“Help me leave this pack. Sebastian won’t let me go without punishing me,” I whispered urgently into the phone, my voice trembling with frustration. I didn’t even know where she was, but I knew she was far away.
“What the hell? Why would you leave? You two have the perfect relationship. He’s in love with you, and you’re—”
“He made me a fool,” I cut her off, a bitter edge in my voice. “I don’t have any more questions. Just help me get out.”
“Fine, you’re always welcome here,” she replied, her voice softening. “And he won’t touch you, I promise.” Then I heard her cough, a forced sound that immediately sent chills down my spine. I slammed the phone into my pocket and turned around to face Evvie.
“I need to apologize for the way things have been,” she said, stepping too close, her hand grasping mine like we were long-lost friends. “Dinner tonight with my family and his. You’ll stay quiet, act like his assistant, and obey him like a good little dog. Got it?” She ran her fingers through my hair like she had any right to touch me.
“I am his mate,” I growled under my breath, trying to pull away.
“Funny,” she purred, “because his family knows he’s only using you. They can’t stand you, never have. They barely even come here anymore, you know? But now they’re back—because they love me.”
I bit down hard on my lip, fighting the tears that burned my eyes. Her words sliced through me. It was true. His mother never liked me. She hadn’t even visited in years after meeting me for the first time, and Sebastian had always made excuses. They’re too important, Risey. They can’t be seen around us. But now they were back—because they loved Evvie.
“And I’m sorry,” Evvie laughed darkly, “but I spent the night in Sebastian’s bed.” She glanced at me with an air of superiority. “You can still sleep in it, though. Just make sure you take a shower first. We wouldn’t want you to stain the sheets with my scent. He’s obsessed with it, you know.”
I said nothing, just shot her a look of pure venom. And then Sebastian walked in.
“Risey…” His voice was a low murmur, but it was too late.
Evvie smiled sweetly. “We’ve already talked, but I’ll leave you two now. Enjoy your night.” She kissed his cheek in front of me—loudly, for emphasis—and I nearly choked on the taste of betrayal.
Sebastian turned to me, trying to sound reassuring. “Don’t mind her, okay? Just… go with the flow tonight, Risey. Sleep with me. Please.” He pulled me closer, but I stiffened.
“Hmm,” I muttered, offering him no emotion.
“I promise, the baby… it’s not mine,” he whispered, trying to soothe me. “It’s a way for her to get the Luna title. I never slept with her.”
I raised an eyebrow, mocking him. “So, it’s an artificial baby?”
He clicked his tongue in irritation, trying to hold onto his composure. “No. But I’m taking care of her because I don’t want her child to grow up without a father. Like me.”
I stared at him, a coldness creeping through me. I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to understand or just keep my mouth shut.
“Okay,” I said flatly, though every fiber of my being wanted to scream.
“I’m glad,” he said, his voice dripping with satisfaction. He ran his hand over my waist, his fingers too familiar, and I fought to suppress my disgust. “Let’s have a sweet night later, yeah?”
That night, I didn’t want to go to dinner, but I had no choice. I sat at the table beside Baste, while Sebastian and Evvie sat across from each other, their chemistry palpable. I could see her foot inching up his leg under the table, making him gasp, and that familiar, smug smirk spread across her face.
“So why is she even here?” Sebastian’s mother asked, her voice dripping with venom.
Evvie smiled sweetly. “She’s Sebastian’s trusted companion,” she said, all fake innocence, while her foot kept working its way up Sebastian’s leg. “I didn’t want her to feel left out.”
Sebastian’s mother smiled at her, warmth in her voice. “Oh, Evvie, you’re so sweet. Sebastian never fails in choosing his Luna. I’m so glad he didn’t choose that… girl.” She emphasized the word “girl,” making it clear she was talking about me.
I couldn’t let it slide. “I can always leave,” I interjected, my voice cold and sharp.
Sebastian grabbed my arm before I could stand. “Sit the fuck down,” he mind-linked me, his words laced with warning.
Evvie’s mother chuckled softly, her gaze never leaving me. “It’s a shame, really,” she said, eyes glinting with cruelty. “I wanted to see the face of the girl the Alpha trusted. She looks just like an innocent, obedient omega.”
The sting of her words hit harder than I could have expected, but I didn’t flinch. I’d already made up my mind—I wasn’t just going to be the omega they all wanted me to be. I wasn’t going to let them break me.
But as I glanced at Sebastian—his eyes full of regret but also full of something darker—I knew. I wasn’t just fighting for myself anymore. I was fighting for the life growing inside me.
