When The Moonstones Meant Nothing
On the third day I gave him the cold shoulder, Ryker—my Alpha and mate-to-be—approved a solo research trip to the Moonlight Forest for himself and his Beta lover, Liana.
He thought I'd fly into a rage, just like always. I didn't.
A month later, he returned and saw it—I had changed.
He sided with Liana, handed her my research, and expected me to fly into a rage. I didn't. I just helped her organize the files.
He destroyed my lab, all to help her solidify her position in the pack.
I didn't fight back. I took the blame without a single word.
Liana gloated. "See? I told you. You can't fight Oliva head-on. Just use your Alpha authority and give her the cold shoulder. She'll fold. She's terrified of losing the mate bond, so she'll do whatever you say."
Ryker bought it hook, line, and sinker, even praising her for being so clever.
Then he pulled me aside. He increased my pack allowance, restored some of my privileges, and even brought up a grand bonding ceremony—the first time he’d ever mentioned it.
But he’d missed one crucial detail: while he was off enjoying his little getaway, he had already stamped my application to sever our mate bond, his approval given without a second thought.
And just like that, I was free of him.
Clean. Final.