Chapter 5.

JASON.

“Will you be needing me for the evening Alpha?” My Beta, Alex inquires as he pulls up in my driveway at home.

I sigh and shake my head, “No Alex, you can take the evening off… Come in tomorrow morning,” I rub my tempos as I had a stressful day at the office and now I was home. I used to look forward to coming home when Stacy was my wife but ever since Nicole moved into the house, something has changed and I can't put a finger on what it is.

“Okay, but Alpha if you don't mind me asking, you don't look good, is everything okay with your fiance?” Alex asks openly because in as much as he was my beta he was my close friend from childhood.

“Ya, I'm good, why shouldn't I be?” I frown as something flashes through my eyes.

It’s been six months since I divorced Stacy to marry Nicole... Six months since I thought I’d found happiness again with the woman who was supposed to be my forever... But as I get out of the car and step into the house, I hear my son’s piercing cries, that happiness feels like a distant memory.

Nicole is in the living room, her face flushed with frustration as she tries to soothe my son I named Liam Barron since his grandparents had refused to do so as per tradition demanded. My parents have since refused to talk to me nor visit their grandpup after I introduced Nicole as my new mate to be.

I glance at Nicole whose efforts are not working… Liam's tiny fists flail, his face red and scrunched up in a fit of uncontrollable sobs. The sight is like a dagger to my heart.

“What the hell is going on?” I snap, my eyes narrowing as I take in the chaotic scene that irritated me.

Nicole looks up at me, her expression pleading. “I don’t know, Jason! He’s been like this for hours! I’ve tried everything, but he won’t calm down!”

I turn to Ava, who’s hovering nervously by the door. “Where’s his mother?”

Ava shifts uncomfortably under my gaze. “I… I went to get her, Alpha, but she’s not answering the door. She hasn’t come out all day.”

My anger flares. Stacy, ignoring her own son? That’s not like her. She’s always been attentive and always been there for him, even after everything that’s happened. But now…

I don’t wait for an explanation. My steps are quick and heavy as I storm out of the house, heading straight for the guest house where Stacy’s been living since the divorce. My mind races with anger and a gnawing sense of dread as I pound on the door.

“Stacy! Open the damn door! Can't you hear my son crying?”

Nothing. Not a single sound from inside even though I can scent her unmistakable scent lingering around the house.

My frustration boils over, and without thinking, I ram my shoulder into the door, sending it crashing open. The sight that greets me freezes the blood in my veins.

Stacy is lying on the living room floor, shattered glass of a mug around her lifeless head. My heart stops, and for a split second, I can’t breathe. “Stacy!” I rush to her side, dropping to my knees as I shake her with my hands trembling. “Stacy, wake up! Please!” I move her blonde hair off her beautiful face.

Her skin is cold to the touch and her face is pale. Panic seized me.

Oh goddess, this can’t be happening. Not like this. My son still needs her. “Stacy, please, wake up!” My voice cracks, the fear clawing at my chest.

As I’m trying to rouse her, I hear footsteps behind me. Nicole appears in the doorway, her face twisted in pain, one hand clutching her stomach. “Jason…” she gasps, her voice strained. “I don’t… I don’t feel good…”

“Not now, Nicole!” I snap, turning my attention back to Stacy. But she doesn’t move. She doesn’t even stir.

Nicole takes a step closer, her face contorted with discomfort. “Jason, please… it hurts so much… I need you…”

I feel like I’m being torn in two. Stacy is unconscious on the floor, and Nicole is clutching her stomach, clearly in pain. I can’t be in two places at once. My mind races, weighing the options. I promised to protect Nicole, but Stacy… she’s the mother of my child.

“Stacy!” I shake her again, more desperately this time. “Don’t do this! Don’t leave me like this!”

But there’s no response. My heart is pounding so hard it hurts, my breath coming in short, ragged gasps. I can’t lose her. Not like this.

“Jason…” Nicole’s voice is weak, and she’s doubled over now, clearly in agony. “Please… I need to go to the hospital… Please, help me…”

I look down at Stacy, then back at Nicole. Guilt and fear twist in my gut. I mind link for Alex. ‘Get back to the house now! Stacy needs medical attention ASAP!’

Alex within seconds rushes in, looking shocked at the scene before him, but he quickly moves to help. I watch as he carefully lifts Stacy into his arms, her limp body looking so fragile, so breakable. Jealousy consumes me while my heart aches as I watch her being carried away. But Nicole’s pained cries pull me back to the present.

“Jason, baby, please!” Nicole begs, tears streaming down her face. “It hurts so much… I need you…”

I hesitate for just a moment, watching as Stacy is carried out the door. But I have no choice. I promised Nicole. She’s my fiance now. Stacy… Stacy will be okay. She has to be.

I lift Nicole into my arms, her head resting against my chest as she whimpers in pain. “I’ve got you,” I whisper, trying to reassure her, and maybe myself too. “I’m here.”

But as I carry Nicole out to another car, a sick feeling churns in my stomach. I’m doing the right thing… aren’t I?

As I settle Nicole into the passenger seat, I watch as the Alex speeds off, taking Stacy to the hospital. A part of me wants to follow, to make sure she’s alright, to be there for her. But Nicole’s hand clutches mine, pulling me back into the moment. “Baby… don’t leave me…It hurts so bad.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” I say, forcing the words out. I squeeze her hand, trying to shake off the guilt gnawing at me. But as we drive to the hospital, the image of Stacy lying unconscious on the floor won’t leave my mind.

And deep down, I can’t shake the feeling that I’ve just made a terrible mistake.