Chapter 6
+25 Bonus
In the weeks that followed, I recovered quickly both physically and mentally.
The official decree to break the mate bond came through, and it was soon done–Nate and I were no longer bound.
I didn’t feel anything in particular. It was like waking from a nightmare that had dragged on too long. My mind was clear, and my heart was finally still.
I was really, truly free now.
After that, I headed straight for the largest branch of the Resource Alliance in the northern region.
This time, I wasn’t anyone’s mate. I wasn’t the daughter of the Roth family. I wasn’t the Luna who looked glamorous but was always treated as disposable.
I was just myself. I was going to carve my own path in this werewolf world with my own claws and on my own terms.
As I stepped into the towering building, a graceful, poised she–wolf in an elegant forest- green formal dress caught my eye from across the lobby.
She looked at me and froze for a moment. Then, her gaze softened with something that seemed like a sense of recognition. It was a warm and complicated look.
After a few seconds of hesitation, she walked toward me.
Her voice was gentle but laced with quiet excitement and hope. “Miss, may I have a word with you?”
I hesitated at first because I was unsure why she was approaching me. But for some reason, something about her felt strangely familiar deep in my gut.
Finally, I nodded and said, “Alright.”
17A
Chapter 6
…
+25 Bonus
Over a month later, I received word that Rose had given birth. The pack she married into was going to hold a lavish banquet for her. They boasted about their strong, healthy pup
and were absolutely elated. The whole event was going to be a spectacle.
When I heard the rumors, I smirked coldly.
Rose was quick to act. She had lost the pup from my womb, but she swiftly found a new one
somehow to show off. She had everyone fooled without missing a beat.
I’d originally planned to let her bask in her illusion for a little longer. But coincidentally,
the elegant lady who had first approached me at the Resource Alliance received an invitation to the party.
She glanced at it and turned to me. “Would you like to come with me and have a look?”
I narrowed my eyes a little and gave her a slight smile. “Sure. Since I’m invited, I might as well go and see how she’s enjoying herself.”
On the day of the banquet, we arrived at the grand and resplendent venue packed with guests. Rose stood in the center holding the pup, all demure and poised. Her face was full of sweet smiles, as though she were the most blessed Luna in the entire werewolf realm.
My parents stood beside her, wearing proud expressions. They agreed with every word she said and hung onto her every breath as if they were afraid she might faint at any moment.
Nate was there too. He had a tender expression, playing the dutiful partner perfectly.
I looked at them and let out a low scoff, my eyes filled with cold contempt.
When they saw me, their expressions changed instantly.
“What are you doing here?” Rose blurted.
I stepped into the hall unhurriedly as my gaze swept over them steadily. “What? Am I not allowed to come congratulate my dear sister?”
2/4
Chapter 6
+25 Bonus
Rose’s smile faltered, and she forced a polite response. “I didn’t expect you to show up,
Diana.”
I laughed curtly and responded sarcastically, “Rose, how did you grow up to be this brainless? Did no one teach you to be discreet?”
Her face darkened, and she opened her mouth to retort.
However, I didn’t give her the chance to do so. I continued, “Do you think it’s wise to flaunt
a fake pup in front of everyone? Aren’t you afraid of being ripped to shreds?”
Some of the keener elders in the room began to sense the tension and murmured awkwardly to smooth things over. “Come on now. You’re sisters. Let’s not air dirty laundry
in public.”
But Rose snapped, because my words had struck a nerve.
She sneered in a voice so shrill that it could pierce through my eardrums. “You’re just jealous of me! All my life, everyone loved me more. Mom and Dad favored me, your fated mate chose me in the end, and even your precious Alpha Nate, even he…”
She paused for a bit before going on, “You lost your pup, and no one wants you anymore. So, you can’t stand to see me happy now. Is that it?”
Her words rang out across the hall.
Wolves around us began murmuring. Some curious, others mocking. The air was thick with
tension and hushed gossip.
I quietly chuckle, unbothered by her outburst.
Instead, I turned and walked directly toward her in–laws, Michael Burke and Jess Brown.
I remarked, “Well, since you’re so eager to put on a show. Why don’t I help pull back the stage curtains?”
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