Chapter 2

ALESSIA

Last night, Max didn’t come home. And I knew exactly where he was—I didn’t need to humiliate myself by asking the maids.  

As I sat alone in the dining room, the Omegas’ whispers drifted in from the corridor. 

“If I were in her shoes, I would’ve left already. Imagine your husband getting bored with you already… how embarrassing.”

“Of course. Especially when your rival is someone like Clementine Fiore and you’re just a human. What chance does she even have?”

When Max was here, none of them would dare speak like that. 

Even if he only sat across from me in silence, his thoughts clearly elsewhere—with Clementine—his presence alone was enough to shield me. And without it… I was nothing here.

I set down my fork.

Then retreated to my room and opened my laptop.

I opened my email, and there it was. The message I had been searching for was buried in the depths of my inbox for years.

Westvale Medical College — Admission Offer.

My breath caught.

Westvale had been my dream since I was a child, since the day my parents first placed medical tools in my small hands and showed me how they save lives. But a car accident took them from me. The world I had known ended at their graveside.

That was when I met Ragnar. He introduced himself as Beta of Blacksteel Pack, the man whose life my parents saved.

“From now on you're my daughter,” the Beta told me, hands steady on my shoulders, “I swear I will protect your life.”

And he did.

Ragnar’s presence became my shield, so I was safe in the Blacksteel, and I almost believed I belonged. Until Ragnar fell ill, that was when the truth of this world revealed itself. Among werewolves, a human was less than nothing.

More than once, I had thought of running — of going to Westvale, back to human society. But before he died, he did one last thing to protect me, arranging the marriage between me and Max.

My eyes dropped to the contact number at the bottom of the email.

Without giving myself time to overthink, I dialed.

“Westvale Medical College, how may I help you?” A cheerful voice answered almost immediately. 

“Hello. This is Alessia Stone,” I said, my voice trembling. “I was accepted to Westvale three years ago.”

There was a brief pause.

“Miss Stone? Is that really you?!” The voice suddenly brightened with recognition. “Of course! We remember you very well. We were wondering what happened. Are you alright?”

“Yeah, I’m fine,” I replied. “I just couldn’t start back then. But I want to try again now, is it still possible?”

“Try?” she laughed warmly. “There’s no need to try! We would be thrilled to have you finally. Your credentials were outstanding, and you can come whenever you feel ready.”

“Thank you,” I whispered. Then a new worry surfaced. “But there’s one thing… my situation is different now. I’m pregnant. Will that affect my acceptance?”

“Not at all,” she said gently. “You don’t need to worry. We’ll provide a supportive environment for both you and your baby. Everything will be fine.”

“Thank you. Thank you so much.”

Relief flooded through me so suddenly that my eyes burned. 

I had buried that dream the day I became Max’s Luna, folding it away like something impossible.

But now here it was—waiting for me to claim it.

I didn’t hesitate. I rose from the bed and began packing my luggage.

I didn’t take much, only the necessities. It was hard enough not to look at the rest. Our wedding photos I placed everywhere of the house.The dresses Max had chosen for me. The necklace he once said suited me. The crystal vases he brought back from business trips, smiling as if he had thought of me the entire time.

If I kept them, I would keep the illusion too. The version of him I had painted in my head.

So I threw them away. Every single one.

The next few days, I prepared in silence.

I folded clothes. Sorted documents. Packed toiletries into my bag. 

When my phone rang, I barely paused—I grabbed it without looking.

“Westvale-"

“Luna.”

The cold, familiar voice cut through my greeting like a blade.

My breath caught. “Doctor Myra?”

“Yes, it’s me,” she replied. “I hope I’m not intruding. I’ve sent the Lunar Bloom Infusion—it will prevent your body from rejecting the wolf DNA. It will help both you and your baby stay healthy. Take it for three days, and when you’ve finished, let me know. I’ll send more.”

“Thank you, Doctor Myra,” I said evenly. “But may I request something else?”

“Go on.”

“Please send enough for nine months of pregnancy,” I said carefully. “So you won’t need to keep sending it repeatedly. It will be easier for both of us.”

There was a pause.

Then, “Very well. I will arrange it.”

I thanked her quietly.

Two weeks.

In two weeks… I would be gone.

-----

The potion arrived that afternoon, tucked inside a small, unmarked box. I carried it to my room and, with a glass of water, swallowed the first pill.

“We’ll leave soon, my love,” I whispered, pressing a hand to my stomach. “We’ll start over a new life, just you and me. I promise I’ll do everything to make you happy.”

The calm of the moment shattered with the sudden commotion outside.

Omegas rushing, tires screeching—the sound of Max's car I knew all too well.

I rushed downstairs to find the servants clustered by the door.

“What’s happening?” I asked, stepping closer. 

And then my gaze locked on him—Max. 

My chest tightened further when I saw the possessive curl of his hand around Clementine’s waist.

“Welcome back, Alpha. Lady Clementine,” the servants intoned in unison, bowing low.

My heart thudded painfully. 

“What is this?” I asked, my gaze never leaving my husband. “Why wasn’t I told you were coming back today? And why bring Clementine here?”

“Don’t start,” Max said, his tone sharp and clipped. “Clementine is sick. I’m not in the mood for an argument."

He brushed past me, supporting her unsteady frame as if she were fragile porcelain. 

I followed them as he guided her to a temporary guest room, instructing the servants to bring water and medicine. 

Max lowered her onto the bed with unnerving gentleness. Clementine’s face rested against his chest, until her eyes lifted to meet mine.

“Alessia?” Clementine’s voice was quiet, hesitant. “I had a panic attack, and Max said I should stay here. I hope you’re not mad at me.”

“Stay here?” I asked, my voice trembling, heat flaring behind my eyes. "In our own house?"

“Clementine suffered trauma from her mate,” Max said without looking at me. “This isn’t about you, Alessia. Do what’s expected—be civil and accept her.”

For a moment, I was silent.

“Max…” Clementine whispered weakly, her eyes flicking to me. “My back…."

He moved quickly, adjusting her position and slipping a pillow beneath her back.

“Better?”

“Yes, thank you,” Clementine murmured, her eyes flicking to me with a soft, coaxing gaze. “I don’t mean to trouble you, Alessia. I just can’t manage on my own. Max want me to be safe, I hope you understand.”

A fire ignited within me.

“To make her safe…" My gaze swept from her belly to my husband. "Was that really your only reason?”