Chapter 4

Nilah's Pov

The line went dead. I stared at the blank screen for a moment before I raised my head. To my shock, I was in front of my house. When did I even get here? I sighed and walked into the house and when I stepped through the front door, I nearly collided with Kendrick. He wasn't alone. Stephanie was draped at his side, her hand resting possessively on his arm. Walking just ahead of them was Alex.

In my past life, this sight would have triggered a wave of guilt, the feeling that I was failing as a wife and mother. But now, with my eyes wide open, I felt only disgust. I looked at Alex, then at Stephanie. The shape of their eyes, the specific curve of their smiles... How had I been so blind? The resemblance wasn't just a coincidence; it was biological.

"Nilah!" Kendrick’s voice was sharp with performative authority. "I’ve been calling you all afternoon. Why didn't you answer? I was worried sick." He stepped toward me.

"I was busy in the lab, Kendrick," I replied. My voice was flat, stripped of the warmth I used to offer him like a gift. "I’m working on the stability protocols for the silver-poisoning drug. I didn't want any distractions."

The mention of the drug worked like a charm. Kendrick’s irritation vanished, replaced by a greedy, softening glow. "The drug? Are you close to a breakthrough?"

"Getting there," I lied.

Stephanie let out a dramatic sigh. "Well, that’s great, Nilah, really. But Ken and I have been at the office all day, and I’m absolutely exhausted." She flashed me a condescending smile. "Be a dear and go make me a cup of coffee? Extra cream."

In the past, I would have played the submissive wife just to keep the peace but not anymore. "No," I said.

The word hung in the air like a wall of ice. Stephanie’s smile dropped. "Excuse me?"

"I have a mountain of work to do if you want this drug finished," I said, looking directly at Kendrick. "I don't have time to be a barista."

Stephanie turned to Kendrick, her lip trembling. "Ken, I’m just so tired..."

Kendrick glanced at her, then back at me. In his mind, I was a golden goose, and he wasn't about to upset me before I laid the egg.

"She's right, Stephanie. The research is the priority." He waved over a servant. "You. Bring Stephanie a coffee."

Stephanie’s face flushed with fury, but she didn't dare argue. Kendrick walked over to me, pulling me into a hug. His scent, which I once found comforting, now smelled like rot. I went stiff as he pressed a kiss to my temple.

"I'm sorry you have to work so hard for our future.”

I felt the urge to vomit.

"You're always working!" Alex’s high-pitched voice broke the silence. He was scowling at me, arms crossed. "You’re a bad mother. You never play with me. Tiffany is way more fun than you!"

In my previous life, those words would have shattered me. I would have knelt and begged for his love. Now, I just looked at him, the child of my murderer and his mistress. "Then go find Stephanie," I said coldly. "If she’s so much better, go play with her and leave me to my work."

Kendrick stiffened, his arms dropping away. He looked at me with genuine shock. For years, I had desperately tried to bond with Alex, jealous of his closeness to Stephanie. To see me push him away so casually would be shocking.

"Nilah? Are you alright?" Kendrick asked, peering at me. "You’re acting... differently today."

"I told you, I'm tired," I said, "I’ve been overworking myself. I’m going to rest." I walked past them without looking back. From now on, they would never be able to hurt me.

Kendrick’s POV

I watched Nilah’s retreating back until she disappeared around the corner of the grand staircase. Usually, Nilah was soft, eager to please, always seeking my approval to make up for her status as an Omega. But today? Today felt different.

"Ken! Did you hear how she spoke to me?" Stephanie's voice hissed, breaking through my thoughts. She stomped her foot, her face twisted in a scowl that marred her pretty features. "And she told Alex to go away! She's losing it."

"Shh, Steph, not here," I muttered. I grabbed her arm and led her into the study. As soon as we were alone, Stephanie threw herself into my arms, her eyes brimming with calculated tears.

"She’s becoming unbearable. How much longer do I have to play second best to an Omega who can't even shift? I’m the Beta’s daughter, Ken.”

I sighed, pulling her close and stroking her hair. Her scent was sharp, nothing like the faint, earthy sweetness Nilah used to carry. "Be patient, my love," I whispered into her ear. "You know Nilah is just a means to an end. She is a tool, nothing more."

Stephanie whined. "It's taking too long.”

"Not for much longer," I promised, a smirk tugging at my lips. "The anti-silver poisoning drug is nearly stabilized. Do you have any idea what that means? The Werewolf Council has been desperate for this for a century. Once Nilah puts the finishing touches on that formula, I’ll present it as the Alpha’s crowning achievement. Then I'll become the new Alpha! Then I divorce her. An Omega heir-less wife with no further use to the pack? The Council won't blink an eye. I’ll marry you, Stephanie. We’ll finally be the 'family of three' you and Alex deserve to be in the light."

Stephanie let out a melodic laugh, “I feel pity for her.”

I leaned in to kiss her. “You don't have to, you…”

I stopped abruptly. A cold shiver raced down my spine, the hair on the back of my neck standing straight up. I pushed Stephanie away with enough force, my eyes flashing. The room was empty. There was no one with us.

"Ken? What is it?" Tiffany asked, looking spooked.

I stepped toward the window, “Nothing. I thought I felt someone watching."

Stephanie let out a dismissive giggle, smoothing her dress. "You're just on edge. Nilah will never find out.”

I took a deep breath, forcing my racing heart to settle. She was right. Nilah was predictable and my plan was perfect.

“Our plan will succeed very soon.” I looked toward the ceiling, toward the room where my 'mate' was resting. She was a brilliant scientist, but she was a fool in love. And that folly was going to make me the most powerful Alpha the north had ever seen.