Chapter 3

I was taken aback when Hunter and Katherine trailed me to the pack's communal eating area.

The pack leaders had requested my presence for a discussion, presumably as a courteous gesture towards Hunter's "official" partner. I barely had a chance to take my seat before Hunter and Katherine sauntered in, settling themselves opposite me as if it were completely ordinary.

I glanced their way, striving to keep my tone even. "I was asked to confer with the elders about trade routes," I stated, implying a need for privacy.

Hunter grinned smugly, leaning back. "And did they specify they didn't want their alpha involved?"

I remained silent, aware that challenging him publicly was futile. My presence here was merely a formality.

The discussion commenced, with elder Logan commending Hunter's recent choice to broaden alliances with nearby packs. As the meal progressed, Logan raised his glass, indicating a toast. An attendant approached, offering wine to each of us.

Just as I was about to decline politely, Katherine's saccharine voice cut in. "Ava's quite the powerhouse. I've heard she can outdrink any omega!" She beamed, her wide eyes feigning innocence.

I stiffened, my throat constricting. It was another of Katherine's petty games she'd been playing for months.

"Who informed you of that?" I inquired coolly.

Katherine's smile faltered momentarily, but she swiftly turned to Hunter, feigning hurt. "Did I say something inappropriate?"

Hunter placed his hand on her shoulder, his expression darkening. "Ava, it's just a toast. Don't make this difficult."

I swallowed, feeling a surge of anger but maintained a calm demeanor. "I can't drink, Hunter. I'm expecting."

The room fell silent, all eyes fixed on me. The elders exchanged glances, and even Katherine's facade slipped for a moment.

After a beat of stunned silence, Katherine stood, raising her glass. "Congratulations, Ava!" Her voice was unnaturally high and cheery, as if this were just another harmless jest.

She lifted the glass to her lips, but Hunter intervened. "Kath, you shouldn't drink either," he said. "Not in your condition."

Disregarding him, Katherine flashed a mocking smile and took a sip, coughing slightly as she forced it down. "No, I must," she insisted. "This is my apology for every time I've wronged Ava." Her face flushed as she coughed, tears welling in her eyes.

Hunter jumped up, glowering at me. "Look what you've caused, Ava. Only someone as gullible as Katherine would believe your fabrications."

His fury filled the room. "You know what? If you can't coexist with her, perhaps we should nullify this bond. Maybe we should end our marriage!"

His words stung deeply, but I held my head high. "Very well," I replied evenly. "Let's do that."

Without a backward glance, I rose and exited the hall, maintaining my composure until I was outside. I barely registered the cool night air as I retrieved my phone, dialing my attorney. Midway through explaining my decision to proceed with the bond dissolution, I was suddenly blinded by headlights.

I looked up, paralyzed as a sleek black vehicle hurtled towards me at a frightening speed, tires screeching against the gravel. My heart raced. I barely managed to leap aside, collapsing onto the ground as the car swerved, sped past, and vanished into the darkness.

I sat there, dazed and shaking, as a faint metallic odor permeated the air.

"Are you okay?" A pack member's voice pierced through my stupor. She knelt beside me, her eyes wide with worry.

I glanced down, finally noticing the warm, sticky sensation spreading across my thigh. Blood pooled around me, seeping into the earth.

The woman helped me up and rushed me to the infirmary.

At the medical facility, the pack healer frowned at my blood-stained attire. "Ava, you should contact your mate. This injury could be severe."

I clutched my phone, staring at Hunter's number. For a long moment, I contemplated calling him, hoping he might care enough to appear.

But memories of his cold indifference flooded back. His words echoed in my mind: Maybe we should end our marriage.

I sighed, allowing the phone to fall back into my lap.