Love's End, Freedom's Start

"Luna," Sebastian called me but my eyes were fixed on the documents I was reading.

Sebastian heaved a sigh. "Stop overworking yourself. And we should talk about our plan."

Sebastian said, emphasizing the word plan. It's been two days since I went home and discovered the ugly truth behind our union. And for two days, all I ever did was work. That's the only thing that keeps me sane. I've been staying with Sebastian, and mostly I am at the pack infirmary.

"Luna, please? You know that your condition isn't good. And we must monitor your condition. Please don't be hard-headed. And we need to discuss it. We must hurry--"

My eyes went to Sebastian. I could see his emotions, frustration, worriedness, longingness... And love? I shook my head vehemently, trying to shrug the thought off. It's impossible. But Sebastian is the only person who genuinely cares for me. We've been friends for so long.

"Luna? Are you even listening to me?" Sebastian waved his hand in front of me.

I cleared my throat, "Y-Yeah."

"This is a serious matter, Luna. I want to hear your thoughts about it. Because if you agree, I will settle everything-"

A soft knock cut Sebastian off. We both look at the front door, we are in the infirmary and it might be Sebastian's assistant or a patient. The door swung open, my forehead creased when I

saw who it was.

It was Viviene, holding her stomach. She keeps shifting her gaze between me and Sebastian. I raised my eyebrow, and her expression softened.

"Am I interrupting something, Healer?" Viviene cleared her throat. "I am here for a check-up."

Sebastian stood up, "Let's go to the next room."

Viviene nodded but her eyes were fixed on me. She slowly smiled at me and I knew that she was thinking something stupid again.

"Alpha's looking for you, Luna. Should I tell him that you're here?"

"You're here for a check-up, not for my personal life," I spat angrily.

Irritation was all over Viviene's face, and it automatically changed when Sebastian looked at her.

Sebastian tilted his head, "You're here for a check-up right?"

"Y-Yeah. But I still need to wait for B-Blake," Viviene answered.

My ears perked up when I heard that. I clenched my fist, trying to calm myself.

"Can we wait for him a little bit, Healer?"

I stood up and walked towards her, "Why would you wait for my mate?"

Every word felt like a venom that eats my life force away.

Embarrassed by what I said, Viviene remained calm.

"Y-You know that Blake-"

"The Alpha," I corrected her. "You're not his mate to call him by his given name."

Anger flickered in Viviene's eyes. She took a step, ready to attack me, but Sebastian blocked my view with his body. Stopping Viviene from attacking me.

"May I remind you that you're in the healer's zone and you're disrespecting me the mate of the Alpha," I said, emphasizing every word. "I hold one of the highest ranks in our pack and you're just the secretary of the Alpha. So if you don't want to be punished, zip that mouth of yours."

"What's going on here?"

When I heard that voice, I already knew who it was. Sebastian didn't move, covering me with his body. Trying to hide the fact that I was there. But why would I be the one to hide? When I didn't do anything wrong? I held Sebastian's arms, squeezing it lightly. Signaling to him that I was fine, Sebastian slowly moved away.

And our eyes met. His mouth opened in surprise. A moment later, his expression changed. His brows furrowed, and irritation slowly spread across her face.

"Why are you here? And why are you with him again?" Blake didn't hide his hostility against Sebastian. "

I've been looking for you! You didn't even come home. And all this time you're with this bastard?"

Blake's eyes turned yellow-green, and he growled. The ground started to shake as Blake tried to unleash his power. Blake took a step forward, and Sebastian covered me with his body. But I don't want to be a coward, I don't want to dwell on my stupid feelings for Blake. He doesn't deserve to be loved and respected. He's a jerk!

I clenched my fist, I could feel my claws digging in my palm.

"Sebastian," I calmly said. "Take that bitch with you. You need to examine her right?"

"But-"

"Leave. Blake and I have to talk."

The ground stopped shaking; Blake calmed down. I should clear things up with Blake. But I don't want to go easy on them. They deserve my wrath.

"Blake..." Viviene held Blake's arms, but Blake's eyes were on me.

"Leave, Viviene. I have to talk with my mate."

"B-But. You promised me, Blake!"

"I said leave!" Blake cut her off.

Pain crossed Viviene's eyes. I smirked when our eyes met. The pain she's feeling right now is nothing compared to the pain I am feeling. Their betrayal killed the hope I had to live.

"Let's go home," Blake demanded.

I shook my head, "No. I won't be going home with you. Is that even our home? Our home is supposed to be our nest. Yet you let that goddamn woman inside?"

"I told you she would stay for a week. And after that, she would leave-"

"No!" I cut him off.

Blake's eyes glared at me fiercely. "You'll leave with me. I've given you plenty of chances to correct your mistakes. I am your mate, and I am the Alpha of this pack. You have to follow every word I say!"

In just a snap, Blake was in front of me. And everything went black.