He Begged for My Love After He Wasted It

My name was Eris Lavender. I had been married to Silas Cross, Alpha of the Silvercrest Pack, for ten years.

We seemed like a strong pair, and everyone envied me because of it. He treated me well in public, spoke softly to me in private, and made sure my needs were always met.

Silas Cross was the perfect Alpha mate anyone would have wished to have.

That's what everyone thought. Thats what I also thought. But things were actually different from the truth.

That morning, I only went to his pack office because I had forgotten my phone charger on his table. The guards let me through as they smiled at me, greeting me with the respect of a Luna.

As I went closer, I noticed that Silass office door was slightly open, just enough for voices to slip through.

"Eris doesnt know about any of it," Silas said. "And she doesnt need to."

I paused. I wasnt even trying to listen. I was just close enough to hear.

Cody, his Beta, sounded tense.

"Silas you used her mothers heart to save Elara Stones sister. You didnt tell Eris the truth about how her mother died. You let her believe it was natural."

My mother?

My hand stilled on the doorknob as the name hit me.

Elara Stone.

Elara, Silass first love. Elara, the woman my ex-fianc left me for. Elara, the one Silas always managed to slip into conversations when he thought I wouldnt notice.

My chest tightened. I leaned in carefully, letting the shadows hide me.

"Her mother was dying already. The doctor said there was no chance for her to live," Silas said. "And Elara needed me. Her family needed me. I did what I had to do."

"So you chose Elara over your own mate," Cody shot back.

Silas didnt hesitate.

"I will always choose Elara," he said. "Elara and her family helped me when I was at my lowest, and this was the only way I could repay her. Besides, I paid that debt of life by marrying Eris. Ive done enough."

My stomach twisted. I felt like I might throw up.

Codys voice dropped. "And if she finds out?"

Silas didnt even sound worried. "Then Ill just end everything for us. Ive spent ten years pretending, enduring, and tolerating Eris. She cant even give me a child, maybe were not meant to be together."

I just stood there, feeling everything inside me go very, very quiet.

Ten years. Ten years of believing I was loved, protected, and finally chosen.

But it seemed that in all those years, I had just been a placeholder.

I stepped back from the door, careful not to make a sound. There were no tears, no collapse, no confrontation. I simply turned away, walked out of the pack house with steady steps, got into my car, and drove.

It wasnt until I reached the woods that my hands began to shake. I stepped out of the car, bent forward slightly, and released a single sharp breath. Not a sob. Not even a gasp. Just a release of everything sitting heavy in my chest.

Then the pain struck. Deep and sudden in my abdomen.

That was when I remembered the test from that morning. I had been planning to surprise Silas about being pregnant during dinner that night. We had been trying for so long, and I imagined how happy he would be after knowing this.

But it seemed that I had been expecting too much.

I placed my hand over my stomach, and for a brief moment, a small warmth flickered in my chest. A new life. My child. Something pure that belonged to me alone.

But the warmth faded just as quickly when the truth followed.

Silas would never want this child.

The realization was heavy, like something pressing straight through my ribs. My vision blurred. I tried to step back toward the car, but my legs felt weak.

The ground tilted, rushing up to meet me. I reached out for something, anything, but there was nothing to hold onto.

Everything slipped into darkness.

****

I woke to bright hospital lights and the sharp, sterile smell of disinfectant. My head hammered with a dull pain, and a nurse was bending over my arm, adjusting the IV line.

I tried to lift myself, but a strong hand closed around mine before I could move.

Silas sat at the foot of the bed. He looked drained, his face pale and his eyes rimmed red as if he had not slept. He leaned forward, and his voice came out tight.

"Eris, why were you alone in the woods? You scared me."

There was a tremor in it, like fear, but not the kind that comes from losing someone. It was the kind that comes from losing control.

He brought my fingers to his lips and kissed them, then my knuckles, and then my forehead.

"Dont ever do that again," he whispered. "I cant lose you."

The performance was perfect. Every movement, every soft word, fit the image of a man desperate and devoted.

I let him have the scene. I let him think his show had convinced me. I forced a small, tired smile that read as confusion rather than accusation and said, "I wont."

Relief washed over his face, and he tightened his grip on my hand as if that would anchor him.

But the truth sat under my ribs like a stone, and I held it there.

He had taken my mother from me.

He had married me because it suited him.

He would discard me the moment I became inconvenient.

All of that was clear as daylight now, and the grief for what I had lost mixed with a cold clarity that felt like new bone setting inside me.

Silas told me he would be leaving for a summit with the Northern Council, a routine exchange between packs that the Alphas called diplomacy.

Three days, he said as he ran a hand through my hair in that practiced, gentle way. Ill call every night.

He kissed my forehead and I smiled back, performing the role I had perfected.

I watched the convoy drive through the pack gates with its tinted windows and uniformed guards, and when the last vehicle disappeared I turned away and headed straight for the security wing of the Alpha residence.

I had been watching him for weeks, noticing the small habits he never thought mattered.

He tapped his thumb twice before entering a code, he forgot to switch camera feeds when he rushed, and people always stepped aside because no one wanted to test an Alphas domain.

Those gaps were all I needed.

The workstation in his office was still logged in when I arrived, his profile active on the screen as if he had only stepped out for a moment.

I sat in his chair, inhaled to steady myself, and opened the internal network. The medical archives were where they always were.

My mothers file appeared immediately.

The diagnosis made my stomach drop: Critical organ failure.

The resolution line showed that the transplant had been approved through Alpha authorization.

Beneath it the recipients name was listed. Lyria Stone, Elaras sister.

I sat with my hands on the desk until the truth settled. I did not break down in tears. Instead, something inside me narrowed until it was all focused.

My mother had not simply died of illness, her body had been taken to save someone else. Although her condition was terminal, she should still be able to live a few more months to a year.

If Silas didn't take her organs out, my mother won't die prematurely.

I leaned back in Silass leather chair and looked around the office that had once felt like the center of my life.

I clenched my fist and thought of how my mother had always treated Silas like a son. Silas had said Elaras family had helped him when he was at his lowest, but he did not know that it had been my mother working behind the scenes.

She had done it quietly and without wanting recognition because kindness had been who she was.

But I was not my mother. I would not be kind in return.

A life for a life was the rule I would follow. He would regret what he had done.

I began collecting evidence immediately. I took screenshots, saved files, exported logs, and stored everything on a secure drive that could not be traced back to me.

I made multiple backups, organized the documents, and hid them where no one would look unless they already suspected betrayal.

When I finished, I logged out and restored the workspace exactly as it had been, leaving no sign that anyone had been there.

My first stop after that was a well-known law firm. The attorney looked up in surprise when I walked in without an appointment.

You did not schedule he started.

I need separation papers drafted and provisional custody, I interrupted, placing the drive on his desk. Everything you need is here.

He hesitated. Maam, this could provoke the Alpha.

It should, I said. My eyes were red from holding in what I had learned but I did not let them water. Draft it and hold it. Do not file until I give the order.

He took the drive, plugged it in, and his face went serious as he scrolled.

This is substantial. Financial manipulation, unauthorized medical authorization, misuse of pack resources. He nodded when I repeated my instruction. I will hold the documents until you say go.

I left without small talk and went to the clinic on the edge of the Outlier Quarters. The clinic was small and discreet, the kind of place that did favors for wolves who fell through the cracks.

Doctor Riven, an old friend from college who had chosen to work where the city met the wild, waited outside smoking. He looked up when I approached and did not hide his surprise.

You are really doing this? he asked.

Yes, I replied.

He crushed the cigarette under his heel and shifted his weight.

You sure? Once the bond is severed, you cannot form it with that same mate again. For the child, the bond matters.

I am sure, I said. I handed him the plan and the evidence I carried. I need a clean break. I want them to believe I am gone.

He studied my face for a long moment and then led me inside to a sterile examination room. He worked quietly at the base of my neck where the mate bond could be released with a controlled procedure.

Before he began, he asked softly, Are you certain? This is permanent.

My mother helped him in silence, I said, meeting his eyes. He repaid her with betrayal. I am not my mother. He will regret it.

I sat in the waiting room with one hand resting on my lap, the other slowly rubbing my stomach.

The clinic was quiet except for the soft beeping of machines and the television playing softly in the corner. I was not paying attention to it at first, until I heard a familiar name.

Silas Cross of the Silvercrest Pack and model Elara Stone spotted at an exclusive auction, the anchor said.

I looked up. The screen showed Silas and Elara standing close together, quite intimate.

Elara's hand rested lightly on Silas' arm, while Silas looked at her the way a man looked at his wife, full of affection and longing.

They looked like a married couple.

They look so good together, I overheard someone beside me say. Theyre the perfect pair!

Thats true. I heard theyre secretly married.

Really? Gosh, thats so sweet!

I kept my eyes on the screen, then lowered my head. I sneered.

Silas had told me this was a business trip. But nothing about what I was seeing looked like business. It looked like two people preparing to walk down the aisle.

I inhaled slowly. I wouldnt let this matter affect me and my baby.

A nurse stepped out from the hallway. Ms. Lavender? The doctor is ready for you.

I stood and followed her inside. The doctor greeted me with a soft smile.

Any pain or discomfort since your last visit? she asked.

No, I answered. I kept my voice steady. Just a bit more tired.

That is normal, she nodded. Lets check on the baby.

The gel felt cold against my skin, but I stayed still. The monitor lit up, and I saw the tiny form I had memorized from earlier visits. Then the heartbeat filled the room.

It was steady, strong, and alive.

The doctor nodded. Everything looks perfect. Your baby is growing well.

Relief eased the tightness in my chest. I didnt grow emotional, but something inside me settled. The doctor handed me the printed ultrasound picture. I held it carefully.

This was what mattered now.

After leaving the clinic, I drove straight to Silverstone Enterprises. Seeing the name, I realized Silas had combined his with Elaras.

No wonder he would rather work than spend time with me.

The lobby was busy. People moved quickly, talking quietly. When the receptionist saw me, her expression shifted.

Mrs. Cross, she said carefully. Im sorry, but you cant go in right now.

Why not? I asked, keeping my voice calm even as my pulse quickened.

She hesitated. Mr. Cross has an important visitor. He requested not to be disturbed.

I blinked. I didnt even know Silas was back from his trip.

I am his wife. Surely he wouldnt mind, I said.

She looked uneasy. I know, maam. But he left strict instructions.

I looked at her, and seeing that she wouldnt hesitate to block me, I turned away.

But I did not leave.

I walked down the hallway to the hidden staircase that led directly to his office floor. It didnt take me long to get there.

His office was empty. But from the private room beside it, I heard muffled sounds.

The door was slightly open. I stopped and looked inside.

Silas stood near the bed. Elara was in his arms. They were kissing, slow and familiar. His hand rested on her waist.

She smiled against his mouth.

"The baby is growing well. Can you feel it move?" She asked.

Silas touched her belly and chuckled. "How could it already move if it's only a few weeks old?"

Something inside me went silent.

I lifted my phone. My hands did not shake. I took a picture. Then another.

I placed my resignation letter on his desk and walked out.

In the car, I opened a dummy account and sent the photos to Elaras husband.

I typed, Is this your wife?

My ex-fianc, Lawrence, had cheated on me and chosen Elara. Now Elara was here to take my husband again.

But I wasnt letting her have him this time.

At home, I gathered everything Silas had ever given me and placed them in a pile on the living room floor.

I lit a match. The flames spread slowly, then grew, swallowing every trace of him. All the memories we shared, the love I thought would last forever, were now being reduced to ashes.

As I watched the fire climb, my phone chimed. A notification.

Silas and Elara were at a bar now. Lights. Drinks. Bodies pressed close. Elara had posted the photos, captioned:

The best night with the best man.

I chuckled and liked it. I hearted every picture and tagged Silas openly. I felt no fear. No hesitation.

Minutes later, Silas called.

Eris, its not what youre thinking, he said.

The background was noisy, and I heard Elaras voice calling for him.

Really? Then what is that? A friendly picture? I asked, watching the flames climb higher.

It was just a dare between friends. It didnt mean anything. You know that.

Of course, I replied calmly, walking out of the house as it burned.

I knew youd understand. Ill come home tonight. I heard you went to the hospital. Are you si

I ended the call and threw the phone into the fire, letting it burn to ash.

Outside, the sky was darkening. Sirens were beginning to scream in the distance.

I placed my hand on my stomach.

And then

I felt the first sharp pain.

Silas leaned against the counter with a drink in his hand, staring at his phone where the call with me had abruptly ended.

His brows were drawn together, his thumb hovering just above the screen as if he intended to call again.

I didnt think shed just hang up, he muttered.

Before he could place the call, Elara slid her hand around his arm with a practiced, gentle smile.

Shes probably just tired. You said shes always bothered if you have been out for so long. If shes upset, I can talk to her. I can even bring a gift to make peace.

Silas let out a short laugh, and some of the tension left his face. You really are sweet, Elara. If only Eris were as understanding as you.

She is probably just overwhelmed, Elara replied, resting her hand against her stomach. Besides, she will be happy once she has my baby.

Silas sighed and gave her hand a light squeeze. You are kind, Elara. You sacrificed getting pregnant just to give me an heir. I just wish things were simpler.

Her expression softened, warm and reassuring. I just want to help you. I know you both are having a hard time creating one. Besides, I only want you to relax tonight. You deserve a break.

They returned to the crowd, drinking and dancing as the music grew louder and the night blurred around them.

Cody stood off to the side, watching with a tense jaw. His phone kept lighting up with notifications, and he tried several times to get close enough to speak to Silas, but Silas was too absorbed to notice.

When it was well past midnight, Cody finally stepped forward.

Alpha, we should head back. There have been several messages from home. I believe they are from the Madam, he said carefully.

Silas waved him off with a grimace of irritation, the alcohol sharpening his tone. I am in the middle of something here. I will deal with whatever it is in the morning.

But sir, the calls have been insistent. There could be some problem

Did you not hear me? Silas snapped. Answer it yourself if you are so concerned.

Cody paused, clearly unsettled, but Silas had already turned away again.

Elara spoke gently, feigning concern. Maybe you should at least check. Maybe Eris is just distressed.

No. Do not worry about it. It is nothing urgent, Silas said. You know Eris likes to cause trouble whenever she wants. Let her wait.

He ignored the constant ringing of his phone, choosing instead to stay with Elara. Hours passed before they finally stepped outside into the cool night air. As they exited, a figure hurried toward them.

At first, they brushed it off, but Silas stopped when he recognized his personal secretary. She was pale and out of breath, and the sight instantly sobered him.

Alpha, she said, struggling to steady her voice. A lawyer came to the company. He delivered documents.

Silas frowned. Then give them to me tomorrow morning. You didnt have to drive here and disturb my rest.

But sir, it was urgent. The lawyer said that with or without you, the divorce papers will take effect. You werent answering your phone, so I came here.

Silas froze in place. His voice came out low and sharp.

Divorce? Who would file something like that at this hour? Let me see.

The secretary handed him the envelope. Silas ripped it open and scanned the pages, only to see my name and my signature clearly printed and sealed.

The room around him seemed to thicken. Anger erupted in his eyes. He immediately dialed my number.

Once, twice, repeatedly, but I did not answer.

She is asking for divorce because of a few pictures? his voice rose, cracking. She didnt even want to speak to me first?

At that moment, Cody rushed forward, gripping Silas arm in a way that would normally be unacceptable for a subordinate. His face showed real fear.

Alpha, there is a serious problem, he said, breathing unsteadily.

Silas looked at him, and the expression on Codys face made everything inside him go still.

The fire department called, Cody continued. Those messages from home were from security. Not from her.

Silas stopped breathing. A sudden tightness seized his chest. It was painful, crushing, as if something inside him had been violently severed.

What are you saying? his voice came out louder, anger blending with something far more fragile. Fire department? Security? Explain to me why theyre calling!

Cody swallowed hard, the words heavy. The fire department said there was a fire at your house. It burned down completely. And Madam, your wife, was inside when it happened.

Silas heart skipped, stuttered, fractured.

And what happened to her? he asked, voice barely audible.

Cody lowered his gaze. Sir There were no survivors. Mrs. Eris died in the fire.

Silas didnt speak.

Not at first.

He just stared at Cody like the words hadnt landed right, like they were still floating somewhere above him waiting to be understood.

What what did you say? Silas finally managed, his voice thin.

Cody swallowed hard. Shes gone, Sir. Madam Eris His voice cracked. The responders they said He couldnt finish.

Silas shook his head sharply, almost offended by the idea.

Dead? Eris? No. His chest rose and fell too fast.

Thats impossible. This has to be a joke.

Cody opened his mouth, but a knock thundered through the office before he could speak again. Two uniformed police officers stepped inside, followed by a pair of firefighters who still smelled faintly of smoke.

Silass entire body stilled.

The lead officer spoke gently, too gently, and that was when Silass rejection began to falter. People only used that tone when the truth was devastating.

Mr. Cross, the officer said as he removed his cap, were here to inform you of an incident. A fire broke out in one of your properties. A woman was found inside. She was identified as

Dont say her name. Silass voice cut through the room like glass. Not until youre absolutely sure.

The firefighter stepped forward, holding a blackened folder of documents.

Sir, the blaze was already too intense when we arrived. We did everything we could to assess the scene. The the body was found near the back room, consistent with

Enough. Silas stepped back as if struck. His eyes flickered to the sealed photos the firefighter carried.

Thats thats not her. It cant be.

His breath trembled. Something inside him began to crack, too sharp and too sudden to hide. He pressed a hand to his chest, frowning as if he didnt recognize the feeling twisting violently inside him.

Sir, the officer said softly, Im sorry.

Silas didnt answer. Couldnt.

Silas!

Elaras voice pierced the tension, her hand covering her mouth with wide, tear-filled eyes.

Oh god is it true? Is Eris really is she She covered her mouth with a dramatic sob.

Silas stiffened.

Elara glanced hastily at the firefighters.

How could she die in a fire? she demanded, her voice rising. Are you telling me you couldnt save her? Not even try?

She shook her head frantically. No no! Thats impossible. She shouldnt be dead!

Her wails echoed off the walls, too rehearsed for anyone truly grieving, but she made sure her back was turned whenever her tears dried a little too quickly.

The firefighter gave a tired sigh. Maam, we did everything we could. The fire was already roaring when we arrived. The structural damage

Then you didnt arrive soon enough! she snapped.

Elara, Silas murmured, but even he sounded distant, lost.

The firefighter opened the folder and tapped the burnt, sealed photos inside. Sir, this is the position where the body was discovered. The dental records

Silas turned his head away sharply, jaw tightening. He didnt want to see. Couldnt see.

Elara sniffed loudly, wiping her eyes with deliberate jerky movements.

This cant be real, she cried. She she cant just die like that. Why would a fire suddenly happen? And why now, of all times?

She shook her head and leaned against Silas as if seeking comfort. Silas, she shouldnt be gone. It shouldve

She stopped herself.

But Silas heard it.

Everyone heard it.

It must be someone else, she corrected quickly, her voice trembling with fabricated anguish. It cant be her.

For a moment, she let her face crumple in exaggerated despair.

Inside, however, her heart drummed with triumph.

Finally.

Finally Eris was gone.

Finally she didnt have to pretend anymore.

She had been planning to do something about me once the child in her stomach was born. She thought it would be quite a long battle, maybe a few years, before she could finally take the position of Luna beside Silas.

Who would have thought that such an accident would occur?

My death was a blessing, and she couldnt wish for more. But she had to pretend for a while, to show that she cared.

She glanced sideways to see if Silas would pull her closer, comfort her, maybe even agree with her outrage

She froze.

Because Silas didnt show the reaction she expected. Every time she cried like this, Silas would gather her in his arms to comfort her.

Now, he wasnt even looking at her.

He was staring at the firefighters with narrowed, calculating eyes.

Elaras right, he muttered. How can you be sure the body is Eris?

His voice gained strength, anger, something fierce. Where is the proof?

The firefighters exchanged glances.

Elara blinked. She had not expected that. Her mouth opened slightly in surprise.

Y-yes! she quickly added, struggling to keep up with his shift. Silas is right. Maybe you got it wrong. You should investigate again.

Silas stepped forward, his voice turning harsh. Youre telling me she died without anyone seeing her leave the property? Without any witness? Without any confirmation except a charred body?

His tone sharpened. Do you think Im stupid?

No, Sir, the officer answered calmly. But the evidence at the scene and the dental records

Re-examine it, Silas demanded. All of it. I want everything verified.

The firefighters nodded reluctantly. We will, Sir.

Elara nodded along eagerly, pretending to support him while inside, panic crawled up her spine. She thought hed crumble, not question. She thought hed cling to her, not to hope.

She forced a tremulous sigh. Silas I just cant I cant believe shes gone. It hurts so much.

But Silas didnt look at her.

He was staring at the floor, his fist clenched so tightly his knuckles were white.

Everything in him looked wrong.

Like a man trying to hold himself together with his bare hands.

Silas wasnt a man easily shaken.

He didnt panic.

He didnt break.

But now, he was trembling.

Before anyone could speak again, his secretary rushed to his side, face pale.

Sir sir! he called out breathlessly.

Silas snapped his head up, his emotions swiftly shuttered behind a cold mask. What?

The secretary swallowed. The stocks Theyre falling.

Silass brows furrowed in immediate fury. What do you mean falling? Why?

His voice thundered across the area.

The secretary hesitated. He looked at everyone present, then leaned in closer.

Its because of the letter, he whispered. The suicide letter

Silass eyes went wide.

What letter? His voice was a low growl.

The one Madam Eris posted online, the secretary replied, almost stammering. Its everywhere, sir. People think she took her own life.