Chapter 8
Back then, I thought his love was rock solid, like nothing could change it. But lying here now, those moments felt like they happened to someone else.
But now, lying on this bed, none of that mattered anymore. That Drake felt like a total stranger. Whatever we’d shared, he’d let Melanie rip it all away. And now she was trying to take my baby too, pushing me around and laughing like it was some sort of game.
I clenched my fists, battling through the pain while Dr. Lin and the healer worked around me. All those memories? Just dust now, blown away by the betrayal and lies.
Rachel squeezed my hand, her eyes full of fierce determination. “You‘ re going to get through this. For your baby. Forget about Drake! This is all about you and your
kid now.”
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The pain faded away, replaced by a rush of relief as the pack healer worked quickly and skillfully, guiding me through the delivery. After what felt like forever, I finally heard it–the soft, weak cries of my baby girl.
“Congratulations, Cassandra,” Dr. Lin said, her eyes shining with pride. “You have a daughter.”
I could hardly believe it. They placed little Ember in my arms for just a moment before taking her to an incubator designed for our kind–an enchanted cradle that would keep her safe and healthy until she was strong enough to leave. I watched as they worked, a mix of fear and awe flooding my heart. She was small but perfect, her tiny fingers curling instinctively around my own.
Once I was stable, I spent my days recovering while gazing at my baby girl. Every coo and movement felt like a
reminder of my strength, a piece of me that
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would grow, independent of the chaos surrounding her. Ember became my reason to fight, to reclaim my life and my power as an Alpha.
But as my strength came back, so did my determination to cut all ties with Drake. I didn’t need him or his empty promises anymore.
Once I felt ready, I headed to the pack elder’s court to officially end the bond. Just as I walked in, Drake showed up, looking desperate and regretful.
“Cassandra!” he called, rushing toward me. “I’m so glad you‘ re okay. I‘ ve been worried sick about you and the baby.”
I narrowed my eyes, crossing my arms.
“You don’t get to act like you care now, Drake. Not after everything you did.”
“Please, just hear me out,” he pleaded, his voice shaky.
I stood my ground, my heart racing with a
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mix of anger and disbelief. “You really think you can just waltz in here and act like everything’s fine? I know all about you and Melanie, Drake. I know about her pregnancy, the jewelry, the pack’s fund, everything!”
His face went pale, and he took a step back, looking shocked and guilty. “Cassandra, I
“What? Thought I wouldn’t find out?” I cut him off, my voice rising. “For three years, you‘ ve lied to me! You made me believe you were mine while you were out there with her, planning your life together. You think I didn’t notice how you looked at her? How you cared for her?”
Drake ran a hand through his hair,
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frustration written all over his face. “I was weak! I thought I could keep both of your happy-”
“Happy?” I laughed bitterly, shaking my head. “You thought stringing me along while you played house with Melanie
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would make me happy? You chose her over me!”
“I didn’t choose anyone!” he shot back, his voice getting defensive. “I was
confused. I didn’t know what to do when
Melanie told me-”
“Right!” I interrupted, my voice icy. “You didn’t know what to do. You thought it was okay to have your cake and eat it too. Well, guess what? I’m done! I’m officially severing the bond between us, Drake.”
His eyes widened, and for a second, I saw real fear. “Cassandra, please! You don’t have to do this. We can fix it. We can make
this work!”
I shook my head, my heart aching.
“There’s nothing to fix. I’ve realized I don’t need you or your empty promises. anymore. Ember deserves better than a dad who can’t even stand by her side.”
“Don’t do this,” he begged, his voice
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dropping to a whisper. “I can’t lose you both. I love you, Cassandra!”
Those words hung in the air, but they felt empty to me. “No, Drake. You loved the idea of me, the power we could have together as Alpha and Beta. But you threw all that away.”
Drake stepped closer, desperation in his eyes. “What if I promised to be there? To support you both?”
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