Chapter 4

Jace and Ruby were so preoccupied with the news of Ruby's pregnancy that they had no time to persuade me to stay.

Just as in my previous life, the Elders' Council demanded that Jace and Ruby hold their bonding ceremony as soon as possible, both to solidify Ruby's status and to ensure she could carry her pregnancy in peace.

Not wanting to draw any extra attention during such a hectic time for the pack, I specifically begged the Council to keep my impending departure a secret.

I wrote a letter of resignation as a final farewell and left it on Jace's desk while he took Ruby to a medical appointment. After that, I gathered all the files and operational guides I had compiled over the years and emailed them to Jace.

Once that was done, I rented a small apartment near my new workplace. I was leaving the pack to live in the human world for the first time, and it filled me with a mix of both terror and excitement.

When I returned home, Jace and Ruby were sitting in the living room, watching television. Jace carefully peeled an apple with a knife, then sliced it into small pieces to feed Ruby.

Perhaps due to her pregnancy, the scent of the mark on Ruby had faded significantly. Yet, Jace's gaze remained fixed upon her, never once wavering.

I had to admit that they made a perfect couple. They would surely produce a pup with superior genetics.

I once had a pup of my own, too, but sadly, I never got the chance to watch him grow up.

My eyes welled up with tears, and Ruby happened to notice.

"Riley?" she asked softly. "Are you unhappy?"

I shook my head. "No, you're imagining things."

With that, I turned to head upstairs to my room.

Ruby called out from behind me, "Riley, you're still holding a grudge against me, aren't you? I'm sorry. Please, don't be angry anymore."

I tried to pretend I hadn't heard her and kept walking, but the sudden, heavy pressure of Jace's pheromones rooted me to the spot.

"Ruby is still talking to you," he said, his voice cold.

I rolled my eyes, then turned around and walked toward them.

"I'm sorry, Riley, but Jace and I are truly in love with each other," Ruby said as she took my hand affectionately.

However, although her words were apologetic, her expression was radiant and triumphant, perhaps even a little smug.

I offered a weak, weary smile. "I know. So, I wish you both the best."

Jace didn't even look at me directly. "Then drop that sour look. There's no need for you to go to the company anymore. Just stay by Ruby's side and look after her during her pregnancy."

I glanced around at the maids in the room. "Aren't there enough maids in the house to look after her? And you still want me to care for her?"

Jace let out a derisive laugh. "It's an honor for you to serve the future Luna."

Ruby feigned shyness, tapping him lightly. "Oh, come on. I haven't even said yes yet!"

He laughed heartily and pulled Ruby into his embrace.

I didn't bother to argue. I headed straight for my room, only to find it completely empty.

I asked Anna, "Where are my things?"

"Alpha Jace said you should be living closer to Ruby, so he had everything moved to the storage room next to hers."

I rushed to the cobweb-filled storage room and found my belongings scattered across the dust-covered floor.

I dragged my suitcase over and began stuffing my things back inside.

If there was no longer a place for me in this home, I wouldn't stay a single day longer.

…

The next morning, Anna knocked firmly on the door of the storage room, but there was no response. She hesitated for a moment before opening the door, only to find the room completely empty.

"Alpha Jace, Ms. Riley isn't inside."

Jace continued soothing Ruby, his voice gentle. "She's probably just acting out and went to the office early this morning. Don't worry. I'll bring her back to you."

However, when he sat down at his desk and opened the resignation letter, the truth finally hit him. Consumed by rage, Jace slammed his fist down, shattering the desk into pieces.

"Find Riley and bring her back to me!"