Chapter 2

(Olivia's POV)

"Daddy, I miss you, will you come and accompany me?"

The sweet voice coming through Ethan's phone pierced my heart like a silver dagger. I watched as my mate's entire demeanor transformed at Emma's words.

"Of course, princess. I'll be right there," Ethan replied, his voice gentle and loving a tone Lily had begged to hear in her final days.

He ended the call and turned to me, his amber eyes cold. "I need to go. Victoria needs me."

"Our daughter is dead," I whispered, clutching the Moonwood Ceremonial Urn tighter to my chest. "Lily is gone, and you're running to another child?"

Ethan's jaw tightened. "Stop with this nonsense. I'll deal with you later."

Without another glance at the urn holding his daughter's ashes, he turned and left. The sound of his car engine roaring to life moments later confirmed what I already knew Victoria and Emma would always come first.

I sank to the floor of Lily's room, surrounded by her stuffed animals and books. Her favorite blanket still lay folded at the foot of her bed, waiting for an owner who would never return.

"He didn't even believe me," I whispered to the urn. "Your father doesn't even believe you're gone."

Since Victoria's return to Silvercrest Pack territory with Emma, our lives had changed dramatically. The woman who had abandoned Ethan years ago suddenly became his priority again.

I remembered how Lily would wait by the window each evening, hoping to see her father's car pull into the driveway. How many times had I wiped her tears when he called to say he was having dinner with Victoria and Emma instead?

"Daddy promised to come to my recital," Lily had said once, her small hands clutching her moonstone necklace. "Why does he always choose Emma?"

I had no answers then. I had none now.

(Ethan's POV)

The antiseptic smell of the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den greeted me as I strode through the automatic doors. Staff members bowed their heads respectfully as I passed, but I barely noticed them.

I made my way directly to Victoria's VIP suite. The door was ajar, revealing Victoria sitting beside Emma's bed, stroking her daughter's hair.

Victoria looked up, surprise flashing across her perfect features. "Ethan? What are you doing here? I thought you were with Lily for her birthday."

up immediately, her eyes

frowned at her daughter. "Emma, you called him?

had a nightmare about monsters. I was

on the edge

small body shaking with dramatic sobs. "I was so scared, Daddy. The

inhaling her sweet scent. "No monsters would dare come near you while I'm

mine over Emma's head. "But what about Lily's birthday? Olivia must be

waved my hand dismissively. "We can celebrate

smiled gratefully, reaching out to squeeze my hand. "Thank you for finding the

pulled to secure that donor. "I'd do anything for Emma. You know

quieted as she nestled against my chest. Victoria's fingers

you take her downstairs for some fresh air in the garden? The doctor said walking would

her eyes filled with gratitude. "We'll wait for you

hallway outside Dr. Fletcher's office seemed to stretch endlessly. My footsteps echoed against the polished floors of the Medical Den as I approached his

once before pushing the door open. Dr. Fletcher looked up from his desk, his expression changing from professional

rising from his

me "Mrs. Winters" because his Alpha

said, my voice breaking. "The

Fletcher's eyes darted away. "I'm not at liberty to

"This is my daughter. She died waiting

that was mysteriously redirected at

"I understand your grief-"

slammed my palm on his desk. "My daughter is dead because someone with more influence stole

my knees, pride abandoned in my desperation. "Please,

with genuine sympathy. "I'm truly sorry about Lily, Olivia. She

me

head, but I caught the way his eyes flickered toward the door- toward

high-ranking pack member's child,

don't know anything

I

finally, rising to my feet

his office, my suspicions hardening into certainty with

froze. Victoria stood near the entrance with

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