Chapter 2

Becky’s Pov

“What nonsense are you spewing now?” Alpha David’s voice rumbled like thunder, shaking the very air between us.

The tension in the room was palpable, but I stood my ground, unflinching under his piercing gaze.

“It’s been eight years, Alpha David,” I declared, my voice steady, yet edged with finality. “I’m leaving.”

Alpha David’s features twisted in a snarl, his wolfish anger rising to the surface. His aura pressed down on me, almost suffocating. “Why are you making a fuss now?Dorian’s just a cub. Don’t take his childish antics to heart. Today is his birthday. Come along, don’t be difficult. I’ll deal with him later.”

Before I could respond, his hand clamped around mine, tugging me toward the door. I yanked my hand away, my eyes cold as I faced him. “You promised me, Alpha David. WhenDorian turned eight, I was free to go. Why am I making a fuss?”

As I spoke, a voice sliced through the thick air, sharp and biting.

“Becky, how dare you cause such a scene? You always manage to steal the spotlight, even on a day meant for my grandson!”

I didn’t need to turn around to recognize Sara’s voice. She was the one who had struck the deal with Alpha David, promising me freedom onceDorian turned eight. So why was she now making such a racket?

“I’m not stealing anything, Sara,” I shot back, my words laced with ice. “You were the one who said I could leave after eight years.”

Her lips twisted into a venomous sneer. “OnDorian’s birthday, Becky? You couldn’t wait until tomorrow?”

Alpha David intervened, his voice too smooth, too calculated. “It’s fine, Sara. Becky didn’t mean to disrupt things.”

I could see through him now. Years ago, I would’ve believed it, but now I knew his words were just an empty attempt to keep me by his side, trapped in this unending cycle.

“Come, let’s go join the party,” Alpha David said, a hint of impatience creeping into his voice.

I didn’t protest, letting him lead me into the crowded celebration.Dorian and his friends were already in the middle of their chaos, but as soon asDorian saw me, his face hardened, turning to stone.

“Look,Dorian,” one of his friends called, “Your mother is here.”

Corvin’s lip curled in disgust. “She’s not my mother.”

The sting of his words didn’t pierce my heart like they used to. Now, I stood unmoving, only watching as Alpha David sighed deeply, pullingDorian into line.

“We don’t speak like that,Dorian. Becky is your mother now. She’s taken care of you like her own.”

Corvin’s face contorted with rage. “She’s not my mother! She killed my mother!” His voice cracked with fury as he pointed at me, accusing me before the entire room.

Whispers rippled through the hall, the guests’ eyes darting to me like I was some kind of pariah.

“She’s the boy’s aunt.”

“Why does he act like that toward her?”

“Obviously, she’s done something wrong. He doesn’t like her…”

Alpha David’s booming voice cut through the murmur of voices. “Apologize to Becky,Dorian!”

I raised my hand, stopping him in his tracks. “Let him be, Alpha David. It doesn’t matter anymore.”

Without a word, I turned and walked out of the room, my steps composed but my mind swirling. In the past,Dorian’s words would have crushed me. But now, I was numb to his hatred, numb to the way Alpha David’s love always belonged to someone else.

“Why would you cause a scene on his birthday, Becky?”

Sara’s shrill voice echoed behind me, and I turned to face her, my expression neutral.

“What do you want, Sara?” I said, my voice dripping with exhaustion. “I’ve fulfilled my duty for eight years. I’m done.”

Her eyes narrowed with disdain as she took a step closer. “You should treatDorian like your son. Endure his fits, care for him as if he’s your flesh and blood. If my daughter were alive, she’d have handled him better.”

I gave a nonchalant shrug, the bitterness of the situation settling in. “Pity, your daughter is dead.”

Without warning, Sara’s hand shot out, aiming for my cheek. But I caught her wrist effortlessly, my grip like iron.

“Don’t try it, Sara. I’m not in the mood for this. Eight years ago, you forced me to come here and care for them. The contract is over.Dorian is eight. I have every right to leave.”

She jerked her hand away, glaring at me as she rubbed her wrist. “Do whatever you want, Becky,” she hissed, “No one will ever love you. Not even your father.” She turned on her heel and stormed off.

A hollow smile twisted on my lips as I watched her leave. It had been eight years since I’d last seen my father. Ever since his beloved daughter had died, he’d sent me away and never looked back.

“I’m sorry, Becky. I brought you a gift.”

A quiet voice broke my thoughts, and I turned to seeDorian standing there, holding a small, neatly wrapped box. His innocent smile was almost too much to bear.

“You shouldn’t have,” I said, my voice flat, though I could see the hint of irony behind my words.

Corvin giggled, a light, almost playful sound. “I wanted to. Please, open it.”

With a shrug, I unwrapped the box. The moment I opened it, an overpowering stench hit me. Inside was the lifeless body of my cat, an arrow lodged through its heart.

“That will be you, if you don’t leave me and my father alone,”Dorian said, his voice dripping with sick amusement, his eyes gleaming with a chilling intent.