Chapter 2
Chapter 2
“You’ll have to guess the password to open it,” she said flatly.
Jaxson gave it a lazy look, thinking it was just another one of her odd little games, and tossed it onto the table. Then he pulled her close again, resting his chin on her shoulder.
“You’re the only gift I want.”
Aveline stiffened involuntarily, her wolf thrashing violently within her.
Jaxson seemed to sense something. He chuckled softly. “Still mad I missed our anniversary? There’s just been so much going on with the pack–completely swamped.” He pressed a gentle kiss to her cheek.
Then he let go, pulled a small box from his coat, and handed it to her.
“Do you like it?”
Inside was a hairpin–delicate and gold–plated, clearly custom–made with careful detail.
“I got this made just for you. You’ve always liked things like this, haven’t you? Try it on.”
His voice held that familiar mix of control and affection.
That tone had once been enough to melt her resolve.
Everyone in the Thornpeak Pack believed the Alpha adored his Luna.
Aveline had believed it as well.
If it weren’t for the photos saved in her phone, she might have really been touched by the gift.
The girl in the pictures was in her twenties, pretty and confident, with flirtatious eyes and long, wavy hair pinned up using the same hairpin that now lay in front of Aveline. The loose style revealed her smooth neck–marked with hickeys.
C
“There’s only one like it in the world. You like it, don’t you?” Jaxson gently lifted her hair, his rough fingers brushing against her skin in a way that was both familiar and far too intimate.
Aveline’s patience was wearing thin–the hair on the back of her neck stood on end, and she nearly let her claws slip out to crush the damned thing.
She looked up at him, her eyes colder than usual. “The only one in the world, huh?”
Jaxson instinctively sensed something was off.
But the moment she smiled, that familiar softness returning, his doubt vanished.
“If it’s truly one of a kind, then yes, I love it.” Aveline calmly closed the box. “Got work to do tonight. You go ahead and sleep.”
She stepped out of his arms, holding the box tightly, not sparing him a single glance.
A cool draft slipped into his open robe, and for some reason, it left Jaxson feeling strangely hollow. Tonight, she seemed colder than usual.
He glanced at the locked box on the table, and a strange calm returned to him. After all, no one understood Aveline’s feelings better than he did.
She loved him–loved him to the point of obsession. That kind of love didn’t need some damned Moon Goddess’s fated mate bond to sustain it.
No matter what he did, she would never truly leave.
10:10
Betrayed by Her Ex. Marked By the Alpha King
3.3%
Chapter 2
“Stop overthinking it,” his wolf growled in a gravelly voice deep in his mind. “She’s not going anywhere. Smell her scent–she’s still yours. Even if she’s pissed as hell.”
His phone buzzed repeatedly in his robe pocket.
When he finally checked it, bold, flirty messages lit up the screen, tightening his throat.
He gave a short reply, deleted everything, and carelessly tossed the phone aside before sinking into bed.
The soft, familiar scent lingering on the sheets eased his nerves, and before long, he was fast asleep.
Meanwhile, in the study, Aveline quietly snapped a picture of the hairpin and sent it to a luxury resale boutique. “Sell this. ASAP.” She attached a bank account number. “Send the money here.” It was the institute’s official account. Even something stained could still be put to good use.
By morning, when Jaxson opened his eyes, Aveline was already fully dressed.
He leaned up on his elbows and motioned for her to come over.
His voice was husky and soft with sleep. “Come here. Give me a hug.”
Aveline’s fingers paused on her blouse buttons. She drew in a breath, her gaze clear and composed. “Something urgent came up at the institute. I’ve got to leave now. Didn’t have time to make breakfast–you’ll have to sort it out yourself today.”
She grabbed her bag and walked out, just like last night–no glance, no hesitation.
Jaxson’s hands froze mid–motion, a hollow feeling creeping back into his chest. He slowly rubbed his brows, trying to shake it off.
No matter how packed her schedule was, Aveline never missed a morning. She always made sure breakfast was ready just in time. Then she’d gently wake him, coax a hug, and offer a morning kiss with that sweet smile. But not today.
Just as she opened the door, she heard his voice behind her.
“Aveline.”
It felt like something ripped through her chest–sharp and deep. She turned slowly, her eyes steady. “Yes?”
Jaxson looked at her for a long moment. She seemed normal. Maybe it was just in his head.
“Remember to eat on time and don’t stay up late. The pack’s Tidal Development Project hit a snag, so I’ll be working late this week. Don’t wait up for
me.”
“Alright.” Aveline smiled.
With sunlight on her face, that warm smile and sparkling eyes reminded him of the girl who’d once taken his breath away.
Jaxson’s heart skipped a beat, his voice growing even softer. “Once work settles down, we’ll go to Iceland–make up for the anniversary trip we missed.”
Her heart, already aching, felt like it was breaking all over again.
When they were preparing for their mating ceremony, she’d carefully made a list of places they would visit together–one destination for each anniversary. She’d once believed they would love each other forever.
But this year, Jaxson had taken another woman to that very place. The photos of them together were still in her phone. Aveline lowered her eyes and answered quietly, “Sure… when things settle down.” With that, she turned and walked out.
Not a flicker of warmth remained in her eyes.
10:10
Betrayed by Her Ex, Marked By the Alpha King
