Returning Home Together

(Grace's POV)

The two colleagues beside me pressed themselves against the wall like frightened rabbits. Their eyes darted nervously toward Olivia Stone, who stood at the end of the hallway.

"Is that her?" Jamie Collins whispered, her voice barely audible.

Cassidy Miller nodded quickly, her eyes wide with awe.

I stood frozen, watching as Olivia spotted me then immediately averted her gaze with practiced indifference. Not even a hint of acknowledgment.

She was surrounded by a small entourage of pack executives—Director Bennett, Director Winters, and several others—who hovered around her like courtiers attending royalty. Their faces showed nothing but adoration and respect.

"Look at that designer handbag," Cassidy whispered. "Must cost more than my monthly salary."

They escorted Olivia into the elevator designated for senior pack members, a space I rarely occupied despite my technical status as Luna. The doors closed with a soft chime.

My colleagues exhaled dramatically, their shoulders visibly relaxing.

"That must be the Alpha King's favored companion, right?" Jamie said, no longer bothering to whisper. "Wow, she's so beautiful!"

Cassidy nodded eagerly. "Did you see those shoes? Pure Italian leather! No wonder she comes from a powerful family line."

"So confident and composed," Jamie added. "Her aura really puts ordinary pack members to shame!"

"Exactly!" They exchanged knowing looks before turning to me with curious eyes.

"What do you think, Luna?" Jamie asked, though the title sounded hollow now, almost mocking.

I looked down at my shoes, unable to meet their prying gazes. "Yes," I replied softly.

My heart sank as I fully comprehended the reverence Olivia commanded throughout the pack. Though technically my half-sister through our father William Stone, the deference shown to her stemmed from something far more significant.

Her increasingly intimate relationship with my mate, Alpha King Ethan Silver, had elevated her far beyond me in the pack's eyes. That, combined with her racing fame as "Swift" and her prominent Stone and Reynolds family connections, had made her untouchable.

Despite being Ethan's actual mate and mother to his daughter, I remained overlooked as he was increasingly drawn to Olivia's orbit. The irony wasn't lost on me—my own half-sister replacing me in my mate's affections.

I couldn't help but think of my mother Rebecca, whose mental stability had crumbled following her separation from my father. The parallel sent a chill through me.

"Luna? Are you okay?" Jamie asked, noticing my expression.

I forced a smile. "I'm fine. I need to finish those reports."

I turned away quickly, walking toward my office with my head held high despite the whispers that followed me down the corridor.

I refused to follow my mother's path. My mate separation agreement was prepared and waiting. Soon, I would reclaim my independence.

I threw myself into work within the Silvercliff medical division, determined to complete my handover files before leaving. The hours passed in a blur of medical reports and treatment protocols.

"Dr. Morgan, these regeneration statistics look impressive," Simon Preston commented as he passed my desk.

I nodded without looking up. "Thank you. Please make sure they're included in the quarterly report."

The clock showed nearly nine when I finally saved the last document. Just as I closed my laptop, my phone buzzed loudly against the desk.

Charlotte Reed's name flashed on the screen. I answered quickly.

"Grace?" Her voice slurred slightly. "I'm so sorry to bother you."

"What's wrong?" I asked, already gathering my things.

"I'm at the Crescent Moon Bistro and I've had way too much to drink," she admitted. "Could you possibly come get me? I can't drive like this."

Charlotte was one of my few true friends outside the immediate pack hierarchy. Unlike the others who had gradually distanced themselves as Ethan's interest in me waned, she had remained steadfast.

"Of course," I replied, quickly finalizing my paperwork. "I'll be there in twenty minutes. Stay put."

"You're a lifesaver," she mumbled before hanging up.

I grabbed my keys and left the Silvercliff headquarters, grateful for the distraction from my thoughts.

Twenty minutes later, I pulled into the Crescent Moon Bistro parking lot. As I stepped out of my car, a small figure emerged from a vehicle on the opposite side.

My heart stopped.

Emma.

Shock rooted me to the spot. My daughter should still be in the Eastern Territory with Ethan. How had she returned without a word to me?

The realization hit me like a physical blow—they must have come back a day earlier than planned. They had likely arrived the morning I saw Ethan at headquarters.

My own daughter had kept this from me.

Emma skipped toward the restaurant entrance, completely unaware of my presence. She wore her favorite purple jacket—the one I'd bought for her last birthday.

Quietly gripping my bag, I trailed her into the lobby, using a large decorative planter and seating arrangement as cover. My heart pounded so loudly I feared she might hear it.

At the corridor's end stood Olivia Stone, surrounded by several of Ethan's friends. I recognized Quinn Sullivan among them, his sharp eyes scanning the room as he laughed at something someone said.

I pressed myself deeper into the shadows as Emma ran forward, her voice bright with excitement.

"Aunt Liv!" she called, leaping into Olivia's waiting arms.

My chest tightened painfully as I watched Olivia catch my daughter with practiced ease, swinging her around before setting her down.

"I missed you so much!" Emma exclaimed, her voice carrying clearly to where I stood. "Father and I couldn't bear being apart from you, so he brought me home early so we wouldn't miss your birthday."

Each word felt like a knife twisting in my heart. They had come home early—not to see me, but for Olivia's birthday.

Emma reached into her small backpack and pulled out what appeared to be a handmade necklace—the Moonstone Seashell Necklace I'd heard her mention wanting to make.

"Happy birthday, Aunt Liv!" she said proudly, holding it up. "Father helped me with the clasp, but I collected all the shells myself!"

Olivia's face softened as she accepted the gift, examining it with genuine appreciation. She ruffled Emma's hair affectionately.

"Thank you, Emmy, you're so talented," she said warmly. "This is the most beautiful necklace I've ever seen."

Emma beamed up at her. "I'm glad you like it! I worked on it for weeks."

My daughter had never made anything like that for me.

A slow, steady set of footsteps drew my attention. I recognized Ethan's measured gait instantly—the sound had once made my heart race with anticipation rather than dread.

A needle-sharp pain stabbed my chest as he came into view. He had always been emotionally distant with me, but seeing him now, his attention fully captured by Olivia and Emma, the contrast was stark.

His gray eyes softened as they landed on Olivia, his usually stern expression relaxing just slightly.

"Father!" Emma suddenly cried, running to him and wrapping her arms around his waist.

The group showered him with greetings—"Alpha King" and other respectful acknowledgments. Quinn Sullivan clapped him on the shoulder with the familiarity of a close friend.

"The man of the hour finally arrives," Quinn joked. "We thought you'd gotten lost."

Ethan nodded curtly in response, then turned directly to Olivia. "Happy birthday," he said, his voice carrying a warmth I hadn't heard directed at me in years.

Emma, ever eager, tugged at his sleeve. "Father, didn't you prepare another present? You said you had something special!"

Quinn Sullivan laughed, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "It must have been given quietly to Aunt Liv already, right Q?"

"Quinn!" Olivia scolded, but her eyes held amusement.

Ethan's expression remained impassive. "It's already been given."

Emma pouted dramatically. "When? You sneaked off without me! I wanted to see her face when she got it!"

Laughter rippled through the group. I noticed a slight blush color Olivia's cheeks before she urged them all toward the stairs.

"Let's head upstairs to our private room," she suggested, changing the subject. "I'm starving, and they've prepared all my favorites."

My mind went blank as they moved away, the pain of our weakening mate bond mixing with fresh hurt. The family I had once believed was mine had reformed without me at its center.

I stood frozen, unable to move until they disappeared from sight. A tear slipped down my cheek before I could stop it.

After a long moment, I composed myself and silently stepped toward the elevator to find Charlotte. The private dining room where Ethan's group was heading was actually on the same floor.

I found Charlotte slumped at the bar, her copper hair falling across her face. She looked up blearily as I approached.

"Grace! You're a lifesaver," she slurred, allowing me to help her to her feet. "I don't know what I was thinking, trying to match drinks with that werewolf from the Northern Pack."

I supported her weight as we made our way to the elevator. "Let's get you home."

As the elevator doors began to close, I caught sight of Quinn Sullivan pausing in his steps as he followed Ethan's group upstairs. His sharp eyes met mine briefly, a flicker of recognition crossing his face before the doors shut completely.