Iris’s POV

“You still have any dignity as a wolf at all?” William’s voice boomed through the hallway, making me freeze in my tracks.

I leaned against the wall for support, my stomach still aching from the hospital visit. Just moments ago, I’d watched William practically drag Sebastien into his study, even locking the door behind them. But Sebastien, in typical fashion, had kicked the door open with his Alpha strength and stalked out.

“Say whatever you want,” Sebastien’s cold response floated back to me.

I swallowed hard, a bitter taste filling my mouth. In his eyes, I wasn’t even worth an explanation. Not that I should be surprised—we’d never even completed the proper marking ritual. Some wolf pair we were.

When William growled again, the entire mansion seemed to vibrate. His Alpha energy crackled through the air like lightning, making my wolf instincts scream to either submit or run. “You think I don’t know what happened? You left her alone at the hospital and then come back telling me ‘nothing to explain’?”

I couldn’t stand it anymore. The thought of them—the closest family members in our pack—fighting because of me was unbearable. I pushed myself off the wall and moved toward the confrontation, my legs still weak from my hospital stay.

Both men turned as I entered the room. William’s eyes immediately softened with concern, while Sebastien’s remained glacial.

“Grandpa,” I said softly, fighting through a wave of stomach pain. “It was just my gastritis acting up. Sebastien took me to the hospital because of that.”

William moved toward me, his weathered hand gentle on my shoulder. “Child, you should be resting.”

“I’m fine,” I forced a smile. “The doctor said it’s just regular gastritis.”

Sebastien turned without a word, heading for the door.

“Sebastien!” William’s voice carried the unmistakable command of an Alpha. “Come back here!”

My breath caught as Sebastien continued walking, completely ignoring a direct Alpha command—one of the most disrespectful acts in wolf society.

“Lock down the territory,” William ordered the guards. “He doesn’t leave!”

My heart raced with panic. This was getting worse by the second. The last thing I wanted was to cause a rift that could destabilize the entire pack.

“Please don’t, Grandpa,” I squeezed his hand, mustering my brightest fake smile. “See? I’m perfectly fine now. The doctor said I just need medication and rest.” What I didn’t say: Please stop fighting with him over me.

Sebastien paused at the doorway, turning his head. Our eyes met across the room, and the contempt in his gaze hit me like a physical blow. I knew exactly what he was thinking—that I was sucking up to William to secure my position in the pack. God, if he only knew about the babies growing inside me… what would he think then?

Morning light filtered through the curtains, warming my face. I instinctively reached for the other side of the bed, finding nothing but cold sheets. Only the lingering Alpha scent on the pillow proved Sebastien had been there at all.

I remembered how he’d returned to our room last night, keeping his back to me the entire time, never saying a word, treating me like I was invisible. Just another night in our sham of a marriage.

After staring at the ceiling for several minutes, I reached for my phone, my fingers hovering over the screen. Then I typed: Let’s go file for divorce today.

I hesitated before hitting send. Since he clearly hated being my wolf mate so much, why prolong this political marriage? Whatever happened with the babies… I’d figure that out myself.

Send.

The message showed as read immediately. No reply.

I dragged myself through my morning routine, carefully choosing clothes that wouldn’t irritate my sensitive stomach. At lunch, I sat across from William, focusing on controlling my expression and suppressing the wave of morning sickness threatening to overtake me.

“How are things with Sebastien?” William asked, hope brightening his eyes. “Did you two talk last night?”

“Great,” I lied, hating myself for it. “We’re going out together today, actually.”

William beamed. “Wonderful! You two need time alone together.”

My stomach twisted with guilt. Through the window, I watched as the bright sky suddenly darkened with storm clouds. Perfect match for my mood.

No joy at the beginning, no sorrow at the end, I thought bitterly.

I nodded, thinking: What’s the point of a cooling period for a marriage that never truly existed?

I took a taxi to campus, arriving completely drenched. In the bathroom, I threw up everything in my stomach, the double assault of morning sickness and gastritis leaving me weak and shaking.

In the mirror, I barely recognized the pale woman staring back at me. I cleaned my face and fixed my appearance as best I could. I had an appointment with my thesis advisor, and I didn’t want her to see how broken I felt.

“Iris, there you are!” My advisor greeted me enthusiastically. “Remember I showed your portfolio to my friend? Well, he’s offered you an internship position.” She lowered her voice, “He’s also one of us.” The subtle indication that he was a wolf.

“Who?” I asked, surprised.

“Marcus Foster,” she said, eyes bright with excitement. “The jewelry designer. He was extremely impressed with your work and wants you in his studio. This is a rare opportunity, Iris.”

A tiny spark of hope ignited in my chest. Marcus Foster was legendary in the design world—working in his studio was a dream for most students.

As I accepted his business card, I made a silent promise to myself: I would no longer depend on the Grey family. I’d build my own future in both the human and wolf worlds through my own abilities. I’d tell Sebastien about the babies eventually, but regardless of his choice, I would give this child—and myself—a life with dignity.

“Thank you, Professor,” I said sincerely, determination replacing the despair in my eyes. “I won’t let you down.”

For the first time, I could see possibilities for a life after Sebastien.

I arrived early at the restaurant, choosing a quiet booth and ordering easily digestible food. Now I had to be careful not just for my gastritis, but for the little life inside me.

Rachel burst through the door like a hurricane. As one of the few humans who knew about wolves, she had no qualms about speaking freely.

“How can you be sitting here eating dinner when the forums are exploding?” she demanded, slipping into the seat across from me.

“What are you talking about?” I asked, confused.