"What insanity is this?" James demanded. "You're leaving because of a pet? After everything this pack has done for you?"
"He wasn't just a pet," I said quietly. "And yes, I'm leaving. Liam is old enough now. I've fulfilled my promise to Amelia."
James ran his hands through his hair in frustration. "Are you serious right now? You're abandoning your responsibilities over a dead cat?"
"I've told you repeatedly what Liam has been doing," I countered. "The hair removal cream, the glass in my slippers, and now this. He killed Max and wrote 'bloody murderer beside him!"
"He's grieving, Ella!" James shouted. "For God's sake, he lost his mother! How many times do I need to explain this to you? You should be behaving like an adult!"
His eyes softened suddenly. "Look, if having a pet meant that much to you, I'll buy you a new one. Ten new ones if that's what you want. Just stop this nonsense about leaving."
"Leave her if she wants to go," a cold voice interrupted from the doorway.
I turned to see Martha Wilson, James's mother, standing with her arms crossed. She'd never tried to hide her disdain for me.
"She's always been ungrateful anyway. Taking her sister's place, living in her sister's home, and now making such a fuss when a little boy is just trying to grieve his mother."
“I have fulfilled my promise," I replied, meeting her gaze directly. "And I have the right to leave. You can't stop me."
She sneered. "You made my grandson cry on his mother's memorial day when he was trying to be happy. What kind of woman does that?"
James sighed. "I think it's maybe she's still traumatized from her sister's death. That's why she's so unstable. "I'll go calm her down. Maybe it's because she doesn't have a child, so she doesn't know how to treat one."
He approached me then as he wrapped his fingers around my wrist. "We should have a child of our own. It would help you understand. Help you bond with Liam. Tonight we could try; I'; I'dgentle this time."
His hands slid down my arms as he leaned closer. "Let me help you forget all this. I can make you feel better."
In the past, I might have fallen for his manipulation, mistaking his love lust, just not today. I pulled away and pushed him back.
"I'm not interested in having a child with you. And I'm certainly not interested in having sex with you."
"Who would even have a child with you in the first place, you pathetic excuse for a Luna?" Martha spat. "My grandson will never accept you, no matter what you do."
She pulled out her phone and made a quick call. Minutes later, the door opened again, and I recognized the woman who walked in immediately. Sophia, Liam's favorite and James's ex-mate from before he met my sister. She had run away from the pack years ago, but apparently, she was back now.
"Maybe James should make a child with her instead," Martha suggested. "Someone who actually belongs in this pack."
Sophia approached me. "Ella, sweetie, I've heard so much about you. The sister who couldn't save Amelia, the woman who can't satisfy her mate."
Liam appeared in the doorway. "Aunty Sophia!" he ran and clung to her.
"Yes, Aunty! Make a child with my daddy instead," he gave me a hateful look. "I hate Ella and I want her gone!"
"Poor child," she cooed, stroking his hair. "Don't worry. I'll take care of everything now."
I knew she was playing a part, using this moment to hurt me with her words, but it didn't matter anymore.
Without another word, I picked up Max's wrapped body and walked out.
I carried him to the far end of the property, to the tree where Amelia and I used to play as children. With bare hands, I dug into the soft earth, tears falling down my face as I created a small grave for my only friend in this house.
When I finally returned to the house, something felt wrong. As I approached our bedroom, I noticed women's underwear scattered in a trail leading directly to our door.
Then I heard it, unmistakable moans coming from behind the closed door.
