I froze in place, my entire body going rigid as his grip tightened around my waist. My wolf snarled in protest, but it wasn’t strong enough to break free from him.

The scent of another woman still clung to him. The memory of him with her last night—her lips on his, the way he held her—made my stomach churn with disgust.

“Let go,” I ground out, my voice sharp, laced with fury.

My struggles were meaningless. Alpha Benedict was built like stone, and my attempts to free myself were as futile as an ant trying to topple a tree. His grip only tightened, pulling me closer.

The robe I had wrapped around myself after my shower loosened with my movements, slipping from my shoulders. I saw the shift in his gaze, the hunger darkening his eyes. My pulse quickened in warning.

I felt the change in him, the heat radiating from his body pressing into mine. The evidence of his desire was impossible to ignore, and it sent a fresh wave of anger surging through me.

I bit him, hard, tasting blood instantly. His breath hitched, but he didn’t release me. If anything, his grip became even more possessive, his free hand slipping beneath my robe.

My breath caught. I wasn’t wearing anything underneath.

Panic flared inside me, and I struggled harder, pushing at his chest. “Benedict, get out!” I spat.

But he didn’t move, his fingers trailing my skin with infuriating ease. “You need me too, don’t you?” His voice was low, coaxing, as if I had any reason to desire him.

A tremor of rage passed through me. “I hate you,” I whispered, my voice trembling.

That made him stop. Benedict went still; his gaze locked onto mine. Something flickered in his eyes—something like hesitation.

Then, without another word, he released me and stalked toward the door. The slam echoed through the room, shaking the walls. I clutched the robe tightly around myself, my breath coming in shallow, uneven gasps. My hands trembled.

For the next few days, Benedict didn’t return to the packhouse.

I tried calling him. Not because I wanted him back—Goddess, no—but because I needed to make him sign the rejection papers. He ignored every attempt.

By the weekend, I was seated in the living room, submitting applications for work, when the front door opened. The scent of pine and cedar filled the room, unmistakably his.

I looked up. He looked different. More worn. His usual confident stance was still there, but his eyes were shadowed, his jaw tighter than usual.

I forced myself to remain calm, closing my laptop before meeting his gaze head-on. “Since you’re finally back, let’s talk about the divorce agreement.”

Benedict’s expression hardened. “I already told you; I won’t divorce you.”

My fingers curled into fists. “Then why are you here?”

“To remind you that we have a pack gathering tonight.”

I exhaled sharply. Every month, Benedict and I were expected to attend some pack meetings. His relatives despised me. Before, I endured it because I loved him, because I believed he loved me too. But after what I saw, I refused to pretend anymore.

“I’m not going,” I said firmly. “Go without me.”

Benedict’s eyes flashed with impatience. “Stop acting like a kid throwing a tantrum.”

I let out a humorless laugh. “You think this is a tantrum? I just want to be free of you.”

His jaw tightened. “And what will you do then? You don’t have a job. You don’t have a pack. How will you survive? And your grandma’s medical expenses—can you afford them?”

I stiffened.

Benedict took a step closer. “You’re not a naive teenager anymore, Felicia. You’re twenty-eight. You should be mature enough to understand how the world works.”

I gritted my teeth. “If maturity means tolerating your betrayal, then I’d rather be a fool. This is the divorce agreement. Sign it.”

He glanced at the papers in my hand but didn’t take them. Instead, he smirked. “And what is this? You want half of my assets?”

I lifted my chin. “It’s what I deserve.”

His smirk widened. “What exactly have you contributed? This house? My business? I’ve been the one paying your grandma’s hospital bills since we got married.”

I stared at him, unable to believe how easily he dismissed everything I had done. “If I hadn’t agree with this marriage, you never would have secured your position as Alpha of this pack. And you’re the one who insisted I stop working. I had a future, Benedict. A career. I could have made more than you ever spent on me.”

He laughed. “Who do you think would believe that now?”

My nails dug into my palms. I was done. I was done begging for freedom. If he wouldn’t sign, I would take this to the Elders.

I turned to leave, but his hand caught my wrist.

“Go change. We’re leaving for the gathering.”

I yanked my arm free. “I told you, I’m not going.”

His grip returned, firmer this time. “Don’t make me cut off your grandma’s treatment.”

Rage boiled inside me. “You wouldn’t dare.”

He pulled out his phone. “Doctor, I want to halt the payments for—”

I lunged, slapping the phone from his hand. My breath came in ragged gasps, my hands shaking with fury. “You bastard.”

Benedict smirked. “You have two choices, Felicia. Come with me tonight, or find another way to pay for your grandmother’s care.”

I wanted to rip his throat out. My wolf howled in protest, but I knew the truth. He held all the power.

For now. I clenched my jaw, swallowing my pride. “Fine.”

Benedict’s smile was victorious, but I vowed right then—I would not stay trapped forever. One day, I would make him regret ever trying to control me.

Seeing the coldness in Benedict’s eyes, I realized just how blind I had been. How could I have ever loved someone like him?

I felt a sharp sting in my chest, but I refused to show weakness in front of him. Gritting my teeth, I wrenched my wrist free from his grasp, squared my shoulders, and turned toward the stairs.

I had only one thought in my mind—I needed to leave. I needed a plan. My pack was gone, my title stripped, and my mate had betrayed me. But I wouldn’t stay trapped here. I would find a job, save money, and escape this nightmare.

I grabbed a simple dress from my closet and fixed my hair into a loose braid, securing it with the only possession I had left from my mother—a silver hairpin shaped like a crescent moon. I didn’t care about appearances anymore. Once, I had dressed to impress Benedict and his family, hoping to earn a place among them. Now, I had nothing to prove.

When I descended the stairs, Benedict barely spared me a glance. His indifference cut deeper than his cruelty. “Let’s go.”

The car ride to his family estate was silent. I kept my eyes on the passing trees, their towering forms casting long shadows across the road. My wolf stirred within me, restless. I hated being near Benedict.

As we neared the estate, another car—a sleek black Range Rover—roared past and skidded to a stop in front of us. My breath hitched.

I knew that car. My pulse pounded in my ears as the door opened and a tall figure stepped out.

Elias Blackwood.

My mate’s step-brother.

The moment his golden eyes met mine, I froze. My wolf whimpered, caught between fear and something else. Elias had always been unpredictable, his presence both commanding and dangerous. He was the heir who walked away, the Alpha who refused his birthright, the rogue who built an empire in the shadows.

Benedict stiffened beside me. He had always despised Elias, hated that their father once wanted him to lead. But Elias had rejected the pack, choosing exile over submission. Now, he was more powerful than ever, his influence stretching far beyond the pack’s borders.

I kept my head down as he approached, praying he wouldn’t acknowledge me. Benedict wasn’t one for mercy. If he knew the full extent of what had happened between me and Benedict, he might see me as weak. And weak wolves didn’t survive in his world.

“Benedict.” His voice was deep, rough like gravel. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”

Benedict’s jaw clenched. “It’s a family dinner.”

Elias gaze flickered to me for a second before he turned away. “Right. Enjoy.” He strode past us, his steps unhurried, his posture relaxed. But I knew better. Elias was never relaxed. He was always calculating, always hunting.

I let out a slow breath as he disappeared into the house.

“Don’t talk to him,” Benedict muttered, his grip tightening around the steering wheel. “Stay away from him, Felicia.”

I almost laughed. He had no right to tell me what to do, not after everything he had done. But I bit my tongue. I wasn’t here to fight. I was here to survive.

Inside the estate, the air was thick with tension. The elders were gathered, their gazes flicking between Benedict and Elias. I kept my expression neutral, greeting them with forced politeness.

“Felicia,” Benedict’s grandmother said, her sharp eyes pinning me in place. “You’ve been married for a while now. When can we expect an heir?”

My stomach twisted. I had long since abandoned any hope of a future with Benedict, and the thought of carrying his child made my skin crawl. But I couldn’t say that. Not here. Not yet.

Before I could answer, Elias spoke. “Pressuring her like that is outdated, don’t you think?”

The room fell silent. All eyes turned to him.

Benedict tensed beside me, his hands curling into fists. “This is none of your business.”

Elias smirked, leaning against the fireplace. “Everything about this pack is my business.”

I swallowed hard. Elias’s gaze flickered to me again, and for a moment, I thought I saw something in his expression. Amusement? Curiosity? Pity? I couldn’t tell.

Benedict grabbed my arm, his grip firm. “Come on. Tell them.”

I yanked free. “Don’t touch me.”

A hush fell over the room. The elders exchanged glances, some disapproving, others intrigued. Benedict’s grandmother narrowed her eyes. “Felicia—”

“I’m tired,” I interrupted. “I’ll excuse myself.”

Without waiting for permission, I turned and walked away. I could feel their eyes on me, feel Benedict’s fury burning through my back. But I didn’t care.

As I stepped into the dim hallway, I heard footsteps behind me. A strong hand caught my wrist—not rough like Benedict’s, but firm, steady.

I turned and saw Elias, my heart pounding. His grip was gentle, his eyes unreadable. “You need to leave,” he murmured.

My breath caught. “What?”

“Benedict won’t let you go easily,” he said, his voice low. “If you don’t act now, you’ll never be free.”

I searched his face, trying to understand why he was saying this. Why he cared.

“What do you want from me?” I asked.

His lips curved into a half-smile. “I want you to work for me—it’s your only way to escape him. Trust me, Felicia, this is your way out.”

A shiver ran down my spine.

As I spoke with Elias, I suddenly pulled my wrist away from his grip when Benedict arrived. I could see the malicious glint in his eyes as he glanced between me and his stepbrother.

"What are you two doing here?" His voice was sharp, his gaze dark.

He stepped forward and yanked me away from Elias, his grip possessive. I felt Elias’s tense beside me, his jaw tightening as he glared at Benedict.

"Oh, I'm just comforting your mate. She seems rather uncomfortable with the pressure of producing an heir." Elias’s tone dripped with sarcasm.

Benedict’s expression darkened with irritation. He stepped closer, squaring his shoulders. "Since when have you cared enough to meddle in my affairs, Elias? Stay away from my mate."

Elias chuckled, amused. "Calm down, Benedict. Are you that threatened? Do you really think I’d lay a hand on your wife?"

The tension between them was suffocating, and I refused to be caught in the middle. "Enough. We should go back inside." My voice was clipped with frustration.

I turned to leave, but Benedict pulled me back, stopping me in my tracks. His next question made my blood run cold.

"What were you two talking about?"

I felt the color drain from my face, but I forced myself to remain composed. "Nothing. He just asked if I was okay. That’s all."

Benedict’s sharp gaze flickered over me, pausing at my reddened chin. There was something knowing in his eyes, something that made my stomach twist. I quickly looked away, but Elias wasn’t done.

"Don’t hurt her, Benedict," Elias warned, voice low. "You might forget, but I can do something about it."

Benedict ignored him, leading me back to the dining hall without another word. Not that I expected him to say anything. His moods shifted like the wind, unpredictable and volatile. He always believed he could control me, that I would stay silent and endure. But I wasn’t that woman anymore.

Dinner passed in strained silence. When it was over, Benedict escorted me to his car, locking the doors before I could step out.

"What are you doing?" I asked, wariness creeping into my voice.

"We need to talk."

I crossed my arms. "If this is about divorce, there’s nothing more to discuss. I won’t mention it again—for now."

His golden eyes flickered with something unreadable. "For now?"

"Yes."

He studied me, trying to gauge my thoughts. After a long pause, he forced a small smile. "Felicia, I’m glad you’re willing to give me another chance."

I said nothing. I didn’t believe him for a second.

"Unlock the door. I’m exhausted."

With a click, the locks released. I stepped out immediately, making my way into the estate without looking back. As I reached my bedroom, I locked the door behind me. I could hear Benedict’s footsteps linger outside for a moment before fading away. He had laughed at me before, believing I would always come back to him, that my resistance was temporary.

He was wrong.

Hours later, I was busy looking for the perfect interview attire, snapping pictures of a few options and sending them to Jane for her opinion.

My phone rang almost instantly. "Felicia, why the sudden job hunt? Did you settle things with Benedict?"

I kept my voice even. "Not yet. I need financial independence first. Once I can cover my grandmother’s medical expenses, I’ll leave."

Jane sighed. "So, you’re staying under the same roof as him until then?"

"Not for long. I have some money saved. After my interview tomorrow, I’ll start looking for a place."

Divorce couldn’t be rushed. I had no job, no way to fight him in court yet. Benedict had an elite team of lawyers at his disposal. If I wanted to stand a chance, I had to be smart. I wasn’t walking away with anything. He was the one who broke our vows, not me.

"Which company are you applying to?"

"Blackwood Pack."

Jane gasped. "Felicia, that’s your mate’s rival! Are you serious?"

I ignored her reaction, placing my phone down and settling on simple yet professional dress. After a quick shower, I climbed into bed, exhaustion washing over me. Tomorrow was a step toward freedom.

But freedom never came so easily.

In the dead of night, I awoke to a faint glow in the hallway. Curious, I quietly cracked my door open. My eyes landed on the study at the end of the corridor, where a dim light spilled through the open door. Benedict sat at his desk, his broad shoulders tense as he scrolled through his phone.

Then, I saw it.

A message flashed across his screen from an unknown number.

[Benedict, I’m pregnant.]

My blood ran cold.

I clutched the doorframe, my breath hitching as I watched his reaction. He stiffened, staring at the message as if it were a death sentence.

I hacked into his accounts days ago, looking for any sign of further betrayal. And now, I have my answers.

He made his mistress pregnant.

The truth settled like a blade to my chest. I should have been angry, should have stormed in and confronted him. But instead, I felt… nothing.

I already knew the kind of man Benedict was. This only confirmed it.

Silently, I closed my door and leaned against it, pressing a hand to my chest as I forced myself to breathe.

This wasn’t heartbreak. This was freedom.

By morning, I would no longer question if leaving was the right choice.

Now, I had all the proof I needed.