I moved to leave, but he grabbed my arm, pulling me back. “What do you want from me?!” he screamed, his face twisting with anger. “I told you, once the baby is delivered, it’s over with her! I’m doing this for you!”
“For me?!” The words rang in my ears, and something inside me snapped. Without thinking, I pushed his hand off me, my voice coming out in a low, dangerous growl. “Stop pretending this is for me, Darius. It's always been about Elara!”
The truth of my words hit him hard, and he stood there, speechless. I could barely contain the bitterness rising in my chest. “I’m done being your mate. You can choose Elara as our future Luna!”
His face crumpled, and he grabbed for my arm again. “You’re going to regret this, Ember!” he screamed as I pushed past him, heading out the door. His words echoed behind me, but I felt nothing but relief. Walking away from him was the best decision I’d ever made.
My mother was waiting for me when I visited them. Her eyes were red, but she held me tight when I walked in.
“I told you, sweetie... he was never right for you. Even though he’s our Alpha, he always hurts you.”