I wasn't always a stay-at-home mom. Back when Alpha Levi and I were in college, we were equals. Our pheromones matched perfectly, and we climbed the corporate ladder together. We bonded, had Logan, and life seemed perfect. But as our careers grew, I was the one always making sacrifices.
I quit my job, trading my ambition for the smell of diapers and laundry. While I managed the household, Levi's scent grew stronger. Now, he runs the pack, and I... I'm just the Luna at home.
This morning, he left without our usual goodbye. No lingering touch, no shared pheromone - infused hug. Still, I cooked dinner, waiting for him like every other night.
At 8 p.m., my phone buzzed.
Levi: Last - minute trip. Pack my stuff. I'll pick it up in 30.
His text was cold, like a stranger's command. I was used to it. For years, I'd sorted his clothes, making sure his shirts carried my faint scent to calm his nerves.
When I dragged the suitcase outside, Violet was in the passenger seat of Levi's car.
"Hey, Nadia!" she chirped. "I'm so new at this. Alpha Levi said I could tag along to learn about report - writing."
"An intern on a business trip?" I hissed, my grip on the suitcase handle tightening.
Levi rolled down the window. "It's on the way. She needs to learn how we track business scents." His fingers drummed on the wheel, a happy rhythm I hadn't heard in ages.
I remembered when he'd stay up all night, his own exhaustion forgotten, just to soothe my sickened senses with warm soup.
At first, I fought. But for Logan, for our family's image, I gave in. And now, with Violet... it was different.
The second day of his trip, Violet added me on WhatsApp.
Violet: Nadia, does Alpha Levi wear XL clothes?
A photo followed: a messy hotel room, Levi's shirt damp and discarded.
She typed on: He got drunk, spilled his drink. I'm buying him new stuff.
Her messages oozed fake innocence.
Days passed, and her social posts were all about Levi.
Photos of them watching the sunrise, her wrapped in his jacket, their mingled scents practically jumping off the screen. A video showed him peeling shrimp for her, just like he used to do for me.
A few days later, Alpha Levi called. "Pick me up from the airport."
The rain lashed down. I waited outside, getting drenched, my clothes clinging to me. The flight was delayed. I stood at the arrivals gate, umbrella in hand, until finally, I saw them-Levi and Violet.
His jacket was still draped over her shoulders, reeking of her overpowering peach - scented pheromones.
Violet grinned at me first. "Nadia! The driver bailed last minute. Thanks for coming!"
My eyes fixed on the jacket. "If lying makes you feel better, go ahead."
Her smile faded.
Levi climbed into the backseat.
"Drop her off first. Cloudtop Gardens."
That address rang a bell. Last week, while sorting his clothes, I'd found a concert ticket stub with that same address scribbled on the back.
Violet slid in next to Levi, all smiles. "Thanks for the ride, Nadia."
In the rear - view mirror, I watched them.
Even though they didn't touch, the mix of their scents was like a slap in the face.
It was late when we got home. I headed straight for the shower. As I was dressing, the bathroom door opened.
Levi stepped in, wrapping his arms around me. "Missed me?" A diamond necklace dangled in front of me. "Saw it at an auction. Thought it'd suit you. Like it?" His breath was hot on my neck.
But I caught Violet's perfume on him. I pushed him away hard. In the mirror, I recognized the pendant-it was the same one Violet had posted on X.
Her caption had said: "Too expensive, not my style."
Translation: I was getting her rejects.
I pulled up Violet's post on my phone and shoved it in Levi's face.
"Care to explain this?"
