“You’re jealous,” he shot back. “Hannah’s pregnant, and instead of being happy for her, you’re acting like—”
“Like what?” I interrupted sharply. What kind of monster prioritizes his mistress’s life over his own daughter? I wanted to ask him that question, but I stopped myself.
For a moment, the air between us froze.
His gaze darkened dangerously. “You’re really hardheaded. Aren’t you concern? If you’re such a lacking mother before, don’t project your insecurities to Hannah who only wants the best for her baby.”
I swallowed hard after hearing that, lowering my tone, forcing control. “Never mind,” I muttered, turning away, “you should let her rest. That’s what I said.”
My wolf stirred restlessly, warning me to tread carefully. I couldn’t let him know I’d overheard everything. Not yet.
Hannah’s voice broke the tension. “Luna, I didn’t mean to—”
I turned to her slowly, my eyes cold. “Just do what you want.” After all, it seemed like I didn’t have any say on this.
Her mouth opened, but no words came out. She looked to Jeremiah for help, but he only sighed, stepping between us.
“Enough,” he said firmly. “Hannah will stay here, and that’s final. You’ll treat her with respect. She’s family.”
Family. The word made bile rise in my throat.
I nodded stiffly. “Just like I said, fine.” My voice was calm, detached, the calm before the storm. “If that’s what you want, Alpha.”
Jeremiah frowned at the title. He opened his mouth to say something, but I didn’t let him. “Now, if you’ll excuse me,” I said, bending down to pick up Annie’s drawings, “I have to finish rearranging my closet.”
He hesitated again, but when he saw the cold finality in my eyes, he turned and led Hannah out of the room.
As the door closed behind them, I let out a shaky breath I hadn’t realized I was holding.
Just seven more days, and I’d be gone. Gone from this cursed pack. Gone from this man who once made me believe in forever. Gone from the woman who carried my daughter’s heart and called it her own.
Zera’s POV
I couldn’t sleep that night. No matter how I turned or how tightly I shut my eyes, the darkness only made the ache worse. My heart pounded against my ribs, restless and heavy, like it wanted to claw its way out of my chest. The silence of the main bedroom was suffocating, too still, too clean for the chaos inside me.