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.

Allison's POV

I allowed myself to sleep in this morning. Partly because I'd stayed up late talking with Bella, but also because it felt liberating not having to rush to the early farmers' market for the freshest produce.

No need to prepare Lucian's elaborate breakfast--always his favorite eggs benedict with homemade hollandaise sauce, fresh fruit, and imported coffee brewed to precise strength. There was no Alpha husband expecting his perfectly pressed suit laid out, no pack protocols to follow.

The warm sunlight filtering through unfamiliar curtains was my first reminder that everything had changed. I stretched luxuriously, feeling Jasmine stir contentedly within me.

*We're free,* she whispered, her voice tinged with satisfaction.

"Yes," I murmured, "we are."

I found a note from Bella on the kitchen counter beside a plate of muffins covered in plastic wrap:

"Had to run to the office-breaking story on Hunter Pack territory disputes. Help yourself to anything in the fridge. We'll celebrate your independence tonight! PROUD OF YOU! -B"

A small smile tugged at my lips. Bella's chaotic energy was exactly what I needed right now-her unwavering support without the suffocating concern I'd get from anyone else.

After a quick breakfast and shower, I dressed in simple jeans and a blouse. No designer labels, no carefully curated outfit to meet the Storm Pack Luna standards. Just comfortable clothes that felt like me.

There was only one place I needed to be today.

My mother's care situation had to be addressed immediately, before Lucian could use it against me.

The Starlight Care Center gleamed in the morning sunlight as I pulled into the visitor parking lot.

The modern building housed some of the best long-term care facilities in the region-and some of the most expensive.

It wasn't part of Storm Pack territory, but it was one of Lucian's many business investments-a high-end facility for long-term patients requiring specialized care.

My mother had been transferred here shortly after my marriage to Lucian.

Her health had already been fragile, but a devastating virus two years ago had left her in a persistent vegetative state.

The doctors held little hope for recovery, but I visited faithfully every week, sometimes more.

"Good morning, Luna Allison," the receptionist greeted me warmly.

"Just Ms. Carter, please," I corrected gently. The name change tasted like freedom on my tongue. Her eyes widened slightly, but to her credit, she simply nodded. "Of course, Ms. Carter. Your mother's doing well this morning. Her vitals are stable."

"Thank you. Is Dr. Humphrey available today? I'd like to discuss some changes to my mother's care plan-after I visit with her."

"He should be making rounds shortly. I'll let him know you're here."

I thanked her and made my way down the familiar corridor to my mother's private room.

The steady beep of monitors and the soft hiss of oxygen were the only sounds. My mother lay peaceful and still, her once vibrant face now slack, her dark hair streaked with premature silver.

Amelia Carter had once been the most dynamic woman I knew-a single mother who'd raised me with fierce determination after my father's death, who'd worked two jobs to put me through college, who'd never once complained about the hand life had dealt her.

"Hi, Mom," I whispered, taking her limp hand in mine. "I'm sorry it's been a few days.I have something to tell you."

The tears I'd been fighting all evening finally spilled over. Even though she couldn't hear me, couldn't respond, I needed to tell her."I'm leaving him, Mom.I know how much you wanted me to have a happy marriage, but... I can't stay with him anymore."

I rested my forehead against our joined hands. "I lost our baby, Mom. Lucian wasn't even there. He was with another woman-his ex. The one he never stopped loving."

I stayed for another hour, telling her everything-the pregnancy I'd lost, Heidi's return, Lucian's betrayal.Though she couldn't respond, just being in her presence gave me strength.

"I'll make sure you're taken care of," I promised as I kissed her forehead. "No matter what happens with Lucian, you'll stay here. I promise."

___

At precisely two o'clock, I walked into the elegant offices of Wells Legal Services, located in a high-rise building downtown.

The reception area was tastefully decorated in muted grays and blues, projecting both confidence and discretion.

"I have an appointment with Katherine Wells," I told the receptionist. "Allison Carter-Storm."

The young woman's eyes widened slightly at my name, but she quickly recovered her professional demeanor. "Of course, Mrs. Storm. She's expecting you."

"Ms. Carter, please," I corrected gently.

She nodded, understanding immediately. "Ms. Carter. Right this way."

Katherine Wells was everything I'd hoped for-a striking woman in her fifties with salt-and-pepper hair cut in a sharp bob, piercing eyes, and an air of absolute competence. She rose from behind her imposing desk when I entered.

"Luna Storm," she said, extending her hand.

"Just Allison Carter now," I replied, shaking her hand firmly. "Thank you for seeing me on such short notice."

"Please, have a seat." She gestured to a comfortable chair across from her desk.

Once we were both seated, she folded her hands and fixed me with a penetrating gaze. "So, you want to divorce Alpha Lucian Storm. That won't be a simple process."

"I'm aware," I said, meeting her eyes steadily. "But I'm prepared for whatever comes."

For the next hour, we discussed the complexities of my situation-the considerable assets involved, the pack dynamics, and the potential challenges Lucian might present.

"You realize, of course, that as Alpha of the Storm Pack, your husband has significant resources at his disposal," Katherine said. "And werewolf divorce cases involving Alphas are notoriously complicated due to the mate bond."

"Our bond was never fully formed," I admitted quietly. "Lucian never completed the claiming ritual."

Katherine's eyebrows rose slightly-the first sign of surprise she'd shown. "That's... unusual for an Alpha. And potentially advantageous for our case."

"Will that make things easier?" I asked.

"Legally, yes. Practically..." she shrugged. "Alphas are possessive by nature. Even without a completed bond, he may not let you go easily."

I thought of how Lucian had threatened me with my mother's care, how he'd tried to manipulate me. "He'll fight dirty."

"Then so will we," Katherine said, her lips curving in a determined smile. "Now, let's discuss your mother's situation. You mentioned she's currently at Starlight Care Center?"

"Yes. It's one of Lucian's investments, though not part of pack territory."

"We'll need to secure her continued care there, regardless of the divorce outcome. I assume that's a priority?"

I nodded emphatically. "The most important one."

We continued discussing strategy for another hour-what assets I would claim, what concessions I might make, how to approach the division of property.

"I don't want his money," I said firmly. "Just enough to care for my mother and start over."

"That's a refreshing attitude," Katherine remarked, "but don't sell yourself short. You've been his Luna for three years. Under pack law, you're entitled to significant compensation."

By the time our meeting concluded, I felt both exhausted and relieved. There was a plan now, concrete steps to take.

"I'll have the preliminary divorce papers drafted by tomorrow," Katherine promised as she walked me to the door. "Once you approve them, we'll serve them to your husband."

"Thank you," I said sincerely. "For taking my case, and for not treating me like a naive little wolf in over her head."

"You're stronger than you give yourself credit for," she replied with a knowing smile. "Most she-wolves would've crumbled long before reaching this point with an Alpha like Storm."

As I rode the elevator down to the parking garage, I felt lighter than I had in years. There was still a mountain to climb, but at least now I had a path.

My phone rang just as I reached my car. Leo's name flashed across the screen. Lucian's Beta, his right-hand man and enforcer. Why would he be calling me?Did Lucian send him?

Jasmine growled softly in my mind. *Ignore him.*

And I did, setting the phone down and starting the car. By the time I pulled away from Wells Legal Services,not even two minutes later, it lit up again-Lucian.

I stared at his name glowing on the screen, then turned it face-down without a word.

For the first time in our marriage, he was chasing me. But it was too late-far too late.

Lucian's POV

I woke to the gentle rays of morning light filtering through unfamiliar curtains. For a moment, I was disoriented until I remembered I was in Heidi's guest room.

Last night had been... complicated. When Heidi called, sobbing that she was having another episode, I'd rushed over without hesitation.

Heidi had reappeared in my life three months ago with a diagnosis that left me speechless: Lunar Decay-a rare and fatal condition unique to our kind.

There is no effective treatment. Current medications can only slow the progression. Most cases end in death within a year of diagnosis.

I once turned her away because of my grandfather's orders. I know she spiraled afterward-became withdrawn, angry, even reckless.

I've been trying to make up for it ever since. It's my responsibility.

When I arrived, she'd been fragile, vulnerable-clinging to me as though I were her lifeline.

Later, as her tears subsided, something shifted. Her touches became lingering, purposeful. Her whispered "stay with me tonight" carried unmistakable invitation.

I'd frozen, unable to cross that line. The image of Allison's face had flashed through my mind-her warm amber eyes filled with hurt and betrayal.

Without fully understanding why, I'd gently extracted myself from Heidi's embrace and retreated to the guest room instead.

"Lucian?" Heidi's melodic voice called through the door. "Breakfast is ready."

I found her in the kitchen, looking delicate in a pale blue dress, her blonde curls perfectly styled despite the early hour. The table was set with fresh fruit, pastries, and eggs benedict-a decent attempt at my preferred breakfast.

"You shouldn't have gone to so much trouble," I said, taking a seat. "You should be resting."

"Taking care of you makes me happy," she replied, her ice-blue eyes warming as she watched me expectantly. "Try the hollandaise. I followed a special recipe."

I took a bite, but something was... off. The sauce was too lemony, the eggs overcooked. I managed a polite smile and ate a few more bites before setting down my fork. My appetite had vanished.

"Is something wrong?" Heidi asked, her expression falling.

"No, it's fine," I lied smoothly. "I'm just not very hungry this morning. Pack business on my mind."

I couldn't explain that I'd grown accustomed to a different taste-to perfectly poached eggs with hollandaise sauce that had just the right balance of butter and lemon, to coffee brewed to precisely the strength I preferred.

After making sure Heidi had taken her medication, I left for the office, Fenrir unusually quiet within me.

The Storm Pack headquarters dominated the downtown skyline, a gleaming testament to generations of business acumen. As Alpha, I managed both the corporate empire and pack affairs from my top-floor office suite.

The familiar hum of productivity greeted me as I strode through the building, pack members respectfully lowering their gazes in deference to their Alpha.

The morning passed in a blur of meetings and conference calls. By noon, my stomach was growling. I ignored it until Leo appeared with lunch.

"Your usual order from Leone's," he announced, setting down the takeout container.

I opened the package, the scent of pasta bolognese rising to greet me. One bite, and I knew something wasn't right. The flavor profile was completely different-too much oregano, not enough basil, the meat overcooked.

"Leo," I called through our mindlink. *There's something wrong with Leone's today. The quality has dropped significantly.*

My Beta appeared in my doorway almost instantly, his expression carefully neutral. "Is there a problem with your lunch, Alpha?"

I pushed the container away. "It tastes different. Did they change chefs?"

Leo shifted uncomfortably. "Leone's hasn't changed their recipe, Alpha."

"Then explain why my lunch tastes nothing like what I usually get."

A moment of silence stretched between us before Leo spoke again. "Because what you usually eat doesn't come from Leone's." He hesitated, then continued. "It's been coming from Luna Allison's kitchen for the past three years."

I stared at him, momentarily speechless. "What?"

"She prepares it herself every morning before you wake up," Leo explained carefully. "When you mentioned once that you preferred Leone's bolognese to the one served at a pack dinner, she spent weeks perfecting her recipe until she got it exactly right. We've been picking it up from your house and transferring it to Leone's containers."

"And why wasn't I informed of this arrangement?" My voice had dropped to a dangerous low.

"Luna Allison asked us not to tell you." Leo met my gaze steadily. "She said you wouldn't eat it if you knew she had made it."

Fenrir growled deep within me. *Our mate has been caring for us without recognition.*

*She's not our mate,* I snapped back internally. *She's convenient.*

But something uncomfortable settled in my chest as I dismissed Leo with a wave of my hand. I tried another bite of the authentic Leone's pasta, but it tasted like cardboard in my mouth. I pushed it aside and buried myself in work again.

An hour later, the familiar burning pain started in my stomach. I ignored it as long as possible, but soon the sharp, twisting agony had me doubled over. Cold sweat beaded on my forehead as I pressed the intercom.

"I need my medication," I growled to my assistant.

Leo appeared ten minutes later, arms laden with pharmacy bags. "Alpha, I've bought every stomach medication available on the market."

"Good. Give them to me." I snatched the bags, desperate for relief.

I tore through package after package, swallowing pills that did nothing to ease the burning in my gut. With a roar of frustration, I swept all the medications off my desk, sending them clattering to the floor.

"They're useless," I snarled, clutching my stomach as another wave of pain hit. "Absolutely worthless."

Leo stood helplessly by my desk. "Perhaps you could try the herbal remedy, the one you've been taking before."

The herbal remedy-a special concoction I'd been drinking three times daily for the past year, ever since my ulcer diagnosis. It was the only thing that truly helped.

"Then get it for me," I ordered through gritted teeth.

"Alpha," Leo began carefully, "the herbal remedy is Luna Allison's special blend and she's the only one who knows the exact preparation method-the proportions, brewing time, everything."

I stared at him in disbelief. Another thing I'd taken for granted, another way she'd cared for me that I'd never acknowledged.

"Call her," I ordered. "Now."

Leo hesitated. "I've been trying, Alpha. She's not answering."

Grabbing my phone, I dialed Allison's number myself. It rang until voicemail picked up. I tried again. And again. Each time, silence was my only answer.

A strange feeling washed over me-something beyond the physical pain. Was this... panic? The realization that Allison might have truly walked away?

"She's just upset," I told myself aloud. "She'll come around. She always does."

But Fenrir whined uncertainly in the back of my mind. *We've pushed our mate too far this time.*

*She's not our mate,* I repeated, though with less conviction. *And she'll be back. She has nowhere else to go.*