Turns out I was right to worry. Getting a divorce form is not easy. I went online to search, and the only way to get the council to send a form was to contact one of their messengers. Which seems easy, but the messengers don’t bother with divorce forms. They know it’s a tireless thing, and getting one to reply is difficult.
I’d need to know someone who can talk to one for me.
Normally, getting a divorce shouldn’t be hard. For humans, that is. As for us wolves, the council decides whether or not you get separated. You’d need to convince them. I think they make the whole process tiring, so you don’t go through with it.
Sighing, I zipped up my dress. Matthias’s mother should know someone. I’ll contact her after tonight. I won’t tell her it’s for a divorce, she might not agree to call her contact. The weird thing is, his parents love me. They actually love me. They think I’m wonderful and just the right person for their son.
If only he felt the same.
I can’t ponder what he feels anymore. He’s made it clear for three years, it’s about time I listened. My knees still ache from yesterday’s punishment, but I’ve taken some pain medicine. My only thought is getting divorced. I just need that form to kick start everything.
Mr and Mrs Crowe will be at the party tonight. This event is a full moon ball. One of the council members is making an appearance after being away for almost three years. Matthias has been ranting about him. Saying that I needed to get my act together, drop the lies, and focus on making him look good tonight.
If I can do that, he’ll be able to get in good with the council member. The werewolf council is made up of the strongest, most powerful wolves in the region. They rarely invite anyone to join them.
The alpha attending this party is one of the rare occasions. He’s been a member for years, and according to Matthias, he’s the only one the council members invited. They didn’t vote him in, they invited him. Which is high praise for any alpha. It means the werewolf council sees you, they value you, and they need you in their seat.
I don’t know the alpha’s name, but he’s a big deal. So much that Matthias seems nervous, and I’ve never seen him nervous. He even asked my parents not to attend. They said yes for whatever reason.
I let out another long, drawn sigh. I checked myself out in the long-standing mirror. There was no happiness, no light, nothing in my eyes. Just empty tiredness.
My bedroom door moves to the side, and from the mirror I can see Matthias. I swallowed hard. He’s too good-looking to be such a jerk to me. His black hair was tightly pulled back, giving him a more elegant look. His fitted body was pressed into a navy blue suit that matched the color of my dress.
He had on a silver watch and black, clean shoes that reflected all around it.
“What’s taking you so long? We can’t be late.”
I didn’t say anything to him. That handsome face was the man I loved, but he never looked at me the same way. What’s the point of a one-sided love?
I expelled a breath and turned around. Grabbing my purse off the nearby surface, and made my way to him. I walked past him, only to have him grab onto my elbow.
“Take the bandage off,” his tone was low.
“Unless you want everyone to see the bruise on my wrist, I can’t do that.”
I didn’t look at him, my eyes were forward while he thought about whether to listen to me or not.
He eventually chose to let me keep the bandage on, and we exited the house together. In the car ride, the silence was suffocating. I tried my best not to remember that the father of my unborn child had made me kneel for twelve hours. Facing the picture of his true love. It’s hard to keep that memory away. But I need to speak to his mother, and he needs to woo the council member, so I need to bite back the pain and sadness.
“When we arrive, stay close to me. This man prioritizes a good image, and he respects pack leaders who have their shit together. If you even so much as say something stupid, you’re going to find out real quick just how mean I can get.”
“Uh-huh,” I replied.
“I need a confirmation that you understand, don’t piss me off.”
I exhaled. “I understand, Matthias. I won’t say anything to embarrass you.”
“Good.”
The car came to a slow stop, and I could hear live music coming from the building where the party was happening. This is the first time Matthias has held a full moon ball. He’s on edge. I could be understanding to people who deserve it, and right now, I’m heartbroken, and I don’t feel like understanding.
But I have to endure.
We stepped out together and were immediately hit with flashing lights. Matthias smiled and waved. I put up my best smile, waving my hands back and forth. To the media, to those who don’t know, we’re the perfect couple. They make comments about how much we love each other.
Matthias kisses my cheek and watches as the paparazzi go wild. Taking more and more pictures. We entered the main hall and had a small moment of peace before encountering the people at the ball.
As the alpha leader of the Moonveil pack and the one hosting tonight’s events, Matthias had to go around exchanging pleasantries with everyone. I said nothing, only smiling and shaking hands when it called for it.
He kept looking around, he didn’t even stop to say hello to his parents. Though I did. My feet were tired in these heels, but then Matthias started pulling me in a certain direction.
At first, my heart skyrocketed. I didn’t do anything wrong this time. But I quickly calmed myself down, only to panic once more when we came face to face with-
“Alpha Cassiel Aldric, I’m so glad you could make it.”
Sharp golden eyes, with black hues in the middle. Golden brown hair, a chiseled jaw line, and an empty expression that did nothing to hinder his good looks. The alpha from the council was a sight to behold.
His eyes darkened as they locked with mine. Something akin to recognition flickered through them. Which is odd. I’ve never seen this man before. I think I would remember such a handsome face.
He turns slightly to Matthias. “Hello, I’m glad to be here. Who are you?”
The question seemed to throw Matthias off, and I lingered in the back, watching a man who seemed like the alpha of alphas as he addressed my husband.
I’m not sure why I came to this stupid event. I wasn’t obligated to do so. I was simply bored. Dealing with my pack, the council, a lot of travel, and so much more. Nothing that doesn’t feel like a routine. Coming to this should be a good distraction. That’s what I thought initially.But being the only council member at this event means everyone is coming up to me to pass on greetings. Hoping I’d notice them. I’m like a wealthy man in a pool of poor people.As rude as that analogy is, it’s the best description I have.I checked the time on my watch, only five minutes. I can’t leave anytime soon. I’ve got a duty.When a couple approaches me, I bite back my sigh as I feel the dread.“Alpha Cassiel Aldric, I’m glad you could make it.” I turned slowly to face them. My eyes and wolf don’t even register the male. My gaze is immediately drawn to the girl. Beautiful, full golden brown hair, pink l1ps, fair skin, and a gorgeous set of amber eyes.Eyes that scan over my face with interest but w
The breeze from the balcony brushes against my skin, cool and calming, like nature’s attempt to soothe my fraying nerves. I exhale softly, trying to settle the whirlwind of emotion stirring in my chest. But I can feel Alpha Cassiel's eyes on me—sharp, golden, curious. The man is... utterly enthralling. Not just handsome in the traditional sense, but arresting. Magnetic. The kind of presence that makes a room pause. His scent reaches me, subtle yet intoxicating, and it raises goosebumps along my arms.He hadn’t batted an eye when I declined alcohol earlier. No judgment, no probing questions. Just a nod and a quiet order to have a mocktail made instead. That small gesture had said more than words could.Being out here, away from the party and its clinking glasses, forced laughter, and lingering tension, should’ve made me feel better. But instead, it made the anxiety louder in my head. Every quiet second was another second for my doubts to scream.Can I really do this?Being a pregnant r
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 wished i
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
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
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
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
My father protested. “Why? Is she not meeting your needs? I know it’s strange for a luna to not have a child after three years of marriage, but surely she’ll have one soon.”Firstly, damn that man to hell. How am I supposed to have a child when Matthias uses condoms, and the one time he doesn’t, I end up being branded a liar for ending up pregnant. How is this my fault? They all expect too much from me. I ignored my parents and stood. “Are you being honest? You signed those papers?”He nodded, taking bites of his steak. He cut another piece but stopped, looking up at me. “You don’t deserve the title of luna. You don’t deserve to be called Aurielle Crowe. You’re worth less than the dirt on the ground.”He was being cruel on purpose. There was no need to say something like that. There was no need to undermine me. Does he have any clue what I’ve done for him? Putting my life on hold for three years, he doesn’t even know the payment plans for any of his servants, he doesn’t know who fixe
My lunch with Cassiel had been helpful and also painful. He’d consoled me while I bawled my eyes out like some baby. I blame my ever-growing hormones. My omega was just as upset as I was. Being in Cassiel’s warm hug had helped me relax a little, he made sure I was okay before letting go. And he insisted I eat the food I'd ordered. Even made sure I ate some dessert and held my hair over the ice bucket when my stomach reacted to it. He rubbed my back and held my hair, then walked me to the bathroom after. It was humiliating, or it should have been. But Cassiel Aldric is an amazing friend. He didn’t complain, he just wanted me to be okay. I felt overwhelmed by that. Now, in a cab back home, chewing on some mint gum, I wondered how my life had gotten to this point. I agree with my father on some level. Those kidnappers should have killed me. Cruel to say, but I felt like death would have been easier than being alienated in two homes, all because of one girl. I’m exhausted and all I
I took a cab to the restaurant thirty minutes before Cassiel was supposed to arrive. I was shocked to find him already there. He looked out of place, his hair was slicked back in a neat and classy way. His golden eyes moved around the restaurant as though searching for someone. He looked like he’d come straight from the council. He wore a button-up white shirt, which he’d rolled the sleeves, and placed his long coat jacket on the chair next to him. I was stunned for a moment until his gaze landed on mine. He beckoned me over, and I nervously went. “Alpha Cassiel... um-” the restaurant was empty. Come to think of it, I didn’t even give the lady at the reception my name. She had just motioned for me to go in. “Relax, I didn’t want the nosy people carrying my face all over the papers. So I rented out the entire restaurant for the next two hours.”That is a rough sentence to process. He did what? For how long? How much money does he have?He pushed his seat back, walking over to me. C
I arrived at my grandmother’s soon enough. She lives on the edge of town to preserve her peace, she’s not really a fan of people. But my father has her house filled with more than enough staff to care for her. I would have gotten here quicker had I not stopped to grab the divorce papers. The phone call with my mother was an eye opener. My parents love aurielle. They were not upset when Nerissa died. In fact, I think my mother was a bit happy. Not because my mate died, but because I wouldn’t have to marry her. And here she is, planning, plotting for ways I can keep Aurielle stuck in a marriage with me. Why would I want that?And it really dawned on me that I’m fighting against a divorce when I should be jumping. I don’t know what to do. If this was a pack problem, I could answer this in seconds flat. But in my own marriage....The last time I let my parents decide was after aurielle died and my mother decided I needed a luna for pack reasons. I didn’t want her, I didn't want to marry
Watching Aurielle leave left me feeling strange. She made some good points, even though I would never admit it to her smug, manipulative face. Why am I contesting this? She’s going to file for a summons. Which means I’d be forced to stand before the council as Aurielle ruins my name.I can imagine how the alphas there would look at me. It would be humiliating. I must have called her parents yesterday after she left the office. I took the divorce papers out of the bin, they’re in my office drawers. I should sign them and be done with her, right?Even though I think I can win that summons. I can tell them all the lies she’s told me over the years. Even the one about Nerissa being alive. That lie had hurt me the most. She was more conniving than anyone knew. I need some advice. I need someone I can trust who can weigh in with their honest opinions on what I should do. I sighed and went back to my room to change. One person came to mind. I know her advice will shine some light on my t
The next morning, I went for a walk before the sun came up. I wanted to see it rise. I don’t remember the last time I watched a scene so beautiful. It was like I was reclaiming my life once again. The sunrise was beautiful, and the stunning glow from the bench in a nearby park kept me calm and prepared me for the day ahead. It was still cold, but seeing the sun was nice. And this time I work on something thick so I won’t freeze. After that sight, I made my way back to the house just in time for Matthias to wake up. I couldn’t look at him, knowing that he knew I was in love with him and still treated me poorly, and that Lena was a stupid replica of my sister.Did he even realize how similar they looked? Was he detached in some part of his brain?I should scream at him for getting wasted and having his beta bring him back to our home. He wouldn’t do this to Nerissa. Then again, I’m not Nerissa. I sighed and went to my room to take a bath while Matthias nursed his hangover in the livi
“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