Isla Gibson’s smile was subtle, her eyes daring. I averted my gaze and reached for the first aid kit, my fingers trembling slightly. She was a Gamma from the Gibson Pack, but her confidence—or arrogance—made her presence feel larger than life.

"Freya, why are you giving me the cold shoulder? Am I not welcome here?" Her voice oozed with false innocence, her expression anything but. The saccharine tone made my wolf stir uneasily in the back of my mind, a low growl of warning I forced myself to suppress.

The tension in the room was palpable, and I could feel the weight of the pack members’ eyes on us. As the daughter of the Alpha of the Carlson Pack, I was used to being watched, but this felt different—judgmental, almost mocking.

Just as I was about to reply, Nikolai Lawrence, the Beta from the rival Lawrence Pack, hurried over. His grip on my arm was firm, almost painful, as he pulled me to face Isla. His aura, though not as commanding as an Alpha’s, still carried the weight of his rank.

"Freya Carlson, Isla’s talking to you. Are you ignoring her?" His voice was sharp, laced with irritation. Earlier, he had pushed me during a training session, causing me to hit my lower back against a pack bench. Now, being jerked like this made the pain flare up, and I broke out in a cold sweat.

"Nikolai Lawrence, let go!" I snapped, my voice sharper than I intended.

During the three years we were mates, I had never raised my voice at him. I had always acquiesced, going along with his wishes, playing the role of the obedient mate. To Nikolai, I had been the perfect partner, always agreeable. But this sudden outburst from me seemed to catch him off guard. For a moment, he was stunned, frozen, yet his grip on my arm only tightened, his dark eyes narrowing.

Just as he was about to lash out again, Isla linked her arm with his, gently tugging. Her voice was soft, almost purring. "Nikolai, I made a spiced honey cake for you two. Can you help me bring it over from my place?"

Her words defused his anger instantly, and he nodded, releasing me with a dismissive shove before heading out. I looked down, a small, bitter smile on my lips. Even now, she had him wrapped around her finger.

Once Nikolai left, Isla dropped the act. She circled me, her smirk widening. "Freya, did you hurt your back just now? What a shame."

I eyed her warily, my wolf growling softly in my mind. "Isla Gibson, what do you really want?"

I knew better than to think she cared about my well-being. Sure enough, she laughed, feigning sympathy. "Oh, nothing. Just expressing my regret."

"Yesterday, I got a little burn from hot water on my finger, and Nikolai was so worried he rushed me to the pack healer. He’s so attentive to me, his neighbor. Why is he indifferent to you, his official mate?"

Her words were deliberate, each one carefully chosen to provoke me. Even though I knew her intentions and that Nikolai’s heart was with her, my own heart ached with a deep, bitter pain. Suppressing it, I answered stiffly, "I don’t need your fake concern. I can handle myself."

Feigning surprise, Isla tilted her head, her golden hair catching the light. "Freya, you really are... strong. No wonder Nikolai says you’re not very feminine."

I looked up at her, her eyes dancing with amusement, and my chest ached sharply. I had never realized this was Nikolai’s view of me. So, he had reserved all the care meant for me for this woman, had he?

I had known Isla’s name for half a year now, knew she was the one Nikolai had always idealized, who had just returned from abroad. Once she was back, Nikolai began coming home later, every time dismissing my questions with pack business, his assistant playing along.

In reality, he was spending his time with Isla, captivated by her charm. I had put up with it all. I convinced myself that as long as Nikolai still came home, I could eventually win back his attention and heart.

But reality is always harsh. To ensure Isla could be in our lives legitimately, Nikolai went so far as to buy the neighboring villa. Knowing this, my hope of reconciliation was completely shattered.

I’m truly exhausted, and I’ve decided to let go. My wolf whined softly in my mind, a sound of both pain and acceptance. It was time to move on, even if it meant walking away from everything I thought I had.

When Nikolai returned with the spiced honey cake, I was on the couch applying a pack healer’s salve. The sharp, herbal scent of the ointment filled the room, and Isla, hiding by the window, watched him with those bright, calculating eyes of hers. Nikolai’s face paled the moment he stepped inside.

He strode toward me, his voice cutting through the air like a command from an Alpha. “Freya, what are you doing? That salve’s scent is too strong for Isla in her condition!” His tone was sharp, laced with irritation, and he didn’t even ask if my back was healing. His concern was solely for Isla.

I looked up, meeting his dark, stormy gaze. He was glaring at me, his jaw clenched, and when I didn’t respond immediately, he snatched the bottle from my hand and hurled it against the wall. The liquid splashed into my eyes, the sting immediate and searing.

I cried out, clutching my face, the pain radiating through me.

“Quiet, Freya!” Nikolai snapped, his voice booming. “You’ll upset Isla!”

Before I could even process what was happening, he slapped me—hard—and then hurried out, shielding Isla as they left. The door slammed behind them, the sound echoing in the silence they left behind. I sat there, tears streaming down my cheeks, my eyes burning and my cheek throbbing.

Blinded by the pain, I fumbled for my phone and called the pack healer. By the time I arrived at the infirmary, my vision was nearly gone, and I could barely see the faces of those around me.

Dr. Stanley Taylor examined me, his voice calm but firm. “It’s a burn,” he said. “It’ll heal with regular medication, but it’ll take a few days.” He paused, then added, “Do you have anyone to pick you up? Someone to help you while you recover?”

I shook my head, my voice quiet. “No, I’m alone here.”

He frowned, his expression softening. “Then I’ll admit you for a short stay. You shouldn’t be on your own in this state.”

Three days passed, and my eyes showed no improvement. Fear crept into my chest, and I stayed silent, unwilling to burden anyone with my struggles. My brother, Future Alpha Adonis, called to ask when I’d be returning to London. I dodged his questions, not daring to tell him the truth. He sighed, his voice heavy with concern. “Just think things over, Freya,” he said. “You know where to find me if you need anything.”

After the call, loneliness washed over me. I wanted to confide in him, to tell him everything, but I couldn’t bring myself to worry him further.

On the fourth day, as Nurse Rosalina Ramirez changed my medication, my phone rang. My eyes were still too painful to focus, so I asked her to answer it. Only later did I realize it had been Nikolai calling, and Nurse Rosalina had explained my situation to him.

My chest tightened at the thought. Since that day, he hadn’t reached out, hadn’t shown a shred of concern. I was filled with resentment, and the last thing I wanted was to see him. I imagined he was too busy tending to Isla to spare a thought for me. Strangely, that thought brought me a small sense of relief.

Since the moment he hurt me, my feelings for him had died. Now, all I wanted was to heal quickly, to leave this city behind and escape the shadow of his presence. My wolf stirred within me, a low, comforting growl of agreement.

I was done with Nikolai Lawrence.