Ditched Cheating Alpha, I Led My Daughter to Life's Peak novel Chapter 5

I caught a glimpse of myself in the rearview mirror.

The reflection that stared back at me was not the submissive Luna I used to be—the one who tiptoed around Tobias, trying to fit into his world. No, that woman was gone.

My tailored suit contrasted sharply with the flowing, demure dresses I had once worn to please him.

In the three years since he left, I have learned to participate in the management of pack affairs, led team negotiations, watched over his pack, managed pack in an orderly manner, and even learned to fix the pipes myself.

I never needed him to survive.

I adjusted my grip on the wheel, my senses heightened, my wolf stirring beneath my skin.

Tobias’s voice cut into my thoughts. "Let me drive."

I didn’t even glance at him. "No need. I’m probably more familiar with these roads than you are."

Besides, today was important.

I was taking Rhea to cancel her pack registry.

Three hours later, after finalizing the paperwork, I stepped out of the building with Rhea in my arms. A sharp chill slithered down my spine—a familiar scent lingered in the air.

Tobias.

I turned and saw him leaning against his car, his brows furrowed as he stared at us. His wolf was restless—I could sense it, even from a distance.

"What are you doing here with our daughter?" he asked, his voice a low growl.

I met his gaze with unwavering calm. "Nothing special. Just renewing our IDs."

The lie rolled off my tongue effortlessly.

Tobias’s jaw clenched. His wolf’s eyes flickered gold, a sign of suppressed emotions.

"Aren’t you busy today?" I added, voice cool. "I heard Valeria’s looking for a job. She probably needs you."

A long silence followed.

Then, he sneered. "Hailey, you’re doing quite well for yourself." His voice was mocking, but his wolf was pacing.

"I’ve never seen anyone push their mate away so easily."

His words hit me like a spark against cold embers. But I had nothing left to burn.

The car door slammed shut. Tobias’s vehicle roared to life and vanished down the street.

I did not understand.

Why was he angry when I was simply giving him what he wanted?

It wasn’t until Tobias’s Beta, his assistant, called that I found out the truth.

"Luna,why did you send Alpha away? He specifically took the day off to be with you and Rhea."

I stilled.

"What?"

"Now, he’s drunk and at Valeria’s place with Sable…"

A bitter laugh escaped me.

He made his choice. Again.

It didn’t matter anymore.

Because in three days, Rhea and I would be gone.

---

What I never expected was that on the very same day Rhea was scheduled to transfer schools, Sable pushed her into the water.

A frantic scream tore through the schoolyard.

My heart stopped.

I bolted forward, shoving through the gathered crowd, my wolf snarling in panic.

Rhea.

She was so young that in her panic she forgot how to swim and she struggled in the deep end of the pool, her thin body barely floated on the water.

"Mommy!" she cried, arms flailing.

I didn’t think.

I jumped in.

The cold water closed over me as I reached her, pulling her into my arms. Rhea clung to me, coughing, her little hands clutching at my shirt.

I carried her out, shaking. My heart hammered with rage, my wolf furious at the danger our pup had been put in.