Chapter 10 Chapter 10

Silence hung heavy on the other end of the line.

Alpha Adrian's voice came through, strained. "Today, I was caught up in the moment. I didn't mean-"

"Save it," I cut him off. "Intentional or not, you laid hands on me. That's fact."

"Alright, alright, my fault. All my fault. Just tell me where you are. I need to know now."

"I said I'll come home."

"You'd better be back tonight, or I'll tear apart the whole damn pack to find you!"

Alpha Adrian's temper was fraying, his voice sharpening into a snarl .

I didn't want him sniffing out my new place, the one I'd built far from the territory's heart, where the moon doesn't carry his name.

Cassie drove me back, her knuckles white on the wheel.

"That jerk's done you so wrong, and he's still acting like he owns the territory. That temper, that 'I rule the hunt' vibe."

She shook her head.

"If he finds out you tricked him into signing the bond-breaking papers, he'll lose it. I'm scared he'd snap your neck before the elders could howl for mercy."

I gazed at the pack lights twinkling in the distance, a wry smile playing on my lips.

"Guess I better stock up on nightshade. Brew him a tea before he gets the chance."

At home, Alpha Adrian stormed toward me the second I stepped through the entryway.

I gave him a cool glance, swapped my shoes for the soft moccasins by the door, and headed inside.

Bending to set my bag down, pain shot through my back, my brow furrowing-a low whimper almost escaping me.

Alpha Adrian reached to steady me.

"Don't touch me!"

I recoiled, ignoring the stab of pain to dodge him.

Alpha Adrian's chest tightened, his jaw flexing as he fought the urge to snarl, but he pulled his hand back and followed me inside.

He held out his phone, screen glowing.

"I put wardens in the office-you can check their reports anytime, anywhere. What happened today won't happen again."

I raised an eyebrow, surprised.

I'd expected him to brush it off like always, like the time he'd missed our mating anniversary to "negotiate" with a neighboring pack-only for me to find a receipt for a moonlit dinner in his pocket.

Glancing at the screen, I said, "What, scared I'll barge in again and embarrass your precious Vanessa? Make her yip like a pup with a thorn in its paw?"

Alpha Adrian faltered.

"There's nothing between us."

"Right. You just find her 'fun and cute,'" I mocked.

"Purely a sister, huh? She works at the pack council because her dad asked you to teach her the ropes? Let her gnaw on the pack's business like a teething cub?"

"Look, we're sealing the alliance with Quinnvale next week. They made a small request. How could I say no? It's for the pack's good."

Oh, what a perfect excuse.

Just a sister.

All for the pack's sake.

So naturally, he indulges her every whim, lets her nuzzle close during council meetings, lets her wear his scent like a trophy.

"Oh, I see. Just a sister? But didn't she say you've spent 'so many nights' together? Sleeping with your sister sounds like a sin against the moon goddess."

"She's a spoiled pup, talking nonsense," he said, exasperated, running a hand through his hair like he was fighting the urge to pace.

"Nonsense you find fun and cute."

Alpha Adrian sighed. "Look, there's nothing going on. Take that trip. When you're back, we'll start trying for a cub. You can stay home. I promise, your place as my mate is yours forever-no one else's."

I stared, a slow smile spreading across my face.

Got it.

My place as his mate was secure-so I should just lick my wounds, let him rub his infidelity in my face, then curl up and bear his cubs, let them grow up where their father's heart belongs to another.

Why should I play along with his game?

What a cruel, selfish wolf.

"Baby, I love you," Alpha Adrian said, mistaking my smile for forgiveness.

He pulled me into a tight embrace, his arms wrapping around me like chains.

Alpha Adrian helped me upstairs and called the pack's healer to check my back.

Learning no bones were broken, just a bruised muscle, he relaxed.

When I headed to the bathroom, he followed, like a shadow.

"Let me help."

"No need."

Sensing my resistance, Alpha Adrian's mood soured. "I'll be outside. Call if you need me."

"Mm-hmm."

I nodded, smiling.

Trust me, I'd rather let a pack of rogues tear me apart than call you.

When I emerged in my pajamas, Alpha Adrian was still by the door.

The scent of my fresh-from-the-shower skin-rosy, soft, with the faint tang of jasmine from my soap-hit him, and his eyes darkened, his pupils dilating like a wolf spotting prey.

My waist swayed as I moved, and I could feel his gaze burning into me, hungry.

I climbed into bed, catching his look.

"My back's killing me. If you're thinking about getting frisky tonight, I'm not up for it. The healer said rest."

He wrapped his arms around me from behind, kissing my shoulder, his lips hot against my skin-giving me no chance to pull away.

"I'll be gentle. just a little love, baby."

"I'm tired and in pain. I'm not in the mood."

Alpha Adrian's frustration grew-his breath hitched, and I could feel his jaw clench against my neck.

I was completely shutting him down, and it infuriated him.

But he couldn't force me. He let go, rolling onto his side.

"Sleep."

He walked out, face blank, but I could hear his heavy footsteps downstairs-pacing, like a caged wolf.

I didn't go to the council the next day. Instead, I invited my project team out for dinner at the pack's tavern, breaking the news of my resignation over venison stew and mead.

They were gutted. Reluctant to see me go.

Everyone at Helixon knew I was Alpha Adrian's mate.

Some had whispered I'd climbed the ranks through him, that I was just a pretty face to warm his bed.

But my string of successful projects proved otherwise-I'd outworked them all, my mind sharper than a blade, my instincts for the pack's needs honed by years of listening to the elders.

I poured more heart than Alpha Adrian ever did.

Privately, they'd said I was gunning to be the pack's leading she-wolf, the one who stood beside the alpha, not just behind him.

Now, I was walking away.

"I'm sorry, y'all," I said, raising my tankard.

"Personal reasons-I can't stay at Helixon. But keep hustling. If you need me, call. And you're always welcome to hunt with me, anytime."

They raised their glasses, and we toasted to new paths, the clink of metal sounding hollow.

The team's leader, my longest colleague and closest ally, teared up. I'd been their backbone, the one who'd shielded them from Alpha Adrian's rages when a deal fell through.

They understood why I was leaving.

Alpha Adrian had brought that Quinn she-wolf , let her strut around in his favorite jacket, and just days ago, I'd caught them in his office, Vanessa barely clothed-her scent all over him, thick as smoke. How could I not be heartbroken?

The dinner was tinged with sadness.

As it wound down, someone asked about my plans. "Haven't figured it out yet," I said, swirling the last of my mead in my cup.

A teammate chimed in, leaning forward.

"You should check out Hartley. Their new alpha from the north is hiring, and I hear they're still looking for a top-notch secretary ."