Chapter 3 Three

After stumbling back home, barefoot and drained, I could finally breathe. The five-minute walk felt like a marathon as I clutched my heels. My feet throbbed with every step on the cold pavement, but the relief of escaping that hellhole was worth the discomfort.

To my surprise, the nanny had brought my son home earlier than expected, and he was fast asleep in his SpongeBob pajamas.

Relief flooded over me as I stood at my son's room door, watching the rise and fall of his chest. His face looked peaceful, and his dark curls tousled on the pillow.

Valen was a smaller version of Byron, except that he had my cornflower blue eyes and the little birthmark on his nose, which was a signature of my side of the family. I stood leaning against the doorframe, wrestling with the bleak reality.

Life as a rogue with a child? That was a nightmare waiting to happen. I wanted so much more for Valen than the scraps I had to offer.

What kind of mother would I be to ruin his life? I couldn't give him the world, not even close. And it burned inside, knowing I wanted him to enjoy the finest things, but all I had to offer him were crumbs.

My mom had always bragged about how I married into wealth and said I could start any business since I didn't have a college degree to fall back on. The truth was far from the fantasy she spun. Byron's wealth wasn't mine. He made sure I never forgot it. He controlled everything, from the clothes I wore to the brand of tampons I used.

I had once dreamed of opening my own fashion house after weaning Valen. But Byron crushed that hope with a single blow. He looked me dead in the eyes and said I had to choose my son or my independence.

That was the day my dreams died, buried under his wealth and power, leaving me nothing but a shell of the woman I once wanted to be.

Sighing, I slipped back into my bedroom, sat in front of the mirror, and took off my earrings. But shaking off the events of the evening wasn't as easy.

Alex's face flashed before me, and my heart constantly slammed against my chest. My hand drifted to my neck, caressing it absentmindedly. He wasn't here, but his scent invaded every corner of my thoughts.

He stirred emotions I never knew I was capable of feeling. A hot, uninvited tear slid down my cheek. I bit my lip hard, pushing back the emotions threatening to drown me.

Why did everything have to be so damn complicated?

Grabbing a makeup wipe, I rubbed my face with more force than necessary. "Stop thinking about him," I hissed at my reflection, scrubbing harder, as if wiping away the makeup could erase the memory of him, too.

The thought of running away with Valen danced in my mind again, but fear rooted me in place. Deep down, I knew the truth-I didn't want to leave. The mate bond pulled at me like invisible chains, dragging me toward Alex, and I felt powerless to fight it.

Byron flaunted Kiara like some shiny new toy, parading their affair for everyone to see. They weren't even mates. How could I resist Alex when the pull was so primal?

"Fucking immune bitch," I spat, cursing the Moon Goddess. "You gave me a shitty childhood, a shitty husband, and now, a forbidden mate? What's next? I hate you!"

The room stayed silent, mocking me with its emptiness. I let out a bitter scoff. Of course, she wouldn't care. Why would some immortal being give a damn about my pain and suffering? She was the goddess of fucked-up destinies.

Lost in my thoughts, I barely noticed the sound of the front door opening until I heard Byron's voice downstairs. Panic surged through me, and I rushed into Valen's room, slipping under the covers beside him.

I had initially planned to wear some cheap lingerie tonight to appease Byron and try to beg him to give me a chance, but now the idea made me want to puke. My wolf, already irritated, recoiled at the thought.

Byron's heavy footsteps echoed in the hallway, and my body tensed. He never came to Valen's room-this was my sanctuary, where I could escape from him, especially on nights when he entertained his lover. The sound of their laughter and moans usually made me want to die.

I glanced at Valen, still sleeping soundly, his small leg thrown across the bed. I stood, smoothing my robe, and tiptoed toward the door. I was just about to slip out when Byron barged in.

His eyes locked onto me, full of irritation, and my wolf snarled in my chest. He couldn't stand me, and the feeling was now mutual.

"Let's talk outside," I whispered, hoping not to wake Valen.

Byron said nothing, but I brushed past him, keeping my gaze down. He followed me into the hallway, closing the door softly behind him.

It felt like walking into the lion's den. My heart hammered in my chest, and the empty hallway seemed to close in on me. Why did I feel guilty, as if I had done something wrong?

Byron broke into a half-grin, motioning for me to come closer. That sinking feeling of fear settled deeper.

"Why did you run off?"

Each word he spat was laced with ice. Did his brother tell him something?

"I... I needed to take Valen home."

"I did that," he said, stepping closer and yanking me by the collar of my robe. His grip burned against my skin. "I didn't want him around that madness."

Confusion clouded my thoughts, but it explained why the nanny had brought Valen home earlier.

"Is there something you want to tell me?"

His gaze bore into me as if daring me to lie. Panic set in, and I shook my head, probably more vigorously than I intended.

That nasty smirk twisted his lips again. "Good. It better stay that way. If I even sniff a trace of unfaithfulness from you, you'll regret the day you crossed me. I'll end you and your family. And if you behave, maybe you could still be Luna."

A sharp gasp escaped my lips. What was he talking about? Luna?

"Do... do you mean you're not divorcing me?" My voice trembled, uncertain of what game he was playing.

Byron remained silent, his Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed.

"Do you want a divorce?" He leaned in, his voice turning cold. "Because if you do, Valen will never be in your custody. You'll never see him again."

The fear in my spine spread like wildfire. I shook my head and tried to speak, but my voice got lost in my throat.

"I thought so." He smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Now, go to my bedroom and wait for me. Let's make this marriage work."