Chapter 3

That night, I was jolted awake by the crushing weight of someone pressing down on my chest, cutting off my air supply.

My lungs burned as I fought desperately against the suffocating pressure. In my panic, I managed to shove my attacker off me, sending them tumbling to the floor.

When I fumbled for the light switch, my blood turned to ice.

It was Marcus. My own five-year-old son.

"Elena Blackwood! You evil woman!" His small face was twisted with pure hatred. "If it weren't for you, why wouldn't Mom want me?"

"You're just a lowly caretaker! Why don't you just die?"

The venom in his voice hit me harder than any physical blow. This child who stood before me, radiating such intense loathing, was the same baby whose first cries had sounded like a tiny wolf pup's howls.

I remembered the agony of his birth. The complications that nearly killed me as I bled out on the operating table. Damien had actually told the doctor to prioritize saving me over the baby, but I'd fought with every ounce of strength I had left.

I'd held Marcus against my chest with trembling arms, protecting him even as my life slipped away.

Now that same child wanted me dead.

"Marcus, are you okay?"

Scarlett burst through the doorway, her eyes immediately filling with suspicion as they landed on me. Behind her, Damien appeared wearing matching silk pajamas with her—a perfect couple's set.

The sight of their coordinated sleepwear felt like a slap across my face.

"Elena, why are you arguing with a child?" Damien's voice carried disappointment and irritation.

"Isn't it normal for kids to throw tantrums? And you call yourself..." He stopped himself, but the unspoken words hung heavy in the air. "No wonder you don't feel sorry for a child you didn't raise yourself!"

After Scarlett led Marcus away, Damien lingered in my room. I was still shaking from nearly being suffocated by my own son.

"Elena, Marcus can't accept this right now. How about we wait a little longer?"

There it was again. That familiar refrain. Wait a little longer.

He knew exactly what to say because I'd always been understanding. I'd never made things difficult for him before.

Whenever Damien felt troubled, I would sacrifice my own needs without question, as long as it made him happy.

My healing abilities had manifested early in life. After years of dedicated research, I'd finally developed a revolutionary healing potion that could cure silver poisoning—a breakthrough that could save countless werewolf lives.

But Damien had convinced me to transfer the patent to Scarlett.

"This could help reduce her parents' sentences," he'd pleaded. "Once Scarlett's parents are released from prison, we can become official mates. You'll help me, won't you?"

So I'd given away my life's work. Scarlett became a nationally celebrated healer, the Luna everyone envied Damien for having.

Their mating ceremony had been broadcast across all werewolf territories. I'd watched Damien make his passionate vows before thousands of witnesses.

"I don't care what Scarlett went through before. I believe she's innocent, and her parents are innocent too. I won't allow anyone to gossip behind Scarlett's back!"

The jealousy had consumed me that day. I'd destroyed everything within reach in my rage.

When Damien finally came to me, I'd been surrounded by shattered glass and broken furniture.

"Elena, what are you doing? Didn't I explain everything to you?"

"So what? I'm supposed to just watch you mark someone else? Damien! I'm not that generous. I can't do it!"

"Elena, this is just part of the plan. After I clear their case, Scarlett will return to her parents, and I'll tell everyone that our mating was fake!"

His eyes had burned with sincerity. "I truly only love you. Do I have to tear out my heart and show it to you before you'll believe me?"

"The future belongs to both of us. I and everything I have belongs only to you."

I'd believed every word. What a fool I'd been.

Two years of waiting had brought me nothing but my son's hatred and Damien's empty promises.

The only thing I never received was the day he'd sworn would come.