Now, for my son’s sake, I’m choosing to walk away completely.
I was done letting my son be collateral damage in Theo’s games.
After Alex’s burns healed, he remained withdrawn and sad.
To cheer him up, I organized a fourth birthday celebration, inviting all his young packmates.
For a while, it worked. Alex was actually smiling, playing with the other pups.
Until the blessing video started playing on the screen.
The lights dimmed. Everyone gathered around the screen, excited to see the traditional pack birthday blessings.
Instead, we saw Theo’s face in what looked like a recent pack gathering. He was lounging on a couch, drink in hand.
Someone off-camera asked: “Beta Theo, where’s your favorite place to mate?”
His casual response froze my blood: “After putting Marcus to sleep, I like taking Sarah to the dining table in the living room.”
The room fell silent. All eyes turned to Alex, who had gone completely still in my arms.
Sarah appeared almost immediately, her face a mask of concern.
“Oh no, I’m so terribly sorry! There was a mix-up with the videos. I had prepared such a lovely birthday blessing for Alex…”
She glanced around the room, then lowered her voice. “These things happen sometimes. No need to make a scene.”
Then she pulled out her phone, starting to show me other clips.
Theo teaching Marcus combat moves. Theo taking Marcus hunting. Theo proudly watching Marcus’s first partial shift.
Theo was capturing the moment on camera, his voice full of joy: “That’s my boy! Look at those claws!”
“See?” Sarah’s voice dripped with false sympathy. “Theo’s such a wonderful father figure. He just needs… the right family environment.”
Sarah leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Let’s be honest – if you hadn’t used that pheromone enhancement five years ago, Theo would never have been with you. You’re a talented healer, and quite beautiful for an Omega. You could find someone else.”
She showed me one final photo – her, Theo, and Marcus at a pack gathering, looking like the perfect family.
“Just let him go. Let us be a real family again. It’s what’s best for everyone.”
I covered Alex’s eyes with my hand, shielding him from more pain.
“I’m done,” I said quietly, cutting her off. “We’re done.”
I pulled out my phone and called Ada, my friend who led a pack in the next territory.
“Remember when you offered me that healing position in your pack? Is it still open? I will be there in three days.”
