Annie’s POV

Every muscle in Eric’s back tenses up. I brace myself for his reaction, whether that might be apathy, amusement, or anger. Unfortunately, I don’t expect him to be apologetic.

Eric has never apologized to me once in his life. Instead, he either buys me something expensive or turns the situation around to where I’m apologizing to him. God, please don’t let this be one of those situations.

I already wish I could take the words back and it be as if I never said them. I’ve never known anything but my love for Eric. What am I going to do without him? I almost begin to backtrack, but Eric grabs my wrist and fear constricts my voice.

Seething with anger Eric gets close to my face. “Don’t be ridiculous, Annie.” He growls through gritted teeth, “If this stupid necklace isn’t enough, I’ll buy you the latest haute couture dresses,” His breath is hot like fire.

I’ve never seen him this angry and that’s probably because he’s never been rejected before. Still, I stare back at him in disbelief. It’s not his anger that surprises me, it’s the clarity of how little he knows me. “I don’t want any of those things,” I tell him. How does he not know that about me by now?

I look around the room and scoff. I finally realize why the bedroom has marbled flooring, our ceiling is adorned with high exposed beams, and our sheets are one thousand thread accounts.

All of these things aren’t because Eric cherishes me, it’s because he thinks I need it to be pacified.

That’s the kind of woman he believes I am. The kind of woman who only wants his wealth and status. Funny, the only thing I’ve ever asked him for, begged him for, was to love me.

Eric’s grip tightens around my wrist and I know it’s going to leave a mark. “You married me for those things, didn’t you?”

There’s a hatred in his eyes and despite my fear, I still feel sorry for him. “And then in return, you’re expected to be the perfect wife and fulfill your dutiful part.” Eric continues.

At that moment, I realize Eric only married me because I’m his fated mate. He never really loved me at all, not like how he did with Mia. How could I have been so stupid? Without waiting for an answer, Eric casts my arm to the side and then storms out of the room.

I slump to the ground, unable to bear the weight of this heartbreak anymore. The decision is final. I can’t stay married to someone who doesn’t truly love me and no matter what I say or do, Eric will never believe that I actually loved him. That I do love him.

I spend the rest of the day packing my things. I don’t know where Eric went, but I hope I never see him again. It takes me a while to get through every room in the house, but not very long to throw what’s actually mine in a suitcase.

I’m not taking any of the expensive jewelry or the fancy clothes. All I’m taking are my drawings and notes- the things that matter to me. When I’m done, I look at the small suitcase that’s been with me since I was a child.

All my life, I’ve always been able to fit everything I own into this one suitcase. That and the clothes on my back. Unfortunately, being a lone wolf isn’t new to me.

I look around the room and notice how it still looks the same, like I never made any imprint on it. This room, this house, is all Eric and no Annie, no matter how much Eric thinks he has to buy all these things for me.

Maybe now that I’m gone, he’ll see none of it was for me to begin with. I wonder if Eric will think I took anything at all. No. Stop it. I scold myself. It doesn’t matter what Eric thinks.

I try to stop my mind from thinking at all and only focus on the present. If I stop and think, I might just break.

Descending down the grand staircase, I try not to reflect on how many times I’ve been up and down the steps, and never once did it occur to me there would come a day when I no longer walked on them at all.

Leaving behind this realization and all of the other memories of this house, I open the front door ready to run and never look back.

Except, as soon as I open the door, I can’t go anywhere because Mia stands right in front of me.

She lowers her hand which I assume was just about ready to knock. I must be hallucinating. Only when Mia pushes me aside and steps into our house.

“Well, don’t seem so surprised to see me,” Mia says, stepping past me and coming into our house. The sight of her entering our house while I leave it sickens me. “I was part of the pack after all,” I close my mouth only now realizing it was hanging open.

“What are you doing here?” I ask though I’m not sure I can stomach whatever the answer might be. Mia looked pleased that I asked, letting a sly smile spread across her face.

“I think it’s only fair that you know,”

“Know what?” I ask the impatience chipping away at my tone. Mia inspects her perfectly polished nails.

“That Eric and I are in love and I am carrying his child. So l'm here to move in, because now that I'm pregnant Eric said he'd take care of me” she exclaimed much too happily.

"What?" I seethed.

"That's right," she continued,"so you should get out of our house."

"You're pregnant?" Those words suddenly leave a bad taste in my mouth compared to earlier. It all makes sense, the time Eric spent away, seeing them together at the hospital. As each moment passes reality becomes solidified as my heart becomes like stone, harder and harder.

Just then the sound of the back door opening cuts through the air. “Eric!” Mia cries out as though she’s relieved to see him. She clutches her stomach and paints on a pained look. “Annie just shoved me, she wants to hurt my baby.”

It takes me a minute to realize what she is plotting and in that time Eric stumps over. A flash of anger crosses his face and he shoves me aside. “What is wrong with you, Annie?” Eric yells. "I didn't know you were so cruel." he spits out, distain dripping from his words. He doesn’t see it, but Mia smirks. He rans straight to Mia. He believes her automatically, not even asking me my opinion, not even asking if I was okay. He chose Mia.

With my wolf howling in pain and my own heart freezing over. I hear someone laughing coldly, then realize it’s me. "Thank you for making everything clear" I seeth.

"I, Annie, reject Eric as my mate." l says the word shakily. I feel the bond snap within, causing a jolt of indescribable pain.

"What are you doing?!"Eric snaps.

I cast one final glance at Eric, knowing it’ll be the last time I ever see him, he stares back at me his eyes wide and his jaw slack. “We’re done. It’s over,” I tell him and as the words leave the mouth I become even more certain that something in me snaps. I can physically feel it.

I run past Mia, tears blurring my vision.

Not thinking clearly, I run out into the street. I hear the blaring of a horn and then the force of a metallic ton slamming into me. Although beyond all of that, what hurts the most is my wolf leaving my body.

The spiritual link between Eric and I is broken and that is what causes me to howl out in pain.

In my daze, one thing is clear, that I must be dying.

5 Years Later

Renee’s POV

I stand before the mirror and put on the finishing touches of my makeup. I click on the cap of the lipstick and take a step back. My reflection catches me by surprise. I stare at the woman in the mirror and like what I see.

No longer is there a timid and submissive wife. The woman in the mirror is bold, her blonde hair and red lipstick is wild and sexy. Annie would never consider being blonde, it would stand out too much.

Renee on the other hand welcomes her accentuated striking features.

I may have the same face as I did five years ago, but somehow I look more alive. I feel more alive.

Just then, I catch a glimpse of part of my life waltzing into the room through the reflection in the mirror. “Mommy!” Debbie exclaims, wearing the dress I designed, though she’s more like swimming in it as the tail trails behind her.

I spin around and cock my head, “Well don’t you look beautiful,” Debbie gives a half twirl and a full smile.

“Thank you very much, but this is for you to wear,” Debbie says shimmying out of the dress. I laugh. It isn’t lost on me that her boldness is something she learned from me, from Renee. Annie would’ve never raised such an outspoken daughter, surely not with a husband like Eric around.

Of course, with Eric out of the picture and our connection being lost means that I am a wolfless person, and Debbie pays the price for that. Though Debbie is skinny to the point of almost scrawny, she still resembles her dad.

Thinking of Eric, my heart still aches involuntarily.

It’s moments like this where I see Annie buried underneath this facade trying to resurface, and I quickly have to shove her back down. “And why that dress?”

“Because,” Debbie says hopping up onto my bed. “It’s the best dress ever and you can find me a new daddy while wearing it tonight” Speechless, I can only manage to look at her in amusement.

Sometimes, having such an outspoken daughter has its drawbacks. Like the fact that she’s never shy about telling me how I ought to spend my night. Though I can’t blame her. I always wanted to know who my father was too.

I do feel a bit like Cinderella as I get ready to go to this welcome party at this company’s designer competition that I won.

Though it’s not just some random company. It’s at the most established clothing company in the nation, Blue Moon Group and there’s going to be a sea of designers all vying for this one position as lead designer.

I was already offered a job simply by winning, but nothing is set and stone. I haven’t even met the employer yet. But I need this job. It’s not just about the title, the pay is what matters.

Truth is, since I left Eric, I left behind all the status and wealth in the world that wouldn’t be so bad for me, but Debbie is ill. She may have a strong personality, but her physique is weak. She needs special treatment if she’s ever going to be strong like her peers.

I’ve given her everything I can, more than she knows and this is the one thing I’ve yet been able to do for her. So, tonight is important. I get one shot to learn this job and Debbie’s right that is the best damn turquoise dress. “All right then,” I concede, extending my hand out “Give it to me.”

Once dressed I step out of our tiny half bathroom and let Debbie inspect my appearance. Her jaw drops open. “Mom,” she says like she can’t believe it’s me. And honestly, I know how she feels. “You look beautiful!” Debbie squeals.

I look in the mirror and see that Debbie is right. I do look good. It’s not just the dress or the make up, but the confidence. It’s the realization that I don’t need to be sad about never seeing Eric again.

———

Third Person POV

The atmosphere in the Blue Moon company office is tense.

Andrew, the pack's beta, is updating the CEO on the new designers party and their onboarding status. "The artists for the ice sculptures would like to know if you want a harp or piano," he says professionally though his eyes cast worrying glances at Eric’s blasé demeanor. His Alpha always gets irritable around this time of year.

"What?" Eric snaps as though Andrew just interrupted some important train of thought.

"The ice sculptures. For tonight’s welcome party?" Andrew says nervously. Eric groans.

"Who cares about ice? It’s going to melt anyways," He kicks his feet onto the desk and pinches the bridge of his nose. Then starts flipping through the competition works of the new designers.

"This dress is exceptional." Eric pointing out a beautiful turquoise dress to his Beta. The dress is a work of art with a flattering cut and bold detailing. There is deceptive simplicity, making the wearer look effortlessly gorgeous. Andrew nods,"Yes, that was one of the winners. All winners have been recruited and will begin work soon."

"Let me see her resume,"Eric repies. He needs to know who creates this dress.

Just before Andrew could hand Eric the documents, someone dramatically pushes the door open.

"Andrew, go get us some water with ice and sliced lemon. It is brutally hot outside." Mia lowers her chunky sunglasses to the bridge of her nose. "And for the love of God, please make sure the lemon is fresh this time," Andrew hates the fact that Mia thinks she’s his boss.

Mia only just starts working here as a designer, but only because she’s with Eric. Her designs aren’t even that good. Mia gasps and takes the photocopy of the winning design dress from Eric’s hand. Her eyes widen in delight.

Though apparently, she has an eye for good design. "I want that!" She yells and looks at Eric expectantly. Eric rubs his temples.

“Mia, I’m working. This dress isn’t owned by the company yet so I can’t just get it for you. Its creative rights have to first be relinquished by the designer who I have yet to meet and sign any papers,” Eric says sounding exhausted just from explaining the process.

“Well, sorry for not knowing,” Mia says shifting her weight on her feet. She’s never been good at apologizing. “Anyway,” Mia says brushing aside the encounter, “you do recall my son Nilo, don’t you?” Mia says sarcastically.

“Yes, I know Nilo,” Eric says, obviously. Mia’s lips curve down to a dramatic frown.

“He misses you, he hasn’t seen you in a while” Eric sighs, softening his expression briefly.

He stands from his seat and puts his hands on Mia’s shoulders. "I’ll visit in a few days and bring him a gift," he says. Mia’s frown quickly turns into a satisfactory smile and she claps her hands together.

"Good," Eric tries to return her smile and then steers her toward the door.

“Go. I have lots of work. Someone will give you water downstairs,” he tells her knowing Mia would use that as an excuse to stay longer.

Once Mia is gone, Andrew continues to talk about the welcome party. “The party is at 6:00 pm tomorrow. I’ll tell the ice company to arrive last, the ice might melt considering it’s July,” He didn’t mean to further point out it’s the anniversary month of his ex-wife’s death. Eric’s eyes fly open.

Andrew tucks his notes away knowing what he says now about tomorrow’s itinerary will be landing on deaf ears. Instead, he watches as Eric rifles through his wallet and pulls out a small square photograph.

He stares at it for some time as Andrew patiently waits while his Alpha proceeds to have his moment.

It’s the very same B-ultrasound that was in the drawer the day she got hit by a car. Eric lost not only his fated mate that day but his child too. He grimaces as he recalls the pulling of emotions from that day.

Finding out you’re having a child in the same instant realizing it had just died caused a head to explode in his Eric’s skull as he were the one hit by the car. That same headache is coming on now. What would have happened if he had just stopped her, if he had done something other than stand there like a fool. What if...The guilt and sorrow plagues him constantly. Even after five years, her loss still hurts like it has just happened.

“Take me home,” he instructs Andrew carefully putting the ultrasound back his wallet, taking care not to wrinkle it. That piece of paper is the last thing he has of Annie, and it is a constant reminder of what he lost. “Take me home and then directly to the party tomorrow.” Andrew nods. That’s an order he doesn’t mind following.

----------

The next day on the way to the party, Andrew glances over at Eric who’s passed out in the passenger seat. He had to call his Alpha several times before he finally answered. He said he was asleep after being up all night and would be down shortly.

Andrew was driving, letting Eric attempt to relax before the big night of socializing ahead. Eric couldn't remember the last time he slept well. With Annie-Eric buried that thought. Taking a deep breath, he forced himself to relax.

SCREECH-

Andrew slammed on the brakes.

"What the fuck-"Eric lunges forward but the seatbelt prevents him from hitting his head on the dashboard.

"There-there was a kid in the road," Andrew interrupted, panicked.

"What?” Eric growls and rips the seatbelt off of him. He slams the car door shut and looks around and sure enough, a small child is standing dumbfounded in the middle of the street.

"Debbie!" Some older woman still on the sidewalk calls out. She tries to hurry over. "I told you to look both ways," the old lady scolds, but Debbie isn’t paying attention.

Eric crouches down, meeting her eyes. "Are you okay, sweetheart?" He asks in a gentle voice that Andrew doesn't know he is capable of. She’s looking up at Eric with bright green eyes smiling as an idea formulates in her mind.

When he looks at her, the words fall short. They hold each other's gaze and though they’re meeting for the first time, it’s as if they’ve known each other all their lives. “Would you like to be my daddy?” Debbie asks.

Third Person POV

Eric and Andrew stand gobsmacked for a moment. Did she just ask what I think she asked? Eric wonders to himself, while Andrew just starts cackling.

Just then the old woman reaches them and Eric’s gaze hardens. "You should really keep track of your young," Eric reprimands Margaux. He looks her over and decides to leave out his comment that he is surprised she could even have children at her age.

The harshness of his tone and his strong aura startle Margaux. She puts her hands on her hips. "What are you doing?" Margaux asks Debbie breathlessly.

"I wanted to go see my mom," Debbie chimes in causing everyone’s eyes to fall on her.

"She's at a party. The--" she scrunches her nose, trying to remember, and Eric thinks he has never seen anything cuter. After a second, she perks up and exclaims, "Mama's at the Blue Moon welcome party!'

"Really,"Eric smiles,"Well that's where we are going now. Do you want to come with us?" Debby nodded furiously. "Let's go! I'll introduce you to Mama, and then she can make you my daddy!"

Eric bends at the waist so he’s eye level with Debbie. "I’ll take you to her,” he stands up and extends his hand out for Debbie to take but Margaux pulls Debbie next to her. Debbie is her responsibility and Margaux sure isn’t going to lose her privileges of watching this sweet little girl. "I don’t think that’s a good idea," Margaux says shaking her head.

Eric checks his temper. What he wants to tell this woman is he doesn’t care what she thinks. Instead, he puts his Alpha Voice on.

"I think we got off on the wrong foot. If her mother is going to be one of my employees, I find it to be my responsibility to return her to her mother." Eric flashes a sheepish smile, "Besides, she almost die trying to go find her mother."

Margaux wasn’t born yesterday. She’s picking up on his subtle threat.

"Oh, all right," Margaux says, forcing a smile. Eric nods his approval at Margaux for her smart decision.

_____

Renee’s POV

The welcome party is going smoothly. I have already gotten a lot of complements on my turquoise dress. Most of my future collegeagues seems nice and welcoming. I have found a few new mothers who are giving me tips about becoming a working mom, when out of the corner of my eye I see a small child wandering around.

"I am so sorry to interrupt you, but I need to check on something really quickly" l says. I rush towards the place I see her, dread filling my stomach. What is Debby doing here? I find her on the other side of the room, and when she sees me, her little face lights up. "Mama" she manages to say before I run and sweep her up in my arms. "Debby," I frantically say, "What are you doing here? Are you okay?" I look up and down, trying to see if she's hurt. I repeatedly told the nanny to watch over her.

"I wanted to see you,” she says simply. "And maybe see if you found me a new daddy yet", she adds with a sweet smile.

l look at my daughter in amazement. Her dedication is serious. “I have not,” l tell her. Debbie squints her eyes at me.

“Well, I found someone,” she says and l widens my eyes. Where is Margaux?

Proud of herself, Debbie twirls on her heels. “A handsome uncle brought me here and I want him to be my daddy,” Debbie says as though it’s a done deal. l sigh in defeat. I hug her tightly. We are going to have to have a don't get into strangers cars talk later, but for now, I am just glad she is safe. "Let's go to the snack bar and get you something to eat," I say.

"Pretzels?" Debby says excitedly.

"Pretzels," I nod with a mock seriousness. Just as l stand up, a high-pitched scream pierces my ears. I pull Debbie close to me out of instinct. If there’s danger, Debbie cannot send for herself.

I look in the direction of where the scream comes from. Everyone turns towards the doors, when they walk in. My blood runs cold as I see Eric and Mia walk in, arm and arm, looking beautiful and powerful and... perfect.

"Gosh, she's so lucky to be with him", someone in front of me fake whispers. Looking back at Mia, I realize she is wearing the dress I design. The same dress I'm wearing.

The person next to her answers in the same loud whisper, "I heard they've always been together, and that he does anything she wants." People swoon at that.

Always been together? I seeth. The words keep repeating in my head. No one knows that Eric had been married before-no, Eric erased me. He's always been with Mia, just like he's always wanted. Our marriage was just a stain on his perfect life, his perfect career.

Mia has replaced me, even wearing my dress. She is everything he wants.

I steel my heart, even as I feel a white hot rage envelope me. I won't allow Eric to move me, to hurt me. It doesn't matter that he erased me, because I don't need him. I has my daughter, and she is all I need. He never will have her, and that is his loss.

I could hear Mia bragging about my dress as she waltzes in my direction. Everyone assumes that Mia is Eric’s fated mate.

I realize now that the scream is some other designers gawking at Mia’s dress. The dress that I has designed. The distance between me and Mia is suddenly becoming shorter.

Mia's gaze moved to me. A mix of shock, rage, and embarrassment floods her face.

“Your dress is a fake,” she says in disgust to me. She raises her bejeweled arm in the air and snaps her fingers. “Security! Toss this imposter out of here!!!”