There was no rage, no urge to confront my mate about his deceit. The energy it took to care felt like a burden too heavy to bear. Instead, I let it slip away, just another chore in the long list of exhausting tasks I had no interest in tackling anymore.
I didn't know when I stop caring.
Later, photos from the Alpha Gala, an event where Alphas of different packs gather, appeared in my inbox, featuring Roan and Tracy in intimate poses. It should have ignited a blaze of anger within me, but instead, I felt a strange calm wash over me. Not long after, I saw my mate entering the pack house, just a few steps from me, cradling Tracy's child as they strolled together.
From behind, they looked like a family. I found myself smiling softly, my voice steady as I mumbled, "The child needs a father figure, huh? Then, spend more time with them, Alpha."
Upon hearing my remark, Roan's reaction was a frantic grab at my arm, his eyes searching mine with desperation as he asked, "Lori, why don't you care anymore?"
**