Four

Martha

As I sifted through the files on my desk, a throbbing headache pulsed in my temple. I gently massaged it with my left hand, trying to find some relief.

The pack account statements needed my attention, and I couldn't afford to leave them unattended. It was a weekly routine that fell on my shoulders since no one else would take care of it.

Just as I delved into the second pile of documents, a knock on my door interrupted my concentration. "Come in," I replied, my gaze barely lifting as the person entered. It turned out to be one of the servants.

"Luna, I wanted to inform you that Alpha Lucian has returned," the servant said politely, instantly grabbing my interest.

My fingers froze on the document sheet I was about to turn over. Lucian is back? How peculiar. Blinking away my thoughts, I refocused on the waiting servant, forcing a smile.

“Thank you for telling me,” he bowed and left.

I slumped in my chair, my heart heavy with frustration and resentment. It had been days since Lucian vanished, leaving a void that seemed impossible to fill. His disregard for anyone's thoughts or feelings pierced me like a thousand needles, a constant reminder of his selfishness.

The weight of his absence gnawed at my soul, fueling a fiery anger that threatened to consume me. He had forsaken his duty as an Alpha, abandoning his responsibilities with an air of authoritarian indifference. It was a bitter pill to swallow, knowing that the one meant to protect and guide us had become a symbol of betrayal.

I let out a heavy sigh, the weight of the day consuming me. I set the pen down, closing the documents. Thoughts of Lucian filled my mind, but amidst the stress, my thoughts drifted to a different realm. Alex.

Just two days ago, I asked him to tail Lucian, a simple task that held a hidden desire. The memory of our passionate encounter lingers, igniting a fire within me. His touch, his gaze, the way he made me feel—sensual and intoxicating.

As I lean back in my chair, I can't help but yearn for more.

The forbidden allure of our connection dances in my thoughts, tempting me to explore uncharted territories. I remember the way our bodies moved together, the intensity of his hold, and the undeniable chemistry we shared.

Regret lingers in my heart as I pushed him away, but now, the desire for his touch consumes me once again. I should have let him fuck me till I couldn't use my legs to walk back home.

As I scolded myself once again, the weight of my forbidden desires grew heavier.

The allure of Alex, so young and tempting, tugged at my thoughts. But I couldn't succumb to such reckless acts. My loyalty to Lucian and the consequences of infidelity held me back.

The age difference made it feel wrong, and the fleeting pleasure would only lead to more pain.

Lucian's dominance and possessiveness were not to be underestimated. I couldn't risk his wrath or someone's life for a momentary affair. So, I pushed Alex aside and focused on what truly mattered.

I could feel the anger bubbling inside me, fueling my determination to get the answers I deserved. "Don't you dare dismiss me like that, Lucian," I snapped, my voice laced with frustration. "I may be your Luna, but that doesn't mean I don't deserve honesty and respect. So, I'll ask you again, where have you been?"

Lucian's eyes narrowed, a flicker of irritation crossing his face. "You think you have the right to question me?" he retorted, his voice dripping with condescension.

"Yes, I do!" I shot back, my voice trembling with a mix of anger and hurt. "We're supposed to be partners, Lucian. Partners who communicate and trust each other. But lately, it feels like I'm just a burden to you."

He sighed, his expression softening slightly. "Martha, there are things I can't share with you right now. It's for your own safety."

I scoffed, my anger intensifying. "Safety? Is that what you call it? Leaving me in the dark, wondering where my own husband has been? That's not safety, Lucian. That's betrayal."

His gaze softened, a hint of regret in his eyes. "I never wanted to hurt you, Martha. But there are forces at play that you can't understand."

"Well, maybe it's time you start trusting me enough to let me in," I replied, my voice filled with determination. "I deserve to know the truth, Lucian. No more secrets."

Lucian's determined gaze shifted away as he spoke, "Don't worry, just focus on taking care of Star. This will all be over soon." Frustration boiled within me, and I couldn't hold back any longer.

"Do you even know what the Pack members are saying about you? And about me?!" I practically screamed, clinging to the last bit of sanity. "They're talking about how your new taxes and laws are cruel. They're calling you evil. Now they're expecting me to fix the mess you created all by yourself! What's your problem?! Seriously, what's going on? If there's something you're not telling me, please share. I'm sick and tired of these complaints. Let's tackle the problem together and restore stability in the pack." My voice cracked towards the end, drained and emotionally spent.

I just want things to go back to normal, even if there's animosity between us.

Lucian's rage boiled over, his words lashing out at me. "Keep your mouth shut! You were a good Luna before, never questioning me. Figure out what's wrong with you!" He stormed out, slamming the door with a force that nearly broke it.

I collapsed onto the bed, stunned and exhausted. His anger only confirmed my suspicions that he was hiding something. I can't continue living in ignorance.