Inside, I walked straight to the wall of framed memories, reached for our wedding photo—a symbol of the mate bond I had once treasured—and pulled it down. Without hesitation, I tossed it into the trash bin.
I refused to leave behind a single reminder of the life I had been desperately trying to hold together.
Next, I gathered every shared item—our matching cloaks, trinkets from bonding ceremonies, little tokens wolves give their mates—and stuffed them into a black trash bag. I was carefully making my way down the stairs when the front door burst open.
Lucian walked in, carrying Sabrina in his arms like she already belonged here.
The moment his gaze met mine, a flicker of guilt rippled across his face, quickly masked by irritation.
“She’s not doing well because of your behavior,” he stated, as if it were an indisputable fact.
I let out a cold, humorless laugh. “Not doing well? Then why isn’t your precious she-wolf in the healing ward? Why drag her into the Alpha residence? Or is our packhouse now your personal refuge for mistresses?”
His eyes flashed with dominance. “Watch your tone, Vivienne. I’m trying to manage the situation. Whether you approve of it or not, Sabrina is staying here.”
Sabrina placed a hand on her stomach, stroking the curve of her unborn pup like she knew exactly how to provoke me.
“It’s true, Vivienne,” she whispered sweetly. “Nothing inappropriate is happening. Lucian only wants what’s best for the baby.”
Her words were crafted to slice through me the way rogue claws would.
My wolf bristled under my skin, rage simmering through my veins. I stared directly at Lucian, voice steady but sharp. “This is my territory. My home. I don’t want her living in it.”
Lucian hesitated—a moment of doubt—before Sabrina grabbed his wrist and guided his hand to her belly. The sensation of the unborn pup’s heartbeat softened him instantly.
Like magic. Or manipulation.
When he turned back to me, his voice was full of annoyance. “Enough, Vivienne. You’re carrying a pup too, yet you show no understanding. You pushed Sabrina earlier—I’m only making sure she’s safe. If you can’t accept her presence, then maybe you’re the one who should leave.”
His words struck like a rejection blow—sharp, freezing, merciless.
I felt the blood drain from my face. My whole body shook, not just from hurt but from the bond fraying under his disregard.