Chapter 2

When I returned to the Pack Manor, Julian's black SUV was already parked in the driveway.

Through the slightly cracked window, a man's low, coaxing voice drifted out.

"Say 'Daddy'."

"Daddy..."

"Who do you love most?"

"Daddy..."

"Good girl. I'd die for you."

I froze in my tracks, my face utterly drained of color.

Even under the scorching summer sun, I felt like I was standing naked in a blizzard.

An hour later, Julian walked into the house, his arm wrapped around a petite she-wolf.

Seeing me sitting on the living room sofa, Bianca Stone looked as if she had suffered the greatest injustice. Tears instantly pooled in her doe eyes.

"Why is she still here? You told me this was our home!"

"Did you lie to me? You still haven't let her go, have you?"

"Even if I love you with all my heart, I will never sell my pride to be your mistress! I'm leaving!"

Julian panicked, pulling her tightly into his arms and wrapping her in an embrace. "What are you talking about? I already Marked you. You're my only Mate! Of course this is our home. She's just here to pack her bags."

He turned to me. No explanation. No guilt.

"Emily, the abandoned watchpost at the northern border is quiet and secluded. Go stay there for a while."

My mind went completely blank.

Before rage could even surface, a visceral, dull ache gripped my chest.

Three years ago, when we first moved into this estate, Julian had hugged me tightly with misty eyes.

"Emily, this is our home from now on. Just you, me, and our future pups."

And now, the very man who promised me a home was kicking me out like stray trash.

"Emily, my Mate is upset. I won't tell you twice."

He was smiling, but his lowered voice carried unmistakable Alpha authority and warning.

My throat felt like it was choked with wet cotton.

I realized with sickening clarity that he wasn't joking.

After a heavy silence, seeing the smug confidence in his eyes, I gave a hoarse nod.

"Understood."

Julian watched my retreating figure. A flicker of hesitation crossed his eyes, and he stepped forward, grabbing my wrist. His tone softened slightly. "There's a Pack gala this afternoon. Come with me."

Before I could refuse, he cut me off.

"It's Bianca's first high-society event. Carry her train and make sure she looks good."

I stood frozen, almost laughing at the pure absurdity.

Then, remembering how little time I had left here, I swallowed my words.

Before the gala, Bianca claimed she didn't have an appropriate gown.

She rifled through my walk-in closet and deliberately chose the most extravagant birthday gift Julian had ever given me—a couture gown woven from Moon-silk, paired with a matching Lunar Ruby pendant. It was a priceless relic from the former Alpha's private vault, worth enough to fund an entire mid-sized Pack's food reserves for six months.

She linked her arm through Julian's, basking in the spotlight as I walked behind her, lifting the hem of her dress.

Snickers and cruel whispers trailed behind us like poisonous smoke.

"Alpha Foster really knows how to tame his wolves. Making his old lover hold the train for his new Mate, and she doesn't even dare to squeak."

"Luna Foster? Haven't you heard? Julian already Marked the new girl. Emily Miller is just worn-out trash he used for ten years for free. She's nothing."

"How stupid can a she-wolf be to end up with nothing after a decade? Honestly, living like a kicked dog like that, she might as well jump off a cliff."

I fled the grand ballroom and hid in an empty lounge.

Through the ajar door, I overheard someone joking with Julian.

"Hey Julian, Emily Miller stood by you for ten years through thick and thin. Did you really Mark that innocent little newcomer?"

"Young she-wolves need security. It's just a bite Mark. What difference does it make?"

"What if Emily runs off? Won't you regret it?"

My breath hitched, only to hear his lazy, dismissive chuckle.

"Emily's entire universe revolves around me. After ten years, she's completely dependent on me. She's like an old, dirty cleaning rag now."

"I know her inside and out. Once I get bored of the new toy, Emily will still be waiting right where I left her."

I couldn't hear the rest.

I walked over to the marble sink, frantically splashing cold water onto my face. Finally, I bit down hard on the flesh of my thumb, letting tears and cold water mingle in the sink, refusing to let a single sob escape.

Julian, this time, you gambled wrong.

The dirty rag you cast aside won't be waiting for you ever again.

I turned to leave the lounge, only for a sharp slap to crack across my face.