Chapter 2

Emily sounded surprised by my response. "You're actually agreeing? Are you willing to give up your mate? You don't love him deeply?"

Her voice trembled as if something dawned on her. "Audrey, did that alpha hurt you?"

Tears welled up again, and I fought to keep my voice steady, not wanting to worry her.

Emily was so good to me, yet I acted so foolishly. "It's fine... I decided on my own. He's no longer my mate."

But how could Emily miss the quiver in my voice?

Her tone darkened. "Did he hurt you? Who is he? I'll make him pay."

I refused to tell her. If I did, Emily's anger would flare, and she might wipe out everyone left from that tribe.

She couldn't do that. Lately, several people challenged her alpha status, and if she killed for me, her reputation would suffer.

I couldn't always rely on Emily to fix my problems. I needed to handle this myself.

So I sniffled and forced a smile. "It's okay, Emily. I can handle it."

Emily didn't fully believe me, but she respected my choice.

I stared at the ended call, then looked up at the cloudy sky, silently resolving to move on.

It was time to leave.

...

I returned to the home I shared with Walker and began packing my things.

The house held countless memories of us.

But now, every sweet moment had turned into painful evidence of betrayal.

It felt disgusting.

As I tossed a photo from Paradise Park into the trash, Walker returned.

I caught a whiff of an unfamiliar pheromone on him and instinctively frowned.

But what did it matter to me anymore?

With that thought, I lowered my eyes numbly and continued packing.

Walker approached with a doting look, kissing my forehead as usual. "My dear Audrey, did you sleep well?"

I stayed silent, lifting my hand to wipe where his lips touched.

He was too good at pretending. If I hadn't overheard those words, I might have believed his heart was mine.

I bit my lip, my heart stinging as if pierced by countless needles.

Walker sensed something was off and leaned down, concern in his eyes. Before he could speak, he noticed the photo in the trash. "Why'd you throw it away?"

He grabbed my hand, but I avoided his gaze and said flatly, "I don't like it anymore."

Walker chuckled and gently stroked my hand. "Are you missing Paradise Park? How about we go again in three days and take a new photo? I've prepared some gifts for our anniversary. How's that sound?"

I sneered inwardly.

Anniversary gifts?

I knew our anniversary was also Emily's birthday.

Would I even see his so-called gifts before he broadcasted my videos?

Or were those intimate videos his idea of an anniversary present?

I struggled to feign excitement.

I forced a smile and looked up at him. "Really? I can't wait. I got you a gift too."

Maybe my reaction seemed off, because Walker frowned. "Audrey, I don't want to spoil the surprise, but I think you'll be moved to tears on our anniversary. So, why not invite Emily over?"

I snapped my head up, staring at him in shock, my heart throbbing with dense pain.

I couldn't believe he'd exploit my desire to bond with him just to lure Emily here.

All to get revenge on her and drag me into hell.

I took a deep breath. "Walker, Emily's busy running the tribe. We shouldn't bother her. We can celebrate alone."

Hearing this, Walker grew anxious and grabbed my hand tightly. "No! She has to come this time!"

I gasped, and he quickly realized his outburst, releasing me.

I looked down at my reddened wrist, staring at him silently.

"Sorry, baby," he said. "I got too eager. These moments need family to witness. I don't want you to feel sad later. I want to take you to the Moon Goddess."

His hint was obvious, but I just looked away and kept packing.

Walker knew I was upset. He sighed and approached, leaning in to kiss me as he always did.

"Don't touch me..."

He didn't listen, his hand slipping under my clothes.

I slapped him hard, my wolf roaring in anger. "I don't want to do this today."

Walker, stunned by my reaction, held his cheek and nodded after a long pause. "Okay."

Watching him walk away, I exhaled in relief but collapsed to the floor, legs weak.

I noticed droplets on the ground and touched my face, realizing I was crying.

In all our years together, I never once defied Walker.

I used to hate seeing him hurt, but he tore my heart to shreds.

I took a deep breath, stood slowly, and resumed packing.

After throwing out everything we shared, my phone pinged.

I opened it and froze.

"I'm the Moon Goddess's chosen mate for Walker. Want to meet?"

The promise token Walker gave me slipped from my hand and fell into the trash.