Chapter 2
912 Words
The broth was still warm when I lifted the lid. Alpha Vincent said he would join me for dinner later.
He even told the kitchen exactly how I liked it—mild, with no heavy herbs. That was his way: attentive, careful. At least, he still tried to be.
I sat quietly, waiting.
A soft knock came.
“Isabella. It’s me.”
I opened the door. Alpha Vincent stood there, dressed in a fresh robe, his dark hair still damp. He had just washed up.
“Am I late?” he asked, stepping in.
“No,” I said. “The soup’s still hot.”
He walked over to the table, glanced at the pot. “Did they add the right herbs?”
I nodded. “Exactly what you asked for.”
He sat down and ladled a bowl for me. “Here. Let me feed you.”
“I can manage,” I said quietly.
He insisted, lifting a spoon to my lips. “You deserve to be taken care of.”
I took a sip. It was just right. But the scent that lingered on him wasn’t mine. I recognized it—Omega Rosa.
“You were with her?” I asked.
He stilled. “She wasn’t feeling well. I gave her a calming tonic.”
“She must’ve been close. Her scent’s still on you.”
He said nothing.
“You’re still so gentle,” I said, forcing a small smile. “Makes it hard to be angry.”
“Don’t say that.” He took my hand. “You’re the one I chose. You’re still my Luna.”
“Does Omega Rosa know that?”
His silence was answer enough.
“I didn’t want to upset her,” he finally said. “Her pregnancy is unstable. Stress isn’t good for her or the pup.”
“So, you hide me to keep her calm,” I said softly. “And tell me to understand.”
“I just want everything to be peaceful. Once her child is born, we’ll go back to how things were.”
“But I’m still pregnant too, Vincent.” I looked at him. “I’m not a placeholder, waiting for my turn.”
He looked conflicted. Then, suddenly, he stood up. “Let’s go out. I made a reservation at that old place we used to love.”
“You don’t have to—”
“She’s resting now,” he cut in. “Just us, for once.”
I nodded.
The restaurant was lit the same as always. As we stepped out of the car, a familiar voice called out.
“Vincent! You really brought her?”
Omega Rosa.
She stood near the entrance, wrapped in a soft cloak, a smile playing on her lips.
“I’ve been craving raw game meat all day.”
I felt my stomach turn.
Alpha Vincent looked surprised. “Omega Rosa? Why are you here?”
“I saw your location stone light up. I figured… why not join?” She walked over, linking her arm through his like it was natural.
I turned my face away.
“Did you order the raw venison slices?” I asked.
“Mm. You used to like them too, didn’t you?”
“I can’t stomach raw scents right now.”
Alpha Vincent turned to me. “We can order something else.”
“There’s barely anything here that isn’t raw.”
“We could leave—”
“She’s hungry,” I said flatly. “Let her eat. I’ll go back.”
Alpha Vincent looked conflicted. “I’ll take you first, then come back.”
Omega Rosa tugged his sleeve, voice trembling. “Vincent, my chest still feels tight. Don’t leave yet.”
He hesitated. “Should I send a guard with you?”
I nodded. “That’s fine.”
I turned and walked away. He didn’t follow.
I arrived at the den alone. I didn’t change out of my robes. I just sat near the window, watching the pale moon rise over the cliffs.
I had thought I could endure it. But the truth was… it wasn’t just that he went to her. It was that he still acted the same with me. Still warm. Still sweet. Still able to look me in the eye and lie.
The next morning, I was finishing breakfast when a servant came rushing in.
“My lady—Omega Rosa has arrived with her things. She says she’s moving in.”
I froze.
“Who gave her permission?”
“She said… Alpha Vincent.”
I walked to the main hall.
There she was, directing the maids, moving boxes into what used to be my room. Our room.
“Omega Rosa,” I said, voice steady. “You seem confused.”
She turned to me, all innocent smiles. “Oh, didn’t Alpha Vincent tell you? I had a nightmare last night. The baby was crying. He thought I’d be safer here, near the healers.”
“He told you to stay in my bed?”
“He said your back’s been sore. The south-facing room is better for you now.”
I said nothing.
Later, a maid handed me a key.
“Alpha Vincent prepared a quieter chamber for you, closer to the breeze.”
I stood there, clutching the key, while Omega Rosa laughed in the other room.
Vincent, you’re still so kind.
So considerate.
Just not to me anymore.
- Writer
