A SURROGATE LUNA FOR THE ALPHA

I spent five long days locked away in the storage room, enduring relentless beatings from the guards at Jasper's command.

Not once did he check on me or even suggest they ease up; it was clear I meant nothing to him, and this cycle of humiliation seemed endless.

The only moments when Alpha Jasper shows me any kindness are when he desires something more intimate.

On those days, he gazes at me with a false sense of admiration, but I’m exhausted from being treated like a mere option.

It’s time to file for divorce, end this ridiculous contract, and escape with my children.

“Susan, tidy yourself up and come downstairs to prepare breakfast for Zara. She prefers black coffee and scrambled eggs without any spices. Hurry, don’t keep her waiting,” Jasper's voice cut through my thoughts, laced with impatience, but I chose to ignore him.

“Did you hear what I said, or do you want me—”

“To hit me, to kick me? That’s all you seem capable of. You’re supposed to be my mate, yet you’ve turned me into your punching bag. What have I done to deserve this, Jasper? Is it a crime to have been chosen to bear your children?” I shot back, my voice icy as tears streamed down my cheeks.

He scrutinized me from head to toe, his silence heavy as he hissed, ignoring my words.

“By the time you finish embarrassing yourself, you’ll head downstairs to make breakfast. And just so you know, you’ll be warming my bed tonight since Zara is off on a business trip for a few days,” he said, turning to walk away.

“I’m not a prostitute, Alpha Jasper,” I shot back, my teeth clenched as he turned his back to me.

“What did you say?” he asked, eyebrows raised and fists clenched.

“I said I’m not a prostitute, Jasper. I’m meant to be your wife, not just a fallback for your desires when the woman you love is gone. I’m exhausted, Alpha Jasper, and I want a divorce.” I paused, locking my gaze with his.

“It’s been nearly five years. I haven’t broken any vows; I’ve given myself completely to you. But you’re the one who hasn’t upheld your part of the deal, so I want out.”

Alpha Jasper opened his mouth to respond, but before he could say anything, Zara walked into the room.

“Babe, why are you taking so long? I'm really hungry… When her gaze met mine, her expression twisted into a frown. “Don’t tell me this hideous scarecrow is causing you trouble again!” she shouted, and Jasper shook his head before planting a wet kiss on her lips.

“No, babe, I was just telling her what to whip up for breakfast.”

“No, sweetheart, I don’t want you talking to this local nuisance. It’s my responsibility, and since my gig got canceled until next month, I have all the time to handle her!”

“Now listen, you better go out there and whip me up something to eat before I lose my patience!” Then she turned to Jasper. “Babe, let’s go for an early morning run in our wolf forms. I’ve missed our time together.”

She giggled, casting me a look of disdain before strutting out of the room. I sank to the floor, overwhelmed, and began to cry.

After breakfast, which turned into yet another round of humiliation courtesy of Zara, who claimed she disliked the meal I prepared, Jasper insisted I whip up dish after dish until she was finally appeased.

It was all a charade; I knew my cooking was excellent. Zara simply aimed to undermine my efforts, and I was at my breaking point.

Seeking a moment of tranquility, I locked myself in the storage room and quickly fired off an email to the law firm managing my divorce.

I attached various pieces of evidence detailing the domestic violence I had suffered at the hands of Alpha Jasper and his girlfriend.

The lawyer assured me that the divorce agreement would be finalized in two weeks, and I had a solid chance of gaining custody of my children.

I also took the opportunity to look into an apartment in a quieter part of town.

Thankfully, I had managed to save a decent amount during my four and a half years as Alpha Jasper’s mate.

Just then, Jasper stormed into the room, and I hastily concealed my phone among the pile of clothes beside me.

“I have to head to the pack house for a meeting with the elders. It might take a while, so I need you to look after Zara until I get back,” he said.

I raised an eyebrow, confusion lacing my voice. “Look after her? How exactly? Is she incapable of taking care of herself? Does she need a babysitter?”

I had always followed his orders without question, but everything changed the moment Zara threatened to take my children, and he stood by her side.

His expression darkened, and his voice turned low and menacing.

“Susan, you’re crossing the line! You’re testing my patience, and I swear on my deceased parents, I’ll kill you if you provoke me again! No more questions—just do what I say, or I’ll show you why I’m feared!”

I swallowed hard, the pain bitter in my throat, and nodded, albeit reluctantly. Before he left, Jasper delivered one final warning, his tone laced with authority.

“Zara is my future Luna, and I expect her to be treated like royalty. If I hear anything from her, you’ll wish you hadn’t crossed me.”

He pressed a lingering kiss on Zara before departing, leaving her and me alone in the living room. The mood shifted as she sank into the sofa, a sly smile playing on her lips.

“How would you feel if something you cherish was snatched away right before your eyes?” she asked, her voice smooth and calculated.

“I have no idea what you mean, Zara,” I replied, shifting my weight nervously.

My gaze fell on the jar of peanut butter on the table, an odd sight since no one in this house consumed it due to my son’s severe allergy that could lead to anaphylaxis and even death.

“What have you done, Zara?” I gasped, my breath quickening as I gestured toward the bottle. She blinked at me, pretending not to understand.

“Oh, you’re talking about peanut butter! I love it, and your son does too—”

But before she could finish, I screamed and dashed to my son's room, only to find him lying on the floor, unconscious and foaming at the mouth.