Chapter 6

I rushed to get dressed. When I was done, Andrew was already waiting. We headed to the car in silence—just like always.

I didn’t bother trying to talk. I had learned my lesson. Every time I’d tried before, he’d shut me down with, “I need to focus on the road.” So I just stared out the window, letting the silence press down on me.

But then his phone rang.

Andrew’s brows furrowed. “What?! You fell and got hurt? I’ll be right there.”

He hung up and turned to me. “Something came up at work. I’ll catch up with you later.”

He pulled over and I got out, barely given a second glance before the car spun around and disappeared down the road.

I rolled my eyes. Of course it’s Ruby.

"Since when is a werewolf falling a 'serious injury'?" my wolf muttered. We both knew she was faking. And Andrew? Too blind to see it.

What stung most wasn’t just that he left me—it was the cruel reminder that he never came when I was the one lying in a hospital bed.

"You want to catch up with me later?" I whispered into the wind. "There won’t be a next time, Andrew."

I called a cab and soon arrived at my parents’ house.

Even from outside, I could hear laughter. Warm, lively. It stabbed at something deep inside me.

When I lived here, I’d never been part of that laughter. I never saw this version of my family. Even the nanny, Julie, had been more accepted than I ever was.

I took a breath and stepped inside.

Everyone was at the dining table—smiling, talking, full of joy. Luke was clutching his stomach from laughing. My parents were engaged in cheerful conversation with Jessica. Even Julie was glowing.

Then Mom looked up. “Look who’s here...”

“Hi,” I said flatly.

“Hi there, sis!” Jessica beamed.

She was the only one smiling at me. Everyone else fell silent, staring at me like I’d just crashed their perfect little world.

I hated this feeling. Like a stranger in my own home. But I walked in anyway, pretending not to notice the stares.

Jessica’s sweet, doll-like face remained kind. But I was the only one who knew what kind of monster lived beneath that sugar-coated shell.

“You’re finally here. Where’s Andrew?” she asked, feigning innocence.

“Busy with work,” I muttered, eyes lowered.

Luke scoffed. “Busy? Or just…you kept him away on purpose?”

His words made my pulse spike.

Jessica elbowed him. “LUKE! Don’t say that. Emma would never—”

“Oh come on,” Luke cut her off, sneering. “It’s obvious she stole him from you—”

That was it.

I reached into my bag, took out my phone, and slid it across the table to him.

“If you don’t believe me, call the Alpha yourself.”

Luke stared at the phone, then looked up with a smug grin.

“How dare you,” he said. “You’re the one keeping him away from Jessica, and—”

“Am I?” I cut in. “I’m literally handing you the phone. But instead, you’d rather sit there and paint me the villain. So what is it, Luke? Are you defending Jessica, or just looking for someone to blame?”

The room fell into heavy silence.

Luke’s smirk faded. He looked away.

Jessica said nothing. She didn’t need to. She never did. Everyone always jumped in to protect her—for reasons I would never understand.

“Alright, that’s enough,” Mom finally said, stepping in like I was the one out of line. “Luke was just joking. Don’t take everything so seriously. Maybe a plate of food will help.”

Of course. Always a joke. Always my fault.

She returned from the kitchen with a plate and set it in front of me.

Creamy pasta. Roasted vegetables with squid. That weird citrus dressing only she liked.

Every dish on this plate was Jessica’s favorite.

A knot formed in my stomach.

They didn’t even know or care that I was severely aller-gic to squid.

I forced a smile.

This wasn’t just about food. It was about everything.

They listened when Jessica stayed silent.

They ignored me when I spoke.

They forgave her mistakes.

And yet, my mom offered me some food that had it and expected me to finish it like it was no big thing.

Does she really care about me? Does anyone in this family think about me?

Obviously, no one. 

Something was coming.

Then my dad spoke.

“Emma, it’s been three years since you married Andrew and still no child…”

I froze.

Should I tell them? Should I say I was pregnant?

But I stayed quiet. Let them talk.

“Andrew’s father and I have agreed. Jessica should move in with you two. It’s time to ensure Andrew’s bloodline continues—despite your… shortcomings.”

“What?” I asked, my voice hollow.

“What part didn’t you understand?” he said, still chewing.

I stared at him in disbelief.

He was asking me to let Jessica—my adopted sister to sleep with my husband and bear his child.

Heck! He wanted Jessica to be my husband’s mistress!

“Are you seriously suggesting I share my husband with Jessica?!”

The table fell silent. No one looked surprised. Like the decision had already been made. My input was irrelevant.

“Sit down!” my father barked. “You don’t get to challenge me in my house! Jessica is practically family. She’s Andrew’s first love. What’s the harm if she gives him a child?”

“What’s the harm?” I said, rising. “Are you fccking serious?!”

Before I could say more, a voice cut through the air.

“What’s going on here?”

Everyone turned.

Andrew stood in the doorway, calm and composed as ever. His presence silenced the room.

Mom’s tone flipped instantly. “Oh, Alpha! We were just talking. Jessica hasn’t been feeling well lately, and since your house is near the infirmary, we thought it’d be best if she stayed with you two for a while.”

That was a lie.

They weren’t talking. They were plotting.

I looked at Andrew. Begging him, silently. Please, not this time. Please choose me.

He seemed hesitated.He looked at me, frowned.

Then back at them.

And finally, he nodded...

“That’s fine with me,” he said simply as if it was the most reasonable thing in the world.

Jessica lit up. “Thank you, Andrew!”

I felt something crack inside me.

First Ruby. Now Jessica.

When will I ever come first?

When will he care about me—and our unborn child?

I stared down at the table, at the food I couldn’t eat, in a house I never belonged to.

No. I won’t wait anymore.

Tonight, I’ll find the time to print the divorce papers.