off her financial support.

Before the Beta could even leave, Ashley had already returned to the estate.

I rushed to the door and grabbed her immediately. "What were you doing at the hospital?"

Ashley tried to shake me off, gritting her teeth. "We just signed the divorce papers. You should worry about your future wife, not an Omega who will be out of your life soon enough."

"Oh my, Ashley, you're back." Silvia rolled her wheelchair over, glancing at Ashley's personal belongings scattered on the ground. She said guiltily, "I'm so sorry, Ashley. Brian insisted I needed a room with better ventilation for my recovery. You know how stubborn he can be."

Ashley's gaze was fixed intently on her belongings. I saw a broken hair clip-one I had brought back once after an Alpha conference. I hadn't thought much of it; I just thought it wasn't expensive and was easy to buy.

I remembered how passionate Ashley had been toward me that night, as if it were a luxury item worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. She was an Alpha's daughter; she had seen plenty of luxury goods, but her eyes that day looked as if she had received something more precious than anything in the world.

I had enjoyed her "services" that night, and I didn't even remember the hair clip. Suddenly, the look in her eyes turned shattered-

"Don't bother," Ashley said, snapping out of my grip and speaking coldly. "I don't plan on staying in the Alpha Residence anymore."

"What are you saying?" I grabbed her wrist again. "Are you throwing another tantrum?"

The resolve in her eyes was exactly the same as when she signed the divorce papers. No, I absolutely would not allow her to move out. She was an Omega; she could be attacked by rogue wolves at any moment.

My true inner thought was that it felt as if once she left, she would never come back. I tightened my grip and immediately dragged her to the guest room next to the master bedroom. Without a second thought, I slammed her against the wall.

I hissed at her, and she shuddered. Angrily, I bit her lip. She had to be punished.

Ashley's POV

In the room, I watched Brian's behavior in shock. The familiar scent on him left me dazed, and I couldn't suppress a moan. Only last night, our kisses had been just as heated as this, but my reason told me his first love-his fated mate-was right outside this door.

In an instant, all my sadness and heartache transformed into a towering rage. So, I bit down hard on his lower lip.

The taste of blood instantly filled my mouth.

"Argh-"

Brian let out a muffled groan of pain and instinctively loosened his grip on me.

Now!

Using all my strength, I raised my hand and gave him a resounding slap.

Slap!

The crisp sound echoed through the empty living room.

Brian's eyes widened, and a second later, he angrily tried to grab me again.

"Alpha Brian," I gasped, my words coming out one by one, "Why are you doing this? Do you regret me divorcing you? Have you fallen in love with me?"

Brian immediately backed away, sneering coldly, "Do you really think I can't let go of your body? It's just my wolf's lingering interest in his marked female. Don't mistake this for love-that is something that will never exist."

A cramp-like pain suddenly flared in my stomach. He had no idea how cruel his words were. It was like the man you loved most was negating everything you felt.

I felt as if the floor had been pulled out from under me. I had to grab the doorknob to steady myself, then I looked up and feigned composure. "Wonderful, Alpha Brian. After all, your love means absolutely nothing to me."

The air seemed to freeze. Brian's eyes turned red. But he finally let go of me. "Good. Otherwise, I would have to clarify that I don't love you, not even a little bit."

A black hole. I felt like I was falling into a black hole again. When Brian personally spoke the truth that he didn't love me, it still hurt. I nearly collapsed to the ground.

"Can I go now?" I gritted out.

"That will never happen! You're staying here!" Brian roared. "You know that as an Omega alone outside, you'll be attacked! You'll be kidnapped! You'll be a waste of the pack's security resources."

My heart was already numb with pain. I took a deep breath and said, "Reject me, and I will no longer be the pack's responsibility."

"I know what you're plotting. You want to use pack gossip to attack Silvia. You want everyone to think Silvia is a villain because you were kicked out of the Alpha Manor while she's sick," Brian said coldly.

I lost all my strength; my mind went blank. No matter what I did, I would be brutally humiliated by him. This was the difference between being loved and not.

I touched my lower abdomen, just about to say I was only moving out temporarily, when Brian's tone suddenly softened. "The master bedroom is more suitable for Silvia's recovery," Brian explained. "I'll have the servants prepare a new bedroom for you on the west side of the second floor. The conditions are identical to the master bedroom."

"I agree," I heard my voice trembling, but I struggled to control it. "But I have to move out now."

Brian's eyes turned red again. Before he could explode once more, I quickly explained, "The orphanage has been very busy lately. Flu season is here, and the children need care. I need to stay in my own apartment so it's easier to look after the sick kids."

Brian's brow furrowed. "You don't need to. You can drive there."

I nodded. "No. I'm worried I'll bring the virus back home. That would be dangerous for Silvia's recovery."

"Cough... cough, cough..."

Just then, Silvia's signature frail coughing sounded from outside the door. She seemed to have overheard our conversation.

"Brian..." Silvia's weak voice came through. "Ashley is right. My immune system is very fragile right now. If I catch the flu, I might..."

She didn't finish, but the meaning was already clear.

Brian's expression became complicated as he looked from me to Silvia outside the door, seemingly weighing his options.

"Only temporarily," he finally said through gritted teeth. "When the situation at the orphanage improves, you must come back. That is an order. If you dare to use this as a chance to escape, I will personally hunt you down. Don't forget who you are, Ashley-you belong to the Blackwood Pack forever."

I ignored him. A lot can change in a month. Moreover, Brian doesn't know that I am the owner of a gallery that frequently hosts Alpha councils. I can use this opportunity to find a pack that truly suits me.

I picked up my luggage and drove toward the apartment near the orphanage.

Silvia's POV

Ashley was gone.

I stared at Brian, his hand pressing against his bloodied lips.

My heart pounded like a drum in my chest. Yeah, I heard everything. Every word they said. I know Brian kissed her. Forced himself on her.

And I can't help wondering-if I hadn't made myself out to be someone on the brink of death, would he even be standing here right now? Would he have agreed to this sham of a marriage, even if it's just for six months?

No. He wouldn't have.

It's so obvious how much Ashley means to him. She's not just some stand-in, and she's definitely not a toy he picked up to fill the emptiness. That woman... She spent three years carving her name into the walls of his otherwise impenetrable heart.

Even when he threw those cruel words at her, his body gave him away. My grip on the wheelchair turned white-knuckled.

Leaving Brian all those years ago-that was the dumbest choice I've ever made. And you know what's worse? I didn't even save him that night. It wasn't me. It was some random she-wolf who showed up and left as quickly as she came. But I was the first person he saw when he woke up. He thought I was the one who saved him. Everyone in the Blackwood Pack thought so too.

Of course, I let them believe it. I was his girlfriend-who else would it have been, right?

I lied. I told him my wolf was gone, just disappeared. I wanted him to feel guilty for me. And with that guilt, I could finally put my long-planned scheme into motion.

I didn't want to spend my whole life as a Luna in the pack. I wanted to see the world beyond, to explore. Maybe out there, I'd find someone better than Brian. I deserved better.

So, I left. To make my lies more convincing, I found a hospital-one that catered to different species. They even had witches working there. I had one of them seal my wolf and forged an entire medical history for me.

But after dating humans and other male wolves, I realized something-none of them could even compare to Brian.

When I heard about Brian's bonding, I wasn't worried. It didn't matter. As soon as I went to him and brought up my request, he didn't hesitate-he agreed immediately.

I'll admit, when he said yes, my heart fluttered. I loved him. I knew that in that moment. But a few days later, I noticed something-Brian might've come back to me, but he wasn't happy.

That's when it hit me. Brian had changed. His heart, his mind-they weren't completely mine anymore. It looked like he'd fallen for Ashley, even if he hadn't realized it himself yet.

I couldn't let that happen. Before he truly figured it out, I had to reclaim everything that was mine. I needed to take back his heart completely.

I'd already done my homework on Ashley. I knew everything about her. Sure, she didn't have a wolf, but she was the daughter of an Alpha-basically royalty. But her father's gone now, and that title means nothing anymore.

Admittedly, she was highly praised during her time as Luna. She wasn't just some useless woman who only knew how to arrange flowers. She was outstanding-so outstanding that she was a threat.

But so what?

I'll erase every trace of her existence.

I took a slow, deep breath, forcing myself to calm the storm inside. Carefully, I moved my wheelchair closer to Brian. Reaching out, my hand trembled slightly as I gently touched the cut on his lips.

"Brian... did she hurt you?" I asked softly, my voice barely above a whisper.

He snapped out of his thoughts, the storm in his eyes dimming slightly, though his expression remained dark. "She's lost her mind," he hissed through clenched teeth.

"Don't say that, Brian," I said, lowering my gaze. "She's just heartbroken. No female wolf can handle sharing her mate like that. It's all my fault... I shouldn't have come back and messed things up for you two."

I noticed his jaw tighten, his anger slowly fading, replaced by a conflicted expression-a mix of guilt and something else I couldn't quite name.

"No, Silvia, this isn't your fault," he finally said, crouching down so we were at eye level, his tone noticeably softer. "This is my promise to you. It's what you deserve. Don't blame yourself."

Hearing this, I felt a small sense of relief. For now, it seemed like Brian's heart leaned a little closer toward me.

"Lunch is ready, Alpha Brian, Ms. Silvia," a servant called respectfully, breaking the moment.

Brian straightened, and without hesitation, he began pushing my wheelchair toward the dining room like it was the most natural thing in the world. "You're hungry," he stated, not bothering to turn it into a question. "You need to eat something."

I savored the moment. Sunlight streamed through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a soft glow over the pristine dining table. Everything felt just like it used to, like we'd been transported back to a time when it was just the two of us, untouched by everything that came after.

The servants began placing dishes on the table, one by one. The rich aroma of creamy mushroom soup wafted up, tugging at my memory.

"I remember this was-"

"What is this?" Brian's cold voice sliced through the air, cutting me off. His sharp gaze locked onto the bowl of soup, brows furrowing as if it were some revolting concoction. "Didn't I make it clear? Don't serve this again." He glanced at the steak next to it, his expression darkening further. "And this? Medium? Are you trying to ruin my stomach?"

The servant froze, trembling as they quickly lowered their head. Their voice quivered with panic. "I'm so sorry, Alpha! I... I'll take it away right now! It's just that... Luna used to prepare all your meals herself, and she said-"

"What did she say?" Brian's tone shifted abruptly, his eyes narrowing.

"Ma'am..." The servant answered nervously, "Luna said your stomach doesn't handle heavy food well, especially after long patrols. That's why she changed your diet three years ago. She's been personally cooking your steak medium-well, saying it's the best for you..."

My chest tightened. Ashley actually changed his preferences!

"Cough... cough, cough..." I let out a deliberate series of coughs to draw his attention.

"Silvia!" Brian immediately looked over, alarmed, patting my back anxiously. "Are you okay?"

I shook my head weakly, leaning against him as I caught my breath. Once the coughing eased, I raised my pale face and looked at him softly. "Brian, don't blame the servants. They're only trying to take care of you."

I paused, summoning every ounce of strength to smile faintly. "From now on... let me make your meals. You used to love the sandwiches I made back then."

Brian froze. "No," he responded firmly, "your health-"

"The doctor suggested I do some light activity," I interjected, pushing on. "Besides, I hate the idea of you going hungry just because you're not enjoying your meals. Cooking for you... will make me happy, Brian. It makes me feel like... I'm still useful."

He looked at me, guilt and tenderness almost overflowing in his eyes. "Silvia..." He sighed eventually, gently tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. "You're so kind-"

I smiled warmly, all the while sneering inside. Replacing Ashley starts with the food.

"Oh, by the way, Brian," I said like I'd just remembered something, my eyes lighting up with a hint of excitement. "There's something small I wanted to talk about. The Moonlight Salon is coming up, and... I was thinking about showcasing a few of my paintings."

The Moonlight Salon held significant influence within the wolf pack. If I could get my artwork displayed at such an event, it would definitely help enhance my standing.

Seeing his surprised expression, I added, "I want to do something meaningful for you and the Blackwood Pack. If... if by any chance my paintings sell, I'd like to donate all the proceeds to the pack's orphanage."

The emotion in Brian's eyes deepened, practically overflowing.

"Of course," he agreed immediately, his voice gentle, his smile kind. "Of course, Silvia. I'll have my Beta handle arranging the best spot for you. Whatever you want, I'll make it happen."

Perfect. Just as I planned.

Leaning into his embrace, I silently pieced together the next steps of my plan.