Chapter 1

• Riana
• Everywhere was brightly lit, my eyes darted back and forth to the clock as Rene rushed away.
• I had a smile bright enough to light up the world on my face as I checked the food over and over, trying to make sure it was still warm.
• My phone rang and I grabbed it, smiling softly when I saw Kate, my sister in law calling.
• “I sent you a message, check it out now.” Her voice was sharp and urgent and I nodded.
• I was about heading to the kitchen with a porcelain dish when she stopped midway, the dish shattering on the floor as numerous pieces flew by, some jabbing my skin while the rest scattered on the floor.
• My lips trembled as I stared at the picture. It was Alexander and he was with Kristen and her son again…
• “Spending the day with the people dearest to me.” The caption read, he held both of them by his side, his hand casually resting on Kristen’s waist like it was a completely natural thing and my heart tightened.
• I could understand other days but today… Our three year anniversary left me devastated.
• Kate called immediately and I answered, my lips trembling as I tried to speak.
• “I’m coming over now and we’re…”
• “No… There’s no need, everything is fine, this is my battle.” I whispered before hanging up, a tear rolling down my cheeks.
• I grabbed my phone, logging into my social media account to check his page, to see if anything concerning our anniversary had been posted but it was even more depressing to find that I had been blocked from viewing his posts.
• I could see only posts from months ago before when Kristen was yet to be a part of his life.
• My heart tightened, air began to choke me for a moment as I panted, trying not to get suffocated to death.
• Streams of tears rolled down my cheeks as I glanced at the image, it had always been Kristen, she was his mate who had rejected him, humiliated him in public but I was there to help him yet he never loved me. Her disappearance 5 years ago felt like a relief as it felt like he could finally be mine but who knew she’d be back almost immediately to torment my marriage.
• After weeping for some time, I grabbed my phone, deciding I wasn’t going to lose all hope. Maybe he still remembered our anniversary, maybe all he needed was a little reminder.
• I dialed his number, placing a call across to him and the first call ended without an answer. I called again, my heart drumming loudly while I hoped for him to answer the call, tell me he was on his way and walk in here with just a rose as a form of apology for being late.
• “Hello?”
• “...Daddy is busy now, you can call back later.”
• I heard the tiny voice of Kristen’s son and her heart plummeted into abysmal sadness.
• Daddy? Alexander who had always kicked against having kids was fathering Kristen’s son and he looked pleased.
• Staring at the picture again, I could see his face glowing, he had never been this happy around me in all our three years of marriage, he had never taken pictures with me willingly yet he was tweeting about Kirsten on his personal page, after he had spoke about not liking my posts because his page was meant for important pack posts.
• I was filled with bitterness as I stared at the box I had wrapped for him, he hadn’t returned home from work since yesterday and although I had called to ask why, he replied coldly, stating that he was busy with pack duties.
• I exhaled deeply, slumping on the chair while my wolf howled at how hurtful the betrayal felt.
• The mate bond clawed through my chest, my wolf slamming against my ribs in agony, howling in rage as he touched another female.
• A message popped up on my phone from Dad, asking about how the anniversary was going and bile rose in my throat as I sobbed more.
• Knowing mom was undergoing a major cancer surgery today yet I wasn’t there to help it more devastating.
• Dad had ordered me to leave, saying I needed to celebrate my anniversary and seeing his message now, I couldn’t bring myself to say the alpha was with another lady tonight.
• “Going great, how is mom?” I lied, clenching my chest sorrowfully.
• “Great, the surgery is almost over.” He replied and I reacted love to the message. Goddess knew I wanted to stab myself for missing such an important occasion because of Alexander.
• “Give everything out.” I ordered the maid and her eyes widened.
• “L… Luna… All?” She asked and I nodded.
• “Yes and clear the table.” I replied and she nodded, with great pain in my heart, I lowered myself to the bed, biting back tears.
• I was almost asleep when he stepped into the room, groaning softly as he laid on the bed, reeking of Kristen.
• My wolf almost puked in disgust and my stomach churned as I gritted my teeth.
• He placed a hand around my waist, trying to turn me over but thinking about how he wrapped his hand around her waist too, I ignored him.
• “Riana, I’m horny.” It was a cold, plain word, like I was some slut who had been bought to pleasure him.
• “Not tonight.” I replied and I heard a snarl, I didn’t bulge, I only folded myself the more.
• “What the heck is wrong with you?” He growled and I said nothing.
• His phone rang and he grabbed it with the speed of lightning, making my heart burn. He dashed outside to pick the call and the sound of his car alerted me of his departure.