---- "T swear," he whispered, his voice trembling as he gently bit my neck, "I'll love you, protect you, and never betray you for my entire life." The moment the mark settled, I felt a sense of completeness I'd never known. This stubborn, persistent boy became my mate, the other half of my life. The first few years of our marriage were happy. Ethan worked hard to expand the Stone Pack's territory, and I helped him secretly. Whenever he faced a powerful enemy, I'd subtly pressure them to back down. Whenever he needed allies, I used my bloodline's influence to pave the way for him. He thought it was all his own talent and hard work. I was happy to let him think that. After Caleb was born, Ethan became even more ---- ambitious. "Our son will be the strongest Alpha in North America," he said, holding our newborn baby, his eyes full of a father's pride. ''He inherited both our bloodlines; he's bound to surpass me." Back then, he would still kiss my forehead at night and tell me I was his whole world. But as the Stone Pack's power grew rapidly, as favors and flattery poured in from all sides, Ethan started to change. "Regina, watch what you say," he scolded me in public for the first time five years ago. "The Alliance meeting is no place for you to voice your opinions." "Regina, there's a problem with Caleb's upbringing," he started questioning my parenting three years ago. "You're making him too soft. A future Alpha needs to be tougher." ---- "Regina, your bloodline has become a hindrance to our family's development," he said a year ago, for the first time bringing up bloodlines directly. The love was gone from his eyes. "Maybe I should consider... other options." Then Scarlett appeared. Young, beautiful, and supposedly possessing a rare, pure-blooded wolf lineage. "She understands my ambitions," Ethan said, making excuses for his affair. "She won't be a stumbling block to my progress." Now, my son was dead. Dead because of his father's fatal negligence, because he'd pulled security to look after his mistress. I blinked, pulling myself from my memories. Ethan was walking into our home, excitedly arranging the celebration on the phone. ---- "Yes, officially introduce Scarlett to all the allies. She will be the true future Luna of the Stone Pack. " His voice was full of anticipation. ''This child will completely change our family's bloodline status." I touched the mark on my neck, feeling it fade. Twenty years of love and vows, turned to ash. "Ethan," I called softly. He looked up impatiently. "What is it? I'm busy with important matters." "Do you remember our vows?" Ethan frowned, seeming to try hard to recall, then waved his hand dismissively. "That childish stuff? Regina, I don't have time for nostalgia. The past doesn't matter anymore." After Ethan left, I turned and took out my mourning clothes.