Octavia's pov
I stared at Jake with tear-filled eyes, and his dark gaze flickered with remorse as he released my throbbing arm.
"I'm sorry, Octavia. I didn't mean to. It's just..." His rushed apology was cut short when Summer whimpered.
Jake's sister shook her head disapprovingly, crossing her arms. "Now look, Summer is feeling irritated because of your display."
Jake immediately abandoned me on the floor and rushed to Summer, scooping her into his arms and caressing her forehead tenderly.
"I think it's the contamination, Jake. I feel so sick and I can't eat," Summer cried weakly against his chest.
"Let's go eat out," he said to her.
"Clean this mess up!" Jake barked at me without turning around, his voice echoing as he carried Summer away.
His sister stared down at me with disgust, hissed sharply, then walked out.
Sighing exhaustedly, I slowly picked myself up and began cleaning the scattered food and plate fragments, wincing as my knees burned from where I'd knelt on the scalding splatter.
When finished, hands raw and body aching, I dragged myself upstairs to the bedroom I'd shared with Jake for two years without knowing he was such a heartless monster.
I walked straight to the closet, retrieved a suitcase, and started packing every bit of my belongings. All the gifts we'd received over the years, including ones he'd given me, I tossed into a box. The few pictures we'd taken together went in too; there weren't many since our mating bond was secret.
I moved to the frames hanging on the wall. As I reached for one bearing my face, I accidentally knocked down Jake's frame. Files scattered from behind it. As I gathered them, something caught my attention.
My eyes caught a wedding photo of Jake and Summer, dated a year ago. He'd told me he was still in the mating bond process with the elders, that they were still deliberating. But this date told a different story.
All this time, he'd mated Summer while still with me. No wonder he never marked me, even after our intimate moments. Summer held the bigger space in his heart.
My eyes froze as I set the photo aside and saw the next document, a medical form confirming the patient had been informed about contraceptive risks and benefits for Nexplanon. His signature and the healer's were stamped on it. Despite the "fewer viable eggs" warning boldly capitalized, he'd still signed approval.
The remaining documents were for oral contraceptive pills.
I clenched my fists as tears flowed down my cheeks. If he never saw a future with me, why marry me at all?
By the time I finished packing, I'd ensured my departure wouldn't be noticed until after I left. I was about to drag the box out when the door opened and Jake entered.
"What are you doing?" He stood at the door, looking surprised at the room.
Without meeting his gaze, I replied, "I'm reorganizing and getting rid of old things you and I won't be needing anymore."
"You're really throwing everything in this box out?" he frowned.
"Yes, I won't be needing them anymore."
His eyes flashed to a teddy bear with his name customized on it. "This too?"
"Yes," I nodded.
"But you never slept without this," he looked confused.
"It's worn out now. I'll manage without it."
He'd given me that teddy bear for my birthday. It had a lullaby song, and since that day, I'd cherished it like my life depended on it.
He frowned like he wanted to say more, but before he could, Summer's voice called his name from outside. She walked in, gripping his arm possessively.
I didn't flinch when Summer asked, "Do you need help with that? I could help you."
"She's only trying to help. Why are you being so difficult? Summer is nice, and I think you'll like her if you get along," Jake stated.
"Just as you did, right?" I threw back, but he glared angrily and left the room.
"You're impossible," he said, making his exit.
"Doing exactly what you should have done long ago. Why did you take so long to realize Jake is just a snap away from me?" Summer said provocatively.
I stayed quiet, moving the heavy box toward the door.
"You're playing dumb, right?" she asked, moving to sit on the bed.
"If I were you, I wouldn't stay with a man who killed my child just to please someone special..."
I didn't wait for her to finish. "You know, Summer, as much as I hate you, I still pity you. Loving a man who murdered his own child, it could be your child's turn tomorrow for another special person. Haven't you thought about that? If not, allow me do the thinking for you, because only a deranged woman would stay comfortable after witnessing this."
Summer's eyes widened with annoyance, but I didn't care. "Just like these old things I'm throwing away, Jake will do the same to you if he finds someone new. Nevertheless, I wish you the best, Summer."
I saw her clench her fist, about to explode, but I pouted and tilted my head, staring into her face.
"You pathetic low omega, how dare you challenge me? I'll show you what a deranged woman can do. You'll regret this," she snarled and rushed toward the wall, slamming her temple repeatedly against it.
Fear gripped me as I watched in confusion and shock.
After several hits, she dropped to the ground, screaming loudly in pain, blood running down her face. She increased her cries, using her full voice, and the door burst open. Jake and Amaya came running in.
"What the hell did you do to her?" he asked with bloodshot eyes.
