Chapter 2 Chapter 2 Let's Get a Divorce

Allison's POV

It's been three days since I was discharged and returned to the pack.No one asked how I was. No one checked in.The paperwork waiting for me has already piled up in the study-

As if I were nothing more than a hired housekeeper for the pack,Useful, but never truly seen.

But is that really who I am?

I sat at my desk and stared at my research notes from before my marriage. I had been working on promising studies in traditional herbal remedies that could benefit werewolf healing.My work had been promising enough that Professor Jenkins, my mentor and fellow Moonstone Pack member, had recruited me for his team despite my youth. It had been my passion, my purpose-until meeting Victor Storm had changed everything.

With trembling fingers, I reached for my phone and dialed a number I hadn't called in nearly two years.

"Allison? Is that really you?" Professor Jenkins' familiar voice brought tears to my eyes. The genuine warmth in his tone was such a stark contrast to what I'd grown accustomed to in the Storm Pack.

"Hello, Professor," I managed, trying to keep my voice steady. "I hope I'm not disturbing you."

"Not at all! Gods, it's been ages. The Moonstone Pack has missed you-we all have. "

I swallowed hard. "I miss you guys too, and I'm calling to ask about that confidential three-year research project you mentioned earlier. Is it still going on?"

There was a moment of silence. "The Silvermoon Initiative? Yes, it's entering its second phase now. Do you want to join?!"

"I want in," I said decisively, surprising even myself with the firmness in my tone.

"Allison," his voice turned serious, "are you absolutely certain? This isn't just about the research, is it? What about your position as Luna of the Storm Pack? What about Lucian?"

The mention of his name sent a sharp pain through my chest.

I glanced at the framed photograph on my desk-Lucian and me on our binding ceremony day. His expression was stoic, proper. Mine was full of hope and adoration. I had been so certain that with enough love and patience, I could fill the emptiness in his heart.

I had forgotten that a glass bottle with no bottom could never be filled, no matter how much you poured into it.

"I need this," I whispered, my fingers tracing the cold glass of the frame. "Please, Professor. I need to come home to something that's truly mine."

"If you're sure, then yes, we would welcome you back. Your research was truly groundbreaking, Allison. Just... make certain this is what you want. Once you're in, there's no turning back for the full three years."

After ending the call, I began gathering my old research files, opening folders that had remained untouched since my marriage. Each page filled with my precise handwriting reminded me of who I used to be-a respected researcher with purpose and passion, not a shadow existing in the corners of someone else's life.

My eyelids grew heavy as I worked, the emotional and physical exhaustion of recent weeks finally catching up to me. Eventually, I drifted to sleep right there at my desk.

I woke to the sound of the bedroom door slamming open. The desk lamp cast long shadows across the room as I blinked groggily, trying to orient myself.

"Ally," Lucian's voice slurred from the doorway. The strong scent of whiskey and unfamiliar perfume hit my nostrils, making my wolf growl protectively.

I straightened in my chair, wincing at the stiffness in my neck. "You're drunk."

"Pack celebration," he mumbled, swaying slightly on his feet. His usually perfect appearance was disheveled-tie hanging loose, dark hair tousled, eyes unfocused. "Ryan insisted."

Anger flared within me, hot and sudden. I'd been in the hospital, lost our child, and he was out celebrating with his friends? He hadn't even noticed my absence.

*He reeks of her,* Jasmine snarled inside my mind. *Heidi's scent is all over him.*

It took every ounce of my self-control not to physically recoil. Instead, I stood slowly, my decision crystallizing with each passing second.

"Let me help you to bed," I said coolly, moving to his side and slipping my arm around his waist. The contact made my skin crawl, but I needed him coherent for what was to come.

When we arrived in our bedroom, I helped him sit on the edge of our California king bed, my mind already made up about what needed to be done.

But before I could speak, he pulled me into his arms, his lips finding mine in a hungry kiss.

"Lucian-" I tried to pull away, but he pressed me against the wall, his hands roaming my body with unusual urgency.

"Need you," he mumbled against my neck, his teeth grazing the sensitive skin there. "Need you now."

How dare he come to me after getting cozy with another she-wolf, like nothing ever happened? The thought sent a fresh wave of fury surging through me.

I shoved him away with all my strength, fury blazing through me like wildfire. The crack of my hand across his face echoed in the quiet bedroom.

He stood there, stunned, the red imprint of my palm blooming on his cheek.

"What the-"

"We're done," I said, my voice deadly calm despite the inferno raging inside me.

His expression shifted-shock, raw and unmistakable. His wolf eyes flashed silver as Fenrir surfaced, momentarily cutting through the alcohol haze.

"What are you talking about?"

I laughed bitterly. "I'm done being invisible in my own home."

"Allison, you're not making any sense." He reached for me again, his movements uncoordinated.

I stepped away, creating distance between us. "I want a divorce."

The words hung in the air between us like shards of ice. Lucian stared at me, uncomprehending.

"A divorce?" he repeated slowly, as if testing the unfamiliar concept. "What the hell are you talking about?"

"Trust me, I've never been clearer," I replied, crossing my arms over my chest. "Are you hard of hearing, or just that dense? I said we're getting divorced-should I spell it out slower for you?"