After I had a baby with my ex-mate

As I step out of the conference room, I overhear a clerk call Matthew "Pal."

I freeze mid-step.

Glancing around, I take in the law firm's sleek, modern decor-freshly renovated but with a seasoned vibe that screams Matthew.

It fits him perfectly, all polished edges and no-nonsense grit.

When he glances back at me, I can't help but say,

"Congrats, by the way. Pa already? That's fast."

Matthew pushes open the front door, his smile sharp and cold, not reaching his eyes.

"Guess I owe it to the tough lessons you taught me."

His jab stings, a little knife twisting in my chest. Is he saying I broke him so bad he threw himself into his work? That's the vibe, right?

Rain whips in on the wind, speckling my face. I brush a strand of hair aside, keeping my voice light. "If that's how you wanna spin it, I'll take the credit."

I start to walk away, but Matthew's voice stops me. "You ever regret it?"

I halt, turning to face him, my expression cool as stone. "Regret what?"

Regret breaking things off with him? Or forming a bond with Ryan?

At this point, what's the use of regret?

Matthew's gaze is colder.

"I mean, if your mate's cheating hadn't landed you with a pup, this case wouldn't be such a mess."

His sarcasm cuts deep, and embarrassment flares hot in my cheeks.

For a second, I thought he might actually care.

Stupid me.

Five years since we split, and now he's seen the wreckage of my bond with Ryan. Caring? Nah, he's probably just disgusted.

"Equitas Law's got a rep for being top-tier. I trust you won't let me down, Matthew."

With that, I slip through the door he's holding open and head for my car.

By the time I slide inside, my dress is half-soaked, clinging to my skin and sending a chill through me.

My hand drifting to my stomach, staring out at the rain-soaked world.

A month ago, after a blowout fight with Ryan, I hit a bar and got plastered. Woke up in a hotel room, my body aching in ways that told me exactly what happened. Problem is, I don't remember a damn thing about that night. It's a blank, and that scares the hell out of me.

A flash of lightning snaps me back to reality. I start the car and peel out.

The rain's coming down in sheets, blurring the road ahead. Matthew's sharp words keep circling in my head like vultures.

"Weren't you the one who messed up back then? Funny how you didn't walk away with nothing."

"You haven't changed a bit, have you?"

I'm so lost in thought that I don't notice the car in front of me until it's too late.

My car jolts with a crunch, and I slam on the brakes. Grabbing an umbrella, I step out.

"I'm so sorry, I wasn't paying attention. I'll call my insur-"

My words die when I see the wolf stepping out of the other car.

Ryan, dressed casual, looking younger than he should.

His brows are knitted tight.

"You following me now?"

"Get over yourself. It's just the rain and a slippery road."

He snorts, not buying it.

"Rear-end's on you."

I glance at the young she-wolf in his passenger seat and let out a sharp laugh.

"Whitmore boss stepping out with a college pup. How's that for a headline?"

Ryan's face darkens, his jaw tight.

"We're already breaking the bond, Ella."

I rest a hand on my car door.

"I'm done too, but I'm not walking away without what's mine. Not a single cent less."

"You've been leeching off me for years, and now you want to strip me bare?" he snaps. "You-"

I slam the car door, cutting off his rant.

But his disgusted glare cuts through the rain, slicing into me.

Watching his taillights fade into the storm, I feel a knot in my chest.

I let out a bitter laugh.

The only two wolves I've ever been bound to-both of them look at me with the same damn loathing.

The rain pounds the car like a tidal wave, roaring in my ears.