I stood there in the rain and watched them disappear into the warmth of the house, their figures blurred behind the glowing windows. My chest felt like it was being squeezed from the inside.
The cub I had raised, the one I had poured every scrap of love into, couldn’t remember a single thing I had done for him. Instead, he clung to the woman Nathan had dragged home simply because her face reminded him of Celeste.
By the time I realized I couldn’t even call for a car, the rain had turned vicious. I curled up beside the iron gate like a drenched stray wolf, folding my arms over my head, trying to keep the cold from seeping into my bones.
I don’t know how long I stayed there before the front door creaked open again.
The housekeeper hurried out, holding an umbrella over my head. “Madam… Mr. Everwood said you may come inside.”
My thoughts felt frozen, but I nodded and staggered in.
The sight that greeted me was almost laughable. Lucien was nestled comfortably in Ophelia’s arms, his attention fixed on the holo-screen, while Nathan sat nearby slicing fruit for them. If anyone walked in at that moment, they would’ve sworn they were looking at a perfect Alpha family.
I turned toward the stairs, wanting nothing more than to disappear into the guest room, but Nathan stopped me.
“You know Lucien can only eat the meals you prepare. Don’t wander off for too long anymore,” he said, as if issuing a pack command.
I forced a thin smile. “Then I suggest you hire a nutrition wolf right away. Or teach Miss Byrnes how to cook. I’ve already written everything down.” I met his eyes coolly. “After all, we’ll be separated soon.”
The knife in his hand struck the plate with a harsh clang.
“Everly.” His chair scraped loudly as he stood. “Have I spoiled you too much? Is that why you think you can speak to me like this?” He crossed the room in three strides and seized my wrist. His grip was brutal. “You throw around the word ‘divorce’ as if it’s a joke. Do you really think I won’t make it official?”
Why wouldn’t he? He had never loved me. The only reason he’d kept me around was so Lucien could pretend he still had a complete family.
I looked straight at him, my voice steady. “Then ask your son what he wants. Ask him if he even cares whether I stay.”
As if summoned, Lucien spoke from the sofa, his tone sharp with disgust.
“Dad, I’ve wanted you to get rid of her for years. I don’t like her. I like Aunt Vee better.”
Ophelia rushed to cover his mouth. “Sweetheart, don’t say things like that—it’ll hurt her feelings.”
She said the words, but the gleam in her eyes told a different story.
“She’s not my mom!” Lucien shouted, wrenching free. “I don’t want a killer as my mother!”
I glanced back at Nathan and gave a tired shrug. “There you have it. He doesn’t want me. So why don’t we end this already?”
Nathan’s face tightened. He turned to Ophelia. “Take Lucien downstairs.”
She paused, disappointment flickering across her face, then nodded and led Lucien away.
Watching them go, I said again, “You both like her so much—why not make her Luna instead? I’m done playing this role.”
“You’re really that desperate to push me into another woman’s arms?” Nathan’s voice dropped dangerously low.
I looked at him, confused. Everyone in the pack knew he had only ever loved Celeste. Even after all these years, he still lived in her shadow. I was never more than a substitute, a body to warm his bed when he needed release. And now he had found Ophelia, a woman who mirrored Celeste so eerily it made my skin crawl. Shouldn’t he be glad?
Instead of answering, he turned sharply. “Ophelia, come back.”
She poked her head into the room, startled. Without warning, Nathan grabbed her wrist and dragged her toward the bedroom.
“You want proof, Everly?” he snapped. “Then watch.”
The door slammed.
Moments later, muffled moans seeped through the walls.
I felt nothing.
I never came here for love. I came to repay a debt and nothing more. Nathan had his ghost, and now he had a living version of her. He should have been satisfied.
I checked the time. My flight would be boarding soon.
Silently, I slid the signed divorce papers under his bedroom door, collected my suitcase, and headed for the exit.
Before I could reach the front door, Lucien stepped into my path.
With a sudden kick, he sent my suitcase tumbling across the floor.
“What, you’re leaving just because of a few harsh words?” he mocked. “You think Dad’s going to chase you like in some drama? You’re ridiculous.”
I said nothing. I bent down, lifted my suitcase, and tried to walk past him.
Then he snatched the fruit knife from the table.
And rushed me.
