Break the Bond, Burn the Bridge

"Sophia? Sophia! What were you gonna say? You totally zoned out!"Jack's voice yanked me back. He'd just pulled up in front of Moonshade Medical Center, frowning.And that's when it hit me—I'd been reborn.In my last life, the second he dropped me off, I told him: Alice had Corrosion Sickness.This is the AIDS virus of our werewolf kind. Passed through blood, intimate relations, or from mother to pup. Shreds your immune system. Eats your wolf alive. No cure. No healing. Just a slow, brutal countdown to death.Currently, within the werewolf medical system, there is no cure for this disease.Jack lost it. Thought I was just jealous of his friendship with Alice.Even though I already told him that I was the one who personally performed Alice's prenatal exam, he still didn't believe me.During the hospital prenatal examination, Alice specifically requested that I handle her prenatal exam. She stroked her slightly swollen belly as if showing off.Then her bloodwork hit my desk.Looking at

Tears blurred the page, dripping onto the words as I wrote.The pain chewed through me, slow and merciless.I thought back to my last life.After I begged Jack to get tested, he packed up and walked out.Said he couldn't live with someone "so cruel."Then he vanished.No calls. No link. Nothing.I searched everywhere—Silvermoon Guard base, every place he might hide.But I never saw him again.The link stayed dead.There was no way to persuade him to go to the hospital for a check-up.Just me, counting the days, crushed by dread.I couldn't stomach the idea of him catching something so lethal.Corrosion Sickness didn't just kill—it tortured.One day, a friend noticed how wrecked I was. She didn't say anything. Show me the video of Alice and Jack on their date.The sight of their happiness and joy pierced my heart.I knew he was with her. Always had.But deep down, I'd been lying to myself.Because I loved him.And part of me wanted to believe this was all just a mistake—that he'd come

Jack hovered at the door before finally pushing it open—then nearly stumbled back when he saw her."Alice? You've got Corrosion Sickness?! Since when?"Her eyes shot wide. Panic. She grabbed his arm fast."No, no, you've got it wrong. I was asking for a friend. He couldn't find anything online, so I figured I'd ask a healer directly."Jack exhaled, all relieved. Took her hand like nothing happened."Then ask Sophia. She's a healer too."Alice gave him that sugar-sweet nod.I smiled, shook my head.'Girl's got no shame.'She locked eyes with me, and Jack finally noticed I was there. He pulled her into some weak-ass hug."Sophia, since you've made your choice, I'll be straight. Alice is carrying my pup. Let's go to the Elders and break the bond."Alice ripped away from him, horrified."No! You can't! I didn't come here to wreck anything—Jack, don't make me the bad guy! I just wanted a pup. I didn't mean to ruin what you two had..."I laughed. Out loud. Couldn't help it.'Sh

I hit the OR early, slid my phone into a hidden nook.Last time, Darren had cried like a scared pup before going under. I held his hand. Comforted him. Stupid.This time, I scanned every inch, burned into memory how my own colleagues turned on me in court.Checked the tools. Then the corners.Found it.Filthy rag, crammed under the table, stinking of setup.Slipped it in my pocket. When the other healers and assistants strolled in to prep, I stayed cool, gave them a nod.Said I forgot something. Took the rag straight to my office, locked it away.Scrubbed back in. Reset.Same damn faces. Same traitors.I locked in—no drifting into courtroom flashbacks.This time, I stayed till the bitter end. No early exits. Not even mine.Last time? I was wrecked—pregnant, exhausted. Left before the final stitch. Let someone else close.Didn't know they were all Jack's puppets.Looking at those wolves I'd fought beside, all I felt was ice.Spent more time with them than with Jack. Thoug

Alice strutted down the aisle like the pack owed her applause, bouquet clutched tight, soaking in every stare.Jack grabbed her hand and kissed it.The Moon Priest joined their hands. They locked eyes, started reciting vows under the Moon Goddess.Then Alice cut in.She reached up, brushed Jack's cheek. The crowd leaned forward—half expecting a gender reveal, half bracing for drama."Jack, we just vowed everything. From now on, I'm yours. I need to tell you something—I'm sick. Might need meds forever. Will you take care of me?"Jack nodded like a wolf on the edge, eyes wet, crushing her into his arms."You, Alice... you're everything. What is it? I'll protect you—always."She dabbed at fake tears, shot me a smug look from the stage, kissed his cheek like she'd already won.Then, all serious:"I have Corrosion Sickness...""What? You've got Corrosion Sickness?" Jack's voice cracked. "No—no, Alice, this isn't some sick joke!"He yanked his hand back like her skin burned him.