Chapter 3 Chapter 3

IRENE'S POV

Leaving the pack felt like walking out of a cage that had confined me for so long, into the unknown wilderness. The weight of betrayal and the reality of becoming a single mother pressed heavily on my shoulders. I found myself in a warm place filled with the aroma of coffee.

This was a small cafe outside of Matthew's pack's jurisdiction, where I had to meet my friends to avoid Matthew's people from discovering what I intended to do next.

"Oh my god! Irene, what happened?" My good friend Emma immediately ran over and hugged me tightly. Carter and Emma were from the Shadow pack, and Emma was the daughter of the Shadow pack's Gamma. We had met at a pack gathering, and they quickly helped me become familiar with the werewolf world, becoming close friends I could confide in during that time.

My friends had always been my pillars of support, and now I needed them more than ever before. I had called them before coming here. Emma ushered me to their table, their faces etched with concern.

"Irene, sit down," Carter urged, pulling out a chair for me. "Tell us what happened."

I took a deep breath, my voice trembling as I recounted everything.

"Matthew betrayed me," I began, feeling a fresh wave of pain wash over me. "I found him with Thea. They were..." I couldn't complete the sentence, the memory too vivid. "Then he told me she's pregnant. He said I'm no longer fit to be his Luna because I couldn't bear children. He banished me from the pack on the spot, severing our bond."

Carter and Emma exchanged worried glances, understanding the gravity of my situation. They remained silent, allowing me to continue at my own pace.

"But there's more," I said, my voice choked. "I found out today that I'm pregnant."

The shock on their faces mirrored the turmoil within me. Carter reached out and gently took my hand.

"Irene, this... this is devastating," he said carefully. "What are you planning to do about the child?"

I sobbed, wiping away fresh tears.

"I'm going to keep the baby," I answered resolutely. "Child is innocent. I can't abandon them because of Matthew's betrayal."

Emma's eyes were full of concern.

"Are you ready to be a mother under these circumstances?" she asked gently. "It won't be easy, especially considering everything you've been through."

I wiped my tears and took a deep breath.

"I know it won't be easy, but this child is my light in the darkness. I can't let Matthew's actions dictate my future or this child's life. For both of us, I have to be strong. And you both know how long I've waited for this gift."

Seeing the determination in my eyes, Carter and Emma nodded. They knew my mind was made up, and they respected my decision. I was truly grateful for them.

"Irene, we're here for you," Carter said calmly. "Whatever you need, we'll support you."

Emma nodded in agreement. "You're not alone. We'll help you get through this."

Their support provided me a sliver of comfort amidst the storm.

"Thank you," I said softly, grateful for their presence. "I don't know what I'd do without you both."

"So what will you do next? And how can we help?" Emma knew my nature - I wouldn't give up easily, especially after such a devastating betrayal.

I wiped my tears and told Emma about my USB drive. When I left the pack, I was thankful to have my USB drive with me at all times, as I had the habit of constantly backing up data. However, the confidential information about Matthew's work wasn't complete - it was still on our house computer. I had to go back and retrieve it, but I couldn't do it alone. The only help I could think of was Matthew's enemy, Alpha Leon of the Golden Crown pack. Luckily, I had been assisting Matthew in managing his businesses for the past three years, so I was well aware of who Matthew's adversaries were.

There was a deep, irreparable rift between them.

When Emma and Carter heard what I intended to do, their eyes widened in disbelief - they thought I must have lost my mind!

That I would actually go to my husband's enemy's pack to help me get revenge!

"Irene, I hope this isn't the result of you overthinking in your heartbroken state. You know Alpha Leon of the Golden Crown pack. His ruthlessness is known to all packs - the one person he wants dead the most is Matthew, and you were his Luna. Even though you're his ex-Luna now, that doesn't mean Alpha Leon won't mind that."

I nodded, having certainly heard of Alpha Leon. He was our city's golden bachelor, with Golden Crown's businesses spanning globally, some overlapping with Matthew's. But more infamous than his wealth was his romantic history. He often made entertainment headlines for his colorful love life, regarded as a sex god in the hearts of she-wolves. Matthew was extremely wary of him, to the point where I was denied attending any events Leon would be present. But on television, he came across as cold and unapproachable.

I knew the difficulty of this endeavor, but I had no better choice, and I had enough leverage to convince Alpha Leon to help me. I wouldn't give up - I had to try.

"So how do you plan to make Alpha Leon believe you?" Carter asked, Emma looking at me too.

"Emma. I'm going to meet him. I've heard about a gala tonight. It's urgent - I have to see him before I get kicked out of the house Matthew and I shared. I believe with the secrets I have, once they reach Alpha Leon, he'll believe my sincerity."

"But what if Leon decides to use this information against us?" Emma continued.

Carter chimed in. "We all know Alpha Leon is a dangerous man. He has the capability to take down Matthew himself, he's just been waiting for the right time."

"But the information I have can accelerate his goal. I believe he wants to destroy Matthew's pack and businesses even more than I do," I tried to convince myself.

"Alright. Irene, Matthew has been horrible to you. He deserves to know what betrayal feels like. You've convinced me on this," Emma and Carter placed their hands on my shoulders. "Like we've always said, we'll support you no matter what."

I took a deep breath, realizing my decision lay before me.

"Okay then," I finally said. "Let's do this. Make him pay."

As night fell, our confidence in the plan grew. Carter had replicated all the confidential data onto the USB drive, while Emma handed me her gala invitation for tonight's event where Leon would be present - my only chance.

"We need to be extremely careful," Carter reminded us. "We can't afford any mistakes."

I nodded firmly, clutching the USB drive in my hand, determined to seek out my ex-husband's enemy.