Alice’s Pov
I sat next to Astor’s mother, Luna Ovelia because seat being warmed up by somebody else. My hand rested protectively over my slightly swollen belly, a silent testament to the little life growing inside me Astor’s life. His heir. 1 had imagined this night so many times and my dream was slowly coming
true.
But then, my eyes landed on him, and a cold dread began to spread through me, chilling me even through the warmth of the roaring fireplace. Astor was seated a few seats away from me but he wasn’t looking at me. He was looking at her. Faith. His supposed Luna
For three long years, Astor had treated Faith like a ghost. He barely spoke to her, rarely touched her, and often left her to navigate pack life on her own. It had been perfect. It had given me hope, fueled my belief that he would eventually realize she was nothing but a mistake. That I was his true match. Our baby, I thought, would seal that fate.
Tonight, however, was different. Terribly, sickeningly different.
Astor’s hand was on Faith’s back, a light, almost possessive touch that sent a jolt of pure venom through my veins. It wasn’t just resting there; his thumb was gently circling, a soft, intimate gesture that made my stomach churn.
Faith who was usually so quiet in crowded place was actually laughing. Not a fake, polite titter, but a genuine, bright sound that made her eyes sparkle. And Astor, Astor was laughing with her. A deep, rich sound that I hadn’t heard from him in… well, ever, when he was with her.
My fingers curled into tight fists under the table, my nails digging into my palms. It was a small pain, but it anchored me, kept me from screaming. Every shared glance, every whispered joke, every time his eyes met hers, it
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灌灌
4+25 Points
felt like a dagger twisting in my gut. He leaned closer to her as she spoke, his head tilted, his expression soft–soft! as if she was telling him the
most fascinating story in the world. He even brushed a stray strand of hair from her face, his fingers lingering for just a moment longer than necessary.
It was all happening in front of everyone and they were all watching it. I could feel their eyes, subtle glances sliding from Astor and Faith to me, then back again. It was a silent conversation, a collective gasp of surprise and, worst of all, a knowing pity directed at me. They were all thinking, Look what’s happening in front of her. Look at how he’s finally acting with his mate. Look at poor Alice, pregnant with his child, being pushed aside.
The humiliation burned through me, hotter than any fire. I had carried his baby, carried the future of this pack, endured the whispers and the scandals, all because I believed it would bring him to me.
It was supposed to be my victory and my guarantee. Instead, he seemed even more detached from me, more distant. Every touch he gave Faith, every laugh he shared with her, solidified his rejection of me.
And with that rejection came more hatred for Faith. I hated her for her for simply existing and for stealing what I believed was mine.
she just had to come back and she was given everything that was supposed to be mine and I want it back.
“My dear Alice,” Luna Ovelia said, her voice a gentle murmur, pulling my attention away from the sickening display. She reached across the table and patted my hand, her eyes full of genuine warmth, but also a hint of worry. “You look a little pale. Is it the baby, perhaps? Is everything alright?”
I forced a smile, a fake one that probably didn’t reach my eyes. “Just a little tired, Luna. These little ones demand so much, don’t they?”
“Oh, they certainly do!” she chuckled, her gaze flicking towards Astor and Faith, a slight crease forming between her brows. “But it’s such a blessing. A
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future Alpha, a true heir to the Eternal Pack. What a wonderful thing for us all.” She paused, then raised her glass, trying to catch Astor’s eye. “To the future of our pack, and to the little one who will lead us!”
Several high–ranking members at the table echoed her sentiment, raising their own glasses, their smiles directed at me. They, like Luna Ovelia, had always preferred me.
I grew up in front of dear eyes and I was refined, educated, and outwardly perfect for the role of Luna. Faith, on the other hand, was just… Faith. They all believed, just as I did, that I was the right choice.
gaze
But Astor didn’t even hear them. He was still locked in his own world with
still Faith. He hadn’t even looked up. Faith, too, seemed oblivious, her fixed on Astor, a soft, dreamy look on her face. They were completely ignoring everyone, including his mother’s toast, including the very visible efforts to bring me into the spotlight. It was as if they were the only two people in the entire, crowded room.
As the chatter resumed, a new face caught my attention. Alpha Kyle, he sat a few seats down from Faith. He was handsome, with sharp, intelligent eyes and a body built for power. I’d noticed him earlier, but his presence hadn’t registered beyond a polite nod. Now, however, I saw something in his gaze that made my own blood quicken, but not with anger this time. It was a different kind of sensation, a flicker of… an idea.
Alpha Kyle was watching Faith. Intently. His head was turned slightly towards her, his eyes following her every move, every smile she gave Astor. There was a hunger in his gaze, a raw interest that was unmistakable. He wasn’t just observing. He was seeing her.. And he wasn’t just looking at her as Astor’s mate; he was looking at her as if she was the only woman around. A slow, wicked smile began to spread across my face, hidden behind my hand as I pretended to sip my water. The jealousy was still there, a hot ember in my chest, but it was now overshadowed by a newfound,
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exhilarating coldness. An opportunity. Apath.
Astor might be foolishly distracted by his mate’s newfound charm. But Faith is another story entirely. Alpha Kyle’s eyes held the key. He wanted her. And knew, with absolute certainty, how I could use that desire to my advantage. To tear them apart, once and for all.
My smile widened. This was just the beginning.
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