Five Years Dead While My Alpha Hated My Name

Lydia's POV: Lance Webster ended the call, his frown deepening. I was still staring at the phone in his hand when the exam room door opened. Miranda Elliott came out with one hand cradling her belly and a contented smile on her face. I looked at the curve of her belly under her coat, and an old ache stirred in my chest. Four years ago, Lance decided I had betrayed both Silvermoon and him. He pulled off his wedding ring and threw it into the fireplace. Even after death, our mating vow bound my soul to his side. All I could do was watch as he condemned me, married Miranda, and started a family with her. After watching them for so long, I thought I'd finally learned to live with it. "The doctor says the baby is perfectly healthy. It'll be here next month." Lance put away his phone, and his brow smoothed. He buttoned her coat for her, his voice softening, too. "That's good. Are you tired?" "No. It was just a routine checkup, and I didn't have to wait long." Miranda took his hand. "You don't look good. Is there trouble at the border again?" "Something came up at the courthouse. I need to go." He kissed her forehead. "The driver will take you home first. Eat something and get some rest. I'll be back as soon as I'm done." After helping her into the car, he headed for the courthouse. I followed him through the oak doors of the old monastery and into the great hall. Every camera turned toward him, flashes lighting up the Silvermoon crest on his uniform. The moment I saw Roderick Croft in silver chains, memories of Harold Vance and my comrades' brutal deaths came flooding back. Four years ago, Harold's body had been dragged to my feet. Roderick had stood nearby, laughing with delight. "Take a good look. Isn't this the man who taught you how to hold a blade?" Roderick was still smiling now. Burning with hatred, I lunged at him, but my fingers passed straight through his throat. Lance nodded to the judge. When he turned toward the defense table, he looked at the defendant with nothing but disgust. "What's so important that you had to tell me in person?" Roderick raised his head and grinned. "It's about Lydia Coombe. Your former Luna." At the sound of my own name, I jumped and looked anxiously at Lance, wondering if he would listen this time.