After the Tenth Bond Break: I Became the Luna of the Shadowfang Alpha

At the top of the steps, the two of them were posing in front of the Moon Temple for a vow photo.

Kalen crouched down a little on purpose to match Sylvia's height.

"This one's cute! Post it on Insta!"

Sylvia bounced on her feet. "Caption it: I married the noblest man in the pack."

"I want to see if that block of wood Gareth can keep pretending he doesn't care!"

"Easy. Don't push it too far." Kalen said the words, but there was no real warning in his voice.

It was always like this.

As long as Sylvia was around, I was always the one who didn't belong.

I used to fight. I used to make a scene. I used to grab his collar and demand to know who the Luna title was really for.

All I ever got was an annoyed frown.

"Don't be so petty."

"Sylvia isn't making a fuss. Why do you have to?"

This time, I gave him what he wanted.

I didn't care anymore. I was letting go.

I turned around quietly and headed for the forest path at the bottom of the steps.

Then my phone buzzed at my hip.

[Bond dissolved. This time, will you consider me?]

The sender's wolf seal was blank.

Every single time Kalen and I dissolved our contract, this unknown number sent the exact same message. Right on time.

I was still staring at the screen when Sylvia's voice came from behind me.

"Ella, are you heading back to the main hall?"

She didn't wait for my answer. She was already in front of me, looking uncomfortable.

"Kalen and I have the ceremony site set up at the main hall. There are envoys from other packs and pack members all around. If you go back and they see you..."

Her voice got smaller and smaller. Then came that pitiful, pleading look she always wore so well.

The corners of her eyes turning just slightly red, like a pup who'd been scolded for nothing.

I pressed my lips together and said nothing.

Using my home with Kalen to stage their fake ceremony, and then asking me to clear out so nobody would see me.

The first nine times.

For Kalen's sake, I went along with it.

Every time, I packed my things and moved to a cabin on the edge of the woods. Waited for them to finish the show. Then quietly moved back in.

I was the one with the real bond. The one the whole pack recognized. And I lived like a dirty secret.

Kalen was standing a few steps behind her.

He didn't seem to think any of this was a problem.

"My things are still..."

I barely got the words out before he cut me off, sharp.

"Sylvia's thinking of you here. If outsiders see you, it's bad for both our reputations and the pack's image."

"I already had the steward set up the hot spring cabin at the foot of the mountain. It's just a few days."

"As soon as Sylvia and Gareth work things out, I'll come get you."

I'll come get you.

He said the same thing the last nine times.

But not once did he actually come.

Every time, it was me who couldn't take it anymore. I'd reach out to him first, and only then would they reluctantly end the whole ridiculous show.

I looked at his hand, still resting on Sylvia's shoulder, like it had been the whole time.

And just like that, I didn't feel like arguing anymore.

"Okay."

My voice came out flat. No feeling in it at all.

"Just so you know, this is the last time I'm moving out. After this, I won't be..."

The words "coming back" got swallowed up by the chime of an incoming message.

Kalen picked up the call. When he looked at Sylvia again, his expression had already gone soft.

"The priestess who's doing the custom ceremony gown is here. We need to get back."

He grabbed Sylvia's wrist and turned toward the temple.

Not once did he ask how I was supposed to get back. The Moon Temple was in the middle of nowhere, up in the mountains. No transport. Nothing.

As he passed me, he paused for half a step. His voice eased up slightly.

"If you need anything, send a list to the steward. He'll bring it over."

"And maybe start thinking about how we want to set up our ceremony when the time comes."

The two of them disappeared into the trees.

Our ceremony. The words echoed in my head and all I felt was the absurdity of it.

He was absolutely certain I'd fold. The same way I did the first nine times.

But anything I'd once imagined about a future with him.

I didn't have any of it left.

I took out my phone to look up directions back.

My finger had barely touched the screen when the unknown number called.

I don't know what came over me. I answered.

"Ella."

A low voice came through the line. Steady. Sure of itself.

"I've been waiting for you."