Chapter 2

ELENA

Sebastian Ashford. Dominic's older brother. First-born son. The one who was supposed to be Alpha until he stepped aside for Dominic.

Vivian's mate? Gone?

I should feel grief. Sebastian was kind to me, one of the few Ashfords who didn't treat me like an inferior Omega who'd somehow trapped their precious second son.

But all I can think is: Now there's nothing standing between Dominic and Vivian except me.

The funeral is exactly as awful as expected.

I've been at the Ashford estate for three days, helping coordinate everything while barely sleeping. When the service finally ends, all I want is to go home.

"Mrs. Ashford?" Martin, the pack driver, opens the car door for me. "Where to?"

"The loft, please."

I'm sliding into the backseat when the other door opens.

Dominic stands there, six-foot-three of raw Alpha power in a black suit. His grey eyes, the same shade as mine are rimmed with red.

He looks devastated but I'm certain it was not for his brother.

"Elena. Are you going home?"

"Yes."

Then I see who's standing behind him.

Vivian Ashford, widow of Sebastian, cradles their daughter Mira against her shoulder. The little girl is three, with dark curls and amber eyes.

Vivian looks exactly like what she is, a devastated widow. She's a Beta, strong and capable, the kind of wolf everyone loves.

I've never hated anyone in my life.

Until now.

"Mom and Dad are furious with Vivian," Dominic says carefully. "They're blaming her for the parasailing. I can't leave her there."

Mira lifts her head. "Uncle Dom? Can we go to Auntie Elena's house?"

The little girl has no idea what she's asking.

But Dominic does.

And so do I.

I look at my husband, this man I've loved since I was nineteen, when my brother Damien brought him home from Alpha training.

This man who married me to keep his true feelings hidden.

This man who's never touched me because he's saving himself for her.

"Vivian and Mira can stay in the guest room," I hear myself say.

Dominic's shoulders drop with relief. "Thank you."

"It's fine," I interrupt Vivian's protest. "You've just lost your mate. The least I can do is offer you a safe space."

The words taste like poison.

Mira scrambles into the car, her little legs kicking excitedly. "Auntie Elena has the best cookies!"

That's because I stress-bake at 2 AM when my husband is avoiding our bed.

Vivian slides in next, settling Mira between us.

Dominic leans into the car, his hand hovering near my face. Like he wants to touch me.

He doesn't.

"I'll come by later to check on you both," he says.

Both. Not all three.

Vivian and Mira.

The car pulls away. I catch Dominic's reflection in the side mirror, standing in the rain, watching us go. The longing on his face is so raw it could cut glass, but it wasn't for me.

"Elena?" Vivian's voice is hesitant. "Are you alright?"

I turn to her with my practiced smile. "I'm perfect. Just tired."

If only she knew that I was busy calculating my next move then she wouldn't have asked that dumb question.

I thought about my best friend Sage who is a divorce attorney. I could call her tonight, have papers drawn up by morning.

But then I remember: Dominic hasn't opened his birthday gift yet.

The one I gave him two days before Sebastian died.

The one containing the property deed to this loft and our divorce papers.

He'd signed both without reading, too distracted by everything else.

The car pulls up to my building in Pioneer Square. Martin helps Vivian and Mira out.

My phone buzzes.

A text from Sage: Papers are filed. Court date set for his birthday. Happy fucking divorce, babe.

A real smile exploded across my face.

"Elena?" Vivian is watching me. "You're smiling."

"Not at all upset about you staying," I say honestly. "In fact, I think this is going to work out perfectly."

We ride the elevator up. My loft takes up the entire top floor—floor-to-ceiling windows, exposed brick, an open kitchen where I've spent countless nights alone.

"Wow," Mira breathes, running to the windows.

Vivian follows her daughter, and I watch them silhouetted against the Seattle skyline.

Mother and daughter. Widow and orphan.

The two people my husband actually loves.

Living in my home.

"Vivian," I say. "Make yourself comfortable. I'll order dinner. Thai okay?"

"Perfect. Thank you." She turns to me, tears on her cheeks. "I don't know what I'd do without you. You're so kind. Dom is lucky to have you."

I nod, saying nothing, because in two weeks, Dominic Ashford is going to open his birthday present.

"Oh, before I forget," I say casually. "I need to step out for an hour. Pack business. Will you two be okay?"

"Of course."

I grab my coat and head for the door.

"Elena?" Vivian calls. "Where are you going?"

I pause, then turn back with my sweetest smile.

"To see my brother. It's been three years. I think it's time we talked."