Chapter 2 Chapter 2

IRENE'S POV

He raised his head, surprised for only a minute, but his expression quickly turned stern. He disentangled himself from Thea, stood up, his gaze cold and unfeeling.

"Irene, things are as you've seen them," he said, but his words lacked any remorse.

Thea boldly stood there as well, not backing down, her eyes revealing her disdain for me. "Why bother talking to her? Matthew, tell her what you promised me now."

"You two?" I asked, my voice filled with anger and pain. "What do I need to know?"

Matthew glanced at Thea's belly, then turned to me. "Irene. Thea is pregnant. You know how much I want a child."

I felt the ground crumbling beneath my feet. Pregnant? That meant they hadn't just slept together once. The pain of betrayal rapidly spread through me as I recalled the reason I had rushed home. Suddenly, it cruelly mocked the news I had so longed to share, like a twisted joke.

"Fuck Matthew! Is this a joke to you? Wanting a child is your excuse for cheating on me with my sister?" I roared in anguish.

"This is no joke, Irene. I waited three years for you, but you still haven't given me a pup, while your sister has-" His voice trailed off as he ran his hand through his hair and sighed. "Look, you're no longer fit to be my Luna."

I watched as Thea rewarded Matthew with a kiss on the lips, then looked at me mockingly. I didn't know what expression to wear; I felt my heart bleeding.

For Matthew, I had given up my beloved photography career and forced myself to adapt to pack life, always doing my best. The pack members respected me greatly. Just because I hadn't promptly given birth, our life we had built together turned to dust. Why could he be so disrespectful to his mate? So disrespectful to our marriage vows?

Why couldn't he have waited a little longer for me?

Thinking about what I had given up for him, and Thea, whose life in human society was miserable, unable to even pay her bills. It was me who had brought her into the pack, hoping she could take care of our mother, giving them a better life and privileges.

But she showed no gratitude; the only way she thought to repay me was to take my husband. Anger began to brew within me. Instinctively, I raised my hand, wanting to slap Thea hard across the face. But just as my palm was about to touch her cheek, Matthew's reflexes were quicker, his iron grip seizing my wrist, his eyes flashing dangerously.

"Don't do that. Thea will be the pack's next Luna," he warned in a low voice. "Don't make things harder than they already are."

With that, he shoved me away forcefully, and I fell to the ground. I immediately cradled my belly; I could no longer place my hopes in someone who had betrayed me. I had to protect my child.

"Reject me!" I glared at him furiously.

"Good, sister. It seems you've accepted Matthew and me," Thea said in a venomous voice, then walked back to Matthew's side, linking her arm with his. "Matthew, we should respect my sister's choice, shouldn't we?"

"You're right, baby," Matthew said intimately, then turned to me. "I, Matthew, Alpha of the Gerard pack, reject you, Irene. Now, accept it!"

As I heard his words of rejection, pain crushed me like a rock. I collapsed to the ground in anguish, my knees slamming against the hard floor, my whole body aching, but I clenched my teeth, refusing to cry out. I wouldn't let him see my pain and feel satisfied.

I lay there, struggling to regain my composure. I realized I couldn't let Matthew know I was pregnant. He wasn't worthy of being the father of my child. Since he could justify his infidelity, let him continue. The thought of him being involved in my child's life was unbearable. I needed to sever all ties with him completely.

Slowly, I stood up, ignoring the throbbing pain shooting through my battered knees. I met Matthew's icy gaze one last time, and my heart shattered again.

"I accept your rejection," I said, my voice calm despite the turmoil within. "But Matthew, you should know, today you've lost something precious." I said coldly.

"Don't be foolish. The only thing about you worth my attention is your womb. But after three years, your womb has proven to be useless," Matthew mocked me. "Thea is the Luna I need."

His taunts stung; he had completely forgotten all I had done for this pack. From the beginning, I was seen as merely a breeding tool. I realized I had been romanticizing our feelings all along. But I refused to show any weakness. The sickening air here made me nauseous, and I worried I might pass out, I cannot let Matthew discover my pregnancy.

Feeling the little life growing inside me, I found my only solace. The gentle reminder of my pregnancy gave me the strength to stand up again. As I placed my hand on my belly, I could almost feel the tiny heartbeat.

This child would be the light in my darkest moment. I wiped away my last tear and stood tall.

"I will make you both pay for this," I vowed resolutely in my heart. For my child, I had to be strong.