Chapter 3 A Public Disgrace
719 Words
I stared back at Alpha Ethan, my gaze unwavering.
So, he did remember that today was our anniversary.
For all these years, I had provided this household and its pups with the most meticulous care and the finest education. I couldn't have done more even for my own flesh and blood.
I had sacrificed seven years of my life for him and the Silvermoon Pack, yet Ethan had never afforded me even the most basic shred of respect.
The burn on my arm from the metal cabinet was glaringly obvious, yet he couldn't even spare a glance for my injury.
Then, I remembered his mother's warning. I forced a non-committal smile.
"You've misunderstood. I'm not taking anything out on them.
"Asher and Elara are always reluctant to attend their lessons. They were throwing another tantrum today, and I realized that children should grow up naturally. Perhaps I have been pushing them too hard.
"So, I've already contacted their tutors. They won't be coming back."
Ethan narrowed his eyes, studying me with suspicion before letting out a sharp scoff.
"What mother doesn't care about her children's future? You're clearly just throwing a tantrum.
"But let me be clear, Clara—from the moment you stepped into this house, I told you that Jessica is the only mate I will ever want.
"If you chose to do all this thankless work, that's on you. If you hate me, that's your problem. You have no one else to blame."
I looked at that face—so similar to Aiden’s, yet carrying an expression that felt utterly foreign—and found it almost laughable.
Deep inside, Lyra roared, "Hate?" We only feel disgust! Our love belongs only to Aiden!
One had to care to hate. I didn't love Ethan, so how could I possibly hate him?
The thought of seeing Aiden in a month sent a surge of euphoria through me, drowning out the last embers of my irritation.
My expression softened into a look of pure serenity. "I know," I said softly.
The sight of my composure seemed to sting Ethan. He couldn't fathom where this sudden, immovable stillness came from.
Was this woman some soulless puppet? Why did none of his insults draw blood anymore?
A wave of frustration boiled up within him. He grabbed the children and turned to leave, throwing a cold command over his shoulder.
"The Blood Oath celebration is next week. See that you attend on time."
Every year on Blood Oath Day, my presence as Luna was required, and every year, I would return home drenched in rumors and insults.
Since the old Alpha passed, Ethan had made a habit of attending with Jessica and their bastards, parading their "happy family" while dragging my dignity as the rightful Luna through the dirt.
But there were only twenty-nine days left. It was almost over.
On the evening of the celebration, I arrived at the venue right on time. As I stepped out of the car, a tide of sharp whispers rushed toward me.
"Look, the shameless Luna is here. How pathetic."
"Seven years and she hasn't produced an heir, while Jessica is on her fourth. They say the Alpha hasn't even touched her."
I pressed my lips together, my eyes scanning the crowd. I noticed several of the loudest gossipers wearing the crest of the Alpha's guard.
They were Ethan's men. So, he had hand-picked them to humiliate me because of yesterday's confrontation.
Before I could move, another luxury car pulled up. It was Ethan and Jessica.
A swarm of tabloid reporters immediately surrounded them. "Alpha Ethan, how do you view your 'mate' relationship, which exists in name only?"
In front of the flashing cameras and the entire pack, Ethan pulled Jessica tenderly into his arms. His voice was laced with mockery.
"I can only say—someone else here is the truly shameless one.
"Jessica is my only Luna. Not just anyone is fit to be my mate."
Countless eyes swiveled toward me. In that moment, I felt like a thousand needles were piercing my skin. The burn on my arm seemed to flare up with renewed agony.
Ethan led Jessica forward, shoving past me to take the lead into the hall.
"You don't have the right to walk in front of me, Clara," he barked.
- Writer
