Heather’s POV
Three days had passed since Austin ordered me locked away, and by the time they finally opened the door, weakness clung to my limbs like chains.
Still, I walked.
By the time I reached our bedroom, I froze at the strong smell of sex, clinging to the air.
My stomach twisted violently, and for a moment, I thought I might collapse right there at the entrance.
My wolf stirred, low and dangerous.
They had been here in my bed while I was kept away like a criminal.
I reached for the blankets and pulled them off the bed without hesitation.
Gathering everything in my arms, I turned and walked out of the room and headed straight for the fireplace.
When I returned to the room, Austin was already there.
He stood near the bed, his brows drawn together as he looked around, clearly searching for something.
His eyes landed on me.
“Where are the blankets?” he asked.
I looked at him.
He noticed the missing blanket, but not me.
Not the way my body felt hollow after three days in confinement.
He didn't even ask if I was alright.
“I sent them to the fireplace," I whispered.
His expression shifted instantly.
“What?” he snapped. “Why did you do that? Those blankets were very expensive. More expensive than your—”
He stopped.
“Than my what?” I asked.
He shook his head. “Never mind.”
He exhaled and waved it off.
“Your detention should have been a week,” he said casually. “But I had you released now because we have an important council meeting tonight.”
His eyes moved over me then, slowly, from head to toe, his gaze critical and displeased.
“What happened to you? You don’t look like the one I married anymore."
Something inside me almost laughed.
'What happened to me? My pups were gone because of your infidelity. You murdered my father so you could step into the Alpha position immediately. That's what happened to me.'
I held those words back even though my heart wanted to explode.
Austin turned away, already losing interest, as if I were no longer worth examining.
“Anyway, wear something decent and presentable later.”
---
The council hall was already filled when I arrived.
I stepped inside wearing a simple dress. Something I used to wear on ordinary days.
Austin turned his head.
His gaze dragged from my face down to my feet, then back up again.
His voice cut into my mind. I could feel the irritation in his tone.
'I told you to wear something good.'
I answered just as calmly. 'I feel comfortable in this dress.'
I reached my seat and sat beside him, not because I wanted to but because I needed to.
And then the doors opened again.
Olivia stepped in, wearing a red gown. So much extravagance for a she-wolf who was only in this manor to serve her Luna.
“Good evening,” she greeted.
The council responded immediately, voices rising, welcoming, approving.
And then Autin stood for her.
His expression softened in a way I had not seen in a long time, maybe ever.
He stepped toward her, his hand naturally finding the small of her back as he guided her forward.
“Take your seat,” he murmured to her.
She smiled up at him.
“Thank you, Alpha,” she said.
And she sat on the other side of him.
I watched the council nod and smile at them.
No one looked shocked or questioned anything.
Austin cleared his throat, drawing attention back to himself.
“Today, we are formally celebrating our new success.” He paused, and pride lifted his chin. “We are now one of the allied packs of the present Alpha King. This means more protection, greater trade opportunities, stronger military backing, and elevated status among the territories.”
Applause broke out.
“Congratulations, Alpha Austin.”
“Well deserved.”
“A remarkable achievement.”
Voices overlapped, each one feeding his ego, building him higher and higher.
Beside him, Olivia turned toward him, her eyes shining.
“I’m so proud of you,” she said softly.
Her hand rested lightly over his arm.
Austin glanced at her, and there was the softness again, and that look that had never truly been mine.
“Thank you,” he replied.
She laughed gently at something he whispered back.
The council watched them as if they were a perfect couple.
And I was sitting right here, watching my place being erased in real time.
My father built this pack from nothing, and now I was nothing in it.
“Aren’t you too close to my husband?” I said out of nowhere.
The room became quiet.
Beside me, Austin went very still.
Then slowly, he turned his head to me and gave me a sharp look.
I held his gaze, not looking away.
Olivia’s gaze shifted to me, and she smiled sweetly.
“I’m just happy for the pack’s success,” she said, her tone light, as if including me in something I no longer belonged to.
Then suddenly she swayed.
“Olivia?” Austin was already there.
His hand on her shoulder. His body angled toward her.
Concern flooded his face.
“Are you alright?”
She steadied herself, holding onto him lightly.
Then she smiled.
“I’m fine, Alpha. But I think it's time for them to know,” she said, glancing around the table.
Her fingers slipped into her purse.
“I was actually waiting for the right moment…”
She pulled out a small photo.
“My dear council. I have even better news.”
She lifted the photo just enough for them to see.
“I’m pregnant. Finally, Alpha Austin is going to be a father.”
