Warning: This book contains, violence, explicit and disturbing scenes-

—

My seemingly perfect marriage was torn apart on my third wedding anniversary.

After getting married to Alpha Hades of the Silvermist pack, my fated mate and the man I vowed to love till eternity. I was met with thorns in my marital home.

When I thought our formidable marriage would never sever, my husband's first love returned, and despite being his wife, I couldn't help but feel like a third wheel, caught between the two of them.

Now, I want a divorce, but my husband is unyielding and refuses to let me go.

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER ONE

—JASMINE

"To Alpha Hades, and his beloved Luna, Jasmine."

While the toast sounds pleasant and well-intentioned, it feels like a bunch of empty harsh words to me.

Today marks three years of my marriage with Hades, the all-rounder powerful Alpha of the Silvermist pack, my husband—My mate.

To the public eyes, we’re this perfect couple.

The couple everyone wants to be like.

But behind the curtains, I am nothing to Hades, just an orphan who he was forced to marry by the Council, which felt like the most difficult task he had to complete.

He just needs me to be the perfect Luna by his side. and this wedding anniversary dinner is only playing a part in deceiving public eyes and ears.

"Look at how happy Luna is now. Who would have thought that she was a dirty and lowly omega before?"I hear someone mumble behind me.

These words sting me. It turns out that in people’s eyes, I am just a lowly and pitiful omega wearing Luna's clothing.

"Yes. If I were Alpha, I would never agree to marry such a useless orphan. Our Alpha is too generous and great. I completely admire him."

Although it is harsh, I have to admit that what they’re saying is right. Of course, Hades didn't want to marry me, marry such a shame. But he took this as an opportunity to establish a positive image of himself.

An Alpha who is broad-minded, has no prejudice, and loves every member of the pack.

And I became a tool to set off his greatness.

What's even more tragic is that even though I clearly know that all of Hades's tenderness towards me is just a show, I’m still hopelessly obsessed with this fake bond and hopelessly in love with him.

"At that time, Alpha was still with the daughter of the former Beta. What was her name, Alison? They were a perfect match and we all believed they were meant to be together. Who knew that fate would play such a big joke on them?"

How they mention the name I least want to hear in my life.

"Yes! Alison! Oh my dear Miss Alison Welsh. She is so perfect, beautiful, kind and energetic. I had the honour of chatting with her before. She came to our hospital to give us gifts, and I told her that I hope she and Alpha can have a baby soon. Alpha must have mustered up a lot of courage to choose this Luna. If it were me, I would never give up perfect Alison."

Well, compared to Alison, I am nothing but a joke.

This name hurts me deeply, constantly reminding me how ridiculous I am.

No one could bear to give up Alison and marry me, but Hades did it. Because he is great, generous, and selfless.

I try not to pay anymore attention to guests' cruel discussions and turn my attention to Hades.

"A toast." Hades begins with a smile that instantly cheers everyone.

His cheeks are slightly flushed and his dark brown eyes are warm.

So warm, that any sane woman would like to be buried in them.

Hades continues. "I want to make a toast to my lovely wife Jasmine,"

His simple words send multiple wishful eyes at me.

"To three years of wholesomeness with Jasmine, My amazing wife, and more years to come. I asked for a partner and the moon goddess gave me all three in one. A wife, a mate and a best friend. I would never trade her for another."

Hades turns to me and ends his speech with a dashing smile thrown at me.

Just as I think the moment has passed, the guests around the table erupt in a chorus of catcalls and cheers, urging Hades and I to kiss.

My heart skips a beat as the room falls silent, all eyes fixed on us, and I feel a flush rise to my cheeks.

Hades turns to me, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

I know he doesn’t fancy me and I get this feeling he won’t do it.

He has never kissed me.

In a move that catches me completely off guard, he slowly wraps his arms around me. My heart races as our faces draw closer, and before I can even process what's happening, his lips press against mine in a soft, sweet kiss.

As he kisses me, I feel a flutter in my heart, a flutter of warmth and anxiety. I’ve always craved for this and now that it is happening, I can’t get a grip.

As I try to balance my hands on his shoulders, I impulsively throw my arms around him, forgetting the glass of wine still clutched in my hand.

The crimson liquid spills all over his crisp white shirt, which breaks our kiss and I gasp in horror.

I expect the worst expression from Hades, but instead, he just laughs and gestures towards everyone who looks frightened.

"Please, do not let this little incident be a bother. I’ll wipe this off like it never happened" Hades says with a smile, and the table sweeps with ease among the guests.

"I’ll come with you to wipe it off" I offer and Hades just nods at me before trailing to the restroom, where I follow behind him.

In the restroom, I try to help him clean up the stain, but he shoves me away where my hand grazes across the wall, his expression darkening.

"How dare you embarrass me in front of all those people," he growls, his voice low and menacing.

I gulp.

How the sweetness of his mouth from earlier has turned venomous, leaving me breathless.

I feel unsettled.

Just now in front of the guest, he was this perfect devoted husband pretending to adore his Luna. Now he’s as bitter as a gull. His eyes blazing with anger and irritation.

"I’m sorry" I apologise gently.

"Sorry? Sorry doesn’t cut it for such an important occasion Jasmine. Always use that little brain of yours" He snarls.

"I’ll wipe the stain off immediately" I rush my words and start to wipe his shirt with my handkerchief but he catches my hand and pulls me close.

With his towering height, he looks down at me, his eyes glinting with mockery.

"You're enjoying this, aren't you?" He asks.

I gawk at him. "What?"

"Do not lie. You’ve been longing for it for three years. I bet, a kiss that would make you knock another wine out" He takes a step closer, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Well tonight’s your lucky night, I'll satisfy you once and for all."

My heart skips a beat as he leans in, his lips inches from mine.

Whatever is going on, I don’t want him to stop.

I close my eyes, anticipation building, my lips quivering for his lip, but nothing happens.

No kisses.

Instead, he bursts out laughing, his voice gleaming with amusement.

I open my eyes and my heart falls into my stomach.

"Get a grip"

As he seethes with anger, shoving me away, and causing me to stumble backward, where my back collides with the bathroom door.

My hand scrapes against the doorknob, causing a stinging burn that spreads across my skin.

"You're so gullible. You really thought I would kiss you?" he taunts, his voice dripping with condescension. "This is why I’ll keep reminding you to use that head of yours Jasmine. Never forget who you are."

I'm mute, unable to voice my thoughts, and instead, I'm trapped, listening to his mocks, my heart searing with pain.

My gullibility is nothing more than a source of entertainment for him. What a heartless man.

All I ever want is even the tiniest bit of attention from him, but all I get is this?

"You" He scoffs. "Know how to read a room and don’t make a fool out of yourself"

My stomach feels pinched and my heart slowly shreds into pieces, with tears prickling at the corners of my eyes.

His laughter is still echoing in my mind, a cruel reminder of my vulnerability.

He continues talking, shattering my world completely.

"Do not dare to dream that you can do silly things like this Jasmine. I do not fancy you and you know that so well, I never will, not when Alison has returned. Get ready."

And with that, he leaves the bathroom.

My legs go weak and my breath hitches.

Alison?

Alison Welsh!!?

CHAPTER TWO

JASMINE—

“Alison has returned.”

Banging my brush on the bed, I catch my breath.

My efforts to calm down are fruitless... At risk of losing control.

I sigh deeply.

I've been nervous since Hades and I's wedding anniversary night a few days ago.

Every time I hear Hades’ voice say her name in my mind, my heart races and shuts down, making it impossible to think.

My heart skips a beat as her blond flowing hair appears in my mental screen and almost makes me break down.

Alison. The one who Hades truly loves. The woman I can never compete with.

The woman I can never be.

She was the reason he was happy during our anniversary night.

Because she has returned.

How foolish I was to not read into him.

The sound of the doorbell takes me off my feet and my head snaps towards the door like I’ve been called.

My personal maid, Enora, tries to beat me to the door but I tell her to halt.

I silently pray it is Hades, because I want him home.

He has not come home for three days for some business he has to take care of.

And I have been patiently waiting and tirelessly like the good wife I am.

I open the door to see Hades and I smile.

He is smiling too but only when I decide to fathom his smile that I notice a glowing blond hair behind him.

My heart stops beating.

Alison steps in front of Hades and my heart instantly makes a summersault.

My breath hitches.

Alison Welsh.

She is beautiful and her smile is as warm as her personality.

Alison has always looked good. The same friend that I’ve always looked up to grew up to be more than a beautiful woman.

Her lips stretch her smile further for me and her blue eyes gaze at me only to stark me a contrast of my own guilt-ridden conscience past.

No.

All my life it feels like I owe Alison.

Growing up as an omega at the orphanage, with little to no love and acceptance from people around me, Alison was one of the reasons I wanted to wake up every morning.

She was a good friend.

My best friend even, she was the daughter of a beta and yet she did not mind being with someone like me.

She was always there. Against all odds.

I wanted to be like Alison.

She was pretty, she was perfect. She was everything.

She was involved with Hades first, not until I found out he was my mate and was forced to marry him.

And because we were mated, and married, Alison had to back down, and eventually, she left the silvermist for more personal reasons.

But yet before leaving, she was still so subtle about everything.

About me getting married to the man she loves.

And till this day I still feel horrible, like I took what was supposed to be hers.

And now that she’s back.

I don’t know what to think.

“Jasmine,” Alison cry snaps me out of my reverie.

And she pulls me into her warm hug.

I am stunned but don’t hesitate to hug her too.

My eyes dart to Hades and my heart sinks in.

He looks so happy.

I’ve never seen him as happy as he looks right now.

It makes me jealous.

I’ve never made him this happy.

And I don’t think I can.

I take a step back after my hug with Alison and bite the inside of my cheeks.

“It is so good to see you again” Alison is ecstatic.

I want to say the same thing but I’d be a liar.

If anything, I am terrified of being in the same space as Alison.

Hades walks into the house and closes the door behind him.

I am a bit taken aback to see some luggages with him.

He left with little to few things.

Yet he’s back with so many things— including Alison.

The minute the servants in the main pack house start to help with the luggages and Hades catches my eyes lingering on them, He lets the words out immediately.

“Alison will be staying here for a while”

I pause.

My eyes switch to Alison and a drapery smile enchants her lips.

She bats her long lashes at me and I turn to Hades.

He strains his neck at me. “Do you have a problem with that?”

I want to ask why, but I don’t dare.

I gulp.

“Of course not. Alison’s my friend” I glance at Alison who looks excited.

It’s been years since I’ve seen her and called her friend. But what else would I address her with? She used to be a friend.

And now?

I am just a backstabber who married the man she loved.

I have no say in this.

Even if I am asked.

Saying no will make Alison hate me, and I've already done enough damage to make her hate me—but she doesn't—and Hades will never look at me the same way.

“You’re amazing jasmine. Thank you for letting me stay here” Alison’s soft voice clouds the house and she proceeds to take me by the arm.

“How I’ve missed you Jasmine”

She’s so pretty. She smells nice.

It’s almost obnoxious.

“Thank you,”

“Please do not thank me,” I smile.

A faux smile I do not intend to use.

“I certainly do, the two of you are just way too nice to me and I can’t thank each of you enough” she beams and turns to look at Hades.

Hades smiles, and their eyes lock in a gaze that makes me feel invisible.

The air is charged with tension as they seem to see only each other.

Their eyes speak a language that only they understand, and I'm left feeling like an outsider, witnessing a private moment that reveals the secrets of their souls.

I try not to read much into it and disrupt their gaze with a clear of my throat.

“Alison, let’s get you settled in” My voice sounds weak.

I hate this feeling settling at the bottom of my gut.

As Alison lets go of me and takes a step forward, the bracelet around her wrist slips out of her hand and falls to the concrete ground, halting her from going any further.

Simultaneously, she and Hades squats and dive for the bracelet.

But instead of taking the bracelet, they both grab each other’s hand.

My eyes linger briefly on their hands before taking notice of the bracelet on the floor.

Its familiarity hits me and I instantly realize it is the same bracelet I have seen on Hades’ wrists a couple of times.

I can still vividly remember the day He aggressively yelled at Enora for accidentally touching it.

Even I, his wife, doesn't dare to touch it.

I've always wondered what was so special about such a bracelet, but now I can see it is a noticeable significance of their love for each other.

My limbs weaken.

They burst into laughter, laughing at their silliness, but as the moment fades and their laugh ends, they forget to let go of each other's hands.

In slow motion, right under my darn eyes.

Hades' fingers trace gentle circles on Alison's palm, his warm eyes roaming her face with a tender intensity.

The air is electric with tension as they savor the touch, their connection palpable.

I'm frozen in place, a helpless witness to the sparks flying between them.

My heart falls into my stomach and a monstrous chill passes through my entire nervous system.

What the fuck was that?

-*

CHAPTER THREE

—JASMINE

Sometimes I wonder if I was only born into this world to become a shadow of my own reflection.

I may be the silvermist Luna, but I don’t feel like it.

I am not competent enough for it.

If the entire pack members are to find out that their Luna isn’t just an omega, but also a wolf-less weakling.

If anyone finds any slight flaw within me. I’ll be ridiculed for life.

But how could anyone not, when I was born to be flawed.

I may be married to my mate, but I am standing here, watching Hades show more affection to Alison than he has ever done to me.

The pain in my chest is fierce but I don’t let it override my thoughts and I just carefully break their bonding with careful words.

“Such beautiful bracelet”

I pick it up with a smile.

My actions and words give Alison and Hades room to stop touching each other and realize I am also in the room.

“Thank you” Alison is calm with her words. “I got it on my way here? Would you like one too?” She smiles sweetly.

“Oh no, thank you. You’re the guest here, I should be the one gifting you Ali.”

She laughs.

“Would you like me to be shown around or would you like to rest?” Hades says, staring at something behind her ear.

Why is he taking notice of everything on her.

“Rest? No. I’d love to be shown around” Alison is ecstatic.

“Then, Jasmine and I will be eager to give you a tour around the house” Hades looks exactly as he looks the night of our third wedding anniversary.

He is smiling so much at Alison, that I do not know what I’m feeling anymore.

As we show Alison around the house, though I really don’t get why she needs a tour around the main pack house when she is just a guest.

I can’t deny the heavy feeling in my chest when I notice I am third wheeling my husband and my ex-best friend.

The airy conversations they’re having is almost in a whisper, but every breeze of it cuts through my soul like a knife.

I try not to pay much attention to it. But it is impossible.

I feel sorry for myself and I feel sorry for Alison.

Maybe if Hades and I weren’t fated mates and Hades hadn’t been forced to marry me, then maybe she and Hades would have been together now.

As we make it down the hallway where the guest rooms are, Alison slightly brushes her temple against a door frame and winces about it.

Before I can approach her and ask what has happened.

Hades beats me to it.

He carefully tucks some strands of her hair behind her ear and asks.

“Are you okay?” His words are gentle and full of affection.

Alison briefly glances at me before turning to Hades.

“I’m fine, but I think it’s best I rest for now,” Alison says with a subtle smile.

“Of course. Whatever you want” Hades replies.

It is just a simple word, but it causes an uproar in me.

Whatever she wants?

I clear my throat, and pray it doesn’t sound weak and funny as I speak.

“I just recalled that I have something to do” I lie with a smile.

“Oh” Alison nods. “We can call it a day then and continue this later”

She’s so nice.

As I turn to leave, I can't help but notice a subtle gesture that makes my heart skip a beat.

It may be just my imagination, but I could swear I see Hades tenderly taking Alison's shoulder, his hand cradling her with gentle reassurance, as he draws her close to his side. The softness in his eyes and the gentle way he pulls her near speaks volumes of a love so strong.

I walk into my room and lock the door behind me.

With my hand on my chest, I try to conceal whatever I am feeling.

This isn’t jealousy or hate

This is far beyond what I feel.

It’s another burning desire.

To feel like a stranger in your marital home?

That is the worst kind of feeling.

I curl up on my bed, pulling the duvet tightly around me.

I sigh multiple times and attempt to divert my thoughts from the events of today, yet my mind refuses to let go. So instead of dwelling on negative emotions. I allowed my mind and body to peacefully drift off into slumber.

I wake up later that night, with the night still young and a slight ache in my chest.

But I can say I feel a little bit better.

I quickly get out of bed and make my way downstairs to help myself with warm milk, which always brings me a sense of calm.

As I descend the stairs, preparing to enter the kitchen.

I am immediately captivated by the sound of muffled laughs and airy conversations.

Instead of moving to the kitchen like I had planned, my mind compels my legs to walk toward the sound, leading me to Hades' study.

The door is slightly open so I take the initiative to peek through its nook.

I suddenly hear an invisible bang in my head.

My knees instantly go weak when I see Alison seated on Hades’ desk desk, wearing a lace see-through nightgown.

Her legs are spread apart with Hades standing in between them, staring at her like she’s the most beautiful woman on the planet.

After muttering a few words to each other. Their lips slowly get close and they kiss and move in perfect sync, their tender kiss sending a pang of longing through my chest.

Their mouths dance against each other and any sane person can see how much they long for each other.

When Hades hand reaches for the side of Alison's left breast, I burst into the room.

“What is going on?” My voice is already drowning in depths of shock, rage and despair.

Alison suddenly jumps and hurries down the desk to stand behind Hades, looking so frightened.

Hades looks up at me, his gaze burning with rage and disgust like I just stepped on him with a stiletto.

“Hades?” I call. “What’s going on?”

Hades smacks the vase on his table angrily and walks up to me.

“Are you fuckin crazy?” His voice sounds deep and irritated.

My throat instantly gets lumpy, and my eyes start to gather tears.

“What were you doing with Alison?” My voice is shaky, but I don’t stutter.

Instead of replying, Hades scoffs.

“You’re really asking me that?”

He looks like he’s ready to slam something into the wall.

My tears start to fall.

“First you interrupted us and now you’re crying? Don’t you dare pull that sympathetic card on me!” Hades’ voice is harsh.

So hard it repeated twice in my head.

I glance at Alison, but she doesn’t dare to look me in the eye.

Hades steps in front of me to block me from seeing her.

“You shouldn’t have spied on us. This is all your bloody fault, .” He seethes.

My fault?

Emotional immediately numbing takes over me, allowing me not to function at the moment.

I don’t feel the sting of tears or the ache in my heart.

I don’t feel anything.

It is as if my emotions have been anesthetized, temporarily paralyzed to prevent overwhelming pain.

My husband and my ex best-friend.

Such a fool, I have become.

I stare at my husband, and instead of the caring gaze I usually see or even the unaffectionate gaze. I am met with his eyes glowering at me and shooting me with disgust and obnoxiousness.

Ah, I get it now.

It’ll never be me.

It hasn’t been and it’ll never be.

I’ll forever be nothing to him.

My throat is dry but I make sure not to stutter with my words.

“Hades,” I call. “I want a divorce”

I’m as good as dead to him.

It’s best I end things now.

-*

CHAPTER FOUR

JASMINE—

Hades's eyes, already dark and piercing, seem to deepen to an almost blackened intensity, as if the very mention of my words has summoned a shadowy storm within him.

His eyebrows furrow, knitting together in a fierce scowl, as if I've uttered a blasphemy that offends the very fabric of his being.

“What did you say?” His voice is thick, raspy and livid.

My tears are heavy and my entire body is shaking, but I do not fail to repeat myself.

“I said. I want a divorce”

I'm exhausted, drained from feeling unloved and unwanted.

I release him and myself from this loveless bond.

He's free to choose another Luna, one who can stand by his side with genuine devotion, one with a wolf and not as weak as me.

I no longer care.

This marriage has been a sham, a constant reminder of his unfulfilled desires.

Let him be with the woman who truly holds his heart, the one he needs and loves in return.

I'm done living a lie.

Hades takes a step forward, still looking at me like I am uttering nonsense.

“A divorce?” His voice has every shade of ornery attached to it.

“Yes” my emotional stability fails me and my tears fall down my cheek.

“All of a sudden you want a divorce?” He scoffs.

“Yes! I do!”

I wipe my eyes.

He doesn’t deserve my tears.

Alison suddenly comes forward.

Tears gather in her eyes.

“Jasmine,I promise there’s n—

“Stay out of this Ali” Hades interrupts with a gruff.

My body reacts to the way her name rolls off his tongue.

“I will not agree to a divorce with you jasmine” He states.

My breath hitches.

“You do not love me, so why would you ever disagree” it is the first time I have confronted him about this and I feel really terrible.

“I see,” He nods.

“You suddenly want to divorce me because you have other men under your coop, am I right?.”

“What?” My voice shakes.

“Then why would you ever want a divorce if not for the fact that you have eyes for other men!” He yells and my frail body trembles.

“No,” I shake my head.

I can't believe he's trying to blame me after what I saw him doing. He has no right to judge me when he's guilty too.

“Jasmine. I know you, far too well. You barely speak. You’re a loyal wife who does anything I ask, and you wanting a divorce proves nothing other than the fact that you’re fucking other men. You're tired of me and want them now?” He scoffs.

He doesn’t know me at all.

“Wh-

I can’t seem to find proper words as my head feels all scrambled.

“That’s what it is and over my body will I ever agree to this divorce with you. You think our marriage is a game because you have other men?” He comes closer to me. “Well I’ll show you what price comes with your words.”

His strong fingers close my wrist and he drags me away from his study and pulls me across the living room.

His grip on me is strong and fierce and it hurts.

“Let me go” I cry trying to get his grip to loosen around my wrist, but he is strong and I am nowhere close.

I can feel the hotness eradicating from Hades body and it terrified me.

He doesn’t stop pulling me until we reach his bedroom where he forces me inside and stands in front of me.

His voice is solidified and commanding.

“You will not leave this room until you rethink your bloody decision about a divorce”

He leaves the room and slam the door shut.

My legs rush towards the door and my hands battle with the door Knob but I am too late as he has already locked the door from outside.

My chest pinches itself as I battle to open the door, but my strength does me no good.

I fall to the ground and start to cry.

Why?

Why won’t he just let me go.

-

I don’t know how long I spent crying in Hades’ room but after my eyes and body start to feel sore, I know I need help.

My silent prayer comes quickly when the door clicks open and my leg rushes to stand.

Is it Hades?

My anticipation drowns when I see Alison quietly walk into the room.

Great.

“Um,” she bites her bottom lips awkwardly and takes a step forward “Are you okay?”

Her question instantly shatters me and I start to cry.

One thing about Alison is she loves putting others before her, just like how well she took the news when she heard the man she loved got married to her friend.

But that doesn’t have to continue. She can have Hades.

“Alison,” I sniff amidst my tears.

She comes close and holds me.

“jasmine, I didn’t mean to make you cry. I don’t know why Hades will to this to you bu—

“It’s not your fault—

I interrupt her. “It is my fault and I am sorry, for all these years, I am deeply sorry”

I sniff and my tears don't stop running.

Alison looks caught off guard with my apology but I don’t stop.

I want to get rid of this guilty feeling.

“it’s always been you and Hades. I am the intruder, our marriage was all arranged. I didn’t mean to steal him from you. And I promise I do not love him.” I lie.

Alison shakes her head.

“Please jasmine you don’t have to apologize”

“No. I have to, how can you be so nice when I did something as terrible as this to you. I want to leave, I do not love Hades. Please” I cry.

She is quiet for a while, watching me bawl my eyes out before slowly pulling me in a hug.

“You’re my friend Jasmine, and even if we grew apart. I’ll still do anything for you”

I cry against her shoulder.

“Why are you so nice to me? I don’t deserve this”

We break our hug and she holds my shoulders.

“Because you’re my friend and if you don’t love Hades and you do not wish to stay. Then I’ll help you leave”

“Really?” I wipe my tears.

“Yes.” She smiles.

I truly don’t deserve Alison.

-

The night is still young when Alison manages to help me leave Hades' room and the house after putting up a distraction.

She has kept her promise and I will forever remember this kindness she has shown me.

The night is cold but I don’t falter from it as I am already feeling freedom.

I don’t know what’s ahead of me but I am certain it’s not another loveless marriage.

The moment I take a step from the pack’s main house proximity.

My senses pick up uncertain movements behind me.

I might have lost my wolf but not my heightened senses.

I am about to turn around when I am locked in big arms and my nose is immediately covered with a soft fabric.

I try to fight for my life and scream, but I meet darkness in a few seconds.

-*

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER FIVE

—HADES

As I gaze at Alison, I'm captivated by how pretty she looks just sleeping.

Her peaceful expression and gentle breathing mesmerize me, and I can't help but smile.

The stillness of the night envelops us, and I feel an overwhelming desire to simply be beside her, to bask in the warmth of her presence.

But I can’t.

Even if Alison is the woman that had once shaken my world and still the woman to still shake my world, even if I almost went crazy when she had to leave for her sudden studies— I can’t push past the fact that I am married.

Though I don’t understand why Jasmine will suddenly want a divorce but that is never going to happen while I am still alive and breathing.

Maybe she doesn’t get my heart racing like Alison does, but she is still doable.

After three years of marriage, I've had the privilege of witnessing Jasmine’s exceptional qualities shine through in every aspect of her life. Her clear responsibility, solid loyalty, and remarkable resourcefulness have been confirmed.

Whether it's her dedication to our relationship, her unrelenting support, or her clever approach to challenges. Jasmine has consistently proven herself to be an extraordinary partner.

I can’t possibly give her up. Not now.

If anyone has the right to end our marriage, it’s me!

Even if our marriage was abruptly arranged by the pack’s council. Even though I had to marry her because she happened to be my mate and I needed to keep my status, Jasmine is an asset.

And I am keeping her.

A divorce?

Over my dead body.

-

I retire to the other guest room since I’ve kept Jasmine locked in mine.

And I try as possible not to think of her or focus on what she could possibly be doing by herself.

I let myself drift off to sleep, knowing I need to be well-rested for the party. I'll be a host by dawn tomorrow and as Alpha, where I'll be responsible for ensuring everyone's safety and enjoyment.

I wake up in the middle of the night with a jolt, a sickening one that caused my entire body to almost give in.

My thoughts instantly start to irate and my body starts to eradicate heat.

Jasmine!

I jump out of bed and the feeling increased.

Jasmine is with someone else.

I can feel it.

I can feel her emotions, her pleasure.

It feels like a knife is settling on my gut. I can see flashes of the stranger's face, feel his sickening touch.

Our mate bond makes it feel like I am even there with them.

It’s like I am witnessing her betrayal.

I don’t try to shake off the feeling and let it taunt me.

My mind races with anger, hurt, and possessiveness.

How could she do this to me?

How dare she?

As I grab my coat, I tap on Kyle, my wolf.

“Find her.” I say as I walk out of the room.

Relying on Kyle, his instincts began to stir.

I start to focus on the primal sensations coursing through my veins. And before I know it I start to feel it - the unmistakable tug of his Jasmine’s presence and where she is.

I let Kyle guide me after a hastened run, and try to stand the ferocious smell of jasmine and the pleasure I perceive around her.

I finally come up to a building and the quiet night makes my senses more heightened.

I dash into the house and towards the room I can perceive jasmine; and my senses almost crash when I see her stark naked in bed with a total stranger.

She is lying effortlessly with her legs buried in the nooks of this man’s body.

I don’t know what emotions to exhibit but my body and wolf reacts before my brain can.

I swiftly clasp my claw around this man’s neck and shove his body into a wall.

Jasmine immediately gets on her knees and calls my name.

“Hades”

“Don’t you fuckin call my name, you slut!”

I yell.

My loyal guards, trained to obey without hesitation— who have been trailing behind me since I left the main house, storms into the room.

“Dispose him!” I growl, my anger seething as I release my grasp, leaving him to their feet.

The moment they all leave, I turn to jasmine.

She is crying.

Such crocodile tears.

“So this is the reason you called for a divorce?” I try to contain myself but I can’t.

“Hades, I swear this is not what you think”

She sobs.

“What in the actually fuck!” I yell. “What else would I think? One minute you’re in my room and the next minute You are fucking someone else?”

“Hades, this was all pla—

“Shut the fuck up!” I slam.

I drag her out of the bed and throw her over my shoulder with the blanket over her body.

With the anger burning through my limbs, I keep her on me and transform into my wolf form, dashing through the darkness until I get to our home.

I transform back and take Jasmine to her room where I throw her on the bed.

She is still crying but I don’t pay attention to her fake tears.

she is still holding onto the blanket around her body but I move forward and rip it apart.

“You lied, you cheated!” My voice is loud. “You actually thought you could betray me and get away with it?”

Cowering in fear I’ve instilled in her, Jasmine moves back, almost falling from the bed, but my reflexes kicks in and I catch her before she can fall.

“You are mine jasmine! And you’ll do what I say” my hand grips tightly around her naked body.

“Hades I sw—

“I say you’ll do as I say. Do you understand? You fuckin slut.” I look her dead in the eye and she slowly nods.

“You’re nothing without me. You’ll do as I say or you’ll suffer the consequences. Do you understand?”

She gulps.

“Please don’t hurt me”

“Hurt you?” I scoff. “That’s the last thing I’ll do.”

I grab her body and push her back to slam against the softness of the bed.

“Since the attention and kindness I showered wasn’t enough for you. I’ll give you exactly what you need.”

She looks frightened.

She should be.

I rip my already ripped pants apart and leaned down to bite her neck.

“Since you want to be fucked so bad. I might as well just give you that” I say against her nape.

I cage her hands and she tries to struggle out of my grip.

When she opens her mouth to speak, I stop her words with a kiss.

How dare she.

My three years of kindness wasn’t good enough?

I spread her legs and she shakes her head disapprovingly.

“You have no say in this” I seethe. “Tonight, and till the end of you. I own you jasmine”

I ignore her fake tears and carry on what I’ve promised to do.

-

*

CHAPTER SIX

JASMINE—

As I slowly open my eyes to see the morning sun that has crept into my room, I am hit with a rush of discomfort. My body feels heavy and sore, as if it has been put through a wringer.

With Hades last night. It was worse than a wringer.

Every muscle hurts, and my feet feel like heavy weights, weak and unwilling. I try to sit up, but even the slightest movement causes aches throughout my body.

Throughout my three years of marriage, all I wanted from Hades was passionate love and more.

Yes, I yearned for him as my husband, mate, and man.

I've always wanted to have sex with him, but I never imagined it would be as vile and aggressive as it was last night.

He had gone against my wishes, against my emotions, to sleep with me.

It was horrible, his weight, the force he had used on me.

That was no way I imagined sharing an intimate moment with my husband.

As the thought of his burning flesh and movement crawls in from last night, flashes across my mind, I shudder.

I can still feel his touches, it feels like a tattooed mark.

I can still feel His heavy thrust and his cruel words penetrate the insides of my body and dance on my ear.

I didn’t know Hades could be as aggressive at that.

I never want to repeat last night.

Tears start to stream down my eyes when the memory of waking up and finding myself in the bed of a stranger hit me.

The last thing I remember was having my nose covered with a rag, and then I woke up to watch Hades throw a strange man into the wall.

And I hate that trying to explain to him will be futile.

A small knock comes on my door and my maid opens it before I can speak.

“Luna” she calls lightly.

“Enora” I don’t want to sound exactly as I feel.

“How are you feeling?” She asks genuinely.

I shrug.

“There’s a soiree happening tonight” She begins.

Another party.

I am really not in the mood for one.

“And?” My voice is weak.

“Alpha Hades is attending and wants you to be his partner for it. He has ordered a dress that you are to wear and wants you to be hasty about it.” The words leave Enora's mouth but I just sigh.

Of course.

After such monstrous behavior last night, he still wants me to put on a pretty dress and act like his Luna.

Enora takes a step forward.

“And, Luna Jasmine,” she calls quietly.

“Alpha Hades was in a hurry to leave, but he did not fail to let me pass this to you. That he is deeply sorry for what he did and would erase last night if he could. He made it clear that you’re the one he wants to be partnered up with.”

My heart bangs out a warning feeling.

I shake my head and conceal the tears that threaten to fall.

If he regrets last night. Then he would have been the one to apologize to me, not send a message to Enora.

It’s still not explainable how I ended up in another man’s bed. But incidents like that could make any married person go insane.

But that doesn't give Hades the right to treat me in such a heinous way.

When I don't reply, Enora chimes in.

“Will you still attend the party Luna?”

I turn to her.

I want to say no, because I am deeply exhausted.

But I am Silvermist's Luna and I have responsibilities that are not to be ignored.

Missing a soiree when Hades is present will raise suspicion. And there's no greater than finding one's flaw than suspicion.

“I'll be attending” My voice is almost quiet.

“Then I’ll take my leave to get your dress ready” Enora says before leaving the room.

I slowly walk out from my bed.

Against all odds.

Maybe there can still be a way I can prove to be the better wife he actually wants and just doesn't need; and not just someone he had an arranged marriage with, all because we were mated.

But this marriage is already as exhausting as it gets.

With my head out of the dense dark clouds.

I meet Enora downstairs, who helps me prepare for the party.

She moves quickly, and I'm clothed in no time, with my features enhanced and embellished with a few makeup and accessories.

I arrive at the Hall with Enora as an escort who immediately returns home, leaving me to get the best welcome.

I get a few hellos before straining my neck to search for Hades, ignoring every other thing around me.

I have to be by his side. He needs nothing but the perfect Luna by his side.

The party is lovely and the music tides around my mind, giving me every shade of distraction my ache is dwelling on.

The faux smile against my lips is heavy and stretching further with every step I take.

My body hurts, and my mind feels hazy.

Hades knows the crazy amount of strength he acquires and still proceeded to forcefully make his way with me last night.

It's a miracle how I'm still walking like nothing happened at all.

My forced smile instantly falters, when I get to the end of the Hall and see Hades laughing with Alison beside him, with wine glasses in their hands.

My step slows down and my stomach churns uncontrollably.

Why are they together?

Just when I thought I had finally found a way to override everything!

My emotions instantly blindsided me.

My breath hitches in my throat, and I struggle to keep the death-like aching in my chest in check.

I feel like I am on the verge of unraveling.

With my eyes still on them, Hades sees me and his lips stretch into a warm smile.

How can he smile at me in such a manner!

“Jasmine,” He calls and it causes me to freeze.

He takes excuses from the people around him and walks up to me.

“I have been waiting for you.” His words are gentle and serene.

His smile is so soft I feel like I am about to go crazy. How can one go from such a ferocious beast to a tender person in hours.

How dare he?

I want to cry but I can't.

All my life, all I've ever yearned from Hades was love, warm and tender.

I've always wanted him to look at me like I am the only woman that matters to him with lips of devotion and genuineness.

smile at me with his irises drowning of immense love for me.

But now. I do not even recognize the man in front of me.

He gently rests his hand at the small of my back and he leads me to the guests he’s been talking to, where Alison is too.

I don’t know if it’s my imagination, but Alison looks a bit shocked to see me.

Or is she worried that I wasn’t able to leave last night?

After all her effort.

I’ll find a way to make it up to her after this party.

Hades’ hands tightens around my waist and his smile is so tipsy but careful, it doesn’t feel like the same touch from last night.

“Luna Jasmine, you’re here” Xander, one of Hades trusted acquaintance comments and I pass him a smile.

“You can’t expect me to come to parties like this without my Jasmine” Hades’ adds, pulling me closer to his side and causing the entire guest around us to smile.

I glance at Alison and a smile is also staining her lips.

“Luna jasmine, you look absolutely breathtaking” One of the guests randomly comments, taking me by surprise.

I turn to her , about to thank her when Hades speaks before me.

“Of course she’s beautiful. She’s my wife”

Hades looks like he’s over the moon and I feel my heart fall into my stomach.

Hades turns to me.

“Sometimes I want to hide you and keep you to myself where no prying eyes can see you and make comments like this”

He carefully tucks some strands of my hair behind my ear and flashes of last night's penetration strikes my mind.

Hades' words cause the people around us to laugh, expressing admiration and I try to press on a flustered smile.

If only they know how different Hades can be.

This moment makes me want to scream until I am fine again. Or just take a leap and go out of existence.

I am being used to make Him appear perfect.

It is so aching that I am about to go crazy.

A waiter carrying a tray of shots suddenly passes by and gets stopped by Hades.

“Would you care for anything jasmine?” Hades takes me by my hand.

Before I can utter my declination. Alison’s loud voice takes over.

“Oh, it wouldn’t be safe for Jasmine to drink, what if she ends up in another man's bed again and gets fucked for the second time.”

As if on cue. The music stops playing and everyone stops abruptly to turn their head towards our direction.

Alison gasps and covers her mouth, seeing the chaos she had caused.

As everyone’s eyes dance on us, I can feel my face burning with shame.

The entire hall is quiet and everyone is looking at me.

I want to speak but my voice catches in my throat.

The room starts to spin and I just want nothing but to die at the moment.

-*