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.

Ashley's POV

After leaving the Alpha Manor, I headed straight to my apartment-the one I'd bought before marrying Brian. Brian knew about the place but had never set foot in it.

There were no gardens here, no crystal chandeliers, and no swarms of servants. Just two simple rooms, a living area, and a kitchen, featuring a window that overlooked the city's neon lights. But it was mine. I no longer had to worry about what Brian wanted for dinner.

I threw myself into the soft sofa, finally able to breathe freely.

After a quick tidy-up, I began preparing dinner for myself. As the pan heated over the flame, I placed a steak inside. Subconsciously, I began timing it, preparing to sear it to medium-well-Brian's favorite. But the moment I realized what I was doing, I froze.

This time, I was going to have it my way: medium-rare, the way I actually liked it.

Just as I was about to enjoy the dinner I cooked for myself, there was a knock at the door.

"Ashley! Open up! It's me!"

Vicki burst in, the sharp smell of disinfectant following her. She hadn't even taken off her white coat.

"Vicki?" I stared at her, surprised. "What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be on shift?"

"That lying bitch!" She threw her Prada bag onto the coffee table with a loud thud. "And Brian-that brainless idiot thinking with his dick!"

She flopped onto the couch, still catching her breath. Seeing my puzzled expression, she quickly explained, "I was worried about you. All afternoon, I kept thinking-how are you holding up all alone? So I jumped in my car as soon as I got off. I was scared you'd... you'd do something stupid... or just suffer quietly by yourself."

Her words made my eyes sting. In this entire world, aside from the child inside me, maybe Vicki was the only person who truly cared about me.

"You idiot," I said softly, "skipping work just for me? What if someone notices?"

"I don't care about that!" Vicki gripped my hand tightly, her voice full of determination. "Ashley, you're my best friend. I can't just sit back and do nothing while you're hurting. Those jerks stomped all over your life! God, I swear, I wouldn't hesitate to take a scalpel to Silvia's two-faced, fake smile!"

Her concern brought a rush of warmth to my heart. "I'm fine." I pointed toward the kitchen. "I just made dinner. Want to join? I can cook another steak for you."

Vicki studied me closely, as if trying to see if I was really okay. "You... seem calmer than I expected."

I shook my head and replied honestly, "I made the logical choice, but you know how it is... emotionally, it's still hard. But time heals everything."

"You deserve so much better, Ashley. A thousand times better than that jerk."

We sat down together at the small dining table, and I cooked her another medium-rare steak. She complimented the simple meal, but I could tell her mind was more on me than the food.

"I know. Once the divorce with Brian is finalized, I'm leaving." I tried my best to stay composed and keep my emotions in check.

Vicki's face was full of worry. "But what's your plan after that? You're alone, and... you've got the baby too. I mean, you can't go back to your uncle's pack right now."

"I'm not alone, Vicki," I interrupted her, looking her straight in the eye. "And I'm not starting from nothing."

Her confused expression told me it was time to come clean. "Do you remember the Rose Gallery?"

Vicki's eyes widened instantly. "Of course! That's the most prestigious art space in the wolf community! They hold the 'Moonlight Salon' every six months, and even Alphas from the farthest territories compete for an invitation. Wait... what does that have to do with you?"

"That gallery belongs to me."

Vicki's mouth dropped open in shock, almost as if she could fit an egg in there. "What? But... Brian never allowed you to-"

"Yeah, he hated it when I put myself out there," I cut her off with a sharp laugh. "He wanted his Luna to be this obedient, flower-arranging, smiling little trophy. So, I used a fake name. All these years, I've been secretly using the gallery's profits to cover up for the pack's financial mess-a result of his ridiculous decisions. But now? I don't have to sacrifice for his outdated, macho nonsense anymore."

I stood up and walked over to the window, looking down at the busy city streets below. "Moonlight Salon, protected under the ancient Truce Accord, is the only place where wolf pack elites can safely exchange information, negotiate in secret, and even forge alliances. And I'm the one running the whole show. Leaving Brian? The only thing I lost was that meaningless title of being his Luna."

Vicki rushed over and threw her arms around me from behind, practically bouncing with excitement. "Oh my god, Ashley! You absolute genius! I knew it! I knew you weren't some helpless little damsel. This is... incredible!"

"Vicki." I placed a hand on my belly, my voice steady and full of resolve. "I'm going to make so much money, enough to make sure my pup grows up in a safe, comfortable, and abundant environment. He'll have nothing but the best. I swear it."

"You will." Vicki rested her chin on my shoulder, her voice soft but full of conviction. "You're going to be an amazing mom."

Just then, her phone rang-it was an emergency call from the hospital. She had to leave right away.

"Don't forget your checkups!" She gave me a quick peck on the cheek. "You're eating for two now, so take care of yourself! And hey, if anything comes up, call me anytime, no matter how late it is!"

After Vicki hurried off, my phone buzzed as well. It was the gallery assistant, Leo, a young, lively beta wolf.

"Good evening, Ms. Rebecca."

Rebecca was the alias I used for work.

His voice was bright and energetic over the line. "Sorry to bother you, but a package arrived for you-no sender info. It seems kind of important. Should I deliver it to the Alpha Manor for you?"

"No need, Leo," I replied immediately. "I'll come by myself. And while I'm at it, could you get started on the planning for the next Moonlight Salon? I've got some new ideas for that."

After hanging up, I changed into a sleek black outfit and drove over to the Rose Gallery.

The gallery, located in the priciest part of the city's financial district, was a striking blend of black steel and glass-modern, understated, but undeniably sophisticated. As I walked through the doors, the staff paused and nodded politely at me.

"Good evening, Ms. Rebecca."

Here, I wasn't someone's ex-wife. I wasn't the worthless one without a wolf spirit. Here, I was the boss.

Leo hurried over and handed me a thick kraft paper envelope. "This is it, ma'am. Feels like documents inside."

I took the mysterious package, and an uneasy feeling gripped my chest. I walked up to my top-floor office and tore the seal open.

What fell out wasn't a contract or papers I expected, but a few thin sheets.

They were hospital test reports.

The moment my eyes landed on the "Patient Name" section, my blood ran cold.

Silvia.

My fingers trembled as I read line by line. Injury assessments, chest CT analysis, immune system evaluations... Every line, every clinical term, every piece of data spelled out one irrefutable truth.

All of Silvia's test results were perfectly normal.

The whole "only six months to live" story, the "too frail to handle the cold" tale...

It was all a lie.

Author's POV

The Bloodmoon Pack

Inside the expansive office, Alpha Hebert stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows, overlooking the city's nightscape.

Behind him, Marcus, his Beta, leaned against the desk. "The package has been delivered to Luna Ashley's hands. Alpha, why not just go to her directly? You've been watching her for so long. You could walk right into that pack and take her back-no one would dare stand in your way."

Hebert didn't turn around. "She's not like other females. She doesn't need any charity. Unless she's in grave danger, I will not show my face."

Marcus shook his head. "If you keep this up, you'll never have her."

Hebert turned, a sharp, lethal smile flickering in his eyes. He walked back to his desk, his fingers rhythmically tapping the surface.

Ashley's image surfaced in his mind-the woman who had been trampled by the pack's gossip yet kept her spine perfectly straight. She had her pride, her secrets, and her own gallery empire. She wasn't a weakling in need of saving; she was a prize worthy of a conquest.

He had known about Silvia's little game for a long time. He was the one who arranged for those lab results to end up in Ashley's hands. He wanted her to see the truth with her own eyes. He wanted her to realize, in her most vulnerable moment, that Brian could never give her the freedom and respect she craved.

Only he could.

He wouldn't appear just yet. He would wait. He would wait for her to be utterly disillusioned with Brian, wait for her to face the pack's pressure alone, and wait for her to realize she needed a truly powerful Alpha. Only then would he appear before her in his most dominant form.

"No," Hebert's voice was resolute. "Soon, she will be mine."

He had seen through Brian's weakness, Silvia's lies, and most of all, through Ashley's proud but lonely heart.

"She will be mine," Hebert repeated. "No matter how long it takes, I will make her belong to me willingly. In the entire East Coast, no one can snatch her from my grasp."

Outside, the night grew darker, stretching toward the direction of Ashley's apartment. A cold, predatory curve pulled at the corner of his lips.

Soon, everything would go exactly according to his plan.