Shattered bonds

ELEANOR

Eight Years Later…

The savory scent of seasoned meat filled the kitchen, mingling with the smoky aroma of roasted venison and simmering stew. I stirred the thick broth, breaking apart tender pieces of elk. A small platter of spiced sausages sat nearby, glistening with juices, and a single loaf of golden bread cooled on the counter. It wasn’t much, but it was enough—hearty and filling for two.

Kate sat at the wooden table, her little legs swinging as she watched me, her hazel eyes wide with excitement.

“Do ya think he gonna bwing me somethin’ special?” she asked, her voice full of hope.

I pulled the bread from the tray, forcing a smile. “I’m sure he will, sweetheart,” I said gently. “He’s been away for so long. He’ll want to spoil you.”

Kate giggled, clapping her hands. "Maybe a big teddy! Or choco-wate! I make him cawd (card), tell him I wuv (love) him!”

I chuckled, feeling the heaviness in my chest lift just a little. “That sounds perfect, darling.”

Perfect.

At least, that’s what I kept telling myself for the past eight years. I had built a life within Moonclaw’s strict rules, convinced myself that stability was enough—that Cedric’s loyalty, even without love, was enough.

But the way he left two weeks ago felt different. He avoided my eyes, held me stiffly, like his mind was already elsewhere. This wasn’t just another mission. Something had changed.

The room was dark, the scent of him still lingering. I lay in bed, watching Cedric dress, his movements quick and controlled. The air was thick with an unspoken tension, a stark contrast to the usual warmth that filled our room.

Cedric’s sturdy frame stood in the dim moonlight, his sandy blond hair messy from my touch. A sheen of sweat clung to his skin, emphasizing his shoulders.

He wasn’t the tallest or most imposing, but his presence held the quiet strength of a Beta.

I hesitated before asking, “Do you have to leave so soon?”

He fastened his belt without looking at me. “It’s a rescue mission. The Alpha needs me.”

Of course. The Alpha. The pack. Always before us.

I sighed, my fingers tracing the edge of the sheet. "You know, this wasn't the first time our sex felt... off," I said, my eyes meeting his.

Cedric's expression hardened. "We've been through this, Ellie. I'm Beta. Pack duties are a lot. It's nothing personal."

I scoffed, feeling a familiar sting of rejection. "It's always been like this, hasn't it? Impersonal."

He shrugged. "Sex isn't everything, Ellie. We have a good thing going, don't we?"

I bit my lip, holding back the tears that threatened to spill over. "I guess," I muttered, “When will you be back?”

“A couple of weeks. Maybe sooner.”

Maybe.

His face was unreadable at first, but then I saw it—that shift in his eyes, the hesitation he didn’t want me to notice.

“Take care of Kate,” he said.

No reassurance. No lingering touch. Just a stiff nod, a glance at our bedroom, and the quiet click of the door.

I sat there, cold dread settling in my chest.

I knew—when Cedric returned, nothing would be the same.

I never really loved Cedric, but I grew to care for him. He gave me stability. He was strong, dependable, and a great father to Kate.

I found tenderness in the small moments—his soft kisses after a long day, the way he always tucked Kate in at night. I remembered how he stayed up with her when she had a fever, comforting her until she slept. He was always there for her, catching her when she took her first steps, proud and laughing.

Our lovemaking wasn’t passionate, but he always made sure I felt safe and cared for. He was my anchor, reliable and steady.

Still, something was missing.

I couldn't help but wonder—had I chosen stability and loyalty over my desire for true love?"

Just as I turned to slice the bread , I heard the soft click of the front door unlocking. My heart skipped a beat.

Cedric.

Damn, I wasn't expecting him so soon.

I glanced at Kate, her face lighting up as she jumped from her seat, rushing toward the kitchen door.

“Daddy!” she squealed.

I turned slowly, and there he was, suddenly standing in the doorway. His usual warmth was gone, replaced by a tense stillness. He looked every bit the man I had married—strong, handsome, and yet somehow distant. His eyes didn’t sparkle like they used to.

Kate ran straight to him, her tiny arms wide, but instead of the eager embrace I expected, Cedric bent down, patting her on the back, a small, mechanical smile on his lips.

She pulled back, confused. She gazed up at him, her lower lip poking out in a small pout. “Daddy?”

The air suddenly felt thick and suffocating. Something wasn’t right. I crossed the kitchen, my heart pounding, and placed a hand on Cedric’s arm.

“Cedric,” I asked softly, my voice shaking. “What’s wrong?”

Please don’t let it be what I think it is.

His gaze flickered to mine, his eyes dark and unreadable. He took a deep breath, and for a moment, I thought he might reassure me. Instead, he spoke in a low, steady voice.

“I’ve found my mate.”

No!

The words hit me hard, making me dizzy. My legs shook, and I stumbled back, shaking my head in disbelief.

“What?” I whispered, my heart racing. “You’re joking, right? This isn’t funny, Cedric.” I forced a nervous laugh. "You’re just messing with me, right?"

He's just messing with me, right? Right?!

“I’m sorry, Eleanor,” he said, his voice firm. “But I’ve found someone else. Someone who...”

He didn’t finish the sentence. Instead, he took a deep breath, turned and walked away, heading toward the sitting room.

Kate, still standing in the doorway, looked up at me with wide eyes. “Mommy? Why Daddy mad?”

I tried to smile, though everything felt like it was falling apart. “Nothing, baby. Just stay here for a moment.”

With trembling hands, I wiped away the tears that had begun to form. I followed Cedric, my mind racing, my heart breaking—again.

This can't be happening.

Kate trotted behind me, sensing the change.When I entered the sitting room, I froze.

There, standing beside Cedric, was a woman—young, no older than twenty. Her hair, the color of honey, fell in soft waves. She was delicate, like she belonged to another world. She wore a simple, flowy dress, and everything about her radiated softness, making me feel harsh and out of place.

I felt my blood drain from my face. I couldn’t look at Cedric. I couldn’t tear my gaze away from her.

“She’s my mate,” Cedric said quietly. “Eleanor, I’m sorry. This is... it’s over.”

I couldn’t breathe. My heart was pounding in my ears, and everything felt distant. This woman, she was now the one who had Cedric’s heart.

And I—I was nothing.