Iris:
My hands trembled as I stared at the pregnancy test, tears already dried on my cheeks. I purchased it a few days ago after noticing the morning sickness.
I wanted to take the test while his family was away so that we could celebrate the news together. But now, I felt numb.
Just as I expected, two lines appeared before me. I closed my eyes, struggling to place the test kit by the sink. Sobs wracked through my body.
I bit my trembling lip, trying to keep it in.
"Goddess… I… I have no one to share this new with now," I cried.
I turned on the tap and splashed cold water on my face.
If he had looked even just a little guilty, would I have felt this heartache? There wasn't even an apology.
Did I mean nothing to him?
He continued to go on a date with her without fear of losing me. Does he not believe I would leave, or was he so comfortable cheating because I had nowhere else to go?
As if my life wasn't already crumbling, his family arrived. Perfect timing.
"Iris, where the fuck are you?" His sister screamed the minute she entered the mansion.
I was in the guestroom, unable to bring myself to go into the bedroom and see the messy sheets left behind after their sex.
I sniffled and wiped my tears again, leaving the guestroom to find his mother, sister, and his sister's husband sitting on the couch, rolling their eyes at my arrival.
"Where are the refreshments? Is that how you'll welcome us now?" His sister, Zoe, was always the meanest.
"What do you expect from a rogue? They get chosen by the alpha king and think their rank changed too," my mother-in-law rolled her eyes.
For a year, I endured torture from his mother and sister. They used to burn my hands and back. I silently endured all of it.
I never told him because I didn't want to hurt him. I didn't want him to have to choose between us because that would hurt him.
"Your son is cheating on me with his ex. He asked me to shift to the guestroom so he could bring her home," I declared.
Lady Vivian, Kash's mother, was the lady of the mansion. I foolishly declared my grievances, hoping she would see reason on my behalf.
Silence fell over them before Zoe burst out laughing alongside Markus, her gamma mate. He was just a useless man who only knew how to order everyone around, and he loved good gossip.
"That was bound to happen. Lara is the Alpha King of the South's daughter. If he marries her, he'll have a powerful heir and also the entire South. It's about time he realized a rogue was going to give him nothing," as expected of Zoe, she hated me from the beginning. Now she could express it freely.
Still, I tried.
"Please, Lady Vivian. Please make him understand. I am his fated mate. How can he forsake me? This will break us. I cannot live like this."
I knelt at her feet, begging. I hated it, but what choice do I have?
She kicked me away instantly. Like I was dirt on her shoes.
"Don't ever fucking tell me what I should do or how my son should live his life! Don't you know your place?" She hissed, getting up from the couch, "It's not our fault he fell out of love with the likes of you. It's not like you've give him anything anyway."
"What a lucky man, your brother is," Markus turned to say to Zoe, "Lara's known amongst the werewolf pack for being a wonderful woman. He got upgraded from a rogue pussy to an Alpha pussy."
Zoe didn't defend me. She gave him a high-five instead.
"I'm so happy brother has finally woken up," Zoe clasped her hands, cheering as I watched their faces in disbelief.
"Do you think she'll tolerate your behavior? The same things you all have done to me? She will never— even lift a finger for— you," I started to stutter, reminding them of the work they forced me to do ever since I married into this family.
There was no pity in their eyes. They laughed at my words.
"We don't need her to do any chores. There'll be maids and servants for that," Lady Vivian scoffed.
At that moment, it hit me. I was just a form of entertainment for them. They took their anger out on me, and my Alpha King husband failed to protect me.
I breathed in deeply as I looked at each of their faces. I got up on my feet, fists curled tight.
"Do not expect me to leave in silence. I will contact the council and tell them how you all have been treating me-"
This was the first time I ever spoke up for myself. But the adrenaline of my courage fizzled out in an instant when a slap landed on my cheek. The force of the hit sent me crashing onto the ground.
Markus grinned.
"How dare you!"
This was the first time I ever screamed at any of them. Fury boiled in my veins. I wanted to fight back.
I pushed myself off the ground, ready to retaliate, but Zoe stepped between us. She grabbed my arm and pushed me away.
"Did you see what she was about to do, mother?!" she yelled while pointing her finger at me.
Lady Vivian stepped forward. She grabbed my hair from the back of my head.
Now that they knew my mate had forsaken me, they openly abused me.
"I say we kick her out," Markus suggested.
"None of you has the right to make that decision! This mansion is my home too!"
"Grab her arm," Zoe instructed as she pushed Markus towards me, "Toss her out."
He did as she instructed, grabbing my arm roughly. He dragged me towards the exit. I wasn't about to give up.
"Let go of me! I am the Luna Queen," I yelled in protest.
"Not anymore, you rogue whore!" Zoe laughed as they dragged me out of the house. They pushed me out of the gates.
I didn't care about the pain or the scraps on my palms. I got back up immediately and tried to get back inside, but they slammed the metal gate shut in my face.
"The new Luna Queen will be here soon. Thank the Moon Goddess we took the trash out before she arrived," Zoe added as she and her mate went back into the mansion.
It was cold. So cold. The cold wind blew against me. I could barely keep my eyes open.
"Let me in! I'm still his accepted mate!" I cried out.
"Do you have no self-respect at all?" Zoe hissed, arms folded over her chest, "Accept my brother's rejection and leave. You're pathetic."
"Why would you want to stay anyway? You have no place here," Lady Vivian added in disbelief, shaking her head.
"Open the gates! This is my home!" I screamed as they walked back into the mansion. The warriors did nothing either. There was no emotion on their expressions.
Was I the last to know that my mate had chosen another?
I sat at the side of the road, hiccuping from sobbing loudly. Thankfully, I had my phone in my hand, so I texted Kash one last time.
Me: I am giving you one last chance, Kash. If you don't end things with Lara and come home and apologize to me, I will leave you.
I sniffled, taking heavy breaths as rain began to pour. I was in a thin pink dress, shivering from the rain and cold winter temperature, waiting for his reply.
It finally arrived.
My breath hitched.
My Husband: Fuck off. I already made my choice. It is her. Do not bother me again or I will reject you.
I went numb. I stared at the screen for a few minutes before looking at the mansion I once called home.
I typed my final reply.
Me: You made your choice. Now I make mine. Have a good life with your new mate. Goodbye.
I hit send. A huge weight was lifted off my shoulders. I threw the phone away.
Then, I got up and walked into the woods.