Riana

Waking up, I was hit with the pain of last night, I shoved it down my throat, deciding not to let it get to me.

After all our marriage had been out of contract, even though I had loved him all 26 years of my life.

I could remember the night before my wedding where I overheard him talking about how this marriage would help him gain the trust of the pack, seeing that he had a little problem at that time and my family needed financial help for the pack.

That night I had been torn, ignoring my wolf who reminded me that I was yet to find my mate and I still had all the chance in the world to be with someone I loved.

I ignored her, vowing that I could never love any man as much as I loved Alexander. Even though we were married for three years, he never marked me or openly acknowledged me as his Luna and chosen mate in front of anyone.

After our marriage, we merged packs together, making it easy for us to grow and since I was an only child, it was the best option. 

I dedicated my life to him, deciding I was going to make him love me at all cost but everything faded away when he received a call from Kristen one day, saying she had a child for him, he never argued, only believed her words as from that day, he became even more distant. 

I stepped into the hospital, wearing dark sunshades as I went to the counter to pick up mom's meal.

I wasn't shocked to see him standing beside me, he flashed me a smile as he wrapped his hand around my waist, trying to act all romantic.

Instinctively, I pushed him away slightly while trying to block out Kristen's scent from choking me. It was there, dominant, mocking and irritatingly sweet.

"What's..." He was still speaking when his phone rang. His expression softened as he placed the phone on his ear.

"How are you doing?" His tone was so soft, I almost wept as I watched him. A smile dangled on his lips and his eyes were halflidded and filled with love.

I had never seen him this way, not even when we made love at night, he was always cold and dismissive with me, except in public where he pathetically tried to show affection.

"I'll be there very soon, just give me a few minutes... I'll get you anything you want, just tell me about it." He whispered as he hung up.

I grabbed the food and headed towards the room, ignoring him entirely.

"I'm so glad you could make it mom." I whispered, taking off my glasses and she smiled at me.

Mom had been battling with cancer for almost 10 years now and it had sucked all the pack's money, the only peck of this marriage was that mom got to be treated for free and they had the best treatments, unlike our pack which was still struggling.

"Have you been crying? Did you cry at your anniversary dinner?" She asked and at that moment, Alexander walked in.

"Good morning mom." He greeted as he bowed his head and she nodded, stretching her hand out to him.

"You could've sent your greetings, I know how busy you have been, running both packs." She whispered frailly and I sat at the side, burning with rage as I watched him pretend to be the perfect husband in front of mom.

"It's nothing compared to seeing you, I'm glad you made it." He replied and she smiled.

"Thank you so much... I'm grateful to the goddess for blessing your union and I hope he blesses you with a child soon." She prayed and I almost choked while Alexander nodded with a smile that stopped on his lips.

"I'd like to leave now, would you escort me..." He asked politely and although I wanted to refuse, mom stared at me intently and I nodded.

"I couldn't make it for the anniversary because I was busy at work, it's been a lot controlling two packs, I'll make it up to you tonight, dinner at Rosemary, 8 pm." He announced coldly without any excuse and to make matters worse, he chose the worst place ever.

I was allergic to Rosemary's steaks, this was one thing I had said for years but who was I kidding? He'd forget my existence entirely but remember the tiniest detail about his mate.

"Hmm..." I replied without a word and he stared at me, frowning.

"I do not want this attitude tonight, if you're on your period then stay at home." He muttered harshly and I said nothing as he entered his car, watching him drive away towards the house he had purchased for Kristen.

"Are you going to keep on enduring this? I warned you about this... We've not found mate yet... You still have the chance to leave." She whispered and I exhaled deeply.

"What about mom? Dad has grown weak and he's unable to take over pack duties, the pack would crumble if I leave." I whispered, tears burning my eyes.

"There'll always be another option." She whispered and I nodded, shutting my eyes, I opened them slowly and I found my legs moving.

"Leave him." my wolf snarled. "He is not ours."

"Not yet" I whispered back. "Not while the pack needs me."

It wasn't until I arrived at the court before I realized where I was. Walking inside to the council of elders, I bowed my head softly.

"I'd like to divorce my husband, the alpha." I announced as gasps rang out.

Raina

“You wish to divorce your husband?” The elder asked and clenching my fists, I nodded.

“Yes, I wish to divorce him.” I muttered, trying to still my racing heart.

“Do you know the consequences of your actions? Your pack is only surviving because you’re under his wings, do you know the number of times your pack has escaped attacks just because of him?” The elder demanded, staring at me like I was an ingrate but I nodded.

“I’m grateful for everything he has done but it’s high time we separated.” I muttered and the elder took one long condescending look at me.

“How do you intend to sustain the pack? Who is going to be the new alpha, your father is weak and unable to attend to the pack duties, are you sure you know what you want? Have you forgotten that you’re a mere lady whose job is in the kitchen and on her husband’s bed?” He demanded and I sank my teeth into my lips, goddess knew my wolf was furious and she wanted to growl but I stopped her.

“I know what I want, I know what I want.” I replied and he nodded, staring at me intently for a moment.

“Your case will be discussed and you’ll be called in with the alpha for a fair hearing and if you have good reasons, it’ll be granted.” He announced and I nodded.

It took a long while before the divorce papers were printed but I was more than ready to wait however long it was going to take.

The secretary stared at me repeatedly, shaking her head sadly. “So tell me, why are you leaving the alpha? You must think you’re some big shot, you have no child, just a dead pack and you think it’s best to leave the alpha without anything?” She asked and I frowned.

“Oh, I saw your file, they will be damned if they process the divorce for you that easily. Do you want the alpha to have their head?” She continued, chewing gum loudly while I swallowed, trying to endure for a few more minutes.

“I don’t know what is wrong with you ladies these days, feeling like you can own a man alone, especially alpha. Look in the mirror, he’s desired by more than half of the world for his wealth, there’s no way he’d stay loyal to you.” I bit my tongue, trying not to snap at this blonde Barbie.

She had huge breasts, a face that has been worked on countless times and the red lipstick on her lips made things even more disgusting.

I was cringing internally with the way she chewed and goddess knew I was just one step away from running out of this place.

After almost thirty minutes, she handed over the divorce papers, making me exhale deeply.

“You’re making one big mistake, honey. Men are polygamous in nature, I can’t believe you’d leave your home for another lady.” She shook her head and I exhaled.

“I refuse to settle for a dog.” I replied with a soft smile as I accepted the file and her eyes widened.

I was walking back to the clinic when a lady bumped into me as she walked past me. I frowned.

“Excuse me?”

“What?” She snapped rudely, taking me aback.

“You bumped into me, isn’t that evident?” I retorted and her eyes twinkled with mischief.

“No, but what’s evident is you staying at the pack house for years without giving us an heir, try to work on that rather than pick up fights randomly on the road. If you had given the alpha an heir, maybe he’d have gotten you a car.” She fired and I bit my lips, swallowing my words as I walked away, trying hard not to create a scene.

“She’s barren…”

“Only the goddess knows how she’d cope when the alpha’s new wife gives him a son.”

I forced their words out of my head as I continued walking to the clinic.

“Where have you been?” Dad asked as I walked in and I exhaled.

“I went outside to get some fresh air. Is mom okay?” I asked and he nodded.

“I know this has been too much for you and I’d like to apologize for not doing a good job at the pack, if only I had used my time well, maybe you wouldn’t be in this situation.” He whispered, his eyes tearing up and I hugged him tightly.

“It’s fine dad, I’m glad mom is okay…”

“I’m so grateful to the goddess for giving you Alpha Alexander as your mate, only the goddess knows how trouble things would’ve been without him… I’m so glad you’re married to him and I pray the goddess blesses your union with children…” He muttered and I grunted a reply.

I was filled with deep remorse immediately as guilt began to gnaw at me. Am I doing the right thing? Didn’t Alexander help my family? Isn't he the reason why my pack is still standing? Would it be right to leave the marriage after all these? How would mom and dad feel when I break this news to them?

“Goddess please…” I muttered under my breath as I tried to think about all the good aspects of this marriage but somehow, the only thing that came to my head was Kristen’s presence, her scent on him and how he was willing to do anything and everything for her while I got the bare minimum.

I was still in deep thoughts when a message interrupted me. “Come home, now. 10 minutes.” It was a message from Alexander and my stomach churned with slight fear and anxiety.

What if he’s found out I want divorce? Is that why he’s furious?