HE CHOSE HIS MISTRESS'S BABY OVER MINE

Octavia's pov

On the night of my fourthmonth pregnancy examination, I was coerced into drinking poison.

I had just returned from the pack hospital with wonderful news that our pup was strong and healthy. But as I stepped inside, two towering men with concealed faces held my mate, Beta Jake, on his knees. His mouth was taped, hands bound, with two guns aimed at his head. One commanded me to drink from a cup on the table, threatening Jake's execution if I refused.

Jake's eyes widened in terror as he shook his head frantically, pleading with me not to drink. Yet I knew I had to comply, or watch him die.

After I consumed the contents, they fled, leaving Jake unharmed.

Initially, I blamed myself for sacrificing my unborn pup to save my mate. I believed these were Jake's enemies targeting my child to render him heirless for the Alpha Trials. Without an heir, no wolf could compete.

Tears cascaded down my face when I felt moisture between my legs.

"No, no, no..." My trembling hands found my middle, fingertips meeting dampness. When I lifted my hand, I saw blood.

Panic seized me as Jake crawled toward me, breathing labored and desperate. My silent weeping transformed into anguished wails as his beta friend rushed in with pack guards. After Jake was freed, he commanded pursuit of the intruders while I was transported back to the hospital.

Throughout the journey, I condemned myself for destroying my pup. My fourmonthold child, with whom I'd formed such a profound bond.

The agony intensified relentlessly as excessive blood flowed from my body. Jake's final words before darkness consumed me were comforting reassurances—I would recover and certainly provide him with an heir.

At the hospital, I awakened disoriented. Memories flooded back, tears streaming down my cheeks. I had barely opened my mouth to call for Jake when I overheard his conversation with Kyle, piercing my heart like lightning.

"Man, I still cannot believe you murdered your own pup just because of another woman. You should have bought the stem cells like before. Why change your approach when there's only one treatment left to repair Summer's damaged womb? I should be frightened of you now," Kyle stated.

I froze completely. My ears rang, chest constricted as the room spun.

This couldn't be reality. Maybe the substance I was given to drink left did it work and was messing with my head too.There was no possibility Jake would commit something so monstrous.

But Kyle continued. "How did you execute this plan? I thought you were joking about hiring criminals. You went too far. Both women are carrying pups for you. Why sacrifice Octavia's when she'd never forgive you if she discovered you murdered her pup to help Summer carry hers?"

My fingers trembled uncontrollably as coldness spread through my spine. I clutched the bedspread, waiting desperately for Jake's denial. None came.

"You know Octavia is naive but intelligent. I needed a strategy positioning us both as victims. Otherwise, she might have discovered the truth judging from my constant criticism about her weight gain. Why waste millions when the solution was right there?" Jake revealed.

"Since Octavia became pregnant, she's gained weight like a pig. She's become bulky and sluggish. I need her fit and nimble to care for Summer's pup when it arrives while Summer focuses on her health." He declared her too overweight and unkempt, adding he couldn't tolerate her presence.

"Even if you murdered her child, you shouldn't have implanted subdermal contraceptives despite the healer's warning about her few remaining viable eggs. Obviously from the emergency contraceptives you've been giving her daily. How is she supposed to bear children now, since the implant requires six years to remove?" Kyle continued.

My stomach churned, vision turning crimson as everything became clear. Now I understood why I'd never conceived despite years of unprotected intimacy. If so, but why did I become pregnant ?

"I always knew Summer would return, so Octavia was temporary. With Summer being the only woman in my heart, I no longer need Octavia for reproduction. She'll help care for my pups with Summer. I can't make her my public partner considering her low pack ranking, people would see weakness, and I'm competing for alpha position. Summer will provide everything I need."

My wolf Lily growled inside me, urging release so she could tear Jake apart. Since I'd presumably given birth today, I couldn't shift until several more days.

"I'm sorry, Octavia. I sensed something was wrong. Miles was furious about Jake's actions, but Jake ignored him," Lily communicated.

I closed my eyes as hot tears rolled down my cheeks. The man who'd held my belly nightly, whispering to our unborn pup, had revealed himself as its killer.

Kyle continued complaining until Jake silenced him to avoid suspicion, and they departed.

After they left, I vomited everything in my stomach inside the bathroom. The physical pain was nothing compared to the loss within. I'd already bonded with my fourmonthold child.

Jake was correct about one thing: I was a lowranking omega, a nobody.

But I would prove this nobody was someone he should never have crossed. I was coming to destroy everything he held dear.

I dragged the IV pole to reception and requested my clothes. Once dressed, I searched for a business card and dialed the number. The call connected immediately.

"I will accept your proposal, but only if you help me destroy someone," I said calmly, gripping the phone until my knuckles turned white.

"You finally agreed. I'll send someone to collect you tomorrow for dinner discussion," the voice responded.

I ended the call without waiting for another word.

He was everything I needed to make Jake and his accomplices pay for every bit of pain they'd made me endure.

Octavia's POV

That night, it felt as if the moon goddess had answered my prayers. I had prayed continuously for Jake not to appear at the hospital. My eyes were crimson and swollen, and I refused to give him the satisfaction of seeing me in such a state.

By morning, my heart had hardened. My mind focused solely on my next course of action: visiting the pack affairs department where we'd registered our mate bond to obtain a divorce. Alpha Jake had instructed me to keep our relationship secret, which was understandable. He shouldn't be mated to someone like me. It only demonstrated weakness. I was merely a low ranking female, nothing more.

The doctor interrupted my thoughts, informing me I was discharged. I left immediately for the pack affairs department.

The pack's petitioner urged me to seek counseling with my mate before granting my divorce request. I bluntly rejected the offer and demanded he proceed with the documents. After completion, he assured me I'd receive hard copies within three days.

Arriving home, I saw Summer wearing my red dress, the one Jake had purchased for me, sitting casually with my sister in law, Amaya, who doted on her. My heart constricted painfully as I observed Summer's small baby bump, the one preserved while mine was murdered.

Upon noticing me, Summer began complaining dramatically. "Oh my goodness, I'm so hungry. Is nobody preparing breakfast this morning?"

Amaya responded immediately. "That low ranking she wolf's duty is to cook. What the hell is she good for? It's her responsibility."

I quietly ignored them, heading to my baby's room, the small space Jake and I had prepared before our child was taken. Decorated with orange and blue paint, filled with toys and two cribs, the walls displayed sonogram images Jake had hung himself. When I'd shared news of my pregnancy, he was so elated he'd brought me to the pack hospital for numerous images. He'd arranged this room stating it belonged to our baby and no other.

I removed a sonogram, pressing it against my chest as I curled into one of the cribs, unaware when tears escaped.

Amaya and Summer entered suddenly.

"So because you couldn't protect your own child, you're dragging us into your misery. I don't mind you starving, but don't involve us. I wonder why you didn't die with your child. Maybe we'd have adapted to cooking ourselves, but since you're here, go cook—it's all you're capable of," Amaya unleashed.

I glared at her, tears threatening to spill. "Ask your brother. He was present. He'd be better positioned to clarify your curiosity."

"You low ranking omega!" She grabbed my hair and slapped me so hard I tasted blood.

"If you want food, tell the she wolf beside you to prepare breakfast and leave me alone," I glared back, eyes blazing with hatred.

"I know she's not happy seeing me here. She's irritated by my presence. I should just leave so she can be comfortable," Summer said, rubbing her belly.

"You good for nothing, stand up and prepare breakfast for the house," Amaya said, about to drag me when Jake seized her hands.

"Amaya, let my luna be," Jake's thunderous voice erupted. "The omegas have prepared breakfast and are setting the dining table."

Summer hissed, "She's not even a luna yet," leaving with Amaya, who rolled her eyes in disgust.

Jake sighed. "How are you feeling?" He attempted to touch my hair, but I pushed his hand away, repulsed.

Once, I would have melted in his embrace. Not anymore.

"I know you're angry I didn't collect you from the hospital. I apologize. I was extremely busy," he said.

"Busy indeed," I muttered, noticing the visible love bite on his neck.

"Busy with her, right?"

"No," he responded without hesitation. "You can't make accusations like that. Summer is my late cousin's wife. Their pack was attacked by rogues; she survived alone, carrying a pup. I brought her to stay with us, but the elders insist I should mate her since she's pregnant and her pup needs a name before being accepted into our pack. Listen, I promise this is just being a stand in father figure, nothing more."

I swallowed bile, looking at the man I'd loved blindly for three years as he spoke with such concern and care for another woman, his supposed cousin's wife.

The Jake I loved died with my pup. Now I only saw a man I wanted to shred into pieces, ensuring he paid for every evil deed committed against me.

"It's fine, Jake," I said, voice flat and emotionless. "Do whatever you want. It's your house, after all."

I saw disappointment cross his face. He'd expected me to argue like before, but he dismissed it immediately. "Come with me. I have something for you," he said, gently pulling me from the crib toward the dining room.

At the table, Summer and Amaya were already consuming their meals. Jake adjusted a chair for me, and I sat down.

He bent under the table, retrieving something he'd kept there.

"I purchased your favorite perfume. I thought it might cheer you up for being discharged," he said with a proud smile, unwrapping a small elegant bottle and spraying a delicate mist. "See, it's the same scent you always use."

I smiled bitterly, my heart sinking. Two years together, and he didn't know I was allergic to lily jasmine fragrance.

As the sweet, overwhelming scent wafted through the air, my nose tingled uncomfortably. I started sneezing uncontrollably, tears streaming as my body rejected the toxic fragrance.

"Oh my gosh, Octavia, you sneezed into my food! It's contaminated, and you were just discharged from the hospital!" Summer cried dramatically, slamming her plate down with deliberate force.

I wiped my streaming eyes, glaring through tears. "You're far from me. How did it reach your food?"

Jake's face darkened with rage as he grabbed my arm roughly, forcing me to my knees on the scalding food splatter covering the floor.

"Apologize to her this instant, or I'll empty the entire perfume on your face so you can sneeze properly!" he threatened harshly, his voice menacing as burning hot food seared through my knees.

Octavia's pov

I stared at Jake with tearfilled eyes, and his dark gaze flickered with remorse as he released my throbbing arm.

"I'm sorry, Octavia. I didn't mean to. It's just..." His rushed apology was cut short when Summer whimpered.

Jake's sister shook her head disapprovingly, crossing her arms. "Now look, Summer is feeling irritated because of your display."

Jake immediately abandoned me on the floor and rushed to Summer, scooping her into his arms and caressing her forehead tenderly.

"I think it's the contamination, Jake. I feel so sick and I can't eat," Summer cried weakly against his chest.

"Let's go eat out," he said to her.

"Clean this mess up!" Jake barked at me without turning around, his voice echoing as he carried Summer away.

His sister stared down at me with disgust, hissed sharply, then walked out.

Sighing exhaustedly, I slowly picked myself up and began cleaning the scattered food and plate fragments, wincing as my knees burned from where I'd knelt on the scalding splatter.

When finished, hands raw and body aching, I dragged myself upstairs to the bedroom I'd shared with Jake for two years without knowing he was such a heartless monster.

I walked straight to the closet, retrieved a suitcase, and started packing every bit of my belongings. All the gifts we'd received over the years, including ones he'd given me, I tossed into a box. The few pictures we'd taken together went in too; there weren't many since our mating bond was secret.

I moved to the frames hanging on the wall. As I reached for one bearing my face, I accidentally knocked down Jake's frame. Files scattered from behind it. As I gathered them, something caught my attention.

My eyes caught a wedding photo of Jake and Summer, dated a year ago. He'd told me he was still in the mating bond process with the elders, that they were still deliberating. But this date told a different story.

All this time, he'd mated Summer while still with me. No wonder he never marked me, even after our intimate moments. Summer held the bigger space in his heart.

My eyes froze as I set the photo aside and saw the next document, a medical form confirming the patient had been informed about contraceptive risks and benefits for Nexplanon. His signature and the healer's were stamped on it. Despite the "fewer viable eggs" warning boldly capitalized, he'd still signed approval.

The remaining documents were for oral contraceptive pills.

I clenched my fists as tears flowed down my cheeks. If he never saw a future with me, why marry me at all?

By the time I finished packing, I'd ensured my departure wouldn't be noticed until after I left. I was about to drag the box out when the door opened and Jake entered.

"What are you doing?" He stood at the door, looking surprised at the room.

Without meeting his gaze, I replied, "I'm reorganizing and getting rid of old things you and I won't be needing anymore."

"You're really throwing everything in this box out?" he frowned.

"Yes, I won't be needing them anymore."

His eyes flashed to a teddy bear with his name customized on it. "This too?"

"Yes," I nodded.

"But you never slept without this," he looked confused.

"It's worn out now. I'll manage without it."

He'd given me that teddy bear for my birthday. It had a lullaby song, and since that day, I'd cherished it like my life depended on it.

He frowned like he wanted to say more, but before he could, Summer's voice called his name from outside. She walked in, gripping his arm possessively.

I didn't flinch when Summer asked, "Do you need help with that? I could help you."

"She's only trying to help. Why are you being so difficult? Summer is nice, and I think you'll like her if you get along," Jake stated.

"Just as you did, right?" I threw back, but he glared angrily and left the room.

"You're impossible," he said, making his exit.

"Doing exactly what you should have done long ago. Why did you take so long to realize Jake is just a snap away from me?" Summer said provocatively.

I stayed quiet, moving the heavy box toward the door.

"You're playing dumb, right?" she asked, moving to sit on the bed.

"If I were you, I wouldn't stay with a man who killed my child just to please someone special..."

I didn't wait for her to finish. "You know, Summer, as much as I hate you, I still pity you. Loving a man who murdered his own child, it could be your child's turn tomorrow for another special person. Haven't you thought about that? If not, allow me do the thinking for you, because only a deranged woman would stay comfortable after witnessing this."

Summer's eyes widened with annoyance, but I didn't care. "Just like these old things I'm throwing away, Jake will do the same to you if he finds someone new. Nevertheless, I wish you the best, Summer."

I saw her clench her fist, about to explode, but I pouted and tilted my head, staring into her face.

"You pathetic low omega, how dare you challenge me? I'll show you what a deranged woman can do. You'll regret this," she snarled and rushed toward the wall, slamming her temple repeatedly against it.

Fear gripped me as I watched in confusion and shock.

After several hits, she dropped to the ground, screaming loudly in pain, blood running down her face. She increased her cries, using her full voice, and the door burst open. Jake and Amaya came running in.

"What the hell did you do to her?" he asked with bloodshot eyes.

Octavia's pov

I stood there frozen, my hands trembling as I witnessed the rage in Jake's eyes when he looked at me.

Summer whimpered softly as she lay on the floor, and eventually it transformed into loud sobs.

"After you left, I was consoling her about losing her pup. I only said she'd conceive again and bear more pups for you. She pushed me and slammed my head against the wall repeatedly. She attacked me violently," Summer fabricated.

I tried to speak, but no words came. In a flash, Jake appeared before me, pinning me against the wall as he grabbed my neck tightly.

The moment my back hit the wall, I felt a crack at my lower spine.

"Aaaargh," I cried as my voice returned.

"I swear I didn't touch her. She's lying. She slammed her own head to frame me," I pleaded, but Jake showed no mercy, his eyes blazing with fury. Instead, he threw me aside like nothing, and I landed hard. My right hand hit the wall and went numb instantly.

I moaned softly as hot tears streamed down my face. "Please help me. I didn't do it."

"You better pray to the moon goddess that nothing happens to Summer and my pup, or I'll become your greatest terror," he said, scooping Summer into his arms while she continued crying.

"You deserve this and more. Next time you'll know your place and how to maintain boundaries," Amaya stated, kicking my belly and spitting on me.

I watched as they left the room, and I was left behind in agony, dealing with the crime I did not commit.

The pain became unbearable as my eyelids closed slowly and darkness took over. There was only one thought on my mind as I fell deeper into the silence.

I hate you, Jake.

I was only a low ranking she wolf in the pack. This was due to the fact that my mother was the pack's slave, even lower than an omega.

That night, after I heard the news that my crush, Jake, was involved in an accident and lost a lot of blood because his girlfriend left him for the alpha of the pack, I ran to the pack's hospital and donated blood to him. I stayed by his side until he recovered.

After the incident, he ignored his family's threats and vowed to love me and make me his mate.

I remembered my mother's warning against Beta Jake when she discovered our love, but I was infatuated and ignored her warnings.

The things we do for love.

Now Summer came back to him after everything she did to him in the past, and he still chose her over me.

Finally, I regained consciousness. I didn't know how long I'd lain on the cold tiles. My head throbbed intensely, my body weak from exhaustion. I rested against the wall when the door swung open. Jake walked toward me, pulled me up by my hair, and dragged me out.

"What do you want this time?" I managed to speak, but he ignored me and shoved me to the corner.

My gaze met with that of Summer, who was sitting in a wheelchair with her head bearing a slight bandage on the side. She gave me a triumphant smirk.

"Jake, do not let her go unpunished. She has already bitten off more than she can chew," Amaya stated.

I turned to my other side, where two guards were standing with a clipper set on top of a long mirror on the table in front of them.

Terror gripped me as my heart pounded violently against my chest, each beat louder than the last, but I managed to stay composed.

"Jake, you need to believe me. I didn't touch her. She started this and now she's using it against me," I pleaded, hands trembling in fear.

"Even after what you did, you're still calling her a liar when you should be apologizing. What level of jealousy would make you do this to a pregnant woman?" Jake said.

When he said that, I looked straight into his eyes as tears dropped, and at that moment, everything he had done to me flashed back through my memory.

He stood in front of me, lecturing me about being wicked for something I did not do, but he murdered my unborn pup and pretended like nothing happened, not even showing a form of remorse for what he had done.

Lily snarled inside me as my eyes flashed golden light, giving him a warning. I pushed her back inside. As someone barely hanging on to survive until I leave for good, I could not bear risking it all now, as I was still in my healing phase. I could not shift properly due to the presumed childbirth, and even if I did, I would be dead with all of them struggling to hold back their wolves from devouring me.

"Look what you did to your fellow she wolf. Her hair is shaved because of you, cut off so they could access the injury," he growled.

"She won't be the only one with shaved hair. You'll bear the consequences for causing her pain and making her look this way," he said, commanding the guards to shave my hair.

I glanced at Summer's hair. Only a small strand was removed from her temple, barely visible unless closely examined.

"No, no, no..." I cried. "You can't do this to me. Please, I can't lose my hair." I shook with all my strength so they couldn't access it, but a hard blow landed on my chin, leaving me motionless as I fell to the ground.

Octavia's pov

I awakened to rolling tire sounds. I was sitting in a wheelchair, hands and body tied to it, moving rapidly toward a mountain cliff. I looked around, trembling in fear, and shouted.

"Somebody help me, please," I sobbed. The wheelchair stopped when I heard footsteps approaching from behind. I turned to see Jake.

"You're awake," he said mockingly as he squatted behind me.

"Jake, please, you have to free me now. You can't treat me like this. I'm your mate. Please show mercy."

He rubbed his hand through my shaved scalp. The realization hit me, my hair was gone, everything was gone. I was exhausted from crying, but tears still came.

"You have the right to plead for mercy when you treated my Summer with such disdain. I told you that you'd feel every bit of my anger if anything happened to Summer or my pup."

"What else do you want from me? You've already shaved my hair off. Please, I'm in so much pain," I pleaded.

"Shaved your hair? That was what Summer wanted, and this is for my unborn pup that you caused stress and pain before it can see the world," he said, pressing the button in his hands. The wheelchair kept moving until it reached the cliff edge.

I looked down. One wheel was almost over the cliff. My heartbeat dropped, and I threw a look at Jake, who was playfully tossing the remote up and down.

"Why are you doing this? If you want me dead, why torment me this way?" I cried.

"If you really want to live, then I'll let you do that on one condition," he said.

"Okay," I nodded without hesitation.

"The alpha contest is fast approaching, and I mistakenly showed Summer to them as my she wolf, but it didn't go well because you're in the picture. They want to cancel me until they hear your response."

"See, Octavia, you have to hand over being my she wolf to Summer, since she's already carrying my pup, and I promise you that once I become alpha, I'll make you my luna."

I clenched my fists tightly upon hearing the garbage from his mouth.

"You needed an heir for the contest. Why did you kill our child then?" I asked with resentment in my eyes.

"I'm running out of patience with you, Octavia," he barked and held my jawline upward. "If you really want to survive today, you better shut your damn mouth up, or else..."

"Do you still not get it? We're talking about status here, and Summer has it all, considering her uncle is alpha king Dominic Sinclair, and he's the most powerful and richest lycan bloodline alive, so there's every chance I'll win."

"Dominic what?" I laughed so hard my stomach almost burst open, forgetting for a second that I was on the verge of life and death.

I darted a look at Jake, and his eyes were filled with fury. Now I know why little Summer has so much pride. Everything is making sense now.

"So you want to toss me aside and get mated to Summer just because you think her powerful uncle would make you win the alpha title," my voice rose.

"You just have to step down and do as I said, and I don't want you annoying or hurting Summer ever again because she holds the key to this golden opportunity. Do you understand me?"

I nodded gently, and after he was sure of my assurance, he pulled the wheelchair back and untied me. I felt my right hand numb and painfully throbbing.

Three years of marriage crumbling before my face, and he was happy playing with the marriage like it was a game of chess.

I stood there and waited for him to reverse his car. He opened the door, and I entered.

This is exactly what I was looking for, but he presented it to me on a platter of gold. Who am I to say no to his honorable request? But I have to leave no trace of my actions until I'm ready to leave.

My phone kept buzzing nonstop. I picked it up from my back pocket and started texting.

"Who are you chatting with?" Jake asked sharply as he grabbed my phone.

"Watch the road. You would kill us," I said, relaxing against the seat when the car stopped.

He tried unlocking it with his fingerprint, but it failed.

"Did you remove my fingerprint? Really? Is that what we're doing now? Keeping secrets?" he asked, his voice low.

Throwing my face toward the windshield as I shrugged, "Afraid of what you might find out?"

He stared at me for a moment and, with his deep voice, asked, "What's the password?"

"Our anniversary date," I said as I watched him type random dates, but they failed. He then raised a brow at me and handed the phone back.

Three fucking years with him, and he has forgotten our anniversary date.

As I collected the phone, I didn't bother texting again, and silence took over both of us as we drove down the street. Almost close to the pack, I told him I wanted to get an Xray to examine my right hand.

"I think my right hand is fractured. I need to get an Xray done." The moment I spoke, he glanced at me with pity. He halted, and I left the car and watched until he zoomed off the street.

The moment I got down, all eyes were on me as if I had done something, but I know what their looks were about.

My hair.

I didn't care at all. Instead, I hurriedly hailed a cab and rushed to the pack's affairs department.

Thank goddess the papers were ready. I took them and left to meet someone at a restaurant. I got there expecting to see him, but instead he sent someone. He introduced himself as his beta and gave me a drafted contract file to sign. We concluded everything, and he took a full picture of me, and a huge amount of money was wired into my account as I had requested.

As I came out of the restaurant with boldness, I straightened my dress and headed home.

Now I'm fully ready to play that game of chess with Jake. With my next action, let's see who wins.

Octavia's POV

When I arrived home, everywhere was as quiet as a graveyard. "Where is everyone?" I muttered to myself.

As I made my way to our room, I heard moans emanating from it. I quickly pressed my ear against the door. It was really coming from our matrimonial bed. I peeked through the narrow opening and instantly regretted it.

Jake was having intimate relations with Summer, and she was on top of him.

"Fuck, Octavia is so stupid," Jake laughed. "Can you believe she actually expects me to make her my luna when I have you here? I feel so good when I'm with you, nobody can make me feel this way except you."

Summer snorted. "She's delusional. I don't know how you put up with her for so long."

"If she wasn't so beautiful, I never would have given her any of my time," Jake scoffed.

I turned away, steadying myself. None of them deserved any drop of my tears.

I considered setting off the smoke alarm, but that would be too noticeable. I quickly tiptoed back and started shouting.

"Jake, I'm back! Is anyone home?" I called, walking past the door while pretending I hadn't seen anything, then went straight to the back door, giving them time to compose themselves.

When I returned, the room was empty and neatly arranged. I smirked bitterly and started arranging the papers in my bag.

There was no reason to waste more days here. Since I had the divorce papers, all I needed was his signature, and I'd be free.

After a few minutes, the door clicked open and Jake entered, pretending he hadn't been in this room moments ago.

"You're back?" he asked.

I nodded. "Yes, some minutes ago."

"Summer wants to visit the hospital, so I'll quickly drop her off and come rest. It's been a long day," he said hurriedly.

"Oh, you want to finish what you were doing?" I said loud enough for him to hear, but he didn't understand.

"What?" he asked.

"Nothing."

"I'll see you soon then." He was about to leave when I called him.

"Before I forget," I said, collecting the documents from the bed, "the council held a meeting today, and I managed to stop by on my way to the hospital. We finalized everything. I signed some things, and they requested you sign these for documentation."

I gave him a pen and pointed to the signature spaces. Without glancing through the documents, he signed where I indicated and handed back the files.

"When did they say everything will be sorted out?" he asked.

"Once I return these documents, they'll confirm and we're good to go," I replied.

"I should go with it to submit immediately," he said impatiently, like he couldn't wait for confirmation.

"No, I w..." I was about to reject when Summer's voice interrupted.

"Jake, I need to leave now so we can get there on time!" Summer called.

"Summer wants to try your secret dish, so make her some and make me my favorite as well," he said, zooming off like a flash without waiting for my response.

He didn't even ask about my hospital visit or the outcome, despite mentioning it earlier.

When love is no longer there, I have to walk out the door without looking back.

Once I was sure they'd left the pack, I picked up the documents and proudly kept them in my bag. I dragged the box near the door outside to the backyard and burned each item to ashes in the fire pit.

I lay down on the bed and dozed off without realizing it. I couldn't wait to leave this failed marriage for good.

I woke up feeling hungry. I hadn't eaten all morning, and now it was almost dawn. I went to the kitchen to make something for myself.

I prepared my favorite lasagna with meat sauce and coleslaw. I was taking my last bite when Jake and his mistress walked in.

"Wow, everywhere smells so good. I can't wait to dig in," Summer said.

I remained quiet, enjoying my food.

Jake adjusted Summer's chair and instructed me to serve them, but I ignored him.

"Serve us what you made, Octavia," he said again, this time very loudly.

"I didn't make anything for you. Anyone who's hungry can enter the kitchen and make something themselves," I stated.

"What do you mean?" He rose and banged his fist on the table.

"Jake, please don't get angry with her. I don't like you guys quarreling when I'm here. Maybe I'll just make something quick for us," Summer wailed fakely, walking close to Jake and grabbing his arm possessively.

"Why not let her do the cooking? She volunteered," I said.

"You low omega, how dare you challenge me?" he groaned and slapped me across the face.

"You're very ungrateful. I brought you up, and you dare go against my orders. You should be in the omega's quarters, warming my bed anytime I want." He took the coleslaw plate and smashed it on the floor beside me. Shards pierced into my leg.

I felt the pain but stayed expressionless. He dragged me by the back of my neck, and my feet finished the work when I stepped on the broken ceramic.

He pushed me into the kitchen. "You better make me food before I get back, ungrateful orphan."

"How cruel can you be, expecting a pregnant woman to cook? Are you this vicious?" he said, hanging his arm around Summer's shoulders.

"Come, let's grab something to eat."

I stayed muted, but immediately they left, I gasped as sharp pain shot from my leg and sole.

My eyes filled with fury and pain simultaneously. I moved gently to the table, grabbed my phone, took a photo of the piercing, and placed a call.

"Hey," the voice answered.

"If I waste any more minutes here, both the contract and your money will follow me to my grave," I said firmly.

I ended the call without hesitation and ordered a ride.

I'm going home, and this time I'm not looking back.