Chapter 3

"Get to the point and spare me the small talk," I said, my voice sharp and commanding, the authority of a Luna resonating in every word.

Zaylee Stone, Mark’s Beta, eyed me with a sly smile, her heel twisting idly on the carpet before she finally spoke:

"You’re sharper than I expected for someone from a lesser pack."

"Since you’ve caught on, I’ll drop the act. Alpha Mark called you here so you’d rethink your place and stop clinging to the Woods Pack," she said, her tone dripping with mockery.

"Oh? And what comes after that?" I asked, my eyes narrowing as I turned to face Mark, the Alpha who had once been my mate.

Zaylee looked me over, as if about to reveal a well-kept secret:

"Alpha Mark wants to sever the mate bond!"

I was momentarily taken aback but didn’t give her the reaction she sought. Instead, I turned to Mark, my gaze steady despite the storm brewing within me.

"Have you thought this through? Do you really want to sever our bond?"

He snorted, disdain written all over his face.

"Absolutely! I’ve wanted this for ages, but my father kept delaying."

He then addressed the pack members gathered in the grand hall:

"Let’s make the most of today. The Woods Pack is stronger than ever, and I’m going to propose to my true mate today!"

With that, everything clicked into place for me.

Five years ago, the Woods Pack was teetering on the brink of collapse. Aron Woods, the former Alpha and Mark’s father, personally came to me, proposing I become Mark’s mate to strengthen our packs.

I initially planned to refuse, but the Larson Pack wanted to form an alliance with the Woods Pack, and Mark, despite his flaws, was undeniably strong and handsome. Tempted, I agreed.

But when the marking ceremony came, he backed out, opting for a bond on paper without the bite. I went along with it, given the Woods Pack’s struggles at the time.

But now, forcing me to sever the bond, I’ve finally realized the ceremony he postponed was always meant for his true mate.

Thinking of this, a wave of anger surged within me.

I forced myself to maintain composure:

"I’ll ask again, are you sure you want to sever our bond?"

"Even if it means risking the stability of the Woods Pack you’ve worked so hard to build?"

Before Mark could respond, Zaylee butted in again.

"Luna Priscilla, do you honestly think you have a say in this? With Alpha Mark’s status now, you’re not even fit to stand beside him."

I couldn’t hold back any longer and snapped at her:

"You’re way out of your depth! You’re just a Beta. Do you really think you can make decisions for your Alpha?"

I wanted to keep scolding her, but Mark suddenly slammed his hand on the table, his Alpha tone reverberating through the room.

"Enough, enough of this!"

"Priscilla, let me tell you something, you’re not even worthy of being my Luna."

"From the start, you’ve been nothing but a tool for the Woods Pack—used and tossed aside!"

I shook my head, seeing the madness in his eyes.

"So you’ve been plotting this for some time?"

He glared at me with scorn.

"Yes, you’re right. Even after bonding with you, my heart was never yours!"

"Not from day one!"

He finished, and murmurs broke out from the pack members.

I looked around the room, my gaze scanning faces devoid of life.

"Alright then, have it your way."

I hope when he faces the consequences, he’ll be just as resolute.

Mark seemed momentarily thrown when I agreed to sever the bond.

"Priscilla, I didn’t expect you’d be so agreeable."

"You can take any of the lands or resources you want, and that small portion of our territory, consider it my parting gift."

I almost laughed. My share of the Woods Pack’s territory, reduced by him to a mere fraction, now touted as his generosity.

But I didn’t care about these. I waved my hand dismissively:

"I’m not interested in your offerings. Besides, the Woods Pack is heading towards ruin."

I then lowered my head slightly, giving him a look sharp enough to cut through.

"I just want to know, is your desire to sever our bond purely emotional, or is there another reason?"

"Or perhaps, has someone promised you something?"

Knowing Mark, I always understood power was his true motive. Although he was cold-blooded and ruthless, he cared about his standing in the werewolf community.

For him to slash my territory and cause such a scandal would certainly tarnish the pack’s reputation, yet he did it anyway.

There’s more to this story.

Mark’s flustered look confirmed my suspicions. The once confident Alpha could no longer meet my gaze.

Seeing this, Zaylee quickly stepped in.

"Do you think you’re worthy to know her name?"

"At most, I can tell you she’s from one of the most prestigious packs in the region!"

Hearing that clarified everything for me.

The Woods Pack has also been seeking alliances with stronger packs.

Looks like Mark has latched onto a better prospect, which is why he’s so eager to sever ties with me.

I intended to leave him some dignity, but his reward was endless mockery.

I coldly said to him:

"Is that all? I expected more."

With Zaylee’s flattery, he seemed to regain his confidence.

"What? Still putting on a brave face? Since you’ve agreed to sever the bond, why are you still hanging around here?"

"Go home and wait for the formal rejection, don’t be a nuisance. I have a proposal to make!"

So that’s his game. He’s using the pack gathering as a grand stage for a proposal, maximizing his gains.

But that’s fine; it saves me the effort of further investigation.

"What’s the rush? Until the bond is officially severed, I’m still your Luna."

"What harm is there in meeting your so-called true mate?"

Mark’s Adam’s apple bobbed nervously, and he began to threaten me:

"I warn you, don’t try any tricks!"

Just as he finished speaking, a waft of floral scent filled the hall.

Before the person even appeared, their voice rang out:

"So, you’re Priscilla Larson?"

"I’ve taken a liking to your mate. How much to set him free?"