BOUGHT: A Mafia Romance Story

I had barely finished speaking when Chris Dalton, the Alpha of the pack, widened his eyes in surprise.

Chris' cheeks were slightly sunken from long-term exhaustion. His amber, beastly eyes were bloodshot as his breathing faltered. He clenched his fists before releasing them and pulling me close, showing that vulnerable, pup-like expression he only ever showed me.

"I hope you don't speak out of spite again, my dear Luna. I swear I won't go there again. If anything else happens with Emily, I'll send other Betas to deal with it."

It was unknown to others that the majestic Alpha who commanded the pack would be so needy around me. It was because of that contrast that I had chosen to become his mate, despite his high rank. I, however, simply turned my head and stood up to leave at that moment.

I stated flatly, "I'm not speaking out of anger, Alpha Chris, so you're free to care for Emily—but the mate bond that we share must be dissolved."

Chris furrowed his brows as his Alpha pressure flared out around him. He noticed my set jaw and immediately relaxed his features. He stayed low, shuffling on his knees until he reached me, then rubbed his head against my belly.

"I know I messed up, Selena. I didn't consider your feelings when I agreed to help Emily. I don't see you enough as it is, and now, I've been splitting my attention with someone else, despite knowing your tendency to get jealous.

"I deserve the worst for leaving my Luna angry and waiting all night. I'm so exhausted right now, though, so I'll apologize to you properly tomorrow, Selena," Chris said as he stifled a yawn and pulled at my hand, intending to lead me to the bedroom.

If anyone else were to hear this, they would have thought that I was the one throwing a tantrum. I forcefully pulled my hand away and said, "I said I want to sever our mate bond!"

Chris, caught off guard, stumbled back from my shove and knocked over the keepsake we had made together, sending it crashing to the floor.

"He immediately snapped his eyes wide open, his Alpha temper finally fraying. "I've already apologized to you and told you that I'd limit my time with Emily. Isn't that enough?

"You told me yourself that breaking our bond wasn't something to joke about, but here you are, bringing it up the second time. What do you want from me, Selena? I haven't slept for nights. I'm already at my limit here."

I bit down on my lip and stated firmly, "I'm not acting out of jealousy, and I don't want you to placate me, Chris. I want to dissolve the mate bond with you! I want to be done with you for good!"

Chris instantly threw a punch that whistled past my head, hitting the stone wall with a heavy thud.

I blinked as debris sprayed around us. I knew it was a strike fueled by pure, restrained anger that stopped short just inches from my face, leaving a thin coating of dust on my skin.

Chris' chest rose and fell sharply, his amber eyes swirling with a storm of rage at having his authority questioned, though a flicker of unrecognized panic lay beneath.

He pinned me with a gaze so intense it felt invasive, his voice raw and grating while questioning, "Why are you doing this, Selena? Didn't we agree to watch the pups grow and gaze at the stars on the mountaintop on the night of the full moon?

"You said I was your only one and you were my Luna. Does that mean nothing to you, Selena?"