Chapter 6
When I opened my eyes again, the harsh white light made me squint.
The strong smell of disinfectant herbs filled my nose, and the steady beeping of a heart monitor told me my vitals were stable, for now.
“You’re awake?” An older pack healer came over to check my pupils. “Your spine is badly damaged, and you’ve got three broken ribs. Luckily, your healing wolf instincts are strong and protected your heart. Plus, you were brought in quickly. Otherwise… you might never have been able to shift again, or even been paralyzed.”
I stared blankly at the ceiling, the last moments before the elevator fell replaying in my mind.
Ethan, choosing to save Isabella without hesitation.
And when the twisted metal crashed down on me, he didn’t even look back.
I tried to move, but sharp pain immediately shot from my chest and back, spreading through my whole body.
But strangely, I felt calm inside.
I couldn’t even shed a single tear.
Maybe the complete break of the mate bond had erased any feelings I had for him.
Three days later, thanks to my own healing wolf abilities and the healer’s care, my injuries had improved a bit.
Ethan sent his Beta steward to escort me from the pack infirmary.”
He stood at the door of the treatment room, looking at my bandaged chest and braced back.
He was silent for a long time before he finally spoke. “Isabella needs to lead the pack’s female members in the moon dance and preside over important ceremonies. Her leg… nothing can happen to it.”
I slowly looked up at him.
“So, you had to be the one to suffer,” he said calmly, as if it was the most logical thing in the world.
“You… you’re just an ordinary pack member. Even if your mobility is impaired, it will have a minimal impact on the pack’s operations.”
I didn’t say anything.
For the first time, I saw this Alpha I had once loved with my life so clearly.
His features were still as handsome as when I first met him, but there was never any trace of me in his eyes.
“Ethan,” my voice was hoarse. “If I had died that day, would you… have cared?”
Ethan’s brow furrowed even more.
He avoided my gaze and didn’t answer.
He pulled a black card from his pocket and placed it on the bedside table. “Don’t ask such pointless questions. It’s no good for you, or for the pack. This is compensation for you. As long as you behave yourself, stay on the outskirts of the pack territory, and be a quiet, trouble–free wolf, your… your past contributions as Luna, the pack will remember.”
I suddenly laughed.
In my last life, I carried the empty title of “Luna” until I died.
But so what?
I was the one who died alone, the one who was forgotten, my wolf spirit fading in regret.
So, this time, I wouldn’t bother being a “quiet wolf,” and I certainly didn’t want his ridiculous “compensation.”
I would live better, shine brighter.
I would find love and respect that was truly given.
I couldn’t hold it back any longer.
I was about to blurt out that I didn’t want him, that our mate bond was completely broken!
“Ethan, I…”
11/2
Chooter 6
+25 Bonus
A sudden, urgent mind link call cut me off.
Ethan quickly received it. Isabella’s sugary voice echoed in his mind.
Because of our past bond, I could vaguely sense bits of it.
“Ethan, darling, the cubs and I are waiting for you at the hunting grounds. You promised to personally guide Mason on his first solo hunt. There’s a surprise!”
Ethan’s eyes softened instantly. He replied in a low voice, “I’ll be right there.”
Cutting the mind link, Ethan’s tone became cold again. “There’s pack business. I need to go right away. The driver will be waiting outside for you, to take you to… your new place.”
He turned and left, his back still straight and tall, radiating an Alpha’s powerful presence.
My fingertips dug into my palms without me realizing it.
In the end, I didn’t say the farewell words I had prepared.
Whatever.
Soon enough, the Moon Goddess’s will would announce to the entire pack that our mate bond was completely severed.
