Chapter 4 Fire

Celeste pressed her fingers against her temple, narrowing her eyes at the glowing screen. A wave of dizziness swept over her, forcing her to lean back.  

At that same moment, the door creaked open, and Leah walked in.  

“How’s the project going? Wait, why do you look so pale?”  

“I’m fine. Just tired,” Celeste murmured, forcing a faint smile at Leah.  

Leah studied her for a moment before moving closer and pulling out her phone.  

“There’s good news. Dawnfall wants to collaborate with the agency.”  

Celeste’s eyes widened slightly. Securing a deal with Dawnfall was a rare opportunity. 

“Are you sure it’s Dawnfall?” The question barely left Celeste’s lips when Leah leaned in, showing her the email on her phone.  

A smile bloomed on Celeste’s face. “Get the documents ready. We need a proper contract, and don’t make mistakes.”  

Leah nodded. “I’ll handle it.”  

As Leah left, Celeste’s phone chimed. She glanced at the screen.  

“Is everything sorted out? Need me to help with anything?” — Brother 

The message read.  

Seeing the name flashing on the screen, Celeste’s lips twitched.  

“Thank you. I can solve it.” She typed a quick response. For the first time, she truly felt what it was like to have a family—a genuine warmth that was so different from the hollow concern Alaric had always shown her.

The rest of the day passed in a blur as she worked through the Dawnfall negotiations and other unfinished business.  

By nightfall, exhaustion weighed heavily on her, and her eyes grew too heavy to lift.  

Still, resisting the mate bond while pushing herself through endless work had taken a toll on her body.  

When the dizziness became unbearable, she drove to SilverMoon Medical Center.  

The hospital visit was brief. Celeste left the hospital, only to stop when someone stepped into her path.  

Teresa.  

“So, what is it this time? Pregnant again?” Teresa sneered.  

“I do not want this conversation.” Celeste attempted to walk away, but Teresa grabbed her hand.  

“Where do you think you’re going, bitch?” Teresa spat making Celeste hissed.

“Let go, or I won’t be kind—”  

“Oh, shut up. I’ve always despised that Luna act of yours.” Teresa moved closer. “Mark my words. You will not be allowed to keep any child as long as you remain in this pack. I will not let you threaten my place in Alaric’s heart.”  

Celeste almost laughed.  

Did they not all know she wanted a divorce?  

“You can shove him up your ass. I don’t care.” Celeste turned to walk away when Teresa’s voice pinned her in place.  

“Of course you don’t. After all, you’re just a barren woman who can’t bear pups, unlike me with two beautiful children.”  

Celeste’s fingers curled into fists. Against her better judgment, she turned around.  

“The car accident two years ago and then the stairs from the other day. Were they both intentional?” she asked, trying hard to remain calm.  

Teresa chuckled. “Someone uses their head.”  

It was not a direct confirmation, but it was almost as good as one.  

Teresa stepped closer. “Why don’t you do us all a favour and leave the pack? Or better yet, go carve out your useless womb. A barren woman like you could never beat me.”  

That snapped the final thread of Celeste’s control.  

She stepped forward and slapped Teresa twice across the face.  

“You vile witch!” Teresa shrieked, clutching her cheek.  

Celeste didn’t even give her the chance to say another word before she slapped her again.  

Shock rippled across Teresa’s face this time.  

Shock rippled across Teresa’s features at the strength that came from a mere omega like Celeste.

“Do not dare speak about my children, do you hear me?” Celeste spat, her eyes blazing gold. “The next time you cross me, I won’t just strike that rotten face. I’ll tear you apart with my bare hands.”  

With one final growl, Celeste turned and walked away.  

~~  

Alpha Alaric loosened his wristwatch as he listened to his mother rage.  

“That woman hit Teresa. You know how influential Teresa's family is! We need to punish Celeste before they think we support her.”  

Alaric exhaled. “I’ve told you, Mom. That’s between them.”  

“Teresa’s mother intends to seek justice for her daughter!” Gowen added.  

Still, Alaric said nothing.  

He knew  Celeste was an orphan. Without him, she had no one to stand up for her or protect her, and he also knew how much influence Teresa’s family possessed.  

With a heavy sigh, he grabbed his keys and left. Even as his mother kept yelling behind him, he didn’t halt.  

Knowing Celeste had an apartment in the pack, he drove there.  

Without knocking, he forced the door open.  

Celeste turned sharply, dressed in sweatpants and a loose shirt, a glass of water in her hand.  

“What are you doing here?”  

“We need to leave. It’s not safe here.” His gaze hardened. “And why did you hit Teresa?”  

Celeste stared at him coldly. “It seems you’re forgetting that I divorced you. I don’t owe you an explanation.” She waved him off, settling the glass down.  

“But it’s not safe. And I never signed the divorce papers.”  

“I don’t care. I don’t fucking care, and I definitely don’t need your protection. Get out.” She gestured toward the door.  

Alaric stared at her for a moment before sweeping her off her feet and tossing her over his shoulder.  

“Hey! Drop me right now! This is kidnapping!”  

He ignored her protests until he reached his private cabin, nestled deep within his territory.

He kicked the door open and threw her on the couch.  

“Are you insane? Why did you bring me here?” Celeste’s nose flared in anger.  

“Don’t fight me. You really know how to get yourself into trouble. Whatever. It’s not safe, so just stay here, okay?” 

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a diamond bracelet. “I brought this for you.”  

Celeste slapped the bracelet away.  

“If you think I will be bought over by a bracelet, you are sorely mistaken.”  

“Don’t push your luck while I’m still willing to tolerate you.” His gaze pinned her in place. Then his phone rang.

Celeste watched as he answered the call with a furrowed brow. “Oh, I’ll be there soon,” he murmured.  

Celeste’s stomach churned.  

Wasn’t he the same man who claimed he wanted to protect her?  

Yet the moment Teresa called, he rushed back to her.  

What had she even expected from him?  

“Just stay here, Celeste. I’ll be back soon.” He said before sauntering out.  

The door slammed shut behind him. A second later, Celeste heard the unmistakable sound of the lock clicking.  

Her eyes widened in realization.  

He had locked her inside.  

Meanwhile, Teresa sat across from her mother, a satisfied smile on her face.  

“I didn’t know you’d come so soon. So, what’s the plan?”  

“You don’t have to stain your hands. I’ll handle this,” her mother assured her.  

Before Teresa could respond, Alaric’s voice sounded from outside.  

“Teresa...”  

She immediately rushed to the bed and pulled the duvet over herself just as the door opened, and Alaric strode inside.  

His gaze softened when he saw her.  

“Greetings, Alpha,” Teresa’s mother said with a small bow.  

He nodded before sitting at the edge of the bed. “I heard you’re not feeling well?”  

He placed the back of his hand against Teresa’s forehead.  

Teresa caught his hand. “Alpha, can you stay with me tonight? I don’t want to be alone.”  

“Teresa, your mom is here and—”  

“I need to leave soon anyway,” her mother interrupted with a smile.  

Alaric’s face stiffened.  

Just as he was about to decline, his Beta’s voice suddenly echoed through his mind.  

Alpha, the cabin you purchased has just been set ablaze.  

Alaric froze, cold air clung to him like a second skin.

The cabin?  

It couldn't be the same cabin he had locked Celeste in right? 

Right?