CHAPTER 1: BIRTHDAY

ELENA’S POV,

The sweet scent of vanilla and sugar filled our small kitchen as I decorated the cake with flower petals made of chocolate. My hands moved steadily, despite the thunderstorm in my chest. I was getting emotional because it was my daughter Molly's third birthday, and seeing her jumping around with joy warmed my heart. 

It was a huge milestone for both of us because it had been three years of her bright laughter filling my life. She made me feel like the luckiest woman in the world. 

“Mommy, will Daddy come back today to celebrate?” Molly came running into the kitchen. Her big, innocent eyes stared at me for the answer. 

I forced a smile on my lips and nodded my head. “Of course, sweetheart. Don't you remember, Daddy promised that he'll bring you lots of gifts?”

She giggled and went back into the living room to tell her dolls about it. 

Julian, my husband and the Alpha of our Black Stone Pack, was loved by everyone for his unwavering dedication to the pack. I admired him for his selflessness and kindness, I truly did. But sometimes, I wished… no, I needed him to be just a husband, just a father. Just ours. 

He was the type of leader who spent his entire time and energy taking care of the pack, even if it meant sacrificing time with his family. I couldn't even remember the last time we went on a date or had dinner together. However, he promised to be there for Molly on her special day, and I prayed to the Moon Goddess to remind him of that promise. 

The Goddess heard me because, within half an hour, he walked into the house. He had a commanding presence that instantly made me feel safe and loved. When Molly saw him, she squealed with happiness and ran into his arms. She told him how much she missed him, while he kissed her on the forehead. 

“I am also a part of this family,” I said, kissing him on the cheeks and hugging them. Julian wrapped his hand around my waist and pulled me closer. “I am glad you came back. She was asking for you the whole day.”

I let myself relax in his arms because his coming back meant he cared for us and that he chose us. 

But the illusion shattered as soon as he opened his mouth. “I need to talk to you about something.” 

“Talk? What?” I questioned, feeling a little tense because he whispered that in my ears. 

“Lauren’s daughter, Lucy, is sick,” he said, setting Molly down. His voice was low so that only I could hear. “She is in the hospital, and Lauren is struggling alone. She needs my help.” 

“Julian!” I sighed, feeling betrayed somehow. 

Lauren, his ex, came back to the pack three months ago with her young daughter. She was newly divorced and a single mother, so Julian, being the Alpha, tried to be there for her through her hardships. I told myself I wouldn’t let it get to me, because Julian had been honest about their past. 

I knew his heart belonged to me, to our family. And yet, I couldn’t stop the sharp pang in my chest.

I sighed, trying not to show that in my voice. “Julian, just… don’t take too long, please? It’s Molly’s birthday, and she needs her dad.”

He nodded, kissing me on the cheeks. “I’ll be back soon.”

And with that, he was ready to leave once again. Molly’s lower lip wobbled when she understood what was going on. 

“Don't go!” 

“Daddy has to help a friend,” he told her, wiping her tears. “But I’ll bring you a lot of presents when I come back, okay?”  

“I don't need any present, I need you.” My heart broke seeing my little girl in tears. She was so happy just a few minutes ago. 

“I am sorry, baby, but I've got my duties. You'll understand it when you grow up.” He hugged her for a last time, before walking out of the house. 

I tried to cheer her up after that, but it didn't work. Her smile didn't return even when I showed her the cake. She thanked me and went to play with her dolls, with tears in her eyes. 

I was already done cooking dinner, so I decided to clean the kitchen when chaos erupted outside.  

At first, I didn't even understand what was happening until I heard one of our deltas howling from a distance. A rogue attack. I was frozen in my spot till Molly ran to me, not knowing what was going on. We could hear the wolves crying, and suddenly I got a whiff of some unfamiliar wolves near our house. 

“We have to hide.” I grabbed Molly and ran to the storage room. 

We stored many different types of herbs in there, so I knew our scents would be covered. My chest was pounding as I locked the door and went to the very end of the room, pressing my trembling daughter against my chest. 

“Mom…” 

“Shh… don't say anything, Molly, they can hear us,” I whispered in her ears. “Daddy is going to protect us.”

I tried to link with Julian. My anxiety made it difficult at first, but once I concentrated on our bond, I was able to reach him. I knew he wouldn't have gone far from the house and could return in no time to protect us.

‘Julian! The rogues, they’re here! They have attacked our house. We need you. Come back, please!’

I expected immediate reassurance from him. I thought he would tell me that he was already on his way back, that nothing else mattered to him more than protecting his wife and daughter. But that didn't happen. Instead, he said something that brought tears to my eyes. 

‘Elena, the hospital is also under attack, I am going there. Lauren can’t protect Lucy alone, and as the Alpha I need to be there for her. I have to help them.’

I clenched my jaws. ‘Molly is scared, your daughter needs you.’ 

I have a responsibility to the pack, Elena. Take Molly somewhere safe and stay hidden, I’ll send some warriors to your aid.’

I nearly choked on my breath. His words hit me like a rock on the face, and I clutched Molly tighter as heavy footsteps echoed outside the storage room. My heart was pounding so violently that I thought it would give us away.

I knew Julian had a duty towards the pack. I knew he was the Alpha first. But at that moment, I needed my mate. Our daughter needed her father. And once again, we were not his first priority. 

Tears burned my eyes as I held my little girl, whispering soothing words I barely believed myself. It made me wonder—

Why did Julian never consider his family’s needs first?