The Repayment

As usual, I was in the bedroom helping Adam get his suitcase ready. He told me he had to go on a trip for work tomorrow and would be gone for the whole day.

When I heard some noise coming from the study, I used my crutches to go investigate. I could hear Adam's brother, Aaron, talking behind the thick closed door.

"Adam, don't you think you're being too harsh? Luna still hasn't recovered from the injuries she suffered when the Blood Moon Pack kidnapped her, yet you're going off to see Amy?

"Amy just got a small cut from slicing vegetables. It'll be all healed up by the time you get there!

"What about Luna Ella? To help you defend against attacks form Blood Moon Pack, her wolf was seriously injured, and she's still hurt after two weeks. Don't you care at all?"

Aaron, who was the Beta of our Darkshadow Pack, was arguing with my mate in the study.

I wanted to hear better, so I moved closer to the door and listened in.

"If you love Amy the most, why don't you claim her and mark her? Why did you pick Ella instead?

"You've been making our pack stronger over the years, taking over many smaller packs and making lots of enemies along the way. You just made Ella your Luna to keep Amy safe from the Blood Moon Pack! Now, Ella is the one your enemies will go after.

"Isn't that right?

"Everyone thinks your Luna is the one you love the most, so your enemies have already kidnapped her three times and tried to kill her five times. Her wolf is dying now after everything they’ve put her through!

"Without her wolf, she's no different from an Omega!

"I just don't get it. What's so special about Amy that makes you love her that much?"

"Amy saved my life when I was little. I owe her everything! I promised to protect her forever, which means Ella has to face some trouble once in a while."

Suddenly, lightning flashed outside the window. I stood there, shivering at the door, and heard Adam say, "Now Ella's wolf is dying, and she can't have pups. That means Amy and my child can lead the Darkshadow Pack. He’ll be the next Alpha.

"Amy's going to have our baby. I'll bring her back soon. Don't say anything you shouldn't," he warned.

I walked away, my heart breaking as I fought back tears. When I got to my room, I could not hold it in anymore and fell to the floor.

It was so silly—I thought his kindness was real love.

Over the past five years, I had endured kidnapping after kidnapping, beatings, knife wounds... Every night, the pain was unbearable. However, Adam was always there for me—bandaging my wounds, holding me close in his warm embrace. Because of that, all the suffering felt worth it. At least I knew someone still cared about me.

I never realized he was just pretending to be nice while thinking about how my pain could help Amy.

I collapsed to the ground, tears falling uncontrollably. The truth hurt more than any of the pain his enemies caused me ever did.

With my face soaked in tears, I finally understood—lies and betrayal had been the real bond between us all along.

I got hurt because the Blood Moon Pack wanted to get rid of him. They used a silver dagger on me, taking away any chance for me to ever have kids. My wolf had been barely hanging on, and I could not heal like I used to anymore. The wounds hurt so much I could barely breathe, and they were not getting any better.

"Ella, weren't you in your room?" Adam came in, looking confused.

"I just stepped out to grab the first-aid kit."

"Does it hurt so much that it’s making you cry?"

I nodded. The cut stung, but my heart ached even more.

"Stay strong, Ella. This will all be over soon."

His face was full of love like always, but I could see right through it. Behind his caring words, I sensed his fake heart, the so-called warmth that was just cold calculation.

He did what he always did, taking the cream from the nightstand and gently rubbing it on my cut. His warm fingers used to make me want to hug him, but not anymore. Now, I could not feel any warmth at all.

While he put on the cream, Adam said, "I need to check on the border, but I'll be back by tomorrow night."

"The border's so far. Can you really make it back in one day?"

Adam hugged me softly, avoiding my sore spot. "I have to. I can't sleep without you."

Adam held me close like he always did. His heartbeat was steady, and his breath was warm on my neck. That used to make me feel safe. Now, it just made me freeze up.

It had been five years.

Five years of loving him while being used and getting hurt by him.

Adam left early the next morning.

I made myself get up, even though my wounds screamed at me to stop.

I started packing my bags. He had given me so many gifts—fancy fur clothes, rare moonstones, all sorts of bones. I was not taking any of it.

They would only remind me of the lies.

I dragged my suitcase to the study. It hit the bookshelf, and a heavy book toppled out, revealing a tiny crack behind it. Frowning, I reached out and gave it a push—only to discover it was a hidden door.