Estelle's POV

"That mating mark on your neck hasn't been activated."

"What?" I asked, pausing. "That can't be right."

"Just look at the color," Oliver, the wandering doctor I had just saved, gestured to my mark. "It's red and raw. The wound will not heal until you have physically mated with the wolf who marked you."

My heart skipped a beat. All of a sudden, I felt hollow and lost. There was a persistent ringing in my ears.

"Are you alright, Miss?" Oliver asked. "You look pale."

"I've been with my mate for years! Now you're saying…"

I had been with my mate, Asher Daniels, for three years. Even though we weren't fated mates, our relationship had been stable for the course of our marriage.

Before I became his chosen mate, I had been living with his family since I was seven. I had no memories of my life before that. Asher's family took me in. When he proposed, I said yes immediately.

I had never doubted his love for me. He was sweet and provided me with everything I needed. More importantly, he didn't care that I was an orphan. He was the Alpha's heir and soon to be the next Alpha of the Moonveil Pack. Yet, Asher never cared that I was wolfless.

"There's another thing," the doctor said. "You said your name was Estelle?"

I nodded.

"If you don't mind me asking, do you know your parents?" Oliver asked.

This time, I shook my head.

Oliver handed me an old photo. It was a photo of himself back in his youth, standing next to a man. One look had my breath catching in my throat. The resemblance between the man in the photo and me was unmistakable.

"If you don't mind, I would like to test a strand of your hair," he said excitedly. "I think you may be the daughter of James Harper."

My eyes widened at that name. James Harper. He was the Alpha of the Blackmoon Pack, one of the strongest, wealthiest packs across the continent, before his death two weeks ago.

"You're aware that he has passed, yes?" the doctor continued.

I stiffly nodded.

"Before his death, James listed his only daughter as his heir. Until she eventually finds her true mate, at least."

He continued, "I'll need to test your DNA to be sure, but it's highly likely to be a match." He then paused and looked pointedly at my neck. "Maybe you would like to speak with your mate first. This concerns both of your futures as the Alpha and Luna of the Blackmoon Pack."

I nodded stiffly.

Oliver gave me his number and said he would be in contact. Then, he returned to the Blackmoon Pack.

Asher's face flashed through my mind. I left home immediately and rushed to his office at the pack house.

My heart hammered against my ribs. I needed answers from Asher. I needed the truth.

But as I approached his office door, voices drifted out.

"When will you announce to the pack that we're mated?" It was a woman's voice, sultry and impatient.

I froze upon hearing a woman's voice.

"Soon, Hazel," Asher's familiar tone responded. "Once I officially take over as the Alpha of the Moonveil Pack."

I recognized that name. Hazel Banner was the daughter of the previous Beta, the second-in-command to Asher's father. As a result, her family has been a close family friend for years.

I could still recall the time she stayed over when she found out her fated mate had passed away. She sought comfort in Asher's arms. At that time, we weren't together yet, and I didn't think too much about it. Soon after, her family left Moonveil, but I never knew why.

"I'm tired of waiting, Asher," she whined. "Why should I watch her play Luna while I hide in the shadows? I'm supposed to be your fated mate!"

"I know, baby," Asher sweetly said. It was the same tone he used with me. "Once I become the Alpha, no one can tear us apart. We'll get rid of Estelle, and it will just be the three of us."

Three of them. Were they plotting to take Finn too?

The words hit me like physical blows. My breathing became shallow. Every conversation, every tender moment, every promise Asher had made had all been lies.

I stumbled out of the pack house, my vision blurring. My phone rang just then. Oliver's number flashed on the screen.

"The DNA is a match," his voice came through clearly. "You're definitely James Harper's daughter. Will you be bringing your mate when you come to claim your inheritance, or your children? The inheritance process will be a little different if so—"

"I don't have a mate," I said quietly, touching the dormant mark. "Or children. I'll be coming alone."

I had no clue who actually marked me since Asher didn't. That was a question I didn't want answered for now. My stomach rolled in disgust at the thought. It could be anyone.

"I see. I'll prepare the necessary documents."

I ended the call just as footsteps approached from behind.

"Estelle!"

Asher's panicked voice made me turn. His face was flushed, his eyes wide with worry.

"I smelled your scent near the office. You weren't… You didn't go inside, did you?"

I forced my expression to remain neutral. "I just got here. Why?"

Relief flooded his features. "Good. Perfect timing, actually. There's something important I need to discuss with you."

"What is it?" I asked.

Just then, a car rolled into the driveway. Out stepped Finn from the backseat. The moment he alighted, he wore a bright smile on his face, causing me to do a double-take. In three years of raising him, he had never smiled at me before.

"Hazel!" he exclaimed. Then, he ran right past me. When I turned, I realized that Hazel had appeared outside. She happily hugged Finn.

...

Estelle's POV

Memories crashed over me like a tidal wave. When Asher first brought Finn home, I'd been devastated by my supposed infertility.

His parents had been rushing us to produce an heir, especially since Asher was going to be the next Alpha of the pack. However, the pack doctors had told me I was too weak and sickly to conceive. That was when Asher brought Finn home.

"His parents recently died," Asher had said. "He's an orphan now, Estelle. We can give him a home."

I'd thought Asher was being kind. He was giving us both a second chance.

But looking at the three of them now, the resemblance was impossible to ignore. Finn had Hazel's blonde hair and her green eyes. Even their mannerisms matched.

How had I been so blind?

I remembered Finn's tantrums, his tears, his desperate cries for his "real mother". I'd assumed he was too young to understand death. I'd pitied him, comforted him, while all along, his real mother was alive.

Everything became clear now. I'd been the convenient nanny. I raised their son, took everyone's abuse, while they lived their secret life happily together.

"You remember Hazel, don't you?" Asher said with a smile.

He placed his hand on my waist, and I resisted the urge to gag.

"Hazel will be taking over as my Beta temporarily," Asher explained. "She'll also be staying in the pack house to help manage pack business."

"Stay here?" I questioned, my voice sharper than intended. "In the pack house? With you?"

"Yes. It makes sense. I'm here most nights anyway, and you prefer our house near the pack borders."

Asher and I lived separately. He stayed in the pack house while I resided in a smaller house near the border with Finn.

But I didn't prefer staying there. I only did because he always claimed to need peace and quiet while working, something that was impossible with Finn's constant temper tantrums.

I rarely stayed overnight at the pack house because I had to stay back to take care of Finn. Asher usually came home to our small house only once or twice a week, claiming pack duties kept him busy.

Now I understood what those duties really were.

"I handle pack business too," I said, frowning. "There's no need to stay in the pack house—"

"I want to stay too!" Finn's voice cut through my words like a knife. "I don't want to stay at the border!"

The little boy glared at me with undisguised hatred.

"Finn—" Asher started.

"No! Estelle doesn't want her here because she's jealous! But I want my—" He caught himself, his small fists clenching. "I want to stay with Hazel!"

"Sweetheart, calm down," Hazel soothed, but her eyes held a triumphant gleam.

"She's trying to make Hazel leave!" Finn's voice rose to a shriek. "I hate her! I hate her so much!"

Tears streamed down his face as he charged forward.

"Finn, no—" Asher lunged forward.

But he was too late.

Finn charged forward and roughly pushed me. I staggered back, catching myself right before I could tumble down the stairs.

"Finn!" Asher's voice boomed through the room. "What are you doing?!"

The little boy's face crumpled. His defiant expression melted into terror as he stared at his father's furious face.

Finn, knowing that he was in trouble, scrambled to hide behind Hazel.

"You do not push someone like that!" Asher's voice shook with anger.

Finn bolted into the pack house before his father could catch him.

Asher started after him, but Hazel's hand shot out to grab his arm.

She turned to look at me. Her expression was a perfect blend of concern and triumph. The smirk tugging at her lips was barely hidden behind her fake sympathy.

"I'll take care of him," she said, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "Don't worry about anything."

Then she was gone, following the sound of Finn's footsteps.

Asher rushed to my side immediately. "Are you alright, Estelle?"

He reached a hand out to hold me, but I stepped back instinctively.

"I'm fine," I said, avoiding his touch.

Confusion flickered across his face. "I was just worried—"

"It's fine."

Asher pursed his lips.

"Would you like to stay tonight?" he asked. "It's getting late. The border might not be safe."

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. I had stayed there for three years perfectly fine, and Asher had never been concerned about my safety, nor his son's.

Asher noticed my silence. He probably thought I was upset about Finn.

He carefully said, "As his father, I should've done more. Finn is just a child, but I've put all the parenting responsibilities on your shoulders. That wasn't fair to you."

A bitter laugh escaped my throat. "Maybe his biological mother would have done a better job."

Asher's entire body went rigid.

"Finn's mother is dead," he slowly said. "You are his mother now."

"Oh?"

"Of course, honey." His hands cupped my face gently. "You are his mother, and you're an incredible mom at that. Don't ever doubt yourself."

I made a sound at his words, not wanting to talk to him any longer. "I should head back. Finn doesn't want me here."

"Wait," Asher said. "We still need to discuss Hazel's arrangement—"

"There's nothing to discuss," I said flatly. "You've already decided."

"I want you to be comfortable with this," he pressed.

"And you'll change your mind if I told you I was uncomfortable with it?" I countered.

...

Estelle's POV

Asher's face fell. "I know it's unusual, having another wolf stay in the pack house, but it's temporary. Just until I find a suitable permanent Beta."

"Whatever you say, Asher," I said, turning around to leave.

"Come on, Estelle, just stay for a night," Asher said. "It's not safe—"

"Actually," I said, stopping in my tracks. "If it's so unsafe, how about we get a new place to stay?"

Asher's eyes widened. His lips were slightly parted.

"A new place?"

"Yes," I said. "Don't you want your mate and son to have a safe place to stay, rather than that small house at the border? It could be in neutral territory, away from the forest."

Asher looked conflicted, but the moment I mentioned the neutral territory, he brightened.

Neutral territory was quite a travel away from Moonveil territory. It wasn't far by any means, but it also gave him and Hazel plenty of private space. I wouldn't be able to stop by the pack house as often or quickly if I stayed there.

"That sounds like a great idea, baby!" he eagerly exclaimed. "Actually, I was also thinking of a vacation home—"

"I want it under my name," I said, cutting him off.

"Your name?" He looked confused. "But—"

"I thought you wanted to make it up to me," I said, staring at him pointedly.

He studied my face for a long moment. I could see the wheels turning in his mind. He was probably worried I'd make a scene about Hazel if he pushed too hard.

"If that's what you want," he said finally. "Actually, I'll send you the money directly. You can choose whichever one you like best."

My phone buzzed a moment later with a bank notification. A substantial sum had been transferred to my account.

I stared at the numbers on my screen and laughed inwardly. This money was more than I'd seen in years.

Everything I owned came from Asher. But that didn't mean he'd been generous. I lived like a servant in his house, raising his secret son while he played Alpha-in-training. Even when we were kids, his parents made sure I worked hard to pay off the debt I owed them for taking me in.

Some Omegas got paid for their services. I got told to be grateful for food and shelter.

Most of my clothes were hand-me-downs from pack members. Only after our mating ceremony did my wardrobe improve, and even then, barely.

When Hazel inevitably replaced me, I'd be left with nothing. This money was what I deserved for wasting so many years of my life.

"Stay here tonight," Asher said, interrupting my thoughts. "Finn is here anyway. It'll be easier."

I nodded absently, still staring at my phone. "Fine."

***

The next morning, the scent of bacon and fresh bread woke me. I followed the delicious smells downstairs to find Asher and Hazel in the kitchen together.

They were laughing, and Finn was even helping out by bringing them ingredients whenever they asked. The three of them were the very picture of domestic bliss.

Hazel's hand rested on Asher's arm as she whispered something in his ear. His face was bright with genuine happiness, more than I'd seen from him in months.

The moment he spotted me, his expression shifted.

"Good morning, sweetheart!" Asher bounded over and kissed my cheek. "Look at this spread Hazel prepared for us. Isn't she thoughtful?"

The kitchen island was covered with food. Pancakes, eggs, bacon, fresh fruit, and pastries. It was enough to feed half the pack.

This was nothing like the simple breakfasts Finn and I usually shared at home. Toast and cereal were our usual fare.

"You're being too modest, Asher," Hazel said with a bright smile. "You cooked most of this yourself."

Of course he did. He'd prepared this feast for Hazel. To celebrate her first night in the pack house, no doubt.

Hazel caught my eye and smiled sweetly. "I hope you like everything, Luna. I wanted to make a good first impression."

The subtle emphasis on 'Luna' wasn't lost on me.

"It looks wonderful," I said evenly, taking a seat at the table.

Finn was already eating, his small hands grabbing at everything within reach. The moment I reached for a piece of bacon, he lunged forward and snatched it away.

I tried for an apple next. Again, Finn's hand shot out faster than mine.

"Finn, there's plenty of food," Asher said mildly.

But Finn ignored him completely. Every time I reached for something, he grabbed it first. His green eyes glared at me with pure hatred.

Finally, I managed to snag a pancake before he could reach it.

Finn's face turned red with rage. He dropped his fork with a clatter and plunged both hands directly into the stack of remaining pancakes.

He squished them between his fingers, mashing them into an inedible mess. Syrup and batter oozed between his tiny fists and splattered everywhere on the table.

"Finn!" Asher gasped. "What are you doing?"

"I don't want her to have any!" Finn screamed, tears streaming down his face.

The boy immediately ran to hide behind Hazel's legs.

"Oh, sweetheart," Hazel cooed, stroking his hair. "You're just upset. It's okay."

White-hot fury blazed through my chest. Three years of this behavior. Three years of tantrums and disrespect while I tried to love a child who hated my existence. But even then, he had never done this before, and especially not while Asher was watching.

I stood abruptly and marched around the table.

"Come here, Finn," I said coldly.

"No!" He pressed closer to Hazel.

I reached around Hazel and grabbed Finn's arm firmly. "I said come here."

"Let go!" he shrieked.

I pulled him away from Hazel and positioned him in front of me. My hand came down on his bottom in a sharp smack.

"You do not waste food!" I said firmly, delivering another smack. "And you do not throw tantrums!"

Finn burst into hysterical sobs.

Hazel immediately tried to grab him back. "Stop it! You're being too harsh!"

I turned to face her, my voice ice-cold. "I am his mother. I am disciplining my child. An outsider should not interfere."

Hazel's eyes went wide with shock. "I'm not an outsider! I'm—"

"You're what?" I challenged, staring directly into her green eyes. "What exactly are you to this family, Hazel?"

...

Estelle's POV

She opened and closed her mouth like a fish gasping for air.

"That's enough, Estelle," Asher said, coming forward to grab my hand. I was forced to release Finn's arm. "He's still a child."

The moment I did, Finn dashed towards Hazel, sobbing genuinely this time. Hazel cooed and rubbed his back, trying to comfort him.

I shot Asher a glare. I had tried my best to be patient with Finn through the years, so much so that I had never resorted to physical punishments. This was the first time, and only because Finn had gone too far, even while his father was watching.

"It is exactly because he is an impressionable child that I have to be stricter with his upbringing." I looked down at Finn, who was still sobbing. "I have been far too lenient with you for far too long. As your mother, I will be firm with your upbringing from now on."

Then I turned on my heel and walked toward the door.

"Estelle, wait!" Asher called after me.

I ignored him and headed straight for the front doors. I barely made it three steps outside the pack house before Asher caught up with me.

"Estelle, wait!" His hand wrapped around my wrist, forcing me to stop.

I turned to face him, keeping my expression neutral. "What?"

"Where are you going?" His green eyes searched my face desperately. "You can't just storm off like that."

"I have errands to run," I simply said.

"Errands?" Asher echoed, frowning. "Come on, Estelle. I know you're mad about Hazel being my new Beta, but you can't just vent your frustrations on a child like that! Finn is still young!"

"His age is not an excuse for his disrespect," I coldly said. "Weren't you the one who said that I'm Finn's mother?"

Asher reeled back. "Yes, you are, but—"

"As his mother, it's my duty to make sure he is raised well," I said before he could finish his sentence. "Finn is your heir and the next Alpha of Moonveil. Unless you are planning on having someone else rule Moonveil in the future?"

"Of couse not!" Asher snapped. "My son will become the next Alpha!"

"Then we are in agreement," I said matter-of-factly before turning to leave.

"You can't just go—"

"I have an appointment with the real estate agent in neutral territory," I sharply said, plucking his hand off my wrist. "I need to get going; if not, I'll be late."

"Real estate agent?"

"Yes," I said. "For the house we discussed yesterday?"

Relief flickered across his features. "Oh. Right."

He ran his free hand through his light brown hair, clearly flustered. "I'll come with you," he said, clasping my hand again. "We can look at them together."

"That's unnecessary." I pulled my wrist from his grip. "You're busy with pack duties. I can pick one out myself."

His jaw tightened. "Estelle, I don't think you should be alone right now. You're clearly upset about—"

"I'm not upset." The lie came easily.

"But the contracts can be complicated—"

"I'm not stupid, Asher," I snapped. "I've helped Moonveil look through way more contracts than necessary to handle one small contract on property purchase."

He took a step back as if I'd slapped him. "I never said you were. I just want to help."

I could see the disapproval building in his expression.

Time for another performance.

I forced my features to soften and stepped closer to him. "Actually, I was thinking it could be like a surprise."

"A surprise?"

"For you." I reached up and straightened his shirt collar. "I want to pick out something perfect. Something that's just ours."

The tension in his shoulders melted away. "Really?"

"Of course." I managed what I hoped was a convincing smile. "Trust me?"

"Always." He leaned down and kissed my forehead. "Take your time. Choose whatever makes you happy."

I nodded and headed toward my car. As I drove away, I caught sight of him in my rearview mirror, watching until I disappeared around the corner.

***

Neutral territory was exactly what I'd expected. Rolling hills dotted with expensive villas, each one strategically positioned for maximum privacy and ocean views. The kind of place where wealthy pack members came to escape politics and territorial disputes.

The sales office was sleek and modern, all glass walls and marble floors. A cheerful young woman in a pristine suit greeted me immediately.

"Welcome! I'm Sarah. The receptionist mentioned you're here to check out our latest line of holiday villas?"

"Yes. I'd like to see what's available."

She pulled up several models on her tablet, showing me photos of all sorts of houses and what they all had to offer. The prices were astronomical, but I had Asher's generous transfer sitting in my account.

"I was thinking of this one," I said, pointing to a beautiful contemporary home that was right at the end of the street. It had everything I needed.

"Excellent choice! Would you like to tour the actual venue?"

"There's no need," I said. "I'll take it."

Sarah's eyes widened. "You don't want to think about it? Or perhaps check out some of the other options?"

"No. I want to buy it today. I can pay for it in full right now."

"Well, that certainly makes things simpler." She pulled out a thick contract. "Let me get the paperwork started."

I was halfway through signing when a shrill voice cut through the quiet office.

"Stop! Stop right now!"

A young woman with perfectly styled red hair burst through the front door. Her blue eyes were wild with fury as she spotted me at the desk.

She rushed over and smacked the pen right out of my hand. It clattered to the floor, leaving an ink stain across the contract.

"What the hell?" I stared at her in shock.

"I was here first!" she shrieked, pointing an accusatory finger at me. "That house is mine!"