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 I know she spiraled afterward-became withdrawn, angry, even reckless.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.*

Lucian's POV

In just five days, the pack house had already slipped into chaos. Most of the wolves still living there were elders. They no longer had warm, tasty meals served on time. Clean, neatly folded clothes stopped appearing. No one organized the small evening activities that kept the halls from feeling lonely.

Those complaints turned into emails, one after another, flooding my inbox.

I stared at the screen and felt something shift in my chest. For the first time, I realized how much she had been doing in the places I never bothered to notice. How much she had carried for me, and for the pack.

*She'll come back,* I assured myself. *She always does.*

But Fenrir remained agitated, pacing restlessly in my mind. *Our mate is gone. We need to find her.*

Leo appeared at my office door around midday, clutching a thick stack of documents. His normally composed face held a trace of unease that I chose to ignore.

"These require your signature, Alpha," he said, placing the files on my desk. "They're... time-sensitive."

I noticed his hesitation but was distracted by the sudden burning in my stomach-the familiar ulcer pain returning with a vengeance. Without Allison's herbal remedy, the discomfort had been steadily worsening.

"Just leave them," I growled, reaching for the bottle of antacids that no longer provided relief.

Leo lingered, shifting his weight. "Alpha, about these papers-"

The door swung open as Heidi glided in, looking ethereal in a pale blue dress that highlighted her fragile beauty. "Lucian! I thought we could have lunch together."

Leo's expression tightened as he stepped back. "We can discuss the documents later, Alpha."

"No need," I muttered, grabbing the pen. "I'll sign them now."

As I began flipping through pages and adding my signature, Heidi moved to stand beside me, her delicate hand resting on my shoulder. The light floral perfume she wore couldn't mask the medicinal scent beneath-a constant reminder of her illness.

"You work too hard," she murmured, her voice carrying the perfect note of concern.

I continued signing, barely glancing at the contents. Years of business training had taught me to scan documents efficiently, but today my focus was compromised by both pain and distraction.

Leo cleared his throat. "Alpha, perhaps you should review the third file more thor-"

"Is there a problem with these documents?" Heidi interrupted, her blue eyes narrowing slightly at Leo.

My Beta's face remained professional, but I caught the subtle tension in his jaw. "No problem. Just standard procedure to ensure the Alpha reviews all contents carefully."

"I'm sure Lucian knows what he's signing," Heidi responded with a smile that didn't reach her eyes.

I finished the last signature and pushed the stack toward Leo, eager to end the awkward tension in the room. "Done."

Leo gathered the papers, his gaze lingering on me for a moment longer than necessary. As he turned to leave, I caught a glimpse of one document-the Storm pack insignia alongside what appeared to be legal letterhead.

As the door closed behind him, Heidi's expression softened. "Is everything alright between you and Allison? I couldn't help noticing she hasn't been around..."

The direct mention of Allison's name sent Fenrir into alert mode, his growl rumbling in my chest. I tamped down the sensation, keeping my face neutral.

"It's nothing," I replied, straightening papers on my desk. "Just a minor disagreement."

Heidi perched on the edge of my desk, her blue eyes wide with practiced concern. "Is it because of me? I would feel terrible if my return has caused problems in your marriage."

"Of course not," I answered automatically. "Allison is just... being emotional. She'll get over it and come back. She always does."

"And if she doesn't?" Heidi asked softly, her fingers lightly brushing my hand.

I pulled away under the pretense of checking my watch. "She will."

"I could talk to her," Heidi offered. "Woman to woman. Explain that we're just old friends."

*Are we?* Fenrir challenged, remembering how she'd pressed against me, how her lips had sought mine.

"That won't be necessary," I stated firmly. "This is between Allison and me."

Heidi tilted her head, golden curls catching the light. "I understand. Now, about lunch? I made reservations at Maison Azure."

I stood, grateful for the change of subject. "Let's go."

The restaurant was exactly what I expected from Heidi's choice-exclusive, elegant, with the kind of refined atmosphere that reminded me of our dating years. Conversation flowed easily as we discussed neutral topics: mutual acquaintances, changes in the city, art exhibits she wanted to see.

After lunch, standing outside the restaurant, Heidi swayed slightly. I steadied her with a hand at her elbow.

"Are you alright?" I asked, genuine concern in my voice.

She smiled weakly. "Just a bit tired. The treatments take so much out of me."

"I'll take you home," I offered immediately.

At her apartment, she lingered at the door. "Won't you stay? We could watch a movie like we used to. I've been so lonely..."

The plea in her eyes was difficult to ignore, but something held me back. "I can't. I have work to finish."

Disappointment flashed across her face before she masked it with understanding. "Of course. Another time, perhaps."

That night, I checked into the downtown penthouse suite I kept for business associates rather than returning to the pack house. The luxurious space felt sterile despite its opulence-no personal touches, no sense of home.

*This is ridiculous,* I thought as I stared at the ceiling. *I'm avoiding my own house because my wife isn't there.*

But the truth was, without Allison, the pack house felt wrong. Empty. I'd never realized how much her presence had transformed the space until she was gone.

By the third evening, I convinced myself enough time had passed. Allison would have cooled down by now. She would be home.

I stopped at a florist and purchased a bouquet of her favorite flowers-pink peonies, not red roses as most would assume. It was a small detail I'd noticed over the years but never acknowledged.

The pack house was dark and silent when I arrived. No lights welcomed me, no delicious aromas greeted me. The absence of these small comforts, which I'd never consciously acknowledged before, now felt glaringly obvious.

I flicked on lights as I moved through the house, calling Allison's name. My voice echoed off the walls, met only with silence. A growing sense of unease prickled along my spine.

I finally checked her study, a room I rarely entered. It was... empty. Completely bare of the books, photographs, and small decorative touches that had once filled it. Only the furniture remained.

A cold dread settled in my stomach as I rushed to our bedroom. Her closet stood open, empty hangers a stark testament to her absence. The dresser drawers that had held her things were bare.

The only items that remained were the designer clothes and jewelry I'd gifted her over the years-all with price tags still attached, neatly arranged on the bed. Had she never worn any of them?

And there, on my nightstand, lay her wedding ring. The platinum band I'd placed on her finger two years ago now sat cold and abandoned beside the lamp.

In all our fights, all the times I'd been cold or dismissive, she had never once removed that ring. Not once.

Something unfamiliar and terrifying clutched at my chest. Fenrir howled in distress, sensing what I was just beginning to understand.

*Something's wrong,* he whined, pacing anxiously within our shared consciousness.

Was Allison truly serious about divorcing me? The thought struck me with unexpected force. I had assumed her threat was merely an emotional outburst-the kind of dramatic declaration women made during arguments.

But if she wasn't coming home...

I sank onto the edge of the bed, the wedding ring cold in my palm. For the first time in years, I felt something like fear trickling through me. Not the calculated concern of risk assessment I employed in business, but genuine, gut-wrenching fear.

*We've lost our mate,* Fenrir moaned.

And this time, I didn't correct him.

My phone buzzed.

My Beta, Leo.

I answered. "Speak."

Leo's voice came out strained. "Alpha. I tried to stop it. I told you to review the third file."

A strange cold crawled up my spine. I swallowed. "What was it?"

Another beat.

Then Leo said it-quietly, like he was afraid the words would become real if spoken too loudly.

"The divorce papers."

Allison's POV

The morning sun streamed through Bella's spare bedroom window as I finished my final yoga pose. For a moment, my body held steady even when my heart didn't.

I held the warrior position, breathing deeply, feeling strength flow through my body. Jasmine, my wolf, purred contentedly within me as I maintained perfect balance.

We're stronger now, she whispered in my mind. Her voice felt warmer than it had in weeks.

Three days away from the pack house had transformed me in ways I hadn't expected. Without the constant pressure to be the perfect Luna, I found myself remembering who Allison Carter really was. Not Storm's Luna. Not anyone's shadow. Just. me.

The doorbell rang just as I was rolling up my yoga mat. I padded barefoot through Bella's cozy apartment, wondering who could be visiting this early. The floorboards were cool against my soles-grounding, real.

A courier stood at the door, holding a large envelope. "Delivery for Allison Carter," he announced formally.

My heart skipped as I recognized the law firm's embossed logo in the corner. "Thank you," I murmured, signing for the package with suddenly trembling fingers. The pen felt too slick. My signature came out sharper than usual-like my hand already knew what it wanted.

Back in the living room, I carefully opened the envelope. Inside were the divorce papers I'd sent to Lucian just yesterday-the ones I'd read three times before I dared seal them-but now they bore his signature, his bold handwriting slashed across every marked line. He hadn't contested a single term.

I stared at the papers, a strange mix of emotions washing over me. Relief, certainly. But also a hollow ache I hadn't anticipated. Not because I wanted him back-because I couldn't believe it was this easy to be thrown away.

"It's done," I whispered to myself. The words tasted unreal. Like saying a spell and waiting for the world to change.

Freedom, Jasmine purred. We're finally free. Her satisfaction pressed against my ribs, steady and protective.

I reached for my phone and dialed Bella's number, needing to share this momentous news with someone who would understand.

"Morning, sunshine!" Bella's cheerful voice came through after two rings. "How's my favorite refugee from Alpha-dom?"

"He signed them," I said simply. My voice didn't shake. That surprised me.

A brief silence, then: "The divorce papers? Already?"

"They just arrived. He signed everything, Bella. No contest, no changes to my terms." I swallowed hard. "It's like he couldn't wait to be rid of me."

"Or his Beta slipped them into his regular paperwork and he signed without reading," Bella offered drily. "You know how Lucian is with anything that doesn't involve millions of dollars or his precious white wolf."

I laughed despite myself. The sound came out cracked, then real. "Either way, it's done. I'm officially almost-divorced."

"Then we need to celebrate!" Bella declared, her voice rising with excitement. "I'm taking an early lunch. Be ready in thirty minutes-we're going to Embers."

"Okay," I said softly.

Embers was the most exclusive restaurant downtown, known for its perfect fusion of traditional pack cuisine with modern culinary techniques.

The place smelled like roasted spices and expensive confidence. I sank into the plush seat, letting the quiet luxury wrap around me like a blanket. For a heartbeat, I almost forgot the hospital smell. Almost forgot the bills waiting behind my relief-my mother's care, the future, the way freedom still cost something.

"To new beginnings," Bella declared once our champagne arrived, raising her glass. "And to never again having to pretend that undercooked steak is acceptable just because an Alpha likes it that way."

I laughed, clinking my glass against hers, but my mind still counted bills in the background.

Our conversation flowed easily through appetizers and entrees, punctuated by laughter as Bella recounted her latest dating disaster and I shared stories of my most ridiculous moments catering to Lucian's whims.

"Remember when he made you redo the entire guest room because his mother said the shade of blue was 'common'?" Bella rolled her eyes.

"Or when I spent three weeks researching and preparing that special herbal remedy for his ulcer, and he never once asked where it came from?" I added, surprised at how I could now laugh about things that had once made me cry. As if the distance had turned old wounds into something I could finally name.

As we finished dessert, I felt truly relaxed for the first time in years.

"Allison Carter? Is that really you?"

The deep voice made me freeze. I turned to see Alpha Peter, Alpha of the Silver Lake Pack and founder of Knight Jewels, standing beside our table. His trademark silver-streaked dark hair and piercing gray eyes were instantly recognizable-he'd been featured in countless business magazines as one of the most successful Alpha entrepreneurs in the country.

"Alpha Peter," I managed, suddenly conscious of my simple outfit and minimal makeup. "What a surprise."

"The surprise is mine," he said, his eyes warm with genuine pleasure. "You look even more beautiful than I remember. The years have been kind to you."

I knew it was just polite flattery. How could three years of being a neglected housewife have improved my appearance?

"So," Peter said gently, his tone shifting as if he sensed I'd gone somewhere dark, "would my elusive piano-inspired jewelry designer finally consider coming back to Knight Jewels?"

I looked up at him, seeing the same hopeful expression he'd worn four years ago. Only this time, he'd used the word back.

The truth was, I'd never actually worked at Knight Jewels. Peter and I had met during my freshman year of college. By chance, he had visited my university scouting for fresh design talent. He'd found me sitting alone in the campus courtyard, quietly sketching jewelry inspired by the graceful lines of grand pianos.

My concept had captivated Peter. To transform the idea into actual jewelry, I'd even developed new stone-cutting and setting techniques. Peter had immediately offered me a position at Knight Jewels, saying I could work part-time while completing my studies.

But I had declined. I had no passion for the jewelry industry; my heart belonged to my research work. And I preferred anonymity, so I'd used a pseudonym-"E.C."-and agreed only to a royalty arrangement for the "Piano" collection.

To everyone's surprise, the collection had become an overnight sensation, and my pseudonym had transformed into a mysterious jewelry design legend.

With a start, I suddenly remembered the bank account where those royalty payments had been quietly accumulating for years-money Lucian knew nothing about. I'd been so consumed with being the perfect wife that I'd almost forgotten my life before him. Almost forgotten I'd built something valuable with my own hands.

"I'm afraid I must decline again, Peter," I said with a gentle smile. "But I appreciate the offer."

"Well, at least say you'll come to our fourth anniversary celebration for the 'Piano' collection next week." He persisted. "It wouldn't be right without the designer who started it all."

Before I could respond, Bella jumped in. "She would love to!"

"Bella!" I protested, but she ignored me.

"She'll definitely be there," my friend assured Peter. "We both will."

Peter beamed, obviously pleased. "Excellent! It's black tie, of course. I'll have VIP passes sent to you tomorrow."

After exchanging contact information and goodbyes, Peter left us to finish our dessert. I turned to Bella with an accusatory stare.

"Why would you do that? I have nothing to wear to a black-tie event, and I haven't been in public like that since-"

"Since you locked yourself away in that mansion to please a man who didn't deserve you," Bella finished for me. "And as for having nothing to wear, darling, that's what I'm for." Her eyes gleamed with excitement. "Shopping spree tomorrow. My treat."

As we drove home, I couldn't help voicing my concerns. "I don't know, Bella. I haven't been to anything formal in years. I'll feel out of place."

"Nonsense," she dismissed my worries with a wave of her hand. "It's like riding a bike. Besides, don't you want to see the look on Lucian's face when you walk in looking absolutely gorgeous?"

I turned to her, surprised. "What do you mean?"

Bella smirked. "Oh, did I forget to mention? Storm Industries is one of Knight's biggest investors. Your ex mate and his precious Heidi will definitely be there." Her grin turned sharp. "Wouldn't it be satisfying to show them exactly what he's losing?"

"You know what?" I said, a slow smile spreading across my face. "You're absolutely right. It's time they saw the real Allison Carter."