Chapter 2

(Olivia's POV)

"Daddy, I miss you, will you come and accompany me?"

The sweet voice coming through Ethan's phone pierced my heart like a silver dagger. I watched as my mate's entire demeanor transformed at Emma's words.

"Of course, princess. I'll be right there," Ethan replied, his voice gentle and loving—a tone Lily had begged to hear in her final days.

He ended the call and turned to me, his amber eyes cold. "I need to go. Victoria needs me."

"Our daughter is dead," I whispered, clutching the Moonwood Ceremonial Urn tighter to my chest. "Lily is gone, and you're running to another child?"

Ethan's jaw tightened. "Stop with this nonsense. I'll deal with you later."

Without another glance at the urn holding his daughter's ashes, he turned and left. The sound of his car engine roaring to life moments later confirmed what I already knew—Victoria and Emma would always come first.

I sank to the floor of Lily's room, surrounded by her stuffed animals and books. Her favorite blanket still lay folded at the foot of her bed, waiting for an owner who would never return.

"He didn't even believe me," I whispered to the urn. "Your father doesn't even believe you're gone."

Since Victoria's return to Silvercrest Pack territory with Emma, our lives had changed dramatically. The woman who had abandoned Ethan years ago suddenly became his priority again.

I remembered how Lily would wait by the window each evening, hoping to see her father's car pull into the driveway. How many times had I wiped her tears when he called to say he was having dinner with Victoria and Emma instead?

"Daddy promised to come to my recital," Lily had said once, her small hands clutching her moonstone necklace. "Why does he always choose Emma?"

I had no answers then. I had none now.

(Ethan's POV)

The antiseptic smell of the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den greeted me as I strode through the automatic doors. Staff members bowed their heads respectfully as I passed, but I barely noticed them.

I made my way directly to Victoria's VIP suite. The door was ajar, revealing Victoria sitting beside Emma's bed, stroking her daughter's hair.

Victoria looked up, surprise flashing across her perfect features. "Ethan? What are you doing here? I thought you were with Lily for her birthday."

Emma sat up immediately, her eyes widening. "Daddy!"

Victoria frowned at her daughter. "Emma, you called him? I told you he was busy today."

Emma's lower lip trembled. "I had a nightmare about monsters. I was scared, Mommy."

I crossed the room and sat on the edge of Emma's bed. "It's okay, princess. I'm here now."

Emma threw her arms around my neck, her small body shaking with dramatic sobs. "I was so scared, Daddy. The monsters were going to get me!"

I pulled her closer, inhaling her sweet scent. "No monsters would dare come near you while I'm around."

Victoria's eyes met mine over Emma's head. "But what about Lily's birthday? Olivia must be upset."

I waved my hand dismissively. "We can celebrate later. Emma needs me now."

Victoria smiled gratefully, reaching out to squeeze my hand. "Thank you for finding the kidney donor, Ethan. You saved my daughter's life."

I returned her smile, remembering the strings I'd pulled to secure that donor. "I'd do anything for Emma. You know that."

Emma's sobs quieted as she nestled against my chest. Victoria's fingers intertwined with mine, warm and familiar.

"I need to speak with Dr. Fletcher about Emma's recovery," I said, gently disentangling myself. "Why don't you take her downstairs for some fresh air in the garden? The doctor said walking would be good for her circulation."

Victoria nodded, her eyes filled with gratitude. "We'll wait for you there."

(Olivia's POV)

The hallway outside Dr. Fletcher's office seemed to stretch endlessly. My footsteps echoed against the polished floors of the Medical Den as I approached his door, the Moonwood Ceremonial Urn clutched tightly in my arms.

I knocked once before pushing the door open. Dr. Fletcher looked up from his desk, his expression changing from professional to guarded when he saw me.

"Mrs. Winters," he said, rising from his chair. "I wasn't expecting you."

He called me "Mrs. Winters" because his Alpha never acknowledged me as Luna.

"I need to know," I said, my voice breaking. "The kidney donor that was meant for Lily—who received it instead?"

Dr. Fletcher's eyes darted away. "I'm not at liberty to discuss other patients' information."

I placed the urn on his desk. "This is my daughter. She died waiting for that donor. A donor that was mysteriously redirected at the last minute."

"I understand your grief—"

"No, you don't!" I slammed my palm on his desk. "My daughter is dead because someone with more influence stole her chance at life!"

When he remained silent, I fell to my knees, pride abandoned in my desperation. "Please, Dr. Fletcher. I'm begging you."

His face softened with genuine sympathy. "I'm truly sorry about Lily, Olivia. She was a sweet child."

"Then tell me the truth."

He shook his head, but I caught the way his eyes flickered toward the door—toward the direction of the VIP suites.

"It was a high-ranking pack member's child, wasn't it?" I whispered.

Dr. Fletcher adjusted his glasses. "I don't know anything about donor reassignments. That's handled by administration."

But his eyes told a different story. Every time I mentioned the donor, they darted away, confirming my suspicions.

"Thank you for your time," I said finally, rising to my feet and retrieving Lily's urn.

I left his office, my suspicions hardening into certainty with each step.

In the lobby, I froze. Victoria stood near the entrance with Emma, both of them turning as I approached.

Victoria immediately pulled Emma behind her. "Stay away from my daughter."

"I wasn't going anywhere near your daughter," I said, my voice cold.

"Don't direct your anger at an innocent child," Victoria said loudly, drawing attention from nearby staff. "It's not Emma's fault that Ethan prefers to spend time with her."

Before I could respond, Ethan appeared, his expression darkening when he saw me.

"What's going on here?" he demanded, immediately positioning himself in front of Victoria and Emma.

"Nothing," I said, pain lancing through me at how quickly he took their side. "I was just leaving."

"She was glaring at Emma," Victoria whispered loud enough for everyone to hear.

Emma peeked around Victoria's leg. "Is she mad because Daddy celebrated my birthday instead of Lily's?"

The innocent question hit me like a physical blow, sending me back to that day by the pool. Emma had fallen in and immediately blamed Lily, claiming she had pushed her. Ethan had believed Emma without question, scolding Lily harshly despite her tears and protests.

Lily had fallen ill that night, her condition worsening rapidly.

"I didn't push her, Mommy," she had whispered, her small body burning with fever. "Why doesn't Daddy believe me?"

Now, looking at Emma's practiced innocent expression, something shifted inside me.

Emma's face crumpled on cue, her whimpers perfectly timed to draw maximum attention. "I'm sorry if I made you sad," she said, her voice wobbling expertly.

Victoria stepped forward, her hand on Emma's shoulder. "Perhaps if Lily had been stronger, like Emma, she might have—"

The slap echoed through the lobby before I even realized I'd moved. Victoria's head snapped to the side, a red mark blooming on her cheek.

I didn't stop with one. My hand struck again and again, leaving bright red imprints across her perfectly made-up face.

"OLIVIA!" Ethan's voice boomed through the Medical Den as he pulled me away. "Have you lost your mind?"

Victoria touched her reddened cheek, tears welling in her eyes. Emma wailed dramatically, clinging to her mother.

Ethan's face contorted with fury as he towered over me. "What the hell is wrong with you?"