Too Late, Alpha: The Mate He Never Wanted

He rejected his mate. He ignored their daughter. And by the time he learned the truth, it was too late. Iris was the mate Alpha Eric never wanted. For years, she raised their daughter, Evie, alone, while Eric poured all his love into his ex, Zara, and her child. Evie died without ever feeling her father’s love. And Iris? She finally walked away. But after her disappearance, Eric uncovers the painful truth he never saw coming: Iris was his true mate all along… and he was the one who destroyed everything. Now, another Alpha holds her heart. Can Eric win back the family he abandoned, or has he already lost everything that mattered? Chapter 1 Iris’s POV My hands shook as I stared at the report before me in shock. “Wh…What? How can this be? Tell me this is not true!” I pleaded with the Healer, but he shook his head with a sorrowful look on his face. “I’m sorry, Luna Iris. But it’s the truth. Your daughter has the Moonbane Curse,” the Healer said gently. It felt like my whole world came crashing down at that moment. The Moonbane Curse was one of the rarest and deadliest diseases for young werewolves, and it had no cure. I felt like I couldn’t breathe. I glanced at my young innocent daughter, Evie, sitting across the room. When Evie saw me looking, she gave me a wide smile that caused my heart to ache. Evie had so much life in her. How could this be happening to her? “How much time does she have?” I asked, returning her smile with a broken heart. He sighed. “A month,” he replied. I whirled around to face him with wide eyes. “What? A month?! But that’s not enough!” I cried, raising my voice. The Healer gave me a sad smile. “There’s nothing like enough time to spend with a loved one. The only thing you can do is make sure her last days are her happiest.” Tears welled up in my eyes. Evie had been having high fever, which was very uncommon for werewolves, so I had brought her to the pack hospital for a checkup. “What do I do now?” I cried, covering my mouth in horror. “She’s only seven! I can’t lose her!” The Healer shook his head sadly. “I’m really sorry, Luna Iris. I really wish there was something else we could do.” My hands trembled as I took the test report from him. My chest tightened as reality dawned on me. My Evie was going to die soon. “I don’t want to give you false hope, Luna,” the Healer sighed, “but there might be a cure for it.” I froze. “A cure?” Hope flooded through me, and my heart pounded in my chest as my eyes widened. “The hospital is currently working on a cure for the Moonbane Curse. There has been very little success with the trial phase, so we're not really optimistic. But we'll keep on trying, hopefully, we might get something.” I didn’t want to hope, but I couldn’t help it. Evie had a chance. She could get the treatment that she needed if the healers had a breakthrough. “Mommy?” Evie’s voice came from beside me. “Are you okay? What’s wrong? Will I be fine?” I wiped my eyes quickly, turning to my daughter with a fake smile. “Oh baby, of course you’ll be fine. You just need to sleep and eat a lot.” I said quickly, trying to reassure her. I bit my lips as I tried not to cry, and I collected the files from the healer. As we walked home, Evie rambled excitedly about her eighth year birthday coming up in a month’s time, and I tried to control myself from crying because without a cure, Evie was going to die in a month's time also. Evie suddenly went silent, and I glanced at her with concern. “Mom?” Evie said quietly, “Can daddy come for my birthday this time? I promise, I'll be good?” Evie rarely asked for anything else. This had always been her only wish—for her father to be present for her, but Eric was never present. Eric Cross was the Alpha of the Blue Moon Pack, and my mate. Alpha Eric hated Evie because of me, and Evie was really suffering because of it. She had always craved that fatherly affection. My heart broke, and my vision blurred with tears. At that moment I swore that I would do whatever possible to make sure that Evie got that fatherly affection, at least, until I was sure that Evie wasn’t going to die. Immediately I got home, I put Evie to sleep and called Eric. “Eric, we need to talk.” I said softly. I could feel Eric’s irritation from the phone as he replied sharply. “What is it? I am very busy right now.” I brushed off my hurt at his irritation. It was a normal occurrence, but it still hurt. “Please, you need to spend more time with Evie.” My voice shook. Eric scoffed in annoyance. “Iris, you know that I don't have time for any of your games. Zara needs help with her daughter, Tiffany, so I have a lot on my plate right now.” The mention of Zara, and Tiffany, her daughter, caused my heart to bleed. Zara was Eric’s first love who had disappeared several years ago, but had just returned now with her daughter, Tiffany. I insisted. “But this is important, Eric.” It took everything in me to keep myself from breaking down at that moment. He released an annoyed growl. “What could be so important that you kee—” I cut him off. “Evie is very sick. She's going to die soon.” Chapter 2 Iris’s POV I continued when Eric fell silent. “She has the Moonbane Curse, and the healer said—” Eric interrupted me instantly. “What is this, Iris? Is this one of your schemes? Are you really that despicable that you’ll lie about something like this to get my attention?” He always believed that I was trying to manipulate him into believing that we were true mates, chosen by the moon goddess herself. For some reason, Eric couldn’t feel the mate bond. I had always felt it — the sparks, the pull, everything. But Eric said there was nothing. I was baffled because I didn't know if he was lying, or if he really felt nothing. I could feel his disgust through the phone as he growled at me. “Don't be such an attention seeker!” He snapped, his voice dripping with contempt. I gaped. “But—” He cut me off before I could say anything. “I told you I wanted a divorce. That's all I want you to speak to me about. No more games or schemes. You know that Zara is back.” Eric’s voice was as cold as ice. My hand shook as I stared at the report before me. There was no use anymore. Eric never wanted me, even though we were fated mates, especially now that Zara was back, and Evie was dying. There was no use fighting for a marriage that never existed from the start. The only reason I fought was because of Evie, and Evie was… I burst into tears again, and Eric released an exasperated growl. “Iris!” He snapped, believing that I was trying to play my mind games on him. “Fine!” I gritted through clenched teeth as I wiped my tears sharply. “I'll give you the divorce you want, but I have one condition.” Eric went silent instantly. It was unexpected, for as long as he knew, I had been unwilling to let him go. So to hear me agree was a shock to him. He cleared his throat, “What is it?” He asked. I sniffed, “Spend time with Evie till her birthday, come for her birthday, be the good father she needs. That's all I ask.” Eric was silent for another moment because he felt that it was a trap. “Is that all?” He asked slowly, and I nodded. “Yes, that's all.” He sighed in relief. “Okay then, come to my office and pick up the divorce papers so that you can go through them, and when it's time, you can sign them.” I smiled bitterly. He already had the divorce papers waiting and ready for me, like he couldn't wait to get rid of me as soon as possible. Eric had always hated me because he claimed that I tricked him during his weakest moment. It was the night his father died. He had been grieving, drunk, and vulnerable, and I had comforted him. He never forgave himself for what happened between us, and he never forgave me either. In his mind, I had taken advantage of his heartbreak to trap him, and later used the pregnancy to bind him. That time, he had still been hoping that Zara might return and get back with him. But his mother had made Eric swear to marry me before she died. Now that Zara was back, his hatred grew even more. ~ After making sure that Evie was okay, I went to meet Eric at his office without any delay. Beta Jeremy gave me a sad smile as he saw me approaching. “Whatever you need, do it fast because Zara is coming soon.” He warned me. I nodded, faking a smile. “Don't worry, Jeremy. I've accepted the divorce. It doesn't matter anymore, I'm done begging for love.” He looked like he wanted to give me a hug, but controlled himself, instead he gave me an encouraging nod. As I approached the door, I overheard Eric speaking with someone from inside his office. “Alpha Eric,” Gamma Marcus said, “Tell me, now that Zara is back, what's the plan?” Eric replied immediately, “I'll do what I didn't have the chance to do before, I'll make her mine. Now, she has a daughter, Tiffany, and she's really struggling to be a single mother. So she needs all the help she can get.” I stood frozen at the door, my heart ached as I listened. “Really?” Marcus said, sounding shocked. “What of Iris? She also has a daughter, your daughter.” Eric's voice became cold instantly. “Don't mention the name of that manipulative bitch, Iris, here again.” He spat. I bit my lips to stop them from trembling. I had always known he despised me, but hearing it like this, broke something inside me. “Woah, so you really have no feelings for her? Even after you've been married to her for five years? And you have a seven year old child with her?” Marcus asked. Eric scoffed. “Feelings? Every day, I wish I never even met her, let alone married her. My mother forced me, she made me swear before she died, all because I manipulated her.” “I disgust him so much. The only person I have ever loved is Zara. Nothing will change that.” A tear slipped down my cheek before I could stop it, as my wolf howled in pain in my chest. Chapter 3 Iris's POV I brushed off the tears from my cheeks and walked into the office with my head high, even though I was breaking inside. Eric and Marcus fell silent immediately I walked in. I could see the look of sympathy on Marcus’s face, and the look of intense dislike on Eric’s face. Eric stood tall behind his desk, looking very much like the commanding Alpha. He was still the most devastatingly handsome man I had ever seen. With his perfectly tousled hair, piercing green eyes, broad shoulders, and sharp jawline, he had stolen my heart without even trying. I used to look at that face and feel butterflies. I used to ache for his attention, and crave to be loved by him. But now… none of that mattered. Evie’s life was more important than the man who had never once looked at any of us with love. It hurt me, yes. But I brushed it off. All that mattered at that moment was that Eric gave Evie her greatest, and probably her last, wish. I glanced at the document lying on the table. I wasted no time in picking it up. “This must be the divorce agreement,” I mused out loud. Eric nodded in confirmation. After going through the papers, I hummed. “Everything is in order. Evie is waiting for you at home, your responsibility as a good father starts now. After her birthday, I’ll sign the agreement and make the divorce official.” I said emotionlessly, then I turned to leave. Eric furrowed his eyebrows in slight surprise at my cold attitude towards him. I didn’t even look so concerned or bothered as he had expected. He opened his mouth to say something when Zara walked in like she owned the place. Instantly, every thought about me vanished from his mind, and his expression lightened. His lips curled into a smile as he stood to his feet to welcome Zara. “Hey you,” he greeted warmly. I couldn’t help but turn to look at Eric. He looked nothing like the cold and brash person that he always was to me. He looked so happy, and warm. Zara flipped her blonde hair, and her icy blue eyes gleamed with jealousy immediately she saw me. “Oh, Ja—Alpha,” she said softly, “I’m sorry, I didn’t know you were busy with your mate. I’ll come back another time.” Eric’s expression darkened slightly at her words. “Don’t call her that. I’ve told you several times that she’s not my mate.” Zara’s eyes shone with triumph and glee. She knew what her words would trigger. Marcus winced, looking at me with pity. My fists tightened on the document in my hands as a wave of shame washed through me. Eric turned to me with a cold look on his face. “You can leave. I’ll come by for dinner.” I nodded mutely as I finally walked out of the room, trying to ignore Zara’s giggles as Eric murmured softly to her. However, my shame and pain disappeared immediately I got home and shared the news with Evie. Evie’s face split into a wide grin. “Really? Will Daddy really come for dinner tonight?” she asked, finding it hard to believe that her father would finally be there. She couldn’t even remember the last time she had sat at a dinner table with him. I couldn’t help but smile at my daughter’s pure excitement. “Yes, baby. He’ll be here tonight.” Evie clapped her hands with a gasp, then ran off toward her room. “I’m going to wear my favorite dress! The yellow one with the butterflies!” I watched her go, heart aching. I knew not to get my hopes up, but for Evie’s sake, I prayed Eric wouldn’t disappoint her. ~ That evening, I prepared a simple but delicious dinner. Evie helped set the table, placing the forks and napkins with so much care and caution, trying to make sure everything was perfect for her father. Every few minutes, Evie would run to the window to peek out, asking, “Is he here yet?” Finally, a knock came. Eric stood at the door, looking as cold and unreadable as ever. I said nothing to him, but Evie ran into his arms the moment she saw him. “Daddy!” Eric looked stunned at first. She hugged his waist tightly, and for a moment, his hand hovered awkwardly in the air before he slowly rested it on her back. “Hi,” he muttered. That one word was enough for Eva. She beamed with joy. Dinner was very awkward. Eric said very little, and he barely touched his food. I focused on Eva, asking about her day, her school friends, her drawings. Evie did most of the talking, her excitement filled the room as she held a one-sided conversation with Eric. At one point, Evie reached across the table and placed her hand on Eric’s. “You’re really here,” she whispered, as though she couldn’t believe it hadn’t been a dream. “Do you think you could come again tomorrow?” Eric cleared his throat and mumbled. “We’ll see.” After dinner, I began clearing the plates, but Evie tugged on Eric’s hand. “Daddy… will you tuck me in tonight?” Eric hesitated. “Please?” she added quickly. “Just this once?” I froze in the kitchen, not turning around, waiting for Eric’s response. Eric sighed. “Alright.” In the night, Evie beamed and pulled him toward her room. I stood at the door, watching Evie’s happiness. She chatted with excitement, showing him her drawings, her stuffed animals, and everything else. She slid under the covers and looked up at him with sleepy eyes. “Will you stay until I fall asleep?” Eric nodded silently and sat on the edge of the bed. “Daddy?” she whispered after a moment. “Yes?” “I’m your daughter… right?” He gave her a faint nod. “Yes.” Evie smiled. “Okay. Goodnight, Daddy.” She rolled over and fell asleep with a small smile on her 1ips. Eric stayed for a few minutes watching Evie. She had his nose, and his blonde hair. But those blue eyes belonged to me. His phone pinged. My heart sank. Seeing Eric’s 1ips twitch into a small smile, I knew right away it had to be Zara. Eric stood slowly, he glanced at Evie. She looked so peaceful, clutching her favorite stuffed bunny tightly. His phone pinged again. Eric clenched his jaw, slipping the phone back into his pocket. He bent down slowly and hesitated, then leaned forward and pressed a light kiss to Evie’s forehead. As he straightened up, his eyes landed on me, standing quietly in the hallway with my arms crossed, and an unreadable expression on my face. I had been watching him the whole time. Eric froze, then his eyes darkened with irritation. He brushed past me like I was nothing. “Where are you going?” I asked as he made his way to the door. He paused, keeping his back to me as he replied coldly. “I have something urgent to handle.” I stepped closer, trying to keep my voice calm. “Evie will be heartbroken if she wakes up and you’re gone.” “She asks every night,” I said quietly. “If you’ll come. She believes every excuse I give her, just to protect your image and her heart. If you hate me as much as you say you do, it shouldn't be too hard to pretend you care for her, just so you can get rid of me.” He didn’t turn. “I’ll be back in the morning to pick her up for school.” Without another word, he walked out. And I just stood there, staring at the empty hallway, my heart burning with grief and pain. Chapter 4 Iris's POV I didn’t sleep well that night. I kept wondering if he would actually keep his word and show up in the morning. I wasn't looking forward to the disappointment on Evie's face when he didn't come. When a sleek black SUV pulled up in front of the house at 7 a.m., my heart jolted in surprise. Eric stepped out, freshly dressed in a tailored black shirt and slacks. He looked like he had just walked out of a magazine. He looked effortlessly handsome, like always but cold, and unreadable. Evie ran to the window, gasping in joy. “Mom! Daddy’s here!” I smiled weakly. “Go on, grab your bag.” Evie raced around the house gathering her things while I went to answer the door. I didn’t say anything to Eric when I opened the door. “Ready?” he asked, not glancing at me. Evie nodded eagerly, holding his hand with a wide grin on her face. When they left, I followed behind in my own car. I didn't trust Eric with Evie, even though he was her father. When I arrived at the pack school, I spotted them instantly. And I froze. Zara was already there. She looked stunning, even at this hour. Her icy blue eyes lit up as Eric approached. Tiffany, her little blonde daughter, ran straight into Eric’s arms with a giggle. He caught her and lifted her up, spinning her around with a genuine laugh that I hadn’t heard in years. Zara joined them moments later, slipping her arm casually through his like it belonged there. And Eric didn’t shake her off. Evie stood quietly, staring at them. Her smile slowly faded. I quickly rushed to her, crouching beside her. “Hey, why don’t you go say hi to your teacher? I think I saw her just now.” Evie nodded slowly and walked off, her shoulders drooping a little. I stood back up, my jaw clenched as I marched toward Eric. “We had an agreement,” I said lowly, pulling him aside when Zara and Tiffany turned toward the building. He raised an eyebrow. “And I’m here, aren’t I? I dropped her at school.” “You just neglected Evie for Zara and her daughter. That wasn’t part of the deal.” Eric sighed, his jaw tightening. “So now you want me to neglect Zara when she’s clearly struggling? She’s a single mother, Iris. She needs support.” I wanted to argue that I was also a single mother, and I needed support, but I didn’t. “If you want me to sign those divorce papers, then yes. I want you to neglect her.” His green eyes narrowed with disgust. “You’re unbelievable.” I stood tall, “No. I’m a mother, and I will do anything to make sure Evie is taken care of.” Eric clenched his jaw and stormed off without another word. I stood there shaking as my heart pounded. ~ However, over the next few days something shifted. Eric started ignoring Zara. He didn’t answer her calls whenever he was with Evie. He started picking Evie up from school. He sat with her during lunch breaks, even attended her weekend drawing class. He wasn’t warm with her like I had seen with Tiffany, but he was present and Evie was happy. And that was enough for me. On one of the days, Eric took Evie to the park. The park was nearly empty that Saturday afternoon, just a few parents scattered around with their pups. Eric sat stiffly on the bench, arms crossed as Evie ran around, spinning in circles with a squeal. I had brought my sketchbook, but I couldn’t focus on anything with Eric just two feet away, silent and unreadable as always. Evie ran up to us with her cheeks flushed and eyes sparkling. “Let’s play together! All of us!” Eric’s brows pulled together. “Play?” “Yes! Tag! Mommy, you too!” I hesitated. “Sweetheart, I don’t think—” “Please?” Evie clasped her hands. “Just one game. It’ll be fun, I promise!” Eric opened his mouth to object, but Evie was already tugging on his hand, then mine. “Please, please!” We both stood reluctantly and stiffly. The next thing I knew, I was actually laughing as I chased my daughter across the grassy field. Eric joined in reluctantly at first, but Evie’s laughter was infectious, and he eventually cracked a small smile as he tagged her and ran. For a fleeting moment, it felt like we were a family. I turned to run, but my foot caught on a tree root, and I tripped with a gasp right into Eric. We stumbled, and I fell against him hard, my hands landing on his chest. He caught me instinctively, his arms wrapped around my waist. We froze. Our faces were inches apart. His eyes glanced at my lips for a second, and my heart pounded. I could feel the tension in the air. My lips parted slightly. Eric’s phone rang, and the sound shattered everything. He snapped out of the moment, stepping back quickly and letting me fall out of his arms like I had burned him. I staggered, catching myself just before I hit the ground. He didn’t even glance at the phone, instead, he was glaring at me as if it had been my fault. His jaw was clenched, and his eyes were cold. “You always find a way to twist things,” he muttered under his breath. My chest tightened. “What—” Before I could say anything else, he shoved the phone to his ear and turned away, muttering harshly into the receiver. Without another word, he stormed off, leaving me standing there in the middle of the field, stunned. Evie came running back later. “Where’s Daddy going?” I forced a smile, kneeling to wipe grass from my daughter’s cheek. “He just… remembered something. But it’s okay, baby. We had fun, didn’t we?” Evie nodded slowly. “Yeah. It felt like we were a normal family.” I blinked back tears at Evie's words. Chapter 5 Iris's POV Eric started glaring at me again. Anytime I came around while he was with Evie, it was like I had committed a crime by just existing. I knew that he was basically counting down the days he had to put up with me and Evie. He never said it in front of Evie, but the moment we were alone, he made sure he never let me forget. “I’m only playing along for a little while,” he said one afternoon as we stood by the car. “Just a few more days, I. Then I’ll be free of you and your games. For good.” I clenched my jaw but didn’t respond. There was no point. Later that week, the pack held a full moon celebration. Evie had been begging to go for days, and surprisingly, Eric agreed to take her. I didn’t want to go, but Evie insisted. So I dressed quietly and got into the backseat beside my daughter, while Eric drove in silence. Evie chatted the entire way, completely oblivious to the tension in the car. Immediately we arrived, Eric excused himself to greet the pack members, leaving us by ourselves. Evie clutched my hand tightly, looking around with a grin. “Can I go get juice, Mommy?” I nodded. “Just stay where I can see you.” Evie's grin widened, and she ran off.. “Still tagging along like an unwanted puppy, huh?” A taunting voice murmured from behind me. It was Zara. “I would’ve thought you would know when to leave the picture.” I didn’t look at her. “I’m here for Evie. I don’t want trouble.” Zara smirked. “Oh, come on, I. I'm not a troublemaker. I just want to chat.” I ignored her, choosing instead to focus on Evie who had already gotten her juice. “Tell me, how does it feel to be treated with disgust by your own mate?” Zara sneered. I froze. That was when Tiffany stepped forward with an identical sneer on her face, looking just like her mother. “You don’t look anything like the mate of an alpha. You look like his maid.” I swallowed my pride and turned to walk away. I really didn’t have the energy for a confrontation, but Evie had already returned, and she had heard everything. “Shut up,” Evie said quietly, standing in front of me. “Don’t talk about my mother that way.” Zara raised a brow. “Sweetheart, you should learn to stay in your place as a child—” “No,” Evie snapped. “You’re mean. And your daughter is mean too.” Tiffany gasped. “At least I have someone who wants me! Your own father doesn’t want you!” I stepped forward quickly. “Enough. That’s enough.” Evie flinched like Tiffany had slapped her. I glared at Zara. “Stop it. Teach your daughter to be a better person.” Then I took Evie’s hands and walked away. I tried to cheer Evie up, “Don’t listen to her, Evie. That’s not true, your father wants you.” Evie’s lips trembled and tears welled up in her eyes. “Then why is he barely around?” I cleared my throat as tears also welled up in my eyes. “He is very busy, Evie. He’s the Alpha of this pack. Didn’t you notice that he’s been spending time with you a lot lately? He has just been busy, that’s all.” Before I could say anymore, Eric showed up with Zara and Tiffany beside him. Tiffany’s cheeks were wet with tears as she held Eric’s hand. “She said I’m not loved because I don’t have a real dad,” she cried. “She called me unwanted and said my mommy was chasing someone else’s mate.” Zara sniffed beside her, pretending to be heartbroken. Eric’s eyes darkened as he looked at Evie. “Is that true?” Evie opened her mouth, her eyes wide in disbelief. “No, I didn’t—she started—” “Apologize,” Eric snapped. Evie’s lip quivered, but she shook her head. “I didn’t do anything wrong.” Eric looked at me. “You’ve spoiled her. She’s just like you. Always playing the victim, and being manipulative.” I stepped forward quickly. “Eric, don’t talk about her like that. She did nothing wrong. They insulted us.” Eric glared at me fiercely, then he turned to Zara and Tiffany with a soft gaze. “Please excuse us. We need to talk alone.” Zara gave a pitiful nod as she took Tiffany away. Just as Eric turned his back, they both smirked at me and Evie from over his shoulder. I clenched my jaw. I then turned to Evie with a warm, reassuring smile. “Baby, wait for me here alright. Your daddy and I need to talk.” I followed Eric out of the party, and towards the side of the building. From his clenched fists, I knew that whatever he was going to say was going to hurt. Chapter 6 Iris’s POV “I’m done with this,” Eric said flatly. “I agreed to play nice for a month, but I’m already regretting every second.” I clenched my fists and gritted my teeth. “She’s your daughter.” “I never asked for her.” He spat. The words struck me like a slap, and I flinched. Eric continued. “All these never meant anything. You’re not my mate and we’re not a family. You were a mistake I tolerated. The only reason I played along was because you told me that after a month you would sign the divorce papers, and I would never have to see your faces again.” I hadn’t realized Evie was right behind us until I heard the soft gasp. Eric turned too, and his face drained of color when he saw his daughter standing there, wide-eyed and frozen, like someone had just slapped her. “Evie—” I stepped forward, but it was too late. She turned and ran. “Evie!” I shouted, chasing after her. We both ran after her, but she didn’t get far; she collapsed by a bench, and began shaking. “Evie?” I dropped to my knees beside her, but my daughter was unresponsive. She was having a seizure. “She’s seizing,” I whispered in horror. “Oh God, she’s seizing—Eric!” Eric stood frozen. “Pick her up!” I screamed. “We have to take her to the clinic—NOW!” He moved then, grabbed her and rushed to the car. I sat in the back with Evie pressed to my chest, whispering her name over and over, trying to keep her eyes open. Then Eric’s phone rang as he started driving. It was Zara. He picked it up. “I can’t talk right now,” he mumbled quickly. It was on loudspeaker, so I could hear as Zara frantically spoke to Eric. “Tiffany fell down the stairs at the party. She’s bleeding and she won’t stop screaming. We need you now!” Eric groaned under his breath, then he slammed the brakes. I gasped in horror in disbelief. “No—no, no, no, Eric, drive! Evie is not breathing properly—” “I have to go back,” he muttered. “Tiffany is hurt.” “Are you insane?! Evie is DYING!” “She’s faking it,” he snapped, turning the car around. “Like her mother always does. She’s trying to manipulate me, just because I told her to apologize.” “You bastard!” I screamed, sobbing. “She’s not pretending! She’s barely breathing! Eric, please—don’t do this. If you ever cared for her, even a little—” “Get out.” He snapped. “What—” “I said GET OUT! Take your little drama somewhere else. Tiffany is hurt, and I don’t have time for this.” My mouth fell open in shock. Eric pulled over and unlocked the doors. I couldn’t believe it. Evie stirred weakly in my arms. “Mommy…” her voice was barely a whisper. She was turning blue. “I’m here,” I cried. “I’ve got you, baby.” Eric drove off, leaving me screaming and shrieking as I tried to chase after him with Evie in my arms. A soft hand touched my cheek. Evie’s hand trembled as she touched my cheek. “It’s okay, Mommy…” “Yes baby, it’s okay. You’ll be fine.” I tried to assure her. Evie shook her head slowly. “I know Daddy doesn’t love me,” she whispered. “Not like he loves Tiffany.” I sobbed harder. “Don’t say that—please don’t—” “It’s okay,” she said quietly and calmly, and my heart bled even more. “I just… I wanted it to be true.” I held her tightly, trying to keep her warm. “I know I’m sick, Mommy. I always knew. But I didn’t want to say anything because… because you would be sad. I just wanted to see you smile more.” Tears poured down my face at Evie’s words. Evie’s voice got weaker. “You have to promise me something…” “Anything, baby,” I choked. “Promise me that you’ll be happy, like you used to be. Even if it means leaving him and moving on to a better person who loves you.” I nodded, sobbing. “I promise, baby. I promise.” Evie gave a weak smile, looking so much more mature than seven years. “Good…” Then her eyes closed, and her body went still. I froze. “No… no, no, no—EVIE!” I screamed. I shook my daughter, begged her to wake up, cried until my throat was raw, and my voice cracked. I tried reaching Eric through our mate link, but he had blocked me. I carried Evie’s body in my arms, walking all the way to the clinic, barefoot, and shaking. When I got there, the healers came running. They tried. They tried everything, but it was too late. Evie was gone.