New life after My Alpha Cheated

### Chapter 3

The night air was cool as I left my apartment, heading toward the lounge where Eamon’s celebration was being held. I had made up my mind—if Aldric wanted to play his games, so be it, but I wasn’t going to let him control my every move anymore. He had sent me a message about the event, but I didn’t bother responding. If he expected me to grovel for his attention, he was mistaken.

I took a deep breath as I approached the venue, trying to calm the anxious flutter in my chest. The faint hum of the pack’s network buzzed around me, but I blocked it out. Tonight, I wanted to feel free, even if only for a moment.

Just as I was about to enter the lounge, a firm body collided with mine, knocking me off balance. I gasped, but before I could fall, a pair of strong hands caught me, steadying me effortlessly.

My heart skipped a beat as I looked up, expecting to meet Aldric’s sharp, cold gaze. But instead, I found myself staring into the eyes of a stranger. His scent wrapped around me like a warm blanket—rich, earthy, and strangely comforting. It was unlike anything I had ever encountered, calming my frayed nerves in an instant.

“I’m sorry,” I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper. But before I could say more, the stranger stepped back, his expression unreadable.

“It’s alright,” he said, his voice deep and smooth. His eyes lingered on mine for a split second, as if he was searching for something, before he nodded and disappeared into the crowd.

I blinked, trying to process what had just happened. Who was he? And why did his presence feel so… familiar? I shook my head, pushing the thought away. This wasn’t the time to get distracted. I had a party to attend and a façade to maintain.

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As I entered the lounge, the dim lights and soft music set a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. Eamon’s celebration was in full swing, the pack’s elites gathered in clusters, laughing and chatting over drinks. I scanned the room and spotted Aldric almost immediately, standing near the bar, his expression unreadable as always.

But I didn’t go to him.

Instead, I walked toward the back of the lounge, keeping my distance. The less I had to deal with his icy demeanor tonight, the better. I could feel his eyes following me as I moved, but I pretended not to notice. I wasn’t going to play his game.

Eamon, ever the life of the party, spotted me from across the room and waved enthusiastically. He broke away from his conversation and made his way over, his broad grin lighting up his face.

“Selene! You made it!” he exclaimed, wrapping me in a quick, friendly hug. “I wasn’t sure if you’d show.”

“Wouldn’t miss it,” I replied with a smile, though my heart wasn’t entirely in it. Eamon had always been kind to me, one of the few who didn’t treat me like an outsider because of my omega status. He had never judged me for being Aldric’s mate—or for the fact that our bond had been slowly disintegrating.

“Come, let me get you a drink,” Eamon said, leading me to the bar. He ordered for both of us and handed me a glass of wine, his eyes twinkling mischievously. “You know, you might be the only person in this room who can keep up with me when it comes to celebrating.”

I laughed softly, grateful for his light-heartedness. “I’ll do my best.”

We chatted for a while, but my mind kept drifting back to the stranger outside the lounge. His scent still lingered faintly in my senses, a soothing balm to the chaos swirling inside me. Who was he? And why had his presence affected me so deeply?

Before I could dwell on it further, the door to the private room opened, and the conversation in the lounge quieted slightly as Aldric walked in, Seraphine at his side. She was dressed in her usual elegant style, her laughter light and easy as she clung to his arm.

I felt a pang in my chest, but I forced myself to remain calm. Aldric’s gaze swept over the room, briefly landing on me before he turned his attention to Seraphine, guiding her to their seats.

Eamon, noticing the tension between us, leaned in and whispered, “You okay?”

I gave him a small nod, though my heart felt heavy. “I’ll be fine.”

As the night wore on, I did my best to blend into the background, quietly sipping my drink and making small talk with the other guests. But every so often, I caught Aldric watching me from across the room, his eyes cold and calculating.

At one point, I excused myself to get some air, slipping out onto the balcony to escape the suffocating atmosphere inside. The cool breeze was a welcome relief, and I closed my eyes, trying to center myself.

“You always were one to slip away unnoticed,” a deep voice said from behind me.

I turned, startled, to find Aldric standing in the doorway, his arms crossed as he leaned casually against the frame.

“I needed some air,” I replied, my voice tight.

Aldric’s eyes narrowed slightly, and he stepped forward, his presence imposing as always. “You’ve been avoiding me all night.”

I clenched my jaw, unwilling to let him drag me into another one of his manipulative games. “Maybe I just don’t feel like playing your little power games anymore.”

A flash of irritation crossed his face, but it was gone as quickly as it appeared. “We need to talk, Selene.”

“I don’t think there’s anything left to talk about,” I said, taking a step back. “You made your choices clear.”

Aldric’s gaze darkened, his wolf instincts rippling just beneath the surface. “You’re mine, Selene. Don’t forget that.”

The words sent a chill down my spine, but I stood my ground. “Maybe I don’t want to be yours anymore.”

For a moment, we stood there, locked in a silent battle of wills. Aldric’s eyes were cold, calculating, and for the first time, I saw the true depth of his indifference.

“I’ll always have what’s mine,” he said finally, his voice low and dangerous.

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