Chapter 1

Hazel's POV

The doctor’s words still rang in my ears as I took a slow drive home. The golden ray of the sun casted a warm glow on the trees and grasses, giving it a touch of serenity and warmth; maybe it was just me, but the scenery outside was beautiful and soothing at the same time. Old women were out, dragging a dolly for their groceries and students chatted among themselves, their mischief filled voices bringing a wide smile to my lips. 

When I was a child, I’d walk across the same streets, whining and fussing over the hottest boy in class, but now, the most charming man in my life is Liam. I tucked a few strands of my hair behind my ears and stepped on the accelerator, eager to tell my husband the news, the good news we'd been expecting for a while.

Liam and I have been married for two years, but even as the years progressed, our love became stronger and stronger. I can't really tell if it's because we're mates, but I can't think of a better husband than Liam. Being pregnant for a man like him is like a dream come true. Soon, I would birth pups for the Alpha of my pack. 

“Honey, I'm home” I pushed the door open and fumbled with the pregnancy report in my hands. It was past seven, Liam should be back from work. I walked past the living room and ascended the stairs to our bedroom, but Liam wasn't there. If Liam would come late from work, he would have told me that same morning, but his unusual absence today made my breath hitch as a weight pressed down on my shoulders. I tucked the pregnancy report in my back pocket, shook off the uneasy feeling in my bones, and strode towards the kitchen to prepare dinner. 

Most times we would prepare dinner together, but standing in the kitchen without him whispering sweet nothings in my ear made my throat tight. I reached for the pasta in the kitchen cabinet and started preparing dinner. Half way done, soft footsteps filled my ears, followed by the soft click of the door. Liam. 

I wiped my hands with a towel and strode outside to welcome him from work. However, the strong, heavy smell of alcohol hit my nose immediately I stepped into the living room. I furrowed my brows, my eyes fixed on the large, tall frame which stood by the window side. “Liam?” my legs found their way towards him, and I took in his posture. His strong firm hands were resting on the window as he stared at the scenery outside, blending with the shadow the sun casted on the sides. He looked like a model on the run-way in his black suit.

Liam was never this gloomy like the sky after a heavy rainfall. Once he's back from work, he would throw kisses all over my face and tell me how much he loves me over and over again, but his unusually gloomy attitude made my heart skip a beat. I shook my head and tapped his shoulders, “Honey?” I scrunched up my nose, disgusted by the scent of alcohol. Liam knew how much I hate alcohol, but he drank to the point of stupor? 

“What is it, Hazel?” Liam turned to face me, his voice strained like talking to me was taking the last bit of his strength. I took a few steps backwards, then forward again, wanting to understand why he was acting off. I reached for his black tie and helped him take it off, “What's with the attitude, honey? I'm worried about you.” my voice was barely above a whisper and his eyes softened. He grazed my cheeks with his hands and I leaned into his touch, “I'm fine, don't worry about me.” 

“I have nothing else to do than to worry about you, honey.” I pressed, helping him out of his suit, “If I don't worry about you, who else would?” I hung his suit on the hanger and approached him with a smile, “I'll be done with dinner soon, wait here and I'll be right back.” I said, taking slow strides towards the kitchen, but Liam's grip on my hands made me halt. 

“Wait.” His voice was low, breathy, and I could tell that he was deeply worried about something. In one swift movement, I turned and faced him, “Liam, I'm always here for you, but now you have to eat dinner.” I explained, but he shook his head, a complicated expression on his face. He took in a deep breath and tightened his grip on my hands, “Hazel, I..” 

“Let's not talk about the fact that you're drunk.” I chuckled, slightly uneasy, “I'll forgive you today. Just today, okay?” 

“That's not it.” he said, his eyes not meeting mine. I lowered my gaze and took in his appearance for the second time, checking if he had any injuries, but he appeared fine. I couldn't point out anything strange, but my heart pounded loudly in my ears as a chill crept up my spine. “Then what's wrong?” It came out louder than I intended; not that I wanted it to, it was just in my character to raise my voice whenever my emotions were going haywire. 

“Hazel, I want you to know that I've loved you unconditionally for two years, and..” I raised my hands, holding him halfway. Loved? “Liam, what on earth is going on?” I breathed, feeling a rush of emotions at the same time. Fear, sadness, worry, name it. 

I took a few steps backwards and flashed him a smile, “I’ll give you some time alone, honey. Let me hurry up with dinner.” This was me chickening out of my problems without facing them, but Liam was hell bent on having this conversation. 

“Stop mentioning the damn dinner and let me talk!” He growled, using his Alpha authority on me. I am an omega. I can't force it and talk whenever he asks me not to, but hearing him growl at me for the very first time made my eyes water.  

A few deafening seconds later, I swallowed nervously and rubbed my palm on my thigh. “Fine, talk.” 

Liam ran his hands through his hair and walked towards the window. He leaned his large frame on the wall and directed his gaze towards me, “Hazel, this is for the best, okay?” he said softly and I swallowed hard. What's for the best? I sunk my nails into my flesh and bit my lips, “Liam, stop keeping me in the dark. I'm confused here.” 

“I know, I know, it's just hard to get myself together.” 

“Then should I…”

“Don't leave, just stay.” He cut me off, his tone hard and stiff. I threw my hands in the air and forced out a smile, “Then go on with it, Liam. I'm starving and I….”

“Let's get a divorce.”