Chapter 3

Grote's appetite was insatiable, and his methods were brutal. In the heat of passion, he would lose all restraint and push with excessive force. After seven years, I knew the agony of that tearing sensation all too well.

But whenever I was injured during our intimacy, I had to visit the healer alone.

Grote had never looked at me with the panic and heartache he was currently showering on Christine. Not once.

Despair washed over me, and I couldn't suppress a sneer. "Grote, you promised me you'd never do this again."

Grote stiffened, but there was no guilt or regret on his face—only a flash of pure annoyance.

"Renata, can you grow up? Look at the situation! Do you really have to bring that up right now?

"Christine is hurt because of me. You're always dealing with those infections down there. You know this better than anyone. Go in there and talk to the healer. Help me save Christine."

A bitter taste rose in my throat, and it felt as though my very blood were running cold. What was I even doing here?

My mate of seven years was asking me to save the mistress who had destroyed our relationship.

I really wanted to ask Grote what I was to him.

But before I could speak, he grabbed my arm and dragged me into the treatment room. He barked an order at the male wolves to pin me down, then proceeded to force my legs apart.

"Healer, check her. See if her symptoms down there match Christine's."

I struggled with everything I had. I never imagined that Grote would just ignore the gazes of the other male wolves and force my legs open in front of everyone.

The healer stepped toward me, looking conflicted, but he didn't dare disobey Grote. He donned his cold, latex gloves and prepared to lay hands on me.

"Grote, are you crazy? Are you really going to humiliate me in front of everyone?" I screamed, tears of rage blurring my vision as I tried to cover myself.

However, Grote held me down with terrifying strength. I could feel the eyes of the other male wolves on me. Their stares were like needles pricking my skin.

"How could you do this to me for a mistress? Let me go!" I screamed.

Grote's eyes turned a feral, bloodshot red. "Christine is in critical condition! Stop making a scene!"

From the bed, Christine's soft voice drifted out, "Honey, don't be mad at Ms. Bowers. It's all my fault. I just loved you too much. I'm the one who seduced you.

"Blame me if you have to. I'm completely satisfied now. If Ms. Bowers won't save me, then let me die in agony. I have loved you, and for that, I have no regrets!"

Her words made me want to gag. Since when did an affair become some grand, tragic romance?

But Grote was visibly moved.

At this very moment, I finally tasted the true bitterness of this poison called "love". I was finally, completely awake to reality.

The healer pulled back, and his expression turned solemn as he addressed Grote. "But Alpha Grote, Ms. Henson… is with pup."

Outside the partition, the Betas and warriors fell silent for a heartbeat before their expressions shifted to pure, unadulterated awe.

Everyone knew Christine was a renowned expert in bed. The number of male wolves she'd been with was endless.

Rumor had it she possessed a mystical power. Because of that, she could only be satisfied by truly strong male wolves. And now, Grote had gone so far as to get her pregnant.

To think that the legendary male wolf was none other than my mate of seven years.

The wolves erupted into cheers, the sound thundering against my eardrums.

"Congratulations, Alpha Grote! You're truly the pride of our pack! Ms. Henson's pup will be a warrior for the ages!"

"The Valkyrie Pack has a new heir!"

Seeing their looks of sheer admiration, Grote could no longer suppress the smug grin spreading across his face. He was ecstatic.

I stood there, watching as he gathered Christine into his arms.

She leaned into his chest, weeping happy tears. To me, the scene was so sickeningly blissful.

They completely forgot I existed.

Grote swept Christine up in his arms, carefully carrying her out without a single glance in my direction.

"Wait!" Christine chirped.

Grote stopped instantly, hanging on her every word.

She tilted her chin up to look at me and asked coyly, "Ms. Bowers, you aren't mad, are you? I didn't mean for this to happen. If it hadn't been for your infection down there, this stroke of luck should have been yours."