Chapter Four
+)
60
Ava’s POV
The quiet in the packhouse had become something I relied on to keep myself sane, a rare escape from Alpha Hunter‘ s scrutiny and Katherine’s constant presence. So, when the silence shattered with a sharp knock at my infirmary door, I knew it couldn’t be good.
I sat up carefully, ignoring the ache in my side from the wound that nearly cost me my life and my baby. With a deep breath, I composed myself as best I could and called out, “Come in.”
A nurse entered first, holding a small phone. “You‘ ve got a call, Luna,” she murmured before handing it to me with a cautious look, clearly aware of the strained relationship I had with our Alpha.
Hunter’s voice was clipped, impatience clear even before I said anything. “Ava,
50% 12:48
1/7
Chapter Four
where are you? Katherine‘ s staying with me for a few days because of some plumbing issue. I expect you back by evening.”
The words sliced through me, but I steadied my voice. “I’ll be home when I’m discharged, Alpha.”
As I ended the call, I closed my eyes, feeling the urge to crumble. This wasn’t the life I’d wanted, but it was the one I’d been forced into. Being his omega mate hadn’t brought the respect or care I‘ d once hoped it would. Instead, I was reminded constantly of Katherine‘ s place in his heart–and my own status as nothing more than a duty, an obligation.
The next day, the nurse cleared me for discharge. I made my way back to the packhouse with heavy steps, dreading what I might find. And when I got there, I wasn’t surprised to see Katherine standing by the door with a smug smile.
“Oh, Ava! You‘ re back,” she chirped,
50% 12:48
217
Chapter Four
her tone dripping with insincerity. “Hunter changed the entry code, but I’m sure he just forgot to tell you.”
Without missing a beat, she held the door open wider, gesturing grandly like she was welcoming me into her home. “You know, he changed it to my birthday. It’s so much
easier for us to remember.”
I swallowed back a bitter retort, unwilling to play into her game. As I moved past her, I caught the faintest scent of lavender–my own signature scent, which Katherine had apparently taken to wearing. It was too
much.
“Hunter?” I called out, walking through the entryway into the kitchen where the smell of roasting meat filled the air. I wasn’t surprised to see him standing over the stove in an apron–my apron, the one I’d carefully embroidered with his initials. when we‘ d first been married. Back then,
I thought it meant something.
“Ah, Ava,” he said coolly, barely glancing
60% 12:48
3/7
Chapter Four
my way. “Since you‘ re here, go freshen up. It s Katherine‘ s birthday tonight, and we‘ re hosting a small celebration at the packhouse lounge. Nothing too extravagant, just… casual.”
I took a breath, forcing my voice to stay calm. “I don’t think I’m feeling up to it.”
He turned, and his eyes narrowed. “Come on, Ava, it’s Katherine’s birthday. She invited the whole pack to celebrate with us. You don’t want to embarrass her in front of everyone, do you?”
I held his gaze, feeling the rage simmer in my chest. “I’m recovering, Hunter. The doctor told me to take it easy.”
“Katherine went through the same thing,” he retorted, “but she’s not using it as an excuse. She’s been helping around here nonstop. Why can’t you do the same?”
Just as I was about to answer, Katherine. walked in, giving me a wide–eyed, innocent
504 12:48
4/7
Chapter Four
look. “Oh, Ava, don’t worry about the
party. If you‘ re too tired, it’s alright,”
‘re
she said sweetly. “But it would mean a lot if you could at least stop by, you know, just for a bit. Maybe just a drink or two?”
Her words dripped with mock kindness, and I felt something inside me snap. I managed a thin smile, masking my fury. “Of course, Katherine. I’ll be there.”
That evening, I dressed in a simple gown, nothing too fancy. I wasn‘ t about to put on a show for her. As I entered the lounge, the room buzzed with energy, pack members laughing, drinks flowing. Katherine stood in the center, radiant in her crimson dress, glowing under the dim lights.
“Luna!” one of the younger pack members called, and I forced a smile, nodding politely. Katherine sauntered over, her arm slipping through Hunter‘ s, her head resting on his shoulder as if she
owned him.
50% 12:48
5/7
Chapter Four
“Oh, Ava!” she squealed. “I’m so glad you came. I was just telling everyone how much I admire your resilience. Truly, I don’t know how you do it.” She raised her glass, looking at me with a saccharine smile. “To Ava! The strongest omega I know!”
I took a steady breath. “Thank you, Katherine,” I replied, my tone neutral. “And congratulations to you… for everything.”
Her eyes sparkled, and she lifted her glass, clearly savoring the moment.
“Hunter,” she giggled, “maybe one day, I’ll be Luna of this pack too, alongside Ava.”
The comment hung in the air, thick and heavy. Hunter stiffened, glancing quickly at me before laughing it off. “Alright, let’s keep the peace tonight, ladies.”
But then, Katherine clinked her glass against mine, a little too hard, her eyes
50% 12 48
6/7
Chapter Four
gleaming with something darker. “By the way, Ava,” she began in an overly sweet tone, “I had a little… accident with your mail. Something about a doctor’s appointment?”
The color drained from my face as I remembered the letter–my post–abortion care instructions. That was what she had.
In a flash, she pulled it from her clutch, waving it around like a trophy. “Hunter, dear, isn’t this interesting?”
Hunter’s gaze locked onto the paper, his face paling as he read. “Ava,” he began, his voice low and accusatory. “Is this…
true?”
My throat tightened, but I lifted my chin, refusing to break under his glare. “Yes, Hunter. It’s true. I was pregnant.
Hunter’s eyes darkened, and he stepped closer, his voice laced with fury. “You kept this from me?”
