Kidnapped by My Alpha Baby Daddy

Chapter One

~ARIA~

The car halted right in front of the pack house, and a wave of comfort washed over me. It felt wonderful to finally return home. Evening was settling in, casting a gentle glow over the surroundings, and a handful of servants bustled about their tasks around the pack house. The cab driver, with a swift movement, came around to my side, opened the door, and extended my cane towards me. I accepted it, clasping the handle tightly as I prepared to exit the vehicle. The driver offered his assistance, but with a gentle raise of my hand, I signalled that I could manage on my own.

The thought of being seen as fragile, simply because my leg didn't function like it used to, bothered me deeply. I was anything but weak, and the last thing I wanted was anyone's pity. Ever since the battle that nearly claimed my life, I couldn't help but notice a subtle shift in my husband's demeanour towards me. While Cole wasn't overtly distant, the warmth and affection that once lit up his eyes seemed to dim. I couldn't shake the feeling that something had changed, though I desperately hoped it was just my imagination.

Six months earlier, I had set out for a Luna gathering at a pack in the Eastern Region. Since it was close by, I chose to run there instead of going by car—a practice I often enjoyed when visiting my best friend, Clarissa, the Luna of the neighbouring pack. However, that day took an unexpected turn when I stumbled upon a group of rogues attacking a young girl. Driven by instinct and the duty of a warrior Luna, I didn't hesitate to dive into the fray, despite being heavily outnumbered. The fierce battle that ensued nearly ended my life. I fought fiercely, risking life and limb to protect the defenceless girl. In the end, I emerged victorious, rescuing her from the clutches of those vile rogues.

Exhausted and wounded, I carried the girl to the edge of our territory. The last thing I remember before collapsing was attempting to send a distress signal to Cole through our mind link. When I regained consciousness, I found myself confined to the pack's clinic, my body throbbing with pain. Though the encounter had left me with a crippled leg, I found strength and a new purpose—I welcomed Sierra, the girl I had saved, into my life as a member of our pack and a sister.

I began my climb up the stairs, filled with anticipation to surprise Cole, who I knew was home from spotting his car in the driveway. My heart was set on a delightful reunion, hoping for moments of shared passion if luck favoured me. However, as I approached our bedroom, a sinking feeling took hold as I heard sounds—cries that were unmistakably moans. My good leg trembled, forcing me to rely heavily on my cane. I desperately hoped my ears deceived me, praying it wasn't my husband in our room with another woman.

My first instinct was to turn away and leave, to shield myself from the painful truth and to live in denial. But curiosity and a need for truth propelled me forward. Mustering all the courage I had, I approached the bedroom door and gently pushed it open. What I beheld stole the very breath from my lungs. It was like a physical punch to the gut. There, on our matrimonial bed, lay Cole, my husband of seven years, locked in a passionate intimacy with Sierra—the same girl whose life I had saved. She straddled him and was riding him. They were so engrossed in their sinful passion that they didn't even notice me standing there.

I fought against the surge of tears threatening to spill, silently closing the door and walking away from the heart-wrenching scene. How could they betray me in such a cruel manner, after all I had been through for their sake? The pain of their betrayal was overwhelming, leaving me questioning where I went wrong. What did I lack? Where had I failed? Without a second thought, I made my way to the garage, ignoring the doctor's warning against driving in the meantime. Igniting the engine, I sped off into the night, directionless and consumed by anguish.

My thoughts scattered like leaves in the wind, tears streaming down my cheeks uncontrolled as I drove in the darkness. Though Cole and I had not initially been fated mates and had not even married under the best circumstances, we had fallen in love and had been in love for seven years, or so I thought. Not even in my wildest dreams did I imagine this betrayal, not from Cole, and certainly not from Sierra. When my father had bartered my hand in marriage to settle his debts, neither he nor anyone else could have foreseen the depth of affection that blossomed between Cole and me, nor the role I would come to fulfil as Luna. Not even my stepsister Alina could have imagined such a turn of events.

Alina possessed a rare gift of vision, a talent that led our father to make a crucial decision based on her visions. She had foreseen chaos tied to my future, convincing our father that offering me in marriage would avert impending disaster. Our father, unquestioning of her visions, readily offered his troubled daughter to Alpha Cole when he came seeking his repayment. He hoped the Alpha could tame my rebellious spirit. However, Cole did more than just tame me; he unlocked my true potential, nurturing me to become more than what I, or anyone else, had envisioned.

But now, everything had gone now, hadn't it? Cole, my staunchest ally, had joined the ranks of those who betrayed me. The man I loved, the man who held my heart, had shattered it into irreparable fragments. What was left for me now? As I drove aimlessly, seeking refuge from my storm of emotions, the night sky began to darken. I sought solace in the anonymity of a downtown bar. With my shades and scarf for disguise, I found a quiet corner to nurse my wounds. Although not one to seek comfort in alcohol, the need to escape the ache in my heart led me to order a strong drink, hoping to find temporary relief in its numbing embrace.

As I sat there, the weight of my situation pressed heavily on me. The thought of confronting Cole and Sierra, of facing the reality of their affair, was overwhelming. How could I ever face them again? How could I bear to look upon Sierra and the man who had once been my everything? How long had their affair been going on unnoticed? Despite bearing Cole's mark, why did I not feel the sting of betrayal each time he slept with her? I recalled troubled dreams that plagued me, where I would be in a lot of pain, but when I awake, I forget the feel of that pain. It had started a month after my hospitalization. I initially attributed it to the trauma of my near-death experience, but I now questioned if there was more to it. How could Cole deceive me without my senses alerting me to his infidelity? How had I remained oblivious for six agonizing months?

The evening spiralled into a blur of tears and unanswered questions. Tears flowed freely, mingling with the bitter taste of alcohol, until eventually, the pain became a dull ache, and then... nothing. The night faded into oblivion, carrying with it the burden of my shattered heart.

Chapter Two

~ARIA~

I woke up with a pounding headache as if my brain was trying to escape my skull. For a few confusing moments, I couldn't remember where I was or even who I was. My stomach churned uneasily, and my limbs felt like they were made of wet noodles. Groaning softly, I managed to sit up in bed, blinking my eyes open. Suddenly, memories flooded back to me, like pieces of a puzzle falling into place, making my eyes snap open in shock. I couldn't recall how I ended up here, and this definitely wasn't my bedroom. A quick glance around the room made my heart sink.

The air was thick with a subtle, enticing scent of cedar, mingling strangely with the familiar aroma of my own scent on the sheets, sending a shiver down my spine. Panic surged through me. What had happened last night? My gaze fell on the bedside table, where a stack of cash lay, mocking me. Anger boiled up inside me, hot and fierce. I wished I could see the bastard and shove the money up his stupid ass. I was both distraught and confused. I sighed and covered my face with my palms. I hadn't done this out of revenge, and I felt so ashamed and filthy for letting my emotions get the best of me.

After a few moments of self-loathing, I managed to get out of bed, gathered my clothes strewn across the room, and headed towards the bathroom. I wished I had seen the bastard that had taken advantage of my drunken state; I would have kicked his ass. But even as I wished that, I realized that his scent on me only enticed me and, even though I hated to admit it, it made me hungry for more of a touch I couldn't even remember. Cole had not touched me in six months, using my injured leg as an excuse, even when I suggested positions that would not put a strain on my bad leg, he had bluntly refused. Now, I couldn't help but wonder if it was because he was already sleeping with Sierra.

I turned on the shower and went under the spray, holding my breath as the scalding water cascaded down my creamy skin. I hadn't made up my mind on what to do yet. I didn't know if I wanted to confront Cole and Sierra or if I would play ignorant, but could I? The last thing I wanted to appear was bitter, so I asked the moon goddess to give me wisdom to handle the situation.

Driving home a few minutes later, I couldn't help but dread having to walk through the front door again, almost as if scared of what I would be walking into this time. Were they still in bed? Was he cuddling her? I knew I had to play it cool. I would have to give Cole time to come out and explain. But what if he doesn't confess to me? Do I have the courage to leave him? He was my protector and had given me a home. What was I going to do?

Pulling into the garage, I sat in the car for a few moments, trying to steady my racing heart. With a heavy sigh, I finally climbed out of the car and made my way up the steps to the house. As I stepped through the door, I braced myself, listening intently for any sign of trouble. But all I could hear was the distant hum of activity coming from the kitchen, where the cooks were already hard at work preparing breakfast. I looked around the living room and felt disoriented once again.

This house was one place where I could truly be myself and not have to put up an act for anyone, but Cole had taken that away from me now as well, by sleeping with a girl I had saved. The betrayal stung too deeply.

"Luna?"

The sound of my name made me startle, my heart racing. I turned to face the source, and there she was on the landing. The girl I had once looked upon with affection, who had seemed so innocent, now stood before me, her presence more threatening than comforting. Her smile, once a symbol of innocence, now felt like a mask covering lies and deceit. At that moment, she wasn't the person I remembered; she was a snake in the grass, a threat disguised as a friend. And as she kept smiling at me, all I could feel was a cold sense of dread settling over me like a heavy blanket.

"Oh, my goddess. You're back. Are you feeling okay? You look a bit pale," Sierra remarked, stepping closer to me with concern evident in her voice. She reached out to touch me, but I instinctively recoiled from her touch, causing a flicker of confusion to pass over her face. "Is everything okay?"

Of course not, all thanks to you, I thought. I resisted the urge to snap at her, knowing it wasn't the right time to confront her. I needed solid proof before I could accuse her of anything. Instead, I forced a smile onto my face.

"I'm just feeling a bit under the weather, but I'll manage," I replied, trying to keep my tone light.

"Okay. I was just about to set the table for breakfast. Why don't you freshen up, have something to eat, and then maybe rest? I didn't think you'd be back so soon," she said, her voice casual, oblivious to the storm of emotions inside me.

Of course, you didn't. You were hoping for a quickie with my husband before breakfast. I really had to shut off those thoughts from my mind.

"I had to come back early. I wanted to be with my husband. Where is he?" I inquired, trying to sound as neutral as possible.

Sierra, now moving towards the dining table with her back to me, answered without turning around, "He's probably in your room."

I watched her for a moment longer as she busied herself with the breakfast setup. Then, steeling myself, I headed upstairs, my heart racing with each step. I tried to compose my features, hoping not to betray the whirlwind of emotions I felt.

As I pushed open the bedroom door, my gaze fell upon our matrimonial bed—the same bed they had been on top of just last night. How many times had they done it here?

"Babe?"

My eyes shifted towards Cole who had only a white towel wrapped around his waist. He looked from me to the bed where my eyes had been initially with a slight crease of his brow.

"Are you okay?" he inquired, closing the distance between us. His hands found my shoulders, offering a comforting squeeze. "You look exhausted, and you're back early. Did something happen?"

I mustered a smile. Before, his touch would have served a calming effect on me, but now, I was tensed and was sure Cole noticed it too. Cole was regarding me with concern, and for a moment, I just wanted to forget everything and fall into his arms.

"I'm fine," I replied, gently pulling away from his touch. "Just feeling a bit under the weather." I glanced at the bed, noticing that the sheets I had left before leaving were now replaced with fresh ones. "Did you change the sheets?"

"Ah... oh, yes," Cole said. I noticed the bobble of Adam's apple as he struggled to keep his expression neutral. "I... er... I spilled... er... I spilt coffee on it and had to change it," he explained, avoiding my gaze.

Coffee, huh? More like spilt sperm. I bit back the bitter retort, forcing another smile. I couldn't keep up this charade much longer. With a heavy heart, I lowered myself onto the bed.

"I think I'll rest for a bit," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "You go ahead and have breakfast without me."

Cole approached, planting a gentle kiss on my forehead—a gesture of affection that now felt like a goodbye to the trust we once shared. He then went into the shower, leaving me alone with my thoughts and the verge of tears threatening to break through my composed facade.

Chapter Three

~ARIA~

"Sorry I'm late," I said, settling into my seat at the table with an apologetic look. I was over thirty minutes late because I had spent most of my morning crying my eyes out in the shower.

Cole had left for work, and Sierra had headed off to her vocational studies. Yet, I couldn't shake off the nagging thought of them meeting somewhere, away from my mind. Now, surrounded by my friends—fellow Lunas from various packs in the Eastern Region—I tried to shake off the heaviness that clung to me. We had all been together just two days ago at the Lunas' Conference, but these five Lunas were more than just colleagues; they were my friends, with Clarissa being my best friend. It was through her that I had met the rest of the women, each kind-hearted and always ready to lend a helping hand.

Clarissa had suggested in our group chat that we meet for lunch once we were all back home. Initially, the idea of leaving my bed, where I wanted to sulk away all day, seemed unbearable. But on second thought, spending time with my friends might help ease my troubled mind. I hadn't revealed anything to them, but their quizzical glances were hard to miss.

"What?" I asked, noticing their stares. "Do I have something on my face?"

"You don't look so good, Aria. What's happening?" Clarissa's voice broke through the tension, her gaze fixed on me.

"I'm alright," I assured her, though my voice lacked conviction. "Just not feeling my best today." I had convinced myself I was ready to face the world, but now, seated among my friends, I realized I wasn't ready to confront anyone just yet. I was still grappling with the discovery myself. I picked up the menu and started glancing through it, hoping to steer the conversation away from me. But the silence at the table persisted, and when I glanced up, all five pairs of eyes were still on me, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and worry. Confused and a bit overwhelmed, I asked again, "What's up?"

"Spill," Roxy, the Luna of the Waterlow pack, urged, her tone firm. "Out with it,"

"Out with what?" I feigned innocence.

"Oh, come on, Aria. Don't tell me you've forgotten the voice notes you sent to the group last night?" Clarissa said and I felt a pang of dread.

"What?" My voice came out in a whisper, disbelief clouding my senses.

"Yeah," Jane chimed in, her tone soft yet serious. "You sounded really upset. You mentioned something about Cole breaking you and feeling like you wanted to end it all."

"I said what?" The revelation shocked me. I couldn't recall any of it. In fact, I hadn't even checked my phone since I returned home this morning.

Sarah reached for her phone and played back the voice notes for me. The first one was just me crying uncontrollably. In the second, I spoke about feeling shattered by Cole's actions and contemplating to just die. The third was a plea for them to keep this matter private until I could make sense of it all, followed by a request not to reach out to me because I wasn't in a fit state to talk. The fourth to sixth recordings were just more of my tearful sessions.

"What exactly did Cole do to you?" Clarissa's voice held a note of urgency, demanding answers.

I took a moment to survey the circle of friends seated around me, each pair of eyes locked on mine with a mix of concern and curiosity. I hesitated, wondering if it was wise to unload my marital trouble onto this table. But feeling utterly lost and in desperate need of guidance, I exhaled a heavy sigh and decided to open up about everything that had transpired.

"What on earth is he thinking?!" Clarissa exclaimed; her voice thick with indignation once I finished sharing.

Eve, who had remained quiet until now, took a leisurely sip of her wine before speaking up. "Men will always disgrace you," she remarked, her tone dripping with resignation.

My gaze shifted to Eve, understanding all too well the pain etched in her expression and realizing she might understand my plight better than anyone else at the table. It had been a year since Eve's Alpha had found his fated mate, and it had been nothing short of a nightmare for her. She had turned to alcohol to numb her pain, and though we had rallied around her in support, I now understood that some wounds ran too deep to heal.

"I would suggest you give him a taste of his own medicine," Eve said nonchalantly, her eyes rolling in frustration.

"Eve, while I get where you're coming from, seeking revenge isn't the solution we need right now. Two wrongs cannot make a right. We should focus on finding a way to support Aria through this mess," Clarissa interjected, her voice calm but determined.

"And how exactly do you propose we do that?" Eve countered, leaning in closer to me. "Listen, Aria, don't pay attention to what anyone else says. The pain is unbearable, and things will only get worse from here."

"Eve, we need to be careful with our words," Roxy interjected gently, her tone filled with concern. "Maybe now's not the time for such harsh words. Aria is our friend, and she needs our support now more than ever."

Eve's response came with a hint of defiance, her voice cracking slightly as she spoke. "I'm just trying to be realistic. It's better she faces the truth head-on," she said, her eyes beginning to shimmer with unshed tears. "Those men can be heartless, and once their affection shifts, it's gone for good."

"But we can't jump to conclusions. We don't even know if this other woman is Alpha Cole's mate, like in your case. Aria only recently discovered their affair," Jane pointed out, her voice level but empathetic.

As the conversation unfolded, my grip tightened around the glass I held, my knuckles turning white as I listened to my friends debate my situation. I fought to hold back tears; my lower lip caught between my teeth in a desperate attempt to stave off the flood of emotions threatening to overwhelm me. The realization that my once-idyllic marriage of seven years was now the subject of debate among my closest friends was a bitter pill to swallow. Despite the warmth and support they offered me, a sense of shame washed over me, mingling with the pain and betrayal I already felt. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine my marriage becoming a topic of such discussions at this table.

~*~

I returned to the pack house, later that evening, hoping not to see Sierra's face, but her face was the first thing I saw once my driver helped me out of the car. She came walking up to me with a smile on her face.

"Luna, how are you feeling? I thought you were unwell and wouldn't leave the house, but I was surprised to find you gone when I returned from school," she remarked, her voice filled with feigned concern.

I flashed her a tight-lipped smile as I made my way towards the entrance door with the servants bowing respectfully as we passed. Sierra clung to my arm, offering her support. There was a time when Sierra's chatter about her day was a source of joy for me, but today, everything coming out of her mouth felt like poison. When I first brought Sierra, she was melancholic and looked like she never wanted to live. I felt bad, wishing she would be happy since she was cast out of her pack, but over time, she blossomed into a lively and vibrant young woman. Her energy was infectious, and she always felt so hyper and even began to wear makeup. Now, I couldn’t help but wonder if all those changes were because she started having an affair with my husband.

"School was exciting today, Luna. You won't believe what happened..." she continued, trailing off as I pushed the door to the living area open.

"Sierra, I'm really not up for stories right now," I interrupted her as we entered the living area.

I noticed her expression change to one of confusion, then concern, and she stopped in her tracks. "Luna, are you alright? You've seemed so down since you got back from your meeting this morning. Is something wrong?" she observed.

I turned to face her, noting the feigned concern in her eyes. The urge to confront her surged within me, but I couldn't even find the right words to start with and realizing the gravity of accusing my husband of infidelity without concrete evidence. Cole was a respected Alpha in our region, and tarnishing his reputation without proof could invite a slew of enemies against me. I needed to gather evidence before taking any action.

So, I masked my pain with a smile. "Sierra, I've just been swamped with duties. But I'm fine, and I promise to lend you an ear whenever you need, very soon," I replied, forcing sincerity into my tone.

     Sierra returned my smile. "I'll bring your tea right away," she said, retreating towards the kitchen.

Chapter Four

~ARIA~

"Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?" Sierra chirped, stepping into my room with a warm cup of tea and a tray carrying my nightly medicine. "Luna Aria Marton of the Timberwolf Pack is the fairest of them all."

Sierra had always served me in the past, and every pack member knew about our closeness and fondness for each other. She was the one who always served me my tea and medicine each night, so tonight wasn't an exception. While Cole was busy discussing pack matters with his beta in the courtyard, I had just finished freshening up from a day spent with my fellow Lunas. I managed to muster a grateful smile as I accepted the tray from her.

"Thank you, my dear," I murmured softly. I had decided to keep my emotions under wraps until I could uncover more about what was going on. My only hope was that I could keep myself together until then.

Sierra moved to stand behind me, her hands coming to rest on my shoulders, giving them a gentle squeeze. It wasn't the first time she had done this. I used to enjoy her massages when I believed her love and respect were genuine. Now, her touch made my skin crawl.

"You seem worn out these days. Let me give you a soothing massage to help you relax and bring a smile to your face."

Our gazes locked in the reflection of the dresser mirror. I forced a smile and covered one of her hands with mine, resting on my shoulder. "I can't thank you enough for all that you do for me, Sierra."

"No, it's I who should be thanking you, my Luna. You risked your life for me, bringing me to this pack where I've found nothing but happiness and love. I don't know where I would be without you."

To anyone else, who hadn't caught their husband with this deceitful person, Sierra's words might have felt genuinely touching. But I understood their hidden meaning all too well. Despite this, I maintained my smile and allowed her to continue the massage. Shortly after, she halted her gentle motions.

"Luna, you should take your tea and medicine now. I'll just go and complete my chores."

With those words, Sierra left me alone again. As soon as the door closed behind her, I let out a sigh and glanced at the tea she had prepared for me. I picked up the cup of tea she had brought. Just as I was about to take a sip, a sudden thought struck me, causing me to pull the cup away from my lips. What if this tea was poisoned? It was a thought I had never had a reason to entertain before, but the recent events made me question everything and everyone around me. Without hesitation, I took the tea and the medicine tablets to the bathroom and disposed of them down the toilet. Then, I returned to my chair, acting as if everything was normal, pretending nothing out of the ordinary had just occurred.

~*~

That night, sleep eluded me completely. I remained motionless on my side of the bed, while Cole was just inches away. Overwhelmed and unable to face them at dinner, I had retired to bed early, naively hoping sleep would envelop me and would offer me some respite from the pain gnawing at me. But as the clock struck midnight, there was still no escape from my thoughts. I felt Cole stir beside me, his movements careful and measured. Sensing him drawing nearer, likely to see if I was awake, I quickly closed my eyes, feigning sleep. He hovered his hand over my face, testing. When I remained still, he gently shook me, then quietly got out of bed, slipped into his slippers, and tiptoed out of the room, painstakingly ensuring the door made no sound that might wake me up.

I held my position for a few minutes longer, fighting the urge to cry. Then, gathering my courage, I sat up, drawing a deep, steadying breath. In the silence of the night, I debated my next steps, my heart heavy with the knowledge of where he had gone, even though part of me wished I could be wrong.

Our living quarters were secluded, nestled on the top floor of the building, offering privacy from the rest of the pack house. Servants and pack warriors came up only when summoned, leaving the goings-on of our floor a secret to all but me. With cautious steps, I approached Sierra's door. I had assigned her this room for her to be near me, hoping to offer comfort as she battled the nightmares that haunted her from past traumas when she first arrived. Bracing myself, I knew that what I was about to witness would be the crucial evidence I needed to bring their deception to light.

As I neared her door, I noticed it was slightly ajar. My hands shook as I pulled out my phone to capture their betrayal, as their conversation reached my ears.

"Do you think she has any clue about us?" I heard Cole whisper, his voice muffled by the sounds of wet kisses he lavished on Sierra.

"Wouldn't it be better if she did? There's no point in hiding anymore. We are fated mates, and that's a bond no one can break, there is nothing anyone can do about it," Sierra's words, almost a moan, echoed through the crack in the door.

The ground seemed to shift beneath me as their words sank in. They were mates. This realization struck me like a physical blow, causing my phone to nearly slip through my fingers. Hastily, I shoved the device back into my pocket, my mind reeling. They belonged to each other by the deepest of bonds.

Cole continued, oblivious to my eavesdropping, "I need to find the right moment to tell her about us. It's been seven years, and she's done so much for our pack. She deserves to know the truth, but it has to be at the right time. Besides, we made a pact to reject our fated mates if we found them, but I couldn't resist you. She's seemed distracted since yesterday. I'm starting to worry she might have discovered something."

"She doesn't suspect a thing," Sierra declared with certainty. "She's just exhausted from her duties. The potion I add to her tea ensures she sleeps deeply, turning her pain into mere shadows in her dreams. Just a drop and she's out like a light. We've got nothing to fear."

I pressed my palm against my mouth, stifling a gasp. My gut feeling had been right all along. She'd been poisoning my tea just to steal moments with my husband. Tears spilt over, wetting my hand as I pondered what other secrets they were hiding from me. Unable to bear it any longer, I couldn't bear to record their words any longer, my hand gripping my cane tightly as anguish tore through me.

"To be honest, I find it thrilling," Sierra confessed. "Sex feels sweeter when the risk is higher."

Cole silenced her with a passionate kiss, sending a stab of pain right through my heart. He wrapped his arms around her, grabbing her buttocks with both hands.

"In a way, we're sparing her from harsher pain by ensuring she sleeps through it and never feels it when she is awake," Sierra rationalized softly. "Offering her this peace is the least I can do."

"I've always known you had a kind heart. If not for the mate bond, you wouldn't have given in to me," Cole murmured, trailing kisses down Sierra's neck as he guided her towards the bed.

"Can you stop talking already and fuck me, Alpha Cole Marton," Sierra commanded.

I knew it was time for me to leave. If I stayed there a little longer, hurt would overwhelm me, and I might burst into tears. As Cole pushed Sierra onto the bed, I carefully turned and started to walk away as quickly as I could, not minding the searing pain in my crippled leg. I shut our bedroom door behind me, went into the bathroom, turned on the shower, and burst into much-needed tears.

Chapter Five

~ARIA~

Cole and Sierra were already seated at the dining table when I descended the stairs. I approached slowly, gripping my walking stick with a determined firmness, consciously avoiding their inquisitive stares. How could I face them after all I saw and heard last night? It was getting extremely difficult to hide my despair now, and I couldn't pretend to be ignorant anymore. My husband of seven years had found his fated mate, and heartbreakingly, it was not me. Worse yet, he had chosen to keep this devastating secret from me. I mumbled a subdued greeting and took my seat beside Cole, mechanically pouring tea into my mug.

From the corner of my eye, I caught Cole's concerned gaze fixed on me. He was surely puzzled by my changed demeanour. I was torn between confronting them with the painful truth or silently disappearing from the pack. But I dreaded becoming a rogue because my father wouldn't take me back in, and no one would take in a marked she-wolf.

"Aria, is everything alright with you?" Cole asked when he couldn't take it anymore.

I glanced briefly at him, then returned my focus to the steaming mug in my hands. "Do you expect me not to be alright?" My voice, despite my efforts, wavered slightly. A tremor ran through my hand as I dropped a sugar cube into the tea.

"You've seemed distant since returning from the Luna meeting. Did something happen there? Was someone unkind to you? Did anyone hurt you?" he probed further; his brow furrowed in concern.

I let out a small, hollow laugh, the sound tinged with irony. "It's quite amusing that you suspect an outsider is to blame," I replied, my voice filled with bitterness as I took a sip of my tea. My eyes met Sierra's for a fleeting moment, and she quickly looked away, her face was ashen and drawn. It was clear she was not faring well this morning either.

"What does that even mean?" Cole's voice rose, laced with frustration and confusion. "If something is troubling you, why not just speak up so we can face it together, instead of shutting us out with this frosty silence? Can't you see it's wearing Sierra down?"

The tension at the table snapped; I slammed my mug down with such force that it startled everyone. Turning sharply to face Cole, I challenged him, "Why does my silence unsettle you so? And how does my composure cause Sierra to fall ill?" Cole just stared at me, his mouth agape, disbelief etched across his face. "Are you feeling guilty about something?"

Sierra now seemed visibly distressed, squirming in her chair. My gaze locked onto Cole, charged with accusation. In that instant, he understood that his secret was out. Before he could muster a response, Sierra abruptly pushed back her chair, stood, and fled from the room, her hand clamped over her mouth as she gagged. Colour drained from Cole’s face, while unexpected tears brimmed in my eyes.

"Aria," he began, his tone attempting calmness, but I shook my head vehemently, overcome with anger.

I seized my walking stick and hastened away from the dining table. Cole followed, pleading, but somehow, I found the speed to ascend the stairs and retreat to our room. Moments later, Cole entered.

"Aria, please," he implored.

"How could you, Cole? We made a promise to each other."

Pain and regret twisted Cole's features. "I know, Aria. But she is my destined mate. The attraction was overwhelming, and though I tried to resist at first, I..."

"What good is your resistance now?" I cut him off sharply. "You were the one who said we should reject our destined mates if we ever found them. You told me I was enough. What was the whole point of training so hard to become a warrior Luna?" I had dedicated my whole life to training so that we could balance each other's strengths since we were not fated.

Cole remained silent, his features frozen, unable to muster any words that could possibly defend his actions or soothe my shattered heart.

The realization hit me like a storm—Sierra was likely carrying his child now. Rejection was unthinkable. The very thought of abandoning the years of dedication, the relentless training, the sweat, and the tears that I had poured into this life was unbearable. But I already knew how this was going to end. If Sierra was pregnant, it was only a matter of time before the pack switched their loyalties to the woman with their Alpha's heir, who was their true Luna. It was natural. Which pack would take me in? Where would I go from here? I had been claimed and marked, and no one would want to be with a woman another man had been mating with for years. I felt like damaged goods.

I had thought we were unbreakable. Cole and I, the golden couple of our region, envied and admired. No one, least of all me, had foreseen this fracture. I tried to compose myself, to maintain the stoic mask I had worn so well, but the floodgates opened, and I was overcome with despair, collapsing into a heap of sobs. Instantly, Cole was there, his arms enveloping me, preventing me from hitting the ground, and holding me tightly to himself. Despite everything, I couldn’t muster the strength to pull away because, at that moment, all I needed was comfort, even if it was from the man who was the cause of my pain.

"Aria, I’m so sorry," he whispered, his voice breaking, his tears mingling with mine.

But what good was his apology now? My once-perfect life lay in ruins around me, and all he had to offer was remorse.

"I should have been honest with you from the start. I never intended to hurt you like this, baby, please. I... I need time to process all of this," he stammered, each word slicing deeper into my already wounded heart.

I whirled around to face him, my hands instinctively pushing against his chest. "Fuck you, Cole!" I exclaimed, the words tearing through my sobs. "What do you expect me to do? What about my happiness? Where does this leave me? What am I supposed to do now? Where do you want me to go from here?"

"You are not going anywhere, Aria. You're still my wife, still my Luna," Cole attempted to reassure me, his voice steady but his eyes revealing a flicker of uncertainty.

"And what about when your pack chooses her as their Luna?" I shot back, the bitterness in my voice sharpening as I remembered the girl I had once saved at great personal cost—the very reason for my current state. "She's the one I nearly died to save, Cole. How could this happen?"

"Aria, nothing is going to change between us. You will always be my Luna. I promise you that," he insisted, trying to sound convincing.

Empty promises, I thought scornfully.

He had once vowed with all his heart to reject any fated mate if she ever appeared. Yet, here we were, caught in the throes of his betrayal.

"So, I'm just supposed to sip the poisoned tea she brews each time you decide to fuck her?" I retorted sharply.

"I will stop touching her, I promise," Cole said quickly, a desperate edge to his voice.

I let out a bitter laugh. "You have been fucking her since my accident, and it seems you've enjoyed every moment. What makes you think you can just stop now? And please, stop making promises you can't keep."

With those final words, I turned and left the room, leaving Cole staring helplessly as I walked away.

Chapter Six

 ~ARIA~

I sniffled, gratefully accepting the tissue Eve offered me. I had gone to her pack after the incident at the dining table that morning. I didn't see Sierra after she ran out of the dining room, and honestly, I didn't want to see her because she would only remind me of my failure. Earlier, I had messaged Eve about visiting her, to which she replied that she was at home. In my current state, I needed her to comfort me because I felt she was the only one who really understood what I was going through. Clarissa had sent me several messages, but I didn't bother to reply. Maybe I will reply later when I get all of this sorted out in my head, but for now, I needed someone who had felt the brunt of what I was feeling.

Arriving at Eve’s with my eyes puffy and red, my lips swollen with grief, and she had known the moment she saw me, that I was in the same shoes as her. Without a word, she enveloped me in a warm embrace, and I surrendered to bitter sobs against her.

"I’m sorry that it turned out this way, Ary," Eve murmured, her hand comforting on my shoulder. "So, she turned out to be his fated."

I nodded, dabbing at my nose with the tissue, struggling to compose myself enough to speak. "And she might be pregnant with his child."

"What?!" Eve’s voice spiked in disbelief, her eyes almost popping out of their sockets. "Did you confront them? How could he do that? He owed you the respect to at least tell you."

I nodded again, my voice barely above a whisper. "I know." I took a shaky breath. "He claimed he didn’t want to hurt me with the truth. He told me he still loves me and wants me to continue being his Luna."

Eve’s expression morphed into one of bewildered concern. "He was remorseful?"

"I think he was remorseful, but only because he got caught. How do you manage, Eve? How do you handle such heartbreak?"

Eve sighed deeply and leaned back in her seat, a trace of resignation lining her features. "You're somewhat fortunate, Ary. At least Alpha Cole showed you a hint of remorse. My husband loathed me from the moment he laid eyes on his fated mate. He didn't care about my heartache and never offered any reassurance. When I confronted him, he coldly told me if there was anyone to blame, it should be fate. He said I could retain my title as Luna, but Candy gets to keep his dick." She rolled her eyes with a dismissive flicker of disgust as she mentioned the last part. "It's been tough, Ary. Now, I don’t even hold that title anymore. All I am is the Alpha's wife."

Taking a deep breath, Eve struggled to steady her voice, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. Seeing her fight back her emotions stirred my own, and tears welled up in my eyes once more. I wept for both of us. Because I was going to become like her soon. I, too, would be relegated to the shadows, just as she had been. It was just a matter of time before Cole's attention would shift completely. The signs were there even before I found out the truth. I reached out and hugged Eve tightly, and together, we cried, sharing in our mutual sorrow until she gently pulled back.

Eve wiped her eyes with the backs of her thumbs, tilting her head back slightly to stop the tears from spilling over. "I’ve come to accept my lot, Ary," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. She sniffed and grasped my hands firmly. "I’m sorry you’re caught in this too."

I nodded, the lump in my throat making it hard to speak. "I’m not entirely blameless myself. I think I’ve also made a mistake."

"What did you do?" Eve’s question came softly, filled with both concern and a trace of urgency.

My lips trembled as I grappled with the decision to divulge my own indiscretion, but the weight of it pressed heavily on my chest and I needed to get it out. "Cole might not be the only one who strayed," I confessed, inhaling sharply. "But it wasn't intentional," I added quickly as if to justify myself. "I was so overwhelmed that night after seeing them together, I left and drowned my sorrows in drink. I can't clearly recall what transpired, but I awoke in an unfamiliar room, naked, with a stack of money on the nightstand and a lingering masculine scent in the air... I... I really don't know if something happened. I..."

My voice faded into silence as Eve began to chuckle. Confusion furrowed my brow as I watched her, unable to comprehend why she was laughing. It took her a moment to compose herself, and she wiped a tear from her eye before meeting my gaze again.

"I'm sorry for laughing," she apologized, her expression sobering as she focused on me. "Do you genuinely feel guilty about that night?"

I shrugged; the confusion still clear in my expression. "I'm not sure how to feel. I mean, I don't even know if anything actually happened with that stranger."

"Listen, Ary. Denying yourself physical affection will only cause you more harm in the long run," she advised earnestly.

"Do you have regular… sex?" I asked tentatively.

Eve let out a soft chuckle and shot me a knowing look, as if questioning the seriousness of my inquiry. "Why wouldn't I? My husband shares his bed with another woman every night. Should I simply suffer in silence and die? No, I couldn't let that happen. For the first few months, I endured the agony; it was unbearable since he had claimed and marked me as his. But when I started having casual sex, the pain began to diminish. And here." She tilted her head to expose her neck, where I could see her mark had faded, now just a ghostly scar. "His mark is nearly invisible now, and the pain has faded. My grievances are more about the disrespect I'm subjected to here, that's all."

"Does he not mind that you're seeing other men?" I inquired, curious about her lifestyle.

Eve gave a resigned shrug. "They stop caring about you or what you do. He didn't flinch when I sought comfort elsewhere because he was consumed by his mate, that's why he wouldn't feel it. That's probably why Alpha Cole didn't feel any pain when you were with your stranger because he was with her. He might find out eventually, but he won't really care. The only way your husband might notice you again is if his mate is genuinely kind and considerate. But given that Candy is anything but, I can't really say anything about Sierra. You shouldn’t feel guilty for what happened. Just find a way to cope."

Hearing this, a pang of sadness swept through me. "I still love Cole, and I don't see myself with someone else intentionally. Cole and I got married when I was only sixteen. I've practically grown up with him. He is my anchor, my strength, my best friend, and I once thought of him as my saviour." Recalling those memories felt like reopening a wound in my heart. "I really don’t know how to deal with all of this."

"Do you think Cole will feel the same about you in a month?" Eve asked, her voice filled with concern, followed by a weary sigh. "No matter how much you believe he loves you, he will be drawn to his mate like an addict to a drug, and eventually, your presence might even begin to irritate him. The best thing you can do now is to look for an exit strategy. I'm sorry if this sounds harsh, but I'm trying to be realistic. You’re still young, beautiful, and a fierce warrior."

"Why me?" I whispered, clasping my hands tightly in front of me, exhaling a deep, shaky breath.

As I grappled with these thoughts, my mind inadvertently drifted back to the mysterious stranger from that night. It was peculiar how his scent had clung to my memory, igniting a curious desire to meet him just once more.

"This is a fate I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy," Eve said, shaking her head in dismay and clicking her tongue, her expression a combination of sympathy and frustration.