Bound by hatred and betrayal

The morning was cold, and the air heavy. I woke with a knot in my stomach, the kind that doesn’t go away no matter how hard you try to ignore it.

Jack hadn’t come home last night. Again.

I sat up in the bed that once felt warm and safe. Now it felt like a prison. My eyes landed on the empty side of the bed. The sheets were still neat, untouched.

Something inside me broke.

I got dressed quickly, pulling on a simple sweater and jeans. My hands shook as I tied my hair back.

I had to know the truth.

I marched to Jack’s office. My steps were firm, my heart pounding like a drum. The hallway seemed longer than usual, the walls closing in around me.

When I reached the door, I hesitated for a moment. Then I pushed it open.

The office was quiet, filled with the scent of cedarwood and Jack’s cologne. Papers were scattered across his desk, but something caught my eye immediately.

A scarf.

It wasn’t mine.

I stepped closer, my fingers brushing the soft fabric. The scent was unmistakable. Clara’s perfume.

My chest tightened as I moved toward his desk. The scarf wasn’t the only thing. There was a notebook open, and on the corner of the page, I saw it.

Her name.

Clara.

The words beside it burned into my mind.

“My love. My future.”

I slammed the notebook shut, my hands trembling.

This was it. The proof I needed.

I stormed out of the office, my vision blurred with anger and tears. My feet carried me toward the packhouse, toward the place where I knew I’d find them.

The dining hall was bustling with pack members. Laughter echoed, but it all stopped the moment I walked in.

Their eyes followed me as I made my way through the room. Whispers filled the air.

Then I saw them.

Jack and Clara.

They sat together at the far end of the room, close enough to touch. Her hand rested on his arm, her smile sweet and poisonous.

I couldn’t hold back anymore.

“Jack!” I shouted, my voice cutting through the murmurs.

He looked up, surprised at first. Then his expression hardened.

“What is it, Caroline?” he asked, his tone cold.

I ignored the stares and marched right up to them. “You’ve been lying to me. To the pack. To everyone.”

Clara leaned back in her chair, her smile widening. “Luna, you should really calm down.”

“Don’t call me that!” I snapped, glaring at her.

Jack stood, towering over me. “What are you doing?”

“I’m done pretending,” I said, holding up the scarf. “This is hers. I found it in your office. Along with your notebook.”

He didn’t flinch. Not even a flicker of guilt crossed his face.

“So what if it is?” Clara said, standing beside him.

My heart stopped.

Jack didn’t say anything. He didn’t deny it.

“You’ve marked her, haven’t you?” I whispered, my voice shaking.

Clara tilted her head, exposing the fresh mark on her neck. The proof was right there, glowing like a brand.

The room erupted in gasps and murmurs.