Finished, I placed the phone back on the table, feeling utterly drained. I lay down, closing my eyes to the rising anger and hurt that washed over me like a tidal wave.
Seven years I’d stood by Derrick’s side, believing we had a future together, a family to build. Now, he was tearing it all apart. The pain was unbearable, but beneath it, I wasn’t just an abandoned mate; I am the Alpha’s daughter. I would not allow anyone, especially Derrick, to make a mockery of me and my bloodline.
Moments later, Derrick came out of the bathroom, his phone in hand. He glanced at me, and for a fleeting second, his face softened. But then his phone buzzed, and his expression changed, brightening as he answered it. He stepped out onto the balcony, speaking in a gentle tone, his face filled with guilt mixed with eagerness.
From my spot on the bed, I watched him through the cracked door, unable to hear his words but seeing his smile.
When he returned to the bedroom, he placed a hand on my shoulder. “Charlotte, I have to step out for an urgent project with the pack. I won’t be long.”
I looked up at him, unable to mask the pain in my eyes. “I don’t feel well, Derrick. Could you stay with me tonight?” I asked softly, holding onto the faint hope that he might choose me for once, that he might still care.
He gave me a strained smile, barely meeting my gaze. “I can’t, my love. This project is crucial,” he said, glancing away. “I’ll ask my mother to come over and keep you company.”
As he gathered his things, I whispered, “Drive safe.” He nodded, barely acknowledging me, and left without looking back.
The second the front door clicked shut, I grabbed my jacket, covered my belly as best as I could, then slipped out of the house to hail a cab.
“Follow that car,” I instructed the driver as I climbed in. He raised an eyebrow but didn’t ask questions, steering us quietly behind Derrick’s car. My hands tightened into fists as I watched Derrick’s car navigate through the streets, finally reaching the border of the Crimsoneye pack’s territory.
When the driver stopped, hidden by the trees, I slipped out and watched from a distance. Derrick stepped out of his car, his face lighting up as Samantha emerged from the shadows. I felt my chest tighten as I saw him reach for her belly, his hand caressing the life growing within her. It was a tenderness that should have been mine.