“Aurora, can you please hurry? It’s dinner time, and I’m sure Cassie is starving. I need you to whip up something for us right now!” my mother-in-law insisted, tapping my shoulder with impatience.
“Don’t touch me! You’ve made it clear that Cassie is the perfect choice for a daughter-in-law. If that’s the case, let her handle dinner,” I shot back.
With that, I plopped down on the couch and switched on the TV, ignoring the glares directed at me while I focused on the show playing in front of me.
Inside, I felt a sting of hurt, but I was determined to maintain a strong front. I wouldn’t let them see how much their words affected me. If they wanted to play games, I could play them even better.
After more than two hours, dinner was finally ready.
As I made my way to the dining table, I heard the clatter of utensils, but Kathryn quickly pulled Cassie aside to take my place at the table.
I felt my anger boil over as I clenched my fist and bit my lip, the primal instinct of my wolf clawing to break free.
The urge to tear Cassie apart was overwhelming; she was pushing me to my limits.
I half-expected Thane to intervene, but who was I kidding? He acted as if nothing had happened, casually serving food to Cassie, something he had never done for me.
“Mom, what’s going on? Why is Cassie sitting in my place at the table?” I demanded, my voice laced with fury as she rolled her eyes.
“You should be working, but instead, you’re acting like a child. There’s leftover food in the kitchen; help yourself. And by the way, the kitchen is a mess—clean it up when you’re done.”
I let out a bitter laugh. “You never fail to surprise me. So, after all these years of cooking for this family, the one time I’m too exhausted, you leave me scraps? Alpha Aurora of the Crescent Moon Pack reduced to eating leftovers! This is the ultimate insult! Enjoy your meal; I’ll be dining with my friends.” I slammed my fist on the table and stormed out, seething.
But honestly, food was the last thing on my mind; my anger consumed me. I was focused on finding a way to teach these ungrateful people a lesson.
The memories of all I had endured for love ignited a fire within me.
My father had been right all along—Thane was the worst mistake of my life, just as he had warned me when I first introduced him as my mate.
I hopped into my car and dialed the account manager, instructing them to freeze all accounts and transfer the funds to me.
Thankfully, I was the primary signatory on all of them, making the process a breeze.
Feeling pleased with my manager's swift action, I headed to a trendy new restaurant in town.
I indulged in a feast of delicious food and fine wine while attempting to reach my father.
However, the beta informed me that he was away and suggested I call back tomorrow.
I returned home late, hoping Thane would at least check in on me.
But as I glanced at my phone, I found no calls, no texts—absolutely nothing. It was clear I meant nothing to him.
Not even my mother-in-law or sister-in-law bothered to see how I was doing?
What if something had gone wrong? They would likely just carry on as if I had never been a part of their lives.
I wiped away the tears streaming down my face and slipped my phone into my bag. I can't tell how much longer I can endure their indifference before I completely fall apart.
Entering the house, I made my way to the bedroom.
Using my wolf senses, I detected a foreign scent mingling with my own, heightening my instincts and preparing me to confront the woman who dared to intrude.
As a Lycan she-wolf, jealousy ran deep, and my Alpha status only intensified my territorial nature. Just as I was about to flip on the lights, I heard a woman moan, followed by the unmistakable sound of kissing.
So Thane had the audacity to betray me while we were still mated?
Fury surged within me as I switched on the light, revealing Cassie and my mate, both completely naked, their faces frozen in shock as they scrambled to cover themselves.
At that moment, I transformed into my wolf.
