While I was being flared and burnt by those rogue wolves, my husband was enjoying dinner with his mistress on my 25th birthday. A night that was supposed to be so special, ended in me becoming barbecue.

I tried calling for him through every means possible while I was being chased. Phone calls, text messages, god I even tried telepathy so he could sense how desperate my voice was. But the only response I got was through the mind link.

“Quit been dramatic, I am spending the night out”

I was disappointed but quickly comforted myself with the fact that his ego would have been a very valid reason why the rogues would end us faster in a more deadly way.

Some days past the dreadful night after my darling husband abandoned me, there he was, the most powerful Alpha in the West Stone pack, analysing the scene from the rogue attack that had all the pack soldiers talking.

He was showing, not just telling the pack soldiers how the victim struggled and fought for their life before they brutally ended her.

Unknown to my dear husband, he was dissecting the news of his own Luna to the Pack, the same wife he neglected and left alone to die.

***

So there I was, kept like remnants of some overcooked pork, just hanging in the back of the trash.

An old lady, walking her dog, then stumbled upon the scene, the furry pet chewed on parts of my body. The old lady assumed it was some discarded meat, until a large bone popped out that looked nothing like pork.

Very soon, more bodies were discovered all over the pack. It was like a nightmare come to life. The pack soldiers were everywhere trying to solve the mass murder case.

Alpha Sloane Mane, my dear husband, was called in. As the Alpha, he had to be in the murder site to observe the effect of the attack.

Even he was surprised by the level of brutality in which the victims were murdered. His face went pale as he stared hard. He struggled to keep his facial expression neutral, but I knew he was shocked. We were skinned and burned beyond recognition.

The pack beta who is also head of the pack soldiers, Collin Derrick, and the entire pack council, waited impatiently for the pack soldiers to break down the details of the murder.

“Seems like someone was interested in getting the blood of wolves. And from those marks on the wall, the poor victims were killed in their wolf form.”

Collin's hands went to the nape of his neck.

“According to the soldiers, one of our victim's a young woman in her late twenties who was a white wolf. Her fur was scattered all around. Rogues' attacks involving murders like this are often tagged as revenge, she must have pissed off some dangerous wolves.

Sloane placed his hand on his temple and his eyes brightened up.

“This doesn't seem like a random hit. Looks like someone has a grudge, and they're not going to stop anytime soon.” These rogue attacks are becoming more like a way of settling scores between packs.

And he was right. My husband's instincts were sharper than the tooth of a wolf.

I couldn't wait to see his facial expression when he finally put all the pieces together.

They found a necklace at the crime scene. A prime evidence in identifying the victim. Sloane picked it up nonchalantly. Collins went silent, his eyes narrowed. Waiting for what the alpha would say.

“Alpha, this necklace looks familiar. It's almost like yours?” One of the soldiers said.

Slaone bought both necklaces on our wedding night, he gave me one and the other never left his neck.

Sloane took the necklace and observed it for a little while. It was no more glowing.

“It's probably just the same style. The style was pretty common back then.” But that was a lie.

As if considering the possibility, his eyes lingered on the scene entrance for a long while. He immediately mind linked me but my silence just suggested to him that I was trying to avoid him. A payback for how he treated me some nights back.

“Always acting all high and mighty after throwing stupid tantrums every day. Now she isn't responding to me. Whatever. It's not her.” He muttered with certainty in his tone.

The necklace had orbs inside that glowed, but the orb had broken when I was dragged away spilling all the contents inside away.. But considering how smart and knowledgeable he was, he should have figured out that orbs were gone. It only took one slam against the wall and the orb would fall out.

The pack soldiers were doing their thing, about a handful of them spent the whole day searching for our fur, blood trails and what remained of our wolves after we were burned. I could still feel the pain and the scent of our bodies burned as I watched them gather it all together.

Collins pointed to one of the charred body on the table and said,

“This wolf is missing some tooth's and the fur was thoroughly skinned before it was burned. And the head is missing as well”

Sloane was silent the whole time. He was probably wondering what made the rogues take time to remove the wolves fur.

He finally spoke up.

“Who is the unfortunate wolf?”

“We're waiting for the soldiers to identify the white wolves in the pack. They are rare and not many of them are available. We're also sending more soldiers around the pack to check for any missing person. It will bring us closer to identifying the victim.”

My husband gave him a simple nod. He barely looked at my body. It was almost as if he was grossed out with the sight of me. To be honest, this whole mess was his fault. There had been rumours of these rogue attacks and I expected him to make sure the pack was more secure, but instead he spent his time with Vera.

A pack council meeting was held later. Sloane brought out a wild theory.

“So, the murders doesn't seem to be a random rogue wolf attack just like I said before. I went through some recent cases surrounding us and I found a pattern. The Crimson wolves pack had a similar incident recently. People tortured, until they transformed into their wolves. Then they were skinned and later burnt to death. Their fur scattered everywhere. It seems someone is trying to send a message of dominance and probably form a pack.”

Collin's brows furrowed.

“Crimson wolves pack? You think it might be some of the rogue wolves they caught recently?”

“Yes Collins. It seems not all of them were caught. It makes sense that we're the next target because we share the same border with the Crimson wolf pack.” Sloane said.

Everyone nodded their heads in agreement.

“So what should we do now, Alpha?” Collins asked.

“I want you to send some soldiers to the Crimson wolves Alpha and ask if he could lend us a hand. Then go through the cases in their pack and see if you can develop some new patterns, like who they normally attack and any other useful information.”

After the meeting ended, Collins rose after Sloane, singing his praises.

“Alpha, you are so amazing. You figured out our next move within that short period of time. The entire pack is so lucky to have you.”

Sloane simply gave him a nonchalant nod and walked away. He was used to people singing his praises. He had exhibited excellent leadership skills since childhood and sometimes he just got sick of people trying to tell him what he already knew.

“Alpha,” Collins called, rushing to him.

Sloane halted in his steps and turned to face him. Collins removed a red string that was halfway in Sloane's pocket. It turned out to be a thong. Something Vera did intentionally to make me know she spent the night with Sloane.

“Looks like you and Luna had a great time.” Collins muttered with a smirk on his face.

Sloane's Face went stoic.

“None of your business.” His voice was so cold and void of any warmth. He snatched the thong and shoved it fully into his pocket before strolling off.

Embarrassed, Collins rubbed the nape of his neck awkwardly. I wished I could give him a pat on the back, but just like in the movies, my hand swept past him like a wind.

I wanted to tell him that I hated the colour red and none of my underwear was slutty like that, but all my efforts proved abortive. I could only watch how shocked Collins was, since he and Sloane were best of friends.

The night of my murder, Vera was snuggled up to my husband and left behind the little souvenir to taunt me as usual but unfortunately I was no longer in the picture.

I hadn't been home for a few days and my husband didn't bother to find me. The last time we had an argument over Vera, I stayed at my sister's place for a whole week. He just assumed it was like that this time too and didn't want to deal with my ‘tantrums’.

Vera called him, her voice trembling as she spoke.

“Sloane, there's supposed to be heavy snow tonight and I'm really scared of being alone. Can you come over?”

Sloane's grip on the phone tightened as he took a deep, shaky breath.

“I'm married, Vera. And I'm also the Alpha. It's not convenient for me to be seen spending the night with another woman. Especially with everything happening in the pack now.

I almost thought he had repented and realised I was the only one for him. But the thought quickly vanished when I heard his next words.

“But you can come stay at my house. Seline is having one of her phases again. So she is nowhere to be found.”

Vera's voice was laced with surprise as she said,

“Sloane, are you sure about that? What if she suddenly comes back. We wouldn't know how to explain ourselves.”

I let out a chuckle. The woman sure knows how to play her cards well. Her surprise was an act. She was elated at the idea of being in my house with my husband..

My clueless husband replied to her,

“I don't need to explain anything. It's my house and you're my close companion. I can invite whomever I wish to invite. You don't need to worry about what she'll think.”

He paused as if contemplating his next words.

“Besides, she is gone for good.” His voice was so certain.

Vera went silent for a moment before she asked,

“How do you know that?”

As if she realised that her tone might have looked suspicious, she quickly added.

“I meant to ask if she was mad at you again and left the house.”

Sloane nodded as if she could see him from the other end of the call.

“Yes. She got mad when I said I was going to see you on her 25th birthday.”

“I don't understand why she is always suspicious of our relationship. I've told her multiple times that we are just friends but she never stopped nagging about it. I mean, she is my mate, so that should be enough for her to trust me. But she never did. Honestly, I think I owe you an apology, Vera. You've put up with so much over the years and never complained. You're so different from Seline.”

I couldn't refrain from laughing as I heard him spurt out all those words. Why would any sane person celebrate their wife's birthday with an ex after getting married? An ex that shared a very intimate bond with you. A bond stronger than marriage. Your wife didn't have that bond with you and you expect her not to be jealous?.

To think my birthday was the same day I died. I wondered if he was going to remember it next year or even pay special attention?

***

Vera rushed into my place not quite long after the phone call. She jumped into Sloane's waiting arms, her voice quivering as she spoke.

“It's so dark and cold outside. It's freaking me out.”

I rolled my eyes at her over dramatic behaviour. It's dark every night and we are in winter, so the snow is expected.

Sloane lifted her up, placing a kiss on her forehead.

“It's okay. I've got you.”

He immediately lit the fire and brought out some duvets to keep her warm.

“You don't have to be tense, I am here to keep you warm. Even if it snows on us, my body will heat you up”

Vera let out a sigh and tightened her hold on him. They settled on the couch still snuggled on each other.

It was getting late. Vera needed to freshen up before going to bed. She strolled to my closet. Slamming the door behind her, she started going through my row of pyjamas without a care in the world. She left a huge mess in there, flinging the clothes on the floor. When she was done, she did not bother to pack them back up.

She smiled wickedly to herself.

"Seline won't mind. She is gone for good”

I watched Vera silently through the window glass. A lightning struck and Vera caught a glimpse of my reflection. She let out a horrified scream.

Sloane ran into the room and scooped her in his arms, shielding her like a damsel in distress. She started trembling hard against him.

“This is too risky. What if Seline shows up?” Her voice quivered as she spoke.

Sloane glanced up, the lighting cascading a soft glow on his cold face.

“Her coming back changes nothing. She has no right to say anything. If I hadn't married her, you wouldn't have left and we wouldn't have missed out on all those years together.” he sighed. After all you are the one my heart yarns for, not her.

“You don't have to worry about her. I wouldn't bat an eye even if I heard she was among the wolves that were burnt.” He added.

I stared at the both of them, their bodies glued together. I truly hope you will be nonchalant when you hear the news of my death…