Selena's POV

  I froze in my tracks as the girls stood behind me, a silent show of support that tugged at my heartstrings. The beta's gaze settled on the luggage, his brow furrowing.

  "Where are you going with all this?" he inquired, his tone filled with suspicion.

  Squaring my shoulders, I met his questioning stare head-on. "I'm leaving the packhouse for a while with the girls," I stated, injecting as much confidence into my voice as I could muster.

  But Luke was not to be swayed. "Don't lie to me, Seli," he reprimanded. "I am not a child, I know you are trying to run away. Why are you trying to leave? You are supposed to be grateful to Madison that she is trying to help the Alpha with a part of her."

  I scoffed, unable to believe his heartless dismissal of my pain. Turning to the children, I placed a hand on each of their shoulders. "Wait here," I said, my voice soft.

  With that, I stepped outside, shutting the door firmly behind me until I stood face-to-face with the beta.

  "How can you say that?" I accused, my anger bubbling to the surface. "I thought you were my friend, Luke. And yet, you knew my husband was sleeping with Madison, and you didn't think to tell me?"

  Luke's expression hardened. "I had to be loyal to my Alpha," he stated flatly. "And this is for a good cause. Stop acting like a spoiled brat and go back to bed. The Alpha is waiting for you."

  I recoiled as if struck. "Spoiled brat? How would you feel if your husband of eight years went and got someone else pregnant without telling you? Why am I telling you this anyway? You would never understand my pain!" I declared, my voice trembling with barely restrained anger. "I'm leaving with my daughters, and there is nothing you can do to stop me. I don't want to be his Luna anymore, I want a divorce. My lawyer is going to serve him the papers in the morning."

  The beta's eyes narrowed. "The Alpha is going to hear from your lawyer in the morning, is that it?" he mocked. "Why don't you save yourself the stress and just go back to your room? He still loves you; he is just doing what is best for the Knightstorm pack."

  I shook my head hotly. "He doesn't value or want me anymore," I snapped. "Now get out of my way."

  Turning on my heel, I pushed the door back open, ushering the children outside. But as I caught sight of their confused, frightened expressions, my determination faltered.

  "It's going to be okay," I murmured, forcing a reassuring smile. "We are just leaving a little earlier than expected."

  The girls walked forward, and I grabbed the remaining luggage, hurrying them along. But as we reached the main gate of the packhouse, Luke reappeared, his large body blocking our path. A team of warriors surrounded him, their expressions ugly.

  "You all need to go back inside," the beta commanded. "Seli, you of all people should know the Alpha still loves you. Madison will just be his mistress and the mother of his heir."

  I glared at him, my fury circling in my core. "I demand you get out of my way!" I yelled. "I am the Luna, you can't treat me like a goddamn prisoner!"

  But the warriors refused to budge, their stubborn stances an undefeatable wall. When I tried to push past them, one of the men shoved me back, and I tumbled to the floor with a heavy thud.

  The girls crowded around me, their cries filling the air. "Mommy, what's happening?" Lily wept, her eyes burning with tears.

  Sitting up, I pinned the stiff warriors with an arrogant glare. It was laughable how quickly they had turned their backs on me, forgetting that I was not just their Luna but a co-owner of this pack.

  Taking a steady breath, I scooped Lily into my arms, rocking her gently. "It's okay, my darling," I murmured, wiping the tears from her cheeks. "The trip is just delayed, that's all."

  But inwardly, I was seething. I had to find a way out of this imprisonment, even if no one would let me leave. Sparing one last, anguished glance at Luke, I rose to my feet, leading the girls back into the packhouse.

  ***

  A sharp pain pierced my chest, jolting me awake. Clutching at my heart, I sat up in bed, Lily sleeping calmly beside me. The room was covered in the soft spark of morning light-I must have slept longer than I intended.

  Lena howled in anguish inside me. "Our mate is with another woman!" she cried, her voice hoarse. "We must find out what he is up to, the pain is too much!"

  Slipping on my flip-flops, I climbed out of the bedroom, the sound of a violin filling my ears. As I stepped into the living room, my heart clenched at the sight before me.

  The spacious area was filled with pack members of high rank, all seated around someone on the couch. Gifts were piled high, and the musicians abruptly stopped playing as I approached.

  I could hear the voices now-Mrs. Clair, my mother-in-law, was speaking in a worshipful tone.

  "You will never lack anything in life, my dear," she proclaimed, her gaze fixed on someone seated on the sofa. "As the one who will soon bless our pack with an heir, I will ensure you are well cared for."

  My breath caught in my throat as I recognized the woman-Madison. She was dressed in a beautiful white dress and had a flowery crown on her head, as if she was the Luna. Dominic's large hand was resting protectively on her flat stomach, beaming with pride.

  "I just knew this child would be as beautiful as its mother and as strong as me," he declared, pressing a gentle kiss to Madison's pale cheek.

  A pretty blush bloomed on her cheeks, and my wolf groaned in anger, the pain piercing through my chest, leaving me paralyzed. No one seemed to notice my presence, except for Madison, whose green eyes widened as they landed on me.

  "S-Selena!" She gasped, drawing every gaze in the room to me.

  Dominic's expression shifted to one of minor surprise. "I didn't think you'd join the celebration, given how angry you were," he commented casually. "But I'm glad to see you have come to your senses."

  I scoffed, struggling to shove down the anger and hurt that threatened to spill over. "It's nice to see that the pack members have chosen their new Luna," I bit out, my voice breaking with a sob. "I suppose I was just a placeholder since I couldn't provide an heir."

  Dominic opened his mouth to respond, but I cut him off. "My lawyer will be here shortly," I declared, the tears I'd fought so hard to contain now streaking down my cheeks. "Don't forget to sign the divorce papers."

  With that, I fled, racing back towards the refuge of my daughters' room. I pressed my back against the hard door, willing Dominic to give chase and try and stop me. But the betraying sound of his footsteps faded, and I slid to the floor, my tears leaking harder now, and I was gagging and choking myself.

  The image of Dominic and Madison, blissfully satisfied, tormented me. I hated myself for still loving him and for clinging to the man I had once known.

  A small hand on my shoulder drew my gaze upward, and I found Anna's innocent eyes watching me with concern. "Mommy, don't cry," she soothed. "Everything is going to be okay, just like you always say."

  I pulled her into a tight hug, my heart swelling with love for my children. They were my world, my reason for being. And in that moment, I knew what I had to do.

  Removing myself from Anna's hold, I turned to Lily and Rose, who had now joined us. "My little princesses, we are going on that trip today, and dad isn't going to be joining us," I announced, grabbing the only suitcase that had been returned.

  As I ushered them out of the room, the noise from the living room faded into the background. Everyone was too preoccupied with gushing over Madison to notice our departure. This was my chance.

  Hurrying across the courtyard, I made my way to the garage, my eyes landing on Dominic's prized sports car, his favorite one. A warrior stood nearby, cleaning the sleek car with a cloth.

  "The keys, please," I demanded, holding out my hand.

  The warrior hesitated. "But the Alpha didn't-"

  Before he could finish, I snatched the keys from his grasp. "I'm taking this car," I declared, brooking no argument.

  Ushering the girls into the backseat, I slid behind the steering wheels, taking a deep breath. As I started the engine, my gaze caught sight of Dominic, running towards us, his face filled with concern.

  "Where the hell are you going?!?" he shouted, pounding on the trunk of the car.

  "We are leaving you," I replied, my voice filled with pain. "Since you no longer want us in your life, don't forget to have fun with your new Luna, and please treat her better."

  "What nonsense are you saying? Get out of that car now that I am asking nicely!" He barked like a bulldog as I rolled up the window, muffling his voice.

  With that, I drove through the open gate, my daughters casting one last look at their father. "Why is Daddy so angry?" Anna inquired, her brow furrowed.

  I offered no response, my focus only on the empty streets outside. I had to get my daughters to safety, away from this toxic environment and the man who had so heartlessly betrayed us.

Selena's POV

  I heaved an exhausted sigh as I hung up the phone, Anna's reassuring voice echoing in my ears. "Don't worry, Mom," she had said. "We are all safe at the hotel. I won't let anyone bully my little sisters, not even Jacob."

  Letting the phone fall into the passenger seat, I refocused my attention on the bright, sunny road, steering my car towards the office of a renowned doctor-a friend from the Greenfrost Pack had recommended to me. My son's crucial illness had brought me back to this bothersome Knightstorm Pack, my only purpose to secure the lifesaving surgery he so desperately needed.

  Pulling into the parking lot, I took a steady breath before stepping out of the car, the hot sun glinting off the polished top. A strange rush of nostalgia crashed over me as I made my way towards the building's entrance, the familiar sights and smells evoking memories I had long buried.

  But as I approached the front desk, my steps faltered. A sizable crowd had gathered outside a door inscribed with the name "Dr. Kenneth"-the very man I had come to see. Shoving my way forward, I was immediately confronted by a furious she-wolf.

  "Who do you think you are to cut line? Get in the back!" she snapped, shoving me roughly.

  I stumbled, barely catching my footing. "What the hell is your problem?" I responded, struggling to shove down my rising anger.

  The woman scoffed. "Dr. Kenneth hasn't been seeing patients for the last three hours. Word is out that... he is a fraud!" Her voice wavered, a handkerchief swiping at her eyes. "I-I was really hoping it wasn't true."

  My blood ran cold, the woman's words striking me like an acid reflux, burning and bitter. This couldn't be happening-I had given the doctor every penny I'd earned over the past five years at my art gallery in Greenfrost Pack, all in the hope of saving my son.

  Panic seized me, and I began fanning my face, willing the tears not to fall. "No, no, no!!!" A scream rippled from my throat at the painful news.

  But the crowd's increasing anger told a different story. Chants and shouts filled the air as the crowd pounded on the wooden door, demanding refunds or threatening to break it down. I watched in disappointment as several men slammed their bodies against the door, finally breaking the wood and rushing inside.

  The crowd ran into the office, and I followed, just in time to see Dr. Kenneth jump from the window, a briefcase clutched in his hand. A collective cry of outrage rose up, and some of the men gave chase, jumping out the window after him.

  Without a moment's hesitation, I tossed my bag to the floor and jumped out the window myself, my feet pounding the roadway as I gave chase. The doctor ran across the busy street, causing a traffic jam, but I didn't give up, following the mob as they rushed into a clothing store across the way-a supposed shortcut.

  The shop owner and staff shouted in anger as we pushed through, knocking over displays and crushing outfits. But just as we neared the exit, two police cars suddenly blocked our path, officers rushing out to confront us.

  I made a wild run for freedom, but a muscular cop caught me, twisting my arms behind my back and slapping handcuffs onto my wrists. "You are under arrest for breaking and entering and destruction of property!" he barked.

  As I was shoved into the backseat of the patrol car, a bitter laugh bubbled up from my throat. Could this day get any worse? First, I had been conned out of my life's savings, and now I was facing criminal charges.

  ***

  Curled up in the overcrowded prison cell, I hugged my knees, troubling worry consuming me. My children were waiting for me at the hotel, and I was powerless to return to them, trapped behind bars on my first day back in this annoying Knightstorm pack.

  With no family here to call upon and no lawyer to plead my case, I was utterly alone. Sighing, I wracked my brain, trying to think of who I could possibly contact.

  My thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of a female police officer, who tossed a few loaves of bread into the cell. The other imprisoned she-wolves rushed forward, fighting savagely over the meager scraps. I remained in my corner, unwilling to join the fight.

  The officer eyed me curiously. "Aren't you going to eat?" she asked, her tone filled with disgust. "Stop acting all high and mighty, like you are better than everyone; you will starve, and it doesn't seem like any of your family has come to get you. You must be an orphan."

  I bit my lip, refusing to dignify her insult with a response. The woman simply scoffed and walked away, leaving me alone with my stormy thoughts.

  As I watched the other inmates devour the bread like wild wolves, a bitter disgust welled inside me. My hard-earned savings had been stolen, and my son's life-saving surgery is now impossible. And here I sat, helpless and penniless, unable to even afford a decent meal.

  After what felt like a decade, the same female officer returned, unlocking the dirty cell door. "Hey, Miss Orphan, someone is here to bail you out," she announced.

  Confused, I rose to my feet and walked out of the cell, my heart pounding. Who could possibly have come to my aid?

  The answer became clear as I followed the officer down the hallway-there, in the main lobby, stood none other than-Alpha Dominic, my estranged mate. My stomach cramped, a familiar pain piercing through my chest.

  "Why didn't you tell us earlier that you were the wife of our Alpha? We had to search the computer for your name and the household you belong to." The officer remarked, her words snapping me from my trance.

  "I'm not his wife; I am his ex-wife!" I snapped sharply, my gaze fixed on Dominic's underweight face.

  He appeared thinner, his golden hair unkempt, dark circles damaging the skin beneath his eyes. A part of me felt cruel satisfaction in seeing him so visibly affected by my absence.

  Approaching me, Dominic offered a brief greeting. "Long time no see, Miss Cuddles. I can see you are doing well."

  I scoffed. "Unlike you, it seems." Shaking my head, I added, "You didn't have to come. I had it under control."

  His brow furrowed. "That's not what I saw when I arrived," he countered. "You should be grateful I came. Now, follow me, I will take you home."

  "W–" I opened my mouth to question him, but he had already turned, striding towards the main door. Hurrying after him, I found myself led to a familiar sports car-one that seemed unusually empty of his usual backup of beta and warriors.

  As Dominic held the passenger door open, I ignored him, choosing instead to climb into the backseat. He slid behind the wheel, casting me an irritated glance.

  "Put on your seatbelt," he ordered. "You have a lot of nerve for someone in need of help."

  I smirked, kicking off my shoes and leaning back. "I didn't ask for your help," I responded. "You look awful, by the way. It seems you have been living a miserable life without me and the girls."

  Dominic's jaw tightened. "Be quiet and tell me where you want me to take you."

  "I'm not done with my questions," I declared, through clenched teeth. "Did Madison give you the son you were looking for? Because I haven't seen anything on the news about you welcoming a son. And why do you look like you just crawled out of a trash can?"

  "Shut up," he snapped.

  I shook my head defiantly. "No, you are avoiding the question. Did you sign the divorce papers I left?"

  With a throaty growl, Dominic brought the car to a halt, glaring at me through the rearview mirror. "Get out," he commanded.

  I blinked in confusion. "What?"

  "Get out of the fucking car before I make you!" he shouted, his voice all sharp edges.

  Before I could protest, I found myself standing barefoot on a busy night street, Alpha Dominic's car speeding away into the night. I cried out, kicking the air in frustration, but he refused to stop.

Selena's POV

  "Shit!" I screamed, watching Dominic's car disappear down the bright street. The bastard actually dumped me here after bailing me out of jail. He could have just left me locked up-it would have been nicer than this humiliation.

  My anger was so consuming that I didn't even realize I was standing in the middle of the road. The screech of tires jolted me back to reality. A car was speeding towards me at breakneck speed. I tried to jump, my heart exploding in my chest, adrenaline coursing through my veins.

  The car stopped inches from me. I was breathing heavily, my hand pressed against its hood, feeling the heat radiating from the engine. Around me, cars screeched to a halt. Pack members sticking their heads out of their cars and yelling at me.

  "Watch where you are going, bitch!"

  "This isn't a fucking pedestrian walkway! Are you blind?!?"

  I froze, ice trickling through my veins at the sound of their voices, feeling small and embarrassed. I wished Dominic would come back, but deep down, I knew he wouldn't.

  Blinding headlights attacked my eyes. I raised my hand to shield myself, hearing heavy footsteps approaching me. A deep, angry voice cut through the air. "Do you have a death wish? You could have been hit by my car; just consider yourself lucky!"

  The tone softened immediately. "Are you okay? I hope you aren't injured anywhere."

  I squinted, trying to see the person behind the voice, but the lights were too bright. I managed a weak nod. "I'm fine."

  Something flew at me, smacking hard against my cheek. "Ow! What the hell?" I squatted down, rubbing my stinging skin, and discovered a bundle of money.

  The mysterious voice spoke again. "Consider it charity that a lot more than an average member of this pack makes a month. Next time, learn to watch where you are going, commoner."

  Outraged, I was about to throw the money back, but when I looked up, the person had vanished. The car's engine roared to life, and this time I knew it would hit me for sure.

  "I don't need your fucking money!" I shouted, scrambling away from the car.

  Crossing the busy street to the other side, I stared at the money. My ego fought with my desperation. Almost feeling victorious, I waved down a taxi, climbed in, and instructed the driver to take me to the Starlight Hotel.

  As the city lights twisted past, I thought about Dominic. How could he change so much? The man I once loved had become a stranger. Leaving my pack for him seemed like the most stupid decision of my life.

  The taxi finally stopped after a few minutes. I paid the driver, using part of the mysterious cash, and rushed into the hotel. My kids were waiting. The exhaustion of the day weighed on me, but the thought of seeing them gave me strength.

  I walked towards room 302, but unease leaked into my blood. Sounds of argument echoed through the hallway, and I prayed that it wasn't our room and had nothing to do with my kids.

  I pushed open the door and froze, shocked by the sight before me. The front desk staff and another hotel employee were in the room; they were both demanding to speak with me. Anna was trying her best to handle the situation, arms crossed defiantly across her chest as the younger children huddled on the bed, little Jacob's cries breaking my heart.

  As I stepped into the messy room, my foot crunched against something underfoot. Taking in the mess-the walls and surfaces smudged with countless foods, the clear signs of a wild food fight-I let out a weary sigh, shaking my head in disappointment.

  "Mom," Anna murmured as my gaze landed on her.

  The staff members both turned to face me, the front desk woman immediately shushing me. "I don't want to hear any silly excuses," she snapped, her voice all sharp edges. "Is this how you raise your children? This is a hotel, not your home that you can just mess up anyhow you like!"

  The other employee cut in, her tone equally hurtful. "Your kids are so spoiled. They act like wild wolves and don't respect their elders, you have failed as a mother."

  I clenched my fists, my anger running hot in my veins at her statement. "How dare you speak about my children that way?" I snapped, my voice loud. "Is this how you guys treat your guests? It's just kids being kids, making a mess, it's not that big of a deal. If I tip the cleaners extra, they will have it sorted in no time, but I am going to have my kids take care of it-"

  "We wouldn't be talking if that's the only thing," the desk woman interrupted me. "But your children stole the food that was meant for another room."

  My mouth dropped open in disbelief. "My kids would never steal! I raised them better than that."

  But the staff member shook her head, indifferent. "We haven't reported you to management yet, but we will let it slide if you pay for the food."

  Clenching my teeth, I demanded to speak to the manager, insisting my children would never do such a thing. But the woman simply pulled out an iPad, tapping the screen.

  "I'm afraid I have evidence," she said, turning the device to show me security footage.

  My heartbeat skyrocketed as I watched Rose sneaking around the corridor and monitoring the movements of the server. When the server entered the hotel room, she confidently stole the food cart outside. I was utterly ashamed, unable to defend my daughter's actions.

  Swallowing hard, I asked how much the stolen food cost. The reply-$3,000-made my stomach clench. Digging into my purse, I counted out the exact amount, handing it over with a bowed head.

  "I apologize for the inconvenience," I murmured. "I will be sure to set my children straight."

  The staff members scoffed as they exited, leaving me to face the aftermath alone. Where had I gone wrong as a mother? I needed answers.

  Turning to my children, I found them all pretending to be asleep, except for Anna, who stood firm. Striding to the bed, I hovered around Rose, who reluctantly sat up, avoiding my gaze.

  "Why did you do it?" I pressed, my voice dropped in volume. "I know you wouldn't steal without a good reason."

  Rose nibbled on her lip, finally meeting my eyes. "Uh, w-we were all hungry, and Jacob was crying so much. I couldn't just ignore him; that's why I... did it."

  I let out a groan, her reasoning striking a major chord. I knew how persistent and stubborn my youngest could be.

  "That doesn't make it right," I scolded, my voice growing stronger, angrier. "You could have just ordered room service when I came back, and I would have settled the bill. Because of you, I was-" Anna cut in.

  "We tried that, but the home phone isn't working, Mom. That's why we couldn't order." She explained.

  Returning my gaze to Rose, I ordered her to look at me. "What do you have to say for yourself, young lady?"

  Blowing a strand of hair from her face, she murmured, "I'm sorry, Mommy. It won't happen again."

  I heaved a sigh. "That apology won't fix this. I was humiliated because of your actions. It's like I didn't raise you all properly."

  Rose apologized again, but I cut her off. "Sorry isn't enough." I replied, raising my voice. "The rest of you, stop pretending to be asleep and get up, we have a lot of cleaning to do."

  Abruptly, my little Jacob sat up, reaching for me. "Mommy, I missed you!" he cried, flinging his arms around me.

  I smiled, hugging him tight. His blonde hair and ocean-blue eyes were a mirror image of his father's, but my son was so different-sweet and smart, someone I refused to lose, despite being so cruelly deceived. I needed to find another way for him to get that treatment.