What I didn’t expect was for Eamon and Talia to follow me to the tavern.
I had barely taken my seat in the corner when the door swung open, and they strolled in like they owned the place. Without hesitation, they sat across from me, their presence heavy with arrogance.
I stared at them, trying to contain my anger. “I’m meeting Alpha Valen from the Raven's Claw Pack,” I said, cutting straight to the point.
Eamon raised an eyebrow, leaning back lazily. “Did Alpha Valen say he didn’t want to see me?”
I clenched my jaw, refusing to engage. Despite everything, Eamon was still my Alpha. Fighting him in public was not an option.
As the meal began, Alpha Valen signaled for his omega to bring out a bottle of rare, high-quality bloodwine—a delicacy among wolves. I frowned as my mind wandered to the words the pack healer had spoken when I scheduled the ritual to sever the bond with Eamon. *“You've already lost one pup from the rogue attack, and your womb was nearly damaged beyond repair. The fact that you're carrying again is nothing short of a miracle. But if you lose this child, you may never have another.”*
I pressed my lips together, about to refuse the bloodwine politely, when Talia spoke up, her voice sweet and false. “I heard Vivian can drink more than any wolf here. Come on, let’s see it in action!”
Her innocent smile was nothing more than a mask. I narrowed my eyes at her, my tone cold. “Who told you that?”
Talia’s smile faltered, and she glanced nervously at Eamon, who sat next to her like a predator about to strike. “Did I say something wrong again?”
Eamon, ever her protector, patted her hand and turned his icy gaze toward me. “Vivian, it’s just bloodwine. Don’t make a scene.”
His words sent a chill through my spine, but I forced a smile. I wasn’t backing down. “Alpha, I can’t drink. I’m pregnant.”
The entire table froze. The air between us crackled with tension.
Talia was the first to break the silence. Her eyes flickered with something dark before she forced a smile, raising her glass to me. “Congratulations, Vivian!” She lifted the cup to her lips, but before she could take a sip, Eamon stopped her.
“Talia,” he growled softly, “you’re pregnant too. No drinking.”
For once, Talia didn’t listen. “No, I have to! I’ve caused Vivian so much trouble since joining the pack. This is my way of making amends.”
Tears filled her eyes as she tilted her head back, downing the bloodwine in one defiant gulp. Her face flushed immediately, and she began coughing violently, her breaths labored.
Eamon shot up from his seat, fury in his eyes. “Is this what you wanted, Vivian? To make her look weak in front of the pack? If anything happens to our pup because of you, I’ll never forgive you!”
I barely acknowledged him. “Do what you want,” I muttered, rising from the table.
Without sparing him or Talia another glance, I turned to Alpha Valen. “Apologies, Alpha. I’ll take my leave now.” And with that, I strode out of the tavern, my heart pounding with rage.
Eamon’s voice echoed after me, filled with fury. “Vivian, I’m done with this! You can’t accept Talia, you can’t accept our bond. Maybe we should just end it—dissolve the bond!”
The words hung in the air, sharp as a dagger. I paused for a brief moment but then shrugged. After all these years, he was willing to admit our bond just to push me aside for Talia.
I turned back to him, my voice calm, my eyes cold. “Alright, Eamon. Let’s dissolve the bond then.”
And with that, I walked out.
As I left the tavern, I dialed Elder Aidan, the pack's lawyer, arranging the details of the separation. But midway through the conversation, a blinding light flashed in front of me. A sleek black car—one I recognized all too well—was barreling straight toward me.
My heart slammed in my chest as the car swerved at the last second, grazing my leg. I fell to the ground in shock, my hands trembling.
A passing wolf rushed to help, her eyes wide with alarm. “You’re bleeding!” she gasped, looking at the blood pooling around my waist.
I stared at the dark stain spreading across the ground, my mind numb. I knew that car number. It was Eamon’s. We had picked it together when we were newly mated.
At the hospital, the healer asked if I had any family to contact. I gripped my phone, staring at Eamon’s name on the screen, but I couldn’t call him. Instead, I dialed Elder Aidan again.
I couldn’t shake the image of the car, the license plate… It was his.
