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My daughter Aria was hospitalized due to nut allergy, but my Alpha mate’s Omega mistress Vivian gave Aria nut chocolate as a gift. I suppressed my anger and refused, but Marcus frowned and scolded me:"Serena, Vivian meant well. She didn't know about the allergy."

My mate Marcus Blackthorne is the Alpha of Blackwater Pack. Border conflicts had erupted suddenly, forcing him to patrol our territory for several days.

He returned just in time for our daughter's discharge from hospital, driving over to pick us up.

The moment we met, he pulled Aria and me into his embrace.

My nose caught a hint of nightshade perfume. He knew I was allergic to nightshade. He'd never worn anything with that scent before.

Aria snuggled against him playfully. I watched them with a smile tugging at my lips.

Until I got in the car and saw the woman sitting in the back seat.

She was stunning. Gorgeous features, wearing a tight black V-neck dress that hugged every curve.

She stared directly at me with a careless smile.

"Hello, I'm Vivian, the Alpha's new personal secretary."

I looked at Marcus. His tone was flat.

"She needed a ride. Same direction."

But when had an Alpha in his position ever personally driven a subordinate anywhere?

Especially when picking up his mate and daughter.

Vivian looked apologetic. "Please don't misunderstand. My leg was injured by silver poisoning. The Alpha was worried I couldn't manage on my own."

I turned to look at her. Around her ankle was an elegant chain with a delicate purple healing stone attached. Marcus's favorite stone that he always carried with him.

She handed me an expensive-looking gift bag.

"I've been patrolling the territory with the Alpha these past few days. There was this place that offered chocolate-making experiences. The Alpha and I made some together. I thought your little one might enjoy it, so I brought some for Aria."

When Vivian started opening the box to pull out a chocolate-covered nut ball for Aria, I finally couldn't stay silent. My heart clenched tight.

"Thank you, Miss Vivian, but Aria has a severe nut allergy. She can't eat that. Please put it away." I kept my voice steady but firm.

Vivian's hand froze mid-air. Something stiff flashed across her face before she replaced it with an understanding smile. "Oh, I see. Sorry, I didn't know. But don't worry, this is pure cocoa butter chocolate with almonds. Very healthy..."

"Aren't almonds nuts?" I asked, barely containing my anger.

Marcus, focused on driving, suddenly frowned. His tone carried a hint of impatience. "Serena, Vivian meant well. She didn't know about the allergy."

I pressed my lips together. I didn't respond to Marcus. I just stared at the box in Vivian's hands.

Aria pulled back her small hand that had been reaching out. She said quietly, "Thank you, Miss Vivian, but Aria can't eat nuts. They make me itchy." Her little hand unconsciously scratched at her delicate arm, as if remembering the discomfort of past reactions.

Vivian's smile faded slightly. She looked embarrassed as she pulled her hand back. "Oh... I'm so sorry." She quietly put the small box back in her bag.

The car pulled up smoothly in front of a run-down safe house.

She got out, walking briskly in her high heels. She moved perfectly fine. Nothing like someone who couldn't walk properly.

As we drove home, Marcus's voice turned gentle again.

"Don't be upset. She's just an Omega. She's capable at work, perfectionist about everything. Sometimes she's so stubborn she won't even listen to me. I value her work ethic, that's why I look after her."

His eyes crinkled with amusement.

We'd just stopped in front of our building when he suddenly leaned over to kiss my cheek.

I didn't pull away.

From the back seat, Aria suddenly spoke up. "Mommy, Miss Vivian smelled really nice. Like Daddy."

Marcus's smile froze.

I pretended not to care and laughed it off.

"Daddy's car naturally smells like Daddy. What does that have to do with Miss Vivian?"

"Oh." Aria seemed to half-understand.

I got out to lift her from the car.

When I looked up at Marcus, he spoke coolly.

"If raising Aria is wearing you out, I can hire professionals to help."

"She's the little princess of Blackwater Pack's future Alpha heir. I can't let your negligence ruin her upbringing."

From the day I became Marcus's mate, I knew I'd have to learn to tolerate my partner's wandering attention.

He'd kept other women before. Had his share of one-night stands.

I'd made a scene once, when Aria was just a baby.

That was the first time I'd seen him truly angry.

When he was furious, his face turned ice-cold. Cold enough to make anyone shiver.

"Serena, I need you to understand something. I'm an Alpha. Having lovers is completely normal. As my mate, you should understand that. Focus your energy on raising our daughter. Don't interfere with my business."

I thought about our daughter's future.

In the end, that whole drama didn't even make a ripple before it died down.

After that, I learned to behave. I stopped caring about him and those other women.

But we used to love each other so much.