Chapter 13

Freya's POV

The SUV finally pulled through the gates of Silver Moon Manor. I exhaled slowly, grateful that the uncomfortable ride was nearly over. For the entire journey, Riley had dominated the conversation, chattering away to Ethan while I sat silent in the back seat, practically invisible.

When Ethan parked in front of the imposing mansion, I prepared to make my own way out. I'd grown accustomed to his indifference over the past three years—why would today be any different? But to my

surprise, after he cut the engine, he immediately walked around to my door and pulled it open.

"Careful," he said, extending his hand toward me.

I froze, unsure how to react. He'd been acting like a complete jerk since last night, and now he was suddenly playing gentleman? I stared at his outstretched hand, momentarily bewildered.

"Don't trust him," my wolf warned. "He's unpredictable."

But my body betrayed me. I placed my hand in his, feeling warmth spread from the contact point up my arm. I quickly looked away, not wanting him to notice my accelerated heartbeat. His palm was large and warm against mine as he helped me from the car, his scent enveloping me so completely that for a moment, I forgot we were about to dissolve our union.

"Ethan!" Riley's sugary voice called from the passenger seat. "Help me out too!"

Ethan frowned, turning toward her. "Why do you need to get out? We haven't reached your house yet."

Riley blinked in surprise, her perfectly glossed lips forming a small 'o'. "But didn't you just agree I could stay at your place?" Her eyes flicked to me, a hint of challenge in them.

My stomach clenched painfully, and my chest felt suddenly tight. I'd known Riley would try something like this, but hearing it still hurt.

Ethan's expression turned strange. "I was distracted earlier. I didn't hear what you said."

I couldn't help but laugh at his blunt response. There was no embarrassment or guilt in his voice—just straightforward honesty. That was Ethan for you, cold and direct whether he was being cruel or truthful.

Riley's face fell before she quickly recovered with a pouty look. "Well, now that you've heard me, can I stay at your place? I'm so scared all alone..." Her voice grew progressively softer, as if she might burst into tears at any moment.

"No," Ethan replied firmly. "I have territorial instincts, Riley. You know Alpha werewolves don't like their territories invaded."

My eyes widened at his statement.

Riley's eyes turning venomous as she glared at me. "But Freya lives here!"

"Freya is my mate," Ethan said coolly. "Until our agreement is dissolved, this is her home too."

His words stung, reminding me that our relationship was nothing but a contract. Soon, I'd be as unwelcome here as Riley was now.

Ignoring Riley's angry stare, Ethan gently guided me toward the front door, his hand still supporting my elbow. "Come on, you need to rest."

I allowed myself to be led, mind spinning with confusion. "What's going on with him? Why is his attitude changing so dramatically?"

I could feel Riley's rage as she reluctantly got out of the car and followed us, leaning heavily on her cane. Her furious gaze burned into my back as we entered the mansion.

Inside, Olivia immediately appeared in the foyer. "Mrs. Blackwood, welcome home," she said warmly. "Do you need anything?"

"I'll take Riley home," Ethan announced, transferring me to Olivia's care. "You stay home and rest. Don't wander off. I'll be back soon. We need to talk."

There was something almost like concern in his voice, which only confused me more. I watched his retreating form, my wolf whimpering slightly at the Alpha's departure.

Back in my bedroom, I stood by the window, watching Ethan drive away with Riley. My emotions were too tangled to unravel. I lightly stroked my stomach, whispering to my unborn child, "Baby, Mommy doesn't know what your father is thinking either."

I remembered Ethan's cold expression when he handed me the dissolution papers, then contrasted it with his gentle manner when helping me from the car today. The whiplash was giving me emotional vertigo.

"Don't fall for it again, Freya," I told myself bitterly. "You've been fooled by his occasional kindness for three years now, thinking you could build something real."

I moved away from the window, determined not to let Ethan's inconsistent behavior distract me from what mattered. No matter his reasons for showing kindness—whether guilt, obligation, or some Alpha instinct—I wouldn't soften my resolve. My priorities were clear: protect my baby and secure my independence.

Night had fallen by the time I settled at my desk with a notebook, writing down everything I knew about the upcoming hunting ritual. Elder's words echoed in my mind: "No rules. All dangers are real."

The traditional hunt occurred every three years during the first full moon of autumn. All adult pack members were required to participate, with special challenges designed to test young wolves joining for the first time. Victory meant recognition and status within the pack.

But what mattered most to me was about the female winner. She would be recognized as Zeta—a position of authority independent of being the Alpha's mate. If I could win, I could protect myself and my child regardless of whether Ethan and I dissolved our union.

The odds were stacked against me. As a mixed-blood pregnant werewolf, I'd be competing against stronger full-bloods. I'd need every advantage I could get.

I picked up my phone and texted Ivy: [Do you have any magical items that could help with hunting? I need to win the ritual.]

I knew it was risky asking for magical assistance, but for my child's future, I was willing to take chances. The phone lit up almost immediately with Ivy's response:

[Do you have details about the specific challenges? I can prepare items based on what you'll face. Let's meet tomorrow to discuss. Also, are you SURE you want to participate in a hunt while pregnant, Freya?!]

I typed back firmly: [I have to participate, and I have to win. It's the only way forward for me and the baby.]

After sending the message, I leaned back in my chair, feeling the weight of what lay ahead. The hunting ritual would be physically demanding and dangerous, especially in my condition. But becoming Zeta was my best hope for security and protection.

I spent another hour reviewing what I knew about werewolf hunting tactics. My mixed heritage meant I lacked some instinctual knowledge pure-bloods took for granted, but I had other advantages—my mother had taught me to use my human intelligence alongside wolf instincts.

"I'm sorry to put you through this," I whispered, hand on my belly. "But Mommy's going to fight for us. I promise."