Seven Miscarriages For My Mate

I didn't just give up my room-I called Martha over to clear out my stuff. She moved fast, wiping away every trace of me like I'd never been there. In no time, Chloe's belongings filled the space, her scent marking what used to be mine. Within half an hour, a shiny new pup's room stood ready, decked out with care.

I watched Chloe eagerly settle in with her pup, my eyes lingering on the room. That crib alone, shipped from other packs, must've taken months to arrange. They'd been planning this for a while, hadn't they? My heart sank, and I lowered my gaze.

I dragged my suitcase to the smallest room in the den, tucked away in a corner. I didn't bother unpacking. What was the point? I'd ride out these last days and leave for good, never bothering their perfect little pack again.

But that night, the quiet shattered. After dinner, Chloe knocked and barged in without waiting for my okay.

"Sophia, thanks for being so big-hearted," she said, her face still infuriatingly radiant. "Me and Alex have a place to call home because of you. I got you a little something to show my gratitude."

I stepped back, wary. "No need. Letting you stay was their call. Just focus on healing up so they can stop worrying."

She didn't back off. Instead, she closed the distance. "Don't be scared, Sophia. I've changed. I've spent years regretting what I did. I'd never hurt you again."

Before I could protest, she shoved a fancy-wrapped box into my arms. "Mom and Dad want us to get along. I picked this out special. If you turn it down, it'll break their hearts."

I had no choice but to take it. I glanced down, and my blood ran cold. It was a photo-a face I'd never forget. That wolf, leering, dragging me into an alley years ago, his rough hands tearing at my clothes, his foul breath hot on my neck. If Julian hadn't shown up, I might've never walked out of there. That moment became my recurring nightmare.

My hands shook, and I flung the box and photo away. It hit Chloe's arm, and she let out a dramatic yelp. "Sophia, no-!"

Footsteps thundered downstairs. Julian yanked me back, rushing to Chloe's side. "What happened? You okay?"

Her voice quivered with fake tears. "Sophia let us stay, no grudges, and I was so grateful. I got her a gift to bury the hatchet. But. I guess she still hates me. She threw it at me."

My back throbbed from where I'd hit the railing, but I gritted my teeth and stood. "She gave me a photo of the wolf who attacked me," I said, shaking my head. "I was scared and dropped it. It wasn't on purpose!"

Julian frowned. "That old lone wolf's still locked up. No kin, no nothing. Where'd a photo of him come from? Sophia, there's a limit to how far you can push this."

My eyes burned. I pointed at the photo on the floor. "Look for yourself! I'm not lying!"

He picked it up, his brow furrowing after a glance. My stomach dropped. I snatched it from him, forcing myself to look despite the fear clawing at me.

The photo had changed. The snarling, meaty face was gone, replaced by some kindly old wolf I didn't know.

"How.?" I stammered, shaking my head, my voice barely a whisper.

Chloe's expression crumpled, her voice breaking. "That's. my birth father. When I found out I wasn't Mom and Dad's true pup, it tore me up. I wanted to track down my real parents, ask why they abandoned me, why they switched me with you and left me to carry this guilt." She paused, tears welling. "I had this photo taken after I found them. I must've put it in the wrong box. I never thought you'd think that of me."

Her voice broke into sobs. Julian's throat bobbed, his eyes softening with pity. "Chloe."

She wiped her tears, shaking her head. "I'm fine. Sophia's been under so much stress. Maybe she saw it wrong."

"No!" I pleaded, turning to Julian, Mom, and Dad. "It was him, I swear! I don't know how it changed!"

"Enough!" Julian cut me off, helping Chloe up with a gentle tone. "Let's get you back to your room."

I stared at their retreating backs, his soft words to her echoing. "No more gifts. They won't appreciate it, and you're the one who ends up hurt."

I turned, meeting Mom and Dad's disappointed gazes.