I let out a bitter laugh, unable to hold it back anymore. "Deal with me? For what, exactly? Even in pack law, you need proof before punishing someone. Don’t you think it’s a little unfair to just jump to conclusions and hit me without knowing the full story?"

Asher clenched his fists, his eyes narrowing. "You knew there were no witnesses nor CCTV’s in the restroom. You fucking thought you’d get away with it? Huh!"

"Asher," I tried to keep my voice steady, "y-you’re really going to believe her over me?"

Celeste stepped closer, resting her hand on Asher’s arm, her face full of fake concern. "Lois, you know I’ve always wanted to be friends with you," she said sweetly, through her eyes practically glowed with satisfaction.

Asher glanced at her, his expression softening like a fool. "She wouldn’t lie about this," he said quietly, his tone absolute.

My wolf growled, furious, but I just scoffed, glaring at both of them. "Of course, she doesn’t," I snapped. "She’s way too good at playing the victim for that!”

Five years! Five years of building something I thought was real, and he didn’t even hesitate to take her side.

Wow.

Celeste reached out, placing a hand on his arm. "Asher, please," she said, her tone all soft and sweet. "Don’t fight over me. I don’t want to come between you two."

I laughed bitterly, the sound harsh and raw. "Too late for that."

"Lois," Asher said sharply, his golden eyes flashing with warning.

I shook my head, backing away. "I’m done, Asher! You’ve made it clear where you stand, and it’s not with me."

Without waiting for a response, I turned and walked away, ignoring Celeste’s murmured protests and Asher’s frustrated shout.

I didn’t go back inside. Instead, I paid the bill at the front desk and sent a quick message to the group chat:

"Something came up. Enjoy the rest of the night—it’s on me."

As I stepped out into the cool night air, the weight of it all crashed down on me. Asher wasn’t just a Gamma in my pack. He was supposed to be my partner, my anchor. But tonight proved something I’d been too blind to see.

I was holding onto someone who had already let go of me.

Dragging myself back to the pack house, I paused in the doorway and let my eyes wander over the place I had called home for five years. It was quiet—too quiet—just like my love for Asher.