Chapter 5 Chapter 5 Breaking Free

Allison's POV

I allowed myself to sleep in this morning. Partly because I'd stayed up late talking with Bella, but also because it felt liberating not having to rush to the early farmers' market for the freshest produce.

No need to prepare Lucian's elaborate breakfast--always his favorite eggs benedict with homemade hollandaise sauce, fresh fruit, and imported coffee brewed to precise strength. There was no Alpha husband expecting his perfectly pressed suit laid out, no pack protocols to follow.

The warm sunlight filtering through unfamiliar curtains was my first reminder that everything had changed. I stretched luxuriously, feeling Jasmine stir contentedly within me.

*We're free,* she whispered, her voice tinged with satisfaction.

"Yes," I murmured, "we are."

I found a note from Bella on the kitchen counter beside a plate of muffins covered in plastic wrap:

"Had to run to the office-breaking story on Hunter Pack territory disputes. Help yourself to anything in the fridge. We'll celebrate your independence tonight! PROUD OF YOU! -B"

A small smile tugged at my lips. Bella's chaotic energy was exactly what I needed right now-her unwavering support without the suffocating concern I'd get from anyone else.

After a quick breakfast and shower, I dressed in simple jeans and a blouse. No designer labels, no carefully curated outfit to meet the Storm Pack Luna standards. Just comfortable clothes that felt like me.

There was only one place I needed to be today.

My mother's care situation had to be addressed immediately, before Lucian could use it against me.

The Starlight Care Center gleamed in the morning sunlight as I pulled into the visitor parking lot.

The modern building housed some of the best long-term care facilities in the region-and some of the most expensive.

It wasn't part of Storm Pack territory, but it was one of Lucian's many business investments-a high-end facility for long-term patients requiring specialized care.

My mother had been transferred here shortly after my marriage to Lucian.

Her health had already been fragile, but a devastating virus two years ago had left her in a persistent vegetative state.

The doctors held little hope for recovery, but I visited faithfully every week, sometimes more.

"Good morning, Luna Allison," the receptionist greeted me warmly.

"Just Ms. Carter, please," I corrected gently. The name change tasted like freedom on my tongue. Her eyes widened slightly, but to her credit, she simply nodded. "Of course, Ms. Carter. Your mother's doing well this morning. Her vitals are stable."

"Thank you. Is Dr. Humphrey available today? I'd like to discuss some changes to my mother's care plan-after I visit with her."

"He should be making rounds shortly. I'll let him know you're here."

I thanked her and made my way down the familiar corridor to my mother's private room.

The steady beep of monitors and the soft hiss of oxygen were the only sounds. My mother lay peaceful and still, her once vibrant face now slack, her dark hair streaked with premature silver.

Amelia Carter had once been the most dynamic woman I knew-a single mother who'd raised me with fierce determination after my father's death, who'd worked two jobs to put me through college, who'd never once complained about the hand life had dealt her.

"Hi, Mom," I whispered, taking her limp hand in mine. "I'm sorry it's been a few days.I have something to tell you."

The tears I'd been fighting all evening finally spilled over. Even though she couldn't hear me, couldn't respond, I needed to tell her."I'm leaving him, Mom.I know how much you wanted me to have a happy marriage, but... I can't stay with him anymore."

I rested my forehead against our joined hands. "I lost our baby, Mom. Lucian wasn't even there. He was with another woman-his ex. The one he never stopped loving."

I stayed for another hour, telling her everything-the pregnancy I'd lost, Heidi's return, Lucian's betrayal.Though she couldn't respond, just being in her presence gave me strength.

"I'll make sure you're taken care of," I promised as I kissed her forehead. "No matter what happens with Lucian, you'll stay here. I promise."

___

At precisely two o'clock, I walked into the elegant offices of Wells Legal Services, located in a high-rise building downtown.

The reception area was tastefully decorated in muted grays and blues, projecting both confidence and discretion.

"I have an appointment with Katherine Wells," I told the receptionist. "Allison Carter-Storm."

The young woman's eyes widened slightly at my name, but she quickly recovered her professional demeanor. "Of course, Mrs. Storm. She's expecting you."

"Ms. Carter, please," I corrected gently.

She nodded, understanding immediately. "Ms. Carter. Right this way."

Katherine Wells was everything I'd hoped for-a striking woman in her fifties with salt-and-pepper hair cut in a sharp bob, piercing eyes, and an air of absolute competence. She rose from behind her imposing desk when I entered.

"Luna Storm," she said, extending her hand.

"Just Allison Carter now," I replied, shaking her hand firmly. "Thank you for seeing me on such short notice."

"Please, have a seat." She gestured to a comfortable chair across from her desk.

Once we were both seated, she folded her hands and fixed me with a penetrating gaze. "So, you want to divorce Alpha Lucian Storm. That won't be a simple process."

"I'm aware," I said, meeting her eyes steadily. "But I'm prepared for whatever comes."

For the next hour, we discussed the complexities of my situation-the considerable assets involved, the pack dynamics, and the potential challenges Lucian might present.

"You realize, of course, that as Alpha of the Storm Pack, your husband has significant resources at his disposal," Katherine said. "And werewolf divorce cases involving Alphas are notoriously complicated due to the mate bond."

"Our bond was never fully formed," I admitted quietly. "Lucian never completed the claiming ritual."

Katherine's eyebrows rose slightly-the first sign of surprise she'd shown. "That's... unusual for an Alpha. And potentially advantageous for our case."

"Will that make things easier?" I asked.

"Legally, yes. Practically..." she shrugged. "Alphas are possessive by nature. Even without a completed bond, he may not let you go easily."

I thought of how Lucian had threatened me with my mother's care, how he'd tried to manipulate me. "He'll fight dirty."

"Then so will we," Katherine said, her lips curving in a determined smile. "Now, let's discuss your mother's situation. You mentioned she's currently at Starlight Care Center?"

"Yes. It's one of Lucian's investments, though not part of pack territory."

"We'll need to secure her continued care there, regardless of the divorce outcome. I assume that's a priority?"

I nodded emphatically. "The most important one."

We continued discussing strategy for another hour-what assets I would claim, what concessions I might make, how to approach the division of property.

"I don't want his money," I said firmly. "Just enough to care for my mother and start over."

"That's a refreshing attitude," Katherine remarked, "but don't sell yourself short. You've been his Luna for three years. Under pack law, you're entitled to significant compensation."

By the time our meeting concluded, I felt both exhausted and relieved. There was a plan now, concrete steps to take.

"I'll have the preliminary divorce papers drafted by tomorrow," Katherine promised as she walked me to the door. "Once you approve them, we'll serve them to your husband."

"Thank you," I said sincerely. "For taking my case, and for not treating me like a naive little wolf in over her head."

"You're stronger than you give yourself credit for," she replied with a knowing smile. "Most she-wolves would've crumbled long before reaching this point with an Alpha like Storm."

As I rode the elevator down to the parking garage, I felt lighter than I had in years. There was still a mountain to climb, but at least now I had a path.

My phone rang just as I reached my car. Leo's name flashed across the screen. Lucian's Beta, his right-hand man and enforcer. Why would he be calling me?Did Lucian send him?

Jasmine growled softly in my mind. *Ignore him.*

And I did, setting the phone down and starting the car. By the time I pulled away from Wells Legal Services,not even two minutes later, it lit up again-Lucian.

I stared at his name glowing on the screen, then turned it face-down without a word.

For the first time in our marriage, he was chasing me. But it was too late-far too late.