Chapter 2 BENEATH THE BROKEN BOND.

LYRA'S POV:

I stood up, my eyes dry, my heart heavy, and my mind made up. I'm leaving, I thought to myself. I'm leaving this toxic pack and the mate who betrayed me. I rubbed my belly, feeling a surge of determination. I won't let Kalen's actions define me or my pup's future.

I stormed back into the apartment, my eyes blazing with a mix of anger and sadness. Kalen was still sitting on the couch, his shirt off, looking smug and self-assured.

"You're leaving, aren't you?" he said, his voice dripping with disdain. "You're finally realizing you're not good enough for me."

I laughed, a cold, mirthless sound. "Oh, Kalen, you're delusional. I'm leaving, all right. But it's not because I'm not good enough for you. It's because I'm too good for you. I'm taking my pup, and I'm getting out of this toxic pack."

Kalen's expression darkened, his eyes flashing with anger. "You can't leave, Lyra. You're my mate."

I shook my head, a sense of pity washing over me. "I'm not your mate, Kalen. I'm your property, your breeding machine. But I'm done being treated like that. I'm done being treated like I'm nothing."

I paused, my voice dropping to a whisper. "You may have taken my heart, Kalen, but you'll never have my soul."

Kalen's face twisted in rage, but I didn't flinch. I stood tall, my chin held high, as I turned and walked away. The door creaked behind me, and I felt a sense of freedom wash over me.

I walked out into the night, the stars twinkling above me like diamonds. The cool night air hit me like a slap in the face, and I felt alive. I felt free. I rubbed my belly, feeling my pup move inside me. We were going to make it, together.

As I disappeared into the darkness, I heard Kalen's voice behind me, shouting my name. But I didn't look back. I kept walking, my heart heavy, but my spirit unbroken.