Alex tugged at my sleeve. "Mommy, when we go to the new pack, will I have to see Father again?"I pulled him close, breathing in his puppy scent. "No, baby. Never again.""Good," he whispered. "I don't want to be a Beta anyway. I want to be a healer like you."Theo's assistant called again that evening."He's asking for you," she said hopefully. "Maybe if you just talked...""No," I said firmly. "Let him stay with his chosen family."Three days.And then we'd be gone.But on the day we were finalizing our pack transfer, Alex suddenly doubled over in pain.His skin was burning hot, bones shifting beneath the surface. The early signs of a premature shift.Fear gripped my heart. Alex had always been gifted - all his trainers said he'd shift early. But shifting before ten could cut a wolf's lifespan in half.That's why I'd spent a million dollars on the inhibitory potion months ago, keeping it locked in our safe."Hold on, baby," I whispered, racing home to get the potion.But when I opene
Meanwhile, Theo had just heard that Marcus was stable after his early shift, finally allowing himself to relax.Sarah had worn herself out with worry and was now sleeping soundly.Something felt off in his chest. An emptiness where the mate bond should be.He instinctively reached for his phone, turning it on after two days of ignoring it during Marcus's shift.He'd expected to find dozens of missed calls from me, begging him to come back. That's what always happened - I'd wait, I'd plead, I'd forgive.But there was nothing.Confused, he opened our message thread. The last message was from two days ago.My desperate plea: "Please answer. Alex is fighting an early shift. He needs the inhibitory potion!"He had dismissed it then, assuming it was just another attempt to get his attention.He hadn't even bothered to reply.Now, as the emptiness in his chest grew, Theo felt the first stirrings of real panic.He tried calling my number. The line was dead.He reached out through the mate bond
Sarah put on a show of concern. "Theo, what's wrong? You look distracted. Tell me, maybe I can help."Theo shook his head, his voice heavy with dawning horror."The healers just told me Alex was hospitalized. He went through early shift without the potion.""I can't reach my mate through our bond anymore. The calls won't go through either."That afternoon, Theo couldn't sit still any longer."I need to check on them. If Alex really went through early shift alone, they must have been terrified..."But before he could move, Marcus wrapped his small arms around Theo's leg."No! Don't leave me, Father!"Marcus had just woken up, but at Sarah's subtle signal, he immediately burst into tears, clinging to Theo desperately.Sarah played her part perfectly. "Marcus, sweetie, let Father go if he needs to..."Marcus shook his head violently. "No! I need Father here! I won't take the stabilizing potions if he leaves..."Theo's face twisted with conflict, the Beta's protective instincts warring wit
But each message hit the void where our bond had been, bouncing back empty.That's when real fear set in. He ran to Alex's combat training class, nearly shifting in his panic."I need to see Alex. Now."The head trainer, an old wolf who'd served three Alphas, gave him a look of pure disgust."Beta Theo? The one who claims Marcus as his son?"Theo's world tilted. Every time he'd come here, it had been for Marcus - praising his forms, attending his ceremonies, showing off his "son's" progress to other Betas.He'd never once watched Alex train.Now the entire training ground thought he was Marcus's father."No," Theo's voice cracked. "Marcus is Sarah's. Alex... Alex is my blood heir."The trainer's laugh could have cut steel. "Blood heir? You threw your 'blood heir' into a burning building to save another wolf's pup.""When Alex was shifting early, you gave his potion to Marcus.""When he needed his father's strength, you were playing house with Sarah."Each word hit like a physical blow.
After our marking ceremony, Theo had found those journals. He'd sneered at my "pathetic omega fantasies," but I'd kept them safe anyway, clinging to hope.But the day before we left his territory...I burned every single journal in a ritual fire, watching five years of one-sided love turn to ash.And as they burned, I felt nothing but relief.Just like now."The mate bond dissolution has already been filed with the Alpha Council," I said quietly, my wolf calm and steady within me. "But it doesn't matter anymore. We've transferred packs. By ancient law, crossing territory lines with hostile intent voids all previous pack bonds.""You still have feelings for Sarah and her son. If you want to play perfect family with them, go ahead. But my son and I are not your backup plan.""I may have loved you once, Theo, but my love was never cheap. My wolf chose you, fought for you, waited for you. But we've learned to stand alone.""Alex and I will thrive without you. We already are."Theo's face
When the training ground caught fire, my mate rushed in to save his first love's son, leaving our pup in the fire and almost burned to death.The Omega housekeeper burst into my healing chamber, her face pale with panic."The young wolves' training facility is on fire!"My heart stopped. Alex was there for his combat training.When I rushed to the scene, I found Alex huddled in a corner, his skin covered in angry red burns."Mom..." He stumbled into my arms, tears streaming down his ash-covered face."Does Father really not love me?" His voice cracked between sobs.My heart shattered as he continued through his hiccups."Father was the first Beta to arrive when the fire started. I thought... I thought he came to save me."Alex's small body trembled in my arms."I called out to him, begged him to help me. But he... he just ran past me.""He went straight for Marcus, picked him up, and left me there in the flames.""When the teacher asked, he told everyone he was Marcus's father. He didn
Five years ago, my best friend Ada saw how I had been pining for Theo for eight years. On the full moon night when we turned eighteen, when our wolves first recognized each other as mates, she slipped an enhanced pheromone elixir into my wine.I was horrified when she locked me in Theo's room. "Sarah, what the hell are you doing?"Sarah leaned against the door, smiling. "I've known for years. Theo loves you, too. He responds to your scent. He's just too proud to admit it. Last full moon when he shifted, I heard him howl your name."I tried to protest, but smelling Theo’s scent made me feel like I'm on fire.Sarah's laugh echoed through the door. "Enjoy your night, sweetie." Then I heard the lock click.That night, Theo claimed me like he was possessed. The way he touched me, held me, marked me - I thought it meant he'd always wanted me too.When we woke up the next morning, Theo's voice was cold as ice: "I'll take responsibility. We'll hold the marking ceremony next week."I thought i
The next morning, Alex's fever spiked dangerously high. His burns were hot to the touch.I rushed him to the treatment room, my heart pounding with worry.That's when we ran into Theo. He was holding Marcus's hand, with Sarah by his side.Despite his fever-induced dizziness, Alex's eyes lit up when he saw Theo.He broke free from my arms, stumbling toward his father with shaking steps."Dad!" Alex stretched out his trembling hands, his voice weak but hopeful. "Did you come to stay with me while I see the healer? I forgive you for yesterday..."Theo stepped back, pulling Marcus closer to him.His face twisted into a frown. "Didn't I tell you not to come in the morning? Why did your mother bring you here?"Marcus suddenly shoved Alex hard. "Stop calling him Dad! He's MY father!"Alex, already unsteady from the fever, fell backward. His burned skin hit the floor hard.His scream of pain echoed through the treatment room.Marcus moved to kick Alex while he was down."Stop!" I shouted, quic
After our marking ceremony, Theo had found those journals. He'd sneered at my "pathetic omega fantasies," but I'd kept them safe anyway, clinging to hope.But the day before we left his territory...I burned every single journal in a ritual fire, watching five years of one-sided love turn to ash.And as they burned, I felt nothing but relief.Just like now."The mate bond dissolution has already been filed with the Alpha Council," I said quietly, my wolf calm and steady within me. "But it doesn't matter anymore. We've transferred packs. By ancient law, crossing territory lines with hostile intent voids all previous pack bonds.""You still have feelings for Sarah and her son. If you want to play perfect family with them, go ahead. But my son and I are not your backup plan.""I may have loved you once, Theo, but my love was never cheap. My wolf chose you, fought for you, waited for you. But we've learned to stand alone.""Alex and I will thrive without you. We already are."Theo's face
But each message hit the void where our bond had been, bouncing back empty.That's when real fear set in. He ran to Alex's combat training class, nearly shifting in his panic."I need to see Alex. Now."The head trainer, an old wolf who'd served three Alphas, gave him a look of pure disgust."Beta Theo? The one who claims Marcus as his son?"Theo's world tilted. Every time he'd come here, it had been for Marcus - praising his forms, attending his ceremonies, showing off his "son's" progress to other Betas.He'd never once watched Alex train.Now the entire training ground thought he was Marcus's father."No," Theo's voice cracked. "Marcus is Sarah's. Alex... Alex is my blood heir."The trainer's laugh could have cut steel. "Blood heir? You threw your 'blood heir' into a burning building to save another wolf's pup.""When Alex was shifting early, you gave his potion to Marcus.""When he needed his father's strength, you were playing house with Sarah."Each word hit like a physical blow.
Sarah put on a show of concern. "Theo, what's wrong? You look distracted. Tell me, maybe I can help."Theo shook his head, his voice heavy with dawning horror."The healers just told me Alex was hospitalized. He went through early shift without the potion.""I can't reach my mate through our bond anymore. The calls won't go through either."That afternoon, Theo couldn't sit still any longer."I need to check on them. If Alex really went through early shift alone, they must have been terrified..."But before he could move, Marcus wrapped his small arms around Theo's leg."No! Don't leave me, Father!"Marcus had just woken up, but at Sarah's subtle signal, he immediately burst into tears, clinging to Theo desperately.Sarah played her part perfectly. "Marcus, sweetie, let Father go if he needs to..."Marcus shook his head violently. "No! I need Father here! I won't take the stabilizing potions if he leaves..."Theo's face twisted with conflict, the Beta's protective instincts warring wit
Meanwhile, Theo had just heard that Marcus was stable after his early shift, finally allowing himself to relax.Sarah had worn herself out with worry and was now sleeping soundly.Something felt off in his chest. An emptiness where the mate bond should be.He instinctively reached for his phone, turning it on after two days of ignoring it during Marcus's shift.He'd expected to find dozens of missed calls from me, begging him to come back. That's what always happened - I'd wait, I'd plead, I'd forgive.But there was nothing.Confused, he opened our message thread. The last message was from two days ago.My desperate plea: "Please answer. Alex is fighting an early shift. He needs the inhibitory potion!"He had dismissed it then, assuming it was just another attempt to get his attention.He hadn't even bothered to reply.Now, as the emptiness in his chest grew, Theo felt the first stirrings of real panic.He tried calling my number. The line was dead.He reached out through the mate bond
Alex tugged at my sleeve. "Mommy, when we go to the new pack, will I have to see Father again?"I pulled him close, breathing in his puppy scent. "No, baby. Never again.""Good," he whispered. "I don't want to be a Beta anyway. I want to be a healer like you."Theo's assistant called again that evening."He's asking for you," she said hopefully. "Maybe if you just talked...""No," I said firmly. "Let him stay with his chosen family."Three days.And then we'd be gone.But on the day we were finalizing our pack transfer, Alex suddenly doubled over in pain.His skin was burning hot, bones shifting beneath the surface. The early signs of a premature shift.Fear gripped my heart. Alex had always been gifted - all his trainers said he'd shift early. But shifting before ten could cut a wolf's lifespan in half.That's why I'd spent a million dollars on the inhibitory potion months ago, keeping it locked in our safe."Hold on, baby," I whispered, racing home to get the potion.But when I opene
Ada's excited voice came through the phone."Of course! We've been holding the Chief Healer position for you. But... I heard Theo finally returned to the pack. Will he agree to the transfer?"I laughed bitterly."He'll be relieved."That evening, Theo came home early, looking slightly guilty about missing Alex's birthday party."Hey buddy, want to do some training together?" He tried to ruffle Alex's hair.Alex stepped back coldly. "I have combat practice scheduled.""I could teach you some Beta-level techniques..." Theo offered awkwardly."No thanks. The pack trainer already knows my level."Theo's hand dropped. He turned to me, pulling out a small velvet box."I brought you something."Inside was a silver necklace with a crescent moon pendant. I recognized it immediately - from the photos Sarah had shown me. She'd bragged about how Theo spent $100,000 on her ring, and this necklace was part of the matching set."I don't want your leftover gifts," I said quietly."It's not... I just t
Theo paused mid-step, turning back with cold eyes."You really think this is clever, don't you?" His lip curled in disdain."If you think you can threaten me with a mate bond dissolution, go ahead. Submit it."Then he walked away without another glance.Sarah's eyes flashed with something like triumph, but she quickly masked it, coming back to apologize."I'm so sorry about all this. You know, being an Omega without a wolf spirit, you can't really sense Theo's true status or our pack dynamics. But I assure you, nothing happened between us."She smiled sympathetically. "He's just very loyal to old pack bonds. He feels bad that I lost my mate and Marcus lost his father. That's all this is - just him being caring. Don't take it personally..."Before leaving, Sarah insisted on exchanging contact information."For compensation," she said sweetly. "For any distress we may have caused.""Sarah, come on!" Theo called from outside, his voice gentle as he held Marcus."Coming!" Sarah hurried aft
The next morning, Alex's fever spiked dangerously high. His burns were hot to the touch.I rushed him to the treatment room, my heart pounding with worry.That's when we ran into Theo. He was holding Marcus's hand, with Sarah by his side.Despite his fever-induced dizziness, Alex's eyes lit up when he saw Theo.He broke free from my arms, stumbling toward his father with shaking steps."Dad!" Alex stretched out his trembling hands, his voice weak but hopeful. "Did you come to stay with me while I see the healer? I forgive you for yesterday..."Theo stepped back, pulling Marcus closer to him.His face twisted into a frown. "Didn't I tell you not to come in the morning? Why did your mother bring you here?"Marcus suddenly shoved Alex hard. "Stop calling him Dad! He's MY father!"Alex, already unsteady from the fever, fell backward. His burned skin hit the floor hard.His scream of pain echoed through the treatment room.Marcus moved to kick Alex while he was down."Stop!" I shouted, quic
Five years ago, my best friend Ada saw how I had been pining for Theo for eight years. On the full moon night when we turned eighteen, when our wolves first recognized each other as mates, she slipped an enhanced pheromone elixir into my wine.I was horrified when she locked me in Theo's room. "Sarah, what the hell are you doing?"Sarah leaned against the door, smiling. "I've known for years. Theo loves you, too. He responds to your scent. He's just too proud to admit it. Last full moon when he shifted, I heard him howl your name."I tried to protest, but smelling Theo’s scent made me feel like I'm on fire.Sarah's laugh echoed through the door. "Enjoy your night, sweetie." Then I heard the lock click.That night, Theo claimed me like he was possessed. The way he touched me, held me, marked me - I thought it meant he'd always wanted me too.When we woke up the next morning, Theo's voice was cold as ice: "I'll take responsibility. We'll hold the marking ceremony next week."I thought i