: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 in my life would ever be the same again.
I woke up to my mother screaming.
My heart pounded as I stumbled out of bed, still groggy, my legs weak beneath me as I rushed toward the noise. The scent of coffee from downstairs mixed with something sharp, something bitter. Fear.
When I reached the living room, my father was holding a piece of paper in his hands, his knuckles turning white as he gripped it tightly. My mother was sobbing into her hands. The moment they saw me, their grief twisted into something uglier.
Hatred.
My father’s eyes were wild, his face red with fury as he crumpled the note in his fist and threw it at me. It hit my chest before fluttering to the floor.
“Read it,” he ordered, his voice shaking.
I bent down, my hands trembling as I unfolded the paper. My stomach dropped the moment I read the words written in Nerissa’s delicate handwriting.
/No matter how hard I try, Auri will always hate me. She’s better at everything, so she rubs that in my face. She never fails to remind me that I’m adopted. I’m hoping this trip will bring us closer, but she turned me down so many times, it’s clear she doesn’t want me. I wish I could die so she can have her parents all to herself. I just want her to like me, but as it seems, I’ll always be the lackey to my better sister./
I inhaled sharply, my breath catching in my throat. The words blurred as my vision swam, my mind struggling to process what I was reading.
No. No, she wouldn’t… she wouldn’t write such a thing. Those words made no sense to me. When did I rub anything in her face? When did I say I was the better sister? How did they even find this? Where did they find this?
A choked sound escaped me, but before I could say anything, my father was on me. His hands grabbed my shoulders, shaking me so hard my teeth rattled.
“This is your fault!” he roared, his spit hitting my face. “You think you’re better than her? You think you could just come back here and take everything from her?! Those rogues should have killed you when they kidnapped you.”
I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. Those words pierced me. The air was thick with anger, suffocating me, pressing down on my chest until I felt like I couldn’t breathe.
My father had always been an imposing man, but never before had he looked at me like this. Like I was something vile, something he wanted to crush beneath his boot.
“I—”
I didn’t even get the chance to defend myself. His fist came out of nowhere, slamming into my cheek and sending me sprawling to the floor. My head hit the ground, the room spinning violently around me as pain exploded behind my eyes.
“I should’ve left you with them,” he spat, towering over me. “I should’ve never brought you back. I had the perfect daughter, why the hell did I agree to find you?”
My mother didn’t say a word. She didn’t move to stop him. She just stood there, sobbing, as if she wasn’t watching her husband beat their daughter to the ground.
But I wasn’t really their daughter, was I? Not anymore.
They had already replaced me.
I barely had time to push myself up before my father grabbed my ankle and yanked me toward him. A scream ripped from my throat as he twisted my leg, his boot coming down hard, once, twice, before a sickening crack filled the air.
White-hot agony shot up my body, stealing the breath from my lungs. I convulsed, my hands clawing at the floor, but it was useless. The second blow came down on my other leg, and this time, I knew something inside me had shattered.
I couldn’t move. Couldn’t think. The pain was too much, burning through me like fire. My vision blurred, black spots dancing at the edges of my sight.
I was going to pass out.
“I hope you remember this, Aurielle.” My father’s voice was a growl, barely human. “I hope you remember that no matter how strong you think you are, you’ll never be better than Nerissa. If she were alive, I would have shouted it for her to hear.”
Through the haze of pain, I let out a shaky breath.
I never wanted to be better than her. I just wanted to exist. To have a family that saw me. Loved me.
But they never would.
After that, everything blurred together. The pain, the screaming, the way they dragged me out into the freezing night.
I was broken. Bleeding.
And as I lay in the dirt, the scent of pine and damp earth filling my nostrils, I knew one thing for certain.
They had abandoned me, again. Left me to die.
I didn’t, though; someone saved me. Someone gave me a second chance. One I wasn’t sure I wanted.
:End Of Flashback:I still remember that night. How my own father had treated me over a piece of paper. They took Nerissa’s word as gold. They hadn’t listened to me. My own father said the rogues who took me as a child should have killed me, that he shouldn’t have rescued me. What a man, huh? He’d left me out in the cold to die, to suffer. Someone had saved me, though. I’m not sure who. I only remember seeing sharp golden eyes. The only person I know with those eyes is Matthias. He saved me. Perhaps he thought I was someone else. But in that moment, I saw him as my savior - and I gave him my heart without a second thought.He carried me all the way home and set me down at the doorstep. As I walked my healed body back into what was no longer considered my home, my father barely looked at me. Did he apologize? No. Did he ask how I was okay? Not even once. He made a statement that night, and now we don’t speak. I send them money whenever they text me, but I don’t say a word to them.Th
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 anym
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
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