Chapter3

I'm discharged after two days with strict orders to rest.

As if I have anywhere to rest.

Dr. Reeves hands me iron supplements and avoids my eyes.

"Light activity only, Luna—I mean, Miss Voss." He clears his throat. "Your heart is still recovering."

"Noted." I pocket the pills and head for the exit.

That's when I see them.

Darius and Serena, walking through the medical wing's main corridor like they own it.

They do own it.

He's holding her hand, the other resting protectively on her lower back.

"Alpha Darius!" Dr. Reeves brightens immediately. "Here for the ultrasound?"

"Wouldn't miss it." Darius's smile is warm, genuine—everything he never was with me. "How's our boy doing?"

Our boy.

"Strong heartbeat, excellent development." Dr. Reeves practically glows. "Right this way."

A cluster of pack mothers loiters near the entrance, their whispers carrying.

"Such a devoted Alpha..."

"Poor Serena, what she went through with that bracelet incident..."

"At least he knows how to treat a real mate."

A real mate.

I slip past them toward the door, but Serena's voice stops me.

"Elena!" She calls out, loud enough for everyone to hear. "Wait!"

Don't turn around. Don't—

I turn around.

She waddles over, all concerned smiles and fake warmth, Darius trailing behind.

"I'm so glad you're okay." She touches my arm, and I resist the urge to recoil. "The Alpha told me you gave blood to help me. Thank you."

Gave. As if I had a choice.

"It was taken, not given." I keep my voice neutral. "But you're welcome."

Darius's jaw tightens.

"Actually," Serena continues, "I was hoping you'd let us drive you home? It's the least we can do."

Home. What home?

"I'm fine walking."

"Nonsense!" Her grip on my arm tightens. "Alpha, tell her."

"The car's already here." Darius's tone brooks no argument. "Get in, Elena."

Of course.

One last humiliation for the road.

The black SUV idles at the curb, and I slide into the back seat while they take the front.

Serena chatters the entire drive about nursery colors and baby names.

Darius grunts occasionally, his eyes flicking to me in the rearview mirror.

I stare out the window and count down the seconds.

Then I feel it—something lacy and deliberate tucked into the seat pocket in front of me.

I pull it out.

Red lace panties, expensive, still carrying Serena's scent.

You've got to be kidding me.

"Oh!" Serena glances back, her eyes landing on the underwear in my hand. "Is that—oh my god, how embarrassing!"

Her laugh is practiced, musical.

"We were so rushed yesterday after the hospital..." She exchanges a meaningful look with Darius. "You know how it is."

No. I really don't.

Darius's knuckles are white on the steering wheel.

He says nothing.

Of course he says nothing.

I drop the panties back into the seat pocket and return to watching the scenery.

"I mean, the Alpha is just so passionate," Serena continues, her voice syrupy. "Sometimes we can't even wait to get home—"

"Serena." Darius's voice is warning.

"What? I'm just saying!" She touches his thigh. "It's natural for mates to be attracted to each other. Elena understands, don't you?"

Do I understand that you fucked in this car while I was bleeding out in the medical wing?

Yes, Serena. I understand perfectly.

"Crystal clear," I say quietly.

The car pulls up to a shabby apartment complex in the lower district.

This is what he thinks I deserve.

I reach for the door handle.

"Elena." Darius finally speaks. "This is temporary. Once you—"

"Once I what?" I turn to face him. "Apologize? Beg to come back? Kneel for you?"

His eyes flash gold. "Once you come to your senses."

"My senses are perfectly intact, Alpha." I open the door. "Enjoy your ultrasound. Enjoy your son. Enjoy your life."

Enjoy every second of what you chose.

I slam the door and don't look back.

Behind me, I hear Serena's delighted laugh and Darius's heavy silence.

My phone buzzes.

L: Arrived in territory. Staying at Clearwater Inn. Ready when you are.

I stare at the message.

Ready when you are.

Am I ready?

The SUV's engine revs, and they drive away toward their ultrasound, their future, their perfect little family.

I type back: Soon. Very soon.