Chapter 6

Vivienne

I panicked.

How could he ask me that? Now? After everything he did to me? My heart clenched, replaying the moment I walked out of the only home I ever knew.

***

I shoved clothes into my suitcase like a woman possessed, breath ragged, hands trembling. I didn’t look back. I couldn’t. If I did, I’d crumble. And I needed to be strong for the little life growing inside me. A pup born without a fated mate? That was blasphemy in this pack. And the Alpha’s words still echoed in my skull, each syllable a blade.

“You are no longer welcome here.”

Yeah, a woman received that back then but that was when Darius’ father led the pack and he still kept that law.

What the hell was I even going to tell Zara?

I barely zipped the suitcase when I sensed someone in the doorway. I turned, and there he was Dr. Oliver, the pack’s physician.

I straightened, forcing steel into my spine.

“If you expose me,” I said, chin raised, “then you're no better than this twisted regulation and your say that you will let me leave.”

His lips twitched like he wanted to argue but didn’t have the guts. “Miss Vivienne,” he sighed, “it’s not a rule. It’s pack law. Things are changing. We’re expanding. Gaining allies.”

“Oh, spare me the politics,” I snapped. “You think I don’t know how this works? You think they'd hesitate to silence me to keep things neat and pretty?”

His expression flickered. Guilt? Maybe. But it was gone too fast.

“I don’t want that,” he said finally. “You know I don’t. I gave you this out because... well, because of your mother. She was my friend.”

I scoffed. “Then don’t act like you’re doing me a favor. I’m surviving. That’s all.”

He huffed, clearly frustrated. “You don’t trust me?”

I looked away. My throat felt tight. My wolf, Shelby, growled inside me.

“Coward. We should’ve bit his hand when we had the chance.”

“Not now, Shelby.”

“I’m leaving,” I said, voice flat.

He nodded, but I saw the worry tighten around his eyes. “I know but where will you go?”

I pulled the plane ticket from my coat pocket and handed it to him without a word.

“New York?” he asked, brows lifting. “You have someone there?”

I clicked my tongue. “No. But I have money. The meds you gave me are enough to keep the pregnancy under wraps for now.”

He rubbed his jaw, staring at the ticket like it had cursed him. “It’s just... I recently solely heard you were close to the Alpha. I mean close. Do you think, maybe—just maybe—he’d make an exception?”

I laughed. Bitter. Cold.

“An exception?” I echoed. “For me?”

He hesitated, then nodded. “I only thought of it now. You were always by his side. I’m sorry for how I treated you last time we—”

“No.” I cut him off. “Don’t apologize for him.”

I looked him dead in the eye. “He’s not a monster. He’s worse. He’s a good Alpha. He’ll do anything to protect the pack. Even if it means sacrificing the people he once claimed to love.”

My voice cracked, but I didn’t stop.

“That’s what makes him dangerous.”

There was a long, heavy silence.

“…I’m sorry,” he said quietly.

I inhaled, then exhaled slowly. “Thank you,” I murmured. “But I trust you. Just this once.”

He nodded. “I’ll drive you to the airport.”

My lips curled into the tiniest, most tired smile. “Thank you. I’d like that.”

***

PRESENT DAY

I don’t think I can do this.

The air is too thick. The scents—so many wolves, so much power—choke me like invisible claws around my throat. If I don’t leave now, I might not leave at all.

My pulse races as I spot my son, Allistair, playing in the garden with another pup. He’s laughing, golden curls bouncing, cheeks flushed.

And then I see her.

Celestria.

The Luna.

Bent gracefully beside my child, brushing invisible dirt off his sleeve like she’s known him forever.

My breath hitches. Goddess—of all people. And yet… she doesn’t recognize me.

Good. Five years ago, I was the grime beneath her boots. Now? I’m a ghost in designer heels.

“Allistair, honey,” I call out gently, walking towards him with my heart in my throat.

He turns, smile faltering. “We’re leaving,” I add firmly.

His brows knit together, lip trembling just a little. “But… Mom…”

I crouch in front of him, brushing a leaf from his shirt.

“Baby,” I murmur, cupping his warm cheeks, “what did I say when mommy tells you something?”

He looks down, small voice barely above a whisper. “That I have to listen.”

I nod. “Exactly.”

“Okay,” he says, sighing as he slips his tiny hand into mine.

But before I can rise, a velvet voice slithers into my ears.

“Why so soon?” Celestria says with a soft smile that doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “Your son and my Lily seem to be getting along so well.”

Her tone is smooth. Too smooth. Like a blade dipped in honey.

I rise slowly, keeping my smile polite. “It’s an important matter,” I say, feigning calm. “Just something I need to handle.”

She tilts her head, brushing her silver-blonde hair behind her ear like she’s posing for a portrait. “You’re like an old friend to our Alpha, aren’t you? Surely you can trust us with your boy?”

Her gaze shifts to Allistair, eyes gleaming. “It’s good for pups to understand how our kind works. Learn about the strength, the clash… the legacy.”

Shelby growls inside me, all fangs and fire. “She’s playing nice? Don’t fall for that act, Vivienne. She smells like fake Chanel and ambition.”

I swallow the knot rising in my throat and answer sweetly, “That’s very thoughtful of you, Luna Celestria. But unfortunately, I can’t. I’ve got personal matters to handle—with my son.”

I keep my voice steady, but Goddess, I hope she doesn’t hear the fear crackling under my words.

She nods slowly, smirking. “Pity. But I suppose I’ll see you again soon.”

She turns, her smile curving into something sharper than her cheekbones.

I mirror her expression—just enough to be civil—and walk away with my son, hand gripped tighter than necessary.

“Mom,” Allistair chirps as we stride across the stone path, “she’s so nice! And Lily, too! Her dad’s awesome, Mom. I wish I had a dad like him.”

I freeze for half a second.

My heart is pounding so loudly I’m sure the wolves nearby can hear it.

He’s picking up the scent. Even if he doesn’t know it yet—his instincts do. That’s his blood talking.

I should’ve trusted my gut.

I never should’ve come here.

I won’t let him get near that man again. I won’t.

“Vivienne!”

I spin around to see Daisy jogging toward me, high heels clicking like war drums.

“I have to—”

“You’re not going anywhere,” she says breathlessly. “We’re invited. The Alpha King also invited you. You, your son—dinner tonight. Moonshadow Pack. No excuses.”

My stomach drops. Ice trickles down my spine.

Dinner… with him.

No. No no no.

“What?”

“And he also noted, bring your partner.”