Chapter 10

Selena’s Pov Three days. In seventy-two hours, I would sign the divorce papers and walk out of this pack and house. And then, Selena Kensington, the rejected, barren and orphan wife would cease to exist. I was trying so hard not to let the pain consume me because I have to live for my baby, but it wasn't easy either. I sat at my desk in the attic, my laptop screen was glowing in the dark room, and my heart was pounding so hard I could hear it in my ears. I wasn't just planning a trip, I was planning an escape. On the screen was a confirmation page for a luxury cruise liner called The Poseidon. It was a massive ship setting sail for New York in four days. Passenger Name: Violet Stone. Suite: Royal Deck, Cabin 404. I stared at the name. Violet Stone. For years, she was just a secret identity, a shadow I used to sell my jewelry designs. But now, she was my lifeline, the only person who could save me and my baby. "I’m doing this for you," I whispered, resting a hand on my flat stomach. “We are going to be free.” But simply running away wasn't enough. Theo was an Alpha. If I just disappeared, he would send trackers to find me and drag me back to "protect" me. He would make sure no one ruined his and Claire's engagement ceremony. And if he found out about the baby, he would take my child. I took a deep breath, my hands trembling as I thought about the terrifying part of my plan. I couldn't just leave. I had to die. Not for real, of course. But to the Sirius Pack, Selena had to die so Violet could live. The plan was dangerous, but simple. I would board the Poseidon as Violet Stone and also book a ticket for Selena. One night, while we were out at sea, I would leave Selena’s shoes and a suicide note on the railing of the deck, and I would leave my wedding ring there too. Everyone would think the heartbroken ex-wife couldn't handle the pain. They would think I jumped and stop looking for me. They would mourn me, bury an empty casket, and then move on. And while they cried, I would be arriving in New York, ready to start over. I wiped a tear from my cheek. It hurt to think about hurting Theo like that. Even after everything, I knew my "death" would crush him. Because he abandoned me, I jumped into the sea to my death. But I had no choice. I had to protect the life growing inside me. I opened my email. I found a contact I hadn't spoken to in two years. Lucy Baker. Lucy was a brilliant jewelry designer in New York. Years ago, she had begged me to join her studio as a partner. She knew about my talent. She knew I was Violet Stone and back then, I had said no. I was so in love with Theo, so desperate to be a "good wife and perfect Luna" that I gave up my career. I clicked the Call button. The phone rang three times. "Hello?" A bright, familiar voice answered. "Lucy," I said, my voice shaking. “It’s Selena.” There was a pause. “Selena? Oh my god! It’s been forever. How are you? How is the pack life?” "I’m... I’m leaving, Lucy," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. “Leaving? You mean, a vacation?” "No. I mean for good." I took a deep breath. “Theo and I are divorcing. I’m coming to New York.” "Oh, sweetie, I'm so sorry," Lucy said, her voice turning soft. “Are you okay?” "I will be," I said. “I’m coming on The Poseidon. I’ll be there in a week. Lucy, does the offer still stand? To join your studio?” "Of course!" Lucy shouted immediately. “Are you kidding? I’ve been keeping a desk open for Violet Stone for years. We would be lucky to have you.” "Thank you," I sobbed, the relief washing over me. “I really need this, Lucy. I need a job. I need to work.” "We’ll make it happen," Lucy promised. “We have the New York Jewelry Exhibition coming up. I know your design was selected. It’s the perfect time for you to debut. You can finally step into the light, Selena.” "Violet," I corrected her gently. “When I get there, I want to be Violet Stone.” "Violet," Lucy agreed. “I can't wait to see you.” We hung up, and I sat back in my chair. I had a ticket. I had a job. I had a plan. Down the hall, Theo was probably sleeping, thinking that he had won. He thought I was just a naive orphan who would take his money and move to the nearest town, and he probably had guards assigned to watch me, to make sure I stayed safe and close, but he had no idea. He underestimated me because he thinks that I will live under his shadow for the rest of my life, but I'm done with this place and with him. I closed my laptop and stood up. I walked to the mirror and looked at my reflection. I looked tired and pale. But in my eyes, there was a spark of fire that hadn't been there before. Selena the victim was gone. Violet the survivor was just waking up. I started to pack my bag, hiding my jewelry tools at the very bottom. I was ready to run. I was ready to vanish. And I was ready to become a ghost. 3 days left.