Violet

Violet POV

When Alpha Christian and I were in bed, him kissing me and wanting me so much, I felt he truly loved me.

He couldn't say he didn't love me while his eyes were full of desire for me, when his breath was heavy over mine, when his body swayed rhythmically above mine, his body tense with lust.

He couldn't say he didn't love me, at least not at those times.

"We need this for the baby," he'd say, "Unless you're useless enough to let this pack end up in my generation."

I knew he blamed me for not conceiving yet after three years as mates, I knew he'd never been satisfied with our marriage, that I wasn't the woman he planned to marry, but the Moon Goddess united us, and what She united was stronger than anything. It was eternal.

My husband gasped heavily, reaching his climax and collapsing into my arms, spasms of pleasure coursing through his skin... and mine. I hugged his shoulders, my body melting with the heat. Christian might not love me, but I'd been crazy about him since the day I met him.

But when his body calmed down, he pulled away from me, heading towards the bathroom. I covered myself with the sheet, missing him. I just wanted him to show me affection sometimes; him only seeking me out to mate was never enough. I wanted him to show care and concern for me, but I'd already learned that was asking too much...

"I'll be back late today," he said after returning dressed, sitting down to put on his boots.

"I thought you were coming with me to get the pregnancy test," I asked weakly.

He laughed somewhat mockingly. "That's the least you can do, Violet." Then he stood up and left the room without even a goodbye kiss or sweet word.

The last three years had been like this. He hadn't liked at all the fact that the Moon Goddess had chosen a wolfless, and a rogue at that, to be his fated mate. He already loved another and wanted to take her to the altar, but he felt obliged to stay with me.

That's why this relationship was difficult for him. I spent all these years working hard to make it work, practically dying to my own desires to please him. I kept doing everything to please him, but it never seemed enough.

He still looked at me as if I were guilty, as if I were wrong there, undeserving. That's why he had never made me his Luna, even though that was my rightful place in the pack.

But I got ready, going to see my healer. It was hard to admit, but if only I were pregnant, giving him a strong and healthy child, maybe then he would look at me differently...

"Congratulations, Ms. Violet. The tests came back positive, you're expecting a child," said Healer Melvin.

"Really...?" My eyes filled with tears.

"Yes, really. You have to take care of yourself from now on," he said, smiling. He knew how much I needed that.

I clutched the pregnancy report in my hands as if it were the most precious thing in the world, my heart racing with a joy I had not felt in years. Three years of marriage to Alpha Christian, and finally, after all the quiet hopes and silent prayers, I was carrying his child.

Our child. The child of fated mates. I had imagined this moment so many times, picturing the way his stern face might soften when I showed him the results. Maybe he would hold me the way he used to, back when I still believed I could be enough for him.

I had changed so much for him. I used to be straightforward, a rogue who spoke her mind and survived on her own strength. But for Christian, I softened every edge.

I learned to smile through exclusion, to stay silent, to accept whatever scraps of attention he gave me. I became the quiet wife who never complained. And now, this baby would change everything. I believed that with all my heart.

The high end bar in the center of Silverfang Pack territory glowed under neon lights as I approached. It was past midnight, but I had confirmed earlier that Christian was there. A welcome back party, they said. I did not care. I just wanted to tell him.

The night air brushed against my skin, carrying pine from the forest mixed with alcohol and smoke from the open doors. Even without my wolf, I could feel the faint pull of our bond guiding me toward him.

I paused outside the glass windows and looked in.

The place was full of pack elites, laughter spilling everywhere. And there he was. Alpha Christian sat at the center, relaxed in a way I rarely saw. His dark hair was slightly messy, his sharp features lit by dim lights.

But my smile faded when I saw her. Denisse. His ex.

She leaned against him like she belonged there, her hand resting on his arm, fingers tracing slow circles. She laughed softly, her eyes shining with confidence. She had left after our mating ceremony, yet here she was again, as if nothing had changed.

I stood frozen, the paper in my hands crinkling.

Inside, someone raised a glass. Rayne clapped Christian on the back, grinning. “Come on, Alpha. Admit it. You and Denisse always looked better together. She has the bloodline, the status. Not like that rogue you married.”

Calvin laughed. “Yeah. Everyone knows Violet chased you. Three years and she still tolerates everything. Even when you are out with other women. Pathetic, but convenient.”

My breath caught.

They were talking about me.

Christian did not deny it. He did not move Denisse away. She leaned closer, whispering something that almost made him smile. The group cheered louder. “To the real match! Denisse is back where she belongs!”

Another voice followed, mocking. “Why did you even marry that wolfless orphan? Oh right. Strong pups from fated mates. But she is not Luna material. Not even worthy to carry your heir.”

Then Christian spoke.

Calm. Cold. Certain.

“You are right. That is exactly why I married her. Strong offspring for the pack. But she is not worthy to be my Luna or the mother of my child in any real sense. She is just there. A means to an end.”

He did not look up. He did not hesitate.

Denisse laughed, gripping his shoulder possessively. Glasses clinked as if they were celebrating something.

My world shattered.

The report suddenly felt heavy in my hands. All those years of trying, of shrinking myself, of hoping. I had cooked for him, listened to him, ignored every whisper about my low status. I had given up pieces of myself, believing one day he would see me.

Instead, I was nothing.

A tool.

My chest tightened painfully. Tears burned my eyes, but I refused to let them fall there, in front of them.

Someone noticed me outside. Heads turned. The jokes did not stop. “Oh look, the wife.”

Christian finally looked at me, but his expression did not change. He simply lifted his drink and took a sip, as if I meant nothing.

I turned and walked away.

The streets were dark and empty. My heart pounded loudly in my ears. How could he say those things? After everything?

The report crumpled in my fist. I thought this baby would make him love me, but he never had.

Tears streamed down my face as I stepped into the road without thinking.

A screech. A horn.

Bright lights.

Then impact.

Pain exploded through my body, and at that very moment I heard a sound, a wolf howling as if it was breaking free, then everything went black...

When I opened my eyes, everything was white.

Machines beeped softly. The smell of antiseptic filled the air. My body felt heavy and sore. I was in a hospital bed, wires attached to my arm.

Alive.

Beside me sat Amelia, her face pale with worry. When she saw me awake, her eyes filled with relief.

“Violet. Thank the Goddess. You are awake. How do you feel? The healer said the accident was bad, but you are stable now. Just rest. I have been here the whole time.” Her voice grounded me.

I tried to sit up, but dizziness pushed me back. “Amelia… what happened? I remember the bar… then…”

The memories felt distant. Blurred. Before she could answer, a voice cut through my mind. Sharp and cold. Quite irritated. “Violet, what is this now? Another attention seeking stunt? The healer contacted me. Stop causing trouble and tell me what really happened. I do not have time for your games.”

I froze.

The voice was clear, intimate through the mindlink, but I did not recognize it.

No face. No memory. Nothing. Just emptiness. Who was he? Why did he sound like he knew me?

I focused on the link, confusion flooding my thoughts. “Who are you?”