CHAPTER 5 Free

　　His words cut me deeper than any physical wound ever could. My heart felt like it was breaking into a million pieces, and the tears flowed freely, blurring my vision. But through the tears, I could see Brett's eyes change. They went from bright blue to a deep, almost black color, and I knew that he was about to do something that he wouldn't be able to take back.

　　Yeah, that's what I wanted—for him to unmark me and set me free.

　　In a flash, he lunged at me, his sharp fangs piercing my neck. I screamed at the top of my lungs, the pain almost unbearable, as he began to drain my blood. I could feel my life force slipping away from me, and I knew that I had to fight back if I wanted to survive—for me and for my baby.

　　Using every ounce of strength I had, I managed to push him away from me, the wound on my neck now gushing blood. I tried to sit up, but the pain was too much, and I slumped back onto the bed, my strength leaving me.

　　"Brett, really?" I gasped, the pain and fear making it hard to breathe.

　　"I can't remain mated to a woman who can't give me children," Brett spat out, his eyes now back to their normal blue color.

　　"You unmarked me? Should I say thank you?" I asked my voice barely above a whisper now.

　　He blinked, and then he said, "I can't keep a mate who can't give me what I want, Elissa. I had to take matters into my own hands," he said, looking down at me with a mixture of anger and regret.

　　I could feel my eyelids drooping, and I knew that I was losing consciousness. I had to fight, but it was so hard. I tried to muster up the strength to speak, but I could feel myself slipping away. The last thing I remembered was Brett's anguished scream as the darkness claimed me.

　　As I drifted away, I knew that our relationship was over. Finally, I was free. Brett had betrayed me to my best friend and unmarked me, and I knew that I could never forgive him for that. But at that moment, all that mattered was the pain, the tears, and the knowledge that the world was a cold and cruel place.

　　I slowly opened my eyes to the sound of people screaming and clapping. It took me a few moments to realize that I was no longer in the hospital but in my own bedroom. I rubbed my eyes, trying to shake off the grogginess that was still lingering, but the pounding pain in my neck where Brett had bitten me the night before was a constant reminder of what had happened.

　　I stumbled out of bed, feeling dizzy and lightheaded, but managed to make it to the door without toppling over. As I climbed down the stairs, my eyes fell on Brett and Jennifer. They were dressed in formal attire so pristine that they could have graced the cover of a fashion magazine. What was going on?

　　As soon as they saw me, Jennifer and Brett exchanged knowing glances and snickered mockingly. I felt the crowd around me murmur, their whispers and jeers piercing through me like a knife. It was clear that they were not happy with me, and the reason for their hostility was baffling.

　　I was about to fall, my legs giving way beneath me when Eden appeared by my side in a flash. She held me up and guided me towards Brett, who was now standing in front of me with a cold look on his face.

　　"I see you're finally awake," Brett said, his tone laced with malice.

　　"What's going on?" I asked, looking around for answers.

　　"Isn't it obvious?" Jennifer chimed in, a sickening smirk playing on her lips as she leaned in towards me. "We're getting married, silly. And you, my dear, are no longer welcome in this house."

　　I was taken aback. Marriage? To her? It was like I was hit by a freight train. How could he leave me? He was my mate, the one who had promised to love and protect me till death do us part.

　　"But-but why?" I stammered. "Brett, I thought you loved me." I wanted him to tell me all I needed to know by himself.

　　"I did once," he replied, his voice dripping with venom. "But you're no longer the same girl I fell in love with. You're weak and pathetic; you can't even bear a child, and I can't be tied down to someone like that."

　　I felt my heart shatter into a million pieces again! It was true that I had changed since the attack, but I had hoped he would be there for me to help me heal. But now it seemed like he was cutting all ties with me, leaving me to fend for myself.

　　As I stood there, listening to Jennifer and Brett discuss their upcoming wedding, I felt numb and disconnected from the world around me. The pain in my neck had intensified, making me feel like I was drowning in a sea of agony.

　　"Eden, choose your Alpha or previous Luna." I suddenly heard an elder say.

　　Eden didn't say a word, but his arm around me spoke volumes. I felt comforted by his presence and whispered, "Thank you." He led me away from the couple, and I followed him willingly. "I'll take care of you. You don't have to go through this alone," he whispered.

　　Grateful for his kindness, I nodded and walked with him. As we left the crowd, I noticed their surprised looks. The pain in my neck subsided, and a sense of calm washed over me.

　　It was time for me to find my own place in the world. But seeing Brett and Jennifer happy in each other's arms made me wonder if I would ever find someone who would truly love and accept me for who I am, bite marks and all.