son'

up late talking with Bella, but also because it felt liberating not

ade hollandaise sauce, fresh fruit, and imported coffee brewed to precise strength. There was

s my first reminder that everything had changed. I stretch

spered, her voice tin

murmured,

kitchen counter beside a plate of

ritory disputes. Help yourself to anything in the fridge. W

as exactly what I needed right now-her unwavering support

blouse. No designer labels, no carefully curated outfit to meet the

one place I nee

o be addressed immediately, befo

in the morning sunlight as I pul

best long-term care facilities in the

of Lucian's many business investments-a high-end faci

ferred here shortly afte

a devastating virus two years ago had l

r recovery, but I visited faith

llison," the receptio

on my tongue. Her eyes widened slightly, but to her credit, she simply nodded. "O

y? I'd like to discuss some changes to my

ounds shortly. I'll le

y down the familiar corridor

e only sounds. My mother lay peaceful and still, her once vibra

ed me with fierce determination after my father's death, who'd worked two jobs to pu

p hand in mine. "I'm sorry it's been a

n't hear me, couldn't respond, I needed to tell her."I'm leaving him, Mom.I know ho

our baby, Mom. Lucian wasn't even there. He was with

ncy I'd lost, Heidi's return, Lucian's betrayal.Though she c

ed as I kissed her forehead. "No matter what ha

_

e elegant offices of Wells Legal Services,

orated in muted grays and blues, proj

herine Wells," I told the recep

, but she quickly recovered her professional demea

please," I co

ing immediately. "Ms.

s with salt-and-pepper hair cut in a sharp bob, piercing eyes, and an air o

she said, exte

, shaking her hand firmly. "Thank yo

gestured to a comfortable

ed me with a penetrating gaze. "So, you want to divorc

her eyes steadily. "But I'm

ituation-the considerable assets involved, the pack dyna

significant resources at his disposal," Katherine said. "And werewolf divor

" I admitted quietly. "Lucian nev

of surprise she'd shown. "That's... unusual for an

ke things eas

Alphas are possessive by nature. Even without

me with my mother's care, how he'd trie

etermined smile. "Now, let's discuss your mother's situati

s investments, though not

are there, regardless of the divorce

cally. "The most

-what assets I would claim, what concessions I mi

id firmly. "Just enough to car

t sell yourself short. You've been his Luna for three years.

elt both exhausted and relieved. There

rrow," Katherine promised as she walked me to the door. "

ing my case, and for not treating me li

lied with a knowing smile. "Most she-wolves would've crumble

I felt lighter than I had in years. There was still

d across the screen. Lucian's Beta, his right-hand man an

softly in my min

r. By the time I pulled away from Wells Legal Service

on the screen, then turned

riage, he was chasing me. But