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Elysia's POV

It has been weeks since I last touched Tyler—two weeks, to be exact, since he even acknowledged me, and that was only on the day he moved in with her, claiming she needed him closer because of the baby.

Everyone loved Alicia and, like always, I didn't belong here, some couldn't help themselves when I was near, asking themselves why I was still here.

I was called desperate, power-hungry and even barren… and to top it all, Tyler and Alicia were everywhere, almost as though they were rubbing it in my face.

Tyler's recent behavior topped it all; he didn't seem to care about what I thought anymore. At first, his eyes apologized, but now he doesn’t even look my way.

“We both know he is hiding something”, my wolf taunts me almost every day.

Had there been a bit of lies in his truth?

I should have walked away without a second thought, I thought to myself.

No matter how much I tried convincing myself that Tyler was faithful and doing everything he could to avoid war, I knew I needed answers… reassurance.

Or perhaps it was my insecurities toying with me.

There was only one person who could give me the answers I desperately needed now… Alicia.

The encounter was inevitable, yet when I finally stood in front of her, I almost regretted coming.

Alicia leaned against the grand hall’s balcony, her fingers caressing the curve of her belly, a satisfied smirk playing on her lips.

She was taunting me to get a reaction, and she wasn't going to get any.

“I have been waiting for you to gather the courage to finally send for me, your stalking eyes haven't left my Alpha even since he left you” Alicia drawled, eyes gleaming with amusement.

“We should have had this talk when you came, but the timing just didn't seem right” I began.

Alicia arched a brow, then laughed almost mockingly, “This would be good, I'm all ears, darling”

“Why are you trying to make my life as unbearable as possible, using your pregnancy to–”

“WHAT! Is that what he told you?” she interrupted with a smirk growing on her face, this was a mistake because she was clearly enjoying this.

“Do you really think the council or your father can force him to love you after all this just like they had forced him into getting you pregnant–”

Alicia’s laughter cut through the air, sharp and mocking. “Wait, wait, wait—you mean to tell me he actually fed you that rehearsed bullshit? That he played the poor, helpless Alpha who was forced to betray his one true love? And you believed!”

I stiffened.

She continued laughing to her fill and as she got a grip of herself, she taunted, “You must be dumber than I thought because I had told him no woman would believe that”

With her taunting smile still plastered on her face, she took steps closer to me, lowering her voice as if savoring the moment. “If his reaction hasn't made it clear enough, then I'd tell you, he's my mate and this baby was no mistake”

Lies!

“More importantly, there were no threats. No one forced him into anything. Tyler chose me because he wanted me”

“No,” I whispered almost to myself as I shook my head.

“Oh yes, baby, he makes sure to remind me that every week before I came here and every night since I stopped your wedding like he had asked me to” Alicia purred.

“You have fed yourself with all these lies to try to hurt me? He loves me undoubtedly and all he needs is time until you give birth to your illegitimate child” I reassured myself, holding myself from breaking down.

“Why so pathetic?” She taunted before laughing once more, “why did you even think she'd pick you to be Luna, you slept with your former Alphas nephew and tried seducing his guards by whoring yourself –”

How could you really think he'd ever pick you to be Luna? A desperate little whore who spread her legs for her former Alpha’s nephew?”

Tyler told her?

“Let's be real to ourselves, you threw yourself at his guards like a bitch in heat, and now you actually believe he loves you? Wake up. You were nothing then, and you’re nothing now but a desperate Omega the—”

Unable to stop myself, I slapped her hard against the cheek but instead of anger, she smirked almost as though she had been waiting for this.

In horror, I watched as she scratched her cheek, dragging her nails deep enough to draw blood before dropping to the ground, screaming.

“I’m so sorry, please!” she cried, her voice trembling with fake terror. “Don’t hurt my baby!”

I froze, confused.

“What—?” I tried out to help her up, but she swatted my hand away.

And then I saw him, it seemed as though he had come into her view, hence her drama.

I scoffed in disbelief.

This was the devil!

He definitely wasn't going to believe her.

I watched as his eyes left her swatted figure to face me and all I could see was rage…

This was the point she was trying to prove.

I barely had time to process it before he was on me. His eyes flicked once more to Alicia’s bleeding cheek, and without hesitation, he shoved me hard against the wall. Pain shot through me as his hand cracked across my face.

“How dare you!” he yelled.

“Tyler…” I said in disbelief, holding my aching cheek, but the Tyler I knew was gone.

“You crazy woman, why did you have to go this far?” He continued.

Words couldn't describe anything, so I didn't even bother.

A tear slipped out, and it was as it jolted him back to reality—his grip loosened, and he let me drop before turning to pick her up.”

“Lock her up. ” was all he said before carrying Alicia into his arms and headed towards the door.

"Ty.. Tyler... why? I didn't do anything" I screamed

Was he drugged again? Because I couldn't understand why

He has never laid a on me in all our five years together.

“Tyler don't do that I'm sure she didn't mean…” Alicia butted in.

She was right, I didn't do anything, I barely even pushed her

"Did you not hear me?? I said lock her up. She deserves a befitting punishment for laying hands on my Luna"