As I turned away from him, Lucian’s expression darkened like a storm rolling in. For a split second, genuine fear flickered in his wolf-bright eyes, as if he sensed our bond thinning. He started to move toward me—but Sabrina suddenly doubled over, clutching her stomach with a dramatic whimper.
“Lucian… my wolf… it hurts,” she breathed shakily. Then, in a trembling voice meant to sound noble, she rasped, “But go after Vivienne. She’s your Luna. Her feelings matter more.”
She said it loud enough to echo down the pack clinic’s hallway.
Lucian hesitated, jaw ticking, but only for a heartbeat. Then he shook his head and positioned himself between her and the attending healers. “No. Your condition comes first. Vivienne is just overwhelmed. She’s eight months along—any talk of separation terrifies a pregnant wolf. I’ll handle her later.”
His voice dropped to a low murmur, meant only for himself, “She’s only acting out.”
Then, without another glance in my direction, he swept Sabrina into his arms and carried her into one of the private pack infirmary rooms.
---
By the time I reached the packhouse, the moon had risen, casting cold silver light across the territory. I stood outside the front steps for a long while, staring at the home that was supposed to be sacred—the Alpha residence where I was meant to feel protected. But ever since Sabrina returned to our pack lands, Lucian’s scent had rarely lingered here. The warmth of this place had vanished, replaced by something hollow and foreign.
Inside, I walked straight to the wall of framed memories, reached for our wedding photo—a symbol of the mate bond I had once treasured—and pulled it down. Without hesitation, I tossed it into the trash bin.
I refused to leave behind a single reminder of the life I had been desperately trying to hold together.
Next, I gathered every shared item—our matching cloaks, trinkets from bonding ceremonies, little tokens wolves give their mates—and stuffed them into a black trash bag. I was carefully making my way down the stairs when the front door burst open.
Lucian walked in, carrying Sabrina in his arms like she already belonged here.
The moment his gaze met mine, a flicker of guilt rippled across his face, quickly masked by irritation.
“She’s not doing well because of your behavior,” he stated, as if it were an indisputable fact.
I let out a cold, humorless laugh. “Not doing well? Then why isn’t your precious she-wolf in the healing ward? Why drag her into the Alpha residence? Or is our packhouse now your personal refuge for mistresses?”
His eyes flashed with dominance. “Watch your tone, Vivienne. I’m trying to manage the situation. Whether you approve of it or not, Sabrina is staying here.”
Sabrina placed a hand on her stomach, stroking the curve of her unborn pup like she knew exactly how to provoke me.
“It’s true, Vivienne,” she whispered sweetly. “Nothing inappropriate is happening. Lucian only wants what’s best for the baby.”
Her words were crafted to slice through me the way rogue claws would.
My wolf bristled under my skin, rage simmering through my veins. I stared directly at Lucian, voice steady but sharp. “This is my territory. My home. I don’t want her living in it.”
Lucian hesitated—a moment of doubt—before Sabrina grabbed his wrist and guided his hand to her belly. The sensation of the unborn pup’s heartbeat softened him instantly.
Like magic. Or manipulation.
When he turned back to me, his voice was full of annoyance. “Enough, Vivienne. You’re carrying a pup too, yet you show no understanding. You pushed Sabrina earlier—I’m only making sure she’s safe. If you can’t accept her presence, then maybe you’re the one who should leave.”
His words struck like a rejection blow—sharp, freezing, merciless.
I felt the blood drain from my face. My whole body shook, not just from hurt but from the bond fraying under his disregard.
“As you wish,” I said evenly, my voice cold as a winter howl.
Tonight would be my final night in this packhouse. After this, I would walk away—and Lucian Blackwood would be nothing more than a chapter I had already burned.
Decision made, I tightened my grip on the trash bag and walked out the front door, ignoring the pain twisting in my wolf’s chest.
Behind me, Sabrina’s voice floated out, coated in feigned sympathy.
“Don’t fight because of me, Lucian. She’s so angry she even took down your wedding portrait.”
Lucian sighed, frustration rumbling through his chest like an Alpha’s growl. “She’s being dramatic. Once she realizes I’m not giving in, she’ll come running back.”
A single tear slid down my cheek. I stepped into the night wind, cold against my skin, and tossed the bag into the pack’s refuse bins—along with every last remnant of love I ever had for him.
