Love Vs. Vengeance

Thief!

The lake's surface rippled with the morning breeze, each wave matching the tremors in my hands. Madison's strange behavior replayed in my mind - her nervous fidgeting, her desperate attempts to keep me downstairs. She'd known. Of course she'd known.

Every shared smile, every gentle touch, every promise Orion had made played through my mind like a cruel joke. The signs had been there - the growing distance, the way he'd stopped meeting my eyes, how he'd stopped eating dinner with me. I'd painted over each c***k in our marriage with desperate hope, and now the whole facade had crumbled.

It did not seem fair. After all the hate, rejection and betrayal I had faced from his family and people, he still betrayed my love.

A hollowing ache settled deep within my chest, an emptiness that consumed me inside out. I felt as though I was going to die and maybe death could be a great option, but what happens after that? I would just be forgotten.

I lay on the dewy grass lost in thoughts when suddenly I saw some men in my face. I jumped from the floor backing away from them, but when I saw their uniform, I realized that they were bodyguards from the Grand Pack house—the pack house for the former Alpha and Luna.

“Alpha Lucius wants to see you.” They said in unison and I raised my brows in surprise. Why would Orion's father want to see me at this time?

I mustered strength and followed them to the grand pack house. As the name implies it is the biggest and the most beautiful packhouse in the pack estate. It hosted big meetings and luminaries all around the globe. I rarely come around her so I don't get to cross paths with Athena.

Soon we were in the pack House, just in front of the towering walnut door of his study waiting for him to call us in.

Orion's father was a distinguished and respected. Unlike Orion he was a voracious reader; His study was testament of that, lined with tall wooden, gleaming shelves studded with various types of books.

And… He didn't exactly Like me. He was just Indifferent.

In my years of staying in the pack I have learnt that he doesn't engage in anything that does not benefit him. Purely transactional. Even with people. I guess that's why he did not like me

The guards opened the door and once I got in they eased the door close.

Alpha Lucius's study smelled of leather and old books - the scent of authority, of tradition. He didn't look up from his papers as I entered, making me wait like a petitioner in his court. When he finally spoke, each word fell like a carefully placed stone. "Three years," he said, "is more than enough time to prove one's worth."

My breath hitched in my throat. Mentally, I prepared myself for the derogatory words that were about to roll off his tongue.

“But you have failed. Intellectually, divinely, business wise and even physically. I don't think you need a soothsayer to know that your days are numbered In this pack. I'm not sorry to tell you this but it is high time you left. We have no use of you.”

I cast my face downward and swallowed the lump in my throat. I already hated myself enough and crying in front of this man would make me lose my self esteem completely.

“All understood sir.” I replied shortly and turned around quickly and scampered out.

I leaned against the door immediately I shut the door behind me. A sinking hollow feeling clawed on my heart. I didn't need to be reminded every second of the day of how useless I am. I already got the gist.

The guards had already left, so I had to navigate my way outside the Grand Pack house to the packhouse I shared with my husband.

I had Jane get my car key for me. I had to get Away from them for the sake of my mental health. If I stayed there for one more minute I might run crazy. I drove out of the pack house with no particular destination in mind.

Since joining the pack, I rarely went out. I wasn't allowed friends. Leaving me with no place to go in this hard time. I could have gone to see River. She always had encouraging words for me, but if her mom saw us she would have to face her mom's wrath and I didn't want that for her.

I drove aimlessly until I found myself at a restaurant.

I asked for their VIP and ordered a variety of food and drinks and to lift my spirits. The waiter seemed to understand and started playing upbeat music.

The whiskey burned down my throat, each swallow fueling a fire I'd kept buried for three years. "f**k you, Orion," I whispered, then louder, not caring who heard. The crystal glass trembled in my grip. Every pristine tablecloth, every perfectly arranged flower centerpiece reminded me of Athena's immaculate pack house, of everything I'd never been good enough for. The other diners' startled looks only made me laugh - a harsh, broken sound that scared even me.

I ate and drank to my fill. I was not drunk. I was just tired mentally, emotionally and physically and I needed rest. That's exactly what I was going to get. I paid with Orion's black card and drove to a hotel near the restaurant. It looked exotic and really nice.

“Ma'am The card declined,” the receptionist told me and my eyes widened.

“What do you mean? But I just paid for my lunch with the card. It must be your data connection, try again.”

She tried again and it declined. That was when it dawned on me that Orion must have received the first alert and decided to block the account. So this is how it is going to be, right? Beautiful! Just beautiful! f**k me for not having my own money!

I leaned over the counter for a couple of minutes trying to put myself and thoughts together Before heading back to that disaster of a pack.

I got back in the car and drove back. On getting there I met Jane at the entrance again and my facial features tightened, “What is it again?”

“Mrs Athena is throwing a tantrum that her jewelry was stolen.”

“Okayyy, so how is that my business? The appropriate measures should be taken and the thief will be nabbed.” I sighed impatiently and tried to walk past her When She held my hand.

"Milady," Jane called softly, her voice trembling. "The problem is... she says that you stole it."

The words hit me like a physical blow. First my wolf, then my mate, now my honor? A hysterical laugh bubbled up from my chest before I could stop it. "I need to sleep, Jane. I'm not—"

But the appearance of the same guards who'd escorted me to Lucius earlier made the words die in my throat. Their faces were grim, professional, but their eyes held something else. Pity? Or satisfaction?

They seized my arms and started dragging me into the pack house.

I looked into the room and saw Orion, River and Athena lounging on the sofa with some other maids and guards lined up.

“And there is the thief.” Luna Athena declared as soon as I walked in.