Chapter 1: From Mate To Slave
Athena’s POV
I felt it before I heard it.
A shift in the air. A sharp, cutting sensation deep in my chest, like an invisible claw digging into my heart and twisting it over and over until there was nothing left.
The whispers in the pack had been growing for weeks, murmurs of Juliana’s return—of her pregnancy. Of how Jesse had been spending more time with her, making sure she was comfortable, ensuring she lacked for nothing.
I had ignored it at first. Forced myself to believe the words were nothing but the gossip of bored wolves. But then, today, I heard the truth from the one person who had no reason to lie.
"She’s giving birth today," Rachel had whispered, eyes darting around as if she feared Jesse himself would appear. "The Alpha is with her right now." "I thought it’s something you’ve discussed with him."
My world spinned.
I had been mated to Jesse for nearly a year now, but it never felt like a true bond. From the beginning, there had been a silent presence lingering between us—her. Juliana, the love of his life. The woman he had planned to mark before she vanished without a word.
She was back now. And she was carrying his child.
I stormed toward his room, my body trembling with hatred. How could he do this to me!. My wolf howled in my head, clawing at my mind, desperate for retribution. But I held her back. I wouldn’t let my emotions control me. Not yet.
The pack members I passed kept their heads down, sensing the anger brewing within me. They didn’t dare stop me, nor did they offer their usual greetings.