With Meriam outside waiting, I wanted to speed through this as quickly as I could, but my omega seemed to notice that she was alone with what had to be the strongest alpha wolf she’d ever encountered. Cassiel looked even better stationed behind his black desk. A man of power and wealth. Worth more than the pack I live in. I cleared my throat gently to find my voice. “You wanted to see me?” Cassiel nodded. “Aurielle, as a luna getting a divorce form is not that simple,” he explained, and my stomach felt funny. I laid a hand above it. I already know that, but... I was still hoping to get a form. “But I did get you the form and summons. If you’re going this route, it won’t be easy. Do you still have my number?” Actually, last night, before I started making a list, I saved his number. Then tore the paper up into pieces. Then I tossed it into the trash can before making my list, and having to deal with my drunk husband. I smiled at Cassiel, nodding to answer his question. “Perfect.
His anger left faster than I could have anticipated. “I’m sorry... what did you say?” I waved the form at his face. “I want a divorce. I want this marriage to end. So i can be free of you and your fucking hatred. I want to get away from you. So sign the papers.” Matthias was quiet, I think I’d finally done something to surprise him. But my omega knew it wouldn’t last. I knew it wouldn’t last. “A divorce? Because I didn’t believe your fake pregnancy? You realize you will have to prove you’re pregnant and that this child is mine in front of a council of the wisest wolves?” I snickered. “Oh really? I had no idea. Have you considered that I can prove it? Imagine standing in front of them, yelling about how I’m faking my pregnancy when I have proof.” He shot up out of his seat, and I stepped back out of fear. “So that’s why, huh? To humiliate me and ruin my chances of becoming a council member? What proof do you have? Show me the proof that I am the father of your false pregnancy. W
Two days went by faster than I expected. Matthias was scarce around the house, which bothered me. No, scarce is the wrong word. He’s been absent—gone before I woke up and back home while I was asleep. But today’s the third day, and I need to see if he’s signed those papers. I have a doctor’s appointment and some exercise to do. Weirdly, though, I’ve been in contact with Alpha Cassiel. He texted me the night after I got the papers asking if I got home safely, which was nice. We texted back and forth. Mostly at night because he’s busy during the day. How do I know that? He told me. Explained that running a pack and being a council member means he sleeps less and travels a lot. He seems like a really open and honest man. Our conversations are short, but each one has been very nice. That’s beside the point. I walked through the hall, searching for Matthias. I knocked on his study room as one of the maids came by. She gently grabbed my arm.“He's out. At work, I think.”I thanked us, an
I busied myself with my doctor's appointment. I learned that I needed to eat certain things, reduce my stress, and exercise more to keep my body healthy for the baby. The doctor said my blood pressure rose higher than it was yesterday. Which is insane. Twenty-four hours and I'm a mad woman. I avoided answering any of her questions about announcing my pregnancy. When a Luna is pregnant it's a huge deal for the pack. She'll be birthing the next leader. But since I'm aiming for a divorce, I don't want everyone to know about this. Especially not my parents. They're not good people to me. I don't want their influence in my child's life. They'll find out like everyone else when I leave this place.The rest of the day was uneventful. I made more notes of what I needed and filled out the summons. By dinner time, which was 8 p.m. for me, I got a phone call from Alpha Cassiel, which surprised me. He doesn't usually call. What is usual for us? Just a text. We're kind of friends. I answere
“He drank quite a lot. Something was clearly on his mind.” Lena said, trying not to be too obvious with her pointed statement. I was the reason he drank?He should be embarrassed. I walked forward, and she gripped his shoulders. Keeping him close to her. “I can take him inside. You don't have to-”“Look, Lena is it? Is he your husband?” I asked her. Making sure my tone was clear.“No, but-”“But nothing. Thank you for bringing him back but please get out of my house.” I closed the space between us and grabbed her Matthias. He laughs, “Aurielle~ baby.” I rolled my eyes. He's a sweetheart when he's drunk, super drunk. If he's close enough to think, he'll stir up drama.He wrapped me in a hug and tried to kiss me. For Lena's sake, I let him. And he sighed, giving me a full breath of alcohol. My hormones did not like that. “You're not mad anymore.” He says, tightening his grip. I pushed my face out of his chest to wave Lena off. Her expression was deadly. She clearly wasn't pleased. I
The sound of water running put an ease on my worries. I could smell myself and Matthias on the sheets. He was taking his usual after sex shower, while I lay here. I moved around on the bed, feeling more giddy than I’d been in days. Maybe months.This was one of the only times when I could pretend he was truly my husband. That’s strange to say, seeing as I wear a ring that legally binds us together. We live in the same house and all that. But if I’ve learned anything, it’s that none of those things make you husband and wife. But in this moment, after he and I have connected physically, this is when I feel like a true wife. Although this isn’t the only reason for the huge smile on my face. Part of this smile is attributed to something even better. Something that I think will break the walls he’s put between us. I know it will. My period’s been late. And I’m never late. I was worried, that’s why I decided to take a pregnancy test, and boy, oh boy, did I get the most amazing news. Matt
Hearing him bring up the word ‘punished’, my heart sank to my stomach. The tears I’d been fighting away broke free. Pouring down my face. “No, no, please. I’m begging. I’m begging you, I didn’t know. I’ll never wear pink again. I’ll never wear silk again.” I tried. I tried everything to explain, but Matthias had that look that I was used to. The look that said he was thinking of Nerissa and the sight of me made him sick.“You never learn. I have to tell you this over and over. You will never be her. You can never be, Nerissa. She was amazing. I would have sold your soul in place of hers.”“I’m sorry.”“You’re always sorry! Always fucking sorry. Go to the study, and kneel there. This time I’m giving you twelve hours to learn your lesson.”I froze. That was the longest time he’d ever given me. Twelve hours? Oh my god. I’ve done it right for months, trying to avoid being punished. The last time I was there for eight hours and I nearly starved to death. I ended up passing out due to dehy
:Flashback- Three Years Ago:When Nerissa asked me to accompany her on a trip, I said no. About ten to twenty times, but I eventually caved in when she said she wanted to make up for every bad blood between us. Honestly, the two-day trip had been kind of nice. But on our way back, something happened. I was driving. I’m not sure how the accident happened.But I know it happened, and I was found with only minor injuries. Nerissa though? The car had been too wrecked, and with no other sign of her... well, she was pronounced dead. My parents had been sad, but initially, they were alright and slightly glad that I was okay. The next night, though, that was when I realized what my place was. Despite being their biological daughter, Nerissa is the one they truly love.That night, the house was too quiet. The kind of quiet that made my skin crawl, that made my stomach twist in a way I couldn't explain. I didn’t know then that silence could be a warning. I didn’t know that by morning, nothing
“He drank quite a lot. Something was clearly on his mind.” Lena said, trying not to be too obvious with her pointed statement. I was the reason he drank?He should be embarrassed. I walked forward, and she gripped his shoulders. Keeping him close to her. “I can take him inside. You don't have to-”“Look, Lena is it? Is he your husband?” I asked her. Making sure my tone was clear.“No, but-”“But nothing. Thank you for bringing him back but please get out of my house.” I closed the space between us and grabbed her Matthias. He laughs, “Aurielle~ baby.” I rolled my eyes. He's a sweetheart when he's drunk, super drunk. If he's close enough to think, he'll stir up drama.He wrapped me in a hug and tried to kiss me. For Lena's sake, I let him. And he sighed, giving me a full breath of alcohol. My hormones did not like that. “You're not mad anymore.” He says, tightening his grip. I pushed my face out of his chest to wave Lena off. Her expression was deadly. She clearly wasn't pleased. I
I busied myself with my doctor's appointment. I learned that I needed to eat certain things, reduce my stress, and exercise more to keep my body healthy for the baby. The doctor said my blood pressure rose higher than it was yesterday. Which is insane. Twenty-four hours and I'm a mad woman. I avoided answering any of her questions about announcing my pregnancy. When a Luna is pregnant it's a huge deal for the pack. She'll be birthing the next leader. But since I'm aiming for a divorce, I don't want everyone to know about this. Especially not my parents. They're not good people to me. I don't want their influence in my child's life. They'll find out like everyone else when I leave this place.The rest of the day was uneventful. I made more notes of what I needed and filled out the summons. By dinner time, which was 8 p.m. for me, I got a phone call from Alpha Cassiel, which surprised me. He doesn't usually call. What is usual for us? Just a text. We're kind of friends. I answere
Two days went by faster than I expected. Matthias was scarce around the house, which bothered me. No, scarce is the wrong word. He’s been absent—gone before I woke up and back home while I was asleep. But today’s the third day, and I need to see if he’s signed those papers. I have a doctor’s appointment and some exercise to do. Weirdly, though, I’ve been in contact with Alpha Cassiel. He texted me the night after I got the papers asking if I got home safely, which was nice. We texted back and forth. Mostly at night because he’s busy during the day. How do I know that? He told me. Explained that running a pack and being a council member means he sleeps less and travels a lot. He seems like a really open and honest man. Our conversations are short, but each one has been very nice. That’s beside the point. I walked through the hall, searching for Matthias. I knocked on his study room as one of the maids came by. She gently grabbed my arm.“He's out. At work, I think.”I thanked us, an
His anger left faster than I could have anticipated. “I’m sorry... what did you say?” I waved the form at his face. “I want a divorce. I want this marriage to end. So i can be free of you and your fucking hatred. I want to get away from you. So sign the papers.” Matthias was quiet, I think I’d finally done something to surprise him. But my omega knew it wouldn’t last. I knew it wouldn’t last. “A divorce? Because I didn’t believe your fake pregnancy? You realize you will have to prove you’re pregnant and that this child is mine in front of a council of the wisest wolves?” I snickered. “Oh really? I had no idea. Have you considered that I can prove it? Imagine standing in front of them, yelling about how I’m faking my pregnancy when I have proof.” He shot up out of his seat, and I stepped back out of fear. “So that’s why, huh? To humiliate me and ruin my chances of becoming a council member? What proof do you have? Show me the proof that I am the father of your false pregnancy. W
With Meriam outside waiting, I wanted to speed through this as quickly as I could, but my omega seemed to notice that she was alone with what had to be the strongest alpha wolf she’d ever encountered. Cassiel looked even better stationed behind his black desk. A man of power and wealth. Worth more than the pack I live in. I cleared my throat gently to find my voice. “You wanted to see me?” Cassiel nodded. “Aurielle, as a luna getting a divorce form is not that simple,” he explained, and my stomach felt funny. I laid a hand above it. I already know that, but... I was still hoping to get a form. “But I did get you the form and summons. If you’re going this route, it won’t be easy. Do you still have my number?” Actually, last night, before I started making a list, I saved his number. Then tore the paper up into pieces. Then I tossed it into the trash can before making my list, and having to deal with my drunk husband. I smiled at Cassiel, nodding to answer his question. “Perfect.
And what a man. Dressed in a black turtle neck and grey pressed pants, he looked like he was on his way to buy an estate. He lifted one eyebrow, golden eyes flickering at me with the same recognition I’d noticed last night.“Aurielle, right?” His deep, rich tone made my name sound even better.“Yes, sir.”“No need for formalities. Call me Cassiel,” I noticed the amount of eyes on us. From people waiting to be seen by the council. “Of course. Um, I’m here with my mother-in-law.” I scanned around for Meriam, who was talking to someone at the front desk. “What do you need from the council?” he was still holding me by the arms. His grip was firm and warm. “I came...” Well, this is embarrassing. He just met me the day before. I coughed to clear my throat. “I came for a divorce and summons form.”I thought about it on the way here. Just in case Matthias is difficult, which I doubt. He’d be happy to divorce me. But just in case, I can file for a summons. Which is another hassle, but I nee
Out in the cold, a fitting fate for me. Twice in my life, I’ve been cast out at night. I’m amazed I didn’t immediately beg Matthias. In fact, I wanted to beg Matthias. But after the way he acted, the things he said to me at that party- to not let my attitude and lies corrupt Cassiel while he was gone- and the nerve he had to barge into my room for sex.Did he think that after I told him I was pregnant, and he called me a liar, that I would still sleep with him? Is that how he thought this would go?Well, not anymore. I think. The cold is messing with my head. I found a small bench and curled up there for the night. Shivering. I should have grabbed my credit card. Then I could have stayed at a hotel. The next morning, I woke up with a slight pain in my sides. This was a risky move. I put my baby at risk all to prove a point. I sighed, shivering. It was what... five maybe six in the morning? The sun was just coming up. I can’t go back to Matthias. Where can I... I mean my parents... n
Cassiel Aldric is as cold as everyone says he is. He hummed his way through our entire conversation, but he did agree to be the one to evaluate my pack in a week. I have another chance to impress him. The man is so difficult to please. The youngest in the council, and apparently cocky as hell. He did however, ask me about Aurielle when we came back out. I found my father alone, and he told us Auri went home with my mother. Of course she would do this. Of course she would embarrass me. Not even staying to say goodbye to a freaking council member. What was so serious that she had to leave? I think that shined a bad light on me, because Alpha Aldric left shortly after hearing that. I was furious. I’d thrown this full moon event and not only did my reason for doing this, leave before the main fun could happen. And my supposed wife left as well. I don’t know why i let my parents convince me to marry nerissa’s murderer. My mate, my love. The woman i would give my life up for, killed in
I found Matthias’s mother lingering far from the crowd with her husband. They seemed to be in their own world. Matt’s parents are the nicest people in my life right now. They make jokes with me, not at me. Ask how I’m doing. Invite me to family dinner. They’ve made these three years not entirely horrible.They like me, which is a nice change from all the evil and hate in my life. I let a breathe come out as i approached them. Trying not to feel even worse than i already do. I think morning sickness is finally catching up to me. Which is... i curse internally. I need to set up doctor’s apppointments. I’m really bad at this. Handling everything by myself. The moment Meriam Crowe spots me. Her loving smile that she had been giving to her husband turns into a smile of adoration as she sees me. Her arms come out, and i feel relaxed immediately. “My beautiful daughter in law.” the moment I’m close enough she hugs me. “How are you?”I breathed in her scent. The scent of the mother i wishe