They used to say I was the most spoiled woman in the Rockclaw Pack.Kane made sure of that. He chased me for ten years—ten relentless years—transforming from an eager young heir into the Alpha every wolf respected...and feared.And yet,when I so much as frowned,that terrifying man would soften like melting snow. Everyone thought I'd be his Luna.Hell,so did I. But love—real love—should never feel like a knife twisting between your ribs. And Kane?He betrayed me.Three times. The first time was at the annual Tribal Alliance dinner. They said it was a setup—that Kane had been drugged,caught in a tangle with Omega Lilian.But when I found out,I still packed up our engagement with shaking hands.He exiled her the very next night. Then he stood outside my wooden house for three straight days and nights,shivering in the cold. "Julia,I was wrong,"he rasped through cracked lips."Just…believe in me one more time.Just this once." I looked at him and saw the boy who once hiked through a blizzard to find snow lotuses for me,nearly freezing to death just to see me smile. So,I forgave him. God help me—I believed him. The second time?Worse. I walked into the healing room,expecting a routine report.Instead,I found him sitting beside Lilian again—this time for a pup checkup. When our eyes met,he jumped to his feet,gripping my shoulders like he could hold me still through sheer will. "A few weeks ago,I got into a car accident,"he explained quickly."She threw herself in front of me—saved my life." His voice dropped."She got pregnant…and when Grandma Jennifer announced to the entire council that the pack never abandons its bloodline…I knew I had no choice." He rested his chin on my head,like he always did when he was desperate. "Don't leave me.Once the pup is born,I'll send her away—to the Ice Plains.She’ll never come near you again." I wanted to scream.I wanted to hate him. But all I could think was:He promised me once,“My word is law.” So again,I stayed. The third time was the one that shattered me. We were both bidding at the pack’s charity auction—for the old pocket watch that had belonged to my mother. It was her only keepsake,worn smooth with her fingerprints.But Kane kept bidding,raising the price higher and higher…until he used his Alpha privilege to claim it outright. And then? He turned around and gave it…to Lilian. I stormed into his tent,fury burning hotter than the sun. But he just rubbed the bridge of his nose,the scent of her still clinging to his clothes. "She’s been anxious lately,"he muttered,like it justified everything."Holding the watch helps her relax.Julia,just…let her have it." Something in me snapped. I laughed—sharp,bitter,broken. "Why should I'let her'?"I asked,my voice shaking with rage. His brows pulled together in frustration."Don’t be childish.Lilian’s due soon.After the pup is born,everything will go back to normal." Normal?Did he actually believe we could just pretend?That I could forget every blade he buried in my back? "Kane..."I started,but I didn’t even finish before her voice pierced the air. "Kane…it hurts…" Lilian stood just outside the tent,one hand clutching her belly,the other bracing against the pole."I slipped…the baby…" Kane didn’t hesitate.He pushed me aside—literally shoved me—and ran to her. "KANE!"I screamed after him. But he never looked back. He carried her away like I had never mattered. And as I stood there,laughing and crying at the same time,one thing became painfully clear:He’d never let her go. Not after she saved his life.Not with their pup on the way.So what did that make me?A placeholder?A fool? Blood trickled from the wound on my temple as I leaned against the stone table. The Gamma approached quietly. "Returning to camp,Julia?" I didn’t hesitate."No,"I said."I'm going to the altar.To break the bond." Two hours later,I stood outside the healing ward with the severance contract in hand. Kane had stationed guards outside Lilian’s door like she was the Moon Goddess herself.Healers came and went under his personal inspection. He even arranged three security layers—one for her,one for the unborn child,and one for his guilt. "I want warm blueberry muffins,"Lilian said inside,in that soft,pathetic voice of hers. Kane stood immediately."Wait here.I’ll have the chef make them fresh." He brushed past me in the hallway without even meeting my eyes. I stepped inside the ward.Lilian blinked up at me with teary eyes. "Julia…I didn’t mean to take your pocket watch.Kane gave it to me,but…his heart’s still with you.I swear." I sighed."There’s no need to perform.It’s just us here." Her fake tears froze. "You came back with a pregnancy,knowing Kane’s loyalty would trap him.You knew exactly what you were doing." I dropped the document onto her lap. "This is our bond dissolution agreement.If I hand this to Kane,he won’t sign it.But you…you’ll find a way.Get him to sign it without realizing it.You’ve got one shot.Don’t screw it up." She stared at the contract for a long while before slowly lifting it,a victorious gleam in her eyes. "Thank you,Julia,"she whispered."For giving us a complete family." I forced a smile."Then I hope you stay happy…forever." --- Back at camp,I dug out a small wooden box.Everything Kane ever gave me—every lie,every illusion—was inside. The first thing I pulled out was a tiger tooth pendant.He gave it to me when he was ten,after his first successful hunt. "I’ll protect you from now on,"he’d promised,eyes wide with pride. The second item—a dried snow lotus petal.On my fifteenth birthday,every girl in the pack got gifts. But mine?Mine came with a note that said,“Only accept what’s mine.” He had already started warding off any male who looked at me. The third?A bone ring set with wolf fur and a moonstone. He placed it on my finger under a full moon and whispered,“In this life,Julia,I belong only to you.” I believed him.I really did.But Lilian changed everything. I closed the box.Tossed it into the incinerator without a second thought. --- The next morning,I was woken by the sound of voices outside. I stepped out to see servants unloading crates—boxes of Omega nutrient tonics,limited-edition shoes and gowns,rare accessories…Lilian stood in the center of it all,her hands wringing together in mock modesty. "Kane,this is all too much…" He just smiled and ruffled her hair."You deserve the best.When you’re happy,the pup’s happy." Then he saw me.His expression faltered. "Julia,"he said,like nothing had happened."I didn’t get anything for you this time.But next time—name it.I’ll bring it for you." I didn’t respond. Before I could speak,Lilian walked over with a soft smile."Actually,Kane…I prepared something for Julia." She handed me a folder. Inside was the bond dissolution agreement—signed.His signature matched the one from our original bond. Just like that,it was over. No words.No goodbye.No apology. Just a name on paper.And a woman who’d finally had enough.
Lilian actually did it.She got him to sign it. Good. They could finally play house now—Alpha,Omega,and their precious pup.And me?I was no one’s Luna anymore.No one’s anything. I was just Julia.And that was enough. Kane’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts. "What was in that paper bag you just hid?"he asked,his tone sharper than usual."Some surprise I wasn’t supposed to know about?" I instinctively tucked the bag behind my back. His eyes narrowed,his voice low and disapproving."Since when did you start keeping secrets from me?What else don’t I know,Julia?" I met his gaze,calm and unflinching. "Oh please,"I scoffed."You’ve never lied to me?If I hadn’t walked in on you that day,would you have ever told me Lilian was pregnant?" He didn’t deny it.Just turned his head slightly,eyes drifting toward the woman curled up on the sofa. Then he said it—his voice casual,like we were talking about the weather. "I didn’t tell you because I knew you’d never leave me.We love each other too much,right?" I stared at him.Speechless. So that’s what I was to him—a guarantee.Not a partner.Not a choice.Just someone who’d never walk away,no matter how deep the betrayal. Behind him,Lilian dabbed at her eyes,her shoulders trembling delicately. "I’m sorry…I didn’t mean to stay.But when Kane looks at me like that…how could I walk away?" I didn’t respond.I just watched. She kept going,her voice quivering just right. "I was scared too…but Kane’s grandmother,Jennifer,she insisted I keep the baby once she found out.If it weren’t for her…" "That’s enough,"Kane said quietly,placing a comforting hand on her shoulder."None of this is your fault." I didn’t want to hear any more.I turned toward the door. "Where are you going?"he asked,catching up to block my path. "Out,"I said simply."To the snow plain.I need some air." He looked at the rain pelting the windows."Don’t go far.I’ll drive you." Then,as if on autopilot,he turned to the servants. "Lilian’s sensitive to the cold—raise the heat.Make sure she gets her medicine on time.No spicy food,the therapist said it could trigger complications..." He kept going,listing every instruction like a man who’d already assumed his role as husband and father. Once he finally slid into the car,I got in beside him. For a while,neither of us spoke. Then I turned to him with a faint smile."You’ll make a great father,Kane." He stiffened,clearly not expecting that. He reached for my wrist,his touch warm,familiar. "Don’t say things like that,"he murmured."You know I’ll only ever acknowledge a pup born from you." I didn’t respond. His hand was steady and strong—but I felt nothing.No comfort.No security.No warmth. Just silence,and the sound of rain against the glass,trickling like the tears I refused to shed. "What exactly are you doing on the snow plain in this weather?"he asked finally,breaking the quiet. I opened my mouth to answer—But then his communicator lit up. Lilian."Kane…my stomach…it hurts so bad…" Her voice was thin,panicked,breaking. I watched the color drain from Kane’s face,panic tightening every line. "Don’t worry,I’m coming,"he said,then turned to me. "I can’t take you there.Go alone." He didn’t wait for my reply.Just stepped on the gas and vanished into the rain. Didn’t even look back. I stood there for a while,the cold biting through my coat.Then I laughed,quietly. “If you'd waited just a few more minutes,Kane,you would've known.But that’s the problem,isn’t it?You never wanted to know.” --- The walk to the snow plain was long and quiet.Not a single car passed me. My boots crunched through the snow.Rain blurred my vision.I couldn’t tell if the wet streaks on my cheeks were tears or just the storm. When I finally reached the Moon Goddess’s Altar,I was soaked to the bone. But I didn’t hesitate. I handed the elder the parchment. He studied it for a long time before asking gently,"Is this an official request to dissolve the mate bond?" I nodded. A heavy pause stretched between us. "You understand,"he said slowly,"there’s a mandatory twenty-day waiting period.If it’s not withdrawn in that time,the bond will be permanently severed.Have you truly made peace with this?" I smiled.My fingers were stiff as I retrieved the faded copy of our mating vow—the one I used to sleep with under my pillow. I’d made peace the moment he chose her over me for the third time. --- When I stepped out of the altar valley,the rain had stopped. Sunlight pierced through the heavy clouds,glinting off the snow like diamonds.It was blinding…and strangely beautiful. So maybe life without a mate wasn’t endless storm and shadow after all. Maybe…I’d be okay. By the time I returned to the villa,night had fallen.Not a single light was on.Then I heard it. A voice drifting softly from upstairs. "And finally,Winnie the Bear hid the honey pot inside the tree hollow and whispered,'It’s my secret now...'" Kane.Reading Lilian a story.A pre-birth story.I didn’t move.Didn’t breathe. Then I turned and walked to my room. Changed.Laid down.Closed my eyes. My throat burned.My skin was flushed.Fever had started creeping in."Water…" I whispered into the empty dark.No one came. From next door,Lilian’s sweet voice rang out again."I hope the baby looks like you—kind and smart." Kane chuckled."I’d be happy either way.Your heart…your goodness…that’s what matters." I stared at the ceiling,motionless.Two people…behind one wall…planning a future that had nothing to do with me. I forced myself to get up. Reached for the glass on my nightstand.My hand trembled.The glass slipped and shattered on the floor. I sank to the edge of the bed,gasping through the heat.Found the medicine.Took it dry. Their laughter didn’t stop. And suddenly,I remembered.Years ago,during tribal training,I had gotten sick.A fever so high,I could barely speak. Kane crossed the warning line that night—risked being punished just to bring me medicine and water. He sat by my side all night,gently stroking the back of my neck."If I could trade places with you,I would.I’d rather be the one hurting." My eyes burned. "Kane...Do you even remember?Or did those words die the moment she walked back into your life?”
“Julia,are you awake?”Kane’s voice cut through the fog in my mind. I blinked my eyes open and saw him leaning over me,his expression tight with worry. “You had a fever all night—why didn’t anyone call me?”he asked,his voice hoarse,as if he'd been running or shouting.“I came by to check,and you weren’t responding…I thought I was too late.” But you were too late,weren’t you? “I’m fine now,”I said flatly,pulling my hand from his. His brow creased.“Are you mad at me?” I shook my head.“No.” “Julia…”He moved closer,his voice softening.“You always go quiet when you’re upset.I can tell.” I didn’t respond. For a moment,he just stared at me.Then,like a reflex,he leaned in and brushed a kiss against my forehead.“Didn’t you say you wanted to go horseback riding on the snow plains?The weather’s clear.Let’s go.” He stood and began gathering my clothes,moving through the room like he still belonged here,like nothing had changed between us. I didn’t protest.I didn’t help either.I just moved through the motions—getting dressed,brushing my hair,washing up—like I was back in the old days,playing the role of the obedient partner I used to be. We were just about to head downstairs when a soft knock came at the door. “Are you two…going out?”Lilian stood in the doorway,her hands resting gently on her rounded belly. “I’ve never been to the snow plains stable,”she said with a small smile.“Do you mind if I come along?I promise I’ll ride slow.” Kane hesitated.His jaw tightened.“It’s probably not safe to go too far right now.” She looked down,stroking her stomach tenderly.“I just feel so cooped up inside.It’s starting to affect my mood,and…that’s not good for the baby.” I didn’t wait for his decision.I just turned and walked downstairs. And just like I expected,when I climbed into the car,she was right behind me,helped in by Kane himself—gentle,cautious,attentive. The whole ride there,he hovered around her like a guardian angel,adjusting her scarf when the wind got strong,checking her seatbelt twice,making sure she was comfortable. At the stables,the horses had already been prepared. I chose a calm brown mare and adjusted the saddle myself,tying the reins with steady hands.I didn’t want anyone’s help.Not anymore. Lilian picked a sleek black horse.Its hooves echoed ominously against the snowy ground.The stable hand warned it could be temperamental. But she just smiled.“It doesn’t mind me.We’re already familiar.” Kane didn’t stop her. Instead,he crouched and secured her gear himself,murmuring,“Don’t go too fast.Take it easy,alright?” That voice. Those hands. They used to be mine. I stood quietly,invisible,watching him care for her the way he used to care for me.Watching my old life play out in front of me…without me in it. I mounted my horse without a word. I remembered being twenty and terrified the first time I tried to ride.Kane had held the reins with me and whispered in my ear,“Don’t be scared.I’m right behind you.Always.” He was still here now.Only,the person he was behind…wasn’t me anymore. He turned to say something,but his communicator buzzed in his hand. He looked between us.“I need to take this.Julia,stay close to her.Make sure she doesn’t wander off.” I didn’t answer.Just guided my horse away. Lilian followed. Then her voice drifted over to me.“Julia?” I turned slightly. “What happens if two horses collide?”she asked,tone far too casual. Before I could respond,she jerked her reins hard and charged at me. My horse reared up with a terrified neigh,hooves clawing the air.I held tight,but the sudden force was too much.My balance slipped and my mare bolted,galloping wildly across the snow-covered field. Out of the corner of my eye,I saw Lilian fall—conveniently,softly. “Lilian!”Kane’s voice cracked with panic. I turned my head just in time to see him sprint across the field like his life depended on it.He caught her before she hit the ground,holding her tightly,checking her for injuries,barking orders for help. “Kane!”I yelled,desperate. But the wind swallowed my voice. He didn’t even glance in my direction.Didn’t even look.He carried her away like nothing else mattered. Then I heard it—thundering hooves. A group of horses had broken free,charging straight toward me like an avalanche.I tried to grip the reins again,but they slipped through my fingers.The saddle bucked.I lost control. And then—everything went white. I felt myself lift into the air,as if time had slowed. And in that moment,I remembered his promise:"Julia,as long as you call my name,I will turn back." But I had called. And he didn’t turn back. The impact was brutal. I hit the ground with a sickening crack,the cold seeping straight into my bones as the world spun and the pain hit me like a tidal wave. Lying in the snow,my body broken and breath knocked from my lungs,I watched as Kane disappeared into the distance,carrying her into the car like she was the most fragile,precious thing in the world. So careful. So protective. So hers. When she fell—someone caught her. When I fell—there was only snow.
I woke up in agony. My entire body ached like I’d been trampled by a stampede—which,come to think of it,wasn’t far from the truth. The sharp scent of antiseptic clung to the air.I blinked up at the unfamiliar white ceiling,confusion tugging at the edges of my foggy mind. Then I turned my head—and saw him. Kane. He was sitting beside the bed,eyes shadowed with exhaustion,the blue-tinged hollows beneath them deep and bruised.The moment our eyes met,his shoulders sagged in visible relief. "You’re finally awake,"he breathed,placing his hand gently against my forehead.His voice was low,soft—too soft."Where does it hurt?" I parted my lips to speak,but my throat was dry.Scratchy.Useless. The last thing I remembered was screaming his name as the horses charged—screaming for him.Watching helplessly as he ran…in the opposite direction. To save Lilian. He hadn’t looked back. Now,sitting here beside me,he must’ve felt the weight of my silence,the sting of my wordless accusation.Still,he chose not to face it.He glanced away and said,too casually,"Lilian’s a little hurt.You know how fragile her health is." Right.Of course.Fragile Lilian. I just stared at him. He cleared his throat and added,"The blood bank’s running low.And your blood type matches hers..." My chest tightened. He leaned closer,taking my hand,his voice lowering into a hoarse whisper."I know you don’t like her…but Julia,you’ve always been the stronger one.You never hold things against me,right?" I blinked at him,my heart slowly curling in on itself. He was right.I’d never truly fought him.Never screamed.Never said no.I’d always been the one who understood,the one who forgave. But not this time. Something in me cracked. I yanked my hand away from his like it burned,the sudden movement wrenching at something inside me.Pain exploded through my side and I gasped,clenching the sheet in my fist. "Julia..."His voice cracked,gravelly and desperate."Just this once,okay?Once.After the baby’s born,things can go back to normal—if that still means anything to you." I stared down at the hand he’d just held.It didn’t even feel like mine anymore.And his…his looked like it belonged to a stranger. Just yesterday,this man left me to die under a storm of hooves. Now,he wanted me to save someone else? A knock came from the door.One of the healers peeked in and said quietly,“Alpha Kane,Miss Lilian can’t wait much longer.” His eyes flickered—frustration flashing beneath the concern. “Julia,please don’t make this harder than it has to be—” He caught himself.For once,he realized how hollow he sounded.His tone softened.“Come on.I’ll go with you.Please.” I didn’t answer. Didn’t fight. Just got up and followed him. The moment the needle slid into my arm,I stared blankly at the ceiling.I didn’t flinch.Didn’t cry.Didn’t even blink.Whatever the healer was saying sounded like background noise underwater. All I could hear was a memory—one that wouldn’t let go: "Julia,wherever you go,I’ll be right behind you." He said that when he was twenty. Now? Now,he was outside the room,checking his watch over and over,not even bothering to come in and see how I was holding up. When it was over,I stood on shaky legs,blood loss making everything tilt.But I didn’t ask for help.I walked back to my room alone. Halfway there,I paused. Lilian’s door was slightly ajar.Something made me look. She was pale,her wrist wrapped in gauze.Kane sat at her bedside,gently pulling the blanket up around her like she was made of glass. “Don’t worry,”he whispered.“Everything’s okay now.The pup is safe too.” My gaze slid to her neck—and my stomach dropped. She was wearing his silver plate. The one he used to wear around his neck.The one I had knelt in the snow for three years ago,praying beneath the stars before clasping it around his neck with trembling hands. “Let it keep you safe,for the rest of your life,”I had whispered. Now it was hers. He had given away the very thing I begged the heavens to protect him with…to another woman. And she wore it like it belonged to her. I turned and walked away before I did something I’d regret. The next day,the healer brought me a clipboard. “Time to finalize your medical records,”she said,not unkindly. I filled in my name.Age.Species.Pack. When I got to"Marital Status,"my pen hovered. Then I wrote slowly,firmly:Unmarried. The healer blinked.“Wait—did you make a mistake?Isn’t Kane your mate?” I looked her dead in the eye,my voice calm.“No.” The door burst open. Kane stood in the doorway,disbelief written all over his face.“What did you just say?”
The healing room fell into an uneasy silence. The healer quietly closed her medicine kit and muttered under her breath,“I’ll come back later.” The soft click of the door shutting behind her left only Kane and me in the room,with a heavy tension hanging in the air between us. "Still mad at me?"he asked,stepping closer.His voice had softened,but the usual commanding edge in his eyes remained. He reached up like he was going to touch my cheek—gentle,hesitant—but I turned my head away,avoiding him.His fingers hovered in the empty space for a second before they slowly dropped. “I never meant to hurt you,”he said quietly.“But Lilian's condition was critical.I couldn’t be in two places at once.” I closed my eyes,not wanting to see the guilt—or lack of it—in his expression. Then his voice dipped lower,calculated and cautious.“Julia...I came to ask for a favor.” I opened my eyes,already knowing what was coming.“Let me guess—Lilian again?” He didn’t deny it.He didn’t even look guilty. “She’s been having trouble keeping food down,”he said,like it was the most reasonable thing in the world.“She asked for your blueberry pie.Just until she gives birth.Then everything can go back to normal.We’ll go back to us.I’m doing this for our future.Can’t you understand that?” I stared at him,stunned by how easily the words rolled off his tongue—how casually he asked me to bake a pie for the woman he betrayed me with. Something inside me felt hollow.Numb. But I nodded anyway.“I’ll have someone send it over once I’m discharged.” Relief swept over his face like I’d just given him the moon.He leaned in and kissed my forehead.“I knew it.Deep down,you still care about us.” I didn’t react. The day I left the healing center,I gave my recipe to the head chef and had a servant deliver the pie to the estate. Then I started packing. A few days later,Kane came home unexpectedly in the afternoon. “Is Lilian still in the healing wing?”I asked. “She’s getting her follow-up tests,”he said,avoiding eye contact. I didn’t pry. He reached for my hand.“Don’t worry about packing.I’ve planned a trip to the snow mountains.Just you and me.We’re leaving now.” I didn’t have time to ask questions.He was already leading me out the door,his grip firm,his pace urgent. The drive was quiet—eerily so. He didn’t make his usual small talk.No smug smiles.Just the sound of tires against asphalt and his steady breathing. By the time we pulled up to the cabin at the base of the mountains,night had fully fallen.The sky was pitch black,stars hidden behind thick clouds. “I left something in the trunk,”he said,stepping out.“Wait here.” I nodded and stood at the door,clutching my coat around me,watching as he disappeared into the darkness. The wind picked up.Minutes dragged by.My fingers were starting to go numb from the cold. I pulled out my phone and called him. “How much longer?”I asked softly.My breath fogged the screen. There was silence. Then his voice came through—low and cold.“I’m not coming back.” I froze. “…What?” “There was something wrong with the blueberry pie,”he said flatly.“It was laced with an inhibitor.Lilian nearly miscarried.Did you really think no one would find out?” My throat tightened.“You think I poisoned it?” “She only ate your pie that day,”he said,like that was all the proof he needed. “You didn’t even ask me,”I whispered.“You just decided.” A pause.“You’ve changed,Julia.” My voice cracked.“So have you.” Then—click.He hung up. I stood there,alone,the wind howling through the trees,yanking at my coat like icy fingers.And then I heard it—a low rumble,deep and threatening. The mountain groaned. An avalanche. Panic surged in my chest.I turned and ran,but I didn’t get far.The snow came down like a tidal wave,swallowing everything in its path—including me. I hit the ground hard,buried under a suffocating weight of snow.My limbs ached,my breaths came shallow,my fingers trembling as I fumbled for my communicator. I dialed his number.Once.Twice.Four times. Seven. Finally—someone picked up. “Kane,”I gasped.“There’s an avalanche,I—” “Hello?”A woman’s voice. Lilian. “The signal’s bad.Who is this?” I tried to speak,but then I heard Kane’s voice in the background.“Who’s calling?” “Wrong number,”Lilian said sweetly.“Don’t worry.Keep reading to the baby.” The line went dead. My phone slipped from my hand,disappearing into the snow. And so did I. The last thing I remembered before the darkness took me was Kane’s voice from that night,whispering like a promise:“Julia,in this life,you’ll never escape me.” Now,he had left me to die—buried me himself.
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