The Wolves They Left Behind

“What do you mean? You won’t cut your marriage with her yet?!”

A sharp voice rang through the room, making my brows furrow. Why was there a woman here? This hotel suite was booked by my husband. Did the hotel staff make a mistake?

I pressed my hand against the bathroom door, barely pushing it open. I had been hiding, waiting to surprise him. After three months, my belly had finally begun to show. Simond had been so busy with the council’s new pack project—as the beta, he had a lot of responsibilities. We hadn’t seen each other in weeks, and I thought he booked this hotel room to rest before coming home to me. He knew I’d worry if he returned bruised and wounded.

But why was there a woman here?

“Come on! You promised me. We both planned this! Now you’re backing out?” the woman demanded, her voice laced with jealousy.

I was about to step out and check if she had entered the wrong room—or if I had. But then, a familiar voice stopped me cold.

“Of course, I remember my promise to you. But this isn’t the right time!” A man said in a hushed tone. “Her father hasn’t transferred all his wealth to me yet. Do you think I’d let go of her now after sacrificing years married to that horrible, ugly woman?”

My breath hitched. My body froze in place.

Did I hear that right?

My heart pounded painfully in my chest. I never eavesdropped, but this—this wasn’t something I could ignore. Was he serious? Was this a cruel joke? Did he know I was here and was testing me? Or had I just uncovered the lies that had lived within our three years of marriage?

I widened my eyes to get a better look at them. The woman was wearing a red dress—elegant, seductive—and it looked eerily familiar. Then it hit me. I had bought that dress for myself, planning to wear it for Simond. But my cousin, Nalla, had begged me for it, so I gave it to her.

Could it be…?

“But until when?” she pressed. “I get jealous every time you go home to her. She’s desperate for you, and you have no choice but to give in, even though she’s hideous!”

Nalla turned slightly, and I bit my lip to stifle a gasp.

It was really her.

Then Simond followed her movement, his gaze full of adoration—the kind of warmth and desire I had never received from him. His eyes held nothing but love for her.

I had thought my husband was just a cold, serious man. I had accepted it. At least he married me, he came home to me—mated with me. I told myself it was okay that he wasn’t affectionate—that it was just his nature.

But now I know the truth.

He just wasn’t like that with me. He’s cheating on me.

Tears spilled down my face, ruining the makeup I had carefully put on for him. Who else had he been with? Was it just Nalla? Did it include my friends? My sister, Tati?

No…

“It doesn’t matter when,” Simond murmured, pulling her closer. “I belong to you, don’t I? Yes, I mate with her, but only because I imagine it’s you. That’s the only way I can stand touching her. Do you think I enjoy kissing her? Holding her? Pouring myself into her when we have sex?”

I heard Nalla sniffle—crying and expressing himself freely. Meanwhile, I had to cover my mouth to keep from making a sound. Why did I feel like the intruder here? Like I was the mistress hiding in the dark, waiting for scraps of affection?

Was it because I already knew—deep down—that no matter what I heard, I would still let him break me? That I would still let him have the power to destroy me?

My hands instinctively cradled my belly. I had been so happy to conceive. I thought this child would strengthen our bond. He hadn’t wanted me to get pregnant, but I stopped taking my pills anyway. I wanted our marriage to last. I wanted to believe we had a future.

Would knowing about the baby change his mind? Would he finally love me? Or would it only make him despise me more?

A sharp pain clenched my heart as I watched the next scene unfold.

Simond sank to his knees before her, his hands peeling away her dress. The lights were bright—he wanted to see her. But with me, he always made sure he couldn’t see me.

“You know I only married her because I owed her father a debt,” he murmured, pressing his lips to her thigh. “One more year, and I’ll be free.”

Indebted? That was all I was to him?

“But are you sure you’re not falling for her?” she asked hesitantly.

He chuckled darkly.

“Never. Have you seen her face? Covered in ugly bruises? Not even an old, blind man would want her. She’s easy to discard. Don’t worry, I’m all yours.”

My knees gave out, and I slid down against the cold wall, tears falling freely. My hands covered my trembling lips so I won’t sob.

And they continued—whispering sweet nothings, moaning in pleasure, as if I didn’t exist. As if they weren’t shattering me, piece by piece.

One more year before he discards me?

No.

“It’s either I make him love me, or I make him hate Nalla.”