She hissed, a small but painful sound escaping her lips as the knife's edge found her skin. Blood welled up from the shallow cut, mingling with the ingredients she was trying to chop.
She paused, her breathing becoming labored, her body rebelling against her efforts. She wasn't well – feverish, weak – but she also knew that she needed to do this like she didn’t have a choice.
She set the knife down, her hand trembling, and leaned against the counter. Her thoughts swirled, a whirlwind of emotions clashing within her.
A Luna shouldn't be doing this, but she was trapped by circumstances. Married to Xander, the future alpha, her life was no longer solely her own.
In her elegant attire meant for the upcoming succession ceremony, Emily was busy in the kitchen, trying to help everyone just to make sure everything was in order.
If my father and my twin brothers see me right now, they would surely be shocked and disappointed.
Emily couldn’t help but think how opposite her life was right now. She was the pride of her father’s pack and her family. She was treated as a princess, and she didn’t even need to lift a finger when she needed to do something because she had so many people around her who would do it for her.
Here, in the Silverback Pack, she was unseen, her true worth buried beneath expectations. Even as her fever raged, her loyalty to Xander drove her forward, the fever's fire mirrored by her determination.
"Emily, I've been watching you." A loud voice cut through the air.
Lena Burtons, Xander's mother, materialized like a menace, her words icy and sharp, accusing Emily of negligence during this crucial time.
"You should be preparing for the banquet, not slacking off."
Emily's heart sank, the reality that not all appreciated her sacrifices striking her like a blade. Lena's reprimand stung, but she persisted, unyielding in her role.
"I'm sorry. I just finished chopping vegetables. I'm feeling a bit dizzy," Emily's words were strained.
Lena's tone turned harsh, her words a whip lashing at Emily's resolve. "Stop making excuses. Just because Xander's becoming Alpha doesn't mean you can be lazy. Know your place."
Fearful yet determined, Emily pressed on. "You don't need to worry. Everything will be in order."
Lena's raised eyebrow was a silent challenge. "I still don't understand why Xander chose a worthless wolf like you. You don't make him stronger. You're worthless."
It’s okay, Emily. You can do this for Xander…
Lena's words were a flurry of daggers, slicing into Emily's heart. She bit back her retort, her history of sacrifices for Xander silencing her. Love bound them beyond matehood, a force she held close.
Lena departed, leaving Emily to her tasks. Finally, the chores were done, yet weariness clung to her like a heavy blanket. Seeking a breather, she sought out Xander, longing for comfort.
Just the thought of talking to him after a grueling day brought warmth to her chest.
“I just need to see him and all will be fine…” she whispers to herself.
She was very excited. The pain on her body, the dizziness, she knows all that wouldn’t matter once she is in his arms. He was her solace, her comfort.
The truth is, ever since she married Xander, his family had treated her like she was a worthless being. No matter how much she serves them, it feels like she will never be enough like she will never be accepted.
There were moments when she was starting to wonder if all this was worth it or if the best thing to do was to divorce him, but she loved Xander so much that she was willing to accept everything even the way his family treated her.
But reality shattered her hopes as she saw Xander standing with another woman, Natalie Blakewood, wrapped in an intimate embrace.
Emily's heart shattered as she heard their whispered exchange.
"Don't worry, Natalie. You're safe here. I will always protect you, no matter what," Xander's voice, a balm to Natalie's pain, grated against Emily's ears.
"Stay with me, Xander. I need you," Natalie's plea stabbed at Emily's soul.
“I’m here, Natalie. I promised you I won’t let anyone hurt you,”
Natalie, a figure from their past, had returned. A storm brewed within Emily as old wounds resurfaced. She had given up her identity and birthright for Xander, and now, her love felt fragile.
Emily took a deep breath.
She was so tired. All she wanted was a hug from Xander but what she saw made her state even worse.