Chapter 3

Fortunately, Sophia's "fall" wasn't serious. After a routine checkup, Elias took her back to her hospital room.

I stood in the doorway watching him fuss over her—fluffing pillows, adjusting blankets, checking the IV. He moved around her so carefully, you’d think they’d been mates for eight years.

And me? I felt like the other woman, crashing someone else’s relationship.

"Eli, let Luna Elena come in."

Sophia's voice drifted out, weak and breathy.

Elias glanced at me, then looked away too quickly, like he couldn’t face me.

I took a breath and walked into the room. The air felt too warm, too close.

“Luna Elena, please don’t be mad at Alpha Eli.”

She sat propped against the pillows, one hand on her belly, pale against the sheets. “I asked him to call you. We need to talk properly.”

I pressed my lips together. She put on her sweet, wounded act, pretending to be the victim. I refused to play along.

Elias sat beside me and took my hand. His scent was different now—something sweet mixed with the pine I used to know. Guilt shadowed his face.

“Lena, there’s something I need to explain.” He hesitated, then went on.

"Sophie and I ran into each other at a gala. Some rogues were hassling her on the way back to the hotel. I helped." His thumb traced circles on my hand—a gesture that used to comfort me. "Those rogues had heatstones. The kind that mess with your head. We both got hit, and... that's when it happened. When the pup was conceived."

He looked at me carefully, regret heavy in his eyes. His grip tightened.

"You're the only one I've ever cared about. From the beginning." His voice dropped. "I know this is awful for you, but the pup didn't ask for any of this. He's my blood. I can't turn my back on him."

He leaned closer.

"But listen—after he's born, I'll register him under your name. You'll be his mom. I just need you to understand."

When he finished, he watched me with so much hope. Waiting for me to say it was okay.

I kept my head down. Tears stung my eyes.

So this was his choice. He'd picked Sophia and their child.

The betrayal hurt, sure. But the lying—that hurt most. Why didn't he just tell me? Why cut our mate bond in secret, then fake a new one to cover it all up?

Elias's hand squeezed mine, pulling me back to the moment.

Sophia saw my face and her eyes went red and watery.

"Luna Elena, I swear I didn't mean to get between you two."

Her voice trembled. She glanced at Elias, then back at me, biting her lower lip.

"But I didn't have a choice. My body's weak—if I don't keep this baby, I'll never be able to have another one."

Tears slid down her cheeks. Her shoulders shook as her voice trembled. “Please. Let me keep him. Please?”

The sobs sounded almost rehearsed.

My chest tightened. I was going to be a mother too. I knew what a child meant—the fierce need to protect, the willingness to do anything.

So I drew in a breath and forced a smile.

“I’m not mad. I get it.”

Elias blinked, startled. The old me might’ve listened to him on most things. But cheating? That had always been my hard line.

"Lena, you really mean that?"

I nodded, a bitter curve on my lips.

"Elias, we both need to think about Crimson Moon. You need an heir. A pack this size needs someone to succeed you."

I paused, choosing my words. My fingers trembled slightly in his grip, but I pushed forward.

"Here's what we'll do—bring Sophie back to the packhouse. The other Omegas can look after her. Or if you're worried, she can stay at our place. I'll set up a room and get someone to handle her meals and nutrition."

Relief washed across his face. His whole body relaxed.

“Lena, thank you. Goddess, you’re amazing.”

He kissed my hand in gratitude.

Sophia dabbed at her eyes, peeking at me through her lashes. “Thank you, Luna Elena. You’re so kind.” Her voice still trembled, but behind it, I caught a flicker of satisfaction.

I felt… nothing. No anger. No jealousy. Only hollow.

"If we're done here, I should get going," I said to Elias.

"I need to get things ready. Make sure this pup gets here safe."

Elias nodded, guilt still heavy on his face.

"Yeah. Go ahead. Once things calm down a bit, I'll make it up to you. I promise."

I smiled—thin, empty—and said nothing.

Then I turned and walked out.

Behind me, I could hear Sophia's soft laugh, Elias's low murmur in response. The kind of quiet intimacy that used to be ours.

The hallway felt cooler. Cleaner. My hand moved to my stomach.

The elevator dinged. I stepped inside and watched the doors slide shut, cutting off the hospital room. Cutting off them.