Chapter 3: Betrayal at Silver Pines

I snuck after Autumn and watched her slip into the Silver Pines Club.

I kept to the shadows, heart pounding. The club’s neon sign buzzed in the night, casting a sickly glow over the parking lot. I watched her slip inside, her step quick and eager. My stomach twisted with dread.

Of course. She was there to see Jamie Brooks.

I felt like an idiot, crouched in the dark, watching my wife chase after another man. I clenched my fists, fighting the urge to turn and run.

I snuck in and saw her sitting on Jamie’s lap, blushing shyly.

The sight made my blood boil. She giggled, tucking her hair behind her ear, her cheeks flushed. She looked happier than I’d seen her in months. It was like I didn’t exist.

"Jamie, I missed you so much."

Her voice was soft, almost breathless. She leaned into him, her whole body relaxed. I felt like an intruder, like I was watching a scene I was never meant to see.

Jamie Brooks lowered his head with a soft laugh. "I missed you too. You haven’t come for a few days."

He grinned, voice low and teasing. He looked at her like she was the only person in the room. My stomach twisted tighter.

Autumn blushed even harder. "I have to save up to get you out. Every time I book you, it’s over a thousand dollars. I don’t have that kind of cash."

She sounded almost apologetic, her words tumbling out in a rush. She squeezed his hand, her eyes shining with hope. I felt sick.

Jamie playfully flicked her nose.

He winked, his tone playful. She laughed, the sound bright and carefree. I wanted to scream, to drag her out of there, but I was rooted to the spot.

Watching her in his arms, my heart ached.

My chest felt tight, a dull pain I couldn’t describe. I pressed a hand to my sternum, trying to steady my breathing. The room spun around me. I’d never felt so lost, so utterly alone.

Just as I was about to turn and leave, a heavyset, big-eared businessman grabbed me. His grip was clammy, his breath reeking of whiskey and cheap cologne.

He leered at me, his eyes raking over my face.

"Is this a new one? Handsome as can be."

He squeezed my shoulder, his voice slick as oil. I tried to pull away, but he just laughed, unfazed.

I struggled to shake off his hand. "I’m a man."

I said it loud, hoping he’d get the message. But he just grinned, teeth yellow in the dim light.

But the man just laughed.

He threw his head back, the sound booming over the music. People glanced our way, but nobody intervened. I felt trapped, exposed.

"Of course I know you’re a man. Why else would I come to the Silver Pines? That’s exactly what I like."

His words made my skin crawl. I bristled, anger flaring in my chest. I didn’t belong here. I didn’t want any part of this.

I tried again, voice shaking. "I’m not here to sell myself. I don’t belong here."

He just seemed more amused. "Is this your new act? Gotta say, it’s pretty fun."

He winked, clearly enjoying my discomfort. I clenched my fists, trying to keep my temper in check.

I was about to explain again when Autumn shouted behind me, voice sharp with anger.

Her voice cut through the noise, sharp and furious. Heads turned. I felt a jolt of fear—she’d seen me, and there was no going back.

"Miles, what are you doing?"

She stormed over, eyes blazing. Jamie trailed behind, looking smug. I braced myself for the fallout.

I turned to see Autumn and Jamie, both of them glaring at me.

Their anger was palpable, filling the room like a thunderstorm. I felt small, cornered. There was no way out.

Jamie hid half his face behind a drink menu, muttering, "Autumn, is this your werewolf husband? What’s he doing in our club? Is he here for some fun, too?"

His words dripped with sarcasm. He shot me a look, all smug. I wanted to punch him, but I held back.

He smirked, his words echoing in my ears. I felt my face flush with anger and shame. I wanted to shout that it wasn’t true, but the words stuck in my throat.

But for Autumn, I’d chosen my path and wasn’t about to change. I had no interest in men—not now, not ever. I thought of all the times I’d explained myself to her, tried to prove my loyalty. It never seemed to matter. She always found a way to doubt me.

Her face went cold as she stared me down. "Miles, why are you here?"

Her voice was ice, her eyes hard. She didn’t care about my reasons—she just wanted to catch me in a lie. I felt my resolve crumble.

The businessman, seeing us argue, tried to make himself scarce, but Jamie blocked his path, grinning.

He gestured toward me, telling the man to stick around. I felt like an animal on display, humiliated and powerless.

I couldn’t admit I was following Autumn, so I just said, "I was passing by, saw you here, and just wanted to see what was going on."

My lie sounded weak, even to my own ears. I avoided her gaze, focusing on the sticky floor beneath my feet.

Jamie snorted again.

He leaned back, arms crossed, enjoying the drama. His words stung, because they were true. I didn’t trust her—not anymore.

"It’s nearly night—how could he just happen to pass by? Didn’t he follow you here?"

His tone was mocking, his smile smug. I wanted to punch him, but I held myself back. I couldn’t afford to make things worse.

As soon as he finished, Autumn slapped me across the face.

The blow was sharp, ringing in my ears. The whole room seemed to freeze. I tasted blood on my lip. My cheek burned, every nerve on fire.

"I came here today to deliver fresh fish to the club. Are you so afraid I’ll cheat that you followed me here?"

Her words were spat out, full of venom. She glared at me, daring me to contradict her. I bit my tongue, holding back the truth.

I fought back tears, not wanting to give her the satisfaction. The pain was sharp, but the betrayal hurt more. I steadied myself, breathing through the ache.

I clenched my teeth and shook my head. "No."

My voice was barely more than a whisper. I wanted to scream, to fight back, but I stayed silent. I wouldn’t give her another reason to hurt me.

I thought I saw a flicker of guilt.

For a split second, her eyes softened. She reached out, then pulled her hand back. The guilt was gone as quickly as it came, replaced by cold resolve.

She stepped forward. "Miles, I… I just…"

Her voice trembled, but I could tell she was searching for an excuse. I didn’t want to hear it. I didn’t want to forgive her this time.

Before she could finish, Jamie suddenly cried out and collapsed, clutching his head.

The room erupted in chaos. People rushed to his side, voices overlapping. I stood frozen, unsure what to do.

She knelt beside him, her hands shaking.

"Jamie, what’s wrong?"

Her voice was frantic, full of genuine concern. She stroked his hair, whispering soothing words. I watched, numb.

He winced, his voice barely audible. "Maybe I’m just too tired."

The manager’s voice was tight, her eyes darting between Jamie and Autumn. "Jamie caught a cold a few days ago and was resting. When he heard you were here, he insisted on coming out to see you."

Her eyes filled with tears, her voice thick with emotion. "Jamie…"

They disappeared into the back room, leaving me alone in the crowd.

I let out a bitter laugh. The businessman sidled up to me again, eyes narrowed.

He nudged my elbow, grinning. “Tough break, buddy. What’s so good about a woman like that? If you come with me, I’ll make sure you live in luxury.” I recoiled, disgusted.

I scoffed and turned away.

He didn’t know—I could have lived in luxury if I wanted. The only reason I stayed was for Autumn.

I could’ve run to the city, found a new life, maybe even found peace. But I’d stayed—for her, for our family. Now I wondered if it had all been a mistake.