I needed to smell Sophia. I wanted to feel the warmth of her memory and the familiar signs of her presence.
But there was nothing left.
Ella had cleaned everything up. Everything that smelt like Sophia was gone—destroyed.
I was alone in what used to be Sophia’s room.
Even when the sky outside turned from night to dawn, I didn’t close my eyes.
The next morning, there was a lot going on in the manor’s backyard.
The gardeners moved with purpose, carefully planting roses they had just picked from the Dark Forest. The air was thick with the smell of flowers and dirt, and the soft sound of voices could be heard throughout the garden.
“These roses are beautiful,” someone said, their voice full of awe. “They’re rare even in the Dark Forest.” I’ve heard that Alpha David loves his mate, but this… This is more than I expected.”
Another voice joined in, full of rumours. “You’re behind the times. Everyone knows that Alpha David and Ella have been friends since they were kids. They even have a daughter together.
Another voice said, “I heard that Ella left David for another pack before he became Alpha. Sophia was the only one who stayed with him. Ella has come back to take her place now that he’s Alpha.
What they said hit me like a bolt of lightning.
Since becoming Alpha, I had been surrounded by respect and admiration. Many people wanted to be by my side to share in the power and prestige. But in that moment, I thought of Sophia, the one who had stood by me when I had nothing. She had cut ties with her own family to support me and believe in me. She had been my anchor and my comfort.
But I let her go because I was after someone who cared more about status than honesty.
I sent my Beta a mind link that said, “Find Sophia, no matter what.”
Later, my Beta came up to me, looked away from me, and gave me a report.
“What is this?””Why?” I asked.
“Alpha, here’s your medical report.” It took longer than expected.
I looked at it quickly, planning to put it away, but my Beta’s hesitation made me stop.
“You should read it,” he said. “There are some strange things.”
As I read the report, I felt a wave of anger wash over me. It said that my wolf had mutated, making it impossible for me to have a pup.
So, Maya wasn’t…
I growled, “That lying Ella.”
Ella sat next to Maya, who had a fever, at the werewolf hospital. When I walked in, Maya’s eyes lit up.
“Papa!”She yelled, “Why haven’t you come to see me?” and then pouted. Mommy said you don’t want us anymore.
Her words used to make my heart melt, but now they feel like daggers.
Ella walked up with hope in her eyes and said, “David, I knew you’d come back to us.”
I was so angry that I grabbed her by the throat and pinned her against the wall.
“You dirty liar,” I yelled. “How dare you lie to me?”
She gasped, her eyes wide with fear. “I didn’t lie!” Please stop. You’re scaring Maya.
“Then tell me,” I said, “who is Maya’s dad?””
Ella said, “She’s yours.”
“Don’t lie to me!” Because of my condition, it’s not possible. Who owns her dog?”
Ella’s eyes darted around, and she started to panic.
Ella’s eyes were wide with fear, and her voice shook as she spoke.
“David, let me tell you…”
My Beta had already unlocked Ella’s phone when she got there. He opened her message thread with Sophia and restored the photos and videos Ella had deleted.
“Alpha,” he said with a frown, “Ella sent Sophia a lot of messages that were very suggestive. There are also pictures and a video that was taken down.
I took the phone from him and held it tightly as I started to scroll.
The messages were full of spiteful pride. One after the other, they sent me pictures of myself smiling as I talked to Maya, as if we were a happy little family.
