His Mate’s Love Vanished with the Roses

Bree

I woke up with a pounding headache and my eyes adjusting to the bright fluorescent lights. My pulse raced as I sensed something wasn't right.

“Bree,” Rosa’s gentle voice pulled me from the haze.

I turned to see her sitting by my bedside, her face pale and full of worry. Rosa, our pack's head healer, was known for her calm demeanor, so seeing her like this sent chills down my spine.

“What happened?” I asked, my voice weak and raspy.

She hesitated but her eyes drifted down to my wrist. I slowly followed her gaze and froze. The mark that plagued me for years was back, twisting around my skin like a chain, faint but visible.

“No,” I whispered, yanking my arm away as if that could make it disappear.

Rosa exhaled a shaky breath as her trembling hands touched my arms.

"It's back, Bree. The curse has returned."

Her words pierced through me, and suddenly, the room felt smaller. Memories flashed back in my head, vivid and cruel. I was just a child lost in the woods when I found a witch. She was injured and weak, surrounded by a group of rogues. Without thinking, I defended her by screaming and throwing stones at the rogues until they fled.

"You are kind, child. But this kindness will come at a cost. And when you get betrayed, it will return," she warned.

And she was right; the mark appeared that very night. Years later, when I mated with Alpha Kyle, it vanished just as suddenly.

"Why now?" I asked Rosa.

She looked at me with sadness and pity in her eyes.

"It's possible that... the mate bond is broken."

My heart sank. How could that be? The mate bond was supposed to be unbreakable. In denial and desperation, I left without listening to Rosa's advice. All I could think about were her words: "You have ten days to live."

As I entered the packhouse, immediately something felt off. Everything was quiet, too quiet for a bustling werewolf pack. But as I made my way upstairs, I heard a soft, feminine laugh echoing through the halls from my bedroom. I followed the sound, and it grew louder and louder; then I heard a low, husky voice joining in Kyle's voice.

I froze outside of the door, my shaking hand on the doorknob. My heart pounded as I struggled with the urge to turn back and pretend, I hadn't heard anything. But I couldn't resist. I pushed the door lightly, ensuring it wouldn't make a sound. And there they were Janice's naked body tangled with Kyle's, his hands roaming over her skin and his mouth tracing kisses on her breasts.

I stumbled back, gasping in disbelief. It wasn't some cosmic accident that brought back the curse; it was Kyle breaking our mate bond. I couldn't believe he would do this to me.

Desperate to escape, I ran downstairs with tears clouding my vision. My legs carried me to the rose garden, a place that used to bring me joy. Now, they mocked me. Every flower reminded me of the promises he broke. The smell of roses only fueled my anger, and I couldn't stand being there any longer. I stormed back into the house and encountered two omegas returning from the laundry room. They immediately bowed and greeted me.

"Clear out the entire rose garden. Not a single rose should be left by morning," I commanded without hesitation.

One of them hesitated, her brow furrowed in confusion.

"But Luna, they..."

"Just do it," I snapped, cutting her off.

The omegas nodded and quickly went to carry out my orders. Destroying the roses wouldn't erase Kyle's betrayal or break the curse, but it was a start.

When I returned to my room a few minutes later, it was empty and tidy. I sank onto my bed, feeling the throbbing pain in my wrist where the mark glowed in the dim light. Only ten days left to live a constant reminder of the cruel fate that awaited me. But I refused to let this curse destroy me without a fight. And everyone who had hurt me should pay for their actions.

Kyle

The morning light seeping through the window did little to warm the icy tension in the room. Bree’s movements were stiff as she placed a plate of eggs and toast in front of me without even a glance.

“Good morning,” I said hesitantly.

“Morning,” she replied, lacking its usual softness.

"Did you not sleep well?"

She shrugged, leaning against the counter with her coffee.

"Not really."

Her indifference was like a knife twisting deeper with each passing moment. Bree wasn't just upset she was distant and unreachable.

I poked at my food with my fork, losing my appetite quickly.

"Something's bothering you. You know you can talk to me, right?"

This time, she met my gaze with a coldness that sent shivers down my spine.

"Can I?"

It sounded like a challenge, but before I could respond, she turned and left the room with unanswered questions.

Later that morning, I went outside to clear my head. The rose garden had always been Bree's sanctuary, our haven when the responsibilities of being pack leaders became too much. But as I stepped onto the patio, I froze.

It was gone.

The roses, once vibrant reds and whites had been ripped out, and the soil lay barren and raw as if someone had taken the heart of the garden away overnight.

"What the hell..." I muttered.

Two omegas were nearby, sweeping up the last remnants of petals and leaves. They stiffened as I approached.

"What happened here?" I demanded; my tone harsher than intended.

One of them hesitated, glancing nervously at the other.

"Luna's orders," she blurted.

I was stunned.

"Bree ordered this?"

"Yes, Alpha. Last night. She said everything had to be gone by morning."

My jaw tightened as I scanned the desolate garden. Bree loved this place. It was where we shared some of our most intimate moments our first kiss, whispered confessions, stolen glances. Now, it looked as empty as her eyes had this morning.

"Why would she do this?" I muttered to myself, more than to the omegas.

They didn't answer, and I didn't push them further.

I found Bree in the kitchen again, her back to me as she washed a coffee mug in the sink.

"You had the garden cleared," I said in a low but steady voice.

She didn't turn around.

"Yes."

"Why?"

"They were just roses," she replied casually as if that explained everything.

I moved closer, studying her carefully.

"You've never thought of them as 'just roses.' What changed?"

Bree finally turned to face me, her expression blank except for a flicker of something indistinguishable pain or anger, perhaps.

"I changed, Kyle. Can't I do that?"

Her tone was sharp and final, like an impenetrable wall between us.

"Bree..."

"I don't want to talk about it," she interrupted, brushing past me with the same cold detachment she'd carried all morning.

I stood there, fists clenched, the weight of her words pressing down on me. Something was wrong.

The rest of the day passed with me doing all of responsibilities and pack duties, but Bree's emotional distance lingered in my mind. By evening, I couldn't shake the feeling that something big had changed between us. When I returned to the house, I saw Bree sitting at the coffee table in the living room. She was engrossed in her calendar, crossing out dates and jotting down notes on the margins.

"What are you planning?" I asked casually, trying not to let my curiosity show.

She froze at the sound of my voice and quickly closed the calendar, avoiding eye contact.

"Just organizing my schedule," she replied without looking up.

I couldn't help but step closer, catching a glimpse of the marked dates with red circles and cryptic notes like "final decision" and "last chance". My heart beat faster as I reached for the calendar, but Bree snapped it shut before I could see anything else.

"Don't you have somewhere else to be?" she said coolly, standing up and brushing past me.

Her words stung like a slap, and I stood there, rooted to the spot, staring at the closed calendar. Bree was planning something she didn't want me to know. And it terrified me.

Bree

I stood in front of the plot, silently observing the digging.

"Are you sure about this spot?" Rosa hesitantly asked.

"It's just dirt," I replied coldly, kicking a clump towards the edge.

"I'd rather be buried here than somewhere I don't belong."

Rosa didn't protest. She wasn't one to argue once I had made up my mind. But the pity in her eyes made my skin crawl.

"Don't tell him. He doesn't deserve to know," I ordered.

Rosa tried to open her mouth, but I silenced it with a glare.

"Promise me."

She reluctantly nodded.

Laughter from a distance broke the moment. My ears focused instinctively on the sound. It's Kyle. And even without turning, I knew who was with him. Janice's light and teasing voice drifted on the gentle breeze. My fists clenched when I turned away from the plot.

"This is done," I muttered, walking toward my car without waiting for Rosa.

Back at our home, every corner flashed with memories, suffocating me. Even the piles of gifts on the dresser taunted me. And in a fit of rage, I yanked the drawer and seized the small jewelry box Kyle had given me last year.

“For the only woman who’ll ever hold my heart,” he’d said when he slipped the necklace around my neck.

Liar.

I sent the box flying across the room and collided with the wall, spilling its contents onto the floor. Next was a framed photo on the mantle. My heart raced as I watched the glass shattered on the floor.

And then I found the pictures.

Tucked under the bed, hidden in an envelope, were photos of Kyle and Janice smiling, touching, together. Pain and anger threatened to consume me as I stared at the concrete evidence of his betrayal. I chuckled in tears. He didn't even try to hide it.

Now, I am driving and gripping the steering wheel so tight. The headlights cut through the darkness. I'm leaving everything and everyone behind. And I thought I would feel free, but my chest felt empty as if the curse consumed me.

Suddenly, a truck appeared out of nowhere. I slammed on the brakes, tires screeching as our vehicles collided and sent me jolting forward. The sound of metal crunching and glass shattering felt unreal. Pain shot through my body, but all I could hear was the pounding of my heart.

When I finally opened my eyes, everything was tilted. Steam hissed from the car's engine; the accident completely wrecked it. I groaned, trying to move, but my limbs felt heavy and unresponsive.

And then I saw them.

Kyle was crouched on the opposite side of the road, cradling Janice in his arms as if she were the most precious thing in the world. His fingers cupped her face, his voice frantic yet gentle.

"You're okay. I've got you."

He didn't even glance my way.

I laughed bitterly; a raw and broken sound escaped my lips. Of course, I didn't matter. But it still hurt like hell. I cried watching them until I lost consciousness.

The sterile smell of the hospital stung my nose when I awakened. Every breath I took was accompanied by a sharp pain in my ribs, and the bright lights above me made my head throb.

Kyle was sitting in the corner of the room, his head buried in his hands. When he saw I was awake, he quickly stood, his face went pale.

"Bree..."

"Don't," I immediately cut him off.

He flinched, but his desperation only fueled my anger.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean..."

“Didn’t mean what?” I snapped.

“Didn’t mean to sleep with Janice? Didn’t mean to break the bond? Or didn’t mean to leave me bleeding while you played hero to her?”

His mouth opened, but no words came out.

“That’s what I thought.”

I turned and faced the wall. Kyle moved closer, but I held up a hand.

“You’ve done enough, Kyle. Get out.”

“Bree, please..."

“If you don't want to go, I will reject you."

"Bree..."

"I reject you, Kyle, as my mate and Alpha."

"No, Bree..."

"Accept it!"

Kyle stood stunned. It took all my strength to yell and convince him to let me go.

"I said, accept it!"

"I... yes, I accept..."

Kyle turned around, leaving me to cry and grieve finally.

Kyle

I stood frozen, staring at the shattered vase on the floor. Bree's perfume tormented me. She was just here earlier in this quiet and empty house. Something was wrong, and my gut churned as I realized what it was.

I rushed through the room and searched desperately for her. But I found empty drawers and bare closets. Every trace of Bree was gone.

"No," I whispered, my heart sinking with the realization.

But she had left. The memory of her lying in that hospital bed flooded back to me. Her frail body, her tearstreaked face, and the anger in her voice when she screamed for me to leave. And I did, even accepted her rejection like a coward.

When I turned, something caught my eye on the nightstand a small black box. My hands shook as I opened it, revealing a stack of photos inside. Photos of Janice and me together, smiling and laughing. I almost stopped breathing.

Bree knew about us all along. How long had she been suffering in silence? How long had she watched me destroy our relationship?

The door creaked behind me, and I whirled around to see Janice standing there with her practiced smile that now made my stomach turn.

"You knew she was leaving," I growled.

Janice tilted her head innocently.

"What are you talking about?"

"Don't play dumb," I snapped, holding up one of the photos.

"Where did these come from?"

Her smile faltered for a moment but recovered quickly.

"Maybe Bree had someone following us?" she suggested.

"Don't lie to me!" I barked, moving towards her.

Janice's expression hardened as she admitted, "Fine. I sent them."

The truth hit me like a punch to the gut. Anger and betrayal boiled within me.

"Why? Why would you do that?"

"Because she wasn't good enough for you!" Janice's voice rose in defiance.

"She was weak, Kyle. You're the Alpha. You need someone strong by your side, not some fragile omega who can't even..."

"Stop!" I roared, cutting her off.

But she didn't.

"She had always intended to leave you, Kyle. I just helped speed up the process."

Her words hit me like a ton of bricks. Bree hadn't left because she was weak; she left because I made her believe she wasn't worthy.

"Get out," I ordered through gritted teeth.

"What? Are you serious?"

Janice's eyes widened in disbelief.

"You heard me. Pack your things and leave the pack. You're done here."

Janice's face twisted in shock.

"You're throwing me out? After everything?"

"After everything?" I chuckled.

"You betrayed Bree and me. There's no place for you here."

Janice was about to argue but stopped when she realized I wouldn't listen.

I sank onto the bed when she left. The smell of roses still lingered in the room, and it brought back every memory of Bree. She had always loved and believed in me. Bree had been my everything, and I had been too caught up in my own selfishness to see it. I made her leave me.

I grabbed my jacket and stormed out of the house. I needed to find her.

I was met with a few omegas who greeted me on my way to car parking.

"Where is she?" I demanded.

"Luna Bree?" one of them said hesitantly.

"Yes. Did she mention where she was going?"

She shook her head and said, "She left this morning. Didn't say much, just packed her things and drove off."

My jaw clenched in frustration. Bree wasn't one for announcing her plans, especially when she was hurting.

I rushed to my car. Guilt and determination battled inside me as I revved the engine. She couldn't have gone far. As I sped down the road, I was reminded of Bree standing in the garden, touching the roses with her fingers.

"These flowers, they're a promise. A reminder that even the thorniest things can bloom again," she once said.

Tears pricked at my eyes as I gripped the steering wheel tighter. The roses were gone now and so was Bree. I tried to speak to her via mind link, but she blocked me.

"I'll find you, Bree. No matter what it takes," I whispered, praying she would unblock me and talk to me.

Bree

Pain radiated through my body as I slowly opened my eyes. I realized that I was no longer in the forest. But I was sure I drove, ditched my car, and entered the forest to die. Instead, I found myself in a room that smelled of cedarwood and an unfamiliar scent that somehow felt comforting yet foreign at the same time.

"You're finally awake," a deep voice said.

I turned my head slowly, wincing at the pain from my broken ribs. A man stood near the doorway, tall and broadshouldered with deep green eyes.

"Where am I?" I croaked out.

"Bloodmoon Pack," he replied, stepping closer.

"You collapsed in the forest, and my patrol found you."

I attempted to sit up, but a sharp pain shot through me, forcing me to stop. I hadn't fully healed from the accident yet.

"Why did you help me?"

"Would you have preferred if I hadn't?"

He wasn't mocking, only curious. But I ignored him and looked away.

"I'm Finn," he introduced, sitting in the chair near my bed.

"Bree."

"I know."

And it made my wolf stir inside me, uneasy but also intrigued.

The door opened, and Rosa entered, looking pale but relieved when she saw me awake.

"Bree," she exclaimed, hurrying to my side.

"You're alive, thanks to the Moon Goddess."

Rosa's healer eyes scanned me for any injuries. Her fingers brushed over my wrist until she saw the faint mark.

"It seems dormant for now," she said cautiously.

"For now," I repeated bitterly.

"You need to rest, Bree. The curse feeds on your emotions. If you don't stay calm..."

"I know, Rosa," I snapped, cutting her off.

"I've lived with it long enough."

Her lips pressed into a thin line, but she didn't argue. She turned to Finn and nodded her thanks.

"Alpha Finn, I'll keep an eye on her."

"I'm sure you will," Finn responded without moving.

Rosa hesitated before finally leaving us alone.

Finn remained silent, his gaze on me with unsettling calmness. I hated it. It was nothing like Kyle's easy arrogance or sharp words. His patient silence was unnerving.

"What do you want?" I demanded, breaking the silence.

"To help."

"I don't need your help."

"Your body says otherwise."

I glared at him, but he didn't even flinch. Instead, he leaned forward slightly with his eyes growing darker.

"You felt it too, didn't you?" he asked.

I stiffened.

"Felt what?"

"The bond."

My wolf stirred again, this time feeling more restless.

"You're wrong," I denied.

But Finn's steady gaze never wavered.

"Am I?

I clenched the blanket tightly, trying to ignore the pull I felt towards him. My bond with Kyle was broken, but that didn't mean I should get a new one.

"You're my second mate," Finn declared.

"Don't," I warned.

"You know it's true. Your wolf feels it, too."

A small whimper escaped from Asha, my wolf, a sound I hadn't heard in weeks.

“Do you really think these changes anything?” I snapped, my anger masking my fear.

“It doesn’t. I’m not going to stay here.”

“I’m not asking you to. But running won’t fix what’s broken, Bree.”

“Don’t act like you know me."

“I don’t. But I want to.”

His honesty took me by surprise. Kyle had never been like this.

“I’ll stay until I heal. Then I’m leaving," I stated.

Finn nodded but hope still beamed in his eyes.

Days passed, and I kept my distance, but Finn made it difficult. He was always around, always watching me. Not in a controlling way, but in a way that made it impossible to ignore him.

One evening, I wandered outside, drawn to the quiet garden behind the packhouse.

“You like it?”

I jumped at Finn's voice and turned to see him leaning against a tree.

“It's...peaceful,” I admitted.

“My mother planted this garden. She believed that flowers could heal even the deepest wounds.”

“Flowers can't fix everything," I scoffed.

“No. But it's a start. Look, you don't have to trust me. But I'll be here when you're ready.”

“I don't know if I'll ever be ready,” I whispered.

Then, we both went silent. Meanwhile, Kyle's car screeched to a halt at the border of Bloodmoon Pack.

“She's here,” Kyle muttered, his eyes narrowed as he stepped out.

Kyle

As soon as my vehicle stopped at the main gate, Bloodmoon warriors surrounded me like predators eyeing their prey. The leader, a massive figure with a jagged scar on his jaw, looked ready for a confrontation.

“What do you want?” he challenged.

“I’m here for Bree,” I stated firmly, exuding the confidence of an Alpha.

“Move aside.”

He smirked but didn’t budge.

“Alpha Finn doesn’t welcome uninvited guests.”

“Then let him come and tell me himself,” I growled.

Just then, Finn appeared, striding forward with an air of calm confidence that ignited my irritation.

“Kyle,” Finn acknowledged, stopping beside his warriors.

“I figured you’d show up.”

“Where is she?” I immediately said.

Finn crossed his arms with a smirk.

“She doesn’t want to see you.”

“You don’t have the right to speak for her.”

I stepped closer, asserting my Alpha presence.

“I’ll hear it from her directly.”

“As you wish," Finn said, still smirking as he turned toward the training grounds.

“Bree.”

That’s when I spotted Bree in the middle of a sparring match, fierce and radiant. My heart tightened at the sight, but when she turned to look at me, her expression was unreadable. She approached; annoyance evident as she wiped the sweat from her brow.

“What do you want, Kyle?” she asked.

“I came to take you home."

Her eyes narrowed and she let out a laugh.

“Home? Is that what you’re calling it now?”

“Bree..."

“No," she interrupted.

“You can’t just show up here and act like nothing happened. You made your choice.”

Her words hit harder than I expected, but I stood my ground.

“I messed up, Bree. I see that now. But I’m here, and I won’t leave without you.”

“You don’t get to make decisions for me. Not anymore."

I glanced at Finn, who stood quietly beside her, his presence both aggravating and intentional.

“Is this your doing?” I demanded.

“Have you been filling her head with lies about me?”

Finn raised an eyebrow.

“You’re overestimating my role. Bree doesn’t need my help to see the truth. You provided her with all the proof she required.”

My anger surged, and I raised my voice, “Do you really think you can replace me? She’s, my mate!”

“Not anymore," Finn said flatly.

“Enough!” Bree yelled, cutting the brewing tension between Finn and me.

Her eyes blazed with anger as she shifted her gaze between us.

“This isn’t about you, Kyle. It’s about me. I refuse to be a pawn in your games any longer.”

I stepped closer, desperation creeping into my voice.

“Bree, please. Don’t do this. Don’t throw away what we had.”

For a moment, her expression softened, but it quickly hardened again.

“You were the one who threw it away first.”

Her words struck a blow, leaving me speechless. She was right, and I couldn't argue with that.

Finn’s hand brushed against her arm, and Odin, my wolf, howled at the sight. It wasn’t out of jealousy; it was a protective instinct. Finn didn’t just want Bree; he wanted her to feel safe with him.

“I’ll always fight for you,” I vowed.

“Always.”

Bree tilted her head, studying me as if I were a stranger.

"Sometimes, letting go is the real fight, Kyle. You should consider it.”

Her words pierced my heart like a knife.

“You’ve heard her,” Finn said calmly.

“Leave. Now.”

“I’m not done here.”

“Yes, you are.”

Odin was ready to leap at Finn, but Bree’s voice held him back.

“Kyle, you need to go home.”

I considered ignoring her, pushing past Finn, and taking her back to where she belonged. But the determination in her eyes anchored me in place. She wasn’t begging; she was resolute and defeated. And so, with a heavy heart, I turned, and my fists clenched at my sides.

As I approached the gate, Finn’s warriors stepped aside, their faces smug with satisfaction. I brushed them off, my focus solely on Bree and the faint connection that still flickered between us, despite her dismissal.

"Finn, you might have won right now, but I am not someone who can get intimidated easily. Watch me take her back," I muttered as I went inside the car and left for now.

Bree

The Bloodmoon Pack was starting to feel like a sanctuary, though I couldn't shake the doubt of whether I truly deserved such a haven. Everything around me felt lighter, almost dreamlike. Still, the shadows of my past clung to me.

It was late afternoon, and I found myself back in the training yard. Sparring had become my refuge. With every punch, block, dodge, and roll, I could momentarily escape thoughts of Kyle, the betrayal, and the curse that wrapped around my wrist like a relentless timer.

“Great technique,” Finn’s deep voice interrupted my concentration.

I lowered my fists and turned to see him leaning against the fence. His eyes were calm, but there was a hint of curiosity.

“You should be training your warriors instead of watching me."

“My warriors don’t need as much supervision as you seem to think,” he replied with a playful smirk.

I shot him a doubtful look and he chuckled. His laughter was warm and sincere, not scornful.

“What do you want, Finn?” I asked, grabbing a towel.

“I just want to talk,” he answered nonchalantly.

I raised an eyebrow.

“About what?”

“About why you train as if you’re running from someone.”

I paused, wiping the towel against my face.

“That’s none of your concern.”

“Maybe no, but it won't help you heal."

“Who says I need healing?” I shot back.

“Your eyes,” he said, stepping closer.

“They’ve been screaming since we found you in the woods.”

His words struck a chord, but before I could reply, chaos erupted.

“Rogues!” someone yelled.

Adrenaline surged through me as I instinctively ran toward the commotion with Finn behind me. Bloodmoon warriors sprang into action, but one rogue slipped past them, heading for a terrified pup hiding behind a tree. Asha took control, and before I knew it, I was shifting midstride. My claws tore into the rogue’s side, sending him crashing to the ground.

As the chaos settled, I shifted back, panting and marked with scratches. Finn stood a few steps away, his wolf retreating as he looked at me with awe and admiration.

“That was a bit reckless,” he commented.

“But it worked, didn’t it?”

Finn gave a slight smile.

“It did. Still, you should let the warriors handle the front lines next time.”

“And let an innocent pup get hurt?”

Finn’s smile widened.

Later that night, the pack gathered to assess the aftermath and celebrate our victory. I tried to blend in, but the whispers and glances directed at me were hard to ignore.

“She was incredible,” one warrior whispered to another.

I hated the attention, yet a small part of me felt a sense of pride.

Finn found me by the fire pit, my arms wrapped around my knees. He handed me a cup of tea and sat down beside me.

“You made quite an impression today,” he said.

“I didn’t do it for them,” I replied, my eyes fixed on the glowing flames.

“Then why did you do it?”

"Because I couldn't simply stand by and do nothing."

Finn nodded his face deep in thought.

"That's what being a Luna is all about. But I’m telling you this because you have the instincts for it."

"Maybe," I replied, avoiding his gaze, and we both went silent.

"You never talk about your past," Finn observed.

"Because there's nothing worth discussing."

He studied me intently.

"You know that's not true."

I tightened my jaw; the urge to speak itched in my throat.

"What do you want me to say? That I trusted someone who shattered me? That I was naive enough to hope for a happy ending?"

Finn remained calm, patiently waiting as his steady presence began to break down my defenses.

"I lost everything... my mate, my pack, and a part of myself."

"But you're still here," he replied softly.

“For how long?” I shot back, my eyes drifting to the faint mark on my wrist.

Finn reached out, his fingers brushing over it gently.

"For as long as it takes."

As the fire crackled, a sudden sharp pain shot through my wrist. I gasped, clutching it as the mark started to glow. Finn's hand enveloped mine, his expression shifting from worry to something I couldn't quite decipher.

“It’s not over."

“No. It’s just beginning.”

Kyle

The full moon illuminated, casting long shadows as I circled the Stonefang Pack’s territory. Their Alpha, Darian, was notorious for his cleverness, but my choices were limited. To win Bree back, I needed allies, even if they were as treacherous as I was.

“Always rushing, aren’t you?” Darian’s voice echoed from the darkness.

I turned to see him emerging from the trees, his piercing eyes assessing me, a slow, mocking smile creeping across his lips.

“Desperation doesn’t suit you, Kyle,” he commented.

“Or perhaps it does.”

“I didn’t come here for your opinions,” I countered.

“No? That’s too bad. I was hoping for some entertainment.”

Darian moved forward and his expression shifted to serious.

“What do you want?”

“An alliance,” I replied.

Darian raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued.

“Interesting. And what makes you think I’d consider teaming up with you?”

“Because we both know that Finn’s growing power is a threat to us both. If he manages to unite the nearby packs, he’ll be unstoppable. That’s a risk neither of us can afford.”

“Does your newfound concern for Finn have anything to do with that shewolf you’ve been pursuing like a lovesick fool?”

"Bree has nothing to do with this," I lied, though I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks.

Darian let out a low, dark laugh.

“Of course it is. But I’ll play along. Suppose I agree. What’s in it for me?”

I paused, fully aware of his demands but hesitant to reveal everything. Darian was not one to negotiate lightly.

"State your terms."

“Loyalty. And proof of it. I need to know you’re serious about taking down Finn.”

“I’ll show my loyalty,” I said, the words tasting bitter as they left my mouth.

Darian smiled, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes.

“Perfect. Then we have a deal... for now.”

Back at my packhouse, an uneasy feeling settled in my gut. I had struck a bargain, with the devil himself. Odin growled, restless.

“Why are you holding back?” he urged.

“She’s, our mate.”

“She rejected us,” I reminded him.

"The bond is not easily broken. Deep down, she still feels it, even if she won’t acknowledge it."

I let out a heavy sigh, running my fingers through my hair. My wolf was right. No matter what had happened, Bree’s presence still lingered within me. This bond was both a comfort and a burden.

As the night went on, I buried myself in reports about the Bloodmoon Pack. Finn had strengthened his defenses, and his warriors were fiercely loyal. Bree was now surrounded by those willing to sacrifice everything for her. The thought twisted my insides, jealousy, and guilt gnawing at me.

“You pushed her to this,” Odin growled.

“If you hadn’t betrayed her, Finn wouldn’t even be in the picture.”

“I know,” I conceded.

Bree’s image flashed in my mind; her gaze once filled with adoration as if I were her entire world. That warmth had faded, replaced by a chilling distance I couldn’t seem to cross. But I refused to surrender.

“She’s safer with us,” I argued, trying to reassure my wolf and myself.

“Is she really?” Odin countered.

I chose to ignore him, concentrating on the map before me. If I wanted to see Bree without Finn’s interference, I needed a strategy. My thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door.

“Come in,” I called, suppressing my irritation.

One of Darian’s men entered with a stoic expression.

“Alpha Darian has a task for you. A loyalty test.”

I tensed.

“What kind of test?”

The man smirked.

“Sabotage. Disrupt Bloodmoon’s trade route. Weaken their supply lines and make them vulnerable.”

I clenched my fists, knowing that the implication could cause war.

“Let Darian know I’ll take care of it,” I stated, my tone steady despite my stomach churning.

Once the man departed, I was left in silence, grappling with my decision. Undermining Finn’s pack would weaken him, but it would also jeopardize Bree’s safety. Was I truly willing to risk her safety to win her back?

Odin’s angry voice cut through the doubt.

“This isn’t about love anymore. It’s about power. Do you want her, or do you want to lose her forever?”