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Author: Alyssa J
That afternoon, I marched straight to the pack registry office, my withdrawal application clutched tightly in my hand.

Once submitted, I would no longer be a member of the SilverCrest Pack.

Emily, the pack registrar, looked up from her desk. When she saw me, her professional smile faltered, shock washing over her face.

"Miss Taylor?" Her voice hitched. "What's this about?"

I slid the paperwork across her desk without a word.

Her eyes widened as she scanned the form. "Membership withdrawal? But you're—" she stopped herself mid-sentence.

"You're absolutely sure about this?" Emily leaned forward, lowering her voice. "Everyone knows how much you've done for this pack."

"You've always stood by Alpha Blackwood, supporting him through everything," Emily continued. "We all say privately that even if rogues took over the entire territory, you'd be the last one standing, fighting until your final breath."

"Why so suddenly now...?"

Her words trailed off as I lowered my gaze.

Before yesterday, I'd thought the same.

Two years ago, this pack was nearly destroyed by rogue wolves.

I stood by Derek's side as we rebuilt from nothing. Every strategy meeting, every alliance negotiation, every battle plan—I was there.

We worked together. We fought together.

When I secured the healing herb partnership with the neighboring pack, Derek personally cooked a feast to celebrate.

I could still taste it, could still see the pride in his eyes when he set the plate before me.

That night, we sat in our backyard watching the pack pups play soccer in the distance.

Derek held me so tight, whispering that he'd be lost without me, that he was grateful to have me by his side in this lifetime.

I forced a small smile at the memory.

"People change. I've made my decision."

Emily looked at me, her eyes filled with regret.

"If your mind is made up, then I wish you well in your future."

I thanked her softly and left the registry office.

I had barely returned to my desk when my phone chimed.

It was Vivian. She'd posted on Facebook—a picture of Derek lying in bed, his dark hair tousled across the pillow, his peaceful sleeping face partially visible.

What caught my eye immediately were the fresh marks on his neck—unmistakably kiss marks.

The caption read: Drank too much last night, thankfully someone took care of me. Rewarded him with a kiss. The man was too strong. My body almost couldn't withstand his impact.Some men are worth every bit of trouble. ♥️

Afraid I might miss it, she'd tagged me specifically.

This wasn't the first time Vivian had pulled this stunt. In all her Facebook posts over the past two years, every single one somehow mentioned me or was clearly meant for me to see.

Many were even set with privacy settings to be visible only to me—her own private little power play.

In the past, her petty tactics would easily ignite my anger, sending me storming into Derek's office demanding explanations.

I'd argued with Derek about it. I'd confronted him.

Each time, he'd casually dismiss it:

"Viv and I are just friends. We grew up together. You're the one I want as my mate." Then, the part that always made my blood boil: "Don't be so jealous. It's not a good look for you."

Derek was so confident in my love, so certain I would never leave him, that he hurt me without restraint or consequence.

I smiled to myself, though my emotions were still a jumbled mess.

Suddenly, a coworker gasped beside me.

"Look! The Alpha's future mate is here."

I followed her gaze.

Vivian strutted in on high heels, swaying her hips as she walked straight into Derek's office without knocking.

Within moments, the blinds dropped with a decisive snap, cutting off any view of what was happening inside.

But soon the panting of the man and the woman could be heard. Through the blinds, two figures could be seen entangled together

I lowered my eyes, my thoughts drifting back to the past.

Once, Derek had pressed me against that same office desk, his hands urgent but gentle.

His eyes had sparkled with desire as he whispered:

"Don't you think this feels thrilling? Like we're having a forbidden affair?"

I had laughed then, drunk on his attention, his desire.

His sweat had dripped onto my skin as he held me close.

I almost laughed out loud now at my former self. How pathetic I'd been, repeatedly believing his empty words.

Foolishly letting him deceive me not once, not twice, but ten excruciating times.

But now, touching the mate bond dissolution papers and pack registry withdrawal forms in my bag, feeling the Council's seal under my fingertips, I knew with absolute certainty—

There wouldn't be an eleventh time.
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Comments (1)
goodnovel comment avatar
Rebecca Cox
what a dumbass FL... 10 times?? No self esteem or pride at all.... wimpy woman....
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