LOGINJust as Declan and I approached the Elder Council hall, a figure charged out and blocked our path.It was Atlas.He had lost all the dignity of a high-and-mighty Alpha. He reeked of cheap alcohol, stale smoke, and frantic hostility.When he saw me walking side-by-side with a massive, strikingly handsome man, jealousy and rage instantly twisted his features."Cora! I was wondering why you were so desperate to break the bond, you already found a new lover! You betrayed our mate bond! You set me up just to be with this wild stray! I’m going to let every pack in North America know what a slut you really are!"The smile vanished from my face, replaced by intense disgust.Before I could even fire back, a broad back stepped in front of me.Declan didn't even make a move. The terrifying aura of an apex Alpha crashed down like a tsunami.A heavy thud echoed across the pavement.The sheer, crushing weight of Declan's bloodline dominance forced Atlas straight to his knees.His eyes bulged in terr
Maya caught up with me and threw her arm tightly around my shoulders."Cora, you were such a badass! That's the energy our Chief Strategy Officer should have!"She let out a long breath and suggested with concern, "Since the bridge is completely burned, leave the rest of the mess to me. Take a vacation. Go somewhere to clear your head."Looking at Maya's worried eyes, I smiled and nodded. The next day, I drove alone to the famous Moonlight Wetlands.The area was surrounded by dense ancient forests, the air thick with the scent of pine and crisp, cold earth.I parked by the road, looking out at the shimmering lake, my mind drifting.I remembered when we first mated seven years ago, Atlas had solemnly promised me, "Cora, the Moonlight Wetlands is the sacred ground where fated mates pray for eternity. When things calm down, I'll take you there. We'll swear to the Moon Goddess that I will love only you, for this life and the next."But over the past seven years, as he chased pack expansio
Seeing the blood drain from their faces, I felt surprisingly calm.I remembered two years ago, Atlas came home dead drunk from a business dinner.While I was sitting by his bed taking care of him, he shoved me away and slurred, "If Beatrix hadn't left so suddenly back then... I never would have ended up with you. You're just a replacement."At the time, I thought he was just lamenting his lost first love.It wasn't until three days ago, when Maya handed me that detailed investigation report, that I fully understood what he meant.Beatrix was the one who lured the rogues. And Atlas risking his life to save me wasn't some heroic act, he did it to cover for Beatrix!His meticulous care for me in the pack hospital had made me fall completely for his gentle act.Then, using my gratitude and love, he proposed the mate bond as a distraction, effectively stopping me from investigating the attack any further.The very day after the attack, Atlas had secretly smuggled Beatrix out of the territor
A few minutes later, everyone was seated in the meeting room.The three Elders looked grim.Atlas had changed into a crisp suit, erasing any trace of the mess he was just caught in. Beatrix was cowering behind him like a frightened quail, not even daring to lift her head.I slapped the freshly printed Mate Bond Severance and Asset Division Agreement onto the table."Sign it." I looked coldly at Atlas. "Since the Elders are all here, let's end this today."Knowing he was in the wrong, Atlas's attitude had softened significantly."Cora, I know today was a huge blow to you, but we do have seven years together. The bond can be broken, but the terms in this agreement..."His eyes landed on the last page of the document, and his voice abruptly cut off.His face instantly flushed crimson, veins bulging on his forehead."You want half of the Silver Crescent pack's assets?!""Cora, are you insane?! You're out of your damn mind!"I leaned back in my chair and let out a contemptuous scoff."Origi
I stood in the doorway, my eyes sweeping coldly over Atlas.His chest was bare, covered in hickeys and scratch marks."Playing hard, aren't we, Atlas?" I sneered, my voice dripping with sarcasm.Atlas snapped out of it, instinctively spreading his arms to block the doorway and my line of sight."Cora, listen to me," he stammered, his Adam's apple bobbing. "We... we were just discussing pack business.""Discussing business?" I scoffed, as if I had just heard the funniest joke in the world."For seven years, I woke up early and stayed up late, took bullets in the dark for you, and tripled this pack's wealth!""You demanded that I be proper and dignified, and now you’re behind my back, discussing business in bed with your first love?"I took a step forward, backing him up. "Do you really think I'm an idiot?!"Atlas took a deep breath, trying to fake composure, and twisted the narrative. "Cora! Are you tracking me?! Can't you give me even a shred of basic trust?!""Trust?"I shoved him asi
I pressed the stop button on the camera.My fingers flew across the phone screen, sending a text to Maya: "Got the evidence. They kissed."After sending the message, I looked back out the window.Down on the beach, Atlas and Beatrix had thrown on their towels and were walking into the villa, arms wrapped around each other.Beatrix’s eyes were full of lust, her fingers tracing Atlas’s bobbing Adam's apple."That was so close. I really thought I was going to lose you," she purred, leaning against his chest.Atlas gripped her waist tightly, his voice hoarse with a deep affection I had never heard before. "Don't say stupid things. If anything happened to you, my life wouldn't be worth living."My stomach churned in disgust.His friends erupted into another round of sleazy cheers."Alright, Atlas, stop rubbing it in our faces!""Yeah! Hurry up and take your sweetheart up to the penthouse for some relaxation!"Amidst the cheering, the two of them walked openly toward the elevator leading to







