“Aurelia,” he sighs, clearly exasperated.
Good. Let him feel it too.
“I don’t want it. Take it off!” I repeat firmly.
“Goodnight, Aurelia,” he snaps, turning and walking away before I can stop him.
Once again, I’m left completely alone.
The thought of food no longer appeals to me. I cry myself to sleep.
The next morning arrives with harsh sunlight pouring in, trying its best to blind me.
“Ugh,” I mutter, shielding my eyes.
The doctors arrive to discharge me after checking my pulse.
“Let’s hope this is the last time we see you here,” one of the women says with a kind smile.
I simply nod. I’m just glad to be leaving. The place has started to wear me down, both mentally and emotionally.
I head directly to the pond. It’s tucked away–almost forgotten–like a secret corner of the territory. Nobody really comes here, except for my friends and me.
Flashback
All of us are splashing around in the water, though Theron and I have drifted apart from the rest. He leans in, teasing, “You look so good soaked like this,” his lips grazing mine with a playful bite that sends a tremor through me.
“Theron,” I giggle, lightly slapping his arm. “Cut it out, people are nearby.” My cheeks are burning with
heat.
“That just makes it more exciting,” he murmurs, pulling me closer. “Let them see. Let them know you belong to me,” he growls against my ear, and a trail of goosebumps rises on my skin.
“Theron?” I whisper, trying to hold back the sound that almost escapes my lips. “We shouldn’t be doing this,” I say, my voice lacking conviction. His fingers sneak beneath my top, brushing under my breasts in a teasing motion.
“I know, sweetheart,” he says, his touch moving a little higher.
“I’m just testing the waters,” he adds with a mischievous grin.
I glance at him, amused by the pun.
“Theron!” I laugh, tipping my head back.
By now, Joy, Callum, and Alfred–his gamma–are all staring. I bury my face against his shoulder.
“This is so humiliating,” I mumble, my voice muffled against the curve of his neck.
“I love when they see, baby. It proves you’re mine.”
His words make me wince a little.
“You’re ridiculous,” I laugh despite myself.
“For you? Always,” he replies.
FLASHBACK END
A single tear escapes as the memory replays in my mind. He doesn’t want me anymore. He’s with someone else now–his mate.
The thought of them together turns my stomach. Another woman has taken my place.
It’s only temporary, Ria, I keep repeating to myself. He said it’s just for a little while. I brush away the tears that threaten to fall again.
Today, I won’t let it get to me. I refuse to let it break me. I’m determined to stay strong.
“Morning,” I greet the first person I pass on my way to the pack house. I catch the sympathy in his eyes as he returns the greeting.
I push the feeling down before it can take hold–before I can fully register it.
With my head held high, I step inside the pack house.
“Ma’am Nola! Good morning,” I say, wrapping my arms around her. She’s one of the kitchen staff, but to me, she’s more than that.
Maybe it’s because she never had children of her own, or because I spent so much time with her whenever I wasn’t with Theron. Whatever the reason, she’s always treated me like her daughter.
“How are you holding up? I heard what happened,” she says, hugging me tightly. “I’m so sorry, sweetheart.”
“It’s not on you,” I whisper, but she only shakes her head, refusing to accept that.
“If I had allowed Luna to place you with another family, maybe you would’ve been considered a more suitable mate,” she blurts out, shaking her head quickly. “This is all on me.” Her voice cracks, as though she’s on the verge of tears. She’s always been tender–hearted.
“Don’t talk like that!” I snap back. She’s long since grown used to my short fuse, so she doesn’t even
flinch.
“You’re the best mother anyone could wish for, and I’m grateful you chose me.” My words must have comforted her, because she gives a small nod and gestures for me to sit so she can serve breakfast.
I don’t argue–I haven’t had a real meal in nearly three days.
While I eat, she updates me on everything that happened during the mating season. I pretend to pay attention, nodding occasionally.
She must notice my distraction, because she grows quiet, occasionally asking if I’m alright. I just respond with a faint smile.
“Thanks,” I murmur, staring at the tall stack of pancakes she sets before me.
“Nolie,” I call. She glances over her shoulder to show she’s listening, even as she continues preparing
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food for the rest of the pack. “Why didn’t you ever find a second–chance mate?” I catch the slight pause in her movement.
“I couldn’t bring myself to,” she says gently. “Victor meant everything to me, and truthfully, I’m content with how things turned out.”
Ma’am Nola had been mated to an omega in the pack. I remember him vaguely–I was only four when he passed. We hadn’t been close, and my memories of him have mostly faded.
There’s a faraway, peaceful glint in her eyes. “Do you really believe it? That he’s not my mate?”
She exhales and walks over to me. “I know you wouldn’t lie, but you understand we can’t speak out. That would be seen as defying the alpha.”
I bite my tongue. That doesn’t sit well with me.
“So that’s it? We just accept whatever they decide for us?” I begin, but cut myself off abruptly. I sense Theron’s presence behind me–brief, but unmistakable.
“Luna,” Nolie addresses her with a respectful bow. My insides churn with frustration.
If I were Luna, Nolie would never have to bow to anyone. She’d stand beside me, equal in every way.
“Nola, get me a bowl of custard and-”
“It’s Ma’am Nola,” I interrupt firmly, correcting her.
“Excuse me?” she questions, as though just now realizing I’m present.
“Show her some respect,” I say sharply.
“Aurelia!” Ma’am Nola gasps, horrified.
“Pancakes are what’s for breakfast today. Be kind enough not to add to her burden,” I say, my tone
edged with sarcasm.
She blinks, clearly confused.
“And who might you be?” she asks, feigning ignorance. I know she heard Nolie say my name moments
ago.
I roll my eyes and scoff, not bothering to dignify her with a reply.
“Listen closely,” her tone cuts through the air like acid, sharp and threatening. “You will acknowledge my authority in this pack, or face the consequences.” Her claws begin to extend, inching closer to her side.
“Please!” Nolie cries out, her voice trembling with fear. “It’s my fault–I’ve pampered her too much. She’s used to getting what she wants. I promise to discipline her.”
I want to lash out at Nolie for pleading with her, but I know better than to pick a fight right now.
“Handle your daughter and bring me that custard,” she says with a dismissive glance, turning her back and walking out of the kitchen.
“Why did you let her talk to you like that?” I burst out once I’m certain she’s out of earshot. “She completely disrespected you!”
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“That doesn’t bother me,” Nolie replies, her tone calm but firm. “What bothers me is your reaction. Look,” she pauses, drawing a deep breath to steady her nerves, “I know you and Alpha Theron had a past, but that’s over. In situations like this, even the smallest misstep could be seen as betrayal. Don’t be reckless.” She fixes her eyes on me with that unmistakable ‘do you understand?‘ look.
“Alright,” I mutter, standing up to clear my plate and joining her at the sink to help with the dishes.
“I’m serious.”
“I heard you, Mom,” I reply softly.
A small, almost hidden smile flickers across her face when I call her that.
“You know I love you, right?” I ask, watching her carefully.
“I know,” she grins and rolls her eyes in playful exasperation. “It’s clear every single day.” She laughs.
“Well, you don’t make it clear,” I tease, smiling back at her.
My heart aches for her. I want to run away, but this pack is beginning to feel suffocating. Just the thought of Theron being with someone else–even briefly–is unbearable. I realize I need to leave, even if only for a little while.
“Nolie, what if I decided to leave the pack for a bit…” My words trail off as I notice her lips quivering, fighting back tears.
“You know I’d never hold you back, right? Do what you have to do,” she whispers, wrapping her arms
around me from behind.
I’m torn. Guilt creeps in. I almost run the first time without even saying goodbye.
“Aurelia, let’s talk,” a deep voice suddenly booms through the kitchen.
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