A Mate for Hire

The mate bond was said to be sacred, but what if a false mate could be purchased for ten million dollars?

The moment Lucas Stone claimed his Alpha title, he was quick to sever our mate bond.

Lucas loomed over me, his arm wrapped around Laura Black, his new she-wolf. “I appreciate the last three months, Ava Green, but as an Alpha, I need a more fitting mate.”

“Sure thing,” I said in a flat tone. “Congrats.”

Silence fell over the room.

“T-That’s it?” Samantha Barber’s eyes widened. “You’re supposed to be mates!”

Laura was taken aback at first, but she soon broke into a smug smile. “Thank you for your well wishes.”

It did not take long for her smile to falter, though. The earnest look on my face carried an unsettling edge.

“Has she snapped?” Someone murmured.

Marcus Ryan carefully turned to Lucas, whose expression appeared grim.

“Ava pursued Lucas for three months, training alongside him every morning. I doubt she’s as calm as she seems.” There was a whisper in the crowd.

“It’s just an act. I bet that she’d be crying on her knees, begging Lucas not to leave her in three days.”

“How can an Omega survive without her Alpha anyway?”

The tensed lines across Lucas’ face eased. “If you come crawling back, I might reconsider my decision.”

“That won’t be necessary.” I glanced at my phone, confirming that the final transfer had gone through. “I’m leaving the Silver Moon Pack tomorrow.”

“What?” Lucas furrowed his brows. “Where are you going?”

“Well, I’m just going away for a bit,” I uttered after much thought.

In fact, I would be heading to the training grounds of the International Pack Alliance, but the revelation would be too shocking.

“Ava, don’t be silly.” Lucas smirked. “I know the rejection is too much for you to handle, but—”

Lucas gripped his chest, his complexion discoloring.

The mate bond was gone.

Our bond was completely severed two hours ahead of time.

“What’s going on?” Lucas staggered back. “The mate bond…”

“Oh, I guess even the Moon Goddess didn’t find us a good fit.” I shrugged. “Saves us the trouble of the ritual, doesn’t it?”

“That’s impossible.” Lucas was shocked. “How can the mate bond vanish on its own?”

I looked at the time. “I need to pack my bags. Goodbye.”

“Hold it right there!” Before Lucas could catch up to me, the after-effects of the broken bond drained his energy.

I walked away without looking back, leaving behind the murmurs. “Does she not care at all?’

“Maybe she’s been trying to end things for a while.”

“She looks pretty happy.”

Out of the mansion, I sent Victoria Stone a text message. “The contract is fulfilled. It was a pleasure doing business with you.”

Victoria texted back right away, “I’ve booked your flight for tonight.”

She was a smart woman, for sure, sending me away before her son could uncover the truth.

I took one last look at the Silver Moon Pack.

‘Goodbye, Lucas Stone.

Thank you for the last three months. You were key to helping me earn a life-changing amount of money.’