Scrolling through my gallery, I found two pictures—one of Darius and me from the day I thought we were forever, and the other, an ultrasound of the pup that never got to be born. Without hesitation, I posted them both with a caption.
"Just a couple of memories—one of a broken promise and the other of a future that never happened because he was too busy with his mistress."
Ember's POV
The moment I pressed "post," my phone exploded with notifications—likes, comments, and messages flooded in, creating a cacophony of buzz. Yet, not a single word from Elara's so-called friends in the pack.
I ignored the chaos.
Then came the calls, one after another—my parents and even the Alpha himself. I let them all go to voicemail.
Instead, I sent a quick message to my parents.
"I’ll be home tonight. I’ll explain everything that happened."
I grabbed a bag and started throwing in whatever clothes I could find. My mind was spinning—how had I let things get so bad? I should’ve left long ago, but I kept holding on, clinging to the person Darius used to be—or at least, the version of him I imagined.
I was almost out the door when I heard tires screeching in the driveway. My wolf sensed it before I heard the car door slam shut. He was here. Darius's footsteps echoed up the path, each one tightening the knot of tension inside me.
“Ember!” His voice cut through the night like a sharp howl, full of fury as he stormed into the house.
“What were you thinking, posting that for the whole pack to see?! Do you want to make me look weak and a cheater in front of them? What will our wolves think of their Alpha now?!” His voice cracked, anger and frustration flowing through every word like wild energy beneath the full moon.
I didn’t even glance at him. I zipped up my suitcase, dead silent.
I moved to leave, but he grabbed my arm, pulling me back. “What do you want from me?!” he screamed, his face twisting with anger. “I told you, once the baby is delivered, it’s over with her! I’m doing this for you!”
“For me?!” The words rang in my ears, and something inside me snapped. Without thinking, I pushed his hand off me, my voice coming out in a low, dangerous growl. “Stop pretending this is for me, Darius. It's always been about Elara!”