ELENA.
My heart felt so free and calm the moment I heard that I’m being vindicated.
If truly Dominic knew how much I loved him and cared about me he wouldn’t have rubbed it in my face by settling so low with his brother’s mate.
I was still giving him the benefit of doubt, but what did the ingrate do?
He kept on rubbing it on my face that I’m worthless to him.
I was so deep in my thoughts of past experiences I had with Dominic that I couldn’t feel sage’s hand on my skin.
“Hey!” She stylishly leaned over to my ears, “Are you still here with us?”
I put on a fake smile, turning over my neck to give her a response, “Yes!”
But then Brennan continues.
“However, there is the matter of damages.
Three years of an unconsummated bond is torture for an Omega.”
He looks at Dominic.
“Alpha Ashford, you have systematically failed in your duties as a mate.
The pack requires compensation.”
“I’ve already transferred properties.”
“Not enough.” Brennan cuts him off.
“Ms.
Grey, what do you feel is appropriate?”
I stand.
“I want nothing more from him.
The properties already transferred are sufficient.”
“You’re certain?”
“Yes.”
“Very well.
Let it be known, any wolf who speaks ill of Ms.
Grey will answer to this council.
She is the injured party.”
As people file out, Dominic approaches.
“Elena, I….”
“Don’t you dare!
There’s nothing left to say.” I shunned him up before he could complete his words.
“I got your note.
About the wedding dress.”
“I didn’t want it anymore.”
He flinches.
“I meant what I wrote.
You deserved better.”
“I know.
That’s why I’m leaving.”
I turn to go, but his hand catches my wrist.
“For what it’s worth, I’m going to remember you.
The real you.
And I’m going to regret that I didn’t see you sooner.”
“Goodbye, Dominic.”
Outside, Sage wraps an arm around me.
“You okay?”
“Yeah.
I really am.”
My phone buzzes with texts.
Damien: Proud of you, little wolf.
Jiang: Congratulations.
Coffee later?
And one from an unknown number: You were magnificent.
That took real courage.
For the first time in three years, I feel like myself.
Just Elena.
That evening, I’m in my apartment when there’s a knock.
I open the door expecting Sage or Damien.
Instead, it’s Vivian.
She looks terrible eyes red, face pale, holding Mira’s hand.
“I know I have no right to be here,” she says.
“But I needed to see you.”
I should slam the door.
But Mira is looking up at me with innocent eyes.
“Come in.”
Vivian sits on my couch, Mira curled against her.
“The pack council called me in after you left.
They wanted my statement about Dominic’s feelings.”
“And?”
“I told them the truth.
That he confessed years ago.
That I rejected him.
That I loved Sebastian.” She wipes her eyes.
“They asked if I encouraged Dominic.
If I knew he’d married you as a cover.”
“Did you?”
“I knew he had feelings.
I knew he was marrying you.
But I thought marriage would cure him.” She shakes her head.
“I never imagined he’d torture you like this.”
“But you let him.”
“I know.
And I’m sorry, Elena.”
“Your sorry doesn’t fix three years.”
“I know.” She stands.
“I’m leaving the city.
Taking Mira back to my parents’ pack.
The Ashfords have made it clear I’m not welcome.”
I should feel vindicated.
But looking at Mira, I just feel tired.
“I hope you find peace.”
“You too.” She moves toward the door, then stops.
“Oh, and Elena?
You might want to check the news.
Something’s about to break that will change everything.”
My stomach drops.
“What do you mean?”
But she’s already gone, the door closing softly behind her.
I grab my phone and pull up the news.
The headline makes my blood run cold:
BREAKING: Alpha Dominic Ashford Under Investigation for Financial Fraud—Former Luna Elena Grey Named as Potential Accomplice
What the hell?
My phone rings.
It’s Sage, and she sounds panicked.
“Elena, don’t say anything to anyone.
The SEC just issued a warrant.
They think you were involved in…”
The line goes dead before she was able to finish her statement.
Suddenly my door began vibrating as I heard a loud bang on my door.
“Ms.
Elena Grey?
Federal investigators.
We need you to come with us.”