Chapter 12
Aveline frowned slightly, confused by how quickly Jaxson had returned.
Half of the photo in the metal basin was still burning, the past literally curling into ash before her eyes. On instinct, she shifted her stance, subtly placing herself between Jaxson and the basin, trying to block his view.
His steps halted as he noticed the flickering flames. “What are you burning?” he asked with a mild frown.
“Nothing important. Just tossing out some old junk,” she replied casually. “What brings you back?”
He didn’t press further. With a tired look, he said, “Forgot something. Just came to grab it,” and walked upstairs.
As he climbed the stairs, he stayed glued to his phone, his fingers tapping away at something urgent.
*Forgot something?*
Aveline’s lips tugged into a wry smile. She stayed still, quietly watching as he disappeared upstairs and returned minutes later.
By the time he returned, the flames had died, leaving behind only ash. He walked over, gave her a quick hug, and brushed a kiss against her cheek, all too routine.
“Aveline, I’m sorry. There’s just been so much pack business lately–I’m drowning in it,” he said with a sigh. “Once it eases up, I’ll make it up to you. I wish I could spend more time here with you.”
How painfully insincere.
4.3
His phone buzzed again. Without even checking the screen, he pulled away. “I’ve got to run,” he said, already halfway out the door.
And just like that, he was gone again–no glance back.
But Aveline didn’t hurt anymore. Her heart had long gone numb.
Jaxson hadn’t noticed, but she had. The phone screen had lit up while he stood next to her, and it was Lirael’s message, plain as day.
**“Bring the ultra–thin condoms. If you forget, don’t even think about touching me tonight!“*
She went upstairs, opened the bedside drawer, and sure enough–the box of ultra–thin condoms was gone.
She had never agreed to use them, but he’d found someone who would. Not a single one left behind.
Just minutes ago he’d been in the room, and he hadn’t even noticed their photo was missing from the nightstand.
Did he really think she wouldn’t catch on? Or was he just that shameless?
Jaxson didn’t come home that night.
There was a time when Aveline would’ve stayed awake, clinging to her phone, waiting for a text that never came.
But tonight, after burning their memories and cleaning up, she climbed into bed. The sheets felt soft, and the room was quiet.
She fell asleep quickly, without a single dream.
10:12
Betrayed by Her Ex, Marked By the Alpha King
36.7%
Chapter 12
The next morning, Aveline stretched slowly. For the first time in a while, she felt well–rested.
As she blinked up at the soft morning light, something suddenly popped into her head–the coat. The one she had bought for Alistair. It was still hanging in the closet, and she’d meant to give it to him today.
Later, at the research center, she went up to Alistair’s office, only to find the room empty.
Just then, Maren emerged from the break room. Aveline stopped her.
“Is Alpha Alistair not in today?” she asked, puzzled.
Maren arched an eyebrow, her eyes filled with quiet amusement.
Catching the teasing glint in Maren’s narrowed eyes, Aveline hurried to explain, “I’m only here to return his jacket. Last time, I had an accident–my period started, and I ruined my pants. Alpha Alistair lent me his coat, that’s all.”
Maren laughed, shaking her head. “Relax, I never said a word. He’s in meetings all day. Don’t think you’ll catch him around here.”
A meeting made sense.
Alistair controlled half the pack territories in the United States–of course he was busy.
Maren returned to her workstation. Aveline glanced around, then borrowed a sticky note from her desk.
On the note, she scribbled, ““Alpha, the jacket you lent me was custom–made, so I bought another of equal value to return. If you’re not satisfied, feel
free to contact me.”
112
Then she hesitated briefly before adding her number at the bottom.
♡ (0)
900
(0)
18-15
