1: Heartbreak Anniversary

JADE

My fist clenched around the tray I was holding. The scalding mug of coffee staring back at me like a bad omen. Or maybe it was the effect of the bitterness churning in my chest. The sight before me made the acidic taste in my mouth more potent.

Heat makes my skin prickle with goosebumps as I heard the giggles coming from Atlas's office. My husband and the alpha of Blackmoon pack.

While he was there giggling and having the time of his life with her. I was out here, watching from a closed glass on our fourth anniversary. Alone as I have always been in this marriage.

I hated the fact Annie had to come back into our lives. Today is the fourth year that we have been married, but he probably doesn't even remember.

I thought things were getting better, but now it seemed like there was no hope for me anymore. At least he should show some respect for his Luna. If not for his wife.

What would people say if they get to see the two of them together often? Neither of them cared apparently.

‘Do you think you would have become his Luna if he wasn't forced to marry you?’ My subconscious queried.

It's true that he was forced to marry me. He didn't like me from the start, but his father loved me so much.

I have worked for his dad since he picked me and my grandmother up from the woods

I was but a lowly omega. But I knew how to fight and that has always been my biggest advantage.

I have always admired Atlas as the future heir of the pack, but he was in a relationship with Annie.

He discovered that I was his mate later on. Annie had to break up with him because his father told him they can't be together. As the alpha, he had to be with his fated mate to reach his full potential.

For the past few years. I did every single fucking thing I was supposed to do as a luna, and as his wife. He never showed me that affection but I never backed down. I knew it was not going to be easy to build.

And just when I thought we were starting to build something meaningful, she came back. All my hopes and dreams shattered at the sight of her red bottom heels, red painted lips and golden blonde hair.

She looked like a dream.

A soft laugh followed by a moan pulls me from my momentary trance. I had been about to leave but the sound made me stop in my tracks. I didn’t know if it was curiosity or my love for pain that made me push the door open and step in.

My heart broke some more if it is possible when I saw Annie rushing to get up from Atlas’s thighs. She rounded the table and went back to sit on the chair facing his desk. Looking unbothered by the fact that I had just caught her making out with my husband.

“I’m sorry…” I stuttered when I saw the cutting look Atlas was shooting my way.

Why should I apologize? I was supposed to walk up to him, and slap him!

Unfortunately, that could only be a thought.

“What are you doing here?" Atlas walked up to the chair that was right at the front of his desk while he buttoned up his suit jacket, and sat elegantly.

I didn’t miss how his leg was right by Annie’s and it made me want to throw up.

His face was a blank canvas as always.

“What are you doing here?" He interrupted my thoughts.

I bit my lips nervously trying to think of a quick excuse. The heaviness in my hand reminded me of what I was holding and I quickly spoke.

"I came to give you this cup of coffee." I slowly stretched it out.

Annie's loud scoff interrupted our conversation.

"I'm sorry to break this to you, but he had one already this morning.” She made a fake sad face. “I prepared one for him, and there is no reason for him to take another one. It can be dangerous for his health." She touched her fingers, and admired them while she said those words to me.

"Is that all? If there is nothing else, you can leave my office." He instructed me.

"No, I want to see you for something else." I chipped in before he could say anything else.

He cocked one perfectly arched at me. Making my mouth drier than the Sahara desert.

To be honest, I wasn't here to tell him something but I had to come up with something because he was already giving me a very menacing look. His patience is already running thin.

“Training is over for the day. The men have been briefed on the several new tactics to be applied in difficult situations.” I cleared my throat.

I was happy I even came up with that. I was in charge of most of the training in the pack and that at least gives us something to talk about.

“However, I was asked to relay to you a complaint. They want you to cut down on their work hours.”

He frowned.

“What?"

That was a lie and I hoped it won't come back to bite me in the ass.

"She can't be here. I am uncomfortable seeing her around." I blurted out when he returned his focus back to Annie and something she was looking down at.

I knew I shouldn’t have said the words but it was too late to take them back.

"I guess I would have to leave now. I am going to see you later." She got up, now standing and blocking most of him from me. Then she gave him a kiss on the cheeks.

She walked up to me with a file clenched right to her chest.

I tried walking forward also, but everything happened so fast and the next thing I felt was scalding pain.

“Oh my God. Why would you do that, Jade? It hurts so much.” She cried loudly, coughing her hands to her chest and blowing on it.

I stared at her dumbfounded. Not even paying attention to the pain of feeling wet sticky coffee soaking my clothes and my skin.

“I know you really hate me, but you didn't have to do this." She shrieked, glaring at me.

"Are you okay, Annie?" Atlas was by her side in seconds, bringing her hands up to his face and blowing and rubbing it.

Suddenly, the burnt of the coffee was the last thing on my mind. I was the one in the real pain but he didn't even notice the fact.

"I am not okay. These files are really important, and I need to submit them in the next few hours." She complained.

"You should refrain from ever bringing a coffee into my office. If you want to attack anyone, you should come for me instead." Atlas shouted at me.

My lips kept shaking, wanting to explain that I was not the one at fault. It does look as if he was even going to believe my statement.

"You should apologize to her! now!" He barked angrily.

My mouth opened and closed multiple times as tears filled my eyes.

Atlas gives me an expectant look when I don’t immediately speak. It was his warning look. Telling me not to make him repeat himself.

"I am sorry. I would not repeat that again." The words tasted like battery acid on my tongue.

"I understand you must feel awkward but I’m not threatening your position or anything. Atlas and I are just friends. You have nothing to be worried about.” She shakes her head as if in regret. “I just hope that we get along with each other later. For the sake of the pack" She patted my shoulder with a patronizing smile.

To anyone else watching. She was being nice. But I could see the hate she has for me burning bright in her eyes. She wasn’t even trying to hide it.

“Could you please drive me to the hostel to get my hand checked?” She batted her lashes at Atlas. “I would go myself but…” she left the words hanging.

His jaw clenched and she gave her a stiff nod.

“Let’s go.” She walks out of the office without a backward glance at me and Atlas goes to follow her.

I reached out and grabbed his arm when he was close to me. My body is just doing whatever it likes at this point.

"At least, have some respect for your wife in front of other people.” I gritted out. “If you don’t respect our marriage. At least remember I’m still the luna. Do you know how much you are hurting me?" I questioned him.

He let out a soft humorless chuckle and stepped closer to me.

He held my shoulders in a punishing grip.

"How many times do I need to make this clear to you?” The words were full of venom.

“I don't like you, and I don't give a fuck what you think about me. Can't you just fucking move on?" He tightened his grip on my shoulder.

I could feel the pain from his grip and a small helpless sound slipped out of me.

"You talk about being ny Luna. Then fucking act like it for once and not like some attention seeking whore.” He released me roughly.

I almost lost my footing. Thanks to years of training. I’m good on my feet and I steady myself.

“Don’t interrupt my meetings ever again. You’re banned from coming into my office as you please.” He said by the door.

"Did you even remember today is our anniversary? I know she is pregnant for you, but does that mean you should neglect me this way? Do you even know if the child is yours?" I blurted out without thinking twice

I really can’t shut the fuck up.

The next thing I felt was a grip around my neck.