Allison's POV

It's been three days since I was discharged and returned to the pack.No one asked how I was. No one checked in.The paperwork waiting for me has already piled up in the study-

As if I were nothing more than a hired housekeeper for the pack,Useful, but never truly seen.

But is that really who I am?

I sat at my desk and stared at my research notes from before my marriage. I had been working on promising studies in traditional herbal remedies that could benefit werewolf healing.My work had been promising enough that Professor Jenkins, my mentor and fellow Moonstone Pack member, had recruited me for his team despite my youth. It had been my passion, my purpose-until meeting Victor Storm had changed everything.

With trembling fingers, I reached for my phone and dialed a number I hadn't called in nearly two years.

"Allison? Is that really you?" Professor Jenkins' familiar voice brought tears to my eyes. The genuine warmth in his tone was such a stark contrast to what I'd grown accustomed to in the Storm Pack.

"Hello, Professor," I managed, trying to keep my voice steady. "I hope I'm not disturbing you."

"Not at all! Gods, it's been ages. The Moonstone Pack has missed you-we all have. "

I swallowed hard. "I miss you guys too, and I'm calling to ask about that confidential three-year research project you mentioned earlier. Is it still going on?"

There was a moment of silence. "The Silvermoon Initiative? Yes, it's entering its second phase now. Do you want to join?!"

"I want in," I said decisively, surprising even myself with the firmness in my tone.

"Allison," his voice turned serious, "are you absolutely certain? This isn't just about the research, is it? What about your position as Luna of the Storm Pack? What about Lucian?"

The mention of his name sent a sharp pain through my chest.

I glanced at the framed photograph on my desk-Lucian and me on our binding ceremony day. His expression was stoic, proper. Mine was full of hope and adoration. I had been so certain that with enough love and patience, I could fill the emptiness in his heart.

I had forgotten that a glass bottle with no bottom could never be filled, no matter how much you poured into it.

"I need this," I whispered, my fingers tracing the cold glass of the frame. "Please, Professor. I need to come home to something that's truly mine."

"If you're sure, then yes, we would welcome you back. Your research was truly groundbreaking, Allison. Just... make certain this is what you want. Once you're in, there's no turning back for the full three years."

After ending the call, I began gathering my old research files, opening folders that had remained untouched since my marriage. Each page filled with my precise handwriting reminded me of who I used to be-a respected researcher with purpose and passion, not a shadow existing in the corners of someone else's life.

My eyelids grew heavy as I worked, the emotional and physical exhaustion of recent weeks finally catching up to me. Eventually, I drifted to sleep right there at my desk.

I woke to the sound of the bedroom door slamming open. The desk lamp cast long shadows across the room as I blinked groggily, trying to orient myself.

"Ally," Lucian's voice slurred from the doorway. The strong scent of whiskey and unfamiliar perfume hit my nostrils, making my wolf growl protectively.

I straightened in my chair, wincing at the stiffness in my neck. "You're drunk."

"Pack celebration," he mumbled, swaying slightly on his feet. His usually perfect appearance was disheveled-tie hanging loose, dark hair tousled, eyes unfocused. "Ryan insisted."

Anger flared within me, hot and sudden. I'd been in the hospital, lost our child, and he was out celebrating with his friends? He hadn't even noticed my absence.

*He reeks of her,* Jasmine snarled inside my mind. *Heidi's scent is all over him.*

It took every ounce of my self-control not to physically recoil. Instead, I stood slowly, my decision crystallizing with each passing second.

"Let me help you to bed," I said coolly, moving to his side and slipping my arm around his waist. The contact made my skin crawl, but I needed him coherent for what was to come.

When we arrived in our bedroom, I helped him sit on the edge of our California king bed, my mind already made up about what needed to be done.

But before I could speak, he pulled me into his arms, his lips finding mine in a hungry kiss.

"Lucian-" I tried to pull away, but he pressed me against the wall, his hands roaming my body with unusual urgency.

"Need you," he mumbled against my neck, his teeth grazing the sensitive skin there. "Need you now."

How dare he come to me after getting cozy with another she-wolf, like nothing ever happened? The thought sent a fresh wave of fury surging through me.

I shoved him away with all my strength, fury blazing through me like wildfire. The crack of my hand across his face echoed in the quiet bedroom.

He stood there, stunned, the red imprint of my palm blooming on his cheek.

"What the-"

"We're done," I said, my voice deadly calm despite the inferno raging inside me.

His expression shifted-shock, raw and unmistakable. His wolf eyes flashed silver as Fenrir surfaced, momentarily cutting through the alcohol haze.

"What are you talking about?"

I laughed bitterly. "I'm done being invisible in my own home."

"Allison, you're not making any sense." He reached for me again, his movements uncoordinated.

I stepped away, creating distance between us. "I want a divorce."

The words hung in the air between us like shards of ice. Lucian stared at me, uncomprehending.

"A divorce?" he repeated slowly, as if testing the unfamiliar concept. "What the hell are you talking about?"

"Trust me, I've never been clearer," I replied, crossing my arms over my chest. "Are you hard of hearing, or just that dense? I said we're getting divorced-should I spell it out slower for you?"

Lucian's POV

For several moments, I simply stared at Allison, unable to fully process what she'd just said. The slap had sobered me somewhat, though my head still felt foggy from the whiskey.

*Is she serious?* Fenrir growled within me, surprisingly disturbed by her declaration.

*She can't be,* I responded internally. *It's just another emotional outburst.*

"What do you mean?" I demanded, my voice dropping to that dangerous timber that usually made lesser wolves cower.

She stood before me, chin raised, those amber eyes burning with a determination I hadn't seen in her for... had I ever seen it? Something about her seemed different-stronger, more resolute. It was almost attractive, if it hadn't been so irritating.

"Are you deaf? I said we're getting a divorce. Is that so hard to understand?!" she spat, her voice carrying a harshness I'd never heard before.

"Divorce?" I finally echoed, a disbelieving smirk forming on my lips. "Is this some kind of game, Allison?"

"No game," she continued, her voice steady despite the tears drying on her cheeks. "I want out of this marriage."

A strange, hollow feeling expanded in my chest, but I quickly dismissed it. This was clearly a ploy for attention-some desperate attempt to make me chase her after what had just happened. Women and their emotional manipulations were all the same, weren't they?

"Playing hard to get now?" I chuckled, loosening my tie further. "A little late for that strategy, isn't it? We've been married for two years."

"This isn't a strategy," she said, moving away when I stepped closer. "It's a decision."

*She's serious,* Fenrir growled within me, surprisingly upset. *Our mate is leaving us.*

*She's not our true mate,* I reminded my wolf. *Just a convenience.*

Yet something about her resolve made me uneasy. I was used to Allison being compliant, accommodating-the perfect silent partner who kept my home running smoothly while I built our empire. This defiance was new, and I didn't care for it.

"Don't be dramatic," I said dismissively. "You've had a perfect life here."

"Perfect?" She let out a sharp, brittle laugh, the sound cracking at the edges. "I've been nothing but a glorified housekeeper to you. And our-"

I saw her fall silent instantly. Our what? I felt Allison was hiding something, so I stared directly into her eyes, noticing they were wet with tears. Was she crying?

"Look, if this is about me being busy lately," I tried to soften my tone, "I have responsibilities to the pack and the company. You know that.I can make it up to you."

"I don't need anything from you anymore," she whispered. "You wouldn't understand anyway."

"Ok.And what exactly do you plan to do?" I asked with exaggerated patience, as though speaking to a child.

"Where will you go? How will you support yourself? You haven't worked in two years, Allison. You've been a housewife-and not even a particularly good one at that."

It was a low blow, and I knew it. Allison had tried desperately to fulfill the role of Luna, despite the pack's thinly veiled contempt for her common origins.

My mother had made her life especially difficult, constantly criticizing everything from her table manners to her inability to throw the lavish social gatherings expected of a Storm Pack Luna.

"That's none of your concern," she replied, her voice surprisingly steady. "I'm doing you a favor, Lucian. Do you really want her to remain your mistress forever? Wouldn't it be easier if I just stepped aside?"

"Who?" I froze, tension snapping through my body like a whip.

"Heidi Lawrence, your first love."

My blood ran cold. "How do you know about Heidi?" I demanded, anger masking my shock. "Have you been following me? Going through my phone?"

She laughed, the sound hollow and bitter. "That's what you think of me? A desperate, stalking wife?"

She shook her head. "This pack has eyes everywhere, Lucian. Did you really think your little rendezvous would stay secret?"

"That's not what I meant," I growled, running a hand through my hair. "Are you divorcing me because of Heidi? Don't be ridiculous. The Luna of the Storm Pack will only ever be you."

"I don't care about that position," she said coldly. "You want to know why I'm divorcing you? Let me ask you something first. Where were you the day I called you? Just tell me the truth, and I'll tell you my reason."

My mind flashed back to that day-I was with Heidi at the hospital. Guilt flickered through me, but I pushed it down.

"I already told you," I answered stiffly. "I was in meetings."

Allison's laugh was bitter, escalating until tears formed in her eyes. "You'll never know what you lost, Lucian. Never."

Unease crept up my spine. "What are you talking about?"

She shook off my hands and turned away, moving toward the closet to begin packing.

Fenrir stirred within me, restless. *"Don't let her go, " *he growled. *" Say something. Stop her."*

But my pride held me still-until I realized she'd already folded two sweaters and tossed them into her suitcase.

I decided to change tactics. "What about your mother? Who will pay for her care if not me?"

She paused for a heartbeat, her back still to me. Then she resumed folding. "I'll find a way," she replied quietly.

"What way?" I countered. "The specialized facility, the round-the-clock nurses-do you have any idea what that costs? Where would a housewife like you get that kind of money? Without me, she'd be in some state facility within weeks."

She turned to face me, and the naked hatred in her eyes made something in me recoil. "You're despicable! I regret ever loving you, Lucian," she said, her voice like ice.

"Allison! Watch your tone. I am your Alpha."

"Not anymore. "Then her eyes suddenly blazed amber as Jasmine surfaced, and the words that followed sent an arctic chill through me.

"I, Allison Carter, reject you, Lucian Storm, as my mate and Alpha. I sever our bond and withdraw my loyalty to you and your bloodline."

The ritual words of mate rejection hung in the air between us like jagged shards of ice. A sharp pain ripped through me as Fenrir howled in agony within my mind.

I stumbled back, clutching the doorframe for balance, but Allison didn't even flinch. She turned back to her packing, methodically filling her suitcase with clothes and personal items.

Once the last piece was tucked in, she snapped the zipper shut with a decisive click and lifted the suitcase from the floor.

As she passed by me, her voice dripped with venom:

"And let me give you something to chew on before I go. You really think you've ever satisfied me?"

My breath caught.

Uh-oh.

" The nights I melted in your arms? They were an act.Pretending that I enjoy our pathetic excuse for intimacy. Lucian. You can't please a woman with that undersized equipment and your two-minute performance."

That cut deep, deeper than I admitted-to even myself.

Fenrir howled in humiliation.

"You lie," I growled, teeth half-shifted now. "Watch it, Allison."

She tilted her head. "No. I don't answer to you anymore. I don't fear you. Hell, I don't even pity you. Keep your little porcelain heiress. See how long she entertains you once your empire starts cracking."

"You'll regret this," I snarled "Don't come crying back when you realize what you've thrown away."

"I already know exactly what I'm throwing away," she said, eyes glinting with razor-sharp finality. "Nothing of value."

With that final barb, she turned and walked out-no hesitation, no backward glance. Just the sound of her heels echoing down the hall, and the silence she left behind.

*Go after her!* Fenrir demanded. *She is OURS. We cannot let her leave!*

But my pride held me rooted to the spot. Was she trying to threaten me with divorce? Or was this some ploy to attract my attention?

I wasn't going to fall into her trap. No one could disrupt my plans. Let Allison have her little tantrum.

She'd be back, tail between her legs, once she realized what life without the protection of the Storm Pack would really be like.

That would definitely be the outcome.

As I heard the front door slam downstairs, my phone rang. Heidi's name flashed across the screen.

I answered the call, pushing away the hollow feeling in my chest and the desperate howling of my wolf.

"Heidi," I purred into the phone, "I was just thinking about you."

Allison's POV

The cold night air hit my skin as I stood at the edge of Storm Pack territory, my small suitcase beside me. I had made it out-actually walked away from the life I'd built for two years, from the man I thought would be my forever.

*We did the right thing,* Jasmine reassured me, her presence warm in my mind despite the chill of the late hour.

"I know," I whispered, pulling my jacket tighter around me. The street was deserted, not a single car passing by at this ungodly hour.

I pulled out my phone and opened the rideshare app, desperately hoping for a driver nearby. Nothing. Not a single car available in this area.

Of course-who would be driving around the outskirts of wolf territory at 1 AM? I tried a second app, then a third. Still nothing.

A bitter laugh escaped my lips.

*Call Bella,* Jasmine suggested. *She's always there for us.*

With trembling fingers, I dialed her number. One ring, two rings...

"Ally? Do you have any idea what time it is?" Bella's voice was thick with sleep, but instantly concerned.

"Bella," I whispered, my voice cracking. "I left him. I left Lucian. I need... I need somewhere to go."

"I'm at the edge of-" I froze mid-sentence as headlights flared behind me, washing the road in sudden brightness.

A sleek black Bentley glided up from behind-Lucian's car. My heart stopped as it slowed beside me, and I instinctively stepped back into the shadows.

Had he come looking for me? Was he going to try to drag me back? Or perhaps. apologize?

But it didn't stop. Through the tinted windows, I could make out Lucian's profile, his phone pressed to his ear, looking straight ahead as if I were invisible.

A bitter smile crossed my lips. Even now, he couldn't see me.

"Ally? You there?" Bella's concerned voice pulled me back.

"Yeah, sorry. I'm at the northern boundary of Storm territory, near Crescent Road. Can you come get me?"

"Already grabbing my keys. Sit tight, I'll be there in fifteen minutes."

True to her word, Bella's bright red Jeep came bouncing down the road exactly fourteen minutes later. She threw open the passenger door and jumped out, enveloping me in a fierce hug before I could even speak.

"I'm so proud of you," she whispered fiercely into my hair. "So damn proud."

The drive to Bella's apartment in the neutral territory between pack boundaries was filled with her animated cursing of Lucian Storm's character, ancestry, and probable future.

Her wolf, Pixie, occasionally surfaced, making her eyes flash a vibrant green as she spat particularly creative insults.

"That narcissistic, self-absorbed knothead! I hope his dick falls off and Heidi uses it as a doorstop!"

Despite everything, I found myself laughing through my tears.

Bella's apartment was small but cozy-a colorful two-bedroom on the third floor of a converted warehouse. Warm lights bathed the eclectic furniture, and the walls were covered with photographs and artwork that reflected her vivacious personality.

"Home sweet home," she announced, dropping my bags by the spare bedroom. "It's not a mansion, but at least no one here will treat you like a servant."

"It's perfect," I whispered, genuinely meaning it.

After settling in, Bella made us tea and joined me on the couch, tucking her legs beneath her.

"So," she said gently, "you finally did it. Want to tell me what pushed you over the edge? I mean, I know you've loved that asshole forever, even when he didn't deserve it."

I stared into my tea, watching the ripples form as my hands trembled. "He was with her that day. With Heidi. While I was..."

The words stuck in my throat.

"While you were what, honey?" Bella prompted softly.

"I was pregnant, Bella," I finally whispered, tears streaming down my face. "Three months along. I never told him because he was always too busy. And that day... that day I lost the baby. Our baby. And when I needed him most, he was off with her."

Bella's face transformed from shock to fury in seconds.

"That absolute fucking MONSTER!" she exploded, her wolf eyes blazing. "I'll kill him! I'll rip his throat out and feed it to the rats!"

"It doesn't matter now," I said quietly. "It's over."

"Why didn't you call me?" she demanded, grabbing my hands. "Goddamnit, Ally, why do you always shoulder everything alone? I would have been there in a heartbeat."

"I know," I said, squeezing her hands back. "I just... I was scared. And ashamed. I thought I could fix my marriage if I just tried hard enough. If I was perfect enough."

"Oh, honey," Bella's anger melted into compassion. "You can't fix something when you're the only one trying. Marriage isn't a solo sport."

We sat in silence for a while, the weight of everything that had happened settling between us.

"So what's your plan now?" she finally asked. "You know you can stay here as long as you need."

"I need to see my mom first," I said. "She's at Starlight Care Center-you know, that specialized facility that Lucian invested in."

"Will that be a problem? Him being an investor?"

"Yes, he tried to use my mother's care to threaten me into staying," I admitted bitterly. "But my mother's care is paid up for the next six months. By then, I'll figure something out."

"That manipulative bastard," Bella growled. "Using your mother as leverage! I always knew he was cold, but that's a new low. Did he offer to throw in a dental plan if you agreed to stay and be his doormat for another year?"

"Bella!" I couldn't help the small laugh that escaped me.

"What?" She shrugged unapologetically. "Just saying what everyone thinks. And after that?"

I hesitated, then pulled out my phone and showed her the email I'd received from Professor Jenkins. "I applied to the research program at Northridge University. They accepted me."

Bella's eyes widened. "That's amazing! When do you start?"

"In a month. I told them I needed time to... wrap things up here."

"Like divorcing your Alpha husband?" Bella supplied with a raised eyebrow.

"Among other things," I agreed with a weak smile.

"Well," she said, clinking her mug against mine, "here's to new beginnings. To Allison Carter, version 2.0."

"To new beginnings," I echoed, hoping I sounded more confident than I felt.