Alpha's Regret: Mated with My Ex's Uncle

Camelia's POVThe morning light filtered through the Shadow Forest, hitting my face in patches, but it couldn't reach the hollow space where my heart used to be.Last night, when I told Eugenia I was breaking the bond, she just pulled me into a tight hug."Don't be scared, Camelia," she whispered, her voice rock-steady. "Whatever you decide, I'm with you."She took me out of the Ironclaw territory to a hidden shifter bar in downtown LA.The cheap, burning liquor scorched my throat as I watched the crowd lose their minds on the dance floor. For the first time, the "mating bond" felt like a lead shackle around my neck.Alcohol didn't numb me. It made everything sharper.I knew that to walk away from Esmond for good, I needed more than just a plan—I needed leverage.My father's medical bills were currently tied to the Ironclaw's payroll.I had to get back to work and get my own money. Financial independence was my only real shot at freedom.When I finally left the bar and walked back into

Camellia's POVThe Ironclaw Pack held monthly gatherings, usually just for their inner circle.Ever since Esmond and I did that moonlit mate vow thing, I'd been dragged to every single one.Most pack members treated me okay since they saw Esmond as the future Alpha.However, the Daltons—Alpha Drogo's family—were always throwing shade.I used to tell myself I didn't care as long as Esmond loved me.But now? I could no longer deceive myself.The packhouse smelled like burnt pine resin and roasted venison tonight. Twelve wolf-head lanterns hung from the ceiling, casting flickery shadows.I sat frozen at the vanity while Esmond leaned against the doorframe, his stupid cologne of pine needles and lemon verbena stinging my nose."Alpha Drogo's waiting," he said, adjusting that tacky Ironclaw pin on his black suit.The silver thorns etched into it made my eyes hurt."I'm not going." I yanked off my pearl earrings. The clatter in the jewelry box echoed way too loud.Esmond's jaw twitched."How

Camellia's POVSpotlights burned into us from every direction. I could practically taste the curiosity dripping from their stares.I opened my mouth, but Esmond grabbed my hand first. "We're working on it, okay?"His voice went two octaves higher than necessary. He was trying to project confidence and control in front of everyone."The kid thing is already in the plans." His shaky delivery completely ruined the "confident future Alpha" act.My fingers twitched to pull away, but his grip turned vise-tight.Fine. If he wanted to play dirty...I tilted my head just enough to expose the faded bite mark."We're not true mates," my calm voice cut through the tension. "Never completed the bond. And lately? Our connection's been... glitchy."The crowd erupted like someone dropped a grenade in the punch bowl.Murmurs rose from the crowd. The gazes turned more surprised and puzzled.Esmond's grip on my hand tightened abruptly. His face darkened considerably.Sensing the pain in my wrist, I frown

Esmond's POVAfter I finished speaking, the other end of the phone fell silent, except for the faint sound of sobbing.I felt a wave of irritation."Mr. Dalton, are you asking where I am so you can force me to go to the hospital and get an abortion?"I answered her with silence."Where are you, exactly?" My knuckles turned white as I gripped the phone, and the reflection in the floor-to-ceiling window showed my distorted face.Hazel's sobs crackled through the line. "If you don't want this child, I'll raise it on my own. He'll never know who his real father is..."The tip of my pen dug into the solid wood desk, leaving a dent. I listened to her fake, choked sobs and let out a cold laugh. "Need I remind you how many condoms we went through last month during your heat? The pregnancy rate between non-mates is only 3%. You must be really special.""Mr. Dalton!" she suddenly shrieked. "How can you insult me like this?"I loosened my tie and undid the top two buttons of my shirt. The cold gl

Camellia's POVThe pinewood in the fireplace crackled, sending a burst of sparks into the air.I brushed the ash off my shawl, the scent of Esmond's pine-needle cologne lingering in the foyer like a spider's web, trailing up the stairs.I sniffed lightly, surprised he'd followed me to the bedroom."Where did you go today?" He leaned against the doorframe, watching me. "Kelsey said you left before dawn."I set my bag on the table, my tone flat. "Job hunting, obviously.""Which company? Do you want me to put in a word for you?"I frowned, turning to face him. "This is my business. Stay out of it."If he went and recommended me to some company, how would that be any different from him arranging a position for me at Dalton Group? I'd still be under his watchful eye.He suddenly grabbed my wrist, his cologne mixed with a faint metallic tang of blood hitting me like a wave. "Why won't you let me help? I can get you into Dalton Group.""And let the entire pack know I'm being kept by my mate?"