Chapter 1

Elena's Pov

" Mum, just cheer up, it's your birthday today." Moses said, his voice calm as he wrapped his hands around my waist. 

His words touched the depth of my soul, but I could never forget that day, how Jayden rejected me eight years ago. On my very eighteenth birthday. No matter how far it was, I still could not shake off the feeling of what he did.

" Yes dear." I answered, my voice low. I wanted to sound firm and calm, but my voice betrayed me as it shook slightly.

 I felt a sharp pain in my chest. With every birthday, it was supposed to be a day to celebrate my plus one year. But, now it's just like a memory of a deep pain in my chest. 

I patted his head as he tugged my shirt again. " Urgh, okay. What do you want us to do?" I asked, my voice came out low. 

" Let's cut the cake." He said, as he dragged me towards the table. 

I smiled, this son of mine is a tank, he eats a lot. " Don't do that," I said. " Meet your dad, and tell him you need a cupcake." I said, patting his head once again, hoping he would listen. 

He pouted, his smile fading almost immediately. " I don't wanna talk to him?" He said, frowning his face, his hands crossed above his chest. 

" What did he do, dear?" I asked, my brows furrowed. 

I knew really well that anything would be the problem, ever since I gave birth to Moses in this pack, Blake has been the only one who behaved as a father. But, Moses never liked him. They both fight over one thing or the other which I found funny by the way. 

" He watched me while I was bathing this morning." He said, staring at my face. 

And for a second, I could swear that his eyes flickered, turning pitch black for a second, and the next, it turned normal. I gasped, " what just happened?" Squatting so I will have a clearer view of his eyes. 

" Nothing!" He said, walking out on me. He rushed off the hall, I stared as he jumped through the oak door. 

My jaw dropped, with multiple questions playing themselves at the back of my mind. This is not the first time it's happening, but this time his eyes were pitch black. Most times, it would be a flicker of red. 

I stood straight, my eyes swam through the hall, I watched many Alphas as they stared back at me. As if noticing something new. 

" People, it's time to celebrate the birthday lady." I heard Gerald's voice behind me. 

Immediately, I turned, my eyes glued on him. He gestured at me, a wide smile appeared across his lips as he announced me as the birthday lady, the Luna of Red claw pack. Behind him, Blake stood in his glory sparing me a glance, his hands in his pocket. 

As soon as he opened his mouth to speak, he paused, his eyes glued to something. And that was when my nose also hit a familiar scent. One I recognized but haven't smelled in years. The strong enticing rose smell. 

I could smell it, and I knew someone was around. Almost immediately, I turned around. My eyes snapped straight as I pinned them on one person. Jayden. 

He had Moses in his arms, they were chatting and smiling like they've known each other for years now. For a moment, my heart skipped a beat as images of what he did back then filled my mind. How he rejected me. Even till the extent of shooting me with his own hands. I could not forget that moment at all. 

He still didn't notice me, he just kept playing with Moses. I watched as my son laughed brightly in his arms. Unfortunately, he didn't know that Jayden was his father. 

My eyes bloodshot, I cracked my knuckles. I won't accept this, and with that, I sprang into action. Moving with precision, I headed towards him. With each step I took, the opulent marble reflected my red gown and the audience could not help but stare. 

As soon as I got close to them, he just stared at me and didn't say anything. And by the time he tried, I landed a tight slap across his face, so hard, I knew he would never forget. That was part of my revenge. I could remember the slap he gave me that night he took my virginity.

" How dare you carry my son?" I snapped, my voice echoed through the space. And almost immediately, I felt a sharp pain that wasn't mine, Blake. What happened? I didn't want to turn, I just wanted to settle scores with Jayden first. 

He looked utterly stunned and could not say a word. I watched as he opened his mouth to speak, but closed it back. Slowly, he lowered himself, dropping Moses. 

" Ele... Elena?" He stuttered, I could feel the heat as it radiated from him. 

" I said, how dare you carry my son?" I yelled, and as soon as I raised my hand to slap him again, Moses tugged my gown forcing me to stop. 

" He is my friend," he said. 

As soon as I heard that word, my whole body stiffened. I thought to myselfーhe is never your friend dear, he is your father. But, I couldn't bring myself to say the word. Every damn image of my past just kept flashing at the back of my head. 

" Get out of my pack!" I said, my voice was stern. 

I didn't want him here, no he can't stay. Not when I am already complete without him. I will never let him stay. 

He just stared without a word, I saw traces of tears in his eyes. He was trembling where he stood, not even moving. And that was when I realized something is wrong with him emotionally. But, I didn't care. 

 I said, "out." I raised my hand to slap him once again when a loud voice came from behind forcing me to stop. 

" Stop!" Blake said, his voice cold. Almost immediately, he was beside me. Staring. Not at me, but he was staring at Jayden. They both were staring at themselves. I stood rigid at this point, I didn't move. 

" Mum." Moses tugged at my gown once again, " let my friend stay." He said.

The words hit me hard like a blow in the gut. No, I can't. Jayden has no place here. I fought the tears in my eyes and immediately, I turned around to leave. 

" Wait!" His voice came out loud.

Immediately, I paused. Waiting, and anticipating what he would say. But, I didn't expe

ct what he said next. 

" I need your help, that's why I'm here." He said.