One afternoon, I decided to clean our master bedroom. I thought maybe if I made the space feel fresh, it would lift my spirits. I dusted off the shelves, straightened up the bed, and then my hand brushed against something soft and silky. Confused, I pulled it out from under the bed. It was a thong.
My heart dropped. I could smell the distinct scent of Cassie, the ambitious young she-wolf in our pack. I felt sick to my stomach. Why was this here? I threw the thong across the room, my hands shaking. It was undeniable proof that Derek was cheating on me.
Anger washed over me. I wanted to scream, to break something. I couldn’t believe he’d do this to me, especially now, when I needed him the most. I felt betrayed, angry, and more alone than ever. How could he betray me like this? In our home?
That night, Derek came home later than usual. I was sitting on the couch, staring at the wall, trying to calm the storm inside me. I heard the door click open, and I didn’t even look up. He walked in, all swagger and charm, and I could smell the scent of her on him—Cassie. My stomach twisted at the thought.
“Hey, babe,” he said casually, as if everything was fine. “You okay?”