Chapter 4

Greyson paused at the clinic door, a faint smirk playing on his lips. He didn't even turn around. "Oh, you're going to file? Don't be dramatic, Annette. We both know you love me too much to actually go through with it." He chuckled, a low, dismissive sound. "Go ahead. File. See how far that gets you. You'll be begging me to come back by next week." With that, he swaggered out, leaving an echo of his arrogance in the sterile hallway.

Kennedy, a picture of false sympathy, stepped forward, her eyes twinkling with a barely concealed triumph. She quickly smoothed her expression into one of concern. "Annette, darling, I'm so sorry about Greyson. He's just so... honorable. He feels such a deep loyalty to Emil, you know, after his father's sacrifice. Not everyone can understand that kind of devotion." Her words were a subtle jab, insinuating my inability to grasp a 'hero's' complex emotions.

She extended a hand, her smile saccharine. "Here, let me give you my number. Just in case you need anything. A shoulder to cry on, or maybe... help finding a new Alpha. You deserve happiness, too." The implication was clear: Greyson was hers, and I was being cast aside.

Just then, Greyson's voice, soft and tender, drifted back from the parking lot. "Kennedy, my love, are you coming?"

Her eyes lit up, all pretense of sympathy vanishing. "Oh! He's calling me." She giggled, a girlish sound that made my stomach churn. "Coming, my Alpha!" She practically skipped out the door, eager to rejoin her prize.

As they walked away, their voices carried on the cool morning air. "She's just trying to get my attention, you know," Greyson's voice, laced with contempt. "She won't actually leave. She'll come crawling back. They always do. Watch, she'll regret it and come begging."

I stood there, Karter quiet in my arms, listening to his casual cruelty. A bitter, mirthless laugh escaped my lips. Begging him to come back? He had no idea. He had no clue what he had truly broken, what he had set free. The desperate, clingy Omega he thought he knew was gone. She had died in the flames, choked by his neglect, betrayed by his choices.

My only regret was allowing Karter to be caught in the crossfire of Greyson's twisted loyalties. But no more. I would shield him. I would build a wall around us so strong, so impenetrable, that Greyson Baker and his 'surrogate family' would never touch us again.

Karter's burns were slowly healing, but his spirit was still bruised. His infectious giggle was replaced by quiet sighs, his bright eyes dimmed by a lingering sadness. My heart ached for him. I had to do something.

I decided to throw him a small birthday party. It was a week early, but I needed to infuse some joy back into his life, to show him he was loved, cherished, important. We invited a few of his little friends from the neighborhood, baked a cake, and decorated the living room with colorful balloons.

He even managed a small, hesitant smile when he saw the brightly wrapped presents. For a few precious hours, the shadow of Greyson lifted, and Karter laughed, a sweet, clear sound that brought tears to my eyes.

Then came the video message. One of the parents had set up a projector for a 'happy birthday' compilation from family and friends. The screen flickered to life. But instead of the planned video, a different one began to play.

Greyson's face filled the screen, larger than life, his voice booming through the speakers. "Happy Birthday, Emil, my little champ! Remember that race you won at the community center? You were so brave!" He winked, a playful smirk on his face. "This video is just for you, my true son. You're the best!"

The room fell silent, the cheerful atmosphere instantly shattered. All eyes, sympathetic and bewildered, turned to Karter. His small face, which had just moments ago been bright with joy, crumpled into despair.

Then Kennedy, who had somehow managed to sneak into the party, stepped forward, her hand clasped over her mouth in a show of feigned horror. "Oh, Annette! I am so, so sorry! It must be a mix-up! Greyson recorded that for Emil, his little hero. It was meant to be a private message." She paused, her eyes scanning the room, making sure everyone heard. "He just loves Emil so much, you know. He's such a good father."

She then pulled out her phone, tapping at the screen. "Look, here's a video of Greyson teaching Emil how to spar! He spends so much time with him. A real father figure." She held up the phone, forcing everyone to watch Greyson, laughing, playfully wrestling with Emil, his face alight with genuine affection. It was a stark contrast to the distant, cold man Karter knew.

"You should really find yourself a new Alpha, Annette," Kennedy purred, her voice low and venomous. "Someone who can appreciate you. Greyson needs a strong family to support his heroic endeavors. You and Karter... well, you just aren't strong enough. You're holding him back."

She then flashed a picture, a perfect family portrait: Greyson, Kennedy, and Emil, smiling, bathed in golden sunlight. It was everything I had ever dreamed of, everything I had been denied.

My vision tunneled. The rage that had been simmering beneath the surface boiled over, hot and consuming. I instinctively pulled Karter into my arms, pressing his head against my chest, shielding his eyes from the cruel images. No more. Absolutely no more.

"Get out!" I snarled, my voice shaking with a raw, primal fury. "Get out of my house, Kennedy! Get your pathetic little boy and your manipulative games and get out!"

She looked startled, then her face twisted into a sneer. "Fine! You'll regret this, Annette! Greyson will never forgive you!"

"He won't have to," I said, my voice cold and steady. "Because Greyson and I are officially over. Done. Finished."

As soon as Kennedy stormed out, her malicious mission accomplished, I pulled out my phone. My fingers flew across the keypad, dialing a number I hadn't called in years.

"Jillian?" I said, my voice tight with resolve. "It's Annette. Do you still have that job opening in Seattle? I'm ready to take it. Karter and I are leaving. For good."