Alpha,Our Marriage Died Long Ago

chapter 2

Back in warrior training, l had been hopelessly drawn to Alpha River's wolf.

When circumstances forced him to mark me as his mate, l gave myself fully to that bond. l cared for him with everything l had-so much so that everyone in the pack knew River had a lovesick she-wolf at his side.

dreamed of our future. l treated our mate bond with all the devotion l could muster.

I gave up myself-my time, my strength, my dreams-and poured it all into him and our pup.

But none of it mattered. Alpha River never truly cared. His wolf never accepted me as his mate.

And now, even my pup, Lucas, look sat me with nothing but disdain.

I didn't wait for River's next command.l turned and walked away.

His Alpha aura burst out behind me his voice a low thunder.

“Stop, Vera.l said stop!"

I didn't want to see another tender scene between him and Scarlett. My steps quickened-too quick. My foot caught on the stone steps, and l went sprawling, pain ripping through me as l hit the ground hard.

River lurched forward instantly,panic flashing in his eyes, But before he could reach me, Scarlett let out a pained whimper.

River stopped dead, spun back toward her.

“Your wrist again? Does it hurt?" He steadied her, his voice full of concern.“From now on, don't handle prey yourself-it's too dangerous. A wolf’s claws aren't worth the risk of scars.

So he knew.

All these years I've bled from bone sand hides to feed them, and not once did he so much as flinch in sympathy

Scarlett clutched her faint scratch,eyes shimmering with tears. “Vera just fell-shouldn't someone help her up?

River shot me a brief glance,dismissive, before turning back. “she'll live. Just a fall. Your wound matters more. I’ll take you to the pack doctor now, make sure it won't scar.

"Me too!" Lucas chimed in eagerly I'm coming! l want to stay with Scarlett."

Scarlett stroked his head, smiling sweetly."You're such a good boy. After this, I'll take you to Moonlight Lake. we'll play there, all right?"

Lucas bounced with joy.“scarlett,you're the best! Not like my mother-she never lets me do anything. Let's9o!

River shifted into his wolf form, and Scarlett climbed onto his back, Lucas clinging behind her, The three of them-like a perfect little family-disappeared together down the path,

I dragged myself upright. Both knees were raw and bleeding, crimson soaking down my shins. My ankles creamed with pain-likely fractured

I limped to the mat and sat heavily.breath ragged. The meal l had prepared for them lay waiting on the table. Just four hours earlier, River had promised he'd be home in time to eat

i forced myself up, gathered the dishes, and dumped everything into the bin. Cold food, just like my place in this family.

But the pain in my ankle was too much.i finally went alone to the pack doctor, His exam confirmed it-hairline fracture. He gave me herbs and bandages, and l turned to leave.

That's when l saw them.

River and Lucas, flanking Scarlett their arms steadying her like she might shatter if they let go. Both their faces were painted with worry.

River's voice was soft, reverent.Scarlett, how do you feel? You know how rare your white wolf skin is, don't you? You can't risk it.”

Lucas nodded eagerly, parroting him."Yeah, Scarlett. You're not like my mother. She spends all day skinning prey and making clothes-stuff the Omegas should be doing. You shouldn't wear yourself out like her.

My chest tightened with old memories, The night Lucas broke into a fever from a rash caused by rough-stitched clothes, i held him until dawn.my wolf humming to soothe him.Alone.

River's eyes flicked up then, finding me across the clearing. His brows tightened, and his wolf growled low with annoyance.

"Vera, Following us?"

Lucas turned, frowning. "Yeah,Mother, why are you here again?'

River's gaze cut cold. His Alpha presence pressed down like a storm."What are you doing here?"voice steady though my wolf whimpered inside me. “My ankle's injured.l came for medicine.

River's mouth curled in a cruel half-smile.“what, trying to copy Scarlett now? Do all you she-wolves enjoy this little sympathy act?"

Lucas chuckled, turning to Scarlett“See? My mother's mad again.l never know why.

I had always tried to teach him through patience, through words an example-what was right, what was wrong. i thought love and reason would shape him. But he was six now,twelve short years from awakening his wolf, and still, nothing stuck.

And suddenly, l felt done, Tired.

What was the point?

Scarlett bent, kissed his cheek, her pale eyes full of feigned tenderness.Then she smiled up at me.“Vera, don't take a pup's words to heart. He's still yours. He'll always be yours. To me, it's just a novelty.

I gripped the herbs tighter. My wolf had gone quiet, finally still.

“it's fine,"l said, voice flat.“lf he likes you so much, let him call you mother.

Because l didn't care anymore.

River's Alpha dominance exploded fury flashing, "What nonsense is this?Apologize. Now. To Scarlett. To Lucas.

Lucas straightened, his little jaw set.“I'd be happy to! Father's wolf doesn't like you, and l won't either!

River's face stiffened, his voices harp.“Lucas. Enough.

I let out a low breath.“it's all right,He's not wrong.

And I turned away, limping slowly.

my ankle too weak for speed.

Behind me, Scarlett's syrupy voice floated after. “River, you should help Vera. Don't fuss over me alone.

Rivers sneer was audible.“Don't bother. she's faking.

My chest twisted, a dull ache l couldn't smother. My wolf, silent and broken, gave no fight.

Ten years. From the first time l me him until now. And I had faked strength for just as long

A young pack doctor came hurrying over. breathless.

"Vera! Wait-please, slow down. 1needed to tell you_ You re pregnant.”

I froze where l stood.

Inside me, my wolf stirred violently.

letting out a long. mournful wail.