Chapter 1

Fiona

"I'm so sorry to inform you, ma'am, we couldn't save your pup."

On my birthday, I collapsed from overwork and had a threatened miscarriage. Losing my pup shattered me, but what broke me even more was the Instagram update on my phone.

From Kathy.

In the photo, she beamed with happiness, accepting a kiss from the man beside her, with grand fireworks blooming behind them.

The caption read: "The fireworks my mate set for me are especially beautiful."

The man's profile was so familiar—the one who should have been by my side, protecting our pup with me. The mate I'd pursued for eight years, for whom I'd left my own pack to serve his as Gamma for five years.

My best friend Elena's brother, the Alpha of Stone Lake Pack, Jackson Kane.

And on the day I needed him most, he was watching fireworks with his ex-girlfriend.

I dialed his number in disbelief. All I got was busy signal after busy signal.

On the thirteenth call, it finally connected.

I opened my mouth, wanting to ask what was going on, wanting an explanation.

But all I got was impatience. He laughed coldly. "I'm busy right now. Whatever questions you have, we'll talk when I get back to the pack."

A she-wolf's coquettish laughter immediately came from the other end.

My whole body trembled. I don't know how I hung up or how I dialed another number.

"Fiona?"

Only when Beta Timothy's uncertain voice came through the receiver did I realize the call had connected.

"I need to resign." The words came out sounding so calm I barely recognized my own voice.

Complete silence on the other end.

I could imagine him frowning, jaw tight, like every time I raised objections.

"Resign?" he finally spoke. "What are you talking about? This isn't an ordinary job. You're giving up your Gamma title, giving up your position in the pack."

"I'm very aware."

"Does Alpha Jackson know?"

"He doesn't need to know." I said, "I've already submitted my withdrawal application to the Council of Elders. In seven days, I'll be free from the pack."

Timothy sucked in a breath. "Are you insane? He'll—"

"Timothy, we've worked together for the pack for five years," I interrupted. "Keep this secret for me. It's the last thing I'll ever ask of you."

My wolf let out a low whimper in my chest. She was in pain. I was in pain.

"Don't overthink this, Fiona." Timothy's voice softened. "You've held this entire pack together for him. He depends on you. Don't you know that?"

I knew.

I knew his schedule, knew he took his coffee black, knew he sat in his study staring into space when he couldn't sleep.

I knew all his weaknesses and secrets he wouldn't show anyone.

But knowing these things didn't mean he loved me.

"I lost my pup this morning," I said softly. "His pup too."

When he heard this, Timothy fell silent. He sighed. "I hope you won't regret this."

The call ended.

The apartment fell into dead silence.

I stood at the window, watching the city lights go out one by one.

This was Stone Lake Pack territory. This penthouse apartment was what Jackson had "lent" me.

I'd waited here for him—waited for him to turn around, to see me, to acknowledge I was more than just his Gamma, more than just his secret lover.

Tonight, I finally saw the truth clearly: he never would.

I walked back to my desk. The resignation letter and pack withdrawal documents lay there, neat and orderly.

I signed my name.

Just then, my phone screen lit up.

A message from Jackson: "Too many calls interfere with my work. Stop making a fuss and wait at home for me like a good girl."

I wanted to laugh, but a tear fell instead. The stabbing pain in my heart bent me double, unable to breathe.

For eight years, how had I loved him so humbly that he was this certain—no matter how much he dismissed me, I would never leave?

I wiped away my tears, turned back to the apartment, and began packing.

I was leaving Stone Lake Pack. Leaving this place I'd naively thought belonged to me. Leaving the Alpha who had never chosen me.

This was the last time I'd cry over our love. I would never give him another chance to hurt me.

Seven days. Just seven more days of pretending, and I would completely leave this hell that had wounded me to the bone.