Page 14 of Amaris Rejected

I land with a thump and spring up from my bed, gasping, "Zoe!" My heart races as I look around, slowly becoming aware I’m back in my room. I rush next door to check on Zoe and find her sleeping peacefully.

Sighing, I lean against the wall and notice through the window that dawn is breaking over the sky. Then, I realize I just had a warning dream. I need to stay watchful for this female I’ve been shown. She’s a danger to Zoe and my family.

Chapter 11 – First Steps

Amaris-Present Day

I hand over my marriage documentation to the lawyer across from me. "I need a divorce. We met at a singles Meet-and-Greet, married, and mated that night. The next morning, he abruptly left and deserted me." I explain coolly. "He never came back to our room. I didn’t see him again until a few days ago when he showed up here in Spartanburg, three years later."

The attorney, Ms. Cooper, quietly takes notes. "Okay. Any marital assets or children?"

"I am co-owner, alchemist, and healer atThe Healing Hand.I bought into the business as a partner after he abandoned me."

The attorney raises her delicately manicured eyebrows. "Oh, yes. I often shop there. As an alchemist, you create many of those, correct?"

“That’s right,” I nod. "We have a 3-year-old daughter, Zoe. I’m not sure how much this will matter, but her twin brother died shortly after birth. The loss was due to the after-effects of the rejection and the extreme stress I was under at the time, trying to carry two pups, work, and pursue my training, all after the father's abandonment."

"Since there is a child from the mating, Alpha Wright will need to sign the divorce agreement,"the attorney advises.

Sighing, I nod. “I figured it wouldn’t be easy. That’s one of the reasons I never tried to file before. That and the fact that I didn’t know where he lived.”

“Totally understandable,” she remarks, shaking her head. “It’s only recently that she-wolves have really started gaining rights. Statistically, 95% of all rejected mates are females. Normally, a rejected mate is kicked out, left to waste away, and dies. But now, we have many resources to help rejected mates and single mothers not only survive without their other half but also go on to find second-chance mates.”

"Ironically, there is a silver lining that came from my rejection and abandonment," I continue. "I felt compelled to create a natural dietary supplement that alleviates the severe effects mate rejection has on both human and wolf. If I may promote it?" I offer her a small stack of business cards. "Amra helps reduce the pain and suffering caused by cheating as well as rejection. If you have a client who needs a prescription, please send them my way. It’s completely safe for daily use, even during a delicate condition like pregnancy. I can personally attest to that. I was able to function almost normally during my pregnancy while taking it, and I believe that’s why my daughter was healthy enough to thrive in my womb. Had I been able to develop it earlier, my son might have survived too."

Tears cloud my vision, and I quickly wipe them away.

"Thank you, Amaris. This is revolutionary for the Wolfdom. So many good shifters are irreparably broken by rejection." Ms. Cooper looked at me in disbelief. "I know many I can send to you immediately."

"At least some good can come from my tragedy," I smile. "Having said that, I want Devon to have gradual supervised and limited visitation with my daughter. She doesn't know him. He is unreliable and has a history of abandonment. I don't want her to love and depend on him just to have her heart shattered if he proves capricious."

"I completely understand. I'll see what I can do."

"I don’t need any support. I’m self-sufficient and more than capable of taking care of Zoe," I assert, lifting my chin. "If he wants to set up a trust or an educational fund for her future, he’s welcome to do so. He can buy her birthday or Christmas gifts, school clothes, or supplies. Otherwise, I want nothing from him at all."

"Noted.How soon do you need the divorce documents prepared?" Ms. Cooper asks.

"Alpha is scheduling a meeting with him this week for me, and I want to have the papers in hand when I see him. So, as soon as possible."

"That can be arranged."

Chapter 12 - Penance Day

Amaris-Present Day

Office of Alpha Blake Collins

Alpha Blake arranged for Devon and me to meet in his office. I stand at the door, hesitating before knocking. "Come in, Amaris," Alpha Blake calls.

I open the door to find Devon seated in one of the armchairs. I settle into the other one.

"Hello, Amaris; how are you today?" Alpha Blake asks as I sit down.

"I’m doing well, Alpha Blake," I reply. Not wasting time, I hand a manila envelope to Devon. "That contains some photographs of Zoe that I think you may like."

Next, I hand him a file folder. "This contains a fair divorce agreement that you need to sign. Please take it to your attorney for review. I don’t want any of your assets, and I’m not asking for alimony or child support.” I pause briefly before adding, “My only request is that visitation be limited and supervised until Zoe gets to know you and you demonstrate that you can be reliable and won't disappear from her life."

He flinches at the last part.

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