Chapter 2

Dove Pov

"Right." He shakes his head a little. "I also forgot to mention one small matter."

"What?" I steady the precariously balanced tower of folded clothing that I've been continuously adding to. If it tipped over, it may very well be my last straw.

"I shall be looking for someone to marry very soon. I believe it will strengthen my pack and ready them for an heir."

My hands freeze in place, the sewen edges of a shirt hem balanced between my fingertips.

I know I'm a hopeless fool, but my heart races in anticipation. Is this where Matthias finally comes to his senses and lifts me from a place of servitude and makes me his wife? Will I finally become his equal? Will he finally prove how much he loves me?

"Really?" My voice trembles a little as I gaze up at him.

He shifts behind me, wrapping his arms around me as he rests his chin on my shoulder."But just because I'm looking for a noble woman doesn't mean I want what goes on between us to stop." He nuzzles his face into my neck, pressing kisses to my flushed skin. "I very much enjoy our time together."

The crest of disappointment is crushing. I would sink to the floor were I not used to this feeling. It's so familiar it's almost depressingly comforting.

"Oh."

"Perhaps one day, far down the line, I'll even take you as my mistress." He nips at my skin, but the sensation is dull and subdued.

I slip from his grasp, trying not to wear my mortification. There is nothing more disenchanting than an erroneous assumption, and suddenly our relationship feels like a tattered mess.

"And if I'm married by then?" I bite out.

"You won't be." He winks, and instead of being charming, it's wounding. "I'll make I'm sure he would. Despite not entertaining other lovers, nor wanting me to, he won't make our relationship serious enough to prevent me from being with someone else.

A thick lump has gathered in my throat as I attempt to suppress a rising tide of emotion. "You're the only man I've ever been with, Matthias. At some point-"

"That's just how I like it." He presses a firm kiss to my cheek before backing off. "Stay late tonight? I need to be inside of you again."

Words I may have once thought sounded sexy send a shiver of repulsion throughout my body. The excitement of being with an Alpha is finally starting to wear off.

"Do you actually want to have sex with me or do you just want to stop thinking about Varian?" I question as he sweeps to the exit, peeking his head out the door to ensure no one is approaching.

"Can't it be both?" He drapes his stareare safely concealed behind stiff grey material. "Say yes and I'll worship your body all night. I'll even do that thing with my tongue that you like."

I shake my head. "I'm on my period."

I'm not, but I'm not in the mood to be harassed by him tonight. In fact, I'm not sure I'm ever going to be in the mood for a night with him again.

"Oh, never mind." He face screws up in disgust and he shudders. "Goodbye then."

"Bye."

He slips from the door, leaving as silently as he arrived.

It's only until his footsteps vanish into the distance that I sink down into a crouch. My head rests in my hands as a silent sob trembles through my body.

I'm just a fool to him. I mean nothing. He's stolen away my ability to adhere to the stringent values of this pack carelessly, wanting to keep me for himself without actually granting me monogamy.I'm done with him. I'm not lesser than, and I sure as shit don't give a damn about values he doesn't even adhere to.

I want something new, something fun. Something far away from him.

I'm going to go to Alpha Varian's party.

The idea blooms in my mind, daring me to divulge. It seems the decision has already been made, like fate isn't playing passively anymore.

Wiping the back of my hand against my cheek, I stand, resuming my work.