Micah’s POV
His grip cut the air from my lungs. I stared at him with empty eyes. “Try to harm Maurice or my pups again, Micah, and I will kill you with my own hands,” he hissed.
“Alpha, do not hurt her,” Maurice pleaded, voice shaking. “She did not mean it.”
Renan let go of me slowly. “She can handle this,” he said, voice flat. “Do you understand, Micah?”
I nodded. When he released me I swallowed hard and coughed. Tears wanted to fall, but I kept them tucked away. I walked back to my work, refusing to give them the satisfaction of seeing me break.
Renan lifted Maurice into his arms, cradling her like she was made of glass. He watched us go and then left. Once the door closed, the tears finally fell. I pressed my hand to my chest, where my heart felt raw and split.
Why must it hurt this much, Renan? Why did you have to wound me like this?
I set plates at the dining table and watched them together. Renan stroked Maurice’s face with a tenderness he had never shown me. I served the food while my stomach twisted with something that felt like betrayal.
“Thank you, Micah,” Maurice said sweetly. “That brisket is perfect. I am sorry about earlier.”
Renan glanced my way like I was nothing more than a servant. His love for me was gone. I wanted to shout that I was his Luna, that I deserved better, but I swallowed it and nodded instead.
“You can leave now,” he said coldly. I should have said no. I should have reminded him what my title meant. Instead I bowed my head and walked away.
“Micah,” Maurice called after me. I paused.
“Are you coming to my betrothal announcement next month?” she asked. “We are close. I would love you to be there.”
Dear friends, she called me. A friend who had betrayed me.
I forced a smile. “Of course, if Alpha Renan wants me there.”
Maurice giggled with delight. “You are such a good friend. He will want you there for sure.”
Then Renan added, smiling in that way that used to make me melt, “Yes. Our divorce will be finalized next week.”
My heart ripped again like paper. I kept my face smooth. What else was there to fight for? I had lost everything. I would not keep hurting for people who had already thrown me away.
“Yes, Alpha. I will go wash the dishes,” I said, calm and small.
He stared at me for a long moment. Maurice touched his arm and smiled as if everything was perfect. “I am hungry, Alpha. The pups took my food. I am sure they will be strong and healthy.”
“Then let us eat,” Renan said, and they turned their attention to each other as if I were not in the room.
After they left, I cleared the table and washed the dishes. Dylan stood behind me and barked, “Bring me water, old woman.” Two servants stood nearby but did nothing.
I filled a glass and offered it to him. He pushed it away. “I want sprinkled water, old woman,” he demanded.
I did as he asked and moved closer. A servant’s foot caught me and I stumbled. The glass shattered. Dylan leapt forward, furious.
“You reckless old hag! Look at my shirt! Mother Maurice bought this. It is worth more than your life!” He spat, then kicked me hard in the ribs. Pain exploded through me and I tasted blood.
How could my son strike his own mother like that?
The broken glass sliced my hand. Blood ran warm down my fingers. “I am sorry,” I whispered. “I will be careful.”
“Sorry? Maybe you are trying to kill me like you killed Noah,” he snarled. “If I catch you, I will tear you apart. I hate being your son. If only Maurice were my real mother. Noah would still be alive.”
Then he left, leaving me on the floor. The two servants snickered as they walked away.
I pushed myself up and stared at my hand. It shook and bled. The hurt ran deeper than the wound.
I am done. I will leave this place as soon as I can.
I hope my parents will forgive me and take me back.
