Octavia's pov

On the night of my fourth-month pregnancy examination, I was coerced into drinking poison.

I had just returned from the pack hospital with wonderful news that our pup was strong and healthy. But as I stepped inside, two towering men with concealed faces held my mate, Beta Jake, on his knees. His mouth was taped, hands bound, with two guns aimed at his head. One commanded me to drink from a cup on the table, threatening Jake's execution if I refused.

Jake's eyes widened in terror as he shook his head frantically, pleading with me not to drink. Yet I knew I had to comply, or watch him die.

After I consumed the contents, they fled, leaving Jake unharmed.

Initially, I blamed myself for sacrificing my unborn pup to save my mate. I believed these were Jake's enemies targeting my child to render him heirless for the Alpha Trials. Without an heir, no wolf could compete.

Tears cascaded down my face when I felt moisture between my legs.

"No, no, no..." My trembling hands found my middle, fingertips meeting dampness. When I lifted my hand, I saw blood.

Panic seized me as Jake crawled toward me, breathing labored and desperate. My silent weeping transformed into anguished wails as his beta friend rushed in with pack guards. After Jake was freed, he commanded pursuit of the intruders while I was transported back to the hospital.

Throughout the journey, I condemned myself for destroying my pup. My four-month-old child, with whom I'd formed such a profound bond.

The agony intensified relentlessly as excessive blood flowed from my body. Jake's final words before darkness consumed me were comforting reassurances—I would recover and certainly provide him with an heir.

At the hospital, I awakened disoriented. Memories flooded back, tears streaming down my cheeks. I had barely opened my mouth to call for Jake when I overheard his conversation with Kyle, piercing my heart like lightning.

"Man, I still cannot believe you murdered your own pup just because of another woman. You should have bought the stem cells like before. Why change your approach when there's only one treatment left to repair Summer's damaged womb? I should be frightened of you now," Kyle stated.

I froze completely. My ears rang, chest constricted as the room spun.

This couldn't be reality. Maybe the substance I was given to drink left did it work and was messing with my head too.There was no possibility Jake would commit something so monstrous.

But Kyle continued. "How did you execute this plan? I thought you were joking about hiring criminals. You went too far. Both women are carrying pups for you. Why sacrifice Octavia's when she'd never forgive you if she discovered you murdered her pup to help Summer carry hers?"

My fingers trembled uncontrollably as coldness spread through my spine. I clutched the bedspread, waiting desperately for Jake's denial. None came.

"You know Octavia is naive but intelligent. I needed a strategy positioning us both as victims. Otherwise, she might have discovered the truth judging from my constant criticism about her weight gain. Why waste millions when the solution was right there?" Jake revealed.

"Since Octavia became pregnant, she's gained weight like a pig. She's become bulky and sluggish. I need her fit and nimble to care for Summer's pup when it arrives while Summer focuses on her health." He declared her too overweight and unkempt, adding he couldn't tolerate her presence.

"Even if you murdered her child, you shouldn't have implanted subdermal contraceptives despite the healer's warning about her few remaining viable eggs. Obviously from the emergency contraceptives you've been giving her daily. How is she supposed to bear children now, since the implant requires six years to remove?" Kyle continued.

My stomach churned, vision turning crimson as everything became clear. Now I understood why I'd never conceived despite years of unprotected intimacy. If so, but why did I become pregnant ?

"I always knew Summer would return, so Octavia was temporary. With Summer being the only woman in my heart, I no longer need Octavia for reproduction. She'll help care for my pups with Summer. I can't make her my public partner considering her low pack ranking, people would see weakness, and I'm competing for alpha position. Summer will provide everything I need."

My wolf Lily growled inside me, urging release so she could tear Jake apart. Since I'd presumably given birth today, I couldn't shift until several more days.

"I'm sorry, Octavia. I sensed something was wrong. Miles was furious about Jake's actions, but Jake ignored him," Lily communicated.

I closed my eyes as hot tears rolled down my cheeks. The man who'd held my belly nightly, whispering to our unborn pup, had revealed himself as its killer.

Kyle continued complaining until Jake silenced him to avoid suspicion, and they departed.

After they left, I vomited everything in my stomach inside the bathroom. The physical pain was nothing compared to the loss within. I'd already bonded with my four-month-old child.

Jake was correct about one thing: I was a low-ranking omega, a nobody.

But I would prove this nobody was someone he should never have crossed. I was coming to destroy everything he held dear.

I dragged the IV pole to reception and requested my clothes. Once dressed, I searched for a business card and dialed the number. The call connected immediately.

"I will accept your proposal, but only if you help me destroy someone," I said calmly, gripping the phone until my knuckles turned white.

"You finally agreed. I'll send someone to collect you tomorrow for dinner discussion," the voice responded.

I ended the call without waiting for another word.

He was everything I needed to make Jake and his accomplices pay for every bit of pain they'd made me endure.

Octavia's POV

That night, it felt as if the moon goddess had answered my prayers. I had prayed continuously for Jake not to appear at the hospital. My eyes were crimson and swollen, and I refused to give him the satisfaction of seeing me in such a state.

By morning, my heart had hardened. My mind focused solely on my next course of action: visiting the pack affairs department where we'd registered our mate bond to obtain a divorce. Alpha Jake had instructed me to keep our relationship secret, which was understandable. He shouldn't be mated to someone like me. It only demonstrated weakness. I was merely a low ranking female, nothing more.

The doctor interrupted my thoughts, informing me I was discharged. I left immediately for the pack affairs department.

The pack's petitioner urged me to seek counseling with my mate before granting my divorce request. I bluntly rejected the offer and demanded he proceed with the documents. After completion, he assured me I'd receive hard copies within three days.

Arriving home, I saw Summer wearing my red dress, the one Jake had purchased for me, sitting casually with my sister in law, Amaya, who doted on her. My heart constricted painfully as I observed Summer's small baby bump, the one preserved while mine was murdered.

Upon noticing me, Summer began complaining dramatically. "Oh my goodness, I'm so hungry. Is nobody preparing breakfast this morning?"

Amaya responded immediately. "That low ranking she wolf's duty is to cook. What the hell is she good for? It's her responsibility."

I quietly ignored them, heading to my baby's room, the small space Jake and I had prepared before our child was taken. Decorated with orange and blue paint, filled with toys and two cribs, the walls displayed sonogram images Jake had hung himself. When I'd shared news of my pregnancy, he was so elated he'd brought me to the pack hospital for numerous images. He'd arranged this room stating it belonged to our baby and no other.

I removed a sonogram, pressing it against my chest as I curled into one of the cribs, unaware when tears escaped.

Amaya and Summer entered suddenly.

"So because you couldn't protect your own child, you're dragging us into your misery. I don't mind you starving, but don't involve us. I wonder why you didn't die with your child. Maybe we'd have adapted to cooking ourselves, but since you're here, go cook—it's all you're capable of," Amaya unleashed.

I glared at her, tears threatening to spill. "Ask your brother. He was present. He'd be better positioned to clarify your curiosity."

"You low ranking omega!" She grabbed my hair and slapped me so hard I tasted blood.

"If you want food, tell the she wolf beside you to prepare breakfast and leave me alone," I glared back, eyes blazing with hatred.

"I know she's not happy seeing me here. She's irritated by my presence. I should just leave so she can be comfortable," Summer said, rubbing her belly.

"You good for nothing, stand up and prepare breakfast for the house," Amaya said, about to drag me when Jake seized her hands.

"Amaya, let my luna be," Jake's thunderous voice erupted. "The omegas have prepared breakfast and are setting the dining table."

Summer hissed, "She's not even a luna yet," leaving with Amaya, who rolled her eyes in disgust.

Jake sighed. "How are you feeling?" He attempted to touch my hair, but I pushed his hand away, repulsed.

Once, I would have melted in his embrace. Not anymore.

"I know you're angry I didn't collect you from the hospital. I apologize. I was extremely busy," he said.

"Busy indeed," I muttered, noticing the visible love bite on his neck.

"Busy with her, right?"

"No," he responded without hesitation. "You can't make accusations like that. Summer is my late cousin's wife. Their pack was attacked by rogues; she survived alone, carrying a pup. I brought her to stay with us, but the elders insist I should mate her since she's pregnant and her pup needs a name before being accepted into our pack. Listen, I promise this is just being a stand in father figure, nothing more."

I swallowed bile, looking at the man I'd loved blindly for three years as he spoke with such concern and care for another woman, his supposed cousin's wife.

The Jake I loved died with my pup. Now I only saw a man I wanted to shred into pieces, ensuring he paid for every evil deed committed against me.

"It's fine, Jake," I said, voice flat and emotionless. "Do whatever you want. It's your house, after all."

I saw disappointment cross his face. He'd expected me to argue like before, but he dismissed it immediately. "Come with me. I have something for you," he said, gently pulling me from the crib toward the dining room.

At the table, Summer and Amaya were already consuming their meals. Jake adjusted a chair for me, and I sat down.

He bent under the table, retrieving something he'd kept there.

"I purchased your favorite perfume. I thought it might cheer you up for being discharged," he said with a proud smile, unwrapping a small elegant bottle and spraying a delicate mist. "See, it's the same scent you always use."

I smiled bitterly, my heart sinking. Two years together, and he didn't know I was allergic to lily jasmine fragrance.

As the sweet, overwhelming scent wafted through the air, my nose tingled uncomfortably. I started sneezing uncontrollably, tears streaming as my body rejected the toxic fragrance.

"Oh my gosh, Octavia, you sneezed into my food! It's contaminated, and you were just discharged from the hospital!" Summer cried dramatically, slamming her plate down with deliberate force.

I wiped my streaming eyes, glaring through tears. "You're far from me. How did it reach your food?"

Jake's face darkened with rage as he grabbed my arm roughly, forcing me to my knees on the scalding food splatter covering the floor.

"Apologize to her this instant, or I'll empty the entire perfume on your face so you can sneeze properly!" he threatened harshly, his voice menacing as burning hot food seared through my knees.

Octavia's pov

I stared at Jake with tear-filled eyes, and his dark gaze flickered with remorse as he released my throbbing arm.

"I'm sorry, Octavia. I didn't mean to. It's just..." His rushed apology was cut short when Summer whimpered.

Jake's sister shook her head disapprovingly, crossing her arms. "Now look, Summer is feeling irritated because of your display."

Jake immediately abandoned me on the floor and rushed to Summer, scooping her into his arms and caressing her forehead tenderly.

"I think it's the contamination, Jake. I feel so sick and I can't eat," Summer cried weakly against his chest.

"Let's go eat out," he said to her.

"Clean this mess up!" Jake barked at me without turning around, his voice echoing as he carried Summer away.

His sister stared down at me with disgust, hissed sharply, then walked out.

Sighing exhaustedly, I slowly picked myself up and began cleaning the scattered food and plate fragments, wincing as my knees burned from where I'd knelt on the scalding splatter.

When finished, hands raw and body aching, I dragged myself upstairs to the bedroom I'd shared with Jake for two years without knowing he was such a heartless monster.

I walked straight to the closet, retrieved a suitcase, and started packing every bit of my belongings. All the gifts we'd received over the years, including ones he'd given me, I tossed into a box. The few pictures we'd taken together went in too; there weren't many since our mating bond was secret.

I moved to the frames hanging on the wall. As I reached for one bearing my face, I accidentally knocked down Jake's frame. Files scattered from behind it. As I gathered them, something caught my attention.

My eyes caught a wedding photo of Jake and Summer, dated a year ago. He'd told me he was still in the mating bond process with the elders, that they were still deliberating. But this date told a different story.

All this time, he'd mated Summer while still with me. No wonder he never marked me, even after our intimate moments. Summer held the bigger space in his heart.

My eyes froze as I set the photo aside and saw the next document, a medical form confirming the patient had been informed about contraceptive risks and benefits for Nexplanon. His signature and the healer's were stamped on it. Despite the "fewer viable eggs" warning boldly capitalized, he'd still signed approval.

The remaining documents were for oral contraceptive pills.

I clenched my fists as tears flowed down my cheeks. If he never saw a future with me, why marry me at all?

By the time I finished packing, I'd ensured my departure wouldn't be noticed until after I left. I was about to drag the box out when the door opened and Jake entered.

"What are you doing?" He stood at the door, looking surprised at the room.

Without meeting his gaze, I replied, "I'm reorganizing and getting rid of old things you and I won't be needing anymore."

"You're really throwing everything in this box out?" he frowned.

"Yes, I won't be needing them anymore."

His eyes flashed to a teddy bear with his name customized on it. "This too?"

"Yes," I nodded.

"But you never slept without this," he looked confused.

"It's worn out now. I'll manage without it."

He'd given me that teddy bear for my birthday. It had a lullaby song, and since that day, I'd cherished it like my life depended on it.

He frowned like he wanted to say more, but before he could, Summer's voice called his name from outside. She walked in, gripping his arm possessively.

I didn't flinch when Summer asked, "Do you need help with that? I could help you."

"She's only trying to help. Why are you being so difficult? Summer is nice, and I think you'll like her if you get along," Jake stated.

"Just as you did, right?" I threw back, but he glared angrily and left the room.

"You're impossible," he said, making his exit.

"Doing exactly what you should have done long ago. Why did you take so long to realize Jake is just a snap away from me?" Summer said provocatively.

I stayed quiet, moving the heavy box toward the door.

"You're playing dumb, right?" she asked, moving to sit on the bed.

"If I were you, I wouldn't stay with a man who killed my child just to please someone special..."

I didn't wait for her to finish. "You know, Summer, as much as I hate you, I still pity you. Loving a man who murdered his own child, it could be your child's turn tomorrow for another special person. Haven't you thought about that? If not, allow me do the thinking for you, because only a deranged woman would stay comfortable after witnessing this."

Summer's eyes widened with annoyance, but I didn't care. "Just like these old things I'm throwing away, Jake will do the same to you if he finds someone new. Nevertheless, I wish you the best, Summer."

I saw her clench her fist, about to explode, but I pouted and tilted my head, staring into her face.

"You pathetic low omega, how dare you challenge me? I'll show you what a deranged woman can do. You'll regret this," she snarled and rushed toward the wall, slamming her temple repeatedly against it.

Fear gripped me as I watched in confusion and shock.

After several hits, she dropped to the ground, screaming loudly in pain, blood running down her face. She increased her cries, using her full voice, and the door burst open. Jake and Amaya came running in.

"What the hell did you do to her?" he asked with bloodshot eyes.