Chapter 4

Ashina’s POV

It was finally today. As the festivities at the pack house continued, I couldn’t help but always steal glances at my brother in law, and my husband who was generously throwing a grand party to welcome his twin brother Daniel back into the family. The atmosphere was filled with hitting music and laughter. Group of female dancers were busy performing on the stage while the audience’s eyes were fixed on the stage, smiling at every move of the dancers. Soon after the presentation, they all stood, clapping as the dancers walked out the stage.

I made my way through the crowd, exchanging pleasantries and engaging in small talk with pack members, all while keeping an eye out for Nathan and Daniel. I finally spotted Daniel at the corner of the room, surrounded by well-wishers, wondering where my husband had gone.

As the party continued, I excused myself to grab a breath of fresh air outside. Walking through the garden, I stumbled upon a secluded area behind the pack house. To my shock and disbelief, I saw Nathan and Erica, his girlfriend, Erica kissing intensely and their hands were roaming on each other’s body.

My heart plummeted as I witnessed them kissing, it’s happening again. It felt like a knife twisting in my chest, realising that my own husband was being unfaithful right in front of my eyes. The pain and betrayal washed over me, leaving me feeling numb and hollow.

I turned away, unable to bear the sight any longer. Heartbroken, I made my way back to the party floor. I tried to put on a brave face as I reentered the bustling party, but inside, I was crumbling.

Making my way through the crowd, I finally reached our living quarters. I pushed open the door and stepped inside, shutting it behind me with a heavy sigh. Leaning against the door, I closed my eyes for a moment, trying to collect my thoughts and emotions.

Suddenly, the door creaked open and Nathan entered, a look of surprise crossing his features when he saw me standing there. His expression quickly shifted to concern as he took in my tear-streaked face and the raw pain in my eyes.

“Ashina, what’s wrong?” he asked softly, taking a hesitant step closer.

I forced myself to meet his gaze, my voice barely above a whisper. “Nothing, I’m just feeling… stressed.” My voice caught in my throat as fresh tears threatened to spill over.

Nathan creased his brows. He took another step toward me, reaching out a hand as if to console me. “Is that why you want to cry?”

I nodded.

The betrayal was too fresh, too raw.

“You don’t need to. Come here.” He held my wrist, pulling me to himself and gave me a hug that lasted for a minute.

Then he led me to the bed and I laid, feeling drained emotionally, my husband’s voice reached me. “Have some rest, I’ll have Erica get you some energy drink,” he said before gently coaxing me to lie down. Erica again?

Once he left the room, my mind started to wander, landing on Erica once again.

The mere thought of her made me clench my fists in frustration. What was her game? Was she deliberately trying to get under my skin by always being around, laying with my husband, and attempting to befriend me? Did she even consider how uncomfortable it made me feel, seeing her constantly hovering around like a shadow?

Just as the thoughts swirled tumultuously in my mind, the door creaked open, and there she was. Erica, with a bright smile adorning her lips as she held out the energy drink. I forced a strained smile in return.

“Hey, Erica, thank you for the drink,” I greeted her with forced cheer, accepting the beverage. I glanced at her, carefully noting the way she seemed effortlessly comfortable in our home, as if she belonged.

Erica smiled as she replied, “Of course! I just want to make sure you’re feeling better. Don’t hesitate to ask for anything you need, okay?” Her words sounded genuine, but I couldn’t shake off the feeling that there was an underlying motive behind her seemingly altruistic gestures.

Suppressing a sigh, I nodded gratefully. “Thanks, Erica. I really appreciate it.” I kept the conversation light, asking her how she’s enjoying the party and making polite small talk as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened between us.

Was she truly this naïve, or was she playing a game far more complex than I could fathom?

I took a sip of the energy drink she had brought, the liquid cold against my lips.

When she finally excused herself, promising to check on me later, I let out a breath I hadn’t realised I was holding. Alone once more, I allowed myself to accept my fate about my marriage.

I couldn’t shake off the unease that Erica’s presence brought into my home, nor could I ignore the nagging doubt that festered in the recesses of my mind.

After resting for a while, I felt a bit energised. Stepping out back to the party, it was already time for pictures. I watched as the photo shoot was going on.

I took a deep breath and mustered up a smile as they called for me to join them in the picture. I walked over to where my husband was standing with Erica, posing for pictures. She was trying to subtly position herself closer to him, smiling sweetly.

I fought back the irritation that bubbled up inside me, trying to remain calm and composed. I knew that I had to act civilly towards her, as she was also a member of our pack. But it grated on me to see her trying to insert herself into my family, especially when my husband’s attention should have been solely on me.

As the camera flashed, freezing the moment in time, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy at the fact that she was standing so close to him. I tried to push those feelings aside, reminding myself that he had chosen me as his mate, and no one could ever replace me as the Luna of this pack.

After the picture was taken, I excused myself from the group, needing a moment to collect my thoughts and calm my nerves. I headed towards the bar, needing a drink to settle my nerves. As I waited for my order, I felt a presence behind me and turned to see Erica standing there, a smile plastered on her face.

“Hey there,” she said cheerily, “I just wanted to say how nice it is to see you are feeling okay now…”

I forced a smile, trying to keep my composure. “Yes, I am very much okay.”

I felt my temper rising at her words, the underlying implication not lost on me. “Thank you,” I replied.

Her smile faltered slightly at my words. “Of course, I didn’t mean to overstep. I just want to check on you. I’m sorry if I wasn’t meant to.”

I nodded curtly, accepting her apology but still feeling wary of her intentions. I knew that she was trying to play nice and gain favor with me, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something more cunny lurking beneath the surface.

As the night wore on, I did my best to avoid Erica, keeping my distance and focusing on enjoying the party with the rest of the pack.

From afar, as I watched her laughing and joking with my husband, a sinking feeling settled in the pit of my stomach. The urge to go there and drag her out intensified but I rather not ruin the party.