Chapter 1

Tessa’s POV

“I’ve always loved you,” a female voice said out with a playful, romantic slur. “I love you so much, baby,” She said again as I could hear soft kisses and chuckles of soft moans followed by another moan and another moan and another.

“I love you too.” A male voice replied. It sounded familiar, so familiar. That was my husband, Sabastian’s voice and my best friend’s voice, Lyra.” And the voices came from my husband’s office, Sebastian Simeon, Beta of the Ironclaw Pack.

Stopping in my tracks, I felt a sudden cold, a shiver running down my spine as i stood in front of Sebastian’s office door in shock, my fingers clenched tightly to the package of gifts I had brought him, alongside the key to the private yacht I had gotten for him as a birthday present. 

Regrets… I should have listened. I should have listened to my father while he was still alive when he warned me against marrying Sebastian Simeon. A man from a rival pack.

I, Tessa, daughter of the former Alpha of the Icevein Pack, had defied my family’s warnings to marry him. The Icevein Pack, known for its icy fortitude, had been rivals with the Ironclaw Pack, a tribe thriving on commerce and ambition. Sebastian had been an enemy, a forbidden choice, but I’d seen past the tribal feuds and fallen for him. I’d used my family’s influence to support his rise in the Ironclaw Pack, smoothing tensions and opening doors.

Today, a day I’d been anticipating for months. Sebastian and I shared a birthday, a coincidence that felt like fate when we’d first met. I’d always dreamed of celebrating this day together every year, of making it special. Though Sebastian never celebrated with me, never showed interest in my birthday, and I didn’t care. Being his wife was enough, and I’d accepted his cold, distant personality the day I said, “I do.” Today, though, I was determined to change that. The yacht was my grand gesture, a symbol of my love for him. 

“Lyra,” Sebastian murmured, his voice slurred with desire. “Don’t worry, Tessa won’t be here anytime soon. She’s too busy playing the perfect wife.”

Her giggle sliced through me as goosebumps filled my body. “Oh, Sebastian , you’re so bad. She’d never suspect us.”

I stood there, numb, the yacht key suddenly slipping off my fingers as it fell to the ground alongside other package gifts I had carried. My once happy eyes filled with tears. Immediately, my wolf, Lititi’ sneered. I could feel her pain too as she roared in my head in rage, as if wanting to jump out and take matters in hands as I tried to ignore it.

Lititi howled inside me continuously, clawing at my chest, but my human side was frozen, unable to process the betrayal.

That was the same Lyla who had once advised me back then in my old pack against Sebastian, giving me so many reasons to believe he wasn’t a fit for me. She’s with the man I’d sacrificed everything for?

My thoughts drifted back as I remembered one of the days Sebastian had hurt me so badly emotionally. On our first wedding anniversary, when I’d spent days planning the surprise I had arranged for him, hoping to rekindle the spark between us days after he hit me.  He’d barely glanced at it before leaving for a “business trip.” I’d waited up for him, only to learn he’d been gone for three days, sleeping elsewhere. I and Lititi had felt devastated, sensing the betrayal, but I’d convinced myself it was a one-time mistake. And didn’t want to start regretting the fact I’d ignored my family’s warnings about marrying a beta from a rival pack, dismissing their claims that Sebastian was ambitious and was never like the rest. I had compromised, sacrificed, poured my heart into this marriage, only to be met with coldness and now this? I knew he wasn’t a perfect husband and could wrong me in so many ways but cheating? I had never refused to bed with him every night. So why?

My shock gave way to rage, and then Litit snarling for release and immediately, I shoved the door open as I saw Sebastian and Lyra, tangled together on his desk kissing passionately, half dressed as his eyes fell on me, nonchalantly and Lyra on the other hand didn’t feel remorseful. 

 “Tessa,” Sebastian called as he got away from Lyra.. “What are you…”

“Save it,” I snapped, my voice trembling with fury. My claws extended, itching to tear into something. “How long, Sebastian ? How long have you been betraying me with her?”

Lyra had the audacity to look sheepish, pulling a sheet around herself. “Tessa…” I didn't let her finish.

“Don’t,” I growled, my eyes flashing amber. “You were my friend, Lyra. I trusted you.” Then I turned to Sebastian , my heart shattering. “I sacrificed everything I had to make you happy, and this is what I get?”

Sebastian ’s expression hardened, his beta aura flaring. “Tessa, don’t be petty. You’re overreacting.”

“Petty?” I landed him a slap on the face as he held onto the side of the face where I had just slapped. Shocked in his eyes, obviously he wasn’t expecting it.

“How dare you? I gave up my pack’s respect, supported you with everything I had, and you mock me behind my back? With…” I glared at Lyra. “This?” I added. My wolf surged forward, and I felt the mate bond between us wounded as I felt the pain. Broken, “I reject you, Sebastian . I, Tessa Taron, daughter of Taron Ryk, Alpha of the Icevein Pack hereby reject you as my mate!” The moment I said those words, I felt another pain, sharper and painful than the first as it tore through my heart so deeply. Lititi is roaring, roaring in pain as I feel the bond break. I clutched my chest as I staggered, trying to balance my steps while enduring the pain.

He sneered, unfazed as he chuckled at life. “Those words don’t have an effect on me. You love me so much and will  always forgive me.”

The words were like a slap, but they fueled my courage. I wiped my tears. For some reason, I saw how Lititi became brave as she urged me to speak.

“Not this time. I want a divorce, Sebastian . I’m done.” I sounded so courageous.

Lyra gasped, covering her mouth, but Sebastian just watched me, his eyes cold and mocking. 

“Divorce? Common Tessa. I see no reason acting up this way. Come join us. At least, you can learn how to satisfy me at night. Lyra here, she’s very good. She will teach you.” 

What? Those words were a slap to my very own face. The audacity! How low he stooped. Just as I was about to respond, Lyra interrupted. 

“I’ll show you more tricks to use on him.” They both chuckled out a laugh as I felt disgusted.

“Common Tessa, let’s enjoy this moment.” Sebastian  stretched his hands forward, attempting to pull me closer but I stepped aside, avoiding his touch.”

My courage grew wild as I took a few steps forward, boldly and then stood in front of him as I rejected him for the second time. “I, Tessa Taron, daughter of Alpha Taron Ryk, Alpha of the Icevein Pack hereby reject you Sebastian  Simeon, Beta of the Ironclaw Pack! I’ll have my lawyer prepare the papers. You disgust me!” My words were followed by their mocking laughter. 

“Stop being dramatic.” Sebastian ’s words slurred in mockery. “You will always come back to me.” He added.

I couldn’t stand to look at them anymore. Turning on my heel, I stormed out, my wolf howling in agony as the little remaining piece of the bond began to fray.

I stumbled into the car and drove off. I didn’t know where I was heading to, no destination in my mind as I sped away, my tyres making some screeching sounds. But not until I found myself at a bar, the Gray Zone, a notorious bar on the outskirts of Ironclaw territory after driving for hours. It was a den of iniquity, frequented by rogue wolves, witches peddling potions, and shadier types dealing in underground boxing, sex trafficking, and special intelligence trading.

I didn’t know why I was here but I wasn't regretting it. I didn’t let Sebastian’s actions bother me, no! I wouldn’t give such opportunities to let myself down over a man who didn’t know my worth.

I walked in, my eyes scanning around as the air was thick with pheromones, alcohol, and the tang of blood and roughness. The site was new. The crowd, the noise, the dance, everything. I’ve always heard about what bars always looked like. It was a rough place finally finding myself here, I feel amazed even though I felt a little nervous. 

With courage, I pushed through the crowd, ignoring the leers of male prostitutes who mistook me for an easy mark. 

“Hey! Over here.”

“You look pretty.”

Their voices slurred with alcohol. I ignored those voices, heading forward until my eyes fell on an empty seat. Then I approached it.

I claimed the space located at the corner of this place, ordering a drink after glancing through their menu and making my choice. A few minutes later, the waiter approached with my request. It was a cocktail. I’ve heard a lot of stories about this drink and it wouldn’t be bad if I have a taste. 

“Here ma’am.” He dropped it on the table and left immediately. I pulled it closer. This was what the Paloma cocktail looked like? I brought it closer to my mouth as I took a sip. It wasn’t so bad but it tasted like alcohol. Then I gulped it all at once as I forced it down my throat, the liquid burning my throat.

I waved for the waiter again and when he came, I ordered for more. Trying different cocktails one after another. 

My view was blurring, my head was starting to spin. As I tried to steady my balance. The alcohol was already taking my senses and body. 

My werewolf senses were on edge, picking up every sound and scent in the chaotic bar. I’ve also heard a lot of people say there were hot men at the bar. My drunken eyes scanned around as my eyes fell on a stripper. I laughed awkwardly at his moves while I enjoyed the scene.

Yet none of these scenes lightened the weight of my burden, no matter how desperately I sought escape. Not the charming male strippers and female dancers, nor the alluring drugs I saw some of these men indulge in, could provide the solace I so deeply yearned for.

Suddenly, roaring cheers from the crowd behind drew my gaze to the underground boxing ring at the corner back side of the room.

I stood, staggering forward and got closer. I stood beside the audience who were being entertained as my eyes fell on a tall, muscular and mesmerizing man stepping into the ring, and my breath caught. The noise around me faded into a dull hum the moment my eyes landed on him. My wolf stirred within me, a fierce, undeniable pull locking my eyes on him. He stood in the center of the ring. My gaze traveled lower, to the boxing shorts clinging to his muscular thighs, damp and sticking to his skin.

He was shirtless, his muscular body glistening under the lights around the ring, every inch of him carved like a warrior’s statue. Tattoos snakes caved across all over his back, with intricate colors that pulsed with a strange, primal energy. He was tall, at least six-foot-four, with dark hair falling into piercing eyes that scanned the crowd with a predator’s focus. He moved with  grace as he dispatched his opponent with a single, brutal strike.

The crowd erupted as I was amazed at this scene. My wolf stirred, drawn to his scent. He didn’t look like he was from Ironclaw or Icevein pack, he had the wild, untamed aura of a wandering wolf. As he stepped down from the ring, wiping blood from his knuckles.

I found myself standing, my drink forgotten. Maybe it was the alcohol I had consumed earlier or maybe it was the heartbreak, but I was captivated. Then, I approached.

“Hi…” I said, my words slurring slightly from behind him.