A Strange Email Shattered My World

My heart raced as I watched Derrick through the bustling halls of the hospital, his doting attention fixed on Samantha—his lover from the Crimsoneye pack. The same Derrick who claimed he was too busy to attend even one prenatal check-up with me. Yet here he was, tending to Samantha with a level of care that made me feel like an outsider in my own life.

I lingered behind a pillar in the waiting area, observing as he leaned close to her, his hand gently resting on her back. His voice was soft, but I could still make out his words in the quiet space.

“The doctor says you need to be more mindful of your diet now. Try to stay active and go easy on heavy meals, okay?”

Samantha let out a playful huff, rolling her eyes. “Alright, but you’re the one who brought too many treats! You’re making this difficult,” she teased, pretending to be annoyed.

“Fine, blame me,” Derrick chuckled, his eyes bright with affection. “I’ll try not to spoil you so much next time.”

Their warmth and familiarity felt like a slap to my face. This was the life he had chosen, a life that didn’t include me—leaving me to bear his child alone, hidden in the shadows. My hand instinctively went to my belly, feeling the small flutter within. It was a bittersweet reminder of the bond I shared with the life growing inside me, even as Derrick drifted further away.

My heart ached, but I kept my expression composed, holding in the storm of emotions building up. I took out my phone, capturing every tender gesture, every shared look between them. This betrayal wouldn’t stay hidden, and I wouldn’t allow Derrick to erase me—or our child—from his life. The evidence I gathered was for the future, for the child I was determined to protect.

I followed them as they moved through the corridors, Derrick guiding Samantha toward the exit. The fluorescent lights reflected off the glass doors as he draped his jacket over her shoulders, shielding her from the autumn rain that had begun to fall outside. I watched from a distance as Samantha leaned up, pulling Derrick close by his tie and planting a kiss on his lips. Then, her eyes drifted toward me, catching sight of me with a look of smug satisfaction.

“Looks like you’ve lost,” she mouthed, her expression as cold as the rain falling outside.

A faint, calm smile formed on my lips. “He’s just a man, nothing more,” I whispered under my breath, feeling a strange freedom wash over me.

I was done with tears and done with pleading for his love. I didn’t need Derrick anymore—I needed only to secure a future free from his betrayal.

As they drove off, I stayed behind, letting the rain soak through the thin fabric of my dress. Calmly, I opened my phone and selected the folder of evidence I had compiled: messages, photos, receipts of Derrick’s gifts to Samantha. With a few taps, I sent the files to my mentor within the pack—a powerful elder known for her ruthless loyalty and fierce protection of those she cared about.

By the time I slipped my phone back into my pocket, the cold rain had seeped through my clothes, chilling me to the bone. I shivered, but the chill only strengthened my resolve. I had done everything I could, and now I would chart my own path.

Suddenly, my phone rang, the familiar tone of my mother’s call cutting through the silence. I took a steadying breath before answering. “Hello, Mom.”

“Charlotte! Where are you? I made soup for you and Derrick. I stopped by the house, but you weren’t there,” her voice was warm, filled with love and concern, blissfully unaware of the turmoil roiling beneath the surface.

I forced a smile, keeping my voice steady. “Oh, we’re just… out for a bit. Derrick insisted we get some fresh air.”

Her laughter came through the line, comforting yet bittersweet. “That Derrick… always so thoughtful. Make sure he takes care of you, okay? And don’t stay out too long; it’s getting chilly.”

Her words reminded me of everything I’d lost, the love I thought I’d had. My chest tightened, and I bit my lip, fighting to keep the tremor out of my voice. “Don’t worry, Mom. I’ll be careful.”

“Good, sweetheart. Let me know if you need anything, alright? Love you.”

As I ended the call, gripping my phone tightly, the warmth of my mother’s voice faded, leaving me alone with the flood of emotions I’d been holding back. I wanted to scream, to shatter the quiet despair that surrounded me. But I couldn’t. My father is , bound by pride, and I was the mother to an unborn child who needed my strength.

Slowly, I turned, stepping out into the rain, each step steady and deliberate. I didn’t need Derrick anymore; he’d made his choice, and now I was making mine. He was no longer my mate, no longer the man I would share my life with.

As I walked toward the edge of our territory, I felt a new resolve take root within me. I was not a woman scorned; I was a warrior carrying the legacy of my bloodline. I would build a new life, a future untethered to his lies, one where my child would know the strength and honor of their heritage.

With one final glance back at the hospital, I whispered to myself, “This is the end, Derrick. You’re hers now.”