Chapter 9 The staff member froze , his eyes widening slightly as he rechecked the document in my hand . His fingers trembled slightly , flipping through the pages , confirming that it was indeed a divorce application . After a few moments , he finally spoke , his voice soft yet formal . Ill submit this to the council for review on your behalf . Please wait here for a while , maam . I nodded , ignoring the curious glances around me . My heart raced , not with fear , but with the thrilling anticipation of freedom . After years of feeling trapped in a loveless bond , this was my first step towards reclaiming my life . stood outside the council doors , the cold wind biting at my skin , but inside , I felt warm almost excited . The idea of a future without Lorik , without his brooding presence constantly looming over me , made my heart leap . I felt lighter , as though chains were slowly being undone . Eventually , the staff member returned , his face more relaxed now . Your application is under review . You can go home for now , maam . Once the council convenes next month , your divorce will be officially processed . A sigh of relief escaped my lips , and I smiled at him gratefully . Thank you . As I turned to leave , I didnt notice the murmurs that started to spread behind me . In my world , I was leaving with a sense of closure , but in the council , whispers of my visit began to flow like wildfire . Was that the Luna of Silvermoon ? one of the staff asked , his voice tinged with surprise . Yeah , shes the one who looked after the injured Alpha for three whole years . And now hes ditching her for someone else ? Thats heartless , even for an Alpha . Betraying your mate … its got to be unbearable . She seemed so calm , though . I was expecting her to storm in , make a scene … But she didnt get angry at all . Shes stronger than I thought . The next day , Lorik arrived at the Werewolf Council , his usual air of authority sweeping through the foom . His presence , powerful and magnetic , always commanded attention . Today was no different , except for the strange looks being cast his way . He noticed it almost immediately . There were whispers behind his back , sideways glances filled with something like disapproval . Chapter 9 His brows furrowed as he caught snippets of conversation . Thats the Alpha who betrayed his Luna , right ? Handsome , but whoever mates with him … poor soul . Loriks steps faltered , his body stiffening at the weight of the rumors swirling around him . His jaw clenched as he approached one of the staff members . Grabbing him by the arm , he demanded , Did Shirley come here yesterday? 713 The staff member hesitated , clearly torn between fear and duty . Finally , he nodded . Yes , Alpha .. Loriks heart pounded . So , she * had * come . But instead of causing a scene , she had done something far worse in his mind she had quietly gained sympathy . This must have been her plan all along . To come here , act innocent , and turn public opinion against him . He could feel the stares , the judgment from all sides . His frustration boiled over . Driving straight to my apartment , he couldnt contain the fury rising within him . By the time he reached my building , his temper had erupted into a full growl . He stormed to the entrance and bellowed , Sherry ! Get out here ! I stepped outside , meeting his gaze head on . I wasnt afraid anymore . I wasnt the same woman who had once bent to his will . His icy , piercing eyes searched mine , but I refused to look away . His voice was cold , laced with accusation . Youve been squealing to the council , trying to hold on to the Luna position , havent you ? I shook my head , calm despite the fire in his eyes . He sneered , taking a step closer , his handsome face twisted in contempt . No ? Dont lie , Sherry . I know you too well . Youre just playing the victim , trying to make me look like the villain . Hypocrite . I stared at him , feeling nothing but coldness in my heart . The man in front of me seemed a stranger . How had I ever loved him ? How had I ever been blinded by his charm , his authority ? His words felt distant , like echoes in a cavern where warmth could no longer reach . Put away your mind games , Sherry . I wont hold it against you this time . But listen , he added , his voice dropping to a cruel whisper , if you behave , Ill consider letting you carry my child . That way , you can still count on having something to hold on to for the rest of your life . I blinked , then laughed a bitter , hollow sound . Lorik , dont flatter yourself . Do you really think I want your child ? You have no idea what I went to the council for . But dont worry … youll find out soon enough . Chapter He stared at me , his gaze narrowing before he turned on his heel and stalked away , the tension in his body visible in every step . Later that day , I prepared for work , shaking off the unsettling confrontation with Lorik . Yet , as I made my way down the street , something felt off . A car had been trailing me for several blocks now , and my instincts told me that danger was close . Before I could act , two werewolves stepped into my path , blocking my way . Their eyes glinted with malice , their postures aggressive . Shirley Eaton , one of them sneered , his voice dripping with threat , or should I say , * former * Luna ? Panic seized me , but I forced myself to stay calm . I turned to run , but four more men emerged from the car behind me , surrounding me like a pack closing in on its prey . I struggled as they grabbed me , their hands rough and unyielding . My heart raced , adrenaline surging through my veins , but my efforts were futile . They were too strong , too many . A cloth was pressed over my face , the scent of chemicals overpowering . My vision blurred as the world spun , then faded into darkness . When I woke up , the air around me was thick with the stench of mildew and rust . My wrists burned as I realized I was tied to a chair , the rope biting into my skin . The dim light filtering through broken windows revealed the decrepit remains of what must have been an old factory . The place reeked of danger , the shadows creeping along the walls like specters . Outside , I could hear voices two men speaking in low , hushed tones . What are we going to do with her ? one asked , sounding amused . The other man chuckled , his voice twisted with malice . Silvermoons former Luna ? I swore Id make Alpha Lorik feel more pain than death . Ill let my brothers have their fun with her . Well record tall , send the footage to Lorik … and when were done , well dump her somewhere no one will ever find her . The river will take care of the rest . After I Let Go My Alpha , He Knelt in Re In the ongoing romance novel "CEO's Twins Want Mommy Back" by CrushReel, Cassandra finds herself in a seemingly perfect marriage with a loving husband and adorable stepchildren. However, her troubled past looms large, raising questions about the true stability of her newfound family. As she navigates the complexities of blending her past and present, Cassandra must confront the shadows that threaten to disrupt her blissful facade. What secrets lie beneath the surface, and how will she protect her newfound happiness from the ghosts of her past? This modern tale delves into themes of redemption, family dynamics, and the intricate balance between love and secrets. The unique blend of billionaire romance and office drama adds layers of intrigue to Cassandra's journey as she strives to keep her personal life from unraveling. With a compelling narrative that intertwines sweet romance with contemporary challenges, "CEO's Twins Want Mommy Back" stands out as a must-read for fans of heartfelt stories set against the backdrop of corporate intrigue. Experience the emotional rollercoaster of Cassandra's quest for love and acceptance in this captivating novel. Available to read online at CrushReel, immerse yourself in a world where past mistakes collide with present desires, promising a gripping narrative that will leave readers yearning for more.