A woman stood with him, pressed too close, her lips grazing his. My stomach twisted as I took a step back, my heart hammering against my ribs. I knew her.
Avery Winstone. The first mate.
My nails dug into my palms as the reality crashed into me. I had never been Gavin’s first choice. I was just the second mate, the replacement.
Avery’s sharp blue eyes flicked toward me, a smirk curling on her lips. “Oh,” she said smoothly, breaking away from Gavin. “The replacement’s home.”
My throat tightened, but I said nothing as she sauntered toward me, her heels clicking against the marble floor. She stopped inches away, tilting her head like she was inspecting something insignificant. Then, she leaned in and pressed a mocking kiss against my cheek.
“Thank you,” she whispered, voice dripping with false sweetness. “For keeping my Alpha and my son safe while I was away.”
The words cut deep. Seven years. She had been gone for seven years. And yet, here she was, walking back into Gavin’s arms like I had never existed.
I swallowed the ache in my throat and forced a bitter smile. “You’re welcome.”